New Moon in Virgo: Powerful Earth Sign Gathering

On Friday, August 30, 2019 the New Moon in Virgo at 6 degrees will form a powerful conjunction with Venus, Mars, the Sun, and Mercury. The Virgo New Moon will also form trines with Saturn and Pluto in Capricorn and Uranus in Taurus. On the West Coast the New Moon peaks at 3:37 A.M./6:37 EDT, so you may experience the power of this new moon in dreams or as a  middle of the night epiphany. Those with major aspects between 2-12 degrees in the mutable signs (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, Pisces will feel this energy impact the areas of your life where these signs, aspects, and transits reign. 

New moons are always doors to new beginnings. Depending where this new moon is in your life/chart, you are sure to be having some strong ideas about the need for change and actually doing something to make that change happen.  And for those of us who have been going through big changes recently, this is a time when we need to make adjustments, and recommit to what matters most in our lives. We may want to spend some time reflecting before then, about what areas of our lives need redefining, renewing, or redesigning. The call of Virgo is not change for change’s sake, but rather it is for purposeful, driven, focused change for purposes that are clearly outlined and defined. 

The Virgo archetype encourages us to use our critical thinking to, analyzes what is lacking in your everyday routines, daily life/work experiences, and general well being and direction in life. Now is the time for some solid reflection and discernment about your life purpose and the way your current life is reflecting that. If you’ve been making some constructive changes in this area, you may use this time to do an assessment, and make some new plans based on your success so far. If you find yourself seeming to run around the hamster wheel of life experiences, discernment may work best by looking deeper to see what’s so unsatisfying about what you’re doing now and how you’re choosing to live and work.

Our work ought to be a creative reflection of our inner talents, gifts, and desires. If we feel stuck, the problem is within, not necessarily with the outer circumstances. Maybe it’s time to update skills, finish something you wanted to in the past, but put aside. Perhaps what you needed is to imagine yourself living bigger than you have thought possible. As we age and grow, we are meant to keep on learning, improving, and getting better at taking on greater responsibilities and challenges. However, some of us spend too much time focusing on what others define for themselves, and kind of go along, thinking we can wait until later to do what we want. How long has it been since you’ve asked yourself, “How does my life reflect who I really am and what I really want to do?” Virgo Moon aligned with the Sun (self expression), Mercury (all forms of communication), Venus (relationships, creativity, aesthetics, beauty), and Mars (action, doing) all in earth signs, bring home the point in very down to earth ways, the important of being wholly committed to living life as a reflection of our best thoughts, words, deeds, creations, and emotional expression. 

Since the Virgo Moon trines both Pluto, the Great Transformer and Saturn, the Great Teacher, is also puts us right in touch with areas of our life where we feel cognitive and emotional dissonance...where things just don’t feel right or make good intellectual sense. Whatever we’ve been working towards and seeking over the long transits of these two outer planets, is now being called to a time for monitoring the journey we’re on. Time to restock the shelves. Review the plans and make any necessary adjustments. Examine which relationships we are truly committed to, and notice what new stage these relationships are in. We cannot grow if we refuse to adapt, change, and develop in the lives we’re living. And we can’t blame other or circumstances either. We must see how we are adding to the growth, or slowing it down. How we are ignoring what is needed, or responding to the mutual needs of all involved. Are we satisfied buzzing from flower to flower, tasting the fruits of different gardens, or can we acknowledge our place in the here and now of who we are, and honor, cherish, and help nurture the beauty growing in our own gardens? Are you living the life of a perennial, one that renews yearly or as an annual, one that makes  dressy show and then dies? When we garden, we know there are cycles. We know we have to deadhead old, dried buds, to allow for the new growth to form. Where are you in your own cycle? What needs cutting back? What needs nurturing? 

