November New Moon Cycle - Started With a Bang - Will End With One Too?

The current lunar cycle began with the New Moon in Scorpio on November 11, 2015.  The horoscope for that moment put Mars in the driver’s seat.  Mars, the God of war manifested a few days later in the horrific event in Paris, France that has rocked the world.  The horrors of the present day aside this period calls for clear conversation to avoid misconception. There is definitely a lack of clarity in the air and misunderstanding is high on the list of possibilities.

As the Moon waxes heading towards the First Quarter Mars steps aside and Venus gains power.  Love, money and diplomacy become the weapon of choice.  Neptune stations, or stops, and proceeds to move in direct motion.  Some obscure, hidden facts may come to the surface now.  These facts remind us that it never pays to rush to judgement.

As we move from First Quarter to Full Moon jealousy and sexual tension can lead to unconventional behavior.  As the Sun and Mercury enter Sagittarius we leave the deep water and enter a landscape that allows us to see the far horizon.  A look at the big picture encourages free speech but beware of speaking before thinking.  Words can hurt despite the best intentions.  Love and money can come from unexpected sources.

At the Full Moon Venus rules the day.  But she’s looking for some conversation.  There’s some serious discussion going on.  Travel delays are possible.  Check schedules, be clear in your conversation and be on the lookout for deception.  Thanksgiving Day brings a reality check as Saturn in Sagittarius squares Neptune in Pisces. Neptune in Pisces is the dreamer, on the high road this combo symbolizes the Mother Theresa’s out there.  On the low road the deluded fanatic.  Saturn in Sagittarius brings the material to the spiritual.  If we are truly spiritual beings we must walk the talk in this world of cruelty, insane acts and harsh reality.  Avoid snap judgements as there is more going on than meets the eye.  A positive use of this energy is to dream big and find ways to incorporate those dreams into your life.

From the Last Quarter on December 3, 2015 up to the next New Moon on December 11, 2015 expect turbulence and explosive actions as this lunation period will end as it started, with a big bang. Warfare, weather, power plays and the urge to dominate create havoc.  This is true in personal as well as global situations.

From the Last Quarter to before the next New Moon is a good time to banish something.  Get rid of a bad habit, an emotional tie, or simply negative thoughts.  This is a time for meditation and contemplation as you prepare for the next New Moon on December 10^th.  After the New Moon is the time to begin anew.

As the Sun traverses Sagittarius keep in mind the positive aspects of this sign.  Sagittarius is the sign of philosophy and religious beliefs and most importantly of all it is the sign of tolerance.  It is not “my way or the highway” but “all roads lead to heaven.”

Lunar Eclipse, Transit of Venus and all that Jazz

It’s a busy sky this week what with the Lunar Eclipse on Monday and Venus’ occultation of the Sun on Tuesday. This Venus transit of the Sun is second in a series of two that occur every 100 years or so. The first occurred in 2004. This is a momentous event often signaling social, political and cultural changes of a broad range. The Protestant Reformation began around the time of the 1519 transit. The 1631-1639 pair brought the European to the Americas while the 1761-1769 coincided with the rise of revolutionary fervor here in, what was then, Colonial America. The Eclipse falls along the Gemini/Sagittarius axis and the Venus transit occurs in Gemini, both fall in the mid degrees of their respective signs. After Monday’s Eclipse in the morning, Neptune turned retrograde and Venus squared off with Mars.  The transit of Venus across the face of the Sun occurs on Tuesday, June 05, 2012 at 9:10 PM EDT. Here in Rhode Island the Sun and Venus are in the Sixth house of workers, (unions and civil servants in particular) health, and the armed forces, emphasizing issues of public health, labor and wage conditions, and the food supply possibly involving restaurants and other venues that serve food and drink. Mercury in Gemini, on the cusp of the 7^th house of relationships still trines Saturn in Libra, in the 10^th. The 7^th house is all about relationships and the 10^th represents authority figures, heads of state, the boss and one’s standing in the community.

With all this going on remember that we are in the Lunation cycle that began on May 20^th with the Solar Eclipse in early Gemini. As previously written this cycle is all about communication within relationships. Those with planets in the mid degrees of the Mutable signs of Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces will feel the kick more than others but the Cardinal and Fixed gang are not off the hook. The house position of the Eclipse and transit of Venus will really tell the tale.

