Standing Rock at the Precipice: The Astrology of NODAPL

Dakota Access Pipeline protest site near Cannonball, ND August 15, 2016; photo by Shane Balkowitsch via Wikimedia Commons. 

You’ve likely heard about the ongoing protests against the construction of an oil pipeline on unceded territory of the Standing Rock Sioux tribe in North Dakota. It all began on April 1, 2016 when dozens of tribal members from various nations rode on horseback to set up camp near the construction site--the portion of pipeline that was to be placed beneath Lake Oahe which connects to the Missouri River. It is the only source of clean water for the people of Standing Rock as well as many other indigenous groups. It equally supplies water for 18 million people downstream. The protesters, who call themselves water protectors, traveled to the site to peacefully protest and pray to the land in which their ancestors are buried. They feel that this pipeline not only threatens this vital water source but also violates treaties made between the U.S. government and the Sioux nation, infringing upon sacred burial grounds and historically significant sites. 

“They’re going under the river 500 yards from my son’s grave, my father’s grave, my aunt who I buried last week. I really love my land, and if that pipeline breaks everything is gone,” Ladonna Allard, a member of the Standing Rock, told the Guardian. Oil pipelines are notorious for leaks causing massive environmental contamination and requiring large scale clean-up operations. Like the Keystone XL pipeline, the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL) has been subject to ongoing delays due to fierce opposition from protesters and environmental groups. However, unlike Keystone XL, DAPL doesn’t cross the Canadian border and is not considered a federal project. It’s privately funded and its construction is subject to approval by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). 

On Dec. 4 2016, the USACE denied an easement for the texas-based subsidy of Energy Transfer Partners, the company behind the pipeline construction. This proved to be a short lived victory for the water protectors and many felt it was a distraction intended to remove the No Dakota Access Pipeline (NODAPL) protests from the media. There was already very little coverage of the story by the mainstream press and, for the most part, complete silence from politicians before and after the 2016 election. Coverage of the DAPL protests has derived entirely from alternative media outlets and activist groups. As expected, shortly after his inauguration, President Donald Trump issued an executive memorandum expediting the completion of DAPL. As of this writing, on Feb. 7,  the USACE has stated their intention to now grant an easement which will give Energy Transfer Partners permission to continue construction beneath Lake Oahu. 

Lake Oahe; image by Doc Searls via Wikimedia Commons.

The camp at Standing Rock grew into the thousands over several months since the water protectors arrived in April 2016. Tribal nations across the U.S. and the world have joined forces to fight DAPL. Many non-native people also came to Standing Rock to show support and protest peacefully, including thousands of U.S. veterans who arrived just as the easement was denied back in Dec. 2016. Activists across the country held protests, demonstrations, and marches to voice their opposition to DAPL. The water protectors’ primary plea is for the pipeline to be rerouted from its present course so that it doesn’t threaten their sacred sites and source of clean water. In fact, the pipeline was already rerouted from its previous course just north of Bismarck, a highly populated city which, according to a 2010 census, is 92.4 percent white. 

The ongoing fight at Standing Rock is not only an environmental justice issue, but one involving racial and class discrimination. American History is tainted with stains of genocide and relentless oppression against Native Americans and many other ethnic minorities. The residents of Bismarck, just like the people at Standing Rock, opposed the construction of this oil pipeline that could potentially cause massive environmental harm. Yet unlike Bismarck, the voices at Standing Rock have only been faintly heard by Energy Transfer Partners and the USACE. It would seem that it’s far easier to exploit a subjugated minority group (who suffer a 63 percent unemployment rate) than the residents of Bismarck. 

Energy Transfer Partners has gone as far as hiring police from various departments throughout North Dakota to protect their pipeline. These militarized police forces have, in the name of defending corporate interests, inflicted harm upon American citizens, the very people they are supposed to protect. This abuse of power is one of the most egregious examples of the corruption that has infected the heart of corporate and governmental relations in America today. Attack dogs, tear gas, rubber bullets, concussion grenades, and water cannons (in freezing temperatures) have been unleashed on the water protectors. They’ve been harassed, arrested (even kept in dog kennels), and overall treated as criminals on their own sacred land. 

People marching to protest the Dakota Access Pipeline near San Francisco City Hall; photo by Pax Ahimsa Gethen. By Pax Ahimsa Gethen (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

Of course, this is nothing new for the native people of the U.S. American history is filled with the gruesome assault on native people. And yet, so many, including many of our elected (and supposedly “progressive”) officials, have remained silent about the injustices that are happening at Standing Rock. I’ve been following this story since the summer of 2016, yet just recently thought of looking into the astrology. It’s difficult to pinpoint an exact time for the construction of the chart that would symbolize the fight at Standing Rock. April 1 is really the symbolic day that it all began. That morning, tribal members left on horseback to travel to a camp near the site. After some research and slight rectification (a method of testing a chart against various dates to adjust the time), I came up with April 1, 2016 @ 1:04 PM, Cannonball, ND, around the time they arrived according to video tweets from Unicorn Riot. We could also theoretically look at a time when they departed. Yet, this chart seemed a better fit than earlier variations as you’ll soon see.

I rectified the chart to 1:04 PM after looking for significant angular activation on days of critical developments (planets hitting the Ascendent, Nadir, Descendent, or Midheaven). For example, on Dec. 4, the date that the USACE denied Energy Transfer Partners an easement, Jupiter was conjunct the Nadir (fourth house cusp) trine the transiting Moon conjunct Mars. Venus was conjunct the radix Moon in the 6th house and sextile the radix Venus in the 9th. The transiting Sun was also exactly trine the radix Sun in the 9th. The secondary progressed Moon was conjunct the Descendant (seventh house cusp). These were all rather “positive” aspects. With stimulation from both classical “benefics”, Jupiter and Venus, and a nice trine from Sun to radix Sun, this indicated the symbols of a celebration which the water protectors certainly indulged in that day.

Taking this chart to be merely symbolic of the fight at Standing Rock, let’s see what it has to say. I will look at this chart from a classical approach and then interpret it from an evolutionary lens. To begin, the chart has tropical Leo rising. I adjusted the Ascendant (ASC) to 4 degrees of Leo which gave a sabian symbol of, “Rock formations at the edge of a precipice.” Interestingly, the opposite symbol, on the Descendent (DSC) is, “A council of ancestors.” This was immediately intriguing to me. With Leo rising, the ruler of the chart is the Sun, which is elevated in the 9th house and exalted in Aries. This gives the ruler of the chart, and thus the water protectors themselves, a tremendous advantage and considerable power and influence. 

The Sun is free of affliction from any malefic planets though it does receive a trine from Saturn which is actually quite supportive. The only trouble with this chart is the Moon. The Moon is in detriment in Capricorn and it’s void of course. On April 1 of that day, the Moon went void of course at 11:39 AM. Could the Sun’s exaltation overpower this negative omen from the Moon? When the Moon is void of course, it means that “nothing will come of the matter” or “the situation is out of your hands.” Let’s imagine that the Moon, the fastest moving planet, carries out our wishes and expectations. The Moon helps us manifest the things we desire which emanate from the unconscious, emotional terrain within the psyche. When the Moon is void, she is of no help to us. She cannot make use of our will or desires at these times. Now, considering that we don’t exactly know the official start of the fight at Standing Rock, and that the water protectors actually left for their trip to the protest site on horseback before the Moon went void, this may not have the greatest power over the will of the water protectors.

Yet, if it does, it may have much to say about the realistic result of the peaceful protest itself. Meaning, it’s possible that this fight, the ultimate rerouting of the pipeline, may be “out of the hands” of the water protectors. But that Sun is powerful! In Aries, it shows a group of people who are ready for battle. Aries is the warrior, the trailblazer, and the daredevil. There are three planets in Aries. Both Mercury and Uranus are conjunct each other and the Midheaven (MC) in the 10th house in Aries. This reveals the public persona that this group will create for themselves: those who are vocally opposed (Mercury) to the pipeline, willing to fight (Aries) and rebel (Uranus) against any authority (10th house) to the bitter end. Uranus and Mercury on the MC in Aries gives Standing Rock a powerful voice to spread a message publically about the injustices they face. 

With the Sun exalted in Aries and also conjunct the MC with Mercury and Uranus, this reveals a group of radical warriors willing to withstand and face any challenge. From the evolutionary perspective, the emphasis in Aries shows that the water protectors are destined to face tremendous stress and opposition. While the Sun is exalted, its placement in Aries foreshadows that this is a fight that will strengthen their group identity. Aries tells us that they must face some serious fears and cultivate immense bravery to carry this mission out. When Aries is highlighted, there is an element of risk, thrill, and considerable stress involved--all elements we have seen manifest at Standing Rock. 

The chart with transits on Dec. 4, 2016 when the U.S. Army Corps denied easement requiring an environmental impact study before further construction. This has now been revoked and DAPL has been granted easement. Note Jupiter on the IC with three more passes to go. 

The Sun in the 9th house in Aries paints the picture of true spiritual warriors that are fighting and defending their religion and beliefs. Interestingly, while the 9th house has a correlation with “foreign travel”, the very people who first settled on these lands are perceived by the rest of us as foreigners. Their customs, traditions, and way of life seem alien to westernized Americans, which they have fought to preserve against all odds. This strong Arian energy is something that the indigenous Americans have had to cultivate merely as a means of survival. The Moon in Capricorn reveals much about the group soul. In the 6th house, there is a deep concern about survival and the preservation of their daily life (6th house). 

Capricorn is concerned about the future and planning ahead. The emotional impetus of NODAPL is exactly that. The Moon is their home, their sacred land. In Capricorn, we feel a sense of urgency within these people driven by the fear of the dangers within the environment. The Moon is very widely conjunct Pluto (by over 9 degrees). Pluto has been in Capricorn since 2008, which began with the Global Financial Crises that shed light on the corruption of big banks and the government’s inability to hold them accountable. Many big banks have in fact invested in the pipeline. Pluto in Capricorn in the 6th house reveals a threat to survival and personal and environmental health. The Moon’s close proximity reveals the core emotional and karmic reasons for this standoff. Pluto also makes a square to the Sun (ruler of the chart), the MC, Mercury and Uranus. This further reveals a conflict that the water protectors (Sun in Aries 9th) must face and the hardship they will endure from the corruption of a big and powerful entity. 

