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.

The Gemini Full Moon of December 2021

   The Sun in the last few degrees of Sagittarius on December 18th lends it’s light to the Moon opposing from 27° Gemini 29’ at 11:36pm. This Full Moon is the first one after the Eclipses and the last of 2021. Being under the rulership of Mercury, ruler of the Mutable Air sign Gemini, as well as ruler of the Virgo Ascendant in the Full Moon chart, there is a lot of emphasis on connecting with others, making this a good time for vital communication. As Mercury only interacts directly with revolutionary Uranus, thinking outside the box and trying a new approach may be the thing that captures the attention of another in any relationship disparity.

Wherever you have Gemini in your Birth chart is where you’ll experience the fullness of this Moon cycle. If it’s your Rising sign, your ability to interact with others is highlighted in the words you say, the thoughts you share or the behaviors you exhibit. The Full Moon in any of the Angular Houses, (1, 4, 7, 10) urges you to initiate conversation or interactions, while in Succedent Houses, (2, 5, 8, 11) you’ll find support with who or what gives you a sense of security and/or stability. In the Cadent Houses, (3, 6. 9, 12) the Full Moon experiences a need for adaptability.

Jupiter lends it’s generosity of spirit to both Lights, the Sun and Moon, adding insight to opportunity. If you’ve been experiencing a greater awareness of the need for healing, the time is now for going the extra distance and extending the virtual olive branch. You may have to take time out to meditate on the best path to follow at this time, as Neptune in Pisces increases the feelings but doesn’t show us a clear way forward at this juncture.

We only have 3 more days with the Sun still in Sagittarius, before the Winter Solstice and it’s move into Capricorn. There’s a pretty big shift in energies from Mutable Fire to Cardinal Earth, so before the solar king leaves this buoyant sign of optimism, truth and faith, take some time to write down your goals and where you need to be flexible in your planning. Then when the Sun enters Capricorn, you’ll be ready to act on practical matters having to do with your family, career or business matters.

In the meantime, look at the bigger picture, let your Light shine and spread Love and good cheer where needed! Remember to keep your head in the stars and your feet on the ground.

Taurus Full Moon Lunar Eclipse

 At 3:57am on November 19th, the Full Moon, Partial Lunar Eclipse takes place at 27° 14’ of Taurus, the sign of Venus’ exaltation! This eclipse will be visible throughout the United States, Northern Europe, Eastern Asia, most of Australia and the Pacific Ocean. The Sun is of course in the opposite sign, Scorpio, and in the same degree as the Moon. This Earth and Water polarity in Fixed signs is a very important planetary occurrence, not only reflecting what is happening around the globe at this time as it relates to resources, but in what it reflects back to each one of us individually and what that says about our values and our spiritual growth.

The eclipse will last for 6 hours from start to finish. This only happens when the Moon is close to apogee, the furthest point from the Earth, therefore taking longer to pass through the earth’s shadow. These long-occurring eclipses don’t happen that often, the last one being on February 18, 1440, nearly 600 years ago, and the next one doesn’t happen until February 8, 2669. Taurus Full Moon being eclipsed by the Earth's shadow speaks to the importance of the times we are facing on our home planet.

What might we expect at this Full Moon Lunar Eclipse? An awareness and consciousness of the need to creatively partner with the right resources and people for our spiritual and emotional growth. This includes overcoming conflicts that have held us back in the past… ie: letting go of destructive habits, relationships or situations that no longer serve us. For some this will mean stopping self-sabotaging behaviors and recognizing what others have to offer us. For others it may mean listening to our inner guidance about the next step to take to secure our financial well-being. In any case, it is about right-livelihood, trust and looking at the bigger picture. This involves leaving the past behind and moving forward with reliable support.

The Sabian Symbol for 28 degrees of Taurus is a “Woman past her ‘change of life’ experiences a new Love.” This symbol represents the ability to rise above both physical and social limitations. When this degree comes into our consciousness, it indicates that we should open our minds to the possibility of new beginnings. It also implies a more mature response to this experience. So how does this relate to the Scorpio Full Moon? Well, Scorpio is the sign of decay, death and rebirth and in that vein it represents transformation.

Eclipses bring the ending of things and the possibility of new doors opening. Eclipses also come in pairs, two weeks apart. The Solar Eclipse New Moon will be on December 4th at 2:43am EST. This eclipse energy at 12° 22’ of Sagittarius brings the fiery enthusiasm of forward thinking and expansion at the New Moon to combine with the deep passion of the Scorpio Eclipse to jumpstart our projects and move us towards our goals. Significance strides can be driven by this eclipse cycle over the next six months. Remember to keep your head in the stars and your feet on the ground.

