Aquarius Full Moon

 The Moon in Aquarius opposes the Sun in Leo at 10:37pm EST tonight. This polarity of Fixed Air and Fixed Fire seeks balance between one’s thoughts and one’s expression - the yin and the yang of creativity and sharing your talents and gifts for the benefit of the collective. The Sun in Leo is strong in the chart of this lunation. Being placed as it is in it’s own home territory of the 5th house, self-expression abounds. While the Moon isn’t as strong in airy, rebellious Aquarius, it is placed in the 11th house of the chart where groups and humanitarian causes are supported. The battle of this Full Moon is ever with the ego and what one can do for the good of the whole.

Intensity is strongly felt during this Moon phase, which finds Luna aligned with Pluto in Capricorn, even though she has pulled away from the drama having entered Aquarius, and is asking how to pick up the pieces that need to be reclaimed or re-purposed. There are other issues with Pluto’s power dynamic happening now and they’re being pointed out by the opposing Sun in Leo and Mercury in Cancer. Obsessive tendencies are quite possible now with people hanging onto their emotions and/or their positions of power. Again, Full Moons are opportunities to see what we’re up against and strive for harmony in our lives.

Other considerations at this time are how to use our energy (Mars in Leo) without giving up the idea of peace and quiet (Jupiter in Pisces). Work, then rest… enter the fray, then retreat and reflect. If we don’t find a way to make room for both in our lives, we can burn out or miss what out inner muse is trying to say to us. Venus is in detail-oriented Virgo helping us to maintain healthy boundaries. Avoid being too critical of yourself, or others - give them their space too! Everyone is going through something and we each have our own path to follow. Allowing, listening and sharing are wonderful tools in tough times. We can’t fix someone else, but letting them know we’re there can be enough.

While navigating this Full Moon phase, remember to keep your head in the stars and your feet on the ground.

Cancer New Moon

    We started  today, Thursday, under a void-of-course Gemini Moon, so if things felt a bit dis-jointed first thing this morning, the Moon's lack of direction could explain it.  The Moon became active again when it entered its home territory of Cancer at 9:51 a.m. The focus shifts from thoughts and planning to feelings and caring when Luna is in her rulership. People tend toward moodiness under this watery Moon, especially in the unknown dark-of-the-moon, Balsamic phase that happens before a New Moon. When the Sun and Moon are joined together at the New Moon in Cancer, Friday at 9:17pm it starts a 4 week lunar cycle of tuning into emotions, the search for a suitable nest and all issues of nurturing.

    The chart for the New Moon shows the Sun and Moon in the 6th House of work, scheduling, and taking care of our health and well-being. People that work in Human Services, especially around the care, feeding, and housing of families and children will find more of a focus in these areas. Personal responsibilities to ourselves and those entrusted into our care are strongly felt with responsible Saturn in Aquarius in the 1st House.  Even if this isn't a current issue in your life you can ask yourself, what can I do to help those struggling in my community?

   With aspects from the Lights, that is the Moon and Sun, to Neptune and Pluto, the bigger picture needs to be addressed. Be wary of idealizing others and avoid dramas that aren't yours or that you can do nothing about. Instead, make a realistic assessment of your own limits and resources, resolving to make whatever positive contribution for change that you can. Whatever you're feeling strongly motivated to be a part of, you can find a project to direct your creativity, energy or insight towards.

   There's a sense of hope and optimism in the air, quite literally, as Mercury in Gemini interacts favorably with Jupiter in Pisces. Extend your caring out into the world by caring for yourself first, then using your faith and your words to lift up others. Kind words, a smile and a random act of kindness can go a long way and everyone benefits! If you're feeling compelled to reach out to someone but you let insecurity hold you back, you'll never know what a difference you might have made in their life.

