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.

New Year – New Moon - Snap, Crackle and Pop!

Moon enters Sagittarius on Sunday, December 29, 2013 at 12:37 PM bringing with it a sense of restlessness.  Folks want to get out, move and partake of a little adventure.  This is a Moon of diversity, good for enjoying sporting events as well as reading through those weighty tomes that inform and elevate the spirit. 

Things begin to sizzle when Mercury squares off with Uranus.  Mercury is the messenger of the Zodiac bringing quickness and at times nervousness to the fore.  Uranus takes that energy and magnifies it.  Uranus prods us into independent action urging us to break out of any restrictive modes.  Conversation, communication, and traveling may involve some unexpected twists and turns.

As Sunday rolls into Monday, the Sun forms a square to Uranus as well.   Be prepared to wake up Monday morning to some shocking news or a major disruption in the daily routine.  Moon goes Void of Course at 6:36 AM EST and remains so throughout the day into Tuesday.  Actions taken under a Void of Course Moon often don’t turn out the way things were intended.  Sticking to the routine is the best bet.  That is if all this Uranus action will let you.  The evening finds the Warrior, Mars, in square aspect with Pluto.  This is not a pretty sight. Mars is the action principle while Pluto signifies transformation.  A square, while not harmonious, does make things happen.  Mars loves to stir things up and Pluto will make sure Mars sticks his oar in deep bringing up all the deep, dark secrets.  Things could get ugly. 

Early on Tuesday Morning, Mercury, another one who likes to stir the pot connects with Pluto, then Mars, activating all that energy once again.   Moon moves into Capricorn on Tuesday afternoon at 1:01 PM EST.  Capricorn is ruled by Saturn.  Saturn likes to contract, organize and bring to order all things.  Moon in Capricorn time is the time to get down to business and take care of practical matters.  As it is the last day of 2013 and the dark Moon time, this Moon will help everyone clear the decks and make ready for the New Year.

The New Moon occurs on New Year’s morning, January 1, 2014 at 6:14 AM EST.  This is an important New Moon.  Not because, as all the hype would have you believe, it falls on New Year’s Day but because it is the first New Moon after the Winter Solstice. Like all New Moons that fall right after the season changes it has a little extra oomph to it giving a hint of what the season will bring.  This New Moon packs a big punch because it is conjunct the heavy hitter Pluto in Capricorn and squares both Uranus and Mars.  This configuration is called a T-Square and it not one of the kinder, gentler aspects.  The pot will be stirred big time.

On Thursday, January 2^nd Moon enters Aquarius at 12:03 PM EST.  Folks get the humanitarian urge under this Moon feeling empathy for those less fortunate.  That is not to say that independence and quirkiness will not cause anxiety for some folks as this Moon craves the unconventional.  Some folks are all for it while others abhor it.

In the evening the Sun and Mars get nasty with one another.  Sun is the boss here and Mars does not like to take orders. Expect some backlash, rumbling from the ranks and general discord all around.  On Friday, Mercury and Jupiter stand opposite one another and the talk is big.  Be wary of exaggeration and keep your bullshit meter well tuned. 

Saturday the 4^th, just before noon, Moon moves into gentle Pisces.  People are more sensitive and less interested in the material. Heightened sensitivity often brings a feeling of vulnerability while Moon travels through Pisces. A good time for meditation, music and the arts, seek out the stuff that speaks to and feeds your soul.

Chant OM for yourself and for the world.

 

Christmas, Kwanzaa, Solstice Season, Last Quarter Moon - A Week of Diversity

There’s nothing better than the Moon in Virgo to kick off the work week.  Sun in Capricorn with Moon in Virgo is a great time to organize your work space, clear the inbox, and take care of those pesky little details that often plague us.   So forge ahead and clean those closets and get that kitchen junk drawer in order.

Before dawn on Tuesday, December 24^th Mercury sobers up and moves into Capricorn.  Mercury in Capricorn is great for manifestation.  Mercury symbolizes how we process information, how we think.  While traveling through Capricorn this Mercury facilitates the transition from thought to action.  Mercury in Capricorn wants to see results; great for practical matters and for grounding your flights of fancy and turning them into something concrete.   Around noon time the Sun in Capricorn connects with Neptune in Pisces.  Neptune in Pisces speaks to the ephemeral, the intangibles, those things you know are there but can’t see, feel or touch.  Sun in Capricorn deals in the real world of practical matters and will have no truck with things that go bump in the night.  The connection that Sun and Neptune make at this time acts as a bridge between the insubstantial and the concrete, a great aspect for bringing the imaginative into reality.

