Inner Light: New Moon in Leo 2022

John Samuel, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

New Moon @ 5 degrees Leo 39'

July 28, 2022

10:55 AM PDT

1:55 PM EDT

With the Sun recently shifted into tropical Leo, the next lunar cycle renews itself in this fixed, fiery sign ruled by the Sun. The Sun is in its domicile in Leo and so dominates this New Moon moment. Additionally, the New Moon's trine to Jupiter is equally significant as Jupiter stations retrograde just hours after the conjunction of Sun and Moon.

Leo is often conceptualized as an image of extravagance, confidence, and maybe even chutzpah. This is the cliche Leo, the attention-grabbing and illuminating archetype that seeks to brighten a room or gather sustenance from those around it. Yet, Leo also can represent the need to be seen and validated or the need to express innate/developed creativity and self-expressiveness.

In the northern hemisphere, when the Sun is in Leo, it is at its highest ascent and has its most influence in terms of exuding heat and vitality. Sometimes it can feel warming, energizing, and joyful, and other times oppressive, exhausting, or life-diminishing. Leo represents light, brightness, playfulness, and joy if distilled to its most positive essence.

A New Moon here represents a renewal of this capacity to cultivate these positive attributes within our lives. It could symbolize the start or renewal of a creative project or simply taking steps to brighten something up to bring more energy and vitality into some specific area.

Jupiter's trine opens up possibilities--a sense of optimism or new direction to pursue. However, Jupiter's retrograde station adds an inward turn to this New Moon in which we may not be so much externally focused. Jupiter in Aries typically wants to charge ahead and take on new challenges.

Jupiter's retrograde trine conjures an image of connecting with one's inner light, taking steps back to refocus our creativity and passion. Indeed, New Moons, by their nature, are moments to reset, recharge, and gather momentum. This New Moon may be a significant moment to implement a pathway toward building inner strength or cultivating joy more intimately rather than outwardly.

Stepping Forward: Supermoon in Capricorn 2022

Joshua Tree National Park, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Full Moon @ 21 degrees Capricorn 21'
July 13, 2022
11:38 AM PDT
2:38 PM EDT

July's Supermoon occurs in tropical Capricorn, widely conjunct Pluto, square Eris, and opposing a building Sun/Mercury conjunction. While the sign of Capricorn highlights culminations related to goals, ambitions, achievements, and persistent efforts, the Sun and Mercury in Cancer draw us into intimate realms related to family, tribe, healing, and security.

A supermoon occurs when there's a Full Moon at the Moon's perigee, its closest approach to the Earth. The Moon appears slightly larger and undeniably brighter, especially for those in the northern hemisphere when the Moon rises higher than usual in the night sky. This month's Supermoon is the closest of 2022 and is ideal for soaking up that late-night lunar glow. It will be visually notable for a few days.

Since this Full Moon/Supermoon occurs close to Pluto and thus involves itself in the Pluto/Eris square, there are likely to be some breaking points, crises, or culminations surrounding various political/culture war issues which can amplify and highlight divisiveness, hypocrisy, and social volatility. That, of course, has been a significant theme of the Pluto/Eris square, which started building in 2016.

Humility is always the antidote to hubris and hyper-rationality. The Sun and Mercury in Cancer remind us of the power of inner knowing, gut feelings, and intuitive impressions. While our rational faculties help us to survive in an increasingly complex social world, we cannot rely entirely upon them because life doesn't always match up with what makes sense according to the plan, strategy, or moralistic ideal.

Balancing between the rational and intuitive and a breakthrough in that process may be a significant theme of this Full Moon. Yet, so can a culmination involving projects, tasks, and ambitions where dedication and consistency can bear fruit in tangible results or end-product. With Saturn as ruler of Capricorn, notable events in this sign inevitably bring up issues surrounding responsibility, purpose, and the surmounting of obstacles.

Lastly, Chiron is also involved in this Full Moon/Supermoon via a square aspect from Aries. Chiron tends to include issues of healing, integration, and the pursuit of wholeness. While defining ourselves and our position on various issues is critical to healthy individuation and the formation of boundaries, consider how addiction to divisiveness and tribalism can turn toxic and prevent meaningful connection.

