Virgo Full Moon

    My blogs usually highlight how current planetary transits are affecting us as individuals and our choices at dealing with them. However, this Full Moon demands we pay attention to the world and our connections to each other. Of course, the bigger picture is always reflected in each person, situation and event currently affected. Therefore, my musings today have a more universal perspective and appeal than normal.

   The Full Moon @ 28°Virgo takes place at 3:18am EDT on Friday, March 20th. This polarity of the Sun in Pisces and Moon in Virgo symbolizes the accord felt between identifying the wound (Virgo) and healing (Pisces). This is the polarity of service and suffering. Much of the world's attention is on the war in Ukraine and the need for humanity to step up and ascertain what is unacceptable. In the larger picture, that is the willful destruction of a country, it's culture and people by an obsessed ruler of a neighboring country for his selfish gain. On the individual level, it is the Piscean compassion flowing from the realization that we are all connected.

   As I look at the chart, I see this Virgo Moon rising above a container that holds the rest of the planets, with Pluto in Capricorn on the leading edge and Uranus in Taurus creating the other border. The Moon in Virgo asks, how can I be of service? There are three planets in Aquarius and four in Pisces. That is a pronounced emphasis on the need for transformation away from destructive patterns and into more inclusive and compassionate ways of coexisting in the world, despite our heritage or cultures.

    Put another way, we have more than an opportunity to transform our world, we have the absolute necessity to move in a new direction!  If we are going to save the Earth and all her inhabitants, we need to stop thinking someone else will fix things, whether it's injustice, global warming or war. Each one of is being called on to take a moral inventory of where we stand and what we can do. There's the individual piece.

    Feeling overwhelmed? That's understandable, but not conducive to making a positive change. Now is not the time to cave in or give up. It is time to create harmony in our homes, neighborhoods, communities and countries and to visualize world peace. We need to turn things around for the better. Each of us has the capacity to make a difference. Be kind to your loved ones. Smile at your neighbors and lend a hand if they need it. Reach out to those suffering in your community and around the world, doing what you can. 

Believe in a better world. 

Pisces New Moon

   The Pisces New Moon culminates on Tuesday, March 2, 2022 at 12:35pm EST. This monthly alignment of the Sun and Moon are coming together in the last sign of the zodiac before the Spring Equinox in March. They align at 12°06" Pisces and are in a conjunction with expansive Jupiter at 14°16" Pisces. These three planetary archetypes of "The Hero"/Sun, "The Divine Feminine"/Moon and "The Great Benefic"/Jupiter, are creating a much bigger picture than the reclusive Pisces is used to, unless in a fantasy! This means we can use our ability to creatively visual the future we want to see.

   Pisces represents the mutability of water and has as its' task the distribution of Earth power generated by cardinal Capricorn and concentrated through fixed Aquarius. The compassion and understanding of the Piscean for all creatures and all of humanity is in effect for the next month. Yes, the Sun entered Pisces on February 18th, but it is the joining of the Sun and Moon at the New Moon that seeds these two energies, the inner and the outer, into a cohesive unit for growth and expansion. And Pisces wants to bring a new season of caring to planet Earth.

   The tendency for escapism in times of upheaval and challenge, is an automatic response mechanism that can lead to living in an unrealistic realm of fictional proportion, that may involve drugs, alcohol or fabrication of a fantasy world. On the more constructive side, the flexibility of feeling another's pain and not being absorbed by it, can lead to genuine acts of compassion and caring for those around us and our environment.

   It is the largess of Jupiter's expansive ability to go out into the world and gather information that colors this New Moon with possibility. It is of course this same predilection for growth that can feed addiction and illusionary beliefs. To truly connect with the power of Pisces, one ought to pause and reflect on one's own abilities and boundaries before trying them out on unsuspecting others. An alignment from Jupiter to Neptune, the traditional to the modern ruler, of Pisces allows space for a spiritual path of reconciliation that can foster development of practical answers in these trying times.

   We may know a thing is wrong, sad, dangerous, unfair, inequitable or unjust, but we really need to know ourselves and be clear of intention before setting off on a righteous crusade to save the world. Prayer, meditation, connecting with others of like-mind, spending time in nature and using our artistic gifts to create beauty in the world are all antidotes to crisis and change. Remember to keep your head in the stars and your feet on the ground.

Leo Full Moon

 The Moon in fiery Leo opposes the Sun In cool and airy Aquarius, at 27°60’ on Wednesday, February 16th at 11:56am EST. Then the Moon becomes inactive until it leaves Leo and enters Virgo at 3:42pm. It’s as if the dramatic Moon says “you had better take a good look at me, because I’m out of here!” Virgo is a practical earth sign, not prone to liking attention, and it’s the discerning step after exiting the stage. That this transition from Leo to Virgo happens so fast after the Full Moon, means we can be assured that no matter what excitement has taken place this morning, we get a chance to put the pieces back together again quickly, or at the very least, figure out how to make sense of it all.

