Pisces New Moon - Mars, Jupiter and Saturn Stir Things Up

The New Moon in Pisces at 2:59 AM EST on Saturday morning, March 1, 2014 makes a positive connections with Jupiter in Cancer.  This is a great for spiritual openings, heightening of the imagination and enhancing artistic abilities.  Mercury in Aquarius went direct the day before and Mars goes retrograde at 11:24 AM EST and just like that the energy shifts and changes.   More changes come as Moon enters Aries on Sunday and Saturn in Scorpio turns retrograde.  When planets change direction the energies that those planets embody heightens, strengthens and often manifests concrete events according to the sign they are in and in the individual horoscope, the house they are in.  In the afternoon, Venus in Capricorn squares retrograde Mars in Libra. Relationships are strained, arguments ensue.  The masculine and feminine principles clash. This does not bode well for diplomacy on international fronts as well as the kitchen table variety.  Moon in Aries wants things right now.  Impulsive action that is not well thought out is a signature of this Moon. 

On Monday, March 3, 2014 before most folks make it to the job this Aries Moon bounces off Jupiter, Uranus and Pluto stirring things up.  Jupiter, Uranus and Pluto are in an ongoing T-Square that is Jupiter opposing Pluto and both squaring Uranus, looks like a T.  Squares agitate and make things happen; oppositions are just that, opposing viewpoints, folks on opposite sides of the fence.  We see this symbolism acted out in world events.  In the Ukraine, it’s between East and West, in the US it’s liberal and conservative, rich and poor etc. So when Aries Moon sets this off things happen.  When Moon passed through Libra kicking things off from the opposite side of the Zodiac forming a Grand Square demonstrations began in Kiev. Aries Moon may escalate things.  In the afternoon Sun in Pisces forms a congenial aspect with Pluto in Capricorn, although congenial any time Pluto is involved there are issues of power and control.

On Tuesday afternoon at 2:12 PM EST Moon enters Taurus bringing out our need for emotional stability. We don’t like change and favor the traditional while Moon travels through this fixed earth sign.  Folks tend to be a bit stubborn now.  On Ash Wednesday, with Moon still in Taurus, Venus moves into Aquarius.  Venus, the planet of love and money in this sign is looking for friendship first. The unconventional or odd appeals and socializing is often done with a group of friends while Venus is in Aquarius. 

On Friday, Jupiter in Cancer changes direction stirring up Uranus and Pluto in the process.  In the evening Moon moves into versatile Gemini and we seek mental stimulation.  Talking and the exchange of ideas keep folks busy.  The duality of Gemini often makes it difficult to make a decision. A good time to take care of correspondence and return phone calls as information simply flows.

All in all this is a week of change.  In some areas things that were on hold begin to move along, while in other areas a reevaluation may be in order.  We can expect more demonstrations, authorities flexing their muscles and the common folk flexing theirs as well.  On an individual level it may be difficult to extend the olive branch but attempts at peace making are always worth the effort.  The fruits of those efforts may not manifest right away, but during periods of turmoil it is wise to lay the foundation for the hoped for stability to follow.

Cosmic Capsule - Woody Allen - Did Woody Diddle?

We hate it when our heroes are proven to have feet of clay.  We prefer to overlook it rather than face the harsh reality.  Elvis Presley, overweight and over medicated, to this day has legions of fans flocking to Graceland with nary a question as to where he hid his barbiturates. Michael Jackson’s fans didn’t raise a peep when he dangled a toddler off a balcony and rallied round during his trial for child molestation. Bill Cosby has been accused of sexual misconduct, Roman Polanski has famously been exiled from America for an incident with a young girl and Morgan Freeman raised a few eyebrows when he married his ex-wife’s granddaughter. When someone accuses our heroes of misconduct we prefer to have the accuser melt back into the background so we can continue in our fantasy.  Anita Hill, the lady who brought the issue of sexual harassment to the front page during the confirmation hearings of Clarence Thomas said, “I resent the idea that people would blame the messenger for the message, rather than looking at the content of the message itself.” 

 Our latest messenger is Dylan Farrow who has recently penned an open letter published in the New York Times about the alleged abuse she suffered at the hands of her adoptive father Woody Allen.  She was 7 years old at that time.  Previously, Dylan’s mother, Mia Farrow had discovered revealing Polaroid pictures of her other adoptive daughter, Soon-Yi at Woody’s apartment.  These pictures were quite graphic.  

