New Moon in Taurus: Time for Change and Simple Pleasures

On May 4, 2019 at 3:45 PDT/6:45EDT the New Moon at 14° begins a new lunar cycle. Launching us on a new path and in a new, more grounded direction in the Virgo decan of Taurus, we find ourselves seeking greater balance. While this moment may not be the time to make big changes, it certainly is the time to contemplate them and begin planning. During the Taurus lunar cycle we can make more solid, realistic plans.

Planetary Transits:

Sun and Moon at 14° Taurus affects those who have planets/aspects, progressions between 10-18° of the fixed signs Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius. Also look to see, in your own chart/life, which areas of your life are affected by this New Moon and its aspects.

Venus at 17 ° Aries, Mercury at 26° Aries. Uranus, planet that involves sudden, shocking, and unexpected changes is in 3°Taurus. What was set into motion or what is residual from the past, especially in relationships of all kinds, now begins to manifest in concrete form in the present.Whatever plans you’ve been considering, or well thought out projects, aims, and apsirations you’ve begun, now begin to take root.

Taurus Sun, Moon, and Uranus all present in a tendency to be more methodical, pragmatic, and declarative. Your willingness in the past, to communicate your needs and desires, now begins to bear fruit. You feel a need to engage in a stronger way through your senses and through your desire to create and express beauty. Sensual pleasures attract you in this lush time of this lunar cycle. Avoid the Taurean tendencies to be resistant and defensive by declaring in positive, artful, and beautiful ways, what you seek now. I strongly encourage you to use your new moon rituals, prayer, and meditations to become clear and open (especially with yourself) about what you need guidance and support with. Especially with Uranus in Taurus, what you ask for at this time is more likely to show up sooner rather than later, despite what recent past experiences may have led you to believe.

Mars in Gemini at 22° is currently opposing Jupiter in Sagittarius. This occurs with the alignment of most of the other planets in a formation which is called The Bowl. Think of Mars, the planet of action and Jupiter the planet of abundance and good fortune opposite one another on the rim of the bowl. Mars moves energy to activate your good fortune in alignement with what is going on in the areas of your life where the New Moon, the Sun, and the other planets are transiting. Think of these areas of life as similar to a Tuning Bowl, creating beautiful harmony in your life, and working together to bring beautiful music and aspirations into attunement.

Transets and Aspects.

The Sun, Moon, and Uranus all in Taurus put the emphasis in all lives, collective and individual on determination, security, and the pleasure through the senses. Our sensibilities, when positively stimulate, remind us of what it is we need to feel in harmony so that we can be our best selves. Listen to how the Divine speaks to you through the concreate blessings of your daily life and the gifts that abound all around you.

Mercury, the planet symbolic of communication and speed is in the late degrees of Aries for a two more days. On May 6, Mercury enters Taurus. In the final degrees of Aries, it urges us to feel like we need to make decisions more quickly than we need to. There’s an adage, “When in doubt, don’t” that applies. Let this feeling, if and when it emerges, remind you of what it is you’re feeling propeled to do, say, or change. For now, however, it’s not necessarily the best time to act quickly. Avoid mistaking the feeling of “it’s now or never” or “hurry up and decide” for the need to act. The feelings remind us of what our urges are, not what is necessary for now. If something is meant to happen or change, allow it to unfold.

Venus also changes signs, moving into Taurus on May 15. That too is a time when your visions may become much clearer, and your desires, will begin unfolding through a variety of mediums--art, music, dance, drama, and all forms of creative thinking and action.

Mars in Gemini, pushing our good fortune in its aspect to Jupiter on the rim of that bowl of potential, pushes for more diverse ways of viewing and acting upon things. Mars’s energy now may help us open our minds to think “outside” the box of our limited expecatations.

Mars at the start of this new lunar cycle in Taurus, is also affected by Uranus’ transit through Taurus from 3/2019-2025-2026. A long cycle of change ahead that has us both individually and collectively (community, culture, world) reevaluating our relationship with money, possessions, and ways of behaving towards one another and our planet. During this long cycle of Uranus, change happens showing us new ways, approaches, for coping with and changing how we deal with old issues and problems. New doors are opening, and old ways are breaking apart. A long period of reevaluating, adjusting, and reforming has begun. This may bring us into a place where we have to make some decisions that separate us from what is unhealthy, damaging, or out of synch with what brings us to our highest good, and the highest good for all.

On May 6-7 Venus forms a square to Saturn in Capricorn. A temporary feeling of isolation, dissatisfaction, lack, or strain in relationships may occur. This occurs as Mercury changes signs, and may simply be a signal of how our communication is beginning to shift. This is also a reflection of how our thinking is shifting in a period of great transition.

Mercury trine Jupiter at the start of the new lunar cycle in Taurus encourages us to find meaning in our daily lives and purpose in whatever is going on (or not, as the case may be). When we find ourselves in limbo or stranded between decisions, changes, or direction, it is best to ‘count your blessings’ and trust that even when we think things should move more rapidly or happen differently, we need to remember there’s more at work in our lives than our own desires. Patience, persistence, trust, and resillience are required. Truly appreciating what we have and what we’ve been kept away from, can be the key to removing blocks and disappointment.

New Moon in Taurus in the 2nd decan Ruled by Virgo. This placement of the Taurus New Moon heightens the need for order and the search for perfection. The Moon’s quincunx (150°) to Ceres, combines the two most ultra feminine heavenly bodies and heightens the quest for perfection and the ideal version of ourselves and everything and everyone else. Let’s remember, none of us is perfect or ideal. The quest is the journey, not the destination. In theological terms, it is the practice of both daily actions, thought, belief, combined with an ongoing discernment of what we are being guided to and how the Divine is acting within the context of our lives and hearts.