This grand cycle of New Moon in Virgo and the earth sign stellenia also forms a grand trine to Uranus in Taurus. Uranus brings change to bear now! What is desired it brought into being. What is needed, is borne. What is just an idea, now appears in some form to offer new opportunities.  The New Moon in Virgo with all its attendant earth signs, present a perfect time to envision the change we desire, and to take actions towards goals. This demands a willingness to both commit and take a risk. Nothing will change if we never move beyond the goal line. And we won’t be fully into a project, relationship, commitment of any kind, if we’re only seeking a superficial reward.  Risk and commitment both require giving your best and staying the course. Both require a mutual agreement to define and structure that is workable for all involved. In relationships this means, good communication about pragmatic decisions and expectations. For commitments to goals, for example, art, writing, music, drama, education, training, major career changes, it requires a well thought out plan of action defining goals, short and long term commitments, and then, most antithetical, a willingness to proceed forward and continues even when things don’t go according to plan. For you may rest assured, plans don’t go like we want or expect them to all the time. 

Some very Virgo-like qualities, actually very earth sign qualities, include: tenacity, courage, focus, organization, order, and dedication. It would be helpful for most of us to honor these qualities in ourselves and develop them if we find ourselves lacking. Along with creativity and imagination, tenacity and focus help art take form. Along with talent and desire, dedication and commitment to doing make dreams come true. The Virgo Moon and the beautiful earth sign alignment that goes with this Virgo Moon, present a gift to all who wish to gather their forces to create and new path, renew one that needs renewing, or build upon the creativity and accomplishments you’ve already achieved. As I write this article, Venus is trine Uranus. We feel less fearful and more willing to take risks. At this time we want to try new things, but may not be ready to commit. We do recognize now, though, what brings us peace. What gives us life. Keep this in mind as you move closer to decisions you seek to make. Again as I write, the Moon in Cancer makes us feel at home, safe and protected. We seek harmony and peace for everyone, The Moon’s aspect to Uranus gives us a sense of how we might approach old problems differently. We get more creative with changes and innovative ideas that Uranus in Taurus bring into our lives. All week long there are aspects of the Moon which triggers similar thinking and feelings. Mars’ trine to Pluto later in the week

, urges us to find more innovative ways to do what we have come to think of as normal. The New Moon occurs at 6 degrees of Virgo, in the first decan. The Sun at 6 degrees also signifies a few of interesting symbols. One of the Sabian symbols for this degree of Virgo is The Merry Go Round. Another is the Banyan Tree with you being the tree and your roots deeply spread out in the earth. Still another symbol associated with this degree of Virgo, one I find particularly intriguing, is Talismans buried here and there along the road (life) so that travelers and seekers will always be protected. I might add, as long as they are wiling to look for the signs that point you in the right direction. If we are trying to escape the poor choices we’ve made or the choices that are not easy, we may keep running and fail to see the gifts of this moment. At this New  Moon in Virgo, and always, look for the gift in this moment, the perfect gift of presence wherever you are. Look for the gifts that you define as hard, challenging, or scary too. They hold true power if you trust that your life is divinely guided.

New Moon in Cancer, Total Eclipse of the Sun: Seeking Safe Haven

On Tuesday, July 2,2019 at  12:16 a.m., the New Moon in Cancer forms a total eclipse to the Sun. The effects of the New Moon in Cancer will affect what happens for the next six months. Cancer rules all issues domestic including: personal/domestic, family, security, relationships/identity for women, heritage/ancestry/karmic ties, and all things that help us create a sense of home and safety. We will be focused on finding our home base, within and around us, and in securing it so that domestic tranquility is secured.

This is the time to listen to our inner sense of what home means to us. Where do we feel most at home with ourselves and our surroundings? How do we define within ourselves, that sense of peace and serenity that we need to feel grounded and at peace with ourselves and our families? How does our life reflect who we are? What community and circle of familial and friendships do we bond with as we create our home? It is essential during this time that we pay close attention to more than just how we believe something should or should not be done. How we think home is most reflective of our true needs and desires, or not. Intuitive, emotional, psychological, and spiritual needs must also be part of any decisions we make at this time, especially regarding home and hearth, the place where we know we belong.

