New Lunar Year Begins with a Stellenium in Aquarius.

On Thursday, February 11, 2021 at 11:05 a.m. PST/2:05 p.m. EST, the New Moon peaks in Aquarius.

As the Sun, Moon, and planets in our Solar System transit in their orbits, we find the Sun, Moon, and four planets aligning in Aquarius for a grand stellenium of airy, innovative and visionary gathering.  Depending where they line up in your chart/life, you will feel the heightened energy which should lead to some progressive and much needed changes. Thinking outside the box is definitely called for. Looking at routines, habits, and established patterns from a new angle allows us each to break out of routines, stagnant belief systems, and worn out ways of being and knowing. 

The needed changes may result from the New Moon and this Aquarius stellium bringing about circumstances or conditions which make it impossible to ignore or suppress what must now come to the surface.  Whatever has been pushed aside, a thought, a plan, an acknowledgement of possibility, now becomes much more likely and realistic. Where you might have been afraid to make changes in the recent past, you now understand the probable need to move in a new direction and in a new way because the shifts that have taken place, make the routines and past plans impossible now. When shifts in our lives happen, we can not put off making changes much longer. To fail to act on our own behalf now, will put us behind the 8-ball in the near future. Bravery, vision, risk, and faith in the power of your own right to prosper and be fulfilled is highlighted at this New Moon.

All new moons are opportunities for starting out on new pathways and for planning or starting new projects.  This Aquarius New Moon is the Queen of new pathways, and her court of other Aquarius planets and the Sun (both inner and outer planets) support a major change which is in store. This Aquarius New Moon is the harbinger of positive changes on the horizon. This New Moon also opens the Lunar New Year, the Year of the Metal Ox. A yin sign, this new lunar year is going to be more slow-paced and symbolically more nourishing, stabilizing, and healing. It is a time to focus more on encouraging due diligence, gratitude, service to others, and altruism

The New Moon in Aquarius is at her peak just hours after Venus conjoins Jupiter in Aquarius, making this harmonious for love, beauty, romance, and attractions. This helps buffer the Saturn-Uranus square that brings sudden shocks that make us have to cope with old, unresolved wounds, conflicts, and lessons yet to be learned. There is the possibility that passions will be sparked, imagination and intuition will be heightened, and creativity will flourish as Neptune and Mars form a sextile. Sextiles create harmonious aspects, and this little flame allows for us to use this energy to channel whatever needs to be soothed, healed, or rejuvenated. 

The New Moon in Aquarius peaks at 11:05 a.m. PST/2:05 p.m. EST as she conjoins Mercury and squares Mars.  A wide square, Mars may serve to impel or motivate us to action or may bring us news, information that sheds greater light in the darkness. Whatever is revealed, needs to be used in context of the greater need to leave what must be shed behind, so that we can embrace and enter fully into the inevitable changes to come. Though change doesn’t necessarily come fast as it did last year in the yang energy of the Year of the Rat, it will come. And our task now is to rest, regenerate, heal, plan, and allow the new path to unfold as we let go of resistance to the changes. 

Venus and Jupiter are conjunct in Aquarius, and together with the Sun and Moon shed their blessings on us as we experience  good fortune with both finances and love. One of the best aspects, in Aquarius this conjunction frees our minds to envision our highest good and possibilities we might have been afraid to entertain before. After the shifts of 2019-2020’ pandemic and financial/political upheaval, we are beginning to come out of our bunkers to examine how our lives have changed. Time to reevaluate what matters most and align ourselves and our priorities accordingly. 

Perhaps the biggest challenge at this time is the Saturn-Uranus square which comes to its peak on February 17 (this is a long-term aspect) heightening the frustration and tension you may be feeling (and that is playing out in the world at large). This is due to unexpected changes, not to your liking. What feels like a violation of your rights/freedom, make it even more apparent that you need to respond/react. When changes are made that we have no control over, it forces us to do one of two things. React, which often is out of fear, anger, or a sense of helplessness. Or respond, which enables us to make changes we might have thought impossible, or take action which puts us on a new track. We have the choice in how we respond, but we are faced with some situations that bring this to light.

The stellium of planets including the Sun and Moon in Aquarius occur in most charts/lives in at least two areas of life. Together with planets in Pisces, Aries, and Taurus, we have a lot of energy in one main area of our lives. For example, this may occur predominantly in the lower hemisphere of the zodiac (highlighting one’s personal life), the upper hemisphere (outer life-interactions in the world), the left/western hemisphere, highlighting how one’s interactions, inner world affect our appearance and how we value ourselves, or the right/eastern hemisphere highlighting our home, families, daily activities, marriage/partnerships, and heritage. 

To determine how this New Moon in Aquarius and its stellium is affecting you, look at your chart to see where the Aquarius stellium is  most dominant. If you can’t see your chart, look at your life, and most often if you get a bit of perspective, you’ll see what issues need to be resolved, where you feel more pressure/conflict, where the past is calling for action, or where you feel some release from what you had thought would be an impossible situation. 

As  Sun-Moon Aquarius conjoin, they align with the fixed star Sadalsuud, the Star of Destiny, also called the luckiest of the lucky stars. Our destiny is linked to both what choices we make and what happens to us that is outside our power to control. The intersection of our own fate and our happiness resides in the way we respond to what happens, and how we choose to move ahead. This is a crucial time when all of our lives have been and are being changed. The ground beneath our feet continues to shift, and we need to keep on remembering how to dance. When we dance, we move to the music and we make our movements as graceful and meaningful as we can. Dance on the precipice of whatever change is happening, and find ways to nurture yourself and others in the process. 

