The Moon enters Leo at 8:41 AM PDT, quincunxes Chiron, then by 10:30 AM moves on to create a T-square with the Sun/ Earth axis. It’s all a little dazzling, not in a razz-ma-tazz, sequined way, but in an ow that’s a bright glare off the windshield way; we look around and it hurts, just a little, and we have to adjust our radiance because of it (yes, we’ll be required to modify our energy output, anything from the intensity of our Soul intent to our level of physical activity). Swing with it, as the T will challenge our goals momentarily–not a true obstacle, more a call to make sure what we’re doing is actually leading in the direction we intend (for most, there will be a reveal or two that shows misdirected energy). If we can take the hint, be flexible, and adjust, we’ll benefit.

The Sun is in our figurative eyes until noon, when the Moon sextiles Juno and we see the way to empowerment (and in questions of partnership, may see with whom we should team up). 4 PM Pacific brings a quincunx of the Moon to Ceres, followed at 5 PM by one to Pluto; this is a challenge we want to be ready for, and to pay attention to, as this can bring emotional assaults on the sense of dominion, power exercise, and/ or authority in the life.

Unfortunately for Pacific time zoners, but perhaps better for those in other parts of the world, midnight brings the Moon’s conjunction to Leonine Mars–well, now that I think of it, it may be better that this happens at a more-or-less down time–the impulse is to act on the emotions, and in Leo we have the courage (and the Self-confidence, and maybe the egomaniacal thrust) to do it; but considering the power challenge we dealt with earlier, it may be all the better if circumstances keep us unable to express as strongly as we’d like in the moment (either because it’s the middle of the night and we’re home and not at work, or some other remedy intervenes). The previous events may have left our emotions too ready to act out–and being overly reactive to the Moon/ Mars contact will only bring trouble, though being able to respond modestly but effectively could be just what we need to alleviate stress and see ourselves as effective.

Around 3:30 AM PDT of the 22nd the Moon squares retro Merc, and pretty much the same thing as with Mars applies, but this time to our communications. I don’t know about you, but I’ve been ‘getting the message’ loud and clear lately–true intentions and attitudes have been revealed, sometimes with a beauty and generosity that is truly moving, and sometimes with a malice that is unmistakable. It’s part of what I’ve expected over the past few days and the Mercury retro period in general (though I saw it more as each of us admitting to ourselves what we wanted, I’m realizing now that there’s a ‘spill over’ effect that shows what each intends for others, as well). So, with the Moon squaring Mercury, we should take care with our words, and remember that our intentions, whether we state them or not, are there for all to see.

The Moon sextiles Zeus around 5:30 AM PDT–oh I know, some of you think I’m a little daft (okay, more than a little!) using Zeus regularly–I’m the first one to admit how surprised I was when I looked into it, but he’s a powerful little bug, and in contact with the Moon says our emotions will find a way to showcase the Will and ambitions. This suggests a general ‘hatching of plans’ period–just take it easy, as impulses based on the mixing of these two need to be carefully vetted through life goals and true (Soul) intents, not to mention our ‘social acceptability’ filters.

The lovely Leo Moon quincunxes the North Node near 8:30 AM Pacific, starting West Coasters’ day with the need to modify the emotional reaction in order to stay on track–everyone else, same thing, you just don’t have to take it with your coffee.

The second issue of ‘ECLIPSE’ is almost ready! Watch for an announcement here, and a ‘buy’ button on the preview page, where you can read a brief excerpt and see what’s on the menu right now http://dogandsunflower.wordpress.com/new-eclipse-spring-2010/

Today’s Link: Love this by Mandi Lockley http://mandilockley.blogspot.com/2010/04/taurus-talks.html Also scroll down to her Chiron in Pisces entry. And this is great fun http://www.kimfalconer.com/daily.html while those who are looking to beef up blog traffic should take Beth’s advice; you’re not going to find as many truly effective and helpful tips anywhere else http://astrologymediapress.com/astroblogging/2010/04/14/mudslinging-part-1-improving-traffic-on-your-astrology-blog/