Early Thursday morning, June 7, 2012 chatty Mercury moves into Cancer where people tend to articulate what they are truly feeling. Up to that time folks tend to intellectualize their thoughts considering it more of an exchange of information, Mercury in Gemini loves the informational give and take. Mercury in Cancer is a different kettle of fish as emotions come into play. Friday evening when Mercury gets friendly with Neptune in Pisces emotions may overflow and what is being said may not be particularly clear. Things can get foggy but there is also the opportunity for some intuitive information to surface. Any brilliant ideas that surface, it is best to write down as it will be gone as quickly as it comes.

What occurs this week and throughout the month of June offers us a glimpse of what will manifest over the next couple of years as this month is a kick off point for many planetary aspects and configurations. Hang on to your hat.

Full Moon – Lunar Eclipse—Happy December

The approaching Full Moon Lunar Eclipse on December 10^th brings with it a mixture of grief and happiness.  This one is tough to call with Mercury retrograde and “Mr. Surprise” Uranus changing direction hours before the Full Moon perfects.   When a planet stations, (seeming to stop in the sky before changing direction), the energy of that planet is concentrated thus becoming stronger. We have become so accustomed to scandal that it is difficult to conceive of any event that could shock us but shocking is Uranus’ stock in trade.  Perhaps Congress may actually agree on something involving the budget, tax cuts and deficits. Now that would be a shocker!

 With Mercury playing retrograde games of misinformation, missed appointments, and general all round communication snafus we will need to keep our wits about us while sorting through what may or may not be the facts. Tensions will build up to the Full Moon and then we can expect a release of that tension.  An earthquake, a volcanic eruption, not necessarily in the physical world, prompts breakups and regroupings. A major event brings about unity in sorrow.  A breakdown in negotiations and communications provokes some people to speak before thinking. The fallout will be something to see. The media will report everything and anything without a thought to checking the facts. It will become apparent that many are pushing their own agenda and the truth will be hard to find.  

 On the 13^th when Mercury stations and begins to move in direct motion, the time to hit the reset button and begin anew is at hand.  As it stations pay attention to all things Mercurial; traffic, news, information, neighbors and siblings. Check out the action that surfaces around that time. Situations that have hit a snag may begin to move forward. In the meantime you can revise, review and clean out your intellectual and emotional closet.

Venus in Capricorn during this Eclipse wears her business suit. She’s all about money and into committed relationships.  In the Chart set for Washington, DC, Venus in the 12^th house of secrets sits close to the Ascendant. The Ascendant is the point of entry into the outside world and carries a lot of weight in horoscope interpretation.  Women figure prominently, in diplomatic relationships, world affairs and in personal relationships.  Venus, ruler of love and money promises unanticipated events around those issues.  Bewildering is the operative word here.

Venus and Saturn at the Eclipse are in Mutual Reception, each in the other’s home sign, so they help each other out.  Saturn is the big dog, holding sway over societal structures and institutions like marriage, Congress, and the like. In Saturn he is the chief negotiator.  Venus in the 12^th is his willing ally and is perhaps involved in some secretive mission. Venus in the 12^th is also about secret love affairs.  Those secrets are about to be revealed.

Mars in Virgo in the 8^th house of joint finance, debt, taxes and insurance brings the action and attention to these issues. Mars is energy, pure and simple. In Virgo, he’s focusing on the details. Social Security, pensions and public loans get scrutinized.  There is a hint of sorrow here. 

A confusion of themes and a variety of subject matter bubble to the surface during this cycle.  By the Last Quarter on December 17^th the cat will be out of the bag. An international incident, a judge and the judicial system, and/or some type of religious fanaticism grab the headlines.

Through all of this confusion remember that the Sun, the source of all life, is in Sagittarius.  Here the sunbeams light up all things Sagittarius and allows us to step back and see the big picture. People and events in our life are all part of the process. Sagittarius says open up to the possibilities; take step to the edge of your comfort zone and a little beyond. There’s a big world out there, so don’t limit yourself.

