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Tag Archives: The Lunar Essence

25 May 2017 The New Moon in Gemini: The Germinal Spark

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They’ve got New Moon ideas. Carl Bloch – ‘In a Roman Osteria’ {{PD}}

This New Moon may be like a little *ping*, almost unnoticeable, so distracted will we be from the new start, inception, or burgeoning issue it represents. The New Moon makes only one aspect, forming apex to a very loose Fist of God with base of Zeus square Juno (There is an argument to be made for a sextile to Vesta, as well, but no, it’s 3 full degrees–a little more than I like for a crisp Moon picture). This suggests something interesting: that we’ll have an idea, a thought, become aware of some germinal seed, just beginning, that comes to us at the same time we experience a conflict or upset, a clash between what empowers us and what we want–and those topics are so compelling that we may have a difficult time holding on to that new concept, that just-starting idea, that could grow into something great. Whether the idea comes to us as a result of the conflict, or is subsumed in the course of the conflict, we will be presented with a mental ‘spark’ of one kind or another; it’s up to us to refuse to wrangle with others (especially partners–Zeus in Libra) over our desires, and whether we have the clout, the support structure, or can show Self-restraint or follow the rules sufficiently (Juno in Capricorn) to fulfill our ambitions. It’s in this sort of dust-up that our New Moon idea can be lost, as we are tempted to focus on justifying, explaining, or proving that we both deserve what we aim for and are capable of getting it. We don’t need to explain ourselves to anyone–and we deplete ourselves if we use our energy to explain and plead, rather than to be and do.

So what’s the nature of the spark we’ll get? Look to the matters of the House where the New Moon falls for you. It may be an idea on one or more of the House topics, could present a sudden and fresh way of dealing with a long-standing related problem, or could be something we hear or read, a message or statement not necessarily meant for us, but just what we needed to be privy to, to realign our thinking or open our mind to a new way of reasoning or seeing. If the New Moon forms aspects to your natal placements, these are also clues as to what may contribute to the spark for you–and in particular, pay attention to Houses ruled, if any, by natal placements contacted by the NM. These can show a synergy that connects and combines matters into a single issue. For instance, if the New Moon falls in your 3rd, square your Virgo Sun in 6th, with Sun ruling the 5th, you could see a change in the daily routine (6th) as you get a new contract (3rd) related to your creative output (5th). This same combo could refer to a new creative idea (3rd, 5th) that causes you to take a particular job, or to change the one you have (6th). Or, you take a short trip (3rd) to gamble (5th) and lose your job! (6th) You get my drift.

The Sabian for the New Moon is, “A Revolutionary Magazine Asking For Action”. Words can educate us, move us to a cause, inform and inflame–but at this time we must take care to keep our attention on our goals. We can try to explain our ideas, try to enlist others to our side, but in the end, this is energy, as the Fist tells us, that’s better spent actually pursuing what we want. To change the world feels good, but it happens in the doing, not in the talking about doing–something to keep in mind as we deal with today’s influences and events.

We also see a passel of other distractions, presented through relationships, finances, and a reality picture that forces us to adjust our thinking by making it impossible not to deal with what we’ve up to now ignored, denied, or been enraged by. We may be told by others that only the future matters; what really counts now is to accept, even love, change–it’s not just the only way to stay sane, it leaves that much more of our energy and attention for our own use.

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Full Moon in Scorpio May 2017 The Results of Refusing

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‘Riding in the Bois de Boulogne’ 1872 Pierre-Auguste Renoir {{PD}}

The Full Moon in Scorpio arrives at 2:42 PM PDT of the 10th at 20 Scorpio 24. It’s widely opposed Sedna, which the Sun is moving toward, sextile Pluto, and in loose sesquiquadrate to Venus. It’s a lonely ol’ Moon, one we may hardly notice, and yet it promises subtle change eased into place, with shifts possibly rooted in the ways we refuse to see our ‘blind spot’, or in ways we reject our own deep, whispered inner knowledge. What we ‘know’ we one way or another deny or turn away from, and this creates a tension in relationships, values, finances, or over assets or anticipated rewards that makes for that change, slip, shift, like a kaleidoscope given a short turn. This culmination offers illumination, of the kind that a mirror offers: we see reflected back to us, in our surroundings and in events, just what it is that we have created by refusing or denying something we should’ve listened to or dealt with. We had a chance to harness the power within it, but we may not have believed it held any worth–or perhaps we believed that we needed to have our own power first, and the opportunity went by.

In all fairness, what influences us in this direction probably has to do with other things: the trine of Saturn to Uranus-Mercury may shut down consideration of the unusual, the unique, making those options and ideas seem unreliable, even dangerous; the Nodes just entered Leo-Aquarius, in the 29th degree feeling like there is some crisis in life direction or a bugaboo threatening to rise again from the past; Juno and Pluto cozying up and giving us the impression that we’re surely facing an emergency in empowerment, or that our status is about to crumble beneath us (the exception here are those who are very comfortable with Plutonian juice–they may get a surge, instead)–and Zeus squares these two, perhaps making us feel our very ambitions and desires are on the chopping block, too; then there’s the Cardinal T-square of Jupiter opposed Pallas, both square Hygeia, a perfect picture of the health care crisis in the US, and presenting personal issues of expanding or stretching ourselves, likely in some physical regard. We face the way this isn’t wise or practical, and yet either option, holding back or pushing forward, promises a difficulty around health (and this threatened facet of health may be physical, mental, emotional, or psychic in nature). In a few days (the 13th-15th) Venus will trine Black Moon Lilith in Fire; that’s when we’ll see the value of what we’ve rejected or avoided, that brought about the FM culmination. Until then we may spend our time just trying to hold on to our little bit of paradise, or power, or love–don’t worry, you’ll succeed. Anything that falls away at this point didn’t give you what you thought it did, anyway.