Pluto is certainly a worthy opponent for this exalted Sun in Aries. The ultimate mission of these water protectors is highly thwarted by Pluto. This reveals that a compromise will likely be made, because in a square, neither side will back down. This tells us that the fight at Standing Rock is one that, even despite any “official” decision, will continue for some time. Looking at the South Node of the Moon, the core of any evolutionary reading, we see it in Pisces in the 9th house conjunct Chiron, Ceres, and Venus. The ruler of the South Node, Neptune, is in Pisces in the 8th house. This is all rather telling. As we know, Native Americans have been the victims of mass genocide for hundreds of years. Chiron conjunct the South Node reveals a deep, karmic wound of dissipation and loss of identity (Pisces) at the hands of foreigners (9th house). 

Neptune in Pisces in the 8th, the house of death, reveals a dark history of the native people facing the constant threat of annihilation. The South Node in Pisces has the feel of a ghost, unseen and unnoticed. Deeply buried in the karmic past, we see a people who feel unheard and forgotten. We see the soul of a nation that has seen the darkest side of humanity. With Venus and Ceres conjunct the South Node as well, we see that they have been able to band together and maintain a strong bond upholding their beliefs and customs. Yet, Chiron reveals the reality that these bonds, traditions, and way of life have succumbed to deformity and defectiveness. Ceres, the grain goddess, and its association with food and nourishment, tells of a wound related to malnutrition and poverty. We also see, quite poignantly, Pisces’ association with water. 

People marching in protest to the Dakota Access Pipeline; photo by Pax Ahimsa Gethen. (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

Chiron speaks quite clearly to the threat of “wounded” (Chiron) water (Pisces/Neptune). The North Node of the Moon is in Virgo in the 3rd house conjunct Jupiter. It’s ruler, Mercury, is in Aries in the 10th, conjunct Uranus and the MC. From our evolutionary lens, we see that this protest, whether it succeeds in rerouting the pipeline or not, will have a greater impact on informing the world about this injustice, hopefully inspiring others to stand up against corporate and governmental corruption. The North Node in Virgo in the third house conjunct Jupiter reveals that these native groups must learn new skills and means of communication to get their message out. Many have teamed up with various legal groups to fight the pipeline in courts and to help communicate with police forces. Mercury conjunct Uranus in Aries in the 10th house urges the water protectors to continue to fight and rebel against the structures that seek to oppress them. 

Jupiter conjunct the North Node illustrates the unresolved wound within these indigenous groups of not feeling heard, noticed, or taken seriously. It also reveals the power of authority figures over them, who used a complicated foreign language (such as legalease) to oppress and dominate them. Jupiter’s presence here suggests that the water protector’s higher destiny involves taking a big risk--even risking it all, to stand up and be heard by the world. It also suggests the need to use this complicated language, previously used against them, to fight back. The presence of Jupiter may involve the need to take legal action. While many mainstream media organizations have persistently ignored the water protectors, the power of the internet and alternative media has given them a platform to be noticed (symbolized by Uranus conjunct Mercury).  

Saturn in the 5th house also makes a square to the nodal axis. This symbolizes a karmic “skipped step”, something that was left unresolved in the past but must now be integrated. Saturn has clear associations with authority figures and government. In Sagittarius, it relates to the further wounding and violence perpetrated upon these people by the ideologies and beliefs of European immigrants. A square is an overpowering influence, one which the ancestors of the water protectors couldn’t resolve previously. It speaks to past patterns of enduring daunting challenges that leave the karmic memory with a sense of futility and depression. The way to resolve it now is to persist against all opposition and accomplish something great. Saturn in the 5th house symbolizes a wound inflicted upon children and future generations, and the need to make a dramatic statement to preserve their traditions and spiritual beliefs. 

The chart with transits in mid April 2O17 with Jupiter's second pass to the IC. 

Looking ahead, it seems that Jupiter’s recent retrograde may give some support. All hope is not yet lost. Jupiter is set to conjunct the IC again in mid April 2017 in its retrograde phase (assuming this chart is radical and has predictive value). Just as it did in Dec. 2016, this Jupiter contact could indicate another victory for the water protectors, or another construction delay of some kind (considering Jupiter’s retrograde motion). Jupiter will station one degree from opposition to the radix Sun at 13 degrees of Libra from May to early June of 2017. It will hit the IC one last time in early August 2017, and so perhaps, if the God of good fortune smiles upon the bold efforts of the indigenous warriors, some good news or compromise will come. Early August looks potentially promising, with the Sun, then in Leo, making a trine to its radix position as it did from Sagittarius in Dec. 2016. The Sun will be joined by Mars in the first house of this chart, giving great willpower and new direction to the water protectors.

Venus turns stationary retrograde in early March conjunct the radix Sun near the MC. It then turns stationary direct in mid April while conjunct the radix Venus. Mercury also turns retrograde shortly after, and then stations direct in early May conjunct the radix Mercury/Uranus in the 10th. It’s hard to say if all of this retrograde activity is positive or not. Hitting major placements in the chart, we can see some definite significant happenings taking place with the fight against DAPL. With the symbolism of retrogrades, we can anticipate a delay; some lengthy chain of events that drags out the battle. It’s likely, considering the circumstances, that this may involve legal proceedings at this point. When the easement was denied in Dec. 2016, Mercury was in the shadow of its retrograde, one week before its station near the radix Pluto in the 6th. Thus, we can expect these events to manifest from March through perhaps mid May with a definite highlight around mid April. We can only hope that Jupiter’s retrograde cycle brings a solution or compromise (Jupiter in Libra) which will likely occur in the August time frame. 

The protest at Standing Rock also coincides with the opposition of Jupiter and Uranus. The cycle of Jupiter and Uranus historically correlates with periods political and cultural upheaval, leading to widespread demonstrations, marches, and protests worldwide. The last phase of the Jupiter/Uranus cycle peaked in the summer of 2010, during the height of the Occupy Wallstreet movement and the Arab Spring uprisings in the middle east. This next opposition phase will be active through the end of 2018 using wide planetary orbs. With this in mind, it’s quite likely that the battle for this sacred land is not over yet, and we’re likely to see more opposition against similar projects in the very near future. 

As I briefly mentioned above, the sabian symbol for the rising degree is, “Rock formations at the edge of a precipice.” Not only does this symbol allude to Standing Rock, the tribe whose land is being directly violated by Energy Transfer Partners, but it speaks to a profound truth about the indigenous people of the United States. They and the legacy of their ancestors, are indeed like these symbolic rock formations, ancient and yet still standing tall at the edge of a precipice. Yet despite the uncertainty of the moment, sitting on the edge of a cliff, they persist, defying all the forces that seek to take them down. They are a people whose way of life is on the verge of extinction. If we care at all about those who first nurtured and cared for this land, then we must too stand with Standing Rock. We must stand at the precipice with them and fight for the injustice that has been inflicted upon them. It is the destiny of the water protectors to fight, that much is clear, and it is their destiny to be heard. 

You did not come to Earth without a guide. Evolutionary Astrology is a powerful tool for self-discovery and an exceptionally helpful guide in times of uncertainty, crisis or stagnation. Click here for reading options and pricing.

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The fight at Standing Rock is not over. Cheyenne River Sioux and Standing Rock Sioux have filed a lawsuit as of Feb. 9, 2017 in response to the USACE granting easement. There is another legal challenge to the Dakota Access Pipeline organized by Revolution Truth, a grassroots-based, human rights organization dedicated to protecting democratic principles and civil liberties. They are in need of funding to bring the case. 

Visit their gofundme page here
Revolution Truth website
RT interview with Tangerine Bolen

Here are some other ways you can support Standing Rock. Many need help with legal fees and cleanup costs....

Donate directly to the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe

Sacred Stone Legal Defense Fund

Lakota People's Law Project

Rise With Standing Rock

NODAPL 2017 Action Hub

Further Reading

The Treaties of Fort Laramie

Standing Rock Reservation

Declaration On The Rights of Indigenous People

United Nations Document on DRIP

Uncovering the Life Force: Full Moon/Lunar Eclipse in Leo 2017

Holi Bonfire in front of Jagdish Temple / Udaipur; photo by Ingo Mehling via Wikimedia Commons.

Full Moon/Penumbral Eclipse @ 22 Leo 28'

February 10, 2017

4:33 PM Pacific

7:33 PM Eastern

February’s Full Moon is a penumbral eclipse in tropical Leo. As we enter the beginning of the first 2017 eclipse season, you will notice a quickening of circumstances around you. Eclipses have the effect of acceleration, and if you’re mindful of this process, you can make a lot of progress. However, it’s often difficult to use this energy externally because the eclipse, especially lunar, is so focused inwardly. Quite often, we can make some breakthroughs within ourselves by reaching new levels of emotional and personal expression. Consider the archetype of the Moon--the womb from which life emerges. The Moon symbolizes nurturance, domesticity, and the expression of empathic feelings. 

The Moon is a safe place, but also a place of great mystery. The secrets of life and death are contained within the lunar archetype, and like the tides, the Moon is a symbol of endless change and transformation. This quickening of energy often feels that way. Things around us are passing away and coming into form at a much faster rate. Internally, there is the awareness of some new capacity for deeper feeling and heightened psychic awareness. This is a moment to get more in tune with the irrational aspect of the psyche and to look more closely behind certain facades. 

In the sign of Leo, this lunar eclipse can quicken creative insight and expression. It can generate feelings of spontaneity and playfulness. Consider what it is that’s been preventing the flow of joy in your life or your ability to have fun. This lunar eclipse can help release those blockages by helping you become more aware of them. With Jupiter making a sextile to the eclipse and a trine to the Sun, there are opportunities to make some creative advances with some help or assistance from others. The eclipse forms a fire grand trine with Uranus in Aries and Saturn in Sagittarius.

A trine from Uranus to the Moon can give innovative insights and unique perspectives. It also enhances restlessness with the status quo and the desire to rebel against anything overtly restrictive. Saturn in Sagittarius can help keep you grounded, practical, and focused on integrating creative insights concretely. This powerful synergy of fire energy creates a surge of enthusiasm and excitement. If you’ve been in need of something to push you out of a rut, this lunar eclipse has the potential to get things moving in a new and dynamic way. The fire archetype has the power to bring some life back into current circumstances. Mars and Venus loosely conjunct in Aries gives an extra boost to the inner will.