Happy New Moon, Happy  Lunar New Year. Cherish your loved ones, Relationships are favored even though they may require some adjustments, and good fortune is yours. Keep your eyes, heart, and mind open to the signs and shifts in your life, and embrace the good fortune that awaits you as you move onto a new path. 

New Moon in Capricorn: Gateway to Change

Light on the Horizon

 As the New Moon in Capricorn on January 13 approaches, we find ourselves at the gateway of tremendous changes. Four planets, three in close conjunction, are in the cardinal earth sign of Capricorn. Three others, slow-moving Saturn and Jupiter, and inner, fast-moving planet Mercury are in Aquarius. The slow-moving Saturn and Jupiter are generational planets, meaning they carry the same energy for much longer periods of time--2 ½ years per sign for Saturn, a year for Jupiter. The cluster of heavenly bodies in both signs, indicate heavy elements of change are having a profound effect on whatever houses/areas of life they transit in your chart. 

For Aries Ascendents, the 10th (life purpose/career) and 11th (friends, social contacts, institutional relationships) are being most affected. 

For Taurus Ascendant, the 9th (philosophy, religion, higher education, travel, contact with other lands, cultures and good luck) and the 10th house, (life purpose, career). 

For Gemini Ascendant, 8th house (birth, death, transitions, taxes, social standing, property, inheritance, deep mysteries) and 9th house (philosophy, religion, higher education, travel, contact with other lands, cultures and good luck) and the 10th house, (life purpose, career). 

For Cancer Ascendents, 7th house (marriage, partnership, your role and how you form committed relationships)  and 8th house  (birth, death, transitions, taxes, social standing, property, inheritance, deep mysteries)

For Leo Ascendents, 6th house (physical body/health, daily routines/jobs/work, hygiene, pets, self care) and 7th house (marriage, partnership, your role and how you form committed relationships

For Virgo Ascendant 5th house (inner child, pleasure and enjoyment, artistic expression, creativity, passions and what stirs passion) and 6th house (physical body/health, daily routines/jobs/work, hygiene, pets, self care) 

For Libra Ascendents, 4th house (relationships with mother, maternal instincts, home and where you feel at home, domesticity, where you find yourself at peace) and 5th house (inner child, pleasure and enjoyment, artistic expression, creativity, passions and what stirs passion)

For Scorpio Ascendant 3rd house (local community, neighbors, sisters/brothers, all forms of communication and transportation) and 4th house. relationships with mother, maternal instincts, home and where you feel at home, domesticity, where you find yourself at peace) 

For Sagittarius Ascendant, 2nd house (how we value ourselves, finances, and seek security in the world and 3rd house (local community, neighbors, sisters/brothers, all forms of communication and transportation)

For Capricorn Ascendant, 1st house (Ascendent. How you appear to the world, what you project. How you are defined your body and physical appearance, and voyage of discovery and beginnings) and 2nd house (how we value ourselves, finances, and seek security in the world) 

For Aquarius Ascendant, 12th house (the unseen realm, unconscious, secrets dreams, emotions , intuition, hidden knowledge) and 1st house. (Ascendent. How you appear to the world, what you project. How you are defined by your body and physical appearance, and voyage of discovery and beginnings).

For Pisces Ascendents, 11th house (where you make your debut in society, friendships, colleagues, social circles/institutions which you identify with, as well as and 12th house (the unseen realm, unconscious, secrets dreams, emotions , intuition, hidden knowledge) and 1st house. (Ascendent. How you appear to the world, what you project. How you are defined by your body and physical appearance, and voyage of discovery and beginnings).

Because the big line up, and the New Moon in Capricorn are moving through these two areas of your life, it is important to look at both to see how you are being motivated and encouraged to make major changes. Because of the upheaval in the world in which we live, the limitations and unparalleled upset with which each of us must cope, it is vital that we look at what areas of our own lives are being transformed and impacted by both inner and outer influences, developments, and needs.  

Venus in Capricorn, just entered this sign. She will move through Capricorn over the next 23 days, after which she will enter Aquarius. Venus represents all things to do with beauty, love, harmony, and romance. It signifies the way in which you love and value life and love. Venus will conjunct the Sun, the Moon, and Pluto over the next month. 

New Moon in Capricorn conjunct the Sun and Pluto. A new path opens before you now, and it will be the culmination of a number of years of chance, transition, upheaval, and transformation in this particular area of life. Life will change in major ways on some level, and you will walk away from what has been outgrown, lost, transformed, and died. You will be rethinking many things about how you live and where you live. This aspect makes us become a bit restless and very intense. So deeply that we cannot help but break away from the past to find what draws us forward to a more meaningful life.

Sun in Capricorn, conjunct a New Moon brings with it ambition and an intense urge for change. This has the opposite effect of a retrograd. Full speed ahead.  Change or the desire for change, is intensified, and we find ourselves preparing emotionally, physically, mentally, and spiritually to charge our soul-filled sense of meaning for life, into a form and into action that expresses our highest good. Notice what and where in your life you long to live out more of your life purpose and start creating some plans or acting on the ones you’ve been building for a while.

Saturn, Jupiter, and Mercury  in Aquarius all indicate where the  change has already begun. Notice how the movement of the Sun, Moon, and Pluto may be moving you closer to your goals. are both powerful planets. They bring action, surprises, and movement. Both are still conjunct in Taurus

Mars and Uranus are conjunct in Taurus. Both are planets of action, change, and heavily influence this New Moon. Uranus is stationary from its retrograde cycle, and goes direct the day after the New Moon, January 24. This eases things with finances. Next week, on the 19th, Mars and Uranus form squares to Saturn and Jupiter, and the public will demand changes that bring greater security and this will provide even greater financial security. 