Jupiter in Aries

When you think about Jupiter you have to think global. Jupiter is the high priest, the prophet, the philosopher, the legal expert and wise judge. Jupiter in excess or taking anything less than the high road brings exaggeration, overestimation, fanaticism, intolerance and a tendency for overindulgence. Jupiter has to do with holding society together through rulership of laws and legal systems.



Aries represents the spring awakening. The powerful force that germinates and pushes to the surface, Aries is impulse, pioneering, initiative, impatience, seizes the untried, the new and finds new solutions to old problems. Aries on the dark side can be brutal, violent, prone to start and fail to finish, a big ego with no regard for the feelings of others.


A blending of these two begins this Saturday, Jan 22, 2011, when they join forces as Jupiter enters Aries. Last June, 2010 Jupiter popped into Aries spending a quick 3 months, returning to Pisces in September 2010.


A Jupiter transit in a personal horoscope expands the individual’s universe, the consciousness and at times the waist line. The energy flows easily and the house it transits is the area of growth. Bad habits can grow as well as good habits. The cautionary tale of a Jupiter transit is “don’t overdo.”


Jupiter’s transit through the sign of Aries will be the luckiest of times for natives of this sign. This time signals a twelve year cycle of growth. Aries will feel good, optimistic and hopeful.


The Aquarius and Gemini receive favorable vibes. This transit brings good relationships and opportunity. For Leo and Sagittarius good stuff comes your way but this transit can make you lazy, so pay attention and don’t let opportunity pass you by. Capricorn and Cancer, while generally favorable need to navigate the snags and snafus that arise and threaten the benefits Jupiter brings. The Pisces and Taurus’ may be totally unaware of the benefits and good luck that is around them while the Scorpios and Virgos experience annoyances that if left unattended can blossom in a big way. Libra experiences this as a culmination; it is a Full Moon type of occurrence as Jupiter is opposing its Libra position of 2004-2005. Libra’s chance for success is good now but a focus on the spiritual will better serve.


For a clue to what this means for you personally think back to last June through September, what was happening in your life then. For a broader picture of what is going on in your life think back to 1999 when Jupiter last transited Aries. That cycle is ending now and a new one is beginning. Where were you twelve years ago? What wonders of the universe opened up for you? Get ready for another round. And remember, at its highest Jupiter is all about connecting to ones spiritual self. Jupiter brings material goods but the best gift Jupiter brings is the spiritual blessings that are pearls beyond price. Meditate and get in touch with your higher self, your inner spiritual self and how to turn those selves into the pioneer embodied in the Jupiter in Aries archetype.

Last Quarter Moon and Week of November 28, 2010

The Last Quarter Moon occurs on Sunday, November 28, 2010 at 3:36 PM EST with the Moon in Virgo and the Sun in Sagittarius. This is the half and half Moon, half light and half dark. The winding down phase and like all squares it is a time for action. In this waning phase the action is one of assimilation as we process inwardly what this cycle has brought us. We are preparing for the next New Moon when the cycle begins again. At this Last Quarter Moon the planet Mars squares off with Jupiter. Squares make things happen. Mars in Sagittarius, the sign of philosophy, religion and belief systems in a hard aspect with Jupiter in Pisces the sign of spirituality, illusion, high ideals, smoke and mirrors suggests a flare up of differences on the international front. North Korea’s attack on South Korea comes to mind but I am thinking more Middle East, Oil, Christian, Moslem area of world events. Jupiter promises big stuff and he can deliver. As co-ruler of Pisces and ruler of Sagittarius Jupiter has some power here. Mars is the spark. The planet Uranus is in the picture as well. The exact square aspect between Mars and Uranus occurs on Friday, December 3, 2010 at 9:01 AM EDT. Before that happens, Venus, that mysterious lady, leaves the all sweetness and light sign of Libra and enters the dark waters of Scorpio on Monday night. Venus, in addition to ruling love, beauty and the arts, rules money, values, and diplomacy. Scorpio, among other things, is the sign of debt. Venus in Scorpio is not diplomatic; she’s donned her combat boots and is through talking. On Tuesday evening Mercury the planet of communication, business transactions, contracts, and the daily commute moves into Capricorn. Capricorn wants the facts, demands logic and organization. Mercury is only too happy to oblige. The Moon begins the week in Virgo; the details will make us happy while Moon is here. On Tuesday morning Moon enters Libra. This is the people need people Moon. Libra Moon reminds us that we are social beings. On Thursday morning, Moon enters Scorpio and passions run high. The Mars square Uranus becomes exact under this Scorpio Moon. We will have a lot to absorb and assimilate as we prepare for Sunday’s New Moon in Sagittarius when another cycle begins that looks to be quite volatile. Stay tuned.