Lastly, Chiron and Pluto form a yod aspect with this lunar eclipse/Full Moon. This further amplifies the subconscious dimensions of this Full Moon, as well as breathing new life into our home environment, routines, and our relationship with the irrational. While there are a plethora of easy flowing aspects to this eclipse, these quincunx aspects to the Moon speak to the work required to bridge insights from the unconscious into conscious awareness. That may require taking the initiative to listen carefully to messages emanating from your dreams or your environment. Remember that such content isn’t easy to accept or readily understand. Getting in touch with your deeper self has the capacity to reinvigorate your personal life, potentially leading to some much needed breakthroughs and changes.

You did not come to Earth without a guide. Evolutionary Astrology is a powerful tool for self-discovery and an exceptionally helpful guide in times of uncertainty, crisis or stagnation. Click here for reading options and pricing.

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Fresh Perspectives: New Moon in Aquarius 2017

Image by Chad Woodward

New Moon @ 8 degrees Aquarius 15'

January 27, 2017

4:07 PM Pacific

7:07 PM Eastern

While this New Moon occurs in Aquarius, and you may certainly be feeling those Aquarian winds of change blowing toward you, the highly prominent cluster of planets in Pisces still carries a lot of weight at the moment. An interest in mysticism, altered states, or mysteries surrounding current events has likely captivated you, and with it perhaps an uncertainty about what it all means. However, Mars will move into Aries, its home sign, several hours after the New Moon occurs. The first inner planet to dip into Aries this year, Mars can help you turn ambiguity into action. It can change abstract conceptualization into concrete actualization. With it, a renewed desire, interest, passion, and enthusiasm to take some initial steps in the direction of your choosing. 

Aquarius is often associated with visions and intimations of what is to come. With Mars hitting the Aries point (where the Sun initiates the spring equinox in the northern hemisphere) and coinciding with the New Moon, this a potent brew for new beginnings. The Aquarian vibrations invite us to see upward and outward into realities that have yet to manifest. It stimulates foresight and the improvement of current circumstances. It’s modern ruler, Uranus, is a planet of revolution and liberation from paradigmatic prisons which bind thought and action. Uranus seeks to free the individual from blind obedience and acquiescence to authority. Currently, the planet Uranus is in opposition to Jupiter, collectively inflaming the inner rebel and igniting creative and innovative genius.

With this New Moon, you may feel a surge of rebelliousness and inspiration within yourself. The wave of civil unrest, creative explosion, and the innovation of the established order will continue through to the latter half of 2018. At the moment, check in with your inner radical, heretic, and outlaw. The constellation of Aquarius (which is not the same as the tropical sign), that the zodiacal sign Aquarius derives from, is often depicted as a human figure carrying a pitcher, pouring celestial water from the heavens upon the mundane world below. It’s believed that the symbolism of falling water fits nicely with the Aquarian season in the northern hemisphere when the late winter rains help to fertilize the soil for new life to emerge. 

You may find some meaning for yourself in this symbolism and some deeper connection to the natural processes that surround you. With this New Moon, you may notice a fertilization of potential in your own life and a renewed excitement about what may eventually birth from it. This lunation is a moment of innovation and a reactivation of willpower--a thrust of much needed momentum after a lengthy period of gestation and existential hibernation. A separating square of Venus conjunct Chiron to Saturn, can help you make some adjustments in your relationships. You might find that certain ideological differences can be dealt with through a change in perspective. Resolutions are likely to emerge as the New Moon develops, giving you a greater ability to deal with flaws or perceived deformities in other people. 

Saturn is the traditional ruler of Aquarius, and so this square speaks to the inner tension that equally accompanies the sense of expansion, liberation, and creative birth inherent within this current New Moon. It invites you to resist the temptation to fix problems perceived in other people and to focus more on how to shift your own life which will help generate healing and growth in your partnerships. The best medicine may be to focus on future objectives, step back from presents dramas, and reflect on your reactions.

Maintaining distance from certain situations can help you gain the necessary clarity and trust in the current process. Remember that very often, our wounds are reflected in the wounds we see in others. Accepting that and taking steps to address our own issues generates more growth and maturity within ourselves which then helps us deal more soberly with those we’ve chosen to love. With this New Moon, embrace the fresh air. Take a deep breath. The winds of change are inevitable. Choose to flow with it or struggle against the current. These flowing waters will carry you towards new life and experience. 

You did not come to Earth without a guide. Evolutionary Astrology is a powerful tool for self-discovery and an exceptionally helpful guide in times of uncertainty, crisis or stagnation. Click here for reading options and pricing.

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Breaking Down Walls: Full Moon in Cancer 2017

Iridium flare on a moonlit night in Võru County, Estonia; photo by Martin Mark via Wikimedia Commons.

Full Moon @22 Cancer 27'

Jan 12, 2017

3:34 AM Pacific

6:34 AM Eastern

This powerful Full Moon occurs in the tropical sign of Cancer. In its home sign, the Moon makes it easier to express acutely buried feelings. The deep womb of Cancer contains the seeds of imaginal thought and fantasy. It is pregnant with symbolic and unconscious meaning. What has been lingering just beneath the threshold of your conscious perception? Both positive and negative emotions can come bursting free here. You may be more empathetic or psychically sensitive than usual on the days surrounding this Full Moon climax.

The Moon finds itself in the cross hairs of a dynamic grand cross with the Sun (and Pluto), Jupiter, and Uranus. This isn’t an easy integration to pull off. Naturally, it presents us with some uncomfortable reactions to some things in our lives. But the key to resolving such things is finding your way out of a stagnant situation so that you can move forward. With Mercury now direct and getting close to normal speed, this Full Moon awakens us out of a brief period of hibernation. You may feel more energized and confident now, more eager to begin taking steps in new directions.

First, let’s consider the dark side. The Cancerian shadow can be overprotective and enabling. It can be too nurturing thereby stunting the growth and maturity of others. Cancer can also become quite isolated and exclusive, even overtly protective to the point of smothering those it seeks to keep safe. Cancer can build walls so high that no one can make contact from the outside. This Full Moon may momentarily tear down some walls; it could expose yourself and others to the harshness of reality. The intention behind it: to see and experience new possibilities and horizons and to ease our muscular armoring and let our guard down. 

That’s where Jupiter opposite Uranus comes in. It invites us out of  our comfort zone to acquire new experience. Ideally, you should choose to break some of these barriers down yourself via your own volition. What needs to be done for this to happen? You may find that in dealing with current situations, the best choice is to back off and set things free. Allow enough space so that others can find their own way, too. And if you’ve been holding back your feelings about something, take a risk to express them in an open and heart-centered way.

As the Sun and Moon come to this cyclic climax, they seek to help us discover a new way to feel and experience our lives. It could be something quite subtle, yet have an incredibly powerful effect. However you choose to respond to this Full Moon, ideally, choose the path of greatest change. Trust yourself and your hunches. Venus conjunct Neptune can romanticize and idealize others, but it can also help us make authentic soul contact, something quite rare in this digital age. Collectively, this is a potent moment of creative and interpersonal breakthrough. That might be hard to see at first, but trust what is unfolding around you. It’s attempting to lead you to higher ground. The only way to sink is to cling to the past. Loosen your grip and surrender to the infinite possibilities the universe has in store.

You did not come to Earth without a guide. Evolutionary Astrology is a powerful tool for self-discovery and an exceptionally helpful guide in times of uncertainty, crisis or stagnation. Click here for reading options and pricing.

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Inner Gaze: New Moon in Capricorn 2016

Illustration of a Siberian shaman by Dutch explorer Nicolaes Witsen via Wikimedia Commons.

Dec 28, 2016

10:53 PM Pacific

Dec 29, 2016

1:53 AM Eastern

Modern society attempts to create the illusion that everything is under control. While that illusion certainly helps things run smoothly and ensures that everyone plays their role, it comes with a price. The price is immense repression of our primal nature and the subjugation of any reality or viewpoint which threatens the status quo. We’re all conditioned to see the world a certain way and to fear anything that puts into question our standard narratives. This New Moon in tropical Capricorn helps us to see the structures and routines in our lives through different eyes, which will help us to gain clarity about how we fit into the larger whole.
 
December’s Capricorn New Moon is the last lunation of 2016. Occurring just three days before the New Year, this is a moment to step back, reflect, and take your time in considering your present options and decisions. Every New Moon is a collective moment of lower energy conducive for healing, rest, and meditation. At this stage of the lunar cycle, the Moon invites us inward to recharge and consolidate. Mercury’s alignment with this New Moon further reinforces the need to slow down. That’s because Mercury is currently retrograde.
 
This three-week process can sometimes feel frustrating. Life doesn’t readily yield to our plans and expectations. Things sometimes break down. Communication can be difficult. We may be more accident prone, sloppy, or clumsy. Before hastily moving forward with important matters, use this time to carefully review the details. Open your mind to new perspectives, realities, and alternate viewpoints. Occurring in the sign of Capricorn, this New Moon favors conscious solitude. With the busyness of the Holidays, this can be hard to attain. But even a brief moment of alone time will help you focus and clear your head.
 
While Capricorn can incite ambition, hold off on impulsive or drastic actions. You have more time than you think. Capricorn prefers sustained effort and thoughtful strategy. With Mars conjunct Neptune in Pisces sextile Mercury and the New Moon, you will uncover the energy you need only if you pause and take notice of your inner needs first. Consider the importance and value of inner journeying and self-reflection. And consider how much insight you already have within you. Before we enter the New Year, this lunation is a great way to gain perspective about the past year so that you can more effectively plan for your future.

Uranus is also stationing direct conjunct Eris just after its first opposition to Jupiter on Dec. 26. With Uranus stationing at the peak of this opposition, there is a powerful need to break free from current restraints and a longing for the freedom to uncover new heights of potential and experience. This dark of the Moon time also carries a dynamic creative and visionary potential as well as an opportunity to see beyond the old ways of doing things. As the new year approaches, it might also be wise to hold off on implementing resolutions; there’s a lot to reconsider and think about with this New Moon. Sit back, relax, and turn away from outer distractions. Allow this New Moon to gift you with the focus needed to reconsider your goals, strategies, and direction.

You did not come to Earth without a guide. Evolutionary Astrology is a powerful tool for self-discovery and an exceptionally helpful guide in times of uncertainty, crisis or stagnation. Click here for reading options and pricing.