Scorpio New Moon Nov. 4th 2021

Scorpio New Moon

The New Moon culminates when it joins the Sun at 12° 40’ of Scorpio on November 4th. This Fixed Water sign shores up well when in touch with both feelings and intentions as happens at the New Moon. Given that this lunation is in the 7th House of relationships, and that its’ ruler Mars is in the drivers seat in Scorpio as well, it is important to direct your energy into a productive approach to any new projects or partnerships. In order to move forward, it is necessary to release any past hinderances to growth.

The closest and most significant aspect this Moon makes is an opposition to rebellious Uranus. A combination of impulsive behavior, and intense feelings creates conflict between radical thinking and shifting emotions. Combine that with squares from both sides to Saturn in Aquarius and we have a T-Square that can act like either a restraint providing self-discipline, or a catalyst for compromise. Uranus represents a change of mind to emerging awareness of deep-seated resentment or anger that needs to be released in order for a change of mind. Saturn provides stability for a new approach to productive partnerships.

Venus as ruler of the Taurus ascendant for this New Moon chart makes a very supportive aspect to communicative Mercury for harmonious associations and compromise, much needed attributes at this time. Going forward, Venus enters Earthy Capricorn on the 6th where she will spend 4 months, retrograding and moving forward to make responsible financial commitments and form serious relationships. Pay attention to where your money goes and how you can conserve resources for the near future.

The supporting role provided by Neptune in Pisces to the Scorpio New Moon increases compassion and sensitivity, enhancing intuition and creativity. Listening to our inner muse about what our next steps ought to be, brings awareness of the subconscious spiritual thread winding through these water signs. Neptune reflects a going-with-the-flow approach to what is going on around us and learning to trust our intuitive side to recognize important signposts when they appear. Another insight of the Neptunian archetype is the realization that we are all connected on this blue-green marble floating in space and it’s time to use our creative imaginations to find workable solutions to the issues we face involving the rising seas, worsening storms, heightened temperatures and polluted water and air.

Who can you partner with to make a difference? How can you use all your resources more responsibly and productively? The time is now to figure it out and begin!

Aries Full Moon

 

The Aries Full Moon opposing the Sun in Libra reflects the balance of our awareness of others and our need for inner development. Our subconscious recognizes that it isn't separate from the world because it sees its' reflection in our relationships. This Cardinal polarity speaks to the ultimate yin and yang of self/Aries and other/Libra.

Aries is all about self-determination, drive and assertion. Its' ruler, Mars goes after what he desires, but Mars is also in Libra beside the Sun and has to moderate his thoughts and actions, while trying to play fair, or at least take others into consideration. Libra is Venus' territory and she is currently traveling through Sagittarius, where she would enjoy an adventurous partner, as long as it is one who is honest and understands fair play.

This Full Moon polarity is reminding us to put our efforts into finding balance and equity. So, the question for us individually is... "how can I make a difference in my surroundings and with my loved ones?" It is seeking after harmony and fairness, that allows both sides to feel they have been heard and have something to gain.

Striving to do the right thing and in the best interest of all involved is the opportunity and challenge of this Full Moon.

The Sun, Moon and Mars are all squaring Pluto, the planetary archetype of decay, death and rebirth. Intense emotions, impulsiveness and a predilection for confrontation with powerful forces will unfortunately highlight this Full Moon. Do your best to avoid arguments, stay out of power struggles and avoid dangerous situations for the next couple of days. Channel your pent up frustrations into creating something beautiful or finishing up that project that is begging to be completed.

And remember everything can't be finished in one day, and it is helpful to keep your head in the stars and your feet on the ground.

Libra New Moon

   The Libra New Moon on Oct. 6th brings an emphasis to relationships and balance. The Moon reflects our subconscious awareness of what we need in order to find the most inner peace, while the current solar energy is focused on moderating our interactions with each other and the environment surrounding us. This is how the marriage of the inner and outer work together at the Libra New Moon. 

   However, there are several planetary aspects to this alignment of the Sun and Moon that will alternately support and challenge the harmony needed during this soli/lunar dance at the halfway point through the Zodiac. The most notable is Mars conjunct the Sun and Moon at exactly 13 degrees of Libra. On the one hand, this can be a needed push to work hard and resolve something, and Mars can also bring his impulsive take-charge energy in to add emotional angst without thinking. 

   Communicative Mercury, retrograde in Libra, is still within reach of all three and would like some thought-provoking discussion about how to view what's going on. The key here is listening as well as talking. With the Martian assertion to get one's point across it's wise to consider hearing the other point of view. It's a balancing act after all... all things in moderation.

   A so-called minor aspect between Libra Moon and maverick Uranus, the two most changeable dynamics in the planetary pantheon of archetypes, has us off-balance due to situations out of our control. Excitability is high and adjustments have to be made. We have to cope with change that is created by unusual events and it may take a unique approach to find some stabilization. Stepping out of our comfort zones and finding a compromise is necessary to achieve harmony. As above, so below... as within so without~