The Eternal Now: Full Moon in Scorpio 2020

Robert Kixmiller / CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)

Full Moon @ 17 Scorpio 20’

May 7, 2020

3:46 AM PST

6:46 AM EST

This Full Moon in Scorpio has depth, soul, and intensity. Scorpio highlights authenticity on several dimensions, both interpersonally and perceptually. A Scorpio Full Moon can correlate with the eruption of desire, hidden tensions, or submerged emotions. Scorpio stings us into the moment--the heart of the eternal now. Yet, Scorpio is not abstract but deeply rooted in the experience of emotion. Emotions are real, and they're powerful. Despite what the surrounding culture tells us, emotional attunement and awareness are utterly pragmatic.

Indeed, a Full Moon can itself intensify the emotional terrain, and Scorpio especially so. But, the Sun and Mercury in Taurus invite an integration (or conversation) that can help ground us and connect us to both the emotional and physical bodies as every feeling has a specific somatic loci. Another possibility: this Full Moon brings us a securing message that helps us consistently persevere without getting lost in emotional overkill.

In times like these, it's understandable to feel quite a lot, but two planets (Mercury in Taurus and Venus in Gemini) guide us to get more in touch with the heart. If things feel overly complex with this Full Moon, there is an opportunity to simplify. If you can take something big, scary, or seemingly incomprehensible, and help to make it just slightly more digestible, you're doing this Full Moon right.

Mars' wide square to the Full Moon adds some conflict and tension, but also motivation. Full Moons are dynamic moments of climax and completion, and in Scorpio, we feel the greater weight of karma as it ripens and rises. Mars' square is a challenge, daring us to go where there is trepidation. Yet, if we're real and honest with ourselves and others, we can get to a simpler, heart-centered message and understanding that makes intricacy easier to contain.

Neptune augments this lunar landscape through a free-flowing trine from Pisces. A descent into the void or an exploration of the emotional field opens the door to the imaginal and transcendent. Neptune dissolves barriers that deepen psychic perceptions, enhance dream activity, or enliven heart-opening experiences. Be mindful of who or what you let your guard down with, and realize that escapism and delusion can just as easily seep in. Yet, this lunation opens a fluid field that can inspire, awaken, and gift us access to the numinous.

Flow with Change: New Moon in Taurus 2020

Aerial photo of San Andreas Fault looking northwest onto the Carrizo Plain with Soda Lake visible at the upper left. Photo by John Wiley User: Jw4nvc - Santa Barbara, California / CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0)

New Moon @ 03 degrees tropical Taurus 24’

April 22, 2020

7:27 PM Pacific Standard Time

10:27 PM Eastern Standard Time

With a Taurus New Moon, we seek stability, consistency, and groundedness. Taurus guides us to indulge and enjoy simple pleasures, the natural world, and the physical body. Yet, Uranus in Taurus and its conjunction with this New Moon is a source of instability, particularly relating to things we once believed were permanent fixtures we could always rely upon.

Uranian energy correlates with accelerated change, and if we don't willingly bring it about, it arrives shockingly and chaotically to push us out of stale and predictable structures. There is conflict in this New Moon. You might have had enough of that, but while we should heed the typical dark moon advice and allow ourselves to reset and recharge, we should also embrace the need to shake something up.

This New Moon, however, can be a starting point where a novel direction opens up, especially one that relates to creating or sustaining material stability on some level. That can refer to finances, tangible resources, or our physical bodies. As always, the archetypes flow both ways. Resistance meets a breaking point. And long, arduous periods of restraint ease up, but not without some compromise.

Saturn in Aquarius squares this New Moon, foreshadowing the ongoing squares between Saturn and Uranus clear through 2021. Real revolutions will not win out or likely gain their desired momentum. Saturn and Pluto, the apocalyptic aura of the now, tightens and restrains us on many dimensions. However, this is a moment to pressure authority and push the conversation toward more progressive considerations.