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Focusing the Mental Storm: Supermoon in Gemini 2016

Supermoon rising over Queen Valley in Joshua Tree National Park; photo by NPS/Brad Sutton [CC BY 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

Full Moon @ 22 Gemini 26'

December 13, 2016

4:05 PM Pacific

7:05 PM Eastern

There’s a lot going on with this final Full Moon of 2016. First off, it’s a Supermoon. That means that the Moon is at perigee and thus closer to the Earth than an average Full Moon. This closer proximity makes the Moon appear slightly larger; though visually, the difference isn’t really that drastic compared with other Full Moons. However, its closeness does appear to amplify emotional reactions for some people. It can rip the lid off of the unconscious, especially those who tend to suppress their feelings, resulting in spontaneous, psychic eruptions. Richard Noelle, the astrologer who coined the term “Supermoon”, also claims that there’s an increase in seismic activity or other natural events around Supermoons.
 
As fitting for the Gemini archetype, this month’s Supermoon is talking to a lot of planets via a series of aspects. Most significantly, the planet Saturn sits in opposition to the Moon and conjunct the Sun in Sagittarius. A Saturn/Moon opposition is not a comfortable thing. It can pit the sensitive inner life against the demands of the outer reality--generating an awkward and often difficult confrontation. With the Full Moon in Gemini, expect the surfacing of important information or an explosion of busyness to permeate the atmosphere. With Mercury, the ruler of Gemini currently in the shadow of its retrograde cycle (in Capricorn), you can also expect information that sheds light on the past, or the resurfacing of data that you might find useful for future endeavors.
 
This Full Moon brings to a head an important conversation, one that’s likely been going on for some time. Be alert to whatever is trying to get your attention. It could be quick, fleeting, and evasive. Saturn’s opposition can be a hindrance or incredibly helpful. Coming up against Saturn can feel frustrating at the moment. If you find yourself feeling trapped, without the possibility of direction or a clear path ahead, consider that there’s some work you must do to find your way forward. Keep your mind open to the input that’s coming at you, and try to sort it all out the best you can. It’s possible that this Full Moon stands as a prelude to future obstacles and setbacks in the weeks ahead. But don’t let that discourage you! See it as a challenge to discover new possibilities and directions.
 
The Full Moon also forms a grand trine between Jupiter in Libra and Mars in Aquarius conjunct the asteroid Athena. While Saturn’s presence focuses this Full Moon on long-range goals, limitations, and current restrictions, this air grand trine is quite stimulating, bringing with it a desire to share ideas, thoughts, and information--generating potential solutions. Uranus, which also makes a sextile to the Moon, is about to make its first opposition to Jupiter this month. While not a focal point of this lunation, the Jupiter/Uranus opposition is a collective and personal process of revolution, innovation, and creative or personal breakthrough. Try to remain receptive to alternative solutions or strategies when dealing with current obstacles. There’s a lot of information floating around that could help you break free of oppressive circumstances.
 
So, while there’s likely to be a lot of stimulation and incoming messages to process with this lunation, stay focused! With such a barrage of data, it’s easy to get sidetracked or distracted. The Gemini archetype impulses us to catch things in our environment that we would normally miss. That’s certainly a good thing, but Saturn’s opposition in Sagittarius places some pressure to remain focused on a specific objective. That’s the challenge with this Supermoon: to remain open minded enough to take in new information without getting lost in it. As this rising tide of mental energy builds, keep your eye on the prize. A new perspective is waiting for you to discover and integrate in some practical and purposeful way.

You did not come to Earth without a guide. Evolutionary Astrology is a powerful tool for self-discovery and an exceptionally helpful guide in times of uncertainty, crisis or stagnation. Click here for reading options and pricing.

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Looking Ahead: What Astrology Reveals About Future History

A composite image of Earth; photo by NASA/ GSFC/ NOAA/ USGS, via Wikimedia Commons

Over the many years that I’ve studied astrology I’ve learned that life is an endless blending of cycles and waves of experience. Each day and every moment is a microcosm of the larger cycles that envelop the world. If you want to understand where we are collectively and where we’re going, take a look at the interactions between the planets Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, Pluto, and some recent discoveries. They won’t fail to give you at least a weather forecast understanding. I don’t think that astrology can concretely predict the future, but it can provide a rough archetypal sketch that can be incredibly useful in discerning upcoming trends. 

We are currently reaching the end of the Uranus/Pluto square, the second peak of a cycle that began with the conjunction of Uranus and Pluto in the mid to late 1960’s. What happened then reached a crisis point from roughly 2012-2015. If we use a broader, ten-degree orb, the entire Uranus/Pluto square epoch encompasses the years 2007-2020. Richard Tarnas, a true authority on this topic, calls the peaks of the Uranus/Pluto cycle, “Epochs of Revolution”. As we saw throughout the 60’s, this period carried on the implementation of many progressive issues in the political arena. 

Two obvious highlights here in the United States: the first African American president and the national legalization of same-sex marriage. If we look back at the 60’s, the fight for civil rights for gays and blacks were at the forefront of the progressive movements at the time. These topics have gained considerable legitimacy and momentum during this period. The recent election (of 2016) is also a profound reflection of the “revolutionary spirit” of this cycle. Presidential candidates such as Donald Trump, Bernie Sanders, and Hillary Clinton all carried themes of breaking through the boundaries of tradition and creating upheaval in the status quo. 

Looking ahead, we see this process slowly diminishing and giving way to a drastic shift in the archetypal narrative in the next few years. The two major cycles to look out for are the upcoming Jupiter/Uranus opposition and the Saturn/Pluto conjunction. In particular, the Saturn/Pluto conjunction will likely correlate with a significant backlash against the liberal regime of President Barack Obama. While many people expected Hillary Clinton to become the first female President of the United States, Donald Trump gained victory, and because of that, there will be a definite shift of power to conservative republicans. 

The Uranus/Pluto cycle is a developmental process. The major breakthroughs that have happened during the square are stepping stones in a larger process that will fully peak at the opposition phase in the mid to late 2040’s. It’s possible, for instance, that the vision and movement catalyzed by Bernie Sanders, of creating a more democratic, socialist leaning American society will be more within reach at that time. We will also realize the full consequences of technologies that have developed throughout this cycle including the reality of mass surveillance revealed to the world by Edward Snowden (a major revolutionary figure of this period). 

It’s important to realize that what follows is only a rough sketch of significant, upcoming cycles. Every moment in history is unique because we must consider all cycles involved. To do that in an article would be impossible; to do so in a book would be exhausting. Also, as an evolutionary astrologer, I feel that human will and consciousness can elevate an archetypal complex to a higher level of expression. While it’s certainly much harder when we’re dealing with masses of people, it’s still possible that people can change, and that outcomes may not be so dire as they might initially suggest at first glance.

*The time frames listed represent the entirety of a particular era using 10 or 15 degree orbs between the planets involved. The exact contacts listed are not meant to predict anything on those dates, but are simply the peaks of the cycles discussed.  Often, the symbolism of a particular era becomes more evident at the latter phase of the time band. 

The Jupiter/Uranus/Eris Opposition

Day 14 of Occupy Wallstreet; photo by David Shankbone [CC BY 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

Oct. 2016-Sept. 2018
 
Exact contacts:
Dec 26, 2016
Mar 2, 2016
Sept 27, 2017
 

If you want to plan a creative breakthrough or revolution, do it under the peaks of the Jupiter and Uranus cycle. The last conjunction of Jupiter and Uranus occurred in the years 2010/2011 alongside the building Pluto/Uranus square. There was a lot more going on than just these two planets, but they definitely correlated with an amplification of this collective, revolutionary impulse. We saw uprisings all across the globe, including the Arab Spring uprisings throughout the Middle East and Occupy Wall Street in the U.S. 

The opposition phase of this cycle, which will hit its peak in late Dec 2016 through September 2017, will be the climax of what began around the 2010 time period. What might it look like? People across the world will be increasingly upset with oppression and restriction. Jupiter combined with Uranus wants to expand to new heights and horizons. Many visionaries, artists, and scientific geniuses will make breakthroughs in their fields delivering to us entirely new perceptions of reality and glimpses of what’s possible. But don’t expect to receive these gifts just now. New discoveries and creative works often take place during the cycle and reach the public at later phases.

What you will see is another intense wave of civil unrest and resistance to oppressive conditions in the form of marches, protests, and demonstrations across the world. There will be a collective mood that embraces a sense that new things are possible and infinite frontiers are within reach. Here in the United States, we’re likely to witness the empowerment of revolution and a sense that the status quo is actually changing. In some ways it might, but we must also realize that this archetypal current is easily co-opted by those in power to steer the masses in favor of their own agenda. 

Eris conjunct Uranus is a bit of a mystery since Eris is a recent discovery and we don’t know much about her yet. I do think that Eris, the trickster goddess of chaos and discord, will correlate with the release of unconscious forces within the collective psyche that will be frightening and difficult to fully comprehend. Her conjunction with Uranus is likely the beginning of a new revolutionary movement within the collective psyche that we will understand more fully in hindsight. I feel that Eris may be pointing to the limits of cultural imprinting, seeking to liberate and give voice to deeply repressed, primal impulses which exist in the collective unconscious, as many Trans-Neptunian objects symbolize. The next significant stage of the Jupiter and Uranus cycle, the conjunction, will peak on April 20, 2024. Expect the birth of another wave of revolution then.

 
Saturn/Pluto Conjunction

President Ronald Reagan and First Lady Nancy Reagan pay their respects to the caskets of the 17 US victims of the 1983 attack on the United States Embassy in Beirut during the last conjunction of Saturn/Pluto. Image courtesy of the Reagan Library, via Wikimedia Commons.

Jan 2018-Dec 2021
 
Exact contacts:
Jan 12, 2020

Imagine the breakout of disease, the threat of atomic warfare, terrorism, fascism, intense economic contraction, or apocalyptic doom. You now have a good sense of the Saturn/Pluto cycle. That doesn’t mean all these things will actually happen, but their threatening presence often looms within the atmosphere under significant stages of this cycle. The conjunction and opposition phases often correlate with the rise of highly conservative regimes and the confrontation with their dark side. The last opposition took place from July 2001 through June 2002. You might note that Sept.11 fits right in that time band which paved the way for the invasion of Iraq. The last square between Saturn and Pluto occurred from late 2008 through 2010 and coincided with the Global Financial Crises. 
    
Major historical contacts between Saturn and Pluto are what astrologer/historian Richard Tarnas calls “Cycles of Crisis and Contraction.” If you want to understand the full history of this cycle fleshed out, read Tarnas’ book, Cosmos and Psyche. In it, we find correlations of this cycle with the rise and development of international terrorism, fascism, economic downturn, outbreaks of war and disease, and a lot of other unsettling things. This cycle, in particular, will occur in Capricorn and will touch the U.S. Pluto during its Pluto return. Pluto takes approximately 248 years to orbit the Sun. This is the first Pluto return since the birth of the United States. It will be a critical period where we must confront the shadow of America, and deeply reassess our true destiny as a nation.