   Enjoy nesting, cook your favorite comfort food, nurture yourself, practice self-care and reconnect with your inner knowingness at the New Moon.  Write a New Moon Wish List of the things you need to do for yourself. Then, when you're full-up, let your cup of kindness overflow to others. Remember to keep you head in the stars and your feet on the ground~

   

   

  

   

Fireworks, Independence and Self-Discipline

    Welcome to the first week in July and the celebration of America's independence! This is a time to enjoy our hard-fought freedoms and maintain our sense of responsibility to one another, whether in our families, our communities, or as a nation. At the start of July, we have a couple of interesting astrological aspects that when put into words can help define the energies happening around us. Some of this is seen as potential for change or enjoyment and some can have the potential to be downright scary, bringing unwanted upheaval.  And yes, it's tricky!                                         +

    With assertive Mars in Leo opposing restricting Saturn in Aquarius yesterday, the stage was set for conflict between acting out and self-discipline. I'm sure you've heard of people being overly assertive and falling into aggressive behaviors lately, then being called to task or having to pay a difficult toll. That is the energy pattern that has been building up for a few days prior, came to a head yesterday and continues today. Mars is like the gas pedal and Saturn the brake. While at odds with each other, leaping forward in haste can wreak havoc and applying self restraint can prevent an accident. 

   On the other hand, Mars in Leo is great for summer sports and outdoor activity! I'm also thinking of all the athletes who have been working their hardest at the just-completed Olympic Trials to become representatives of the US at the Olympics in Tokyo later this month. They employ the self-discipline of training for many years to get to this point, then put their heart and soul into their efforts to become an Olympian! There's an example of Mars and Saturn working together. How can you synthesize these two energies to work on your behalf?!

   In many places around the US, there won't be fireworks for the 4th of July due to planning amidst the covid pandemic. That doesn't preclude the Mars in Leo/Uranus in Taurus aspect taking place on the 3rd at 9:39pm EST, bringing a symbolic fireworks of it's own! On the optimistic level, this can be finally having fun or a sudden expression of love... maybe even being hit by Cupid's arrow!

   Also, know that this possibly explosive combination of the aggressive Mars with surprise-laden Uranus showing up out-of-the blue will carry over onto the 4th. Let's hope it's just an awe-inspiring about-face turn of events that brings a breakthrough. Just to be on the safe side, it would be best to avoid pushing anyone's buttons, being in a potentially sketchy place or jumping into a situation which presents itself suddenly over the weekend.

    In the meantime, enjoy some fun with friends and loved ones, doing something different to celebrate your freedoms. If that includes keeping your head in the stars watching fireworks, don't forget to keep your feet on the ground and watch where you're going. Enjoy~

Full "Strawberry" Super Moon

   Welcome to the first Full Moon of the Summer in Capricorn, highlighting the need for a feeling response, Sun in Cancer, to make a necessary change for the greater good! This "Strawberry" Moon is the harbinger of Summer, coming as it does on the heels of the Summer Solstice 4 days ago. Go to your local farm and pick some strawberries, then share your favorite jam or pie with loved ones! Mercury in Gemini is now in Direct motion, but the shadow phase lasts until July 9th, so bite your tongue until then, if you don't have anything kind to say. 

   The Sabian Symbol for 4 degrees of Capricorn is "a group of people outfitting a large canoe at the start of a journey by water" . This implies a feeling response by a group of people with a common will and consensus to make a necessary change in response to a specific situation. It is the group activity that is important. With the Sun tuned into to emotional undercurrents in polarity to the Moon in this pragmatic Earth sign Capricorn, it is a great time to ask yourself where you can make a difference.

   With the Moon sextile Jupiter, there's a feeling of optimism in the air. The Sun trine to expansive Jupiter brings a sense of well-being and generosity to the fore. If you're a boss, what can you give to let your employees know they are appreciated, and if you are the head of the household, how can you share your caring with your loved ones? On the other hand, if there's something you need, what  practical steps can you take now to engage with those in a position to make a difference?