Sometimes, our addiction to conflict can require a dedicated deep dive to discover the root of our impulses as perhaps ways in which some early life imprinting taught us to equate love and affection with conflict and turmoil. Yet, other times, we can simply turn off sources that trigger such tendencies or simply choose not to engage despite how tempting. Chiron represents that switch and choice. Perhaps this Supermoon illuminates a healthier pathway forward in which releasing toxic impulses lead us to gentler and authentically loving ways of connecting.

Protect the Sacred: New Moon in Cancer 2022

Supercarwaar, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

New Moon @ 07 degrees Cancer 23'
June 28, 2022
7:53 PM PDT
10:53 PM EDT

As June ends, we move through a New Moon in tropical Cancer. It features a dynamic square with Jupiter, both amplifying and augmenting the potentials inherent to this lunation. In the sign of Cancer, this New Moon emphasizes various inner and intimate life dimensions highlighting emotionality, intuition, and tribal connections.

The sign of Cancer is most notoriously associated with nurturance, domesticity, and protective instincts. It points us to the inward and intimate, those places and experiences we tend to keep private, sacred, and protected. Naturally, as associated with the Moon, and as a feminine sign, Cancer connects us to the archetypal mother, healer, and defender.

The desire or impulse to protect the most vulnerable, private, and sacred all come under the domain of Cancer. As this New Moon aligns with the Sun, a new beginning is being forged in the collective psyche, inviting us to step forward in strengthening fields of protection and fighting for the world's most sacred and fragile.

Jupiter's square magnifies the archetypal mother, the need to heal, help others, and fiercely protect and defend what is under threat. This connection can also amplify emotionality and intuitive awareness, as well as the desire to belong, connect, and share sacred ground with others.

One often-overlooked dimension of Jupiter is its tendency to magnify our dissatisfaction with what we currently have or the state of the world. As the planet of expansion and opportunity, one essential step in achieving or acquiring something greater requires realizing that things can be better or that we deserve more.

Consider, within reason and healthy limitations, how you can expand your capacity to heal, nourish, protect, and defend. Consider how you can step outside your comfort zone to include more within your definition of tribe or family. Reflect deeply on your dissatisfactions and what they stem from, and most importantly, what actions you need or should take to bring about change.

Moving In Flow: Full Moon in Sagittarius 2022

SeanXCurry, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

June 14, 2022

4:52 AM PDT

7:52 AM EDT

With this Full Moon, we're balancing between the archetypes of Gemini and Sagittarius. Gemini curiously seeks out the inherent diversity within the universe while Sagittaius seeks to find meaning or purpose behind it. Gemini emphasizes a multiplicity of perspectives, data points, and opinions, while Sagittarius seeks to funnel complexity into cohesive beliefs, ideologies, or philosophies.

Combined with Saturn's square-off with Mercury the past week, this Full Moon helps to focus and direct the many possibilities or information bits we've been playing or struggling with. The archetype of the Full Moon is all about completion, breakthrough, or resolution, bringing pending thoughts, plans, and anticipations to a fulcrum at the start of the week.

This Full Moon can empower faith and optimism as well as embolden zealousness and hubris. Yet, both directions can be challenged by Neptune's square to this Full Moon as it forces a questioning of the veracity of what we believe or hold faith in or whether our certainty is justified by reality.

Neptune puts pressure on all the dots we've connected and the beliefs we've manufactured in making sense of the world. As we quickly pass through this Full Moon, the best advice is to stay humble, admit what you don't know, and surrender to the endless mysteries that envelope us. And for the next few days, choosing to go more with the flow rather than enforcing a specific agenda will work more favorably.

When encountering confusing or suspicious situations, step back to gain more clarity. Neptunian energy encourages or forces a more inward perception or less rational approach to dealing with obstacles. There may be things brought up around this Full Moon that require some sacrifice or may be beyond our control, but try to look past the facade and to the deeper layers, intention, or purpose.

