Busy is the Name of the Game – Action and Growth.

This Saturday, March 8, 2014 Moon hits its First Quarter phase.  First Quarter Moon phase is the time for decisive action.  Often a crisis will precipitate this action.  Most times it is instinctive and does not feel like a crisis at all as the Moon rules our daily life and it all seems part of the routine.  When you want something to grow, begin while the Moon is in its waxing phase, especially if it is waxing in Cancer.

 This First Quarter Moon, with Moon in Gemini and Sun in Pisces, promises a busy week ahead leading up to the Full Moon on the 16^th.  Gemini Moon is always a time of curiosity and the need for mental stimulation. If you want an idea to grow waxing Moon in Gemini is the time to voice that idea and get it out to the universe.  This Quarter Moon will impact in a very personal way Gemini and Pisces of course as well as Virgo and Sagittarius.  

Daylight Savings time begins at 2 AM on Sunday morning, March 9, 2014.  Moon slides home to Cancer at 9:33 AM EDT. Folks can get needy and moody while Moon is in Cancer.  There’s a need to nurture or be nurtured. We respond emotionally now, so tread lightly as people are vulnerable and sensitive. This is a most fertile time; the time to plant your garden and watch it grow.

Monday, the Moon’s day, is likely to be an emotional roller coaster as Moon bounces off Jupiter, Uranus and Pluto activating that dynamic T-Square that has been in play and will continue to be in play for some time.  Jupiter is about justice, Uranus rebellion and Pluto power, control and the ability to transform. We see this played out in global events and bringing it down to the personal the cardinal signs of Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn feel the pressure of this uncommon aspect.  Life changing events trigger inner changes that alter the life path and plans.  Cardinal signs are always ready to start something new and usually adapt quickly to changing circumstances.

Early Tuesday morning, Mercury in Aquarius squares Saturn in Scorpio paving the way for some serious conversation and some sobering news. Here the fixed signs, Taurus, Leo, Scorpio and Aquarius feel the stress. The mercurial signs of Gemini and Virgo get pulled into the conflict as well as Saturn ruled Capricorn. Aquarius, Saturn ruled as well is hip deep into it and with Mercury there we are likely to hear one of those famous Aquarian rants.   Moon slips into Leo at 10:09 PM EDT.  While Moon is in Leo people are romantic, affectionate and looking for fun.  We need appreciation and recognition during this time, so don’t be slow with the compliments.  It should come natural as generosity of spirit is a signature attribute of Moon in Leo. 

During Thursday afternoon’s commute Sun in Pisces trines Saturn, the Sun and Saturn represent masculine authority.  A trine aspect indicates ease and agreement.  Authority figures reach an agreement.  The details emerge on Friday after Moon enters Virgo at 10:17 AM EDT.  Around noon time Mercury in Aquarius trines Mars in Libra and it is time for decisive action.  Moon in Virgo heightens our capacity for discrimination.  Detailed work and organizing projects do well now.  

The sky is busy this week and we will be busy as well.  A lot of news that stirs the emotions and a lot of folks who want to stir that pot.  Friday’s Mercury trine Mars will inject some clear logic and reasonableness into it all.  It will pay to let things gel a bit before flying off the handle so try to resist the Mercury/Mars connection and think about it a bit.

The Week Ahead – Last Quarter Moon – Venus Retrograde

Sunday, January 19, 2014 Moon travels through Virgo.  A good day for tidying things up, cleaning out closets/ drawers and general purging all around.  Don’t forget the junk food in the pantry.  Late in the evening Aquarians rejoice as Sun begins its monthly sojourn through that sign. Aquarius, like Capricorn, is ruled by Saturn and can be just as conservative.  Whereas Capricorn leans towards the corporate structure and serves societal constructs, Aquarius celebrates the individualist and often wants to topple those structures especially if they have become rigid and incapable of change.