Sun in Taurus quincunx Ceres calls for us to rise above whatever is dragging us down. Whatever is unsatisfactory in our lives or the world, won’t be changed in a day, a year, or perhaps, even a lifetime. Our purpose is to add to the greater glory of Creation through our daily acts. The way we treat one another, do our work, love one another, and trust and love the Divine is all we are called to be. Our yearning for action can make us crave change. It can make us feel a greater sense of urgency than is necessary. Again, this New Moon in Taurus challenges us and invites us to allow for the unfolding of blessings, changes, answers and new paths. At the same time we are being asked to be trusting of the good that is unfolding, we find it even more challenging. The push me-pull me dynamic is strong with us personally and it is strong in the world in which we live. Spend time touching base with what is real, what is affirming, what is full of life within you, and what is blessing you right now.

Spend more time and energy using your resources and material blessings through your generosity of spirit, mind, body, and emotional support. Being more beneficient will bless you and others. See what you have, what you have learned, experienced, and gained through life as something to share. Avoid viewing what you have as a means to control, but rather as a gift to be shared. Speaking of which, this column is a bit late in posting because my 10-year old computer had to go to the computer hospital. My dear friend Tammy loaned me her notebook so I could get my work done. I am forever grateful for my friends, for they are the true riches of life.

General Observations of this New Moon in Taurus.

As I studied the chart of the Taurus New Moon, I saw that most of the planetary transits are in two main sectors. The first is the deeply personal area of houses 1-3, the second is in how our chart/life plays out in that expression, houses 10-12. Houses 1-3 repressent the deeply personal area of identity, how we see ourselves, how we are seen, how we come to define who we are, and how we commuicate and form community as ourselves.

The second area of houses 10-12 relates to our life purpose, how we serve and contribuet to the world, how we form meaningful connections through our work and associations, and how our past (colletive history/narratives, personal) and our unconsciousness informs and shapes who we are and what we’ve come into this life to be.

This is particularly strong at this New Moon in Taurus for us generally. For a more personal idea of how your own life is affected, look to see where the current transits fall in which particular areas of your life. Which quadrants are getting the greatest energy during this New Moon and these transits. For example, if you have a Libra ascendent, the transits are falling in the two eastern quadrants, the 4-6 and 7-9 houses.

Mars is opposing the South Node and is conjunt the North Node for everyone. This means we’re all coping with the major issues we came into this life to learn about and to change so we can grow (South Node) so that we can make changes that move us to a greater understanding of who we are and what we are now meant to contribute to the lives of others, to the world, and to our own soul growth and development. It is indeed a crucial turning point in the life of our planet, in our cultures, and in each one of us who share this precious moment in time. May you be blessed with all that helps heal and lift you, and may you be given the grace you need for your journey.

New Moon in Aries: Weaving Our Life Patterns

The Sabian symbol for the 15 degree Aries New Moon is that of an indigenous weaver weaving a ceremonial blanket. Blankets in indigenous cultures are used for important events and are sometimes given as gifts for special occasions. For example, at an annual gathering of the elder in some traditions, the elder are presented with a special blanket. For hundreds of years, blankets rich in symbolism have been woven and given as gifts for special occasions including, graduations, pow wows, thank you ceremonies.

The weaving of the blankets is a sacred ritual in itself, and this New Moon at 15 degrees of Aries symbolizes our own efforts to weave the disparate threads of our lives together into patterns and meaning that show our commitment and direction on our life paths. Aries represents the symbolic path of the beginner. Introducing us to the new lunar year ahead, this New Moon conjunct the Sun at 15 degrees directs us to gather what we have learned, created, overcome, and dedicated our live to in a renewal to that path at this time. It is time to follow the most positive path forward, relegating worn out and unhealthy attitudes, habits, and behavior to the past.

Aries time is a time when we use our energy, power, and knowledge to take charge of what brings us personal happiness, enriches our growth and development, and enhances the lives of those whom we love and serve. It is in giving that we receive, and as fully functioning, growing individuals, it is also how we fulfill our lives. The polarities of the Libra-Aries axis, remind us that we are constantly struggling for balance between how best to love ourselves and love one another. The real challenge is not to pick one or the other, but to acknowledge the perpetual play between giving and receiving.  The search for balance is a daily practice, not an end goal.

The New Moon and Sun in Aries, a cardinal fire sign, ruler of Mars and action, affect all of us, but more so those with personal planets/aspects between 11-19 degrees of the cardinal signs Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn. That means that those parts of your life are receiving the boost of this energy during the New Moon cycle.
This is a time when it is most advantageous to be as close to your own truth as possible. Spend some time in discernment seeking to honor what holds the most true to your authentic self. The Truth will set us each free, if we are willing to listen to that 'still small voice' within that reminds us who we are. Use your own spiritual practices, to discern at this time, what is most true for you. Then begin taking steps in that direction.


Other Aspects/Transits.

Mercury, Neptune, and Venus are all still transiting Pisces.  Mercury and Neptune are conjunct at 11 degrees. Mercury has just gone direct, and for the first time in  a long while, no planets are in retrograde. A very good time to begin moving forward. In fact you may find you feel a release from stress or concerns that have been weighing you down. And now, depending on what seeds you have sown (in other words, what have you expressed that you really want), answers may begin to unfold, problems may diminish, opportunities may suddenly appear, and what appeared to be blocking you, may no longer be the case.

This makes this a very crucial time to be clear within yourself about what you really want and what you are willing to intentionally put your energy into from this point forth. That's the question: What am I willing to fight for, try, risk doing, or begin?

Ceres, the Mother Nurturer is trine this New Moon nudging and cajoling us to be brave, take good care of ourselves, and use discretion in all kinds of relationships. Both  Aries New Moon and Ceres call us to stand strongly in our nurturing warrior mode. Use our power assertively without aggression. This trine brings with it extreme good fortune. Seek and you will find. Ask, and doors will open. Let go of what no longer works, and loose your fear of starting fresh equipped with clear vision and an authentic understanding of what you require and what you long for.

Remember, what you choose now will demand your focused attention and discipline. Build in time for self care and rest. See this as a time to prepare for the journey ahead by laying out the map and charting your course. If you are uncertain about where life is leading you, use this time to assess what is working and what is not, and then surrender to the unfolding of signs, direction, and inspiration. 