‘Pleasures of the Tang Court, Spring Outing’ 8th century Zhang Xuan {{PD}}

The Sabian for the Full Moon is, ‘Obeying His Conscience, A Soldier Resists Orders’. That makes sense, since we know from the aspects that we have turned away from something, and the Full Moon is bringing the results. It’s reassuring to know that we were following a higher purpose, a glimpse of our better nature or a glimmer of spiritual knowledge, that pushed us to refuse; we may have told ourselves that we missed an opportunity, but the Higher Self knows better–and we followed its promptings.

The Sun, of course, generates the original light of the Full Moon, so we look at its Sabian as well. ‘A Finger Pointing To A Line In An Open Book’ tells us that this Full Moon is about pointing us toward important knowledge, or the right life direction. Thanks, Universe.

If you’re interested in politics (or astrology as it plays out in real life) trundle on over to my friend Jude Cowell’s fabulous Stars Over Washington (This link is to an article on the 2020 election that I really enjoyed).

Follow Julie Demboski’s Astrology on Facebook, sign up with WordPress to get notifications each time I publish, donate to support the blog, or buy my books here– Have a great week, and an enlightening Full Moon! And if you’re waiting to hear from me, I haven’t forgotten you! I’m just very busy–I’ll get there eventually.

Full Moon in Scorpio May 2017

Your Week 21-27 April 2017 + the New Moon in Taurus: A Trick of Perception

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NASA {{PD}}

Recently a reader asked if my descriptions each day are channeled, simply intuitive guesses as to what may come. I can answer definitively, No, they are based on a reading of the aspects perfecting that day that centers on how those aspects might interact. They are purely and completely based on astrology–though word images are drawn from inspirations, or factors that have repeated in quick succession around me. So now you know.

The 21st is a lively day; we may feel caught at a point of convergence, with cross-currents pulling us in every direction. The social sphere seems to want to drag us back into the worst of the past, while resource restrictions and friendship limits are readily apparent at every turn. It doesn’t help that our sense of vulnerability and our wounds seem directly plugged in to the power scenario; though we have clear guidelines in a firm sense of values and priorities, it may be difficult to gain strength from them when every little encounter, interaction, or exchange seems to question, undermine, or criticize our efforts and intentions.

Take a deep breath; it’s all a trick of the perceptions. With Mars moving into Gemini, and the Sun parallel Mercury and trine the North Node, one way or another, we may find we’re ‘living in our heads’. The hamster wheel of thought could plague us, or it could be more a case of being unable to move, caught in a loop of overthinking or merely pondering without connecting it to action. Mercury’s still retrograde, after all, so take this as a perfect time to consider, contemplate, reassess, and plan for the future, avoiding any pressure to act, react, or decide.

Today’s word image is a single planet. What struck me about this image is the fact that planets and other bodies are caught by gravity within a system–no planet floats alone through the galaxy. Their tethers are the various pulls exerted by other bodies in their system and the star around which all revolve. This may speak of our own personal sense of isolation or feeling solitary, and may remind us that it’s not the nature of things that we should go it alone. Look around, see who else is ‘in your orbit’, moving in a shared ‘system’, affected by the same pulls and larger influences as you.

On the 22nd we may feel an abrupt pull-back of energy, embodied in confusion of thought and empowerment hampered by a lack of connection to instinct. Again, make few or no demands on yourself at this time–save your strength for what’s to come.

Apparently there is a Bacon Hill Substation along the Northeast Railroad Corridor near Baltimore, Maryland. Library of Congress, {{PD}} within the US.

Today’s word image is a ridiculously odd phrase, ‘Railroad Bacon’. It appeared as a rebus, a set of pictures that create a word or phrase. I hesitated to use this but felt sure that someone else will see a specific meaning, or that for some individual, this will have a very particular application. My thought? Something about energy, movement, and fat and protein consumption. We ‘lose steam’ when we don’t have the proper fuel, and in some circles it’s fashionable to eschew fat (a concentrated source of energy, and the ‘lubricant’ precursor for nerves and synapses) and to limit protein (vital for muscle-building). Are you running low?

Today’s (the 23rd’s) T-square of Mars to the Nodal axis coincides with the Mars sesquiquadrate to Jupiter–but we all know there are no coincidences, right? We may act on what we’ve recently contemplated, and do so prematurely, or we could find ourselves springing into action almost before we can form the intention or thought to do so. And the motivations behind such impulsive moves? These have two main sources: restrictions felt to our power, authority, or reach, and the social sphere as we feel pressure to support a mutual agenda. Awareness that what we do now builds the future, as well as the understanding that choices forged in stress are likely to be weak or poorly thought through, must inform what and why we do what we do at this time.

Today’s word image is a squirrel water-skiing. We’ve all seen those pictures of little rodents wearing a tiny life vest, balancing on tiny water-skis, and holding tight to the most miniature of handles attached to a delicate ski rope. This is clearly not a natural behavior of vacationing squirrels–so maybe we should ask ourselves what it is we are ‘dressing up’ unnaturally, perhaps seeing it as more cooperative, amusing, or in sync with us than it really is?

On the 24th real-world circumstances challenge our stated values–the issue may be either a need to modify our ideas of what’s important, or it may be that we must live up to what we’ve been claiming as our standards and ideals. In either case, there are a few things we should know: do everything you can to keep actions and choices from being destructive; don’t let thoughts and thinking be co-opted by the past; and be willing to acknowledge what isn’t working within the values and priorities picture, adjusting so that values harmonize with what actually is (caution: this may require surprising restraint or a willing acceptance of boundaries).