But first, what might we expect of this Leo Moon energy? Maybe a bit of fun, maybe some self expression, maybe some creativity… any of these is highlighted now and with the Moon sitting on the cusp of the 4th house, we want to have fun with our loved ones or just enjoy ourselves like we did, or wanted to, when we were children. A Full Moon is always a polarity, a seesaw, a seeking to balance the inner feelings of the Moon with the outer drive of the Sun. Perhaps we shine at home but blend in when in a large group. The trick here is not to give in entirely to either our ego or our will! It’s called moderation, seeing both sides and not going to extremes.

Let’s look at what else is going on at this Lunar cycle. The first thing I noticed in the chart for tomorrow, is that these two Lights, the Sun and the Moon, are pretty much just shining on each other, or more accurately, the cold, hard light of a wintry Aquarian day is reflected in the Moon’s desire to create warmth from within and express it outwardly in its surroundings! The dance they’re doing takes place on the Midheaven and the IC, technical terms for the entryway/cusp of the 10th and 4th Houses. Dance like no is watching, but remember someone always is… and endeavor to make a difference through your behavior and in consideration of others so you leave an impression worthy of your reputation and character.

Venus and Mars align together today in the Cardinal Earth sign Capricorn. You can totally make a difference in this world by using your ability to attract what you need and who you need to assist you, by combining charm with self-assurance and not being too pushy. After all, the desire ought to be building foundations that acknowledge lessons learned from the past, while living in the present moment and having hope for the future. Without any one of those things, what do you have to aspire to?

Remember to engage in your passions, enjoy your blessings and enhance your relationships with love and support as you consider the starry skies and walk on the beautiful earth.

Mercury enters Aquarius

    Mercury is the closest planet to the Sun, the "Light" that gives life to our solar system. It is also the fastest in its' orbit around the Sun, with the exception of the Moon, which counts as the other "Light" and has it's own relationship to the Sun as the Earths' satellite. We know Mercury moves quickly, spreading news and seeking answers in order to get plans in motion. But we just experienced a Mercury retrograde cycle from January 14th to February 3rd. 

 Today, Mercury left the rocky terrain of Capricorn for the higher vibrational energy of airy Aquarius, where it will move through the first 10 degrees that it had traveled in January before turning retrograde, making this the third pass through those ten degrees. 

   Think of it this way, we started something exciting or made new connections the first two weeks in January, then when Mercury went retrograde, our plans stalled and we had to revisit the previous steps we had taken, in order to reassess or redo our plans. Now, we get to use the insights we gained since January 3rd to start the ball rolling again with our groups, friends or in our technological interactions. Mercury stays in Aquarius until March 10th when it enters the mutable water sign Pisces.

   Over the next month, focus on your agreements, marketing, sales and writing projects and reach out and connect with those who have similar interests or can help you with their technology skills. Also, pay attention to your friendships and any organizations or  associations you have that may need some of your feedback, or vice-versa!

   

Aquarius New Moon

 The New Moon at 12° 20' Aquarius occurs just before 1am overnight, early Tuesday, February 1st. This is the start of possibilities for new connections that can help forge solid foundations What does that mean to you? Consider the nature of airy Aquarius, ruled by the ingenious planet Uranus. Air connects ideas through interactions with others, especially in scientific, technological and metaphysical realms.

   The traditional ruler of Aquarius is Saturn, the Lord of Karma who operates through commitment, hard work and perseverance to build solid and long-lasting structures. Interestingly enough, Saturn is currently at home in Aquarius and sitting alongside the Sun and Moon adding great strength  and determination to this New Moon. 

Saturn is also being challenged by Uranus, the modern ruler of Aquarius. These two co-rulers in Fixed signs, have been at it for the past year, pitting tradition and upheaval with each in a way that is growing old. What they need to do is to find a creative way to work together and create something that functions better than the outdated models that only served certain interest groups.

   I asked you above, what new possibilities and foundations you can envision. If you can accept that Saturn gives us boundaries and limitations that allow us to build within a framework containing security and focused on manifestation, and that Uranus offers the freedom to try new things while exploring different avenues of possibility, then perhaps you are ready to think outside of the box and work with this New Moon.

   Take some time today to gather your thoughts and make a list of a few things you can do to initiate a brave new beginning. Your concerns and approach will vary depending on what it is you envision for the near future. Venus' attracting power and Mars' drive are aligned in Capricorn, so if your goals are career or business oriented, you have the fuel you need to work with Saturn. This is not an opportunity you want to bypass. Focus, imagination and determination will move you steadily in the direction you want to go.

   In the ensuing weeks, remember to keep your head in the stars and your feet on the ground.