Other Transits/Aspects.

Mars is at 3 degrees of Gemini. Now in the early decan of airy Gemini, we move from sudden spurts of energy and action to a more thoughtful and imaginative time. Our minds may be racing. You might find it hard to sleep, or to quiet your mind. Ideas will come and go at a fast pace. Lots of ideas that you may want to filter through to help you discern what you want and how you want to proceed.

Uranus is at 0 degrees of Taurus, thus beginning its long cycle in the earthy, pragmatic area of the Bull. Changes will be occurring based on what has come before. We'll find things happening in surprising ways, provided we are willing to live from our truth center. We have to be wise enough to recognize that if we're trying to live someone else's dream or according to someone else's demands and reality, we will not know where to go. Pull out your emotional and spiritual compass right now, and locate where you stand. Where is your home? What from the past is motivating you? What on the horizon is holding you back or beckoning you? Notice too what has come like a bolt out of the blue to interrupt, distract, or set you off course. Uranus has a way of bringing us what we need in ways we might not understand. Messages during this period will be at the very least, interesting. At the most, they will be shocking, revealing, and without precedent.

Saturn and Pluto are moving closer to a tight conjunction in Capricorn (exact in July). Between these two powerful planets is the South Node (that which we've brought into this life and/or brought to life in this life, in order to repair, release, or remember). This conjunction acts like a powerful force for change (building in intensity from here to July), and so now is the time to continue the long path of transformation, that one we've all been on for years now.

Jupiter is at 24 degrees of Sagittarius. Planet of abundance and good fortune traveling through fiery, jovial Sagittarius may find  you enjoying the fruits of your labor as well as those of others. The flow of give and take, generosity and receptivity is moving lives and conditions in ways that release valves, allow for more freedom, and break apart anything that is not structurally sound.

The North Node is at 22 degrees of Cancer continues to focus our attention on areas of safety, security, and homemaking. We all need a home, and the North Node wants to assure us that whatever places we find ourselves at home, are providing us with what we most need. All the energy aimed at this point in our lives recently (last Full Moon) has released an abundance of energy into whatever area of your life is ruled by Cancer. Take note. Make whatever adjustments you need to, and keep your course set for what is ahead.

As we each continue weaving the tapestries of our lives, let's use our best practices (spiritual, mental, physical, emotional, energetic) to allow ourselves to create a life that truly reflects that which we identify as the true meaning and purpose. Find that within yourself, and know that it is the guiding principle which the Divine uses to direct, inspire, and bless you.

Grace on you and your path.

Resurrection and Return to the Sea: Pisces New Moon Opens All Channels

On March 6, 2019 the New Moon at 15 degrees Pisces reveals a new path before us. Falling between two fixed stars, Achenar and Ankaa. Achenar, the brightest star in the River constellation, Eridemus sits at the mouth of the stellar river. Ankaa, a fixed star in the Phoenix constellation, signifies, burning off of that which no longer serves and rising from the ashes to reveal new possibilities. Resurrection is the dying of the old so that the new can be born and be given new life.

Shifts in Direction.
As the waters of Pisces flow into the ocean of Consciousness, it is time to drop expectations and old patterns and habits in order to embrace new ideas, possibilities, perspectives, and beliefs. Looking deeper into the areas of life that may still puzzle and perplex you, you will find that once truth is revealed, the possibility of returning to the past, is no longer an option. What was or may have been in the past, has given way or been removed so that new birth, new life, and a fresher vision is possible.

This New Moon in Pisces is hopeful, romantic, and visionary. A number of harmonious aspects add to the magic of this lunar transit. The New Moon in Pisces conjunct Neptune heighten our sensitivity, intuition, sense of compassion, and empathy. Music, art, and all creative forms are channels for creating and connection to the deeper, more meaningful and healing levels of our lives now. Pay attention to dreams, notice the gentle and not so subtle nudges of insight, vision, and imagination. Allow yourself time to see the growth and shifts that have already taken place recently. Notice what the gaps, breaks, and errors might have revealed for your discernment. Take time to use your spiritual practices to make your intentions clearer and more focused. Pray and meditate on what is rising up from within to be expressed or used to help in healing, creating, and shaping a clear path.

The New Moon in the 2nd decan of Pisces, is ruled by Jupiter and is defined by Cancer. Cancer reminds us of our need to create safe and secure spaces. Cancer urges us to take care of ourselves and those with whom we form strong bonds. Home, family, and all close ties take on a stronger focus at this time. Opportunities and possibilities are countless, and discretion and focused attention is needed in order to make the most of this lunar transit.

The new lunar cycle ushered in by the Pisces New Moon coincides with the entry of Uranus into Taurus. This transit of Uranus, the planet that brings sudden, shocking, and earth shaking movement and surprises, lasts until 2026. What has been brought to the surface over the last six or seven years while Uranus transited Aries, is now brought into the earth sign of Taurus. What may have been amorphous and unhinged, is now brought down to earth in surprising and shocking ways. Beliefs and attitude are challenged. We're forced to come to understandings that may completely uproot us and shift our ways of knowing and coping with life's questions and challenges.

 Aspects and Transits for New Moon in Pisces Cycle.

The New Moon in Pisces conjuncts Neptune, the planet of the depths of our unconscious realm. We are awakened through intuitive channels and may feel more motivated to reach out in loving, kind, and compassionate ways. Mercury in Pisces, in the anaretic (last degree of a sign) may be signaling the areas we are releasing at this time. This no doubt will have some reflection on what the past has claimed as its own--what is meant to be left behind in favor of a fresher, more realistic or creative path. Both Neptune (intuition, dreams, illusion, creativity) and Jupiter (abundance, expansion, excess, and resources) are the rulers of Pisces, and both are in excellent aspect to this new moon.

Sun in Pisces sextile Saturn in Capricorn. Sextiles are harmonious angles that provide a cushioning or motivational effect between the two bodies. The Sun in watery Pisces sextile Saturn, the Great Teacher in Capricorn activates both patience and persistence in whatever areas both are needed. We become more accepting of the process, that is, and continue working toward our goals and dreams.