Being that this New Moon in Cancer occurs and forms a total eclipse, indicates this is a new beginning. Before us a new path emerges out of a long period of chaos and uncertainty (in whatever area of your life this New Moon/eclipse falls). For example, it may not fall in the 4th house of home (where all things domestic reign), but in the 9th house of wisdom and belief where we learn to understand and define for ourselves, what home is meant to be. Look to the house which Cancer reigns and the houses/planets that are aspected. That will help you better understand the challenges you might be facing--the areas of learning or growing edge. In my chart this new moon trines the water sign areas that rule creativity and children, art and pleasure as well as how I appear in the world and how I come to define myself and what I value.  The changes in this case, may be more about an inner development than what is appearing externally.  If the New Moon in Cancer were forming aspects to the earth signs however, you might find events and decisions creating some challenges for you to pursue in breaking up older patterns in favor of new ways of approaching your life. With aspects to air signs the challenges might appear more in the form of how your ideas, mind, and plans are shaping up, and for earth signs, the challenges may be found in the activities and toil required right now to bring forth what is new in your gardens. Notice what areas in your life seem to be in flux, and moving in a new direction over the next six months or so.

Cancer is the natural ruler of the Moon. The Moon influences our emotional temperament and helps us find our bearings in and through the challenges and opportunities we greet each day.  When the Moon transits through Cancer, our emotional need for security, especially in the house where we find Cancer, marks a significant time for us to become more mindful of what brings us to equilibrium. What we need to function well on a day to day basis is a sense of well being. Our emotional temperament has a great deal to do with whether or not we feel in balance. Notice where you feel most  'at home' during this lunar phase. Our emotions often signal the areas in our lives where we feel vulnerable, in need, or at a loss for some kind of significant balance.  Rather than trying to control or deny the emotions (I'm fine, when we're clearly not), notice and acknowledge whatever concerns or fears you might have so that whatever is triggering our emotions doesn't go underground and create greater upset and imbalance.

Remember "Whatever isn't expressed is suppressed."  And that's not necessarily going to be helpful in the long run. What is suppressed will fester and rise again, in a more virulent and aggressive way. An example might be when someone tries to 'forget' about a traumatic event. What is normal and even serves as a means of  survival at first, becomes a problem if not allowed to come to the surface in time. The New Moon in Cancer gives us an opportunity to approach what may seem like 'old issues/problems/challenges/ways of thinking and being, in a new way. And the motivation for this will be Cancer-related about finding our emotional home base-within and around us. Lately I have heard more people talking about wanting to connect with and appreciate more, their connections with community. We all do this in different ways. One person may decide to refocus on the community at hand, while another may choose to leave an established community in search of a new environment, calling, or sense of purpose. However you choose to respond to the call for greater domestic harmony and security, this New Moon in Cancer and the total Solar Eclipse will definitely find us closing doors and heading off in new directions. How this manifests depends on you.

The most important element of this New Moon in Cancer is knowing who you are. When we act unconsciously, without regard for who we are and what we require, believe, and desire in the way of well being and emotional harmony, we may miss the opportunities that lay before us. What appears as disruption, disappointment, or dissolution, may actually be the very signs we need to help us discern what is falling away and dying in our own lives.  Everything changes on a regular basis. Nothing is designed to last forever, and so if we keep trying to hold onto something that is dead or dying, we find ourselves struggling against a rising tide. Notice what you have been resisting, and consider how you may be blocking your own good.  Mourn the passing, walk in grace, and embrace the inflow of blessings and new opportunities. Also look into the faces of those who nurture, love, support, and affirm you, and live in appreciation for what gifts you already possess. Often the goals or objects of our desires, are really much less important than the more intangible ones. And the concrete, practical presence of those we love and care for are more real and authentic that the fantasies that would release us from the healthy and supportive relationships that make our journey more fulfilling.