It all looks rather ominous, but we’ve made it through plenty of other cycles and I’m sure we’ll make it through this one too. While this is likely to be an extremely challenging phase, especially here in the U.S., I’m hopeful that it will also bring to our awareness the need for more accountability, integrity, and ethics within our political structures. I’m hoping that along with the rise of the darker, shadowy elements of this nation there will be a systemic transformation of the establishment. This period has the potential to wake a lot of people up to dimensions of reality that have been deeply repressed, but that might only happen after incredible restrictions and challenges are placed on us for a period of time. 

If you’re hoping for a progressive government in the years ahead, I wouldn’t count on it. It may be another eight years before we see more liberal or progressive leaning politicians take the lead again. There is an element of fear and austerity within this cycle, so if you feel you should prepare for that, I’d suggest doing so. I’m not predicting anything specific, but historically, these are highly uncertain and difficult periods especially for the economy.  

I have an in-depth article on the Saturn/Pluto conjunction here.

Saturn/Neptune Conjunction

A view of Hurricane Katrina over Louisiana and Mississippi on August 29, 2005 during the beginning stages of the Saturn/Neptune opposition; image from the NASA Earth Observatory website, via Wikimedia Commons.

Mar 2024-Apr 2027

Exact contact: 
Feb 20, 2026

Saturn and Neptune symbolize two very different ends of a spectrum. Saturn represents concrete form and worldly manifestation, while Neptune symbolizes the transcendence of the world and the dissolving of boundaries. Imagine that Neptune symbolizes faith, belief, hope, and spiritual yearning, while Saturn symbolizes skepticism, cynicism, rationality, and an aspiration for orderly structure. When these two planets combine, they often correlate with historical periods that pit the rational against the irrational. Such has been the case during the most recent Saturn/Neptune square which peaked from 2015 through 2016 and made its last contact just two months before the 2016 U.S. election. The peaks of the Saturn/Neptune cycle can correlate with periods tainted by the sense of extreme divide and polarity between opposite points of view.

It can generate a sharp contrast between things like religion and science or Democrat and Republican. Saturn can impose a sense of limitation on Neptune, correlating with a collective mood of immense disappointment, loss of faith, or despair. Saturn/Neptune cycles can also correlate with the death and breakdown of a dream or ideal. Such was the case with the recent election; the incredible ideological divide within both parties such as Bernie Sanders versus Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump versus the rest of the Republican establishment. 

Neptune can have a dissolving effect on the very structures we rely upon. With Saturn square Neptune we witnessed the breakdown of the two-party system, a loss of faith in the democratic process, and a collective sense of hopelessness with the American Dream. Past cycles have also coincided with ending of wars (such as both World Wars, the Cold War, and Vietnam), correlating with a collective mood of exhaustion, sorrow, and mourning. However, there is also an opportunity during these times to build bridges between both worlds, between the faith-based and evidence-based. The Dalai Lama, a spiritual leader who truly exemplifies the high end of this ideal was born under an opposition of Saturn and Neptune.

While these periods often correlate with periods of prodigious uncertainty, confusion, and collective disillusionment, they also help to provide awareness of certain blind-spots within our political, economic, spiritual, and scientific establishments. They are opportunities to reach beyond the boundaries which divide us to ultimately reveal the underlying commonality between us all. During these cycles, it’s important to distance yourself from any extreme view or party. The truth is likely between the dividing poles. This upcoming conjunction in 2026 occurs on the Aries Point, the first degree of the tropical sign of Aries. This cycle is likely to be incredibly significant for the entire world. Aries, the sign of the warrior will give this Saturn/Neptune alignment a thrust of power that has the potential to shake up the globe. 

You did not come to Earth without a guide. Evolutionary Astrology is a powerful tool for self-discovery and an exceptionally helpful guide in times of uncertainty, crisis or stagnation. Click here for reading options and pricing.

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Narrowing the Infinite: New Moon in Sagittarius 2016

New Moon @ 07 degrees Sagittarius 47'

November 29, 2016

5:18 AM Pacific

8:15 AM Eastern

November comes to an end alongside a New Moon in tropical Sagittarius. Saturn is currently moving through Sagittarius and widely conjoins this lunation. The sign of Sagittarius is a mutable, fire sign, ruled by the planet Jupiter which currently squares Pluto in Capricorn. The New Moon also makes a square with Neptune and the south node of the Moon. What is surfacing now may largely deal with your beliefs and the facts (or lack thereof) you have to support them. The asteroid Juno, also conjunct the New Moon, emphasizes the commitment required to sustain faith in a worldview.
 
The high-end of Sagittarius is not a rigid attachment to a belief, but rather an openness to contextual ways of thinking about or perceiving the world. Naturally, spiritual faith or religion fits into the Sagittarian archetype. Evolution demands that life changes in accordance with a changing environment. It also demands that organisms try new possibilities when old pathways no longer ensure success or survival. Saturn’s transit through Sagittarius serves to actually limit possibilities for the sake of finding more authentic pathways. It also asks that we question those beliefs that we’ve outgrown and that no longer serve us.

As the Sun and Moon conjoin in Sagittarius, it invites you to begin a process of exploring the possibilities that are available to you after a realistic assessment of their validity. This doesn’t mean throwing away all caution and taking a leap of faith, which you may be impulsed to do now. While Sagittarius naturally desires movement toward the infinite, instead focus on more sustainable beliefs and perceptions that have withstood scrutiny and challenge. Neptune’s station on the south node this month has generated a lot of collective hype and confusion. Beneath it, there is an opportunity to receive inspiration and authentic, numinous guidance.
 
The challenge with this New Moon is to distance yourself enough from the collective fog to see clearly into the epicenter of the what’s going on. What are you really devoted to now, when you cut away the superfluous? The challenge ignited by this New Moon is getting clear about that, and uncovering the passion, drive, and motivation to make your beliefs somehow work in the real world--to serve some concrete, valuable purpose for the benefit of others. At the moment, it’s not about being right; it’s about being relevant and useful. There may be a lot of directions to go, but this New Moon asks that you find that single guiding light in the mist, and to direct your enthusiasm toward it. Authentically doing that will likely elevate your personal purpose to a higher cause.

You did not come to Earth without a guide. Evolutionary Astrology is a powerful tool for self-discovery and an exceptionally helpful guide in times of uncertainty, crisis or stagnation. Click here for reading options and pricing.

Be Gentle With Yourself: Full Moon in Taurus 2016

Image by Chad Woodward

Full @ 22 Taurus 37'

November 14, 2016

5:52 AM Pacific

8:52 AM Eastern

This month’s Full Moon occurs in the tropical sign of Taurus. It’s also a Supermoon, which means that the Full Moon is closer to the Earth, at its perigee, and will appear slightly larger and brighter than usual (about 7 percent larger than an average Full Moon). In fact, this is the closest Full Moon since 1948. A Full Moon won’t be this close to Earth until 2034. Some astrologers feel that Supermoons are more powerful and significant. Emotional sensitivity may be more pronounced. The size increase does make the Moon a little more striking to look at, especially if you catch it at Moonrise (just after Sunset) or Moonset (just before Sunrise the following morning) in relation to objects on the horizon (mountains, hills, buildings, etc.).

In the sign of Taurus, this Full Moon emphasizes the physical body, the natural world, and the cultivation of inner stillness. Utilize this lunar climax as a moment to ground yourself and find your center. With the election now over here in the United States, the collective energy could use a moment to calm down. The Moon is exalted in Taurus, which means it has more ease of expression. As a symbol of nurturance, safety, and comfort, the Moon generates a notable desire to attend to our needs, especially physical ones while in Taurus. You may find a slight heightening of your senses and an increased interest in good food, music, sensual pleasure, and natural surroundings.

While a Full Moon is usually a time of increased energy, Taurus isn’t a sign that stimulates interest in much activity. A good hike or walk in a park may be all that you need to expend excess energy. Be gentle with yourself. Take a breather. With the Sun in Scorpio conjunct the dark Moon Lilith, it is a good time to feel deeper into yourself and the situations in your life. To really take advantage of this, use this Full Moon moment to quiet your mind and get in touch with your primal self--that part of you that is often dampened down by society and modern culture. We must surrender our inner animal and abandon ourselves to receive full cultural imprinting, which leaves some part of ourselves neglected and caged.

With this calming Full Moon in Taurus, it’s a good time to let that wild part of yourself out for a bit. In fact, feel safe in the notion that you can surrender to your senses and desires without them causing much harm. Uranus, Eris, and Ceres quincunx the Sun and Lilith may create some hesitation in relation to fully tearing through any barriers in the moment, but that works well for the Moon and Taurus. Consider where you need to release any repressed parts of yourself in a gentle way that won’t incite too much upset, but don’t neglect or ignore whatever comes up for you. If you can find some space to relax and simply be yourself, you’ll come closer to your wholeness, inner animal and all.

You did not come to Earth without a guide. Evolutionary Astrology is a powerful tool for self-discovery and an exceptionally helpful guide in times of uncertainty, crisis or stagnation. Click here for reading options and pricing.

Dive in but Don't Drown: Neptune conjunct South Node

The planet Neptune is stationing direct this month. It will be at a standstill at 9 degrees of tropical Pisces on the Moon’s south node. If you think things have been weird lately, confusing, or just hard to pin down, it’s in the air. The world (and current events) may take on a preternatural glow. Neptune has a powerful influence on the collective psyche. When prominent such as now, Neptune empowers massive groups of individuals brought together by a common cause, ideology or belief. 

The Moon’s south node tends to emphasize the shadow side which can lead many into the trap of projecting an inner crisis onto external symbols, unconsciously hoping for a resolution that will never be found in the outer world. It can also greatly stoke strong desires for escapism and avoidance of reality. Utilize this powerful portal as a time to connect inwardly to find your connection to God/Goddess/Universe within. From there, you’ll discover a pool of inspiration, imagination, and spiritual insight which you can utilize to bring to the service of others in some practical way. 