Mars in 13 degrees of Taurus trines Saturn in 18 degrees of Capricorn. More action and greater strength is available. Again perseverance increases as a result of this aspect. This is good for new relationships and for new agreements and contracts in order to formalize partnerships.

Mars in Taurus sextiles Neptune in Pisces. Heaven on earth. Dreams into reality. Visions into manifestation. We move directly into the mystical path that brings to us what we desire. What we long for, we attract now. What we envision, comes to life. What we have dreamed of and planned for, is revealed as the path before us opens and is triggered by this New Moon and the shift of Uranus into Taurus. We will see this revealed slowly but surely as Uranus begins its cycle through the pragmatic, beauty-seeking sign of Taurus. All forms of art and creativity are favored. We may feel a mystical aura that forms a lens for our lives now.

Saturn in Capricorn sextiles Neptune in Pisces.  This aspect favors taking karmic lessons and challenges into the light of the inner mystic in order to channel our spiritual and intellectual energy into healthy, productive, and creative ways.

Other New Moon Aspects.
The New Moon in Pisces at 15 degrees sits between two fixed stars from two different constellations. The Moon is conjunct Achernar, the bright star at the mouth of the River constellation, Eradamus. This aspect brings a love of knowledge, learning, and discovery. It favors science, travel, changes, and positions of authority. The other fixed star, Ankaa is in the constellation of the Phoenix, the bird that rises from the ashes of the fires of destruction. Whatever has been burned up, completed, or ended, now finds new life.

The New Moon in Pisces is also conjunct Vesta, the Roman Virgin Goddess. Ruler of the home, hearth, and family, Vesta and the New Moon in Pisces light the sacred fires within. Vesta is the keeper of the flame, and helps us direct our passions in a focused and direct way. Allow your inner fires to warm and inspire you and to light the path before you.

Mercury in Pisces is retrograde in the 29th (anaretic/last degree). Memories, dreams, past trauma or passions may be aroused at this time. This may come in the form of 'one last reminder' before you let go of something, someone, or some aspect of your own identity, belief system, or understanding.

More than one astrologer identifies this New Moon in Pisces as the Nine of Cups, the Wish Come True card. In order for wishes to come true, we need to know what we want. Take some time as the Aquarius lunar cycle ends and the final stage of the lunar year is upon us, to be honest with yourself about what you truly desire and what you want to release.

Insight on the New Moon in Pisces. This second decan of Pisces is one of the watery points on the Zodiac, Wheel of Life. It is the point at which our unconsciousness and consciousness merge. It is tends to make us feel more fluid, which can make some feel more vulnerable. It is a time when we are absorbing what is going on around us (near and far, distance is not important) and within us. This can be very positive or it can be negative. It depends on what we are carrying around with us. Pay attention to what you are sending out and what you are taking in. Strive to make your life more about positive soul growth. Do this by knowing what and who matter most, and by limiting your time and energy with anything or anyone that is not life-affirming.

Good outlets for channeling your energy includes: music, art, healing arts, physical movement and exercise, body work and mystical arts. The themes of this New Moon in Pisces include the marriage of resurrection and rebirth, the mystical union brought to ground, and pouring out of the inner stream of consciousness and vision. Take time to practice the yogic paths that lead you to greater connection, clearer vision, and concrete reward for physical, emotional, and intellectual expressions. This is also a very good time to allow your inner vision to dream up ways to solve what seem like intractable obstacles. There are no walls that will not fall. Great scientific breakthroughs, discoveries, and innovations are possible at this time.

Even if you don't invent a cure for the common cold, you might find new ways of perceiving, understanding, and coping with issues that have seemed impossible until now. A fresh vision at this time, is allowing us to see the world in a more fluid way. All forms of water play and therapy are encouraged. Use your common sense though, and don't jump into dangerous situations or try to dive to depths you cannot begin to understand at this time.  The mystical and intuitive realm can cast a veil across our good sense if we forget that we are spiritual beings inside a physical reality. "Use your head", as the White Knight said, "Use your head."But be guided and listen to your heart.

At this New Moon in Pisces, open yourself to the greater vision of an affirmative and creative life. Take time to care for yourself. Use your spiritual practices to keep in alignment body, mind, emotions, soul. Honor this passage into a new lunar cycle and into one that asks you to release once and for all, that which no longer serves you or adds to your soul growth. We are meant to be loving, kind, and productive Divine visions of Light. Let your Light shine. Claim your happiness and good.

Chiron, The Wounded Healer: New Path to Healing in Aries

Bleeding Hearts                                                       Catherine Al-Meten Meyers

After 8-9 years of transiting Pisces, Chiron, the Wounded Healer, begins an 8-year transit of Aries on February 18, 2019. This is a major shift in energies, but the second part of a long journey of healing the unconsciousness and consciousness by learning to cope with that which makes us most vulnerable and most creative. Through our deepest understanding of our personal identities, we grow even more aware and active in healing that which prevents us from loving, serving others, and having compassion for ourselves and the world we live in.

Chiron, the Wounded Healer's orbit passes between Saturn and Uranus in the Solar system.  Its orbit around the Sun takes 50 years, and varies depending on the sign. Completing it's 9-year cycle in the last sign of the Zodiac, Pisces today, Chiron re-enters Aries, the first sign in the Zodiac tomorrow, February 18, 2019. (Chiron first entered Aries in April, 2018 before it went retrograde back into Pisces until now). Chiron's transit of Aries lasts longer than it does in any other sign--8 years. Consider the next 8 years one of the most significant healing periods of all times.