Meeting in the middle with those in authority and power is the dominating theme until the end of next year. That suggests a push and pull between radical change and sustained focused effort. Yet, if you're consistent with the process, you'll arrive at a more innovative and more mature approach to collaboration and the ability to express yourself authentically.

For many of us, this New Moon is a powerful push toward attaining a solid sense of individuality. Also, consider the next two weeks are optimal for figuring out fresh ways to become more self-sufficient and simplify your life. If things have become too complicated, suffocating, or overtly routine, trust this New Moon to free you of those traps. It's better always to anticipate and flow with change instead of being taken by surprise.

Eye of the Storm: Full Moon in Libra 2020

Hurricane Hunters / Public domain

Full Moon @ 18 degrees Libra 44’

April 7, 2020

7:35 PM Pacific Standard Time

10:35 PM Eastern Standard Time

April begins with a Full Moon in tropical Libra. Against the background of other dominating transits, and the correlative global pandemic, you might not have noticed the lunar light illuminating the night. Yet, find comfort in knowing that the Moon is still waxing and waning, culminating right on schedule. Feel yourself firmly planted on this Earth, always moving routinely on its path around the Sun. Not everything out there has fallen into chaos.

Libra's emphasis is the pursuit of relationship--both in the human dimension as well as in many others. Libra can relate to the creative process of merging disparate pieces into a thing of beauty, as well as the mind's pursuit of making sense of a confusing world. Libra's positive side is the achievement of an open heart and an open mind, the ability to hold and respect multiple points of view.

A negative side effect of this process is feeling overwhelmed, confused, or overloaded with cognitive dissonance as you hesitate to take a position. Some wisdom we can gain from Libra is that life is filled with ambiguity and paradox. We, as human beings, are inevitably paradoxical creatures. We can reject that and experience the subsequent stress, or make peace with the notion that we must sometimes allow life not to make sense, and that's okay.

Full Moon's are also about integrating two zodiacal signs. The Sun in Aries emphasizes the Arian pursuit of stress, challenge, and crises to gather strength and solidify courage. As this Full Moon gains momentum, it symbolizes a collective need to strike a balance between urgency and sanity, as well as self-focus and the needs of others. Where do you currently fall on those spectrums? This Full Moon beckons to us to open our hearts and minds and seek some balance.

The Full Moon's square to Pluto and Jupiter also symbolizes the challenge of finding peace while scary and unsettling things exist in the world. Consider for the moment, that not all of the data is available (Mercury conjunct Neptune), so when given a choice between panic or serenity, this Libra Full Moon encourages the latter. Of course, also imbedded in this Libran lunation is a collective surge in cooperation and compromise.

At the heart of Libra lies the necessity to accommodate others for the sake of diplomacy and compassion. Lastly, Venus, the ruler of this Full Moon, has recently moved into Gemini where it will transit for four months due to its retrograde. Indeed, Venus will spend some extra time somewhere in our lives, and for all of us, it will help us learn and communicate more effectively from the heart.

From now on, trust your instincts and follow your curiosity where it leads you—question those seemingly unquestionable truths and beliefs. Dare to indulge your desire for the unexpected. We will all have much to ponder and consider over the next several months. Don't give in to boredom. Realize there is so much you don't know and be humble enough to admit it.

Cultivating Courage: New Moon in Aries 2020

Photo by Fir0002/Flagstaffotos via Wikimedia Commons.

New Moon @ 4 degrees Aries 12’

March 24, 2020

2:29 AM Pacific Daylight Time

5:29 AM Eastern Daylight Time

March's New Moon occurs in the thick of the most intense astrology of 2020 and arguably the past few decades. I've written extensively about the Saturn/Pluto conjunction in an early 2019 article here, as well as more succinctly in 2016 and 2017. The United States, and indeed most of the world, are in a precarious moment. To understand the bigger picture of Saturn/Pluto, read or review my past articles. Saturn and Pluto made their exact conjunction in January, and now Saturn moves into Aquarius until early July due to its retrograde cycle. Saturn will then re-enter Aquarius in mid-December after a short dip back into Capricorn. While Saturn moves from Aquarius to Capricorn, Saturn and Pluto will be in orb of conjunction until the end of 2021.