Today’s word image is a suddenly-acquired taste for something you never liked before. Has this ever happened to you? Is it a sign of evolving appetites, changing standards, or does it suggest you never before tried (or were able to appreciate) this thing in just this way? Are you irritated over the dent this puts in your Self-image, or do you welcome the change in your definition of who you are?

The 25th we have a heck of a time seeing what’s healthy and what’s not, especially in terms of our actions and choices meant to empower us or to fulfill ambitions. Ideals, dreams, and the existing power structure may cloud issues, and this applies to all forms of ‘health’: mental, emotional, physical, spiritual. Assess with as much care as possible, and know this: only action, or making a choice, will break the impasse, though there are no guarantees on the results.

Pamela Coleman Smith – a 1909 card scanned by Holly Voley (http://home.comcast.net/~vilex/) for the public domain, and retrieved from http://www.sacred-texts.com/tarot {{PD-US}}

Today’s word image is the Fool card of the Tarot. Is the Fool the essence of innocence or obliviousness, in your view? If he steps over the edge of the cliff (as he’s shown in Rider-Waite based decks) do you imagine him plunging to his demise, or flying, or perhaps magically finding some stepping stone appearing beneath his feet? Are you annoyed by this kind of behavior, feeling it’s not fair that others must look out for this kind of person, or are you the one who expresses a kind of indifference to reality? Do you worry about the fate of the little dog? How does your reaction to this card of the Major Arcana describe you, and are these traits that you are proud of, or wish to change?

The 26th we receive a mandate in concert with the New Moon: put your attention on healing (Sun novile Chiron). With the New Moon falling in Taurus, the suggestion may be to approach the need to heal via material comforts or those things that provide security. The New Moon is almost on its own, making only a quincunx to Black Moon Lilith, and a loose semi-square with a Venus under crisis at 29 degrees of Pisces. The implication is that what’s born here requires adjustment to (and perhaps acknowledgment of) what we’ve been ignoring or denying, or perhaps that we admit what enrages us is more about us and our (possibly ignored or buried) emotions than about the topic. This also implies that a crisis state with relationships, finances, or values (and specifically with our ideals and illusions surrounding these) finds an answer via a new ‘shape’ or form to the way we see those connections, dependencies, or how we are assessing their worth. In seeking to heal we tackle some issue previously set aside, with the NM energy offering a potential path, like as not produced by a problem or crisis in a Venus-ruled area.

‘The Water of Life Discourse between Jesus and the Samaritan Woman at the Well’ by Angelika Kauffmann 18th century {{PD}}

The Sabian for the New Moon is, ‘The Woman Of Samaria At The Ancestral Well’. The symbol doesn’t mention Jesus, but the woman of Samaria at the well is inextricably linked with him. There are a variety of interpretations of the story, but what strikes me about this as a symbol is the way, as we would say around my house, Jesus insisted upon himself–that is, explained who he was, the spiritual meaning of his request for water, and so on. Despite the cultural and religion-based explanations for why the conversation went as it did and what it meant, I still found the ‘saying, not doing’ aspect of the story the most jarring. A Being of that status engaging in a round-about argument with a woman from a tribe mutually hostile to his own, and his big ‘wow’ is telling her she has had 5 husbands, and so should believe him? I’m a believer in living as an example of what you believe, of persuading by doing, showing, rather than just saying, or taking a stance that is essentially, ‘Believe what I say, no matter the lack of supporting evidence.’ Jesus was asking this woman to take his word for it, that he was indeed the Messiah, on the strength of a party trick. Though faith is, by definition, belief in what hasn’t been seen or proven, we must make the leap to conclude that she was moved spiritually, in a way the story doesn’t really define or even mention. The application of this to the New Moon in Taurus? Believe what you can hold in your hand, in material securities and comfort, in Love, in the assets you have right now, in those things that offer tactile reassurance of your place, your support, your well-being, and make these truly your own by being willing to deal with what’s been denied, until now, by dealing with what is–and then have faith from there, in what moves you, not simply from what someone claims or has told you. It’s the only way to find your footing in such an unsure world.

On the 27th we have a single aspect perfecting, a sesquiquadrate between Mars and Pluto, and this is likely to dominate the landscape. We’ll see the Will, the Ego, the impulsive action urge of ourselves or others explode on the scene, as the individual seeks to take control, to lead, to destroy, or to transform what’s before them. Patience, caution, and a little objectivity employed may mean we miss an opportunity or two, but also don’t bring the house crashing down around us.

Today’s word image is the line between good and evil. Is this an individually-determined thing, subject to one’s own moral assessment, or would you say there are absolutes involved? Do you believe these two exist as actual forces in the Universe, independent of human judgment, or do you think they’re man-made concepts, reliant on cultural justifications to determine what is good, and what is evil?

Have a lovely week, and please consider a small donation or book purchase in support of the blog, if you’re so inclined 🙂

Full Moon in Libra April 2017 Together

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‘Argenteuil’ Édouard Manet 1874 {{PD}}

The Full Moon occurs at 11:07 PM PDT of the 10th, at 21 Libra 32, with the Sabian, ‘A Child Giving Birds A Drink At A Fountain’. I start with this image, rather than adding it at the end of the analysis, because of the integral part cooperation plays within the image itself; there would be no picture here, if the child didn’t operate the fountain for the birds, and no birds would come near if they couldn’t trust the child enough to overcome their natural fear in order to get a drink. Even inter-species, that is a Libra image through and through, and marks an important point that we sometimes overlook when discussing Libra: without the Other (no matter what form that other takes), we would have no Libra at all–it can’t exist without complementary parts, without multiple facets, entities, or involved parties willingly coming together and working in concert. A Full Moon falling in this sign suggests an end or culmination, one which either brings together entities in a spirit of Libran cooperation, or that ends such cooperation, setting partners previously working together free, on their own.