Who is Chiron, the Wounded Healer?  In Greek mythology, Chiron is born half horse and half human. His parents Phylygria and Chronos rejected him. Phylygria was punished for abandoning Chiron, and was turned into a tree.  Chiron is taken under the wing of Apollo who takes care of him and teaches him how to adapt to his wound and go on living in spite of that wound. Later in trying to defend Apollo in battle, Chiron's leg is wounded. He recovers and learns to adapt to the new limitations he is faced with.  Like Chiron, we each have something which we have to learn to cope with in life, and we usually identify that as the area we feel most vulnerable in. It might be fear of intimacy, or fear of self expression. It may be shame or fear of being 'found out'.  It might be fear of our own creative talents or fear of abandonment, like Chiron. Whatever it is that is the point of pain and vulnerability in us, is where we can connect to the wounds that need healing in our lives.

What the archetype of Chiron calls us to do is to recognize that the areas of our woundedness are the places in our experience that rise to the surface to help us recognize that pain, to adapt to it as we live life more fully, and to work around the wounds that are part of our experience. Denial of our woundedness, something most of us try to do at times, only leads to slowing down the healing process. We are capable of wholeness only when we recognize the boundaries, limitations, or limits beyond which we cease to be free and able to live.

Chiron, the Wounded Healer, transiting both the last sign in the Zodiac, Pisces, and the first one, Aries, represent the healing and integration that needs to take place between the unconscious and the conscious. Chiron in Pisces and Aries also represents the bridge of healing that is needed between connecting endings with new beginnings. During the last 8-9 years, our unconscious has been revealing those destructive patterns/habits, conditioning, traumas, and perspectives that have blocked or triggered unconscious wounds.

Chiron, the Wounded Healer's Transits through Pisces and Aries.
Chiron in Pisces was a deep, inner journey where we became more and more aware of how our unconscious wounds affect us. We've become aware and been confronted with whatever has deepened or triggered our wounds, and we've learned how to pay greater attention to the connection between the shadow aspects of our nature. Now as we complete this cycle, we move into a whole new journey where we will learn to cope with the new knowledge that emerges from our unconsciousness, into the light of our awareness.

As Chiron enters Aries, the first sign of the Zodiac, our personal natures are going to go through a realignment. During this alignment, unconscious pain is drawn to the surface so that we can work through the pain, consciously. The ongoing path of deep healing helps us discover how to recognize our vulnerabilities to help heal and grow in compassion for others. By bringing into the light of consciousness that which arises from the hidden, undeveloped, unexplored regions of our unconsciousness. We realign ourselves with both our true nature and with the natural world in which we live.

Chiron helps us as we dismantle the patriarchal conditioning and institutions that have abandoned us. Through our ability to heal ourselves and to be healed in light of the true nature of our being, we grow as a force to help heal the trauma, structural upheaval, and ethical/moral debasement that the patriarchy has used to try to hold onto power. The feminine is rising, and through our growth as individuals and as a whole, we take over the reins of power to steer our planet towards healing.

How does Chiron Affect Us?

Chiron brings to the surface, that which needs healing. Through Chiron's transit of  Pisces, we became more aware of our wounds through the development of our  intuition, empathy, compassion, imagination, creativity, and unconsciousness.  As Chiron begins the journey through Aries, our focus changes. Aries rules the  personal, naive, inexperienced adventurer. Chiron in Aries is ready for action without regard to risk. Chiron in Aries takes action and does so with a great deal of passion. Chiron through Aries takes us on a journey of the novice, the path of the new initiate. We learn through our actions just how our unconscious manifests when we strike out on our own.

Chiron's path for the next 8 years is one of discovery. Of self discovery and of discovery of our reason for living. We are each here for a purpose, to love and serve with one another. Discovering how to live with our limitations, and to cope with wounds we may think we should 'be over'.  And to learn how to love and serve in spite of whatever is hidden from our knowledge or awareness. The whole idea that one heals from a past wound or illness and has no after effects, is erroneous and misses the point.  Whatever trauma, obstacle, difficulty, or limitation might challenge us or make us feel more vulnerable to pain or suffering, is in fact, the path to coming to healing.

We learn through Chiron, the Wounded Healer, how to identify our woundedness, to work towards healing, and to integrate our healing into the way we live and cope with our lives. It will be a journey where we learn a lot about self reliance, as well as where we learn how our woundedness need not stop us from living full, creative, inspirational, and productive lives. Wherever we feel vulnerable, wounded, abandoned, broken, inadequate, or blocked, Chiron helps us pay attention to (remember what we've learned through the Pisces journey into the unconsciousness) so that we can put that understanding to work through our actions, service, compassion, and love for self and one another.

Chiron shines a light on the wound of identity that is common in all human beings. Each of us is vulnerable in one way or another. As we all know, or should by now, what we recognize and are repulsed by in others, is often something we either truly dislike in ourselves, or is something we are culpable for, but cannot face. In the case of Chiron, however, the wounds of identity are not those areas of our lives where our actions reflect our past behavior (karmic), but rather are the areas of our being that make us vulnerable to attack, manipulation, or abuse by others. There are areas of our lives where we are not the creator or the instigator or the cause. Those areas of our identity are the gifts that we can use to create, produce, heal, and prosper ourselves and others, or where others can use and abuse us. Chiron, the Wounded Healer helps us cope with those areas of our identity that we need to learn to live with and work around in order to grow and blossom.

An example of how Chiron might work in a person's life comes in understanding the wound of identity that makes a person feel ashamed or embarrassed of showing their talents, is the artist who braves it through, creates art, and allows it to be displayed. Or the singer who has a beautiful voice but is painfully shy. Chiron helps a singer recognize the wound, but helps the singer stand on stage and sing in spite of the shyness. In recognizing the beauty and passion of the desire to create or to sing, we learn how to work around the wounds that might otherwise stop us before we begin. We recognize that vulnerabilities become the source of the fear or anger or pain that blocks us. As is the case in trauma, we work towards healing of our woundedness, when we take positive steps toward doing what is life affirming, life giving, and life altering.

The path of Chiron, the Wounded Healer's transit through Aries begins in the light of the Full Moon in Virgo (Feb. 19). It is during the Full Moon in Virgo, we can focus on that which most needs healing, that which most demands attention, and that which we can do concretely to begin this journey with intention. By using the light of the Full Moon in Virgo, and the Sun's entry into Pisces, we can affirm our path forward crossing the bridge toward healing the wounded spirit that is so sorely needing to be healed in us and in the world as a whole.