The Mars-Uranus conjunction become exact on the day Joseph Biden and Kamala Harris take office on January 20.The New Moon that is building for January 12-13 (Tuesday 9:00 p.m. PST/Wednesday 12:00 a.m.EST) ends one major cycle and begins a new one. The impact of this New Moon will be felt and experienced for the next year. It’s intense with 6 squares (push to move/change and 4 conjunctions (heavy emphasis, intensified experience). It’s a point of grave crisis, which I don’t think we can fail but see even without understanding astrological implications.

Frustration, tension, and conflict is building, however Venus’ trine to Mars-Uranus helps relieve some of that tension. As we face intense challenges, we have the opportunity to grow and develop by facing the challenges and making the necessary changes for coping with them. This is both a collective and personal time for soul growth and development. 

Take heart, keep the faith, take care of yourselves, and we will right the ship and make our way through the darkness into the Light. 

Changing Times: New Moon in Sagittarius, Total Solar Eclipse, Saturn enters Aquarius.

December 14, 2020, the New Moon in Sagittarius at 23 degrees (third decan) occurs at 8:16 am PST/11:16 am EST.  This New Moon coincides with a total Solar Eclipse, the first this year in the Gemini-Sagittarius axis. This Solar Eclipse sets up the tone for the next 6 months, and focuses our attention and energy on all Jupiter-related matters. 

Jupiter, the planet of Abundance, is the ruler of Sagittarius. New beginnings now are related to belief systems, the love of adventure, philosophical ideas, as well as how our faith/belief systems affect and are made manifest in our personal lives. In matters where we might have once held back for fear of reprisal or judgment, we now feel emboldened to stand in the truth of what helps us build cohesive and constructive social relationships. This begins on a personal New Moon level with time spent in introspection and reflection, but is borne out through our behavior. 

How we do this may be reflected in our growing interest in the world of ideas and the state of the world in which we live. As this year most of us have had our lives impacted by the pandemic, we have been able to examine more deeply what our lives are built upon and what matters to us. And we have a growing sense of what we have to offer through service, creativity, leadership, and expertise. We all have something that longs to be borne out through our lived experiences, and we see more clearly how we all must be part of the growth and change needed for improving, healing, and creating a more equitable world. We witness the depravity, violence, and distortions of truth and what that breeds, so we must rally to build a better system for all of us. 

We too may come to be a bit more aware of how our personal lives need to be built on rising above the mundane aspects of our daily lives as we seek to add to the improvement of what needs to be fixed, repaired, created, and envisioned. We need to begin to assess what gifts, talents, and experiences we’ve had, and how those equip us for taking a more active role to add something of beauty, service, imagination, innovation, or some other form of building up as opposed to the tearing down that has become the hallmark of the last few years.  

At this New Moon in Sagittarius time, we need to each take some time to imagine how we can help co-create a more perfect union of human activity, service, and development. We must take stock of what we feel needs healing, repairing in our own thinking, behavior, lifestyle, as we begin to envision change for the better. For many, this year has been a time when life seemed to stand still in so many ways. To shift in not only how we live, but also in what we valued and deemed important.  We may too have gotten bogged down in our own self interests, disappointments, struggles, to the point that we lost our bearings or lost sight of possibilities.This is when we begin to dream and imagine, and hope again.

By fostering optimism, hope, enthusiasm, a sense of adventure, and these more positive qualities in ourselves, we can then translate this energy into works, acts, creations, and ideas that transcend our own personal needs and desires. We need to be as strong and healthy as possible now, to help in rebuilding and recreating a world that has undergone a major transformation and shift. 

The New Moon in Sagittarius forms an aspect to the South Node, indicating that we must let go of something that we’ve clung to. South Node transits require releasing what is no longer functioning or elevating our development. This certainly is the case when we look at  the world at large. The pandemic, climate crisis, and the subsequent problems for people on all parts of the planet, require that we change the way we behave on every conceivable level, in order to face the growing needs and the looming issues that demand to be addressed.

Look in your chart/life to the sector that is ruled by Sagittarius, and notice what has been shifting in a major way for you.  For those who have studied astrology for a long period of time, you might look back to what was happening at other eclipse cycles of Sagittarius.  In December of 1955, December of 1974, December of 1982, and December of 2001,there were similar passages. In 1955 Rosa Parks was arrested for refusing to give up her seat on a bus to a white man. The Tappan Zee Bridge opened the AFL-CIO unions merged. And the bus boycott began in Montgomery, Alabama after the arrest of Rosa Parks. In 1974, Nixon resigned the presidency (earlier in the year), and the European Community was beginning to be formed under the influence of the New Moon and Solar eclipse. The Dow Jones hit 570, doing so much damage to the economy it took more than 20 years to recover. In 1982 during the Reagan administration, Barney Clark received the first artificial heart.Times man of the year is ‘a computer’. In 2001, the world was in an upheaval. Osama bin Ladin was fomenting terrorism, the shoe bomber was caught, and terrorist bombings were a threat. Enron filed bankruptcy (taking millions in pension funds with it), and TWA flew its last flight after 76 years in business. 

Think back to your own life to see what was going on at that time for you. 

The New Moon in Sagittarius is conjunct the Sun, and Mercury and the South Node. This makes us feel like we’d like to pull the covers over our heads and go back to sleep, but we need to stay awake and aware, and take steps,no matter how small, toward lifting and lighting up the world we live in and the world for others.  A good friend of mine just sent me two books (to light up my mind) and strings of lights to literally light up my home. However we let our light shine now, it’s important to share what we can to lift others. Write a letter, card, a poem. Share a special thought or prayer. Send your Light out into the world, and dwell in gratitude for the Light in your own life, now more than ever.

Venus has been in Scorpio, and transits to Sagittarius the day after the New Moon. So some kind of completion, ending, parting may take place on the subconscious level during the New Moon that manifests after Venus goes into Sagittarius.  What has been a burden or a heavy challenge, may soon end. 