 

Mercury Retrograde & A Cancer Full Moon

    Mercury came to a standstill at 10°19' Aquarius and turned retrograde on the 14th, continuing to move in apparent backwards motion until February 4th. During this retrograde phase, Mercury re-enters Capricorn on Jan. 26th and conjuncts Pluto at  for the second time on the 28th; the first time was December 30, 2021. Once in direct motion again, Mercury will make it's third and final alignment with Pluto on February 11th. 

   What does that all mean?! Well, we know Mercury is the archetype of the mind and Pluto the archetype of transformation, so when they come together, we have a strong desire to get to the bottom of things. Sometimes, that involves doing methodical research or asking probing questions. In Capricorn, it has to do with authority, business or career concerns. Utilize this next few weeks to scrutinize your plans, fill in the gaps and/or ask the hard questions before you set anything in stone.

   From a broader perspective, it has long been apparent that since Pluto entered Capricorn on January 27, 2008, traditional structures have been decaying worldwide. In the US, we have been dealing with issues around finance, housing and a breakdown in our system of democracy. The US is having it's Pluto return and the power grab for our Republic is in full swing!

   The Full Moon on the 17th of January at 27° 52' of Cancer, highlights the opposition of emotions and practicality, not just opposing the Sun in Capricorn, but intense Pluto as well. Conflicts can result in relationship issues, especially if there are hurt feelings. Resolution comes through flexibility and changing how we view the situation. 

   Neptune lends a helping hand with a compassionate approach to the Cancer(feeling) Moon. Being sensitive to the needs of everyone involved, and what they may be going through, can ease up on a potentially volatile situation. Creativity and intuition are useful tools at this Full Moon, giving you leeway to funnel your efforts into an artistic or spiritual direction. The Ascendant sign for this chart is Leo and Leo wants us to have some fun, or at least schedule some downtime or enjoyment into our lives.

   Doing what needs to be done, then making time for yourself is what Saturn in Aquarius, the ruler of Capricorn, is asking us to consider. There are want-tos and have-tos... take care of the have-tos first and the want-tos will come easy. Remember to keep your head in the stars and your feet on the ground.

New Moon in Capricorn January 2022

    Welcome to the New Year and a New Moon in Capricorn! The Sun and Moon meet at 12° Capricorn 20' in the 8th House of the chart for the New Moon at 1:33pm EST, putting emphasis on the need for pragmatism and responsibility, especially in matters of joint resources, creative projects and financial ventures. Because this is the start of the year, whatever you want to accomplish begins here... now... so if you haven't already done it, today would be a good time to write your Capricorn New Moon Wish list. Take some time organizing your thoughts, then write down 5 to 10 practical steps for the year ahead that you can start to take beginning after the New Moon. 

This is the time to focus on what you want to achieve whether personally or professionally. It may involve some kind of legacy related to your parents that you are tasked with managing or sharing with the world. You may be thinking of your own legacy and what you want to leave for future generations. Whatever you are serious about achieving  for yourself, you want to work on building the foundation now. With the Sun, Venus and Pluto all in hard-working Capricorn, be specific as well as concise.

 Mercury moves into Aquarius today as well, so use all the technological resources and connections available to brainstorm and gather new information. A trine aspect from the Sun and Moon to independent Uranus in Taurus lends a helping hand as it asks you to work with your unique ideas, while giving you the freedom to envision your future in a new and exciting way. Use this opportunity to think outside the box and structure steps to creating your individual reality, the one that reflects what you want to see. Hope is on the horizon.

   Venus is retrograde in Capricorn until January 29th and even after she turns direct, she'll be retracing her steps right through to the beginning of March. This is a time of asking the important questions around money matters and making adjustments to your budget as necessary. But Venus also rules love, so this is an ideal time to focus on what is needed in your personal relationships. If there's an imbalance of harmony or issues of power and control, these two months are devoted to finding some resolution. If another party isn't willing to do their work to meet you partway, then this may the point of parting ways. 

   We are still feeling the effects of the three Saturn/Uranus squares in 2021, the last one culminating on Christmas Eve. Changes to the status quo in government and financial institutions, the pandemic, and massive weather changes resulting from the rapid pace of global warming are issues that aren't going away too soon. Yes, Jupiter and Saturn in Aquarius last year helped with new and effective scientific measures that are beginning to get a handle on the virus, but it is likely to be another year before it is consistently applied worldwide. Severe weather patterns are a big problem that are only going to get worse and are reflected in a combination of  Uranus in Taurus and Neptune in Pisces aspects. Unfortunately, it will probably take more catastrophic events for world leaders to finally make headway in lessening the causes of these serious problems.

   However, Jupiter and Neptune in Pisces give me hope for the realization that we are all one planet, even though those realizations come at a cost. Raising awareness, consciousness and the compassionate vibration on the Earth... for the Earth, her atmosphere, the air we breathe and the water we drink and all her inhabitants is the only way forward. We have our work cut out for us and change is in the air.

Remember to keep your head in the stars and your feet on the ground.