Woody Allen is a Sagittarius with Virgo rising and Moon in Aquarius.  His Sagittarius Sun sits with Jupiter, his ruler, and Mercury all clustered together.  Jupiter brings a massive amount of energy to this Sagittarian cluster of planets.  This provides him with enormous vision, he dreams the impossible dream. The Ascendant or rising sign is an inherent part of the personality and allows Woody Allen to transport those visions to the earthly plane.  The Moon in Aquarius speaks to an unconventional home life. 

What catches the eye in this horoscope given the accusations floating around is his Mars/Pluto opposition, both squaring Venus.  Traditionally Mars is a malefic, meaning he’s a bad guy capable of war, aggression and various other forms of ugliness.  Pluto ain’t such a nice guy either.  Obsession, power, control and plumbing the depths are all attributes of Pluto.  Together with Mars he harshly aspects Venus.  This does not paint a pretty picture. This Pluto aspect goes a long way in explaining why Woody Allen is somewhat of a professional analysand as he perpetually undergoes psychoanalysis. It also reveals that there is potential there for abuse although that is not a given.  Other folks with a Mars/Pluto opposition include Angelina Jolie, Mohandas Gandhi and Richard Nixon.  Nixon was surely into power and control and there are stories that Gandhi slept naked with young girls to test and strengthen his control. Angelina Jolie as a youth was a bit of a sexual provocateur.  Woody Allen is a complex individual with all of his personal planets below the horizon.  He’s a very private person and keeps a lot hidden.  His Mars/Pluto opposition squaring Venus indicates a definite issue with women.  The up side is a lot of energy focused on the artistic.

Dylan’s reason for going public now was prompted by Woody Allen receiving the Cecil B. De Mille Lifetime Achievement award at the Golden Globes this year.  Astrologically there is another reason. I don’t have Dylan Farrow’s birth date but she was 7 then which makes her 29 now.  In astrology these are 2 very important years in the life cycle the individual.

Through the technique of Secondary Progression   that astrologers use to advance the chart throughout a person’s lifetime, moving the planets along the zodiacal path, at 7 years old the individual’s Secondary Progressed Moon has move 90 degrees to square the natal Moon.  At the same time the person’s Saturn has moved to square the natal Saturn.  This is a period in a child’s life when they transition from babyhood to a more mature posture.  Yes Virginia, there is no Santa Claus.

At about 27and ½ years old, the Secondary Progressed Moon moves back into to its natal position.   This is a period of emotional maturation. Some youngsters don’t make it for a variety of reasons.  Jim Morrison, Janis Joplin, Hendrix and Cobain come to mind.

This transit sets the stage for the Saturn Return, Saturn’s return to its natal position.  This first Saturn return occurs around 29 years of age. There is often a feeling at this return that time is running out and one must accomplish what one has set out to do before it is to late.  It is also a time to sort things out, to take a look at and revise inner values.  During this stage of one’s life that which is not necessary to the individual falls away.  It is a lot like cleaning out the attic dumping what is no longer useful.

Dylan is writing about this now because, from her point of view, all this shit is coming back to her, rising from her inner self.  As she has reached an emotional maturity during her 27^th year, now Saturn has come along forcing her to face reality.

The debate will continue, did he or didn’t he?  Dylan is standing firm.  Woody is rebutting declaring his innocence.  Children are taking sides.  It’s the modern equivalent of a Greek Tragedy but I doubt the deus ex machina will drift down from the rafters to resolve this plot.

The Week Ahead- First Quarter Moon – and Muddling Mercury Retrograde

Sunday, February 02, 2014 the Moon is Void in Pisces from 11:34 AM EST until 11:55 PM EST when Moon enters Aries.  Void Moon in Pisces is a great time to kick back and let things gel within us.  Moon in Pisces enhances our psychic impressions.  On the down side Pisces Moon encourages us to escape from reality.  Some do this through meditation and prayer, while others do it by bellying up to the bar for a few shots and beers.  Remember that the hangover is wicked payback. As for the Super Bowl,  Void Moons always promise that things do not turn out as expected.

By Monday morning with Moon firmly in Aries we are ready for action and action is what the Aries Moon calls for.  This is an initiatory Moon, we want to get started and get going. The drawback here is action is predicated on impulse and reason is thrown out the window as we neglect to think things through. Moon goes Void at 6:14 PM EST on Tuesday.