Full Moon November 21, 2010

The Full Moon occurs on Sunday at 12:27 PM EST in the final degrees of Taurus (Moon) and Scorpio (Sun). The 29th degree of any sign is considered a critical degree. The final degrees of Taurus are associated with sorrow while these same final degrees in Scorpio sharpens the Scorpion sting. No matter how you look at it, it is not a pretty sight. The Full Moon Mercury and Mars in Sagittarius are conjunct the Mercury and Venus of the Federal Reserve chart. The Fed has been much in the news lately and will continue to be. The Pluto/North Node conjunction joins the Fed Sun and opposes the Fed Pluto. The revolution to come will not be fought with guns and bullets, but with currency. The money planets is the USA chart of July 4, 1776, Venus and Jupiter in Cancer are taking the hit from this Pluto/North Node combo. Money, debt, the devaluating dollar will continue to rock the foundations of this country. The Tea Party, the Coffee Party and the Scotch and Soda Party will all have their say. With Pluto around, there is usually a grab for power. But, Pluto destroys and transforms whatever it touches. When you are standing in the rubble it is difficult to see how this destruction could result in something better, but with Pluto, in the end the rebuilt structures are an improvement over the old. Shortly after the Full Moon, the Moon slips into Gemini and people lighten up a bit after the intensity of Scorpio Moon. Gemini Moon brings the ability to be flexible. When the Sun enters Sagittarius, there is generally more optimism in the air. This is the season of faith, faith in the future, and faith in oneself. The recent change to forward motion of the Benefics, Jupiter, the Greater and Venus the Lesser increase the hopeful optimism of the season. You will notice certain areas of your life that seemed to have been on hold, now begin to move forward. Thanksgiving Day here in the USA will be a great day for home, family, eating comfort foods, all encouraged by Moon in Cancer. Try to keep your emotions in check as Moon bounces off Jupiter, Uranus then Venus during the course of the day. Think peaceful thoughts and try to have a peaceful day as world events will have to be faced and dealt with on the morrow.

Scorpio New Moon

Passions are aroused when Moon enters Scorpio Friday morning, November 5, 2010 at 2:15 AM EDT. Scorpio Moon brings out strong feelings and desires. People are more sensitive to real or imagined hurts. Be careful when dealing with members of the opposite sex. There is a strong desire to merge and meld, not merely in sexual passion but on a deeper soul level. People do not forgive and forget easily under this Moon. Tread carefully. The New Moon occurs at 12:52 AM EDT on Saturday morning, November 6, 2010, in Scorpio. So the flavor of the month is Scorpio. While this sign can generate secretive, passionate and intense feelings it is also about being resourceful and brings about transformation. Where this New Moon falls in the Natal Horoscope is where the native is going to dig deep and plumb the depths. Expect some earth shattering events. The physical earth, i.e. volcanoes, earthquakes and the like as well as in the business and political world. I am thinking this because the North Node of the Moon is conjunct Pluto in Capricorn at this New Moon. The North Node is the point on the ecliptic where the Moon crosses the equator from South to North. It is an 18 year cycle that is very important in world events and on a personal level as well.  Pluto is a great destroyer and rebuilder. Societal structures belong to Capricorn. When the North Node was traveling through Cancer, opposite to where it is now, housing (Cancer) prices were at their peak. Now, in the opposite sign of Capricorn, housing prices are in the toilet. Adding to this mix, on Sunday, Neptune stations and turns in direct motion. The Neptunian energies are strong. Psychic stuff as well as fraud, oil, drugs, think scandal. Retrograde Venus moves back into Libra signaling a reappraisal of relationships and negotiations. On Monday, November 8, 2010 Mercury moves into Sagittarius. Here come the fiery speeches espousing strong religious, philosophical and political views. At the First Quarter Moon on Saturday, November 13, 2010 at 11:39 AM EST, the seeds planted at the New Moon begin to sprout. The Moon is in Aquarius and the Sun is in Scorpio, two fixed signs knocking heads. Scorpio has deep passions while Aquarius has strong convictions. Neither is inclined to budge. Venus in Libra and Mercury in Sagittarius may open the door for some conversation and keep the lines of communication open until a more auspicious time. This will be true on a personal level as well. When you hit a stone wall, step back and take a breath. Upon further reflection and review we usually find a way around the obstacle. Obstacles, hitches and glitches force us to take action and although not easy or pleasant, accomplishment is the result.