While we are past the spring equinox in the northern hemisphere, it might not feel like spring for much of the world while in quarantine. It might feel like winter has been extended, and Saturn/Pluto periods do carry that sense of an archetypal long and arduous winter. Alongside this New Moon, Mars, the ruler of Aries, conjoins both Pluto and Jupiter in Capricorn. The New Moon itself also conjoins Chiron while closely squaring the lunar nodes. Pluto, god/goddess of the underworld, is the archetype that most epitomizes death, destruction, and existential angst. Pluto seeks to bring about a lucid understanding of entropy and mortality that redirects consciousness to what matters most.

The combination of Mars, Saturn, and Pluto in Capricorn is a collective wave of fear and dread, and indeed a pandemic or any collective crisis will inevitably bring on strong emotions. Is Saturn and Pluto (also square Eris) causing any of this? I don't think so. However, the synchronicity of these events, both terrestrial and cosmic, indicates a collective amplification of these primordial emotions and reactions. Additionally, Jupiter has an inflammatory nature, correlating with events that become larger and sometimes more exaggerated. I'm not downplaying the severity of what's happening or discarding the need to follow expert advice, but rather pointing to the possibility that our reactions may not be 100 percent concordant with the full reality of the situation.

However, Jupiter will be in orb of conjunction with Pluto and Saturn clear through the end of the year. What we're currently dealing with on the world stage will magnify and inflame consistently the rest of 2020, leading to the significant conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn in Aquairus this December. As difficult as it can be with this New Moon, step back from emotionally charged responses and exercise some critical thought. How is fear currently being magnified beyond what's needed? Conversely, consider that sometimes ignoring or discarding all concern can be an attempt to resolve cognitive dissonance to avoid uncomfortable feelings.

Also, be mindful of misdirected anger and frustration. Are there constructive outlets to express these feelings without throwing them onto those around you? How can we channel this collective surge of fear and anger toward effective action in the world? This New Moon's conjunction with Chiron is a fascinating synchronicity. Chiron is the centaur healer who was severely wounded by a poison arrow but couldn't die due to his immortality. Chiron represents woundedness in several contexts, but also the transmutation of pain and suffering through a shift in perception. An Aries wound might manifest as frustration over an inability to take action in the usual way, or a paralyzing fear that disables all mobility or assertiveness. This New Moon offers us an opportunity to adjust our perception or attitudes to reframe our perception of a situation.

Instead of dwelling on what directions you can't take, focus on what new opportunities you now have time for, or projects that you can initiate instead. An Aries New Moon is a perfect and potent starting point, but Chiron here suggests that all new beginnings will require an adjustment of how we perceive the situation and an opportunity to heal wounds associated with free-will, autonomy, and assertiveness. With the lunation (Sun and Moon) conjunct Chiron and squaring the nodal axis, the current meaning of the nodes is highly relevant for this New Moon. We see the South Node in Capricorn with its ruler, Saturn, in Aquarius. A Capricorn South Node emphasizes a collective release of our bondage to time, overwork, and a build-up of emotional constipation.

Saturn in Aquarius emphasizes alienation or indifference to the suffering of others. The North Node in Cancer suggests we are being called on to seek healing, connection, and cultivation of compassion. The Moon in Aries, conjunct Chiron, suggests being proactive and transmuting a victim's perspective to a courageous stepping forward to effectively meet incoming challenges. Yes, these are difficult times, but this Aries New Moon can help remind you that you're more durable and more capable than you might initially think. Additionally, the irony of this moment is that while many of us might feel isolated and alone, there is an emerging opportunity to work together and eradicate the barriers that have kept us collectively apart.

The Aries archetype is a warrior and trailblazer. This moment calls for taking the initiative as well as embracing paths that have yet to be tread. When it can seem like the darkness is closing in on us and so many previous pathways are suddenly closed off, we're forced to get creative and change the way we look at things. One of Chiron's most notable teachings here is that we can get stuck dwelling on what's broken, scary, or what angers us. Both rage and stress can become addicting. Refocus your attention to a larger cause or purpose, and there you will find the gift. The next several months will not be easy, but being courageous enough to trust this moment can remove at least some of the burden.