   The monthly opposition of the Sun and Moon brings into play ego vs. emotion and empathy vs. assertion. This Full Moon chart plays out on the stage of the people opposed to organization, whether that highlights political or socio-economic situations. Cancer represents the people, emotions and public opinion, while Capricorn is authority and current structures. There is a cautionary note here involving aggressive Mars who is very active at this Full Moon. Self-restraint and self-discipline are needed here if you want to move toward your goals. Missteps and accidents are possible due to an alignment of Mars to revolutionary Uranus. Watch out for carelessness and recklessness if you want to avoid trouble.

   All the angles for this Full Moon chart set in Washington DC are at 00°s of the Cardinal signs, with the Ascendant being 00° Libra. That means Venus is the planetary ruler of this moment in time that affects us where we live, how we want to be seen in the world, and who we chose to associate with. Lovely Venus in late degrees of Cancer is in an opposition to powerful Pluto at 26° Capricorn, which can bring drama into relationships or escalate into a battle between love and desire... if allowed. What is really going on is a chance to let go of the old ways of reacting and to generate a new response. Giving up the struggle could allow a creative path to healing, perhaps initiating a whole new form of relating where one doesn't have or take total power over the other.  

   Enjoy the sunshine, spread love, look to the stars and stay grounded~

Solar Eclipse New Moon

    Tomorrow's Solar Eclipse New Moon in Gemini is a potent reminder of the power of our thoughts and words. When the Moon joins the Sun at 19 degrees, 47 minutes of Gemini, both will be closely aligned with retrograde Mercury in its own sign. This makes for a whole stew of thoughts and ideas, information and plans to be tossed around. Choices abound around what to do and who to associate with. Gemini is a very sociable, somewhat ambiguous Air sign, and after more than a year of practically zero face-to face connections, catching up and interacting are high priorities for most families and friends. Because Mercury is retrograde until June 22nd, there is added emphasis on research and restraint before leaping forward with big plans or projects. 

   In the New Moon chart, we find the Lights and Mercury in Gemini residing in the 12th House, squaring off with its' ruler, Neptune in Pisces up in the 10th House. The Twelfth House focus is on the unseen, or subconscious motivations. This area of life relates to what's hidden, what holds us back or where our ability to connect with spirit lies. In our Natal charts, it may have to do with secrets, restraints - like hospital stays, or where we seek refuge from the world. At any rate, sometimes we need to dig deeper here to uncover hidden talents or abilities. Imagination, fantasy, muddled thoughts and confusing information is apt to be the name of the game during this Solar Eclipse.

   Another consideration at this Solar Eclipse New Moon, is the harmonious relationship of the Sun and Moon to Saturn in the Fixed air sign of Aquarius.  The Moon's concern here is feeling comfortable with responsibility to the larger group, while the Sun brings self-confidence in its organizational abilities. Saturn lends consistency to building a solid foundation for the future. I am cautiously optimistic that positive strides are being made to renew open lines of communication in our government. At the same time, I have serious doubts about that being the intention of the majority of those politicians who refuse to be responsible to the people of this country and not to their bank accounts.

I set this this chart for Washington, DC and as lovely as the aspect between The Sun, Moon and Saturn could be, we are dealing with a divided country of separate interests which may or may not create an even larger socio-economic split than what we are currently experiencing. It may take Venus' attracting power of love and harmony in Cancer, working compatibly with Uranus in Taurus, the planet of sudden reversals, at this Solar Eclipse to bring an opportunity for reconnection based on our democratic principles of freedom for all, to turn the tide. Venus in Cancer is close to the United States Sun which bodes well for our self-worth as a nation, if it's not too late and we've already sold our collective soul to the devil of greed, or not... 

   In the meantime, focus on what you can do in the here and now to stay on track for achieving your personal goals, be patient and realistic, and maintain your sense of self, while keeping your head in the stars and your feet on the ground. I pray for Light and Love to restore Harmony on the Earth.