Mars is still in Aries until January 6, after which time it moves into Taurus. For now thought, it trines the New Moon, the Sun, Mercury, a harmonious aspect that may spark concrete, positive changes. 

Uranus in 7 degrees of Taurus, is making some stressful aspects to Pluto, Jupiter, and Saturn, the three outer planets that are all in their final degrees of their long transits through Capricorn. Saturn is at 29 degrees right now, and this is the anaretic/critical degree when endings, completions take place after a very long tumultuous period of learning and change. Saturn’s entry into Aquarius on March 21, 2021, so the next few months will be filled with final steps, endings, and completion so that a new path opens. We’re moving from a heavily earth-centered energy into more airy and focused more on intellect, independence, innovation, visionary, and decision making based on knowledge and intelligence. 

On the 19th of December, Jupiter also enters Aquarius, and nearly four years from now, Pluto will also enter Aquarius.  These three planets have been transiting Capricorn for the last 6-7 years, transforming our lives in major ways. Understand that the end of these two major planets in Capricorn, are apt to feel heavy and will release whatever has been shed over the last few years, once and for all. The lessons we’ve learned, the gifts we’ve developed, are what we now can use to equip ourselves for the new world ahead.

These major shifts in the outer planets  are pushing us even more into this channel of growth and development, as individuals and as a human community. Let’s work together, in both our personal lives, and in our dealings with others, to help heal, repair, lift, and extend the positive energy that we need to help co-create a world of greater peace, justice, compassion, and shared love for all humanity and the planet. It’s what is needed. It’s what we need to find meaning and purpose in a world that has been torn asunder. We can choose to repair and heal, or we can be part of what makes it fall apart. Choose life.

With this New Moon in Sagittarius, a total Solar Eclipse, followed by Saturn and Jupiter entering new signs within days of one another, this next few weeks is bount to be an interesting, powerful, and significant time. Use your energy, spiritual practices, time, resources, and creativity to give yourself time to envision ways of thinking and believing that translate into positive, constructive forms of healing, teaching, and relating. Take good care of yourselves, and let the Light shine into your heart and soul. Be receptive to the Divine Light and Wisdom that infuses us all. Blessings to you all as you celebrate the holy days of your traditions and cultures. Create new ways to honor Life, Love, and Compassion for all.

New Moon in Scorpio: The Path of Light Ahead

It is on November 14th  that I write, and the 5-day festival of Diwali has begun. It seems an appropriate moment to celebrate the triumph of the Light over the Dark, the Conscious over the unconscious, hope over despair. We need to celebrate, and this new lunar path is the perfect time to do so. 

On November 14/15, 2020 at 9:07 P.M./12:07 A.M. the New Moon in Scorpio opens a new pathway for us all. The New Moon in the third decan of Scorpio at 23/18 degrees focuses our attention on plumbing the depths of our passions and intuition.  Perceptions are heightened, as you may have noticed in dreams and sudden insights over the last couple of days when the Moon entered this realm.

We are now in position and the right balance of energies to make important changes in our lives. By being brave enough to go deeper into the mysteries and unknown in and around us, we can cast off fears and begin acting more in alignment with our highest good than in sticking with the status quo or habitual patterns and ways of behaving. We have a real opportunity to make a breakthrough in our understanding of others, our own fears and biases, and in making some significant changes in these areas.

Time is right to focus energy and attention on relationships, commitments, and passions that point us in the direction of what is most meaningful and fulfilling. Time to invest more heavily in building up and strengthening what is most alive and fertile, while at the same time releasing distractions, soul-draining thinking, and may have been sucking life-affirming energy from you and from those commitments and obligations. 

It is a time to release fears, renew energy, and take steps to a healthier, freer way of living.  The Sun in Scorpio (until Nov.21) in conjunction with this New Moon in Scorpio energizes our desire to experience life more fully, deeply, and passionately. Not willing to settle for shallow, incomplete answers, we see to discover the hidden meanings and unravel mysteries that we might have hesitated to before.  Feelings and emotions run deep, and there seems to be nothing mediocre or mundane about our experience of life now. We can experience profound insights that allow us to unlock mysteries and challenges, allowing us to experience deep transformation and healing. 

Mercury just went into Scorpio on November 10, and will be in this sign longer than usual.  Mercury’s transit through Scorpio is a time when we seek and feel greater intensity. We seek with greater intensity to uncover hidden truths, pull back the veils that hide the spiritual and emotional realities that have kept us from making significant changes. Our need now is for more intense communication with our most trusted and loved ones.

 A deeply emotional and healing under the influence of New Moon in the fixed sign of Scorpio, awakens regenerative powers within us. Intense though the emotions may be, calls upon us to embrace the better angels of our emotions and feelings. When we focus on channeling our feelings into their higher vibratory energy, we lean towards more lasting commitments, deeper understanding. We find ourselves more receptive to the promise and hope for greater love and fulfillment.

Mars in Aries, having just come out from its retrograde motion, fills us with more energy and a desire to move forward. We may feel more motivated to make plans and start taking more courageous steps in the direction of change for the better. Having weathered some storms that tested us in ways we hadn’t expected, we have a renewed confidence that fuels us to direct our actions more clearly and single-mindedly towards meaningful goals. Still in its stationary position, we need some time to recuperate and get nourishment before we move too rapidly. Now is the time for rest and renewal, and for nourishing all levels of our being. Focus most of your actions on finding a greater balance and achieving harmony and well being. 