*This year I will be completing my book, Healing the Wounded Spirit: Coping with Trauma, by Dr. Catherine Al-Meten Meyers.

Aquarius New Moon Ushers in Year of the Pig

Winter on the Columbia                                           Catherine Al-Meten Meyers

On Monday, February 4, 2019, at 1:04 p.m./PST the New Moon and Sun align at15/45 degrees of
Aquarius to usher in the Year of the Pig. The Year of the Pig is considered by many to be the luckiest
year of the Chinese calendar. The Year of the Pig will emphasize compassion, generosity, and devotion
towards others and ourselves.  The Aquarius New Moon makes us feel more attuned to the needs and
circumstance of others as we take care of our own needs and issues as well. As we enter a new lunar
year, may we tend to our own needs and desires as we seek to be more responsive and aware of the
needs of the collective whole.

Aquarius, the sign of the Water Bearer, is an air sign, and this New Moon arrives free of the shadow
effects of the eclipse of the last two months. With clearer vision, we now continue working out the snags
in ongoing problems, situations, or challenges we have been coping with. We’ve learned that we are
stronger than we think we are, and more capable of dealing with difficulties for a period of time, even
though we may not want to make this an ongoing habit.

With the New Moon and Sun aligned in Aquarius, the power of groups and institutions bolster the
energy and innovation one can use to find and create solutions to difficult, chronic, or unexpected
problems or questions that arise. Using our ability to seek truth and to share in the resources and
gifts within ourselves and within society at large, we find a way forward through the darkness and
uncertainty that may shroud some areas of our lives. This is particularly true in the areas where Pluto,
the  Great Transformer and Saturn the Great Teacher have been transiting or aspecting.

Whatever has been going on that has made you wonder how you were ever going to find a solution,
answer, or cope with a tricky or difficult situation, is now receiving positive aspects which manifest as
a helping hand, an unexpected source of support, or perhaps simply opportunities for a new experience,
a new perspective, or a new path in a surprising direction. The New Moon in Aquarius occurs a 15/45
degrees. It will affect those with with fixed planets and aspect points between 12-20 degrees of the fixed
signs of Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius. We all want to look at the fixed signs houses in our own
charts/lives to see where the current transits are affecting us most. To do that, study the house where
these signs are and notice the other areas of your life/chart that are aspected.

Aspects: Key aspects to the New Moon in Aquarius and the Aquarius Sun have some very powerful
points of power during the start to this new lunar month and year.

Mercury in Aquarius.  The winged messenger, Mercury, has the capacity to think beyond the immediate,
temporal, and material conditions and circumstances. Aquarius has the capacity to zero in on an issue,
while also being able to detach itself from that same situation. The ability to ‘rise above’ present
circumstances, gives us all the gift of perspective right now. This enables us to see the bigger picture,
and remove ourselves from some of the emotional entanglements we might experience under other lunar
transits. While it may seem a bit uncomfortable from how we normally cope, the Aquarius New Moon
broadens our perspective, opens our eyes and hearts to greater vision and opportunities, and infuses in
us a greater willingness to remove ourselves from having to have all the answers or having to do things
that we’re comfortable doing. We now have the capacity to see that sometimes we just need to put our
heads down and get to work. Get the job done. Face the task, and take some initial steps towards
seeking the answers we need. We can do this better if we keep in mind what is good for everyone in
the situations at hand.

Black Moon Lilith is also conjunct Mercury and the Sun and Moon in Aquarius. Black Moon Lilith
represents the shadow aspects of our experience and beings. We each have those areas of ourselves
that may yet be unexplored. Some of this is hidden until we’re ready to deal with it; other aspects may
be what we’ve habitually tried to hide from ourselves. Whichever form the unknown takes, it’s a good
time to tackle what is arising. There are also areas that we are always running up against, the sticking
points that appear again and again as we grow and mature.

The appearance of Lilith along with Mercury means we’re more than likely to become even more aware
of what is stirring within us and within the situations of the collective whole around us. Notice what

triggers your strongest feelings at this time, and then ask yourself, what about that situation is like some
area of my life. We all know it is easier to see the sins of others than it is to see our own impairments or

blindness. What is calling from within and without to be acknowledged. Where can we gain some clarity
or take some actions to address our emotional reactions, our biases or discomfort to understand more
clearly how our past or our current live may be causing us or other harm? What is stirring in or around
you that need to be addressed, as opposed to being ignored (through detachment, dissociation, denial,
rationalization)?

Jupiter in Sagittarius (at home and in her regal glory). Jupiter is at home in Sagittarius, a fire sign.
Jupiter forms a lovely sextile to the Moon, the Sun, Mercury, Lilith later in the day. This lightens the
burden of our unconscious stirrings, by adding a dose of optimism, hopefulness and a sense of joy.
Jupiter is the classic silver lining that aligns with this New Moon and the cluster of planets and Sun in
Aquarius. Oftentimes when the darkness before the dawn seems to overwhelm or paralyze us, Jupiter’s
energy lights a spark within us, brings us good news, or enables us to see the gifts in the garbage.
Starting a new lunar cycle and a new lunar year with this aspect, bodes well for all of us.

Uranus in Aries (28 degrees retrograde) indicates that there may be an element of shock when actions speak louder than words as Uranus conjuncts Mars and both aspect Jupiter (trine) and form a gentle, harmonious sextile with the New Moon, Sun, Mercury In Aquarius today and in the next couple of days. There will be sudden movement, decisions, and surprising developments that will get what appeared to be stuck in place, into motion. We also get wake up calls during these transits--reminders of past experiences that have an effect on our present situations.  Shocking events, surprising decisions, and unexpected changes, all lead to action. That’s sure to come out of this New Moon in Aquarius and her sextile to Uranus and Mars in Aries. Uranus is also the co-ruler of Aquarius, so this is a good time for the changemaker Uranus to show up and dislodge whatever is stuck and mired down.