With that in mind we look at the aspects made by the Full Moon, keeping our orb relatively close (no more than 3 degrees for major aspects, though we’ll immediately make an exception to this, and 2 or less for more minor contacts). We start with that exception, a chain reaction conjunction of the Full Moon with Zeus and Jupiter (with Jupiter 3 deg 43 min from exact–it’s the asteroid Zeus in between that helps extend the orb and link the event with the planet). Here we see that the FM brings to a head desire or ambition, and knowledge or the role within the public sphere–that is, we either achieve, gain the desired goal or other, find out what we need to, and/ or find that desire or goal comes to an end (or it’s finished or halted for us, courtesy of Saturn, with the Full Moon graciously delivering the news!)

The Full Moon also opposes Uranus and the Sun (natch), quincunxes a close conjunction of Mars-Ceres, and forms the arm of a T-square with Vesta and Pluto opposed each other. The opposition to Uranus suggests that either surprise or understanding will accompany FM events, or that ‘the group’ may be stimulus to what occurs. The quincunxes are the tightest aspects, and suggest that we may need to adjust our ideas surrounding using our own personal power or authority to institute our Will; that just won’t go smoothly, and may require care in our choices and actions. The T-square implies that some stand-off between the powers that be/ the desire for change and what we honor and prioritize will find a resolution (or at least come to open conflict) with the Full Moon–but most likely we are offered a cooperative solution, a way to both exercise power/ make change and still honor what we find sacred, through some sort of interactive solution, one that brings in someone or something else, and in this way shows us precisely what we can hand off to a partner or support system (see the quincunx, above), and from which cooperative stance all parties can benefit.

New Moon in Aries 27 March 2017 Choosing the ‘I Am’

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Who needs New Moon-light, when you’ve got such splooshy stars? Edvard Munch – ‘Starry Night’ (1922–24) {{PD}}

The New Moon occurs at 7:57 PM PDT at 7 Aries 37 of the 27th, and makes only a few contacts: a very wide (for a New Moon) conjunction to retrograde Venus, which is in fast retreat; a wide trine to Black Moon Lilith; a square to Hygeia; and we should note, though it’s technically unrelated to the NM, that Pallas is at 29 Pisces, suggesting a state of crisis, and likely one that involves delusions, spiritual matters, or one’s place in the Collective in a ‘all the Universe vs. me’ scenario, all this mattering as it applies to what’s smart, what’s wise, what’s practical.

A New Moon in Aries asks, ‘What will you do?’ or ‘What will you be?’; that is, ‘Who are you?’, bringing up issues of role, identity, and personal initiative. In this instance, the NM may give us the feeling that if we don’t act, or choose, we may lose Love or Money. We’re given aid by the way we have access, one way or another, to matters that have been hidden, denied, or ignored by ourselves or others; suddenly having the New Moon impetus to deal with what’s been avoided or put aside may reveal resources we didn’t know we had, may shape the landscape or offer justice, especially within one-to-one relationships, and may offer choices or the opportunity to act that restores balance, perhaps unexpectedly.

But what happens when that Universe balancing chance to right a wrong or attend to the ignored is influenced by an anxious sense of inner knowing, one that feels something must be done? Our health, mental, emotional, spiritual, physical, suffers, probably because our attention is on the opportunity and spurred by our own anxiety, our wish to ‘be smart’ about the whole thing. Perhaps the Sabian can add something illuminating.

Portrait of Abigael Bromfield Rogers (1753-1791), step-niece of the artist. John Singleton Copley 1783 {{PD}}

‘A Large Woman’s Hat With Streamers Blown By An East Wind’. Hmm. A hat is a statement, one that covers our ‘thoughts’ and signals who we are, maybe even telling others of our role, function, or status. We could dissect the heck out of this, offering all kinds of minute meanings for each element, but I think that might defeat the point: the New Moon in Aries might be much like choosing a hat. In essence, we are donning an identity with the New Moon in Aries, asserting who we are–it’s no more complicated than that.

The March 2017 Full Moon in Virgo: Trusting the Self

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Annie Louisa Swynnerton (née Robinson) – ‘The Sense of Sight’ 1894 {{PD}}

The Full Moon in Virgo falls on the 12th at 22 Virgo 13 at 7:54 AM PDT; it fills in a loose Earth Grand Trine with Sedna and Pluto, opposes Pallas and Chiron, quincunxes Uranus, and sextiles Vesta. The Grand Trine promises that whatever is fulfilled, concludes, ends, or reaches its apex with this Full Moon will bring a state of stability (meaning remain as it is, or as it coalesces at this point) through (get ready for the paradox!) acceptance of change and instinctive responses to it. I know! Seems contradictory to say that circumstances of transition and embrace of instincts (including instinctive understanding and knowledge) can bring about a sense of security, ease with circumstances, and a stable picture of and relationship to the environment/ material situation, but it does–and this endows us with a sense of surety, of ‘knowing’ deep within, that allows us to handle challenges related to practicality, what we would typically think of as wise or smart options, and allow us to navigate potential hurt. We may be faced with wounding circumstances or those who oppose us out of a sheer sense of superiority, who try to control us through our wounds, and we may be told we aren’t wise enough to make our own choices–and this would be oh-so-wrong. Being willing to follow our own lead is important; so is holding fast to what we honor and find sacred. We must make our choices, original or rebellious as they may be, in alignment with our values, with what we care about–and then we go forward from there.