 Moon remains in Virgo throughout Monday going Void of Course at 3:55 PM EST until the following morning, Tuesday, January 21^st at 7:43 AM EST.  When Moon enters Libra the energy shifts into a more social mode.  Venus ruled Libra Moon heightens the need for interaction with others.  Partnerships, associations and collaborations flourish under this Moon.  A cautionary note here: Libra’s ruler Venus is retrograde and has been since December 21, 2013 and will go direct on January 31, 2014. Venus retrograde can bring uncertainty into all relationships and confusion about finances. Like all retrogrades it is a time for review and reevaluation about the issues that the retrograde planet represents. Venus is about love, money, beauty, art and value systems. This is not the time to take action. It is the time to examine and become aware of issues revolving around love and money.  Often Venus retrograde can trigger extravagant spending on beautiful things that may not be practical.  It is important to remember to try and stay within the budget.  Relationship issues that surface now are not the signal to break off an existing relationship or begin a new one.  Venus is about what you want and what you value. Retrograde is the time to figure out what that is.  Keep in mind when Venus goes direct on the 31^st, Mercury is slowing down in preparation for retrograde motion on February 6^th. 

Wednesday while Moon is in Libra she connects with all the planets throughout the day kicking off a lot of action and discussion around Libran themes.  This is a good time to really listen to what the other person is saying.  Hear them and make sure they hear you.  Be sure that all involved are hearing what is really being said and not what they want to hear.  

Moon goes Void at 10:50 PM EST and moves into Scorpio on Thursday afternoon, January 23^rd at 4:43 PM EST.  Passions are aroused when Moon travels through Scorpio.  Scorpio Moon, ruled by Pluto and Mars, brings out aggressive tendencies and emotional outbursts. Despite Scorpio’s tough reputation, people are sensitive now.  Social interaction can get complicated when the green-eye monster emerges, even though there may be nothing to be jealous about. Suspicion is in the air.  When things get intense take a step back, take a few breaths and take it down a notch.

 At 12:20 AM EST, in the midnight hour the Last Quarter Moon perfects.  This is a time of reflection. As we reflect and assimilate we are ending one phase in preparation for a new beginning.  When Mercury connects with Mars on Friday morning it will be helpful to talk about what is on your mind.  While Scorpio Moon is intense and emotional, Mercury in Aquarius is detached and intellectual.  Mars in air sign Libra will be forced to listen. He may want to argue but Libra will have none of it. 

Saturday morning busy Mercury squares off with Saturn in Scorpio.  The talk is serious and Saturn reigns in Scorpio’s explosive emotions.  Doesn’t mean that it is going to be easy as some unpleasant truths may be revealed. It’s really difficult when those truths are about oneself.  Moon goes Void of Course at 8:55 AM EST and remains so until 10:13 PM EST when intensity falls by the wayside as Moon enters Sagittarius.

 Under Sagittarius Moon there’s a need to move, an itch to travel, a desire to kick the football around or go for a hike.  Sagittarius Moon generates a friendly atmosphere. Ruled by philosophical Jupiter we dive into books about self improvement, philosophical ideals and intellectual edification.  Restlessness under this Moon can lead to impulsive action.  Take a walk, vacuum the rug, simply get moving before you do something that your lack of thinking about will lead to complications later on.  

 

Full Moon and Void of Course Moon

When nearing the end of a sign Moon makes its last aspect to another planet before it enters the next sign.  The period between that last aspect and Moon’s entry into the following sign is called Moon Void of Course. When Moon is Void of Course it is best to stick to routine and avoid making decisions. Unknown factors may be in play during this time frame. Moon goes Void of Course in Gemini on Sunday afternoon at 4:33 PM EST, January 12^th.  It does not enter Cancer until Monday, January 12^th at 7:25 PM EST. Monday with Moon Void in Gemini is a great time to clear out old paper work and empty the in box.  Gemini Moon is a busy Moon so try to remain focused.