This powerful Neptunian focal point may enhance your dream life or create a longing for higher, ecstatic states of consciousness. Many may be starving now for some savior to deliver them from their inner hell. But remember, the true savior is in you. No one can save you from the inner work you must eventually do yourself. The outer demons are reflections of our own repressed desires, fears, and hatred. Dive in but don’t drown! As difficult as it might be, don’t get pulled out to sea. Stay close to shore and learn how to engage with life more consciously.

You did not come to Earth without a guide. Evolutionary Astrology is a powerful tool for self-discovery and an exceptionally helpful guide in times of uncertainty, crisis or stagnation. Click here for reading options and pricing.

Honest Assesment: New Moon in Scorpio 2016

Image by Chad Woodward

New Moon @ 7 degrees Scorpio 44'

October 30, 2016

10:38 AM Pacific

1:38 PM Eastern

October's New Moon in tropical Scorpio highlights a time to go deeper within yourself and with those you are connected to. During any New Moon, we are consolidating our energy, turning inward, and recharging ourselves for the new lunar cycle ahead. Notice what emerges around you now. This New Moon is likely to reveal to you insights about life and yourself you may have been unconscious of or weren’t ready to face. The sign of Scorpio deals with uncomfortable truths and favors blunt honesty.
 
With Mercury’s conjunction to the New Moon, use this time to explore subjugated topics--sex, death, occultism, psychology. Take conversations to a new level of depth and meaning. Look around for opportunities to bond, make eye contact, and to say what you’ve been afraid to say. New seeds are being planted for the honest assessment of yourself, your relationships, and more truthful communication. Often, we move through our social interactions behind a superficial veneer.
 
That works well to establish connections, rapport, and social cohesion, but too much politeness deprives us of expressing who we truly are. As the Sun and Moon conjoin in Scorpio, expect that veneer to disappear, exposing us to the raw dimensions of others, ourselves, and the world around us. With Venus and Saturn conjunct in Sagittarius, consider how new or established relationships take on a tone of seriousness, tending toward the assessment or possibility of commitment. Saturn conjunct Venus is stirring up our ideals about partnership, favoring a more sober and realistic assessment of what’s possible (and what supports further growth and maturity).
 
Combined with this Scorpio lunation conjunct Mercury, this might be a time to openly discuss what you really want from yourself and others. Don’t settle for small talk or superficial exchange. This is the season to take things further, maybe even take a risk to fully express yourself to another person you trust. The New Moon makes a trine to Neptune in Pisces. Expect certain topics of exploration or conversations to lead toward an expansion of consciousness or an opportunity to glimpse spiritual insights. If you get anything from this New Moon, keep your mind and heart open to a reality you’ve been avoiding. It has the power to greatly alter your perception, leaving you more insightful and aware of what’s possible.

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You did not come to Earth without a guide. Evolutionary Astrology is a powerful tool for self-discovery and an exceptionally helpful guide in times of uncertainty, crisis or stagnation. Click here for reading options and pricing.

Full Moon in Aries 2016: Feed The Inner Fire

“The price of sanity in today’s society is a certain level of alienation.”
-Terence McKenna
 
Social rejection is such a painful thing that we crave inclusion and tend to do what we must to retain it. That means we’re susceptible to believing some dangerous things and correspondingly adjusting our lives around those beliefs. The planet Uranus, aligning with this Full Moon, asks that you scrutinize where you have compromised yourself for the sake of keeping everyone else happy or fitting in. In the days surrounding this Full Moon, keep a look out for the collective process of intense individuation that may get stirred up. Be mindful of this in yourself, as well as the potential hostility from others attempting to break themselves free.
 
This month’s Full Moon occurs in the tropical sign of Aries and aligns with both the planet Uranus and the dwarf planet Eris. As the lunar cycle culminates, it correlates with a dynamic breaking point in the collective psyche. That may show up in the culmination of several circumstances in your personal life. The combination of Uranus and Eris in the sign of Aries might create powerful momentum and a desire for decisive action. However, opposing the Full Moon is the Sun in Libra, which alludes to the validity of alternative points of view of which you may be also considering.
 
With the Sun in Libra, there is the necessity of compromise; you may have to contend more with the will and needs of others. The planet Uranus always highlights the need for authenticity. Consider whether your current direction is congruent with who you really are. There is likely to be a focus on independence and autonomy, which may result in breaking free from what limits your full self-expression. Be cautious with this energy, however. Eris and Uranus in Aries can be volatile, hostile, rebellious and unpredictable. If you’ve been repressing your feelings about certain matters in your life, expect this Full Moon to pull them out.
 
The conjunction between Eris and Uranus is reflected all around us in current events. Not much is fully known about Eris astrologically since its discovery in 2005. But when its existence was confirmed, it completely altered the solar system from the astronomical point of view. Eris may have a trickster quality, correlating with massive upheaval within established structures. Uranus, the rebel, and outlaw of the planetary pantheon will likely amplify this tendency. Aries, the first sign of the zodiac, correlates with the sense of new beginnings. While a Full Moon is not technically a new start, it may feel that way.

Mars is currently approaching a conjunction with Pluto in Capricorn which receives a square from Mercury. Now is the time to begin thinking and brainstorming about possible strategies and plans of action. That will require facing up to reality honestly and soberly. Mars and Pluto can help you to think carefully about your future survival. With this lunation, it’s likely that you’ll find yourself fed up with something in your life, perhaps an old approach has become stale and prosaic. Use this high-energy Full Moon to make some fresh changes. Free yourself from any shackles you feel are binding you, and connect with who you really are, and who or what truly feeds that and keeps it alive.

Reaching Out From Within: New Moon in Libra 2016

Two statues representing two communities in Derry, Northern Ireland; photo by Kenneth Allen.

New Moon @ 8 degrees Libra 15'
September 30, 2016
5:11 PM Pacific
8:11 PM Eastern

Take a deep breath. You’ve made it to the New Moon in tropical Libra. Feel the inner peace that exists within you; connect with that potential state. Something holds the universe together. No matter what we endure, life seeks to achieve homeostasis. It’s really an amazing thing. Life always finds a way around things. Every obstacle, challenge, or blockage is just an accent along the pathway to wholeness. And each perceived limitation can always be worked with and incorporated somehow. Whatever flaws you might think you have can become your allies. They can be a beautiful piece of your wholeness.

This is what Libra ultimately teaches us. As the archetype of the artist or the lover, Libra seeks to create beauty from whatever it has to work with. As you settle into this New Moon, take a deep look at your life, and see the opportunities that exist allowing you to turn your challenges into a work of art. It might take the form of stabilizing a relationship, friendship, or professional partnership, or it might take the form of a literal creative endeavor. Whatever it is, this New Moon plants the seeds for increased stability and cooperation in some aspect of your life.

Mercury’s retrograde cycle is now over. Perhaps you’ve encountered some setbacks in the past few weeks. But it’s also possible that those setbacks served to gift you with a different perspective. I don’t think that Mercury retrogrades ever pass by without teaching us something, or helping us become more aware of the universe we are enmeshed within. The final eclipse season of this year is also over, and it has likely left you a bit altered, perhaps it has significantly rerouted your present course. Where do you go from here? This is a time when you may begin to get a better sense of that.

The planet Jupiter conjoins this New Moon. The God of expansion, abundance, and opportunity steps in to open new doorways. This New Moon is a time to make some choices and feeling sure ourselves to do that. In Libra, consider the possibility of receiving help from trusted allies, whoever or whatever they might be. Don’t feel like you have to step into the darkness all by yourself. The most powerful theme of this lunation is a spotlight on the human need for companionship and support. It’s our nature, as social creatures, to reach out and support others on their journey.

How can you reach out? And what do you need for yourself? You may find that the best use of your time right now would be to see who needs help and to equally see where you could benefit from support as well. Again, don’t step into this darkness alone. This powerful New Moon amplifies our social instincts. If you’re open to that, you’ll find that new ways to connect and bond will emerge all around you. While it might not be clear where these connections will ultimately lead, this is a potent starting point. Also, consider Jupiter’s innate ability to bring about restlessness and the need for new experience. It will likely catalyze action to help you move beyond those attachments that hold you back, and to embrace those that can help you step forward.

The New Moon makes a sextile to Saturn, which makes it easier to work with current life challenges. You might find that, at the moment, the heaviness of recent obstacles are lifted. Neptune also makes a quincunx with the New Moon. What is emerging now does not appear with crystalline clarity, but it’s probably enough to entice you to keep going with whatever you’ve been struggling with. Neptune reminds you that you’ll never have it all figured out anyway, so stop pretending you ever will. Trust in the great mystery, and along the way, grab the helping hand that is offered to you (be discerning, of course). Life might still be confusing, but at least you can grapple with that confusion in good company.

You did not come to Earth without a guide. Evolutionary Astrology is a powerful tool for self-discovery and an exceptionally helpful guide in times of uncertainty, crisis or stagnation. Click here for reading options and pricing.

Bare Attention: Penumbral Lunar Eclipse in Pisces 2016

Great bronze statue of Amida Buddha at Kotokuin Temple in Kamakura; photo by Fg2 via Wikimedia Commons.

Full Moon/Penumbral Eclipse @ 24 Pisces 20'

September 16, 2016

12:05 PM Pacific

3:05 PM Eastern

September’s Full Moon is a penumbral lunar eclipse in the tropical sign of Pisces. As with all Full Moons, you may notice things coming into clearer focus now. Whatever you have put into motion two weeks prior, will begin to manifest, culminate, or reach a breaking point. The lunar eclipse will often amplify this process. In the sign of Pisces, the Full Moon/eclipse points to the power of your perception and the quality of your conscious state. As the final sign of the zodiac, Pisces embodies the truth that what we experience throughout life is always filtered through our own biases, judgements, or quality of awareness.

 In a conjunction with Chiron, the Full Moon/eclipse can also bring to your attention deeply buried wounds related to feelings of disconnectedness from life, God/Goddess, or the universe as a whole. The opposition of the Moon/Chiron and the Sun create a t-square with Mars in Sagittarius. The tension of this Full Moon may feel uncomfortable. It may ignite a subtle crisis of meaning as it illuminates an existential void that exists within each of us, but contained within this Full Moon/eclipse is the potential for much healing and resolution.

How you choose to respond to this Full Moon energy is the key. Pisces’ deeper, esoteric truth is that the outer world doesn’t actually exist as we experience it. What we see is only a perception of the universe, not what it actually is. The vast majority of spiritual teachings suggest this. While ultimately that’s probably true, experientially, life is pretty damn convincing. Subjectively, the world appears to be real, and we’re kind of stuck with that for a while. So, what do we do with such a realization? We could yield to nihilism and write  life off as meaningless, or we could use such insight to engage with life in a more conscious and meaningful way.