Mars is in Opposition to Uranus, slowing our momentum a bit, and bringing up new insights and situations that must be addressed before we can move forward with the needed energy and strength. Really calling for us to take good care of ourselves with heavy doses of TLC (Tender Loving Care). One way of doing this is  by getting rid of whatever is no longer nourishing or life-affirming. Start with something simple like cleaning off a shelf of the fridge or a drawer or table top that is cluttered. Whatever you do on the surface, will help release energy at other levels of being.

With  Saturn, Jupiter, Pluto, and Pallas all in Capricorn, we find ourselves using the lessons we’ve learned to steel ourselves (Saturn the Great Teacher) and to make peace with what is (Pallas) so that we can take control of our energy, behavior, purpose (Pluto the Great Transformer) to develop to our full potential (Jupiter, Abundance and Opportunity). A very potent way to begin on a new path. To move into the depths of our being and to bring that forth from within to direct into creating, healing, producing, and launching our new path forward.

The New Moon in Scorpio Aspects:

Moon sextile Jupiter enhances growth, brings optimism, and finds us surrounded with a sense of optimism, goodwill, and cooperation. A very fortunate aspect especially since it’s at the start of a new lunar cycle. Blessings, good luck, success, and opportunities for growth in body, mind, and spirit (watch out for overdoing, lol).

Moon sextile Pluto, the Great Transformer intensifies our desire and motivation to finish what has been started, and to achieve results. Greater personal power improves our ability to understand the connections between inner growth and outer success/fulfillment. We get it in ways we may have not comprehended before.

Jupiter conjunct Pluto for the third and last time, bringing fulfillment, completion, and the realization of a dream, achievement of a goal, and promise of good outcomes. Good fortune and success are the more likely results of this aspect especially since greed, arrogance, and ruthlessness will cancel out the best that this aspect has to offer. Count your blessings, make amends, and move on so you can enjoy the bounty that awaits.

It’s a powerful New Moon with few of the hard aspects we’ve experienced earlier in the year. Promise of good changes and results on the horizon. Now is the time to rest, heal, celebrate life, and prepare for a brighter future. 

Fixed Stars and their influence. 

Unulkalhai symbolizes the nature of Saturn and Mars. 

When in alignment with the Sun, may signify quarrels, disappointments, loss of someone.  Depends where the Sun is in your life/chart. As we are all in the middle of a pandemic, it’s likely we have been touched by loss this year.

When in alignment with the  Moon, signifies learning of intrigues, poisonings, toxic/unstable authorities and environment.

Fixed Star Agena  symbolizes the nature of Venus and Jupiter.

Friendship, morality, friendship, honor, dignity. 

Alignment with the Sun and the Moon give opportunities to choose between taking the high road or the low. Acting out of love and respect, or out of bitterness and fear. The choice is yours, but then the fruits are the consequences of what you choose.

Agena is the brighter of the two stars, and so that my friends is what we’re faced with in the way we choose to live. This New Moon in Scorpio is full of promise, with very little outside our own choices having a greater impact on what path we choose ahead. Given this New Moon in Scorpio comes at the end of a very tumultuous time, in the middle of a worldwide pandemic, we have the power within our own simple daily choices to choose Light or to go the way of the unconscious, unawakened, unredeemed aspects of ourselves. This is a propitious time, full of hope and possibilities. Let’s choose to rise to the occasion and get on with the repairing, healing, and transformation. 

“Hope is being able to see that there is Light despite all the darkness.”

--Bishop Desmond Tutu.

New Moon in Libra: A Path To the Light

 

On Friday, October 16, 2020 at 12:32 PDT/3:32 EDT, the New Moon conjoins with the Sun in Libra at 23/58 degrees, opening a new lunar cycle. Occurring in the 3rd decan on Libra, this New Moon forms some powerful aspects to a number of other planets. Throughout the week leading up to the New Moon, the Moon forms some powerful aspects to other planets first, reminding us of old patterns and unresolved issues. 

On the day of the Libra New Moon, The Sun and Moon form a strong opposition to retrograde Mars in Aries. We are likely more aware than usual of needing to set some boundaries, especially in close relationships where we may be feeling resentful, hedged in, or pushed to the breaking point.  Oppositions are about finding a middle ground where we can maintain our sense of balance, safety, as we also maintain our own identity and strength. Rather than being drawn into battle, use the sword of Libra to cut through the chains that we have allowed ourselves to be bound in. The Tarot Card, the 8 of Swords, most represents the dilemma we find ourselves in when we lash out at others or blame others for those inner struggles we are caught up in. 

We generally find unacceptable or distasteful those qualities in others that we have a hard time facing in ourselves. Why do we do this? Most likely because we’re afraid to face the truth. And all of us have areas of ourselves we’ve yet to uncover, explore,or admit. That’s normal. What’s not normal, is to spend our lives blaming others for what we cannot see in ourselves. Finding the perfect lover? Being in the perfect job? Having the perfect friend? We’ve no hope of finding in the world beyond ourselves that which we refuse to see or look for. What binds us is what we choose to deny or ignore, or pretend isn’t really our fault.  

Situations and conditions may have a huge impact on each of our lives, however we do have the freedom to respond differently, if we choose. This is the lunar pathway of  finding balance and harmony, Libra’s true north, in spite of whatever challenges we are coping with. Mars, the planet of action and aggression, may devolve into toxic masculinity which triggers us to react or respond based on what we’ve learned in the past or governed by unresolved and unconscious outbursts or attempts to suppress  or project those feelings we find hardest to cope with.  Rather than being afraid or worried about the feelings, emotions, or fears themselves, be courageous enough to examine them to discern what power they hold over you and what strengths you have within to face them and find new ways of coping. 

Again, when we refuse to see that toxic relationships, or misguided attempts have led us into a dark place or have crossed over the boundaries we need to feel safe and secure, we must establish some new limits and be willing to make the changes necessary to protect our integrity and that of our relationships. Stuffing feelings down or ‘going along to get along’ will not work to create a healthy balance in the long run.