Moon in Cancer brings out the emotional side and sharpens our instinct. This Moon does not go Void until the Full Moon at 11:52 PM EST, Wednesday, January 15, 2014. The Full Moon brings to fruition all that was planted at the New Moon.  That New Moon with Pluto in the mix signaled things in the extreme.  This has been evident in the weather patterns across the globe.  Politically, the Chris Christie fiasco echoes the plutonian themes of power and control. That energy prevails at the Full Moon with the addition of Saturn closing in.  Saturn is about pay back. If you’ve done your homework and paid your dues Saturn treats you well.  If you’ve shirked your responsibilities when Saturn catches up with you; what was easy now becomes arduous.  The lesson here is do what you’re supposed to do when you are supposed to do it.

 Moon is Void overnight until entering Leo on Thursday at 8:00 AM EST.  Leo Moon brings out ambition and leadership qualities.  This Moon is also a fun Moon when our inner child urges us to be playful.  Affection and appreciation are needed now.

During the Noon hour, Venus in Capricorn squares off with Mars in Libra.  This does not look good for negotiations, diplomatic endeavors or for resolving differences.  Venus here wants the facts while Mars may try to use some finesse in conveying those facts trying to make it look better than what it is.  Mars wants to make it pretty and Venus wants it real.

During the wee hours of Friday Mercury connects with Uranus.  This can bring some shocking news, sudden accidents, and freakish stuff that one can’t predict.  The morning news should be interesting with folks expressing some radical viewpoints.

Moon goes Void of Course in Leo on Saturday morning just before 4 AM EST and remains so until entering Virgo at 8:23 PM EST.  This Moon favors the intellect.  Word games, board games and precise work.  The talk turns to issues involving diet and exercise. Waning Moon in Virgo is a good time to quit something.  Whether it’s booze, drugs, food or toxic people, now’s the time to get rid of what does not serve you.

New Moon in Cancer - A Bit Chaotic

The July 19^th New Moon in Cancer kicked off a cycle that is bound to be quirky and full of surprises. Moon rules this cycle for sure, in Cancer, in the fourth house, the sign and position where the lunar energies are most strong and function at the optimal level. Folks will be leading with their emotions. Saturn in Libra, square the lunation point offers a bit of temperance but he may very well be out gunned by the strength of the Moon.   Mars in Libra opposing Uranus in Aries receives a boost from friendly Jupiter in Gemini. This combination speaks to impulsive actions, gut reactions and the ignoring of that old adage, “look before you leap”.  In the big wide world, high stakes games are being played.  Be prepared for some crazy rhetoric and irrational thinking.  A lot of drama and conflict with some “good stuff” in between. 

This lunation cycle with Moon in Cancer brings up stuff from the past. If these issues have not been resolved previously, this resurfacing brings the opportunity to settle the matter once and for all.  The energies prevalent now call for change; the important thing to remember is not to change simply for the sake of change.  Think it through, examine all the possible outcomes, and dig deep within yourself to insure that the changes being made are what you truly want.

Of course, with the current planetary configuration in play of Mars opposite Uranus and both squaring Pluto, change may be unavoidable and will come from outside events over which the individual has no control.  As the First Quarter Moon approaches news and shocking events trigger strong emotional response. Be aware that information may be distorted, exaggerated and possibly not true at all. This cycle of misinformation carries through the Full Moon period.  At the Last Quarter we are able to sort the truth from the lies and begin the process of assimilation and dissemination of what we have gained during this cycle.

During these changing and chaotic times it is essential to plant feet firmly on the ground and to keep head, heart and emotions clear and free of clutter. Some things cannot be changed and have to be dealt with. Other things can be changed.  The real trick is in recognizing what can be changed and what can’t. In relationships we often beat our heads against a stone wall for a long time before we realize that this particular significant other is not going to change. Either we accept that or we don’t. If we don’t it is the “I” not the “thou” that has to make the change. Change can be difficult as well as liberating.

The Cardinal signs of Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn receive the energies most strongly and obviously. The Mutable signs of Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces catch these configurations on a more subtle level. They get a sense of something but are not sure or clear on what it is.  The Fixed signs of Taurus, Leo, Scorpio and Aquarius make connections and receive information that requires review.

Regular meditation and times of quiet contemplation provide a respite from chaos and can bring clarity to the jumble of thoughts and emotions that the current planetary configurations bring.  Remember to breathe.