While we live in a results-oriented and driven culture, how we live in peace with ourselves and those we love is really much more sustaining in the long run. When our safety and security needs are not met, we find ourselves in danger both psychically and physically. As this new lunar cycle is unfolding, notice how your personal and professional/collective needs/goals are aligned to fulfill your basic needs. Consider how you need to make adjustments or integrate learnings to meet with your own changing needs and goals. As is often the case at transition or turning points, something is left behind. The known. What is ahead is often not discernible yet. That often makes the future seem scarier. However, and I speak from experience, sometimes that which we fear or resist the most, ends up being the most fulfilling and rewarding. There are no new discoveries without the willingness to take risks and take the first steps forward. One of the best ways to enter transition is in surrender to the good. After all the discernment, we come to a point when we benefit most by taking the risk and then moving on the momentum it releases. Energetically too, when we create space by letting go of something, we make room for something to enter. Make some room for your good to flow in.

Much of what has been happening in our lives in the past year or two has been about the breaking down and breaking apart of various 'knowns' and aspects of our lives. It may be more on the outside for some (loss, change, movement, new input) while more on the inside for others (shifts in belief, understanding, knowledge, inner desires and needs). Or it may be a combination. However it is transpiring for you, do your best to stay grounded in what fits your own inner code of ethics and conduct and whatever reinforces the answer to the command: Remember who you are. It is in remembering who we are in our essence, that we find true peace and belonging.

The New Moon in Cancer, the Total eclipse of the Sun, also conjuncts the North Node. The North Node is the gateway to the future, and as such this New Moon, eclipse are even more potent than normal new moon cycles. We are often dealing with karmic energy (what we've brought into life to resolve and/or what we've created in this life to settle). This new eclipse cycle Cancer-Capricorn last occurred between 2009-2011.  Reflect back on what was happening at that time to get an idea of what might be resurfacing at this time. For me it coincided with a major move and break from one type of life to a completely new one. Similar changes are occurring now.  While most eclipse cycles trigger change over a course of 3-6 months per eclipse, the current transits are strengthened and may have more long term effects, stretching well into late July, 2020.

Other Aspects:

Mercury and Mars have both moved into Leo, the fire sign that propels both action and communications.

Venus is just a couple of days away from entering Cancer at the time of the New Moon, making whatever house is ruled by Cancer in your chart, packed full of energy.

Uranus is in Taurus squaring Mercury. This indicates there may be some mix ups in communication or delays of some type.

Neptune in Pisces trines the New Moon in Cancer, thereby enhancing our intuitive insight. Pay attention to dreams, inner nudges, inspiration, and  signs and messages that come to us at this time. Your subconscious releases all kinds of helpful information now. Pay attention.

Saturn is in opposition to the New Moon and Sun, and thus we may be facing a major life lesson at this time (from now until July 2020). If we fight the lesson, the way will be more difficult. If we 'go with the flow) it will work more easily and will be more enjoyable.

Look to the next year as a time similar to getting on a slow-moving train on which you are a passenger traveling through unexplored territory. Notice what is calling you forward. Notice what is calling you to answer the command of the Old Deuteronomist. "You have before you the choice between life and death---choose life."  Nothing could be more important to each of us at this time. Choose what gives you life and blesses all.

New Moon in Gemini Uniting Within

Tide Pools                                   Catherine Al-Meten Meyers

At 3:03 A.M. on June 3, 2019 the New Moon in Gemini opens up to new lunar cycle. The Gemini-Sagittarius axis encourages us to develop both our personal and social communication skills. It’s a time to listen to what others have to say as well as a time to recognize the we are not alone in our life choices nor in our understanding of what is meant to be. In a culture like ours that focuses so much on the individual sense of independence and personal responsibiltiy we sometimes feel choices depend on what we seek or desire, alone. This new lunar cycle is a time when we seek to understand better how our own fate is dependent on what is going on in a multitude of other people’s lives and conditions. Knowing what we want is not enough for it to simply occur. Divine right timing may not be in accord with our timing at all. The challenge for this New Moon in Gemini cycle is to come to a deeper understanding of what is needed in our own habits and patterns of life in order for changes to happen that are beneficial and harmonious.