Original caption: 1897-Lady lion tamer caged with lion. — Image by © Bettmann/CORBIS

The Sabian for the Full Moon is, ‘A Lion Tamer Displays His Skill And Character’. I associate this symbol strongly with the FM’s quincunx to Uranus in Aries; that is the closest major aspect the Full Moon makes. We as individuals are the Lion Tamer in our own lives; we control the whip (our Will) and chair (how we ‘furnish’ our lives), taking the lead (Aries), acting (Aries) in ways that spring from and also reveal our skills and character (Uranus). Awareness that we are the source of our own situation is vital; Self-responsibility and the roles we have taken on, willingly or not, must be (and likely will be) magnified within our own perceptions at this time, so that we can truly and completely understand and accept our part in our own creation–that is, our formulation of ourselves, and our world.

We may be overloaded on Pisces energy right now, looking for the concrete, the actionable, the thing we can hold in our hand; this Moon in Virgo delivers it to us, and your first hint that you’re dealing with the current Lunar energy may come through a criticism, a demand for accountability, a health or dietary matter, or enmeshment in the details of some issue. That’s your clue that, going forward, it’s all about You.

The Solar Eclipse of February 2017 Renaissance

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'The Icebergs' Frederic Edwin Church 1861 {{PD}}

‘The Icebergs’ Frederic Edwin Church 1861 {{PD}}

Annular Solar Eclipse (New Moon) 26 February 2017 6:58 AM PST at 8 Pisces 12

Compared to the Lunar eclipse of two weeks previous, this event is tidy, with the eclipse itself nestled by several conjoined bodies/ points: Neptune, Mercury (widely), and the South Node. This creates an atmosphere of simultaneity, where we are likely to perceive it all of a piece—and so attribute many things to the eclipse that are attributable less to the event and more to its fellow travelers. Does it matter, you may wonder? Yes and no—our experience is what’s important, but at the same time, if we want to deal effectively with what we undergo, we’d be smart to know whether something originates from the eclipse (and so reverberates through the coming six months) or from its companions, who flavor the event itself but then move on.

With a Solar eclipse in Pisces, especially one that includes sign ruler Neptune, we should expect a Renaissance. What was dreamed, or what was sought by the spirit, finally begins, and this will likely be something we are more than a little conscious of (presence of Mercury). Though liminal (that is, ‘at the threshold’, and so both known to us and influencing us without our realizing, a kind of psychic iceberg), the energy is by both nature and placement ephemeral, difficult to grasp, dream-like, and creatured with every kind of imagined thing—and yet, I used the word “Renaissance”, which describes, literally, a re-birth. Because of the involvement of both the creative spark and the mind, and the association with the past (an eclipse near the South Node point) we are likely to see a surge in what we’ve already planned, contemplated, considered, or tried previously to create—and yet it will be a new thing, taking a new form, or freshly re-imagined, sharing the aura or spirit of the past and carrying the essence of ourselves, shaped for the present.

Though Pisces is the sign of the Collective, I see this as a highly individual eclipse experience, one seated in our mentality (Mercury) and the way spirit manifests through this (Neptune); the event, though, is potentially a doorway moment for the individual to access the unseen quality of the Universe that binds us all together, and that allows the sharing of experience and sensation without physical contact. The mind will naturally put limits on this access, in an attempt to organize the creative and imaginative energies—it has its own stake in keeping us sane—as it would be unwise to seek connection with the entire Collective consciousness at once–we’re not designed for that—but we are designed to access and communicate with that consciousness carefully, even selectively, and now is our chance.

The eclipse is also semi-square Mars-Uranus, sesquiquadrate Jupiter, and falls at the rough midpoint of Juno and Ceres, forming a sextile to each. These contacts speak of the potential for personal empowerment, awareness of our own effectiveness and responsibility, and the gain of a sense of Oneness with, a balance with, and dominion over, Nature Herself; they also suggest that discomfort will likely spark spontaneity and drive action, and that we shouldn’t expect opportunities to go easily, for facts to be found or fall into place, or for the social sphere to be especially receptive to our experience or discoveries—the social will be a somewhat distant animal at this point, one we really won’t identify with, though we may feel some out-of-proportion pressure to partner with it.

Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec 1898 {{PD}}

Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec 1898 {{PD}}

The Sabian symbol for the eclipse is, ‘A Jockey Spurs His Horse, Intent On Outdistancing His Rivals’.  Though life is not, in any real sense, a race, we may with our personal processing of this eclipse feel like that lone jockey: competitive, needing to ‘win’ or prove our point, pushed by our animal nature (the horse) to race toward a goal, probably not of our own choosing. This symbol may warn us against translating what we receive from the Collective and from our creative urge directly into some worldly form or aim; it may serve to dissuade us from turning our inspiration into a commodity, or our spiritual experience into a competition, if we are listening. Don’t allow yourself to in some form ‘join the race’, at least not right away—wait for the figurative dust to settle, and the Piscean inspiration to take appropriate form, before dealing in real-world terms.

The one consistent effect I anticipate for everyone, no matter what House in the personal natal chart the eclipse occupies, is a kind of mirror effect; what is inside us will be outside, presented visually and/ or through the senses. We would be wise to not just note this, but to realize that what surrounds us at the eclipse point is what we are, as a Soul, immersed in, enfolded by, and generating ourselves. This eclipse offers us the chance to see ourselves inside out; don’t dismiss some elements as ‘wrong’ in what they show you—it’s all you.

As to the other influences for the day: Mars-Uranus is novile Neptune, ruler of it all, emphasizing the abrupt effect the eclipse may have on our actions and choices (and this is so despite the Sun being contra-parallel Mars–that only says how much we may be unaware of the depth of the eclipse’s influence); Mars-Uranus perfects, making a small Molotov cocktail related to our Will and our relationship to the group; and Mercury squares Black Moon Lilith, lending a frightening, forbidden, or angry tinge to our thoughts. We may want to ‘root out’ what’s been troubling us–don’t worry, the eclipse events will do it for us.