Trust the Flow: New Moon in Pisces 2020

Photo by Chad Woodward, May 2019.

New Moon @ 04 degrees Pisces 29’

February 23, 2020

7:32 AM Pacific Standard Time

This month's New Moon occurs in tropical Pisces in close conjunction with Mercury retrograde. You might notice a magnification of Mercury's retrograde side effects over the next several days--techno/mechanical glitches, profound rediscoveries, or seemingly random inconveniences that lead to new perspectives.

The sign of Pisces symbolizes the end of the zodiacal cycle and correlates with transcendence, mystery, and numinosity. A retrograde infused Piscean New Moon can be a powerful opening into the esoteric dimensions of reality. Carefully look around for reminders that you're a part of something incredible and not wholly fathomable.

Mercury retrograde's positive manifestations consist of the awareness that we don't have all the answers, and in that humble acceptance, we gain excitement over the prospect of discovery. Consider this New Moon a potent field that opens the way to new possibilities, fresh hope, faith, or insatiable curiosity.

However, one point of tension lies in Mars' south node conjunction and t-square with Chiron. Anger, hostility, viciousness, and rage can add some volatility to the current collective field. Move like water over the next several days; flow into this field gently as opposed to charging ahead with full force. Chiron's square to Mars offers an opportunity to transmute volatile or harmful emotions proactively.

Mars on the South Node reminds us that while it's important to tend to our responsibilities and work commitments, self-care and self-love are essential to be effective in the world. Avoid burn out or exhaustion by taking some time check-in with yourself, step back, and, most of all, trust the flow.

While it might be tempting to think you need to take control, this New Moon suggests taking your time and allowing things to reveal themselves. This month's New Moon occurs in tropical Pisces in close conjunction with Mercury retrograde. You might notice a magnification of Mercury's retrograde side effects over the next several days--techno/mechanical glitches, profound rediscoveries, or seemingly random inconveniences that lead to new perspectives.

Finding Joy: Leo Full Moon 2020

Full Moon @ 20 degrees Leo 00' 
February 8, 2020
11:34 PM PST

This month's Full Moon in tropical Leo may or may not be a supermoon, depending on how it's defined. By stricter definitions, it isn't, but either way, don't anticipate a notably brighter and bigger Full Moon. However, for northern hemispheric dwellers, especially, this Full Moon brings in some archetypal (and perhaps literal) heat that can help in the colder months of the year. 

While it may be more difficult to tell for those in the extreme northern hemisphere, the spring season is already emerging. This Full Moon can serve as a reinforcement of that impending transition. So, what makes this Full Moon so heat-centric? Yes, it occurs in fire sign Leo, but it also makes one dynamic aspect to Mars in fire sign Sagittarius, adding some fierceness, zeal, and chutzpah. 

On the negative side, this Full Moon could magnify dramatic, attention-grabbing outbursts/displays or thoughtlessness and impulsive risk-taking. On the positive side, both creative and sexual power can be increased, conducive for spontaneity, or merely a good time. Leo, at heart, emphasizes playfulness and the building of confidence. Indeed, both are required for successful self-expression and putting one's talents on display.

Leo energy, in its most positive expression, isn't overly narcissistic or histrionic but radiates a natural charm, dignity, and power. If you require an uplift while amid the current heavy-hitting astrology (looking at you, Saturn and Pluto), this Full Moon can be a source of motivation and life-force. It can help serve as a healthy reminder that sometimes you need to step away from the seriousness and laugh, make love, or play. In case you forgot, there is joy in this world, look around.