The Gemini New Moon occurs at 12/34 °, the second decan of Gemini. This will have a powerful impact on those with planets, points, and transits between 9-17° of the mutable signs (Gemini,Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces).  Look also to the houses in your chart/life where these mutable signs reside. The Sun in Gemini has been waxing for nearly two weeks, so the Gemini energy has already begun to affect us all, personally and collectively.  Mercury, the planet of all forms of communication, is in the waning degrees (27° Gemini), and will soon be entering the energy of Cancer. Movement toward transition in the Gemini cycle means that your feelings, intuition, dreams, and the general energetic environment has already been buzzing with the nudgings and urges to be heard and to hear with greater attention and care. Be sure to notice the house/area of your life where Gemini reigns. This will be the area that is most affected by this lunar season. Changes in this area will be profound and powerful.

Mercury is very at home in Gemini, and you might notice you’re doing a lot more socializing as well as seeking out more depth in friendships, relationships of all kinds, and in how you wish to understand the world you live in. Curiosity and passions are awoken during this cycle, especially on the intellectual level and in the area of social interaction and activism. Because there is so much stimulation, distractions may be a major issue for us too. It is important to give ourselves enough time to quiet our minds and lives in general, and to take time to reflect and reconsider plans, especially after experiencing so much input. Mercury is near last degree of Gemini as the New Moon in Gemini peaks. On June 4 Mercury will enter Cancer, where it will stay until June 26 (when it enters its retrograde phase until July 19.  Keep this in mind when making plans as decisions and actions are best made prior to the retrograde phase, if at all possible.

Venus has been in earthy, sensual Taurus since May 15. She will enter Gemini on June 8. Until that date, our sensual appetites, love of pleasure and beauty will continue to color our view of the world as well as the choices we are pondering. There is also a great deal of concern about the quality of our purchases and choices, and elegance and solid practicality are favored over temporary or superficial ones. Love and romance have us yearning for tangible expressions during the Taurus transit as well. We require solid expressions of devotion. The tone Venus sets after June 8 when she enters Gemini is quite a switch. Variety, curiosity, and a more detached view of love and romance lightens our emotional senses. Intellectual stimulation becomes more important for us than the more pragmatic expressions of Taurus. The growing edge of this transit is noticing how our more lighthearted and perhaps more fickle view affects those relationships we value most. “Make new friends but keep the old, one is silver and the other is gold” reminds us not to disregard or abuse our trusted relationships in favor of variety and intrigue.

Mars has been in Cancer since May 15, and will remain there until July 1. Mars in Cancer moves us into the realm of safety, security, and the nurturing of home, hearth, and family. Mars, planet of action, softens some in the realm of watery, emotional Cancer. We are more drenched in the emotional aspect of how our actions affect ourselves and others. Emotional harmony is one of the key needs during this transit. There may be a tendency to be a little moodier than we normally feel (especially if we are not water sign people). On the other hand for those with more water in their charts, this might be a very positive, balanced time with less the stress and edginess of the recent transit through an air sign. We feel more connected and grounded emotionally.

Marina of DarkStar Astrology calls the New Moon in Gemini, the Balancer.  As in all signs, the oppositions, polarities, and dualities innate in the energy of Gemini can affect us in one of two ways. We can fight or resist the duality or we can seek a blending and balancing, a movement toward wholeness. The best way of course is to see how opposites blend to help us cultivate both sides of our inner conflicts and the natural polarities in our nature and the nature of the world in which we live. Fighting and resisting leads to more conflict, greater stress in meeting challenges, and in delays in coming to wholeness or in finding solutions in allowing the unfolding to take place in our lives. This New Moon in Libra occurs as the Moon transits the constellation of Orion. Unlike many of our recent New Moon cycles, there are few heavy aspects to this New Moon. A semi-sextile (think of it as a harmonious nudge or gentle encouragement) of the Moon and Sun to Mars. This makes the energy of the New Moon in Gemini feel more like  release of pressure and stress than other recent transits. That doesn’t mean, however, nothing is afoot.