Trust Every Step: Total Lunar Eclipse in Scorpio 2022

Photo by Chad Woodward, August 2020

Full Moon @ 25 Scorpio 18'

May 15, 2022

9:15 PM PDT

12:15 PM EDT

This month's Full Moon is a total lunar eclipse in tropical Scorpio. It represents a powerful culmination in various life arenas. Saturn's square to the Full Moon/eclipse adds some heavy pressures, but supportive trines from Neptune, Mars, and Jupiter create positive outlets for transmuting potential difficulties.

A Scorpio Full Moon highlights emotional and psychic terrain, amplifying deep feelings, desires, and impulses. Combined with Saturn's square, a depressive and brooding element is possible alongside this eclipse, but recognize that any of these potentials will dissipate over the following days.

As a south nodal eclipse in Scorpio, there is a potential to release unhealthy attachments to crisis, drama, or excessive negativity. Combined with Saturn's square, consider ways in which certain fears or self-worth anxieties have prevented simple pleasures and joy from flowing into your life.

This eclipse can symbolize a breakthrough in releasing such blocks due to hard work and commitment in choosing to live more fully. Additionally, this lunation can correlate with breakthroughs or culminations in the consistent development of specific skills or resources, where persistence bears rewards.

While the emergence or amplification of complex difficulties is likely, supportive trines from Jupiter, Neptune, and Mars invite opportunities to shift from a myopic focus to a broader point of view. Realize there is always a bigger picture, intention, and process in which all current dramas or difficulties are ultimately embedded.

Perhaps one of the most salient insights of the moment is realizing the western cultural world is experiencing a crisis in meaning, in an inability to see anything beyond the literal. Trusting the flow of life is not a naive acceptance of things as they are but an acknowledgment that what's happening serves a greater purpose and is motivated by intention.

The way out of any eclipse crisis is a willingness to live more intentionally and choosing to rise up and away from that which is harming us. It might begin with realizing what we're worth, in a radical embrace of self-love and self-care to shift forward and onward. When in doubt the next few days, choose the most straightforward solution over the most complex. Just breathe, feel your feet on the ground, and trust every step.

Shifting Ground: New Moon/Partial Solar Eclipse in Taurus 2022

Peter Standing / Exquisite Geological Display in Houndshope Cove

New Moon/Partial Solar Eclipse @ 10 degrees Taurus 28'

April 30, 2022

1:28 PM PDT

4:28 PM EDT

April comes to an end with a New Moon and partial solar eclipse in tropical Taurus. A conjunction from Uranus and sextile from Mars adds both an erratic and playfully combative element to this New Moon. Additionally, with the Moon in its exaltation and exact conjunction of Venus and Jupiter in Pisces, there are potentially auspicious starting points under this lunation that require some insight to utilize correctly.

Solar eclipses accentuate and amplify the emergence of new potential that often accompanies a New Moon. The sense of a reset or new beginning in certain situations can feel more poignant than a typical New Moon. Also, there can be an acceleration of certain issues that have been pending or brewing for a while.

Occurring in Taurus, there's an emphasis on somatic dimensions--sensuality, fitness, or physical nourishment. Taurus also relates to tangible resources--money, possessions, or safety nets. Look for a significant fresh start with perhaps some of these topics.

Uranus' conjunction and Mars' sextile plus the eclipse energy also significantly accelerate changes. While persistent efforts will be best, there can also be sudden unexpected results and improvements on several fronts alongside this lunation. With the added Uranian element, anticipate diverting from usual routines or attempting new approaches to improving the above topics.

Lastly, as mentioned, this New Moon/eclipse occurs alongside the exacting conjunction of Venus and Jupiter in Pisces (close to Neptune, too). This is a rare alignment of these planets in a sign that empowers their strength and expression. The upside is an amplification of serendipitous or mystical encounters and experiences, probably more so on the inward level but certainly possible on the outer, too.

The downside: overly idealizing a person, situation, or object of desire and investing far too much than its worth. Also keep in mind that we've entered Mercury's retrograde shadow phase, with the actual retrograde cycle May 10-June 3. So, be cautious with major investments/risky endeavors as you branch off with emerging new directions. Read the fine print, get second opinions, and otherwise avoid impulsive actions.