   

   

Mercury Retrograde

    The planet of communication and interaction, Mercury, has been in its rulership of Gemini since May 3rd and due to a retrograde period starting tonight, at 24 degrees and 41 minutes of Gemini, Mercury remains in this Mutable Air sign through July 10th, entering Cancer on the 11th of July. On June 22nd, Mercury will turn back to Direct motion at 16 degrees and 10 minutes, finally moving out of its shadow phase on July 7th, meaning it will leave the retrograde area that it covered 3 times between 16 and 24 degrees of Gemini.

   So, what does this mean for you? Mercury is concerned with planning, researching and organizing, as well as agreements and negotiations. This is the perfect time to get more information and become clearer on the important details of your endeavors. Don't be in a rush to finalize plans, unless you've already done all your homework and time is of the essence. Otherwise take your time considering your options and sharing your ideas with those closest to you in the planning phase. If you are traveling during this time, double check all the details before you go.

   After the past year it feels like we're ready to do quite a bit of socializing. In Massachusetts, things are opening up quickly with events and venues beginning to welcome people back. There's an air of excitement about all the possibilities and Mercury retrograde can have us confused about our options. This is not the time to jump into a new commitment without careful research. Think of a retrograde time as an opportunity to reconnect with yourself and your plans. Gemini has a tendency to jump from one thought to another, one plan or the other and it can become quite tiring. 

   I hope that you are enjoying the gradual return to sociability and seeing smiles again. Gemini rules the hands, arms, shoulders and lungs, so write or read more, hug longer and breathe deeper while keeping your head in the stars and your feet on the ground.

Full Moon Lunar Eclipse in Sagittarius

    Eclipse season begins tomorrow morning at 7:14am EST with the culmination of the Full Moon Lunar Eclipse at 5 degrees of Sagittarius. The next Eclipse will be at the Solar New Moon on June 10th. This Full Moon is also known as the Flower Moon and it happens to be the closest 'Supermoon' to the Earth this year. Eclipses mark a time of potent possibility, when  the energy is used wisely. Generally, Lunar Eclipses are known to signify the surfacing of an emotional awareness of what we can release, like old habits or negative behaviors, while Solar Eclipses can jumpstart new beginnings that appear from the seeds of a New Moon.

   A Full Moon means that the Sun and Moon are in opposition, drawing attention to any imbalances between the ego(Sun) and the emotions (Moon). Another way to look at this is as a tug-of-war between assertion and empathy. With the Sun in Gemini, there is a big push to connect, socialize, talk  and plan. The Sagittarius Moon wants to set some long-range goals and look further afield than just right now.

   Perhaps you feel thwarted in your efforts to make big plans because of all the details that have to be taken care of first. Maybe you are feeling more philosophical about life  and don't have the time for idle gossip or chit-chat. Or, maybe you're finally ready to broaden your perspective and move on to bigger and better goals! In any case, it would behoove you to stay centered on the present and take care of necessary details even while expanding your horizons. 

   The Eclipse energy of this Sagittarian Moon is huge and with Jupiter as the ruler of this Mutable Fire sign, a small blaze can ignite quickly, especially since both the Sun in Gemini and the Moon in Sagittarius square off with Jupiter. It's great if you're ready for it, kind of like a controlled burn of underbrush to make room for new growth. But things can get out of control fast with giant Jupiter's propensity for over-optimism or aggrandizement. 

   This is where we consider Saturn's role as disciplinarian, along with the fact that he's retrograde, and apply a healthy dose of realism and limitations. Research what it will take using the resources available to you to work toward your desired goal. One step at a time is a good rule of thumb before leaping into your bright and beautiful future. Mercury's interaction with the Sun and Saturn indicate that clear communication and compromise in any collaboration now will earn self-respect and help build a solid foundation for the future.

   Expect a few do-overs or setbacks while Mercury is retrograde from May 29th through June 21st. Think as big as you want and work within present guidelines and necessary limits and you will eventually get where you're going. In the meantime, you know the drill... keep your head in the stars and your feet on the ground!