Mars in Sagittarius, Venus Retrograde Conjunct the Sun, Last Quarter Moon

In the lead up to the Last Quarter Moon on Saturday, October 30^th two significant events occurred on Thursday the 28^th. First, Mars left his home base of Scorpio and moved into Sagittarius. Mars is the planet of action.  Mars in a horoscope points how we do and what we do. Entering Sagittarius Mars signals the return of enthusiasm and optimism. Mars in Sagittarius sees the glass as half full. There can be a certain amount of impulsiveness when Mars and the Archer join forces. Mars is the warrior and in Sagittarius battles can assume the aura of a holy crusade. At the extreme, Mars in Sagittarius can bring the foaming at the mouth religious fanatic to your doorstep.  But most of the time the anger of Mars in Sagittarius is anger at an injustice.  This energy is good for the sportsman and athlete. Sports and athletics provide a positive outlet for this energy.  Thursday also saw the conjunction of retrograde Venus with the Sun.  This is called the inferior conjunction. Inferior conjunction occurs when Venus is retrograde and is closest to the Earth. Venus lies directly between the Earth and the Sun. It is a New Moon type of occurrence.  It is a special moment, a time to plant Venusian seeds. Venus is concerned with love, art, money and relatedness. Venus attracts but she is more than just a pretty face. Venus in a horoscope signifies what you want, your value system and what matters to you.   At the conjunction, Venus is not visible in the night sky. After the inferior conjunction Venus will appear well before dawn in the morning sky beginning November 4^th. It has been said that when Venus rises in the morning she calls the men to war. Let’s hope that she doesn’t intend to rouse them now.   If you want to figure out how this will affect you think back to eight years ago. Every eight years Venus will retrograde and conjoin the Sun in approximately the same area of the Zodiac.  The cycle begun at that time is ending and a new one is beginning. This is the time to plant those seeds you wish to grow and flourish during the upcoming eight years.   On Friday evening, October 29, 2010 at 8:38 PM EDT Moon enters the sign of Leo heading towards a square to Scorpio Sun.  This is the closing square; the Moon grows smaller in the night sky winding down bringing the darkness of the New Moon on November 5th.  The waning square between the Sun and Moon is a time to wrap things up and assimilate all that was taken in and learned since the previous New Moon and to clear the decks to make way for the new.  Meditation and inner reflection do well during these periods.  This is the weekend for quiet, romantic evenings.  Leo Moon brings out kindness and generosity in people.  There’s warmth and affection in the air. Enjoy!