Couple the impact of the energy of Mars coming into opposition with our emotional temperment (The MOON) and our life expression (The SUN), is made even more significant because the Moon in Libra forms a jarring square to Pluto, The Great Transformer, Saturn, the Great Teacher, and Jupiter, the planet of abundance, excess, and good fortune.  Squares shake things up in whatever areas of our lives they touch. All three outer planets in Capricorn, the earth sign where they’ve been for several years, gives us another reminder that nothing will change until we change. Nothing will improve significantly for the long haul if we insist on making the same mistakes over and over. 

Remember Einstein’s definition of insanity is doing something over and over though we know it doesn’t work. To loose ourselves of the chains we’ve created, the narrative we’ve told ourselves and others of who we are and why we do what we do, requires getting clearer about the reality of who we are and what we need to do to survive, thrive, and become fulfilled. What needs to be corrected or more aligned to your true north? What needs to change or has already changed in your reality that you’re still holding onto, hoping it will ‘just disappear”. This New Moon in Libra is an encouraging time for authentic change and for realigning our course and direction.  

The Sun and Moon in Libra the ruler of love, beauty, the aesthetics of harmony and relationships is in direct opposition at this time to Neptune in Pisces. While Libra time awakens us to our heart’s desires, this New Moon reminds us that our hearts can be deceived, again, not so much by others (though that does happen), but more so by we, ourselves who refuse to learn the lessons we say we want.  When the lessons show up, we reach automatically for some old pattern or reaction or habit for coping. If those old ways didn’t work before, we might ask ourselves, “What makes me think this time it’s different?” 

Another interesting element of this month's new lunar pathway is the North Node in Gemini. Jupiter in Capricorn, Neptune in Pisces, and Venus in Virgo are forming aspects. Jupiter is in opposition and Neptune and Venus are squaring. What this means is we're feeling challenged in some pretty significant ways. Jupiter calls us to find a way to see the changes as more beneficial. Losses may really be gains in disguise. Neptune and Venus indicate we may be living under some false conceptions or perceptions, and when we open to our heart's messages, we're more likely to find the way forward...the path that will be more fulfilling than we at first may see. Trust your heart.

The process of discernment involves honestly looking at how we might really come to understand a situation, relationship, position, or perspective when it’s time for change and/or a new view of the situation and our relationship to it. The Libra scales find balance somewhere between the extremes we are faced with. Somewhere in the middle ground. A true harmony is possible only when we find that middle ground long enough and often enough to withstand the extremes of both the good times and the bad where we find ourselves more often than not. That harmony, point of balance is that lovely spot we find often enough to remind us what love truly is. What love actually lifts up in us as well as what we are capable of slogging through in order to find it again. 

For Libras in general, and for that area of where Libra is in your own chart/life, the question at this New Moon is what needs to be brought back into harmony in order for me to sustain and nourish my whole life? Take some time to enjoy the beauty of this season. Look up at the starry sky and watch as Mars makes its closest encounter to Earth and shakes us up down to our roots, reminding us that our emotional happiness and fulfillment is in our hands as we shine our light, our expression of life, into the world with the clearest and most beautiful expression of who we are. Acknowledge the gifts you have, the talents you possess, and take out the best in yourself to shine up and set upon the altar of life. Your life, a precious gift that needs to be set free to shine brightly. We all need to be honoring the Divine within and all around, infused in our thinking, actions, and interactions with one another. As we work together to weave a more perfect union, a more harmonious world in which to live and thrive, we each need to take time to honor the power within and to nourish and protect that gift.  Blessings to you on this New Moon in Libra’s most beautiful unfolding.

New Moon in Virgo, September 17, 2020

 

At 4:00 a.m. (PDT; 7:00 a.m. EDT) on Thursday the New Moon in Virgo ushers in a new lunar pathway. Aligning at 25/1 degrees of Virgo with the Sun, the Moon in Virgo also forms an exact trine with Saturn 25 degrees and Pluto 22 degrees in Capricorn. Today (Tuesday) the Moon will form a nice trine with Jupiter before the New Moon on Thursday. Now is the time to prepare yourself, body,  mind, and soul for what good you wish to draw into your life and what you would like to see created in the world. Also a crucial time to release what needs to go. Clear out, clean out, and prepare for the new. Uranus in 10 degrees of Taurus may also reveal some shocking and surprising changes that are going to have a major impact on our lives, and in particular, in our own personal lives. 

Watch for messages, new surprising news or  changes, that may give you some idea of what area of life needs attention or alteration. Neptune in Pisces (One of Pisces rulers) exactly opposite the New Moon in salt the clouds of your dreams and intuition, and may provide fertile knowledge. Be alert. Be aware of shifts and flashes of intuition or imagination.  Gifts appear in unusual ways from odd and strange sources. 

This New Moon in Virgo comes as the High Holy Days of Judaism, Rosh Hashanah (Sept. 19-20) and Yom Kippur (Sept. 27-28).  The season ahead is full of sacred times for many religious/spiritual/cultural traditions). Next Tuesday, September 22, the Autumnal Equinox is observed in the Northern Hemisphere, the Spring Equinox in the Southern Hemisphere. We are in the season of harvesting, and preparing for what's ahead. These few days are our time to set our focus on what matters most, and what we need to do, be, and prepare to move in that direction. In a time when we might feel we have few choices or are only limited, we must see what inner resources and strength we have for coping with and prospering in a healthy way, with whatever unfolds. 