Wednesday morning at 4:46 AM EST Moon moves into stable, earthy Taurus.  If you want to start something that will grow and last start it now while waxing Moon is in Taurus.  Taurus is fertile, and waxing Moon encourages growth.  Beware though, Taurus Moon has a fixedness that will make it hard to get rid of what you started.  So make sure that it is what you want.   Folks get stubborn and dig their heels in under this Moon.

Thursday is the big day this week as the First Quarter Moon occurs at 2:32 PM EST with Moon in Taurus squaring, 90 degrees from Sun in Aquarius.  Quarter Moons shake things up.  Often, more than the Full Moons, the crazies come out.  Any square aspect between planets or the lights, as the Sun and Moon are referred to, brings action.  Things happen under Quarter Moons.

To add weight to this particular phase, Mercury in Pisces stations, or stops, in the sky and turns in retrograde motion.  Retrograde Mercury favors the introverted, those activities that focus on the inner landscape of the human condition.  Meditation, reflection and contemplation are favored while Mercury is retrograde, especially while it is in Pisces.  The energy of Pisces favors the contemplative. This can also bring about confused communication, messages gone astray and delays in travel. 

Whenever Mercury stations whether going direct or retrograde the mercurial energy is strong.  So information is often not reliable or confusing during those times.  Amanda Knox accused of murdering her roommate, Meredith Kercher made confusing statements at the time of her arrest.  At the time of the murder Mercury was stationing preparing to move in direct motion.  Amanda Knox has retrograde Mercury in her natal chart that opposes her natal Neptune.  This aspect is one of confusion.  She’s not clear in her thinking. Questions and answers may not have been understood.  The public may never know what really happened because of misunderstanding and the muddling up of the facts.

For the rest of us during a Mercury retrograde period it pays not to make decisions, sign contracts and prepare for disruptions in plans.  Decisions made now are often reversed after Mercury goes direct.  Information is not available while Mercury is retrograde.  This information pops up after Mercury moves in direct motion. It pays to check and doubled check on appointments, travel plans and gossip that surfaces now.

Moon ends the week in Gemini and remains there throughout the weekend until early Monday morning.  Gemini Moon is a restless Moon. People are talkative, adaptable and willing to exchange ideas and information.  Keep in mind the retrograde Mercury.  There is little danger of being overly emotional while Moon travels through Gemini as rationalization rules the day.

Month Ends With a Bang! – From Balsamic to New Moon in Aquarius

Sunday, January 26, 2014 Moon in enthusiastic Sagittarius moves into the Balsamic phase of the lunar cycle with the Sun when the Moon becomes smaller and smaller soon to vanish from the night sky.  Wiccan’s call this phase the Crone’s Moon.  A time of inner wisdom, a time to let go and dream of what is to come.  Like winter time, the seeds lie dormant beneath the surface waiting for the warmth of the Sun to generate movement.   As the Moon moves into Capricorn right after midnight on Tuesday the 28^th continue to reflect.  Capricorn Moon while not conducive to dreaming it is favorable for making concrete plans.  Dreams are not farfetched under this Moon they consider the practical.  Wisdom comes with Balsamic Moon in Capricorn.

Early Wednesday morning, a few hours before dawn, Sun in Aquarius makes a healthy connection with Aquarius’ ruler Uranus.  This aspect jolts us from our complacency.  The morning news or commute may provide a disruption in the routine or way of thinking. At 11:30 PM EST Moon enters Aquarius and we start thinking about the other guy, those that are less fortunate that we are.  A detached, intellectual Moon, Aquarius is not going to tote a pot of soup to the neighbors.  Writing a letter to the editor decrying deplorable conditions is more this Moon’s style.

At 4:38 PM EST on Thursday, January 30^th the New Moon occurs.  The New Moon is the start of a new cycle.  At this point the night sky is dark, the seeds are still dormant but beginning to stir with the vibe of the new.

New Moons set the tone for the upcoming month.  This New Moon in Aquarius has Pluto and Venus joining forces in Capricorn with Venus poised to turn direct.  They oppose retrograde Jupiter in Cancer and square Uranus in Aries.  This combination is bound to kick up some dust.   Early Friday morning the Jupiter/Pluto opposition reaches exactness.  Later, Mercury enters Pisces and in the afternoon Venus stops and turns in direct motion.  The month ends with a bang! In the big wide world protests and humanitarian causes make the headlines.  Getting down to the personal, here on the east coast of the USA, relationships require work.  The happily ever after needs diligence and maintenance.  Domestic and neighborhood issues beg for attention.