Aquarian Reboot: New Moon in Aquarius 2020

Photo by Lieutenant Debora Barr, NOAA Corps via Wikimedia Commons

New Moon @ 04 degrees Aquarius 22'

January 24, 2020

1:43 PM Los Angeles

4:43 PM New York 9:43 PM London

January 25, 2020

5:43 AM Beijing

8:43 AM Sydney

This month's dark Moon is the first New Moon of 2020 and occurring in tropical Aquarius; there's an extra sense of newness. The Aquarian New Moon always coincides with the Chinese New Year, which gives it special significance as a marker of new beginnings. The last two lunations, both eclipses, carried heavier and more challenging energy.

With eclipse season behind us, this Aquarian New Moon can feel like an opportunity to start fresh, especially relating to the process of individuation. One reason for that is that eclipses are brief moments of accelerated change where we often feel pressured to adjust something about ourselves both internally and externally. Another reason is that the archetypal energy of Aquarius emphasizes freedom, independence, and innovation.

The negative side of Aquarius is exile and alienation, where an individual is no longer accepted or embraced by others either because of something innate or as a result of antisocial actions. However, the higher road of Aquarian energy is the ability to be oneself and live authentically. Uranus' square to this New Moon can put some pressure on the process of standing out and being unique.

Putting oneself fully and honestly into the world requires enormous risk and vulnerability. Also, while change can be needed, welcomed, and liberating, it doesn't always come easy, or voluntarily. This New Moon can feel like we're getting pushed into a situation or scenario where change is inevitable, maybe also unanticipated, but ultimately for the best.

Indeed, Uranus' square to this New Moon creates the potential for sudden and unplanned breaks with the past. However, if we're aware of what needs to change, and how we need to make it happen, we can engage with this new starting point to consciously break free of something that held us back from being true to ourselves. No, not everyone will accept us, but life is too fleeting to make everyone feel comfortable.

Trust Your Heart and Push On: Lunar Eclipse in Cancer 2020

Joanna Poe from Munith, MI, USA [CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)]

January 10, 2020

11:21 AM Los Angeles

2:21 PM New York

7:21 PM London

January 11, 2020

3:21 AM Beijing

6:21 AM Sydney

January's Lunar Eclipse in tropical Cancer is the first Full Moon of 2020, and it synchronously aligns with the exacting conjunction of Saturn and Pluto. For more details on Saturn and Pluto's conjunction, check out my article here. This Full Moon will be a penumbral lunar eclipse entirely or partially visible from most of the world, excluding North and South America (except for a small eastern portion of Brazil).

Saturn and Pluto's opposition to the Full Moon is inherently a challenge. The Cancerian Full Moon amplifies emotional sensitivity and vulnerability; it invites the expression of compassion and self-love. Yet, Saturn and Pluto in Capricorn emphasize pragmatism, stoicism, and constraint. Mercury's superior conjunction with the Sun also opposes the Moon, creating the potential for hopelessness projected into the future.

The cluster of planets in Capricorn can heighten self-doubt or the dwelling on failures and shortcomings. Historically, the Saturn/Pluto cycle coincides with what Richard Tarnas termed global "conservative empowerment," which seeks to pull back or restore things to some idealized, past state of safety or purity.

Longing for the past and fearing progress is a dead-end situation where new possibilities are no longer within reach. Indeed, real-life circumstances can catalyze such a situation, but sometimes such limitations exist exclusively in the mind. Whether real or imagined, the limitations confronted with this lunation can represent a breaking point that provides the motivation to find a way out or a new path forward.

Neptune's trine to the Full Moon can tempt evasion of responsibilities or escapism, but it can also offer inspiration and a renewed vision. Uranus' station alongside this eclipse adds an expected element as well as a restlessness with stagnant circumstances. While it may be tempting to make things harder or stay in a difficult place because its comfortable, this eclipse offers a different choice where self-loathing can be replaced with self-love.

The Moon in Cancer dominates the moment, empowering the heart and generating a more lucid awareness of what matters most. Anticipate some notable domestic or emotional shifts with this lunation. And when confronted with overbearing "voices of reason" or an overtly conservative landscape, trusting spontaneity or following your heart is the more unpopular and challenging choice. While some things might appear less fruitful at the moment, trust your heart and keep pushing on. There are potentials and creative solutions, even in the midst of an immense contraction.