By Jos Van de Ven – http://www.josvandeven.com/fr/, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=57288243

Like biting into a really fresh, tart apple, our thoughts are clear and crisp, and focused on the future (Mercury trine the North Node in Fire). We’re far-seeing, and the facts are evident and in plain sight. It’s a good time to plan, and to think through your course of action–the only caveat is to realize that we can get too mental, too much lost in our own heads, if we’re not careful.

By Marc Ryckaert (MJJR) – Own work, CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=6383771

Today’s word image is a crowded bus that can’t take on any more passengers, and so drives by the stop. There’s usually a good reason why we miss something that seemed like an opportunity, or that we may even have seen as our ‘right’. Trust the Universe; if something passes you by, know that it wasn’t right for you, for one of a thousand reasons that you may never know.

‘The Painter’s Honeymoon’ 1864 Frederic Leighton {{PD}}

The reality picture makes us remarkably clear on our values, on what we care about (Saturn nov Vesta); we may at this time commit to someone or something, possibly supporting an entity or effort we never anticipated caring for–or we may see how our highest values have shaped the reality picture in surprising ways (that is, in ways we didn’t realize our values were actually exerting an effect on). In spite of some issues over the exercise of authority and what we get from it (Venus sesq Ceres), we find a direct line from our intentions and actions to creative responses and output (Mars trine Neptune). Expect some revelation concerning commitments and what we honor, expect to re-shape the values and Self-image accordingly, and use the harmony of personal and creative energies to tackle big creations, and to make significant efforts you want others to see as uniquely your own. Take advantage of the creative moment. Good luck, and happy creating!

‘Thrushes’ Nest’ Fidelia Bridges 1877 {{PD}}

Today’s word image is a single, young bird alone in a nest. The word ‘fledgling’ comes to mind, someone or something new, untried, fresh, inexperienced–but on the cusp of ‘spreading its wings’, getting acquainted with the wide world and showing that world what or who it is. Is this you, ready to put out there a new idea, invention, creation, or effort, to play a role you haven’t yet tried? Something is ready, ripe, formed, and waiting, and it may be a little scary at first, but you should know the timing is right. Or are you seeing this in someone else? If the latter, consider what encouragement, advice, caution, or support you can offer–but take care to speak only from genuine experience, rather than from any assumption you’re making about how it all works.

Today the Sun enters Capricorn, parallels Venus, conjoins Saturn, and falls at the midpoint of the South Node and Jupiter (and so sesquiquadrates the North Node). This collection of contacts tells us who we are, specifically what we have created in the real world, in terms of both our personal character and our accomplishments, an appropriate assessment and review as we stand on the cusp of the Mercury direction. This happens naturally; the mind goes toward measuring quality and status, particularly in concrete, quantifiable terms. The influences on this process involve our values and our internal wisdom and practicality (Venus trine Pallas), which work together to create an accurate portrait of what we have become. Believe your own Self-assessment; you’re on solid ground with it, as long as you don’t succumb to rationalization or a denial of instincts (Venus qnx Sedna).

Photo taken by Kropsoq) [GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html), CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/)

All that Sag and New Moon energy makes us ready to tackle problems and make things better. ‘Riddaren Rider’ 1914 By John Bauer {{PD}}

Under the light of a waxing Moon, we inspect our values, our relationships, our assets, and ourselves for the health and ‘rightness’ of things. It’s a day where we assess, and maybe tackle inconsistencies, in what we care about–and where we find clever ways to make things better, to help them flourish. We come to understand: it’s all good (Venus nov Hygeia).

Today’s word image is Paul Bunyan and Babe, his Blue Ox. Do you know these characters? You can read up on it here in a fairly comprehensive view of the origins and iterations of this folk figure. This image suggests to me someone or something big, out-sized even, hard-working, good-hearted, an extraordinary, larger-than-life entity that carries mythic status. Are you dealing with someone or something like this right now? Do you feel overwhelmed? Does a myth-like quality surrounding someone or something make it especially difficult to deal with, or to get others to see in a realistic light? In spite of its positive nature, do you feel that the mythic size of this offers no place for you to express as it takes up all the figurative oxygen in the room, or perhaps you feel bowled over by the sheer magnitude of it, and so one way or another find yourself ‘left in the dust’? Don’t let your feelings fester, and know that you’re not a ‘bad guy’ just for wanting to make an impact, have a say, feel relevant, and see things (or have others see things) in a realistic light.

See what to expect from the New Moon of the 17th here–and read up on tomorrow’s entry of Saturn into home port Capricorn here–thanks!