With that in mind, use this New Moon/eclipse to slow your pace, go with the flow, and embrace a more "trust the moment" attitude. Actively change something up, but do so with some critical thinking or extra caution. Realize also the potential benefits of turning inward for insight, perspective, and new vision--especially over the next few weeks. Both navigational and perceptual changes are coming, so free up some mental space.

Deepening Connections: Full Moon in Libra 2022

Dietmar Rabich / Wikimedia Commons / “Lübeck, Historische Gerichtslaube -- 2017 -- 0476” / CC BY-SA 4.0

Full Moon @ 26 degrees Libra 46'

April 16, 2022

11:56 AM PDT

2:56 PM EDT

April's Full Moon occurs in tropical Libra alongside the now waning but still active Jupiter/Neptune conjunction. And as the first Full Moon past the spring equinox in the northern hemisphere, it correlates with Easter/Ostara, originally a pagan celebration honoring the reawakening of life after the dormancy of winter.

With Aries season now well underway, this Full Moon's rising and culminating energies accentuate the reawakening of numerous dormant impulses and tendencies. As with all Full Moons, there is a build-up of tension, and combined with the Aries and the cardinal nature of both itself and Libra, there is likely a forceful assertiveness pervading the atmosphere.

The Libra archetype most infamously highlights various relational dynamics, most classically those dealing with romantic or other forms of intimate partnership. Libra emphasizes the diversity of ways we connect with others--discerning commonality, establishing social stability, or identifying optimal ways of getting along.

A Full Moon in Libra brings relational issues to a head and into the open. Along with a square from Pluto, this Full Moon challenges us with honesty, authenticity, and emotional depth. The shadow side of this Full Moon most likely lies in a failure to balance self-interest with empathy or surrendering our boundaries to overbearing relational demands and expectations.

However, the high road of Pluto invites us to see, acknowledge, and ultimately embrace the neglected parts of ourselves and others and, via our increased awareness, expands our ability to connect all around. Transformational dialogues, relational breakthroughs, and skillful balancing of complex interpersonal dynamics are all potentials for the next few days.

Formative Imprints: New Moon in Aries 2022

Troy Sankey, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

New Moon @ 11 degrees Aries 31'

March 31, 2022

11:25 PM PDT

April 1, 2022

2:25 AM EDT

This month's New Moon occurs in tropical Aries, joining a lineup of Mercury, Sun, and Chiron. This triple conjunction, plus the Moon, represents the dominant aspects of this lunation moment. However, conjunctions involving Venus, Saturn, and Mars in Aquarius and Jupiter and Neptune in Pisces are also dominating the picture.

With the Sun now in Aries and this New Moon further igniting the fire archetype, there is some tangible momentum and motivation behind this lunation. It represents an ideal starting point for several endeavors, especially considering Mercury's retrograde cycle starting in May. There is ample time to implement and initiate to avoid glitches or delays.

With Mars, ruler of this New Moon, currently aligning with Saturn, there is some notable heaviness or pressure alongside it. That might manifest as feeling stuck or mired in increasing difficulties, duties, or responsibilities or feeling the weight of complex relational commitments. Yet, as the lunar cycle renews itself, it represents a call to action, the emergence of a path forward, and an opportunity to take some first steps in the direction of resolution.

Chiron's presence alongside this New Moon cannot be ignored. It often correlates with an amplification of themes surrounding woundedness, disability, or physical/emotional pain. In Aries, that likely shows up as a hesitation to take action or a woundedness related to self-defense, assertiveness, or proactiveness. Yet again, a New Moon is a chance to start anew and the emergence of healing portals that can help us begin transmuting our fears into greater confidence and passion.

Ultimately, our choices shape our destiny, whether those translate into actions or attitudes that we embrace. With this New Moon, attitude is really where it all starts. If something feels overwhelming or too much to handle, remember that it need only require a willingness to take the first step, however big or small. The Aries archetype also reminds us that we each deserve a place in the world, but that often requires taking a stand to defend it.

Mindful Wanderings: Full Moon in Virgo 2022

Forest Wander from