Orion is one of the more potent and powerful, lusty and sexually energizing constellations, so this will be a very stimulating time. Love, courtship, fertility, and the conquest are highlighted with this new moon. This may express itself in different ways, depending upoin what part of your chart/life the Sun and Moon are currently transiting. It could bring more intrigue, twists and turns, and surprising behind the scenes mystery. Gemini sparks the desire to debate, conquer, compete, and challenge (intellectually). If one does not have a well-developed intellect or sense of social justice and a strong moral code, this intrigue could lead to less than positive and downright dirty tricks. So it’s best to keep watch to make sure you’re not drawn into something that is not what it sells itself to be. There may be a pull between familial obligations and a desire for personal pleasure. This may also manifest as a pull between duty and obligations with work/career and career and a desire and need to be free from responsibilites and the daily routines that may have been weighing you down. We’re nearing a change of seasons and the end to the academic and school year so the need for a more leisurely life may hold the answer to this tug of war. We all need to take breaks, find ways to rest more and restore, especially after a long period of hard work, heavy obligations, and nose-to-the-grindstone kinds of periods. Plan some breaks. Take time off. Set aside a part of every day, indeed within each work period, to stand up, stretch, take a walk, change your pace and perspective. Move things around a bit, and start looking at the world a bit differently. Open windows, get some fresh air, start an exercise routine that takes advantage of the outdoors and nature. Do what you can to build in tranquility, serenity, renewal, and refreshing changes into each day. Be wary of trying to hold the reins of your life and the lives of those for whom you are responsible, so tight that no one can breathe. Leave room, space, and time so that every moment isn’t filled in with activity and obligatory duty. The energy of Gemini is like  a tightly wound clock, and if you get too high of an adrenaline rush, it overwhelms and short circuits your whole body. Get some rest. Slow down your pace. Let go of some of the ‘duties’ you don’t really need to take on. Lighten your load, and give yourself ways to channel that energy into something more soothing. Dance, walk, swim, ride, paint, garden, or do whatever it is that you dream about having time to do. Make the time fit your needs now.

Another ongoing transit and aspect is that of Pluto’s conjucntion to the North Node and Neptune’s trine to the North Node. Pluto, the Great Transformer sitting atop the North Node (gateway to the future) signals the end of what we’ve been transforming in our lives these last few years and the start of a new phase of life where the transformation will unfold in a big way. Neptune, the planet that rules intuition, creativity, the hidden and unconscious trines the North Node as it also squares the retrograde Jupiter. The negative aspect can trigger Neptune’s tendency to deceit and cult-like behavior with Jupiters over the top enthusiasm bordering on zealotry.  Venus is trining Pluto offering a softening on the transformative and transitional nature of the lunar cycle. Notice where you might be pulled towards the darker edge of these transists, and resist getting drawn into the negativity or fanatacism of any of this energy. It is important to remain on an even keel even when the emotional and intellectual seas become rough and stormy. 

Though the New Moon is not being heavily aspected itself, and though we may not be directly drawn into the heavy edge of some of the other aspects, there is much going on behind the scenes--actions and plans which we cannot control or know at this time. Ground yourself in a place of peace and harmony within and within your own realm. Make your plans and changes in accordance with what you know to be good, sound, balanced, healthy, and right. This is a very karmic New Moon in Gemini, so you will be coping with whatever remains to be handled to insure your path is clear forward. Choose the path of the peaceful warrior, and avoid acting as the armed guard of your own life and the lives of those around you. Choose compassion over power. Choose love over hate. Choose peace over struggle. Choose kindness over getting your own way. As the Old Deuteronomist says, “We have before us a choice between life and death. Choose life.”

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.