Please scroll down for the Weekly forecast, which includes brief summaries of what to expect each day, plus the Daily Image. Thank you–may your eclipse be magical!

solar-eclipse-february-2017

12 January 2017 Come Together

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Posted by in astrology, Born Today, Cardinal Activity, current events in the sky, forecast, Full Moon, Grand Cross/Grand Square, Grand Trine, Horoscope, Moon

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John William Waterhouse - 'The Decameron' c1915 {{PD}}

One thing I’m not crazy about with this picture is the way the women all seemed to be enthralled with the lone man–a discarded instrument even sits next to one, suggesting they’re all taking a passive approach to things, putting aside their interests–let’s not let this be the reality, ladies! John William Waterhouse – ‘The Decameron’ c1915 {{PD}}

The AstroEssence: We have the resources to make dreams and ideals a reality–the question is, are we really willing to ‘spend’ them on our supposed dreams? This may bring a reality check of the kind that forces us to vet what we have been proclaiming we want–a ‘put our money where our mouth is’ moment–and should we discover we are unwilling to part with assets to back up our words or announced goals, we should celebrate it as a moment of true clarity, a chance to course-correct, to align our internal image with our actual manifestation of identity. We are likely to see that some of our priorities and commitments are actually unhealthy, and we begin thinking in concrete, practical, even hard-headed terms. It may be a rough ride for those who want to keep pretending they will become something they have no intention of actually investing in, but the rest of us can be free of old labels, and of the internal distortions created when we fool ourselves in an attempt to fool others. PS Chances of being fooled as to the actual state of relationships or finances is high, but so is the chance to profit from the creative or to spin an image of ourselves as Love or Money manifest (whether this is accurate or not) (Vesta sesq Hygeia, Venus conj Neptune, Mercury enters Capricorn)

full-moon-in-cancer-january-2017The Full Moon occurs at 3:34 AM of the 12th Pacific time at 22 Cancer 27, where it fills in as the arm of a Cardinal Grand Cross, with Jupiter-Zeus on one end and Uranus-Ceres on the other, with the opposition of the Sun filling in and inviting Pluto (despite the fact that the lord of the Underworld sees the Sun separating from contact). In other aspects we’ll keep our orbs crisp, with a quincunx to Saturn-Juno and a trine to Chiron. The config is dynamic, tense, but fueled by spontaneity, optimism, desire, an awareness of the fulsome presence of Nature (and Her unpredictability), and a consciousness that sees the need for change, destruction, and in some cases, transformation, in the name of renewal, and especially in terms of those who hold the Power. The Full Moon event should bring a culmination of energies that most likely sees a conclusion reached, spurred by changes in the reality picture and our awareness of it, and all of it based in what we care about, what we’re sensitive to (Moon in Cancer) and how this can mesh with real-world conditions and circumstances (Sun in Capricorn).

This brings healing (the Chiron trine) and forces us to adjust to the real-world state of our empowerment (quincunx Saturn-Juno)–fantasies will no longer do, echoing the other aspects for the day unrelated to the Full Moon. The Cross itself brings opportunity for ambition fulfillment and the need to balance this with our own unique needs within the power structure/ Nature, with what we care about, and with the conscious knowledge that certain facets of the reality picture (and possibly the emotional one) must change, in some stark and significant way.

Just maybe we may also want to consider a loose Water Grand Trine involving the Moon-Earth meeting reaching out to Chiron in Pisces and Black Moon Lilith in Scorpio. This hints at healing through balance that allows emotional acknowledgment of matters previously hidden, denied, or that enraged. The essence of many of the aspects for today and for the Full moon seems to hinge on successfully allowing two at least somewhat contradictory or unalike forces to meet, and from that meeting finding equilibrium; just something to keep in mind going forward.

The Sabian for the Full Moon is, ‘The Meeting Of A Literary Society’. This symbol speaks of the coming together of minds, to consider ideas expressed in a concrete form, in this case, in writing–and in a twist, this could specifically apply to contracts, as a meeting of the minds is the primary condition for the formation of such agreements. This suggests the Full Moon events express a material or manifest form of one or more ideas, allowing them to be vetted in the real world. Though the environment for inspection is a civilized one, what results may not be quite so, as the inclusion of Pluto, Zeus, and Uranus in the Full Moon picture suggests some extreme passions and unpredictable alternatives may suddenly be on the table, pushing the feeling nature (Moon in Cancer) to extremes and/ or draw conclusions.

Edgar Degas - 'Achille De Gas in the Uniform of a Cadet' c1856 {{PD}}

Edgar Degas – ‘Achille De Gas in the Uniform of a Cadet’ c1856 {{PD}}

The Sabian for the Sun, instigator of the Full Moon phenomenon, is, ‘A Soldier Receiving Two Awards For Bravery In Combat’. The figure of ‘a soldier’ suggests one of many, who is responsible for and in control of only him or herself–but all awards a soldier can receive on the battlefield are tied directly to her or his actions that specifically benefit both his cause and his fellow soldiers. So, this could imply that what culminates at the Full Moon started with actions that went ‘above and beyond’–and this is the result.

Bonus: those with natal placements at 20-23 of Leo may be in for major emotional healing or wounding, likely as Full Moon events reveal something about their origins that was previously unrealized.