Saturn in Capricorn conjunct Pluto (nearly conjoining/passing through the North
Node-Gateway to change). Saturn the Great Teacher conjoining Pluto the Great Transformer,
both grounded in earth signs, bring up whatever has been left unresolved or has been stirred up
during the transits of these two great outer planets through Capricorn. Pluto, in retrograde, reminds
us of something that we’ve recently gone through, and shows us what was churned up is now ready
for a rethink, a reprogram, or a more innovative, out-of-the-box solution. We might not have the
solution, but we can be urged at this time to be on the lookout for ways outside the norm that may
now open for us.

Venus enters Capricorn. The day before the New Moon, Venus enters Capricorn. Joining in with
thoughts and desires for creating more beautiful, harmonious relationships and connections, Venus
transits Capricorn from Feb. 3-March 1. We now seek security, stability, and balance in all our
relationships and dealings. We seek pragmatic ways to make our lives run more smoothly. We may
question our feelings, emotions, and even our ideas right now, however Venus reminds us that we
can find harmony through the practical application of Universal laws within the context of our everyday
lives, our relationships, and our decisions about what is best for ourselves and others in any
decision-making process.

Venus forms a trine to Uranus at the time of the New Moon (5-10 degrees of separation equate to
an aspect even though in different elements). This signals some unexpected news, memories, dreams,
intuitive hits, which despite the pragmatism of Capricorn, you would want to pay attention to. Trusting
our instincts, our intuition, our dreams, and our intellect are crucial. Listen too to the signals your body
delivers to you (scan your chakras and check in to see what fears, concerns, or strong sensations may
be signaling you at this time). Listen. Pay attention to what every level of your being is telling you.
Body, mind, emotions, spirit. The chakras system, the physical body itself all have such valuable
information for you. Cherish that precious gift you are, and honor your wisdom as well as the wisdom of
trusted allies, mentors, teachers, and angelic guides and beings.

Pluto 21/45 Capricorn opposes the North Node at 26/47 Cancer. The Great Transformer, that which
is being shaken up in our lives (Wow that’s some shakeup) is in opposition to the North Node, Gateway
of Change. In the sign of the caretaker, protector, Cancer, our sense of security is shaken a bit, but the
shaking up that Pluto has been triggering, is teaching us what we must change, and showing us how we
can call our highest powers and best instincts to bear on making the necessary changes that are being
required now.

Mars squares the North Node. Mars in Aries squaring the North Node in early Leo provides the push
needed right now to take action. Mars lights a fire beneath whatever must be accomplished, decided, or
completed in order for the inevitable change to take place. Now is the time for action, ready or not.

Jupiter  in Sagittarius squares Neptune in Pisces.  Take it from one who has this aspect in her natal
chart, this can be a saving grace or a huge roadblock. When we listen to our intuition and follow that
inner guidance, our good fortune follows. Even when we can’t imagine how an answer will be found or
can’t conceive of a solution, this aspect guarantees, the answer is being revealed. We may feel
uncomfortable when venturing into new territory, but if we stay true to ourselves, and trust those who
would be trusted and listen to the intuitive guidance in and around us, we will be steered in the right
direction onto the right path. We can block our way through defensive and fearful beliefs, so pay
attention now to the negative self talk and the naysayers (Wet Blankets, Prophets of Doom and Gloom,
or Critics).

Whatever is good and for your highest good and the good of others, can be accomplished,
created, revealed, and manifested. Stay out of your own way, and let the Truth be revealed.
Let Jupiter’s good fortune and the New Year of the Pig, open a whole new path of creativity, abundance,
good fortune, and good health to each and everyone of us. Let the Light within you join with the Light of
others to help create a more compassionate, loving, and kind world for everyone. Happy New Year all.
May blessings and healing abound. Keeping so many of you in my prayers and wishing each of you
receives the grace you need for what is most urgent and needed in your life.

New Moon, Solar Eclipse, Capricorn Stellia: A Gathering of Forces

*Some may have noticed, the Full Moon columns have stopped.

Instead I'll be adding a column each month on different lessons

about astrological aspects. This is in order to help you understand

how to follow the different trends, transits, and movement of your

life in the context of how astrology looks at our life path.  Stay tuned.

Solar Eclipse: New Moon in Capricorn conjoins Sun.

On January 4, Mercury entered Capricorn, completing the gathering of five heavenly bodies

in the constellation of Capricorn. Luna moves between the Earth and the Sun, partially casting

her shadow on the Full Wolf Moon. Mercury at 1/22°, Sun and Moon 15/25°, Saturn 11/59°, and

Pluto at 20/46° all of which are in opposition to the North Node (gateway to change) in Cancer.

Look to the areas in your life/chart where Capricorn and Cancer are, and you’ll discover what

realms of your own life are most affected. For the world, the New Moon and the accompanying

Solar Eclipse affects the areas that rule responsibility, career, life purpose, and public reputation.

The New Moon occurs as the Moon conjoins the Sun in Capricorn at 5:29 p.m. PST/8:29 p.m EST.

Its presence in the 2nd decan of Capricorn along with so many other major planets, signals that

what is being planted now, will have a strong influence for the next 6 months.

Capricorn, Saturn’s favorite, is also ruling our lives during this period of time. For those of us who have

natal/progressed planets between 10-20 ° in any one of the Cardinal signs: Aries, Cancer, Libra, and

Capricorn. Because each of the bodies in Capricorn will oppose (or already have in the case of Pluto,

the Great Transformer) the North Node, Gateway to the Future, some area of your life is undergoing

great transformation at this time. It should be apparent to you simply by noting what's being turned

upside down and requiring you to make changes now?

New Moon Alignments.

The path before you that the New Moon always signals, opens you to a time time when you may be

concerned about your career, life purpose, reputation, or any combination of these and impels you to

use your energy to create changes to improve and repair. The New Moon and Sun in Capricorn align

with the fixed star Vega in the constellation of Lyra, the Harp. Located between 10-29° of Capricorn.