On Christmas morning at 1:17 AM EST, Moon moves into Libra.  This Moon sign is great for the social, herding animals that we all are.  This is a great Moon for Christmas Day as folks are in the mood to socialize.  Love, beauty and harmony thrive under this Moon.   Discussions are more apt to reach a happy conclusion rather than exploding into an all out war.   Christmas Day may not prove to be as harmonious as Libra Moon would like.  There are a couple of flies in the ointment.  Around 3:30 AM EST a subdued Mars in Libra opposes Uranus in fiery Aries.   Be wary if driving during the wee hours of the morning as this aspect can be very explosive.  Mars is always looking for a fight, even if he is in the peace loving sign of Libra.  And Uranus can stir the pot in unexpected ways.

The Last Quarter Moon occurs on Christmas morning at 8:48 AM EST.  Throughout the day Moon bounces off Uranus and Mars reactivating that explosive aspect that occurred in the early hours, ending the day squaring off with Pluto the great transformer.  Libra is known as the negotiator, the peacemaker but Libra is also known as the iron hand in the velvet glove.  No one can tell you, so politely, to shove it like a Libra. 

Early Thursday morning, the 26^th Kwanzaa begins with Mercury making a lovely aspect with Neptune. Here again we see the practical and the mystical joining forces.  These two can make beautiful music together.   Mercury in Capricorn articulates the imaginative forces within Neptune in Pisces. 

On Friday morning Moon steps into Scorpio raising the sensitivity meter a few notches.   Scorpio Moon arouses suspicion and strong passions.   Try to keep your social interactions clean and simple.   Folks often find it hard to forgive and forget under this Moon.  Try and hold off on any deep conversations until Sunday when Moon moves into Sagittarius.

Enjoy this Solstice season remembering that the days are beginning to get longer as we return to the light.

A Week of Change- Winter Solstice – Retrograde and Direct Motion

The week begins with Moon in Gemini.  This Moon is perfect for multi-tasking as Gemini is the best juggler in the Zodiac.   On Tuesday morning the 17^th at 4:28 AM EST, Moon reaches fullness with Moon in Gemini and Sun in Sagittarius.  This is the yakkety-yak Full Moon.  The Full Moon is the last aspect the Moon makes before changing signs, becoming void of course.  Void in Gemini is a time to be wary of allowing your mouth to run away with you.  You may say things that you really shouldn’t say. 

That very same day, Uranus, the original shock and awe guy, stations, or stops and changes direction moving in the direct mode.  Coming during the Full Moon period heed that old cliché, “expect the unexpected.” 

Moon slides home to Cancer on Tuesday as well.  Emotions move to the head of the class and folks are more sensitive and need to be nurtured or to do the nurturing thing. We react in an emotional manner to all of life’s ups and downs.  Comfort food calls under a Cancer Moon and eating for the wrong reasons can quickly become an issue during this time.  All in all, Tuesday is a shifty changy day.  

But it ain’t over yet.  On Friday afternoon Moon moves into Leo. A fire sign, Leo Moon brings out the drama queen in all of us.  We want love, romance and appreciation under this Moon.  Leo Moon heightens the need for fun things and generosity to others.  Attributes that are certainly suitable to the season.

But the real biggy of the week is the Winter Solstice on Saturday, December 21, @ 12:11 PM EST.  This is when the Sun enters the cardinal sign of Capricorn. The Sun is at its most extreme southern declination and it is the longest night of the year. After this day the days begin to get longer.  Throughout history this has been a time of celebration.  This solstice day has Venus changing direction from direct to retrograde.  Venus rules love and money.  It points to what we desire and to what we consider important or value.  With Venus retrograde issues in these areas may be put on hold and/or be reevaluated.

The Horoscope for the Winter Solstice provides a picture of what the winter season will bring.  This horoscope for this Solstice has Mars in Libra opposing Uranus in Aries and squaring Pluto in Capricorn.  This is called a t-square and the aspects of a t-square are not aspects of ease.  They are aspects of agitation. Mars is about war but he is in Venus’ sign of peace.  Uranus adores the shakeup and is ready to rock and roll.  Pluto is the great destroyer but not without the prospect of something new and better to replace what is gone.  This is transformation time.  Jupiter in Cancer is in the mix as well and this can be a benevolent influence.  But that is not always the case.  Jupiter for sure will bring a “lot of” but a lot of what is the big question.  Saturn in the Sign of Scorpio mixes it up with Jupiter providing the brakes to any headlong dash. Saturn in Scorpio highlights debt and interest rates.  Saturn warns us to be cautious about running up the credit card. Take heed else Saturn will come back and remind you when the bill arrives.

All in all it is a week of change and new direction.  Keep your feet on the ground and remember to breath.