Late on Friday evening Moon enters Pisces.  We are sensitive to the vibes around us under this Moon so be sure to surround yourself with the positive for the rest of the weekend.  Folks are emotionally vulnerable and sentimental now.  Escapism plays a key role now.  It’s easy to drink to much, eat to much, and cling to much in an effort to gain emotional security.  Take the high road, listen music, and meditate.

 

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.

Waxing Moon – First Quarter – Could Be Trouble

Sunday, January 05, 2014 dawns with Moon in sensitive Pisces. There’s a heightened awareness of those things that go bump in the night when Moon is in Pisces.  Folks are impressionable now so it is important to surround yourself with the positive.  We sense the mood of others and absorb it.  Stay away from those who would bring you down. During the afternoon Sun in Capricorn opposes Jupiter in Cancer bringing a lot of confidence and optimism into the atmosphere.  The flaw here is over confidence.  Jupiter is expansive; in Cancer he expands the emotions.  Sun in Capricorn is all about reining things in and keeping everything neat and tidy.

Before the Sun rises on Monday morning Mercury in Capricorn connects with Saturn in Scorpio.  This is a practical Mercury ready to get down to business.  Saturn wherever he maybe, is always ready to get down to business. This aspect sets the stage for the first full week of 2014 and gives an able assist to those ready to tackle the chores left hanging during the festive holiday season.  Holiday’s over folks. 

Monday afternoon Moon moves from dreamy Pisces into action oriented Aries. Aries Moon favors vigorous action and initiative.  People want change when Moon moves through Aries.  It is important to remember that change for change sake is not always the best move to make.  Try to avoid impulsive action now.

Tuesday afternoon Mercury joins forces with Venus, both in Capricorn.  Under this aspect the time is ripe for signing documents pertaining to money or partnerships.  Venus is retrograde so these deals may fall under review. These issues won’t be resolved until month end when Venus goes direct. The first week of February provides a window of opportunity to tie things up before Mercury goes retrograde on February 6^th.

Tuesday evening, January 7^th the First Quarter Moon occurs.  Quarter Moon’s are a time of action and this one is especially so because of various planets involved with the Sun and Moon configuration.  Mars opposing the Moon and squaring the Sun agitates to put it mildly.  Jupiter opposing the Sun and squaring the Moon blows things way out of proportion.  Moon in Aries acts on emotional impulse, while Sun in Capricorn along with Mercury and Venus tries to maintain order.  This cluster of planets in Capricorn is outgunned by Pluto in Capricorn. Pluto’s the howitzer and he stirs the pot mightily.  Diplomacy really doesn’t have much of a chance. Uranus is widely in the mix as well, so anything goes from the personal to the political.  Mother Earth may rumble. This week is a period of volatility in the business, personal, political and natural world.

On Wednesday, Moon goes Void of Course at 11:22 AM EST.  In the afternoon, the agitator Mars squares off with Jupiter.  This may bring some disruption, inflated and overstated actions and reactions.  Moon moves into the more stable Taurus at 9:24 PM EST.  People are cautious under this Moon sign.  This is fixed earth and change is an option that is difficult to take.  This is the “I have” Moon and this Moon wants to keep it. Financial and material security is paramount under this Moon.  Try to avoid being stubborn and digging in the heels.  Some change is good.

Moon remains in Taurus until Saturday, January 11^th at 7:26 AM EST.  Before Moon enters Gemini at this time, Venus makes a strong connection with Saturn.  Venus is in Saturn ruled Capricorn and is in the cautionary stage of retrograde so this aspect could prove to be very productive but the fruits of that productivity may not be evident for awhile.   Sun passes over both these planets during the course of the morning hours lending strength to the organizational energy precipitated by the Venus/Saturn conjunction.  Moon in Gemini takes it all in.  People are curious, inquisitive and talkative under this Moon.  Gathering and sharing information are hallmarks of Moon in Gemini.  We’re open to change and are able to see both sides of the picture.  Juggling comes to mind as this Moon enhances our capacity to multi-task.

Late Saturday afternoon Mercury enters Aquarius.  Mercury is comfortable in this air sign and reaches far and wide for news and information.  We hear about stuff that old Pluto in Capricorn at the First Quarter Moon has been trying to keep under wraps. During these few days when Moon is in Gemini, Mercury’s ruler, there’s lots of traffic, on the roadways, the internet and in the intellect.  There’s much to think about and process.

Try to grab a few moments to ground and center.  Remember to breathe.