In Arabic, this fixed star is called Al Nasser Al Waki, meaning swooping or falling Eagle.  Hmmm.
Wonder who that might be? No wonder the car named for this star didn’t do so well. This eclipse and
New Moon symbolize, in part, disgrace of a leader. It also symbolizes the gathering of forces. Falls
from great heights are in store for some. For the rest of us, we might find that some of our aspirations,
dreams, or plans might be a bit more difficult to realize than we’d like. Nevertheless, we do not let that
stop us. We plant the seeds for what we want to see growing in our lives, and we water and nurture the
soil as we do. We tend to what needs to  be taken care of and we trust that what we seed in the ground

will grow.

Lyra, the fifth brightest star in the night sky, was thought by the Babylonians (ancient Mesopotamia) to
offer artistic talent and in particular, the skill as a sculpting. The ancient Egyptians called her, the Queen
of Heaven.  According to the late astrologer, Jeane Dixon, “The Sun conjunct Vega signifies critical,
abrupt, reserved, unpopular, fleeting honors, influential position and insincere friends. When it conjoins
or aspects Mars, it signifies death from the bite of a mad dog.” Endings, failures, and loss for some come
where change is demanded and the choices are not made willingly.

When the Moon conjoins Vega what follows is public disgrace often through forgery or corruption,
loss through what is revealed in writing, ill health, success in business, gain through family wealth or
history or pensions.”  With the Moon at 14° Capricorn, some form of public disgrace will be evident.
Therefore, in addition to all the heavy Capricorn influences, we have the Fixed Star Vega adding to
the plot for the New Moon story yet to unfold. Nevertheless, we have high expectations, though many
seek a savior, when what we need to do is take responsibility for our own actions, screw up our courage,
and make the necessary changes and take the next steps toward setting our intentions and acting on
them. Though it may take some time and hard work, it is time to do due diligence if we want to make
things happen. This particular New Moon reminds us that blood is thicker than water, and we need to
stand together against whatever might challenge, cause us delay, or set obstacles before us. The energy
active in this Capricorn New Moon challenge us to make our choices being well aware that the battle is
really between the polarities of the ethical vs the amoral. Law and order versus criminal, savage behavior
without compassion. I’m not making this up. How well we see this being acted out on the world stage.
Yet at this moment, we have the power, the opportunities, and the gifts to stand firm in what is right and
good as we show our compassion through the way we live and treat one another.

What is also amazing about this New Moon in Capricorn and the eclipse is as the Moon takes the stage
before the Sun, feminine power is put in the forefront. That power and energy, combined with our
determination to turn all that has been torn apart, disrupted, corrupted or turned upside down and inside
out, in to determined, practical, pragmatic, Capricornian down-to-earth strategie for change. As our new
Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi said repeatedly over the last few days, we cannot let anything stand
in our way of doing what we know is right, just, and ethical. We hold the power to make the necessary
changes in our lives and in the world at large even though we may have to plant some seeds on hostile
ground. When the soil is hard and depleted of nutrients, and water, we must sow those seeds anyway.
With intention and care despite what seems like difficulty, if we intend to get anything accomplished.
Someone must have said, anything worth having is worth fighting for. It’ time to fight for what we know
is right for us to have, do, and be. Individually and as a society of people who believe and live
compassionately.

Mars, the Warrior entered Aries, its ruler, on New Year’s Eve.  I know I felt the effects almost
immediately. I have two planets in the early degrees of Aries, so Mars really stimulated this area of my
life. Notice how you were feeling that night, and it might give you a clearer sense of how Mars energy
affects you. Mars eggs on all the planets, Sun, and Moon in Capricorn with square aspects that act like
cattle prods to get things moving.

Uranus, in Aries, the ruler of change and the unexpected, turns direct from its retrograde transit of Aries
28°.  At 28° degrees of Aries, Mars goes direct the day after the eclipse. This may not be comfy but

Uranus does spur us into action. Making its final march through the 3rd decan of Aries, Mars now pushes
us to move and act from now until March 6 when it enters Taurus where it will bring our intentions into
fruition. Make sure you have input by way of clear intentions (know what you want and seek it) so that
your life is not caught up in the whims and fantasies of others.  It’s also a time to finish what you’ve
already started. Eclipses always remind us of

something from the past that is making its appearance again in our lives, in a new and different form.
What was going on in your life back in mid-2010? What changes were set into motion at that time, either
by choice or circumstances out of your control?

Time to gather your forces together, and put your energy, time, self discipline into focused attention to
what you want to accomplish, complete, and achieve.

Venus in the last degree of Scorpio enters Sagittarius on January 7. It remains at the time of the
new moon in the third decan of Scorpio where it makes this new moon very emotional and highly
charged. This morning, about 12 hours before the New Moon, Venus forms a trine to Chiron, the
Wounded Healer. This means something from the past comes up late last night and through today,
to help heal our hearts from some past woundedness. Shortly afterward, Saturn, the Great Teacher
conjoined the Moon giving us a clear indication of what we’re learning at this time, and how we’re
learning it. The Moon semi-square Venus and sextiles Neptune, the Dreamer, shortly before the

North Node/Gateway to Future in Cancer. The New Wolf Moon is in opposition to the Sun, Moon,
later Pluto. It will have aspected Mercury and Saturn. All powerful planets, the Sun, the Moon
challenged in some way to focus on the areas of your life where you see safety, security, and
where you seek to provide motherly comfort and protection to others. This area where Cancer' s
North Node receive the full on opposition energy, are sparked, energized, and challenged to face
those areas that are most difficult, but most necessary for the growth and development taking
place in your life right now. This will continue manifesting for at least 6 months or more, as Saturn
will continue to hold that ground reminding us of what we need to learn to grow forward.

New Moon. Venus brings meaning and memories up to the surface with the Moon’s coaxing.
Swim tonight in the Light of the New Wolf Moon, and do a little howling. Life is full, rich, and complex,
but then again, so are we. Happy New Year, and Blessed New Wolf Moon.