The Dark Side of the Moon

  Here we are three days before the New Moon and the light is decreasing. That expression, the dark side of the moon has a couple of different meanings. For some it means the side of the Moon facing away from the Earth, the side we never see, the one cloaked in mystery and conspiracy theories.  In astronomical discussions, it means the Moon in her cycle is going from Full to next New Moon and the light it reflects is decreasing. She is in the Balsamic phase of endings, when it is truly becoming the darkest time just before dawn. In astrology we say it's a time of preparedness for the next wave of solar and lunar energy aligning at the New Moon.

  Some of us were born during a Balsamic phase and recognize this sense of not knowing what's coming and a feeling of expectation as somehow familiar. I have a sort of love/hate relationship with this time each month because I don't like being left in the dark. However, I have come to accept that this is a necessary respite in order get in touch with what I have just gained, lost or experienced from the passing cycle. It's a natural time to pull-in, meditate, reflect and prepare for the coming new cycle.

  With Saturn's station and retrograde motion at the Last Quarter Moon five days ago, we had to deal with time slowing way down to a standstill while we may have felt we were slipping backwards. It wasn't easy to put our plans in motion and now we are being tested for endurance, patience and perserverance. Today, the Sun/life-force and Mars/energy form supportive roles in Saturn's determination to get things done. Apply your energetic direction with your resources, no matter how limited they may feel at the moment... dig deep because you have it in you... and keep your objective in mind!

  Today's Moon in Capricorn, the sign Saturn has ruler-ship over naturally, likes stability and brings a strong work ethic to the fore-front. However, this determination is tested just before noon when the Moon squares off with giant Jupiter, recently into Aries territory, expanding the limitless possibilities we may want to pursue. This is a caution not to take on more than you can manage at this time. Remember, we are in the waning Moon phase and we need to focus on the most important thing we want to achieve, not all the other carrots that may be brought out and dangled in front of us.

  Tonight's monthly alignment of the Moon and Pluto further enhances our need not to give in to desperate measures or feelings of defeat. Instead, re-align yourself with your own inherent abilities as you work toward taking back the power of your life's focus. Jealousy and suspicion are the emotions that can surface under this aspect... more shadowy stuff that can allow others to rob us of our sense of well-being and another reason to stay centered and focused.

  The dark side of the Moon can certainly bring up insecurities and fear, especially when other conditions are also in effect. The challenge is to be true to your self and the goals you started working on to improve your life at the last New Moon in Capricorn. Review the progress you have made and vow to put in new effort after Wednesday's New Moon in Aquarius - more on that later!

  Remember, keep your head in the stars and your feet on the ground!