The choice is always ours. And whichever choice we make will be reflected in our perception of what happens to us. The centaur asteroid Chiron, aligned with this Full Moon/eclipse gives you an opportunity to change your perception and squaring Mars, it amplifies the need to actively engage in that process. The best way to resolve this Full Moon/eclipse is through the practice of mindfulness. As we move throughout life, things happen to us and we have reactions. From our perspective, our reaction is actually all that we experience.

Chiron’s message is that pain is an inevitable part of being human. Our reaction to pain can lead to suffering or it can serve as a catalyst for change in our lives. Consider what is presented to you at this Full Moon/eclipse with mindfulness. Instead of reacting as you normally would, see that it’s possible to notice your feelings without identifying with them. 

Use this final eclipse portal of the year as an opportunity to shift your view, maybe even your attitude towards some difficult things in life. You may realize that while difficulty and pain are sometimes inevitable, your response actually lies in your hands. In other words, we can’t control life, but we can control how we see life and how much we allow it to dictate our choices. As Buddha so wisely stated, “Your worst enemy cannot hurt you as much as your own thoughts, if you have not mastered them.”

You did not come to Earth without a guide. Evolutionary Astrology is a powerful tool for self-discovery and an exceptionally helpful guide in times of uncertainty, crisis or stagnation. Click here for reading options and pricing.

New Possibilities: Annular Solar Eclipse in Virgo 2016

By Gummigoof [GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html) or CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

Annular Solar Eclipse/New Moon @ 9 Virgo 21'

September 1, 2016

2:03 AM Pacific

5:03 AM Eastern

September begins with a dynamic, annular solar eclipse in the tropical sign of Virgo. Two weeks later, we will pass through a penumbral lunar eclipse in Pisces. Eclipse season is underway, and it happens to coincide with the onset of Mercury’s retrograde cycle through Virgo until Sept. 21/22. Eclipses are mysterious events and hard to fully understand. It’s as if they correlate with changes that occur on some other dimension that  we only experience emotionally or psychically. The days (and sometimes weeks) surrounding the eclipse can generate a field of emotionally charged energy. 

Eclipses are moments of accelerated change and notable shifts in perspective. They allow us to glimpse deeper into reality, beyond surface appearances. A solar eclipse occurs during a New Moon and can often correlate with feelings of deep uncertainty or a subtle crisis that’s hard to make sense of rationally. It’s a time to step back and observe more deeply what’s happening within you without needing to act drastically or impulsively. As you get closer to the eclipse, try to remain grounded, conscious, and centered within yourself. If possible, use the eclipse day to take it easy and allow yourself time to recharge. 

This final solar eclipse of 2016 creates a powerful t-square with Neptune and the Saturn/Mars conjunction. This will likely generate immense internal tension, especially for those of us with placements in Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces. The Saturn/Mars conjunction suggests having a task or mission for which you can focus your attention. Having a point of concentration with something you’re attempting to accomplish will help to relieve confusion, distraction, or escapist tendencies.

Mercury retrograde, the ruler of this eclipse, invites you to slow down and take your time when considering your options at the moment. Accept that not all the information you need is available yet. And due to its backward movement, may bring situations from the past into conscious view. It’s important to consider that this eclipse is a time to increase your awareness of opportunities you may not have been fully conscious of. These opportunities may assist you greatly in reorganizing your life and getting yourself back on track. 

The sign of Virgo relates to the path of self-improvement and the impulse to contribute to the human community through practical service. You may glimpse new ways to improve your overall health through a modification of  your current routine. You may also realize ways of improving a work or job-related situation. With this eclipse, the practical and imaginal must find some way to compromise. Dealing with the Saturn/Mars conjunction can feel like coming up against the resistance of reality’s harsh limitations. But Neptune in Pisces suggests that contained within those limitations is a clear view to a new vision. 

Consider this eclipse passageway as a point of transition into a new landscape. If you work consciously with it, you’ll find it easier to accept reality the way that it is without losing hope or your ability to dream of new possibilities for your life. If the eclipse presents you with a crisis, trust that it will resolve itself in the following days or weeks. Remember, an eclipse tends to amplify unconscious contents. What is emerging is not so much concerned with the ego’s comfort. The psychic instability of the eclipse is a reminder that ultimately the unconscious underwrites the life events we actually experience in our waking life. As unsettling as that realization can be, it’s also liberating to know that we don’t always need to fix things; often, life has a way of coming to its own resolutions if we get out of the way. 

Mars Conjunct Saturn: How Far Will You Take It?

By Sonoradocent (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

Over the next several days, the planets Mars and Saturn will make a conjunction in the tropical zodiac sign of Sagittarius (exact on Aug. 24). You can see this in the sky after the Sun has descended. Looking westward after sunset, you will first notice Mars and the supergiant, binary star Antares (known as the heart of the Scorpion). Both objects have a distinctly reddish hue. In fact, the name Antares derives from a Greek title which meant “equal to Ares” or “equal to Mars”. While Antares rivals Mars in its brightness, you will glimpse its distinctive, effervescent twinkle; its light reaches us from a distance of 550 light years. 

Mars, however, has a steady glow and will appear directly to the right of Antares. And just above and to the right of these two red, luminous objects, you will find Saturn, much fainter but just as steady in its brightness as Mars. Mars, Saturn, and Antares will be slowly descending behind the Sun as they come into alignment. And how might this event show up in your life? As with anything astrological, the possibilities are vast. But Mars, Saturn, and Sagittarius represent a specific archetypal field, one that will be quite distinctive. 

Mars is the archetypal warrior--but deeper, it represents the archetypal field governing primal desire, getting what we want from life, fighting for our right to what we want and our right to life. Mars symbolizes the “fight or flight” response ubiquitous to any sentient being with the ability to run or defend itself. And also, Mars is the sex instinct. It’s deep, red color evokes passion and primal thirst--craving, wanting, desiring. It is an archetype that is reactive and impulsive; it doesn’t think things through. 

Mars is also out of bounds (through the end of Oct.), beyond the Sun’s highest declination in the sky. While Mars is inherently autonomous from the ego (if you’ve acquainted yourself with your sexual instincts you know what I’m talking about), it is even more so when out of bounds. So, while you may notice your inner Mars on overdrive lately (creating a deeper awareness of addictive tendencies, violence, hostility, or rage), it presents a unique opportunity to rise above these destructive qualities. Why? Because Mars out of bounds is a time to detach our primal instincts from ego-driven motivations. 

We might say, it’s an opportunity to channel our Mars-like passion toward something above and beyond what we’re used to. It gives us a chance to gain objective insight into these “lower” manifestations of Mars, allowing us to gain perspective about a deeper purpose they could be utilized to achieve. And along comes Saturn, the archetypal task-master. Saturn is the God of time, it represents the archetypal field dealing with discipline, focus, hard work, structure, and great works. Saturn is restrictive and presents us with obstacles, challenges, limitations, and the harsh lessons of reality. 

If Mars is about impulsive action, Saturn is the braking mechanism. In the brain, Saturn has a resonance with the prefrontal cortex which deals with impulse control, and interestingly, this brain region isn’t fully matured until we’re in our late twenties, after a full cycle of Saturn around the horoscope (the infamous Saturn return). So, if you find yourself coming up against a wall, presented as a limitation, rethink your strategy or realize that you need one. If your impulsive behaviors have been on autopilot lately, it might be time to reel yourself in and channel your enthusiasm toward productive activities that require discipline, focus, and long-term planning. The combination of these two archetypes is difficult to integrate. Mars wants the freedom to explore all of the possibilities it desires, but Saturn says, “No! Make a choice and commit to something”. 

Saturn can present Mars with some harsh realizations about reality, but can also assist this archetype in uncovering its ability to focus its passion toward more rewarding and long-lasting achievements. How will you focus your passion over the next several days? You may already be considering it. Conversely, Mars can temper Saturn’s overt, practical focus by adding some adventure and life force back into the current narrative. If you have been under the dark spell of Saturn, ready to give up, losing the will to move forward, depressed, over-burdened by some overwhelming limitations, Mars can help by rejuvenating your passion or willingness engage with life.

Both Mars and Saturn are square to Neptune, too. Those things that are failing or collapsing may be giving way to new visions and the awareness of deeper realities more aligned with your spiritual purpose. This brief window in time also offers a deeper glimpse into our delusions and self-deceptions. If you strive to remain realistic without losing the will to live, this configuration will give you access to a new way of relating with those things you never thought could work together. Take advantage of this launching pad; it will assist you in carrying out your ideals in the real world. Remember that a reservoir of strength and courage lies deep within you. It’s more available to you now than ever. How far will you take it? 

You did not come to Earth without a guide. Evolutionary Astrology is a powerful tool for self-discovery and an exceptionally helpful guide in times of uncertainty, crisis or stagnation. Click here for reading options and pricing.

A Focused Passion: "Lunar Eclipse" in Aquarius 2016

The Third Eye by Irina Belova; oil on canvas, 2009.

Full Moon/Lunar Eclipse

August 18, 2016

2:26 AM Pacific

5:26 AM Eastern

August’s Full Moon is technically a lunar eclipse, but not a notable one. The Earth’s shadow will just barely graze the face of the Full Moon. However, it paves the way for two eclipses which will occur in the month of Sept. (an annular eclipse on Sept. 1 and a penumbral eclipse Sept. 16). The eclipse passageway, which will become noticeable towards the end of the month and into Sept., can mark a subtle or profound shift of perspective revealing the presence of things beyond the visible reality. This process will be greatly enhanced by Mercury’s retrograde cycle (from Aug 30 to Sept. 21/22).
 
This Aquarian Full Moon, while not a powerful eclipse, occurs alongside the building conjunction of Mars and Saturn in the tropical sign of Sagittarius. Exact on August 24, this conjunction is an opportunity to focus your attention and stamina toward productive endeavors in your life. In Sagittarius, that may manifest as a yearning to channel your desires in the direction of a greater purpose or mission. If you find yourself completely off track, Mars and Saturn can help to get you back into alignment. But these two archetypes are not often friendly in their interaction. If you’re not prepared, they will gift you with a classic kick in the ass.
 