Jupiter in Capricorn is in exact opposition to the North Node in Gemini. Whatever happened a year ago at this time and what is happening now, your choices, focus, and decisions/plans, indicate what will unfold a year from now. Dream your biggest dreams. Plan for the best of outcomes. Set aside anxiety, worry, and apprehension, in full knowledge that whatever happens, you have the gifts and resources, the skills and support to create a good and purposeful life. Envision what service you can offer as part of any plan you make, and be sure to honor your own need for taking care of yourself.

The pandemic has changed our lives, everyone on this planet, significantly. What we thought, believed, and expected has been turned upside down. We stay home, those who must, to protect those we care for. Contrary to what we normally do, we adapt to the needs to protect ourselves and each other, and what we used to see as valuable, important or necessary, has probably changed considerably. Others of us, have been called into action. We are doing double time in order to help take care of essential needs. Our own resources are stretched thin, and we may find ourselves taking greater risks than we have before. All of us have had to face a new side of ourselves. We've given this time to reassess what really matters and what no longer does. How will the changes in  your life, affect the way you view the world, each other, your work, your future? What other questions are rising up as a result of this ongoing series of  crises?

Mercury, the planet ruling communications, entered Libra last week. We may be feeling more diplomatic, or in need of a more balanced view and experience of life. Now seven months into our experience of the pandemic, some things may be coming more apparent. Time for improving negotiation skills. One of the problems with Mercury being in Libra is the tendency to become too wishy washy. Wanting to see the good in  all, wanting to see everyone's side, can only be beneficial in the long run, if we make sure we know who we are, what we believe is right for ourselves, and what our own perspective is.  

Standing in our own truth now becomes a survival skill we each need to become proficient in. Again, it's a soul-searching time, when we must come face to face with our own truths. Notice where you rationalize behavior (your own or that of others). Notice where you hang on when you know you should let go. Notice where you are 'grinning and bearing' a situation, relationship, or condition that is really draining and hurting you. For now is when we need to be brutally honest with ourselves. It truly is a matter of life and death. Life is sustaining and growing and affirming. Death cuts off, blocks, and drains the life right out of us. Of course you understand I'm talking about life and death symbolically, but our thinking and behavior do have  profound effects on our outlook and our health. Get your lenses of perception cleared off.

Venus is in Leo and Mars is in Aries. Mars is in its retrograde phase as are Jupiter, Saturn, Pluto, Uranus, Neptune, the North Node, and Chiron. The outer planets and the North Node (gateway to change, always appears retro) all being in retrograde suggests that what once was, may still be, and what was not settled in the past, must be revisited and resolved or assessed in some way. Not necessarily a great time to launch new projects; more a time to wrap up, redo, and resolve what threads of the past may still need attending to. Mars in its comfy home of Aries makes us feel highly motivated, while at the same time somewhat frustrated. Cope with your impatience in healthy ways, and use your energy in ways that bring concrete movement in your own environment. Put that Mars energy to use in unpacking, reorganizing, preparing, or digging up what needs repotting or relocating. 

Jupiter is in  the last few months of its transit of earthy Capricorn. In December it will enter Aquarius. For now, use the bounty and blessings within reach and within the limits of your life, to gather the bounty before and within you. You are reaping the harvest now. Use your spiritual and creative practices to develop a greater sense of appreciation. It will bless you and others in the long run.

From now until the Spring Equinox on March 21, 2021, Saturn is revisiting Capricorn before going back into its forward transit through Aquarius. Again, more work to do before we're ready to move full speed ahead. Be prepared. Get ready. Avoid shying away from strengthening in the areas where you've had to learn the most difficult lessons, especially the ones of the past 5-6 years. Think back too, to 10 years ago, and 20 years ago, to get some perspective on where you are, what you've learned, and what you've overcome. Give yourself a pat on the  back for the job well done, or allow yourself to grieve the losses in more depth. All is well especially when acknowledging loss, separation, disappointment, or changes.  We all need to take some time to realize what we have become and what the cost has been. As we prepare to move forward, it is with a conscious choice to stay focused, vigilant, aware, and honest. 

There are many aspects to the New Moon and the Sun in Virgo. We can no more respond or even understand all of them. What is most important at a time like this is to pick what you want to work on improving, and use your resources, skills, and experiences to remind yourself of your best self. How have you mastered challenges in the past? What usually carries you through or lifts you when you feel stuck or trapped? And simply noticing the highs and lows of the past, develop a way in your daily routine and life to take time for the people, the activities, the interests that support, nourish, and fulfill you. Turn away from self doubt, fears, frustrations.

It's an important time to make a concerted effort to keep ourselves elevated and inspired. Reach out and do what you can for some good purpose or cause. If you can do little, at least do something. If you're drained and out of gas, go to the place or people that inspire and affirm you. Open your hearts, minds, and souls to the Divine gifts of the Universe and trust that you are a Divine Light in the Mind of God.  You are loved, cared for, and protected. Express that Love in your own  life. Turn away from whatever blocks the Light. 

New Moon in Leo: Do What You Can, Where You Can

 The New Moon in Leo peaks at 26/35 degrees on Tuesday, August 18, 2020 at 12:45 PM EDT AM 9:45 PDT. This New Moon in Leo occuring in the third decan of Leo is related to the doctrine of the Divine right of kings, a doctrine based on the idea that authority and power are bestowed by God, not through human actions. We can see how this doctrine can be used to harm, suppress, and destroy all that we freedom-loving people hold dear.  How we use our energy, power, authority, and intentions is crucial at this point in time, when we are witness to abuses of power and the misuse of authority to a degree unprecedented in many places, this country in particular. 