The Week Ahead – October 10, 2010

Sunday, October 10, 2010 Moon enters Sagittarius at 6:09 PM EDT and enthusiasm takes over. Sagittarius Moon ruled by Jupiter likes big ideas, big action and big adventures. There is a warm, friendliness in the air coupled with a feeling of restlessness. Independence spurs an itch to travel and/or participate in sporting events. The Moon goes Void of Course on Tuesday, October 12, 2010 at 8:07 PM EDT. The Void period ends at 12:17 AM EDT on Wednesday, October 13, 2010 when Moon enters sober Capricorn. We are cured of the travel bug and settle down to the business at hand. Enthusiasm gives way to pessimism. The best thing to do now is to concentrate on the job at hand, the tasks before you. Good feelings come from accomplishment, creating structure and form around you and getting organized. Capricorn Moon triggers our ambition and favors work that will advance our cause. The First Quarter Moon occurs on Thursday, October 14, 2010 at 5:27 PM EDT. “Stuff” happens, action is taken and decisions are made around the Quarter Moons. The Quarter Moon occurs with the Sun in Libra and the Moon in Capricorn. The Cardinal signs of Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn will feel the agitation of this Quarter Moon and will continue to do so as the energy builds to the Full Moon next week at 29 Aries/Libra. At this Quarter Moon the Libra/Capricorn energies speak to concrete issues involving relationships, negotiations, career path and public image. Cardinal signs are great for starting and initiating and the waxing phase of the Moon brings energy to that impetus. The decisions of this Quarter Moon may well be about beginnings, getting started, and taking a first step. The Moon goes Void of Course on Friday, October 15, 2010 at 5:49 AM EDT until 10:24 AM EDT when the Aquarius mode takes over. People get friendly under Aquarius Moon. They also want to come and go as they please and express themselves in a unique and personal way. This is a great time to get together with a group that shares the same cause or purpose, especially if that cause is to benefit mankind in some fashion. This is a good weekend to expand your social network and to make new connections. Be ready for the spontaneous and take advantage of it. Be aware that we are still under the Venus Retrograde in Scorpio. Venus runs on an eight year cycle, thus is retrograde in the same sign every eight years. We have completed that cycle and are now beginning anew. Think back to your own life experiences of eight years ago; where were you, where were you going and what were you doing. Remember, Venus has to do with what we value, what matters to us not only the love and money aspects of our lives. Another Venus fact is that every eight years at your Solar Return you experience a Venus Return at the same time. This is a very personal, individual eight year cycle. At any birthday, the best gift you can give yourself is the gift of a consultation with an Astrologer.

Moon in Sagittarius – Capricorn and a TGIF You Won’t Forget

Things lighten up a little when moon moves into Sagittarius early Tuesday morning, August 17, 2010 at 1:34 AM EDT providing some relief from the intense Scorpio energy experienced over the last few days. Sagittarius moon brings the influence of Jupiter to the fore, ruler of Sagittarius. A warm, friendly attitude prevails. We see the big picture and may get a little restless as we need independence and freedom of movement. Interest in the spiritual peaks and we are curious about other’s viewpoints and philosophies. By Thursday, August 19, 2010 we will have had enough of this exuberant Sagittarius moon and will be ready for the shift into the Capricorn mode when moon steps into Saturn’s domain at 10:17 AM EDT. We get down to business under Capricorn moon being concerned with the material aspects of life and with a need for security. This need sparks our ambitions and prods us to “get ahead”. We sometimes become insensitive to the feelings of others as we work our way up the ladder. This is a good time to organize and work on the tasks at hand. Friday, August 20, 2010 the annual opposition between the sun and Neptune takes place. The energy of Neptune can be murky and difficult to pin down. The sun shining bright beams on this mysterious planet may reveal some secrets and expose deceit. There is much going on behind the scenes and the revelations may come as a shock. Before the day is through, Venus and Mars will get up close and personal and Mercury will begin its retrograde motion. On Saturday, the last of the Saturn/Pluto squares takes place and they both are in aspect to Jupiter and Uranus. This is the famous cardinal t-square that is stressing the horoscope of the United States, July 4, 1776, as well as the horoscope of the Federal Reserve. In the US chart, the money planets Jupiter and Venus are getting whacked and the t-square is dead on the Pluto/sun opposition in the chart of the Fed. The Mercury station retrograde point at 19 Virgo sits on the Mars of the New York Stock Exchange. On the world stage it is all about money and power. Those that have it don’t want to let it go. People are clamoring for change and are not getting it. On a personal level, you love him/her, you hate him/her, you can/can’t live without etc. etc. The job sucks, I need the job, I can’t get a job, I quit this job. All kinds of fun and games are going on and trying to figure out where you stand, where you want to go and what you want to be and who you want to be with is a full time job in and of itself. The retrograde Mercury period from August 20th to September 12th is an opportune time to reflect, review and meditate. This too shall pass.