This is especially true for those with significant placements in Sagittarius or Gemini (such as the Sun, Moon or Ascendent), and perhaps placing considerable pressure on those with placements in Virgo or Pisces. The sign of Aquarius is traditionally associated with Saturn. This Full Moon symbolizes a breaking point in collective and personal awareness, gifting us with a moment of sharp focus and much-needed objectivity. The Saturn end of Aquarius relates to reality testing via the necessity of social collaboration. It’s a moment to gain clarity about how your efforts fit into the boundaries of society. It may equally shed light on how you may have alienated yourself from the social structure.
 
In the modern world, Aquarius is associated with Uranus, the planet of revolution, genius, rebellion and a fierce commitment to individuation. Aquarius is a sign wrought with intense inner tension created by the dualistic desires of cooperation and the need to break the rules. Uranus makes a sextile to the Full Moon while creating a trine with the Sun. It opens up pathways which allow for increased freedom and independence, but Mars and Saturn require discipline, strategy, and adherence to a structure. To acquire the freedom and self-sufficiency you may be seeking now will require awareness and respect of natural limitations.

Use the energy of this Full Moon to free yourself of crippling fear, anxiety, rage, or addiction. The Aquarian, Uranian, and Saturnian archetypes symbolize the potential within the psyche to transcend behaviors which prevent us from actualizing our higher, evolutionary potentials. Free-will may be the true gift of the gods and goddesses--something which makes humans unique within the animal kingdom. As the Full Moon culminates and wanes over the following week, notice what comes up for you and the choices that you have in regards to transmuting something destructive into a focused passion. Notice behaviors that drain your life force and how you can redirect your focus to activities which fill you with purpose, accomplishment and a deeper sense of meaning.

You did not come to Earth without a guide. Evolutionary Astrology is a powerful tool for self-discovery and an exceptionally helpful guide in times of uncertainty, crisis or stagnation. Click here for reading options and pricing.

Holding It Together: New Moon in Leo 2016

Dusty 'Sunrise' at core of galaxy; image by NASA/JPL-Caltech

New Moon @ 10 Leo 58'

Aug 2, 2016

1:44 PM Pacific

4:44 PM Eastern

August’s New Moon in tropical Leo might feel like a welcome relief from the tension and seriousness of recent, past lunations. Leo correlates with a strong desire to play and cultivate joy. The subjective nature of Leo relates to the shaping of a consciousness attuned to the demands of the immediate experience. But like any New Moon, this is a moment of inner attunement in light of the conscious anticipation of new potential. In other words, the collective energy is low and directed toward conservation but ready to expend energy in new expressions.
 
Leo’s extroverted nature extends this New Moon’s manifestation outwardly and its fiery element helps to vitalize and nourish willpower to renew any lost enthusiasm. Carrying the rulership of the Sun, Leo’s signature at the start of August can help you to revitalize and begin a process of recovering purpose, strength, presence, and gravitas. The Sun, the central star of our solar system, has a gravitational force that is rather demanding, to say the least. With the power of a star, this Leo New Moon carries tremendous force which you can use to build up confidence and sanity.
 
The past two lunations, involving contacts with Pluto (an object symbolic of archetypes antithetical to the Sun), can have the effect of dampening personal significance. Plutonian events can mitigate willpower as they dredge up an awareness of harsh realities beyond one’s control. That may have been a subtle or significant experience over the past month for you. In the awareness of the shadow, the ego can often feel frightened or overwhelmed in the face of such powerful inner truths. If you’ve felt that way recently, focus your attention on this lunation as a source of motivation and self-definition.
 
Saturn’s trine to the New Moon from Sagittarius promises that effort and hard work (begun now or from past efforts) will accelerate progress toward certain goals and objectives. Saturn invites us to channel this building enthusiasm in directions that have practical applicability and that can help us grow in new directions. This fits well with Saturn turning stationary direct on Aug 13, which will bring to an end a period of consolidation and adjustment of priorities. Uranus in Aries, though far from a close trine, aids the building energy through the formation of a loose grand trine.
 
This is enough to help you to get excited about something, to breathe new life and energy into things that have been neglected or stagnant. Fire energy creates the impetus and motivation to continue moving forward, to keep thriving in the face of adversity. Two quincunx aspects to the New Moon from both Neptune and Pluto also amplify a sense of purpose and direction. To get to where you want to go now may require some seemingly awkward adjustments, and it may not come easily, but there is some magic with this New Moon that can help you find the stamina or determination that you need.

New life is being put into motion at this lunar beginning. Never underestimate the life force--the will to live. It moves through us biologically as well as spiritually. Whether you’re conscious of it or not, it moves far beyond your body, shaping the experiences throughout your daily life. If you desire something, know that the life force will see to it that you have the opportunity to attain it. With this Leo New Moon, perhaps you simply need a reminder of the joy and playfulness that is an essential part of our human experience. And also, if you make the effort, you can find stability and purposeful direction in your life. Let loose and allow yourself a moment to shine in some way; trust that the Sun, the central star in the solar system, will hold things together (at least for a while).

You did not come to Earth without a guide. Evolutionary Astrology is a powerful tool for self-discovery and an exceptionally helpful guide in times of uncertainty, crisis or stagnation. Click here for reading options and pricing.

Health Beyond the Shadows: Full Moon in Capricorn 2016

Photo by Denise Womack-Avila via Flickr

Full Moon @ 27 Capricorn 40’
July 19, 2016
3:56 PM Pacific
6:56 PM Eastern

July’s Full Moon culminates in the tropical sign of Capricorn. In the distant shadows lurks Pluto, far away from a tight conjunction, but close enough to share the spotlight. Capricorn is a cardinal earth sign. Saturn, the ruler of Capricorn, favors action and initiation through sustained effort and concentration. Perhaps this Full Moon has you narrowing your gaze a bit. It symbolizes a brief window through which we can gain some clarity about our purpose or ultimate objectives. Practical matters and their efficient implications are a much higher priority right now.
 
A Full Moon, a time of increased energy and emerging awareness, often brings to our attention important information. With Pluto, that is crucial information we need to ensure our survival and that we have everything we need to make it through the challenges life often presents to us. The awareness needed to become more organized and to make your life more efficient is likely to be available now. Use this time to reflect and turn inward if needed. A brief period of soul searching around this Full Moon wouldn’t be a bad idea. The challenge with this lunation lies not only in the need to face reality with sobriety, but also the need to honor and stay true to yourself--your unique path and destiny.
 
The planet Uranus in Aries makes a square to this Full Moon--presenting a t-square between Pluto and the Sun in Cancer. The light of the Moon points to the emergence of realizations about life’s inherent limitations, but Uranus in Aries, and the Sun in Cancer suggest that you not lose sight of your heart and the power of your will to change what might seem like daunting circumstances. The forecast may appear grim on the surface, but it can always change. Your attitude and your ability to step up to new challenges has immense power in your life and in the world.
 
But a t-square promises a challenge. Whatever you seek to resolve right now, it won’t be easy to do. In fact, it’s probably going to take some hard work and discipline to make it happen. But, the Full Moon’s promise is that if you can fess up to reality and see what hides in the darkness, you’ll have a better chance of conjuring up a strategy to overcome it. As Carl Jung once said, “when the diagnoses is correct, the healing begins.” Mercury and Venus in Leo will help to lighten the mood and empower us to engage more playfully with life’s challenges. While this Full Moon is heavy, it’s not out to get you. Trust in the moment, no matter how difficult. Through the will, many new possibilities can be realized.
 
You did not come to Earth without a guide. Evolutionary Astrology is a powerful tool for self-discovery and an exceptionally helpful guide in times of uncertainty, crisis or stagnation. Click here for reading options and pricing.

Trust That You Are Loved: New Moon in Cancer 2016

Photo by Theophilos Papadopoulos, via Flickr

New Moon @ 12 Cancer 54'
July 4, 2016
7:01 AM Eastern
4:01 AM Pacific

This lunation is the first New Moon of summer in the tropical sign of Cancer. It also occurs on the United States’ Independence Day which is widely celebrated here in the U.S. For this reason, the New Moon points a spotlight on the U.S. because it correlates with its birthday. The New Moon is joined by both Mercury and Venus, which all stand in opposition to Pluto in Capricorn. The zodiac sign of Cancer stands as a symbol of safety, nourishment, protection, healing, and comfort. In its high expression, Cancer seeks to provide this in gentle, loving ways.

The Moon, which we associate with the sign Cancer, has an archetypal link to the symbol of mother--the one who provides sustenance needed to bring and sustain new life into the world. Here at the New Moon, we stand at a beginning--a moment imbued potentially with mystery, uncertainty, and anticipation. With any New Moon, you may feel less energized, but with Mars recently turned direct and now picking up speed, feel free to begin planting the seeds for forward movement and the initiation of new endeavors. A reservoir of strength and momentum will gradually become available to you. You may notice more energy and confidence build over the coming two weeks.

Pluto, in opposition to the New Moon, dredges up the shadow of Cancer. While the mother seeks to protect those she has brought forth into the world (with whatever it takes to do so!), all things are vulnerable in this reality; nothing is ultimately safe and protected from harm. In Cancer’s shadow, there is a chronic paranoia of dangers which seek to annihilate oneself and loved ones. Cancer, in its shadow, blocks the flow of life and love as it recoils from the world, building walls, and segregating one’s life from full participation in the unfolding of the moment.

Cancer, in its shadow, can also lead to the desire to cling to dying circumstances--to keep things as they are for the sake of the comfort and sense of safety that they provide. This New Moon carries the potential for realizations relating to how you can extend love outward to make changes in your life and in the larger world. To be truly loving, we must accept what we love for what it is and not try to change it. Where in your life is this needed? How can you express more love in authentic ways? As the Sun and Moon conjoin, they invite you to look deeply at the expression of love in your life, by finding new ways to love and trust the moment the way that it is.

While this is a deeply sensitive and emotional New Moon, which highlights fears related to security, vulnerabilities, and sensitivities, it asks that we keep our eye on the higher path--the bigger plan or mission that is seeking manifestation in the world. When we look at our own lives, as well as the events in the world, it can be hard to accept what is. Mars will assist you to make the changes and take the appropriate actions to free yourself of oppressive or stagnate situations. But ultimately, this New Moon is offering signs and omens in regards to the love we need to express to vitalize and nourish all aspects of our lives. And finally, trust that YOU are loved and supported by the universe in your wholeness, no matter what.

 You did not come to Earth without a guide. Evolutionary Astrology is a powerful tool for self-discovery and an exceptionally helpful guide in times of uncertainty, crisis or stagnation. Click here for reading options and pricing.