Bonus bonus: Full Moon work with Auntie Moon

For those born with the Sun at 22 Capricorn: You’re at or very near the summit, right about now, and you reach the crest of your goal only to find–another big climb ahead of you. Don’t despair; you can rest for a brief while and gather in the benefits of the level you’ve already achieved–and if you look around you’ll see that you’ve got the resources, the support, and the personal authority to begin the journey up that next mountain–and it’s more than likely that you’ll reach the summit for this Solar year’s goal much sooner than you expect–so get ready to celebrate–after that climb, of course. Good luck, Cappy, and Happy Birthday!

Donate! Read! And have a wonderful Full Moon!

28 December 2016 The Capricorn New Moon: The Big Bang

27 Tuesday Dec 2016

Posted by in astrology, Born Today, current events in the sky, forecast, Horoscope, Inferior Conjunction, New Moon

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'The Helix Nebula' Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech

‘The Helix Nebula’ Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech

The Astro and Lunar Essence: We enjoy a New Moon in Capricorn at 10:53 PM Pacific time at 7 CAP 59, but it’s not the only activity we need to note. This New Moon conjoins the Sun-Mercury Inferior Conjunction (the meeting that occurs when Mercury is in the midst of the retro cycle) with this tying the NM beginning into the action via the sextile of Mars and Merc, Merc’s conjunction with the Sun, and the Sun’s integral part in opposing (and creating) the New Moon phenomenon. As well, there is an emphasis on action, choice, and what we as individuals can do or make happen–and this builds toward, and then likely finds expression through, the New Moon moment.

The fact that the New Moon falls in Capricorn suggests that what begins may be either constructive/ positive, setting something solid in motion that allows for the establishment of a new beginning, or that it may signal restraint or an ending, with the Sea Goat’s conservative and cautious nature put to work in our own best interests as we refrain from, or put an end to–and so set something new in motion.

The NM is of course still sextile Mars and approaching sextile to Neptune; it’s also roughly semi-square both Black Moon Lilith (remember, that’s a point, rather than a body) and Venus (which places the NM at their midpoint), and semi-sextile Hygeia. These contacts are, in the larger scheme of things, relatively minor–and yet they accumulate their modest effects by gentle pushes to the ether, this way and that. The result is that what begins now is creative (though don’t assume that’s positive! or that it comes in a traditionally recognized creative form) as it feeds on both matters ignored or denied, and on those health issues (mental, physical, spiritual, emotional) that are nibbling at the edges of our consciousness with worry or the soon-to-be undeniable recognition of some health matter that must be addressed. Right now, though we likely become aware of these issues, we aren’t forced to move on them–that point likely comes later, at the Superior Conjunction.

And, with the coinciding of the NM with the Inferior Conjunction, we see a moment in time where what begins may be larger than we realize, and we’re fortuitously offered a timeline along which we can expect at least a partial result, with the Superior Conjunction (when Merc is once again direct and meets the Sun). This can result in our own version of the Big Bang as something that coalesces now reaches a point of intensity that brings bigger-than-the-sum-of-its-parts results with the SC of 5 March. We should note the Superior Conjunction occurs midway through Pisces, giving the events a dream-come-true potential, or one of unreality or deception.

'Lady at the Window' Caspar Netscher (circa 1639–1684) {{PD}}

‘Lady at the Window’
Caspar Netscher (circa 1639–1684) {{PD}}

The Sabian for the New Moon is, ‘In A Sunlit Home Domesticated Birds Sing Joyously’. Considering all the other contacts in play at the time of the NM, this implies that what occurs may bring something out into the light, creating an opportunity for Self-expression and peace within the ‘home’ of the individual (internally or within surroundings)–but the word ‘domesticated’ suggests this is done with passions or forces that have been ‘tamed’, rather than with something new–and this implies that the new start may grown out of mastery of the Self, the environment, or one’s already adept qualities or abilities.

(Mars parallel SN, semi-sq Ceres, and sxt Mercury, Vesta sesq Juno, Saturn sq Chiron)

new-moon-in-capricorn-28-december-2016

For those born with the Sun at 7 Capricorn: You are poised between acting (which may be rash or out of anger) and creating (which may be inspired or confused)–and the best way to choose exactly how you will use your energy should be determined by what supports your health best in all its facets. Looking out for your well-being is the key to solidifying your authority and your place in things (your status). Once you choose how to go forward, you’ll find yourself re-thinking what was–but be bold, embrace your choices, and don’t allow regret to cloud what could be a year full of achievement. Good luck, Cappy, and Happy Birthday!

13 December 2016 Under the Mystic Full Moon

12 Monday Dec 2016

Posted by in astrology, Born Today, current events in the sky, forecast, Full Moon, Horoscope, Moon, Mystic Rectangle, Sabian Symbols

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Jan Brueghel the Elder, Landscape of Paradise and the Loading of the Animals in Noah’s Ark, 1596 {{PD}}

Note the pair of unicorns in the background. What happened between loading them on the ark, and now? Jan Brueghel the Elder, ‘Landscape of Paradise and the Loading of the Animals in Noah’s Ark’, 1596 {{PD}}

The AstroEssence: Prior to the culmination of the Moon-Earth/ Sun-Saturn opposition, we’ll likely be caught up with the power situation as it exists in our world, and particularly with two facets of it: what kind of hurt other power players or those in authority may have inflicted in the past, and how we might exploit and deploy our own urges toward gaining power via opportunities, especially in the form of satisfying appetites. Though this can prompt a little more navel-gazing and a few more vengeance fantasies than are productive, we are keyed toward obtaining power or influence within a situation only in the smartest way–and so we likely avoid indulging in anything either counter-productive or that triggers negative consequences down the road (Chiron contra-parallel Ceres, Pluto nov Pallas, Jupiter conj Zeus)