Elie Wiesel wrote, "We must always take sides.Neutrality helps the oppressor, not the victim.Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented."  This Leo New Moon highlights the need for us all to connect with those who call out for justice, equity, freedom from tyranny and hate, and who march to the beat of the same drummer. When we unite with those who share a common vision, we give that vision greater strength and help bring that vision into manifestation through our words, actions, and intentions. Leo is the sign of leadership, and we now need to be discerning about who we choose to lead us through these very challenging times. We also need to appraise what area of our lives Leo and leadership skills awaken us to.

The third decan of Leo is where the Sun, Moon, and Mercury are now in close conjunction with one another. This brings a great deal of energy together, fiery energy that carries with it.  All that energy that is yet  unfulfilled.  We also become more aware of any pent up frustration and grief that seeks resolution as well as expression.  You may have been feeling you've reached a breaking point. And in a way, we have. The expression, "enough is enough' has been ringing in out  for years now, yet just when we think we've reached the limit, a new wave of chaos hits us.  How we handle this ongoing traumatic event (for that it what it is) is important. We need to protect ourselves  and at the same time take concrete actions to have an impact on what needs changing. 

The Sun, Moon, and Mercury all in Leo at the start of this lunar cycle, trines Mars in 24 degrees of Aries, guaranteeing a sense that we must act now. The cautionary message however is this. It is not time to act; it is time to gather our resources and focus our intentions on what we can do to prepare for the challenges ahead. My advice to those who are feeling overwhelmed and impatient, is to find 2-3 concrete areas you can actually do something about, and put your focused action in those areas. Cope with what is manageable within your own sphere, unite with those who share a common vision, and take steps toward addressing what needs to be readied for change, when the time is right. 

This New Moon, the Sun, and Mercury are all aligned with the Fixed star,Alphard. According to the Astronomy Council. the Sun,, Moon, Mercury at 27/08 degrees of Leo "Gives wisdom, musical and artistic appreciation, knowledge of human nature, strong passions, [and on its more negative end of the spectrum] a lack of self control, and tendency toward immorality." On a darker, more nefarious side of this powerful energy  is the danger of death by poisoning or drowning. Some may have problems with the law or deception/deceit due to drugs, clandestine relationships, and deception in marriages/love affairs. In other words, it we don't use this energy with a high degree of ethical, moral  intelligence and behavior, we end up creating more problems. More serious and long-lasting ones that are going to make things worse not better. 

Such a dire warning is only to say that when we're feeling at our wit's end, on that last straw, it's really not the best time to strike out or turn your world upside down. Best to channel the energy into the projects and plans you already have underway.  Focus on calming and withdrawing from over stimulation in areas you find causing imbalances, frustration, anxiety.  The first day of the new lunar cycle is the best time to make concrete plans, gather your resources, prepare for future actions. Mercury is going to enter Virgo on Wednesday, so save making solid commitments until after Tuesday if possible.  

The harmonizing effect of Mars in Aries to the Sun, Moon, and Mercury, should give you some good ideas about the best ways forward in areas you are seeking change. This would be more positive if it weren't that Mars is making a very stressful square aspect to Saturn, the Great Teacher. This leads to heightened frustration, conflict, and anger. Best not to act on this, but instead channel these feelings into physical activities, creative efforts, and use your spiritual practices to ward off the residual emotional upsets that may interfere with your peace of mind and with the daily routines of life. Our daily lives are just as important if not more so right now. 

Creating daily rituals, schedules, and routines helps us channel emotions and gives us the sense that we do have some power to have an effect on making life better. If only for our immediate family or neighborhood, it really matters how we take good care of ourselves and others right now. Cooperative and loving acts of kindness are key to keeping our lives harmonious. 

Jupiter, Saturn, and Pluto, the outer planets that have long orbits around the Sun, continue to be in conjunction in Capricorn. Donating to the local food banks, offering what help we can where we can, and taking care of our own daily life business (getting the dishes done, doing the shopping, getting enough rest) all vitally important now despite those dreams and desires we have to fix the world and make changes now.  We are making progress. The slow and steady through the much and mire is a job all in and of itself. It's taking a lot of energy for people to do their normal chores. Essential workers are under incredible stress, and so however we can support and show our appreciation, now is the time to do that.

Each of us have leadership qualities. It may or may not be on the world stage. It is however our prerogative to use what gifts, talents, skills, knowledge, and support we have to offer, where it might be needed and welcome. It might come through your artistic or intellectual efforts. It may be in how you treat each

person you come into contact with. It might be in plans you're making alone or with others, and the unexpected consequences that you have yet to see. We never know where the path of life will lead. The pandemic has thrown us all into a world that may feel like the rug has been pulled out from under us. We all though, can take positive steps to take the next right step.  We may wonder what we have to offer, or how we can make changes.  Keep focusing on those areas of interest, passion, and vision that have always fed your soul.  Let yourself receive the inflow of energy for a while. Let your imagination travel into possibilities, and take small steps toward the next discovery. 

The New Moon in Leo calls us all to be discerning in how we use and channel our thoughts, words, deeds, and energy of all kinds.  Notice how the end of one lunar cycle and the start of a new one have been charged with new, inspiriting, and encouraging movement.  Soon it will  be time to put things in motion. For now, "gather ye rosebuds while ye may". While Richard Herrick wrote this first line of his poem in the 17th Century to encourage young people to enjoy life while they were young, I here mean it to encourage us all in the middle of the richest part of summer (in the North) to enjoy the beauty and bounty of our lives. 

Appreciate both what you have and what you have accomplished, overcome, survived, and learned along the way, and be of good cheer. Leo time is also a time of celebration and expression. Sing, dance, and celebrate each moment and each day. A new Lunar cycle brings us a reminder of  what we were contemplating and hoping for, coping with and overcoming in August 2017 at the Solar Eclipse at that time. Think back to what was going on then, and get some perspective of how life does change and still holds promise, even when we don't see it.