New Moon in Aquarius... For A Minute... Then Moon & Sun in Pisces; Venus & Mars In Aries

   As if the weather in the Northeast wasn't challenging enough, with winter storms named Juno and Neptune, we find the last few days of this current Lunar phase, winding down with some interesting shifts of energy. The upcoming New Moon occurs at the last degree and minute of Aquarius, 29 degrees and 59 minutes, that's extremely unusual! When astrologers look at planetary placements, they count the next degree as the important one to understand and interpret - for this New Moon, that would be 30 degrees of Aquarius. Please read Lynda Hill's entire take on this through the Sabian Symbols at: http://sabiansymbols.com/

   Here's what happens tomorrow, first the Moon joins the Sun at 29 degrees, 59 minutes of Aquarius (Fixed Air) at 6:47pm, then one minute later, the Moon moves into Pisces (Mutable Water) and two minutes later, the Sun also enters Pisces. So, is this an Aquarius New Moon, or a Pisces New Moon?! I say it's really a Pisces New Moon because the Moon was exiting Aquarius when it caught up to the Sun, went by it and Sol followed a minute later! New Moons are about beginnings, not endings and I feel one shouldn't look back, just ahead. This is a very unusual set of circumstances and isn't that the way of Aquarius, hitting us with something different to put us in touch with our own intuition.

    Let's look at the two Lights coming together at 30 degrees of Aquarius, symbolizing a Spiritual Brotherhood where many minds merge into the glowing Light of a unanimous consciousness, as Dane Rudhyar outlines in his Astrological Mandala, a reinterpretation of the Sabian Symbols. Rudhyar feels that each unit is a recognizable form, yet, when seen from a unified spiritual vision, or from a distance, the Whole appears to be One single area of radiant Light. The Keyword here is Metamorphosis, which implies for the person with an open mind and a feeling of self-transcendence, the ability to come into contact with higher forms of existence. Phew, that's a mouthful to meditate on!

   I feel that this final degree of Aquarius acts as a transition point for the beginning of a new phase when the Moon, (Inner) and Sun, (Outer) both move into Watery Pisces tonight, starting Lunar and Solar cycles that gently ask us to listen, be compassionate and understand that we are all connected! The heightened sensitivity of this flowing Water sign can help you be more in touch with your intuition, music and art. People are more impressionable when the Sun (life force) travels through last sign of the Zodiac. Try to avoid wanting to run away, except from the snow... (go for it, especially if it involves a beach as Pisces/Neptune rules the ocean)! Do avoid pity parties or self deception and try not to add to the burdens of others. Instead, let your intuition guide you toward what feels right for you at this time, especially as it involves letting your divine nature manifest.

  Mars moves into his Rulership, Aries, also the first sign of the Zodiac on Thursday night for a little over 5 weeks. This is like a booster shot. Wherever you have this Cardinal Fire sign, energy comes back and you want to get something rolling. Try not to take on more than you can handle as you may find yourself unable to finish all that you start. Mars is a go-getter and can be a bit abrasive if you do not heed cues from co-workers, family and friends that you may be pushing too hard. Put your energy into your own projects and let others do the same.

   Following closely on Mars heels, is Venus, moving into Aries on the 20th. This receptive planetary energy is better able to deal with Mars through attraction, rather than repelling. On Sunday, the 22nd, Venus and Mars conjoin briefly before the Moon moves into Taurus, where both Luna and Venus are more at home. In the meantime, Venus spends three weeks in martian territory, attempting to bring a new sense of refinement or beauty to areas needing a fresh start. As Venus also rules money and values, you may find yourself having to put your resources into practical purposes that you hadn't foreseen. Avoid investing in anything that promises a quick return on your money, especially if it seems to be too good to be true.

   Remember to keep your head in the stars and your feet on the ground, while checking beneath your feet for slippery conditions~