Full Moon in Gemini occurs at 4:05 PM Pacific time at 22 Gemini 25. The Mystic Rectangle of which the Full Moon is a part actually formed a couple of days ago, but the FM will probably bring the potentials initiated by formation to completion, realization, or expression–that is, something that only began to show itself or take shape just before or early in the weekend (maybe even gathering momentum out of our sight) now reaches fulfillment, becomes obvious, or concludes. The arms of the Mystic Rectangle are made up of: Moon-Earth in Gemini, Ceres-Uranus in Aries, Sun-Saturn in Sagittarius, Jupiter-Zeus in Libra. Active modalities are Cardinal and Mutable, Elements involved are Air and Fire, and we may have a more-than-usually high chance of the Full Moon events having a material or environmental, real-world impact, not just via the Cardinal energy, but due to the involvement of Earth, Saturn, and Ceres. Mental perceptions play a part as well, through Uranus (the intellect), Gemini, and Libra–and we may put beliefs in both the mental and emotional categories (Jupiter), with emotions a natural component of a Full Moon, which typically reveals, concludes, or completes a feeling response or emotional perception in relation to ourselves and our identity (the Sun)–but in what arena?

This little cocktail is a 'Bittersweet Symphony

This little cocktail is a ‘Bittersweet Symphony’ By Visitor7 – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=33142586

First though, what does a Mystic Rectangle promise? Think of it as a kind of cocktail made of energy. Each component gives us a single, unique ‘taste’, but it’s only when everything is combined in just the right amounts that it takes on a nuanced flavor that goes beyond any one ingredient. A Mystic Rectangle is the proportional ‘mix’ that creates a sum much bigger than its parts by bringing together at least four disparate but harmoniously relating energies–in this case, we have eight. These energy ‘flavors’ play off each other, acting as both receivers and catalysts, and so acting and being acted upon. Add to this the emotional and conclusive states inherent in the Full Moon, and we have something both dynamic, indicating the relationships of these bodies and the way they create something larger than they could individually, and something complete, meaning that the energy of the mix finds a final, definitive form at this point, and it’s likely something that brings an emotional perception or reality to a peak, or to an end.

Where the Full Moon falls, as well as where each of the Rectangle’s points falls, within the natal chart will tell the individual where in the life this dynamic will be in play; the general pattern, though, tells us that the synergy of the emotional impact of our surroundings and how we think of these (the Moon-Earth in Gemini) bring original or unusual individual responses that urge action and use of power, the kind that makes a statement about who we are that we want others to see or hear (Ceres-Uranus in Aries), and this statement affects our real-world situation (Sun-Saturn in Sagittarius), revealing beliefs and facts about the kind of cooperation or support we can expect in fulfilling our wants and ambitions (Jupiter-Zeus in Libra). The Full Moon shows the result of a complex interaction of the actual reality situation and our perceptions of it, especially our emotional perceptions.

There is also a quincunx of the Full Moon to Black Moon Lilith, a trine to Mars, and a square of Chiron with the Sun-Earth axis. This suggests that, though a Mystic Rectangle is a generally fortuitous configuration, implying the potential for serendipitous circumstances and ‘coincidences’ and really excellent timing of events and choices, these may come about through or are accompanied by difficulties. There is the possibility that the Full Moon brings or is followed by the uncomfortable need to examine what has been ignored, denied, or that has enraged, and this comes with both conflict over wounds inflicted and received and how they’ve shaped Self-expression and accomplishment, and creates a strong, no-holds-barred sense of needing to act, to do something about what’s perceived. That tells us that, though we may be highly conscious of and possibly actively involved with stresses at the time of the Full Moon, there will be available a set of positive synchronicities that we will most likely first become aware of through the feeling nature, and/ or through some kind of completion or ending–and if we can hook that urge to act to the symmetry of the Rectangle, we can take leaps forward in both consciousness and accomplishment.

By Alexei Savrasov - qgEUs-kiMGydOg at Google Cultural Institute, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=13500799

By Alexei Savrasov – qgEUs-kiMGydOg at Google Cultural Institute, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=13500799

The Sabian for the Full Moon is, ‘Three Fledglings In A Nest High In A Tree’ In this symbol we have a ‘Trinity’ of something new, untested, ‘fresh’, ready (or very close to ready) to ‘leave the nest’ for the first time. This implies that whatever is completed at the Full Moon will then be ready for a ‘test flight’, to be taken out and tried in the real world. This sends us back to the point of the Rectangle that holds Jupiter-Zeus in Libra; Jupiter can represent the social order, the wider world, ‘the facts’ this world presents to us, and echoes the relation of Beliefs (Jupiter) to the spiritual number of the Trinity within the symbol. The matters of whatever House holds 18 Libra in your chart will describe where or in what capacity (what role) you will be bringing the Full Moon experience, after processing, out into the world, both to test its viability and to test its spiritual resiliency. In some way, what we are testing in the world will reflect our ambitions or wants, and we bring this forward with the goal of finding out how much support we might expect, and how these fledglings (ideas, choices, actions, creations) will affect our relationships and even our finances (Libra).

We also look to the Sabian for the Sun, as this gives us the ‘origin story’, the energy that drives the Full Moon picture. ‘A Group Of Immigrants As They Fulfill The Requirements Of Entrance Into The New Country’. This suggests that what occurs or is accomplished at this time is something we’ve been moving toward for a long time, something we have (literally or figuratively) studied for, filed the paperwork for, uprooted ourselves for, gone on an adventure for, left behind a previous life for, and/or crossed borders or boundaries to attain. We are on the threshold of something akin to a brand new life–let’s savor it.

full-moon-in-gemini-december-2016

For those born with the Sun at 22 Sagittarius: See above; I’ve just described your year. Good luck, Sag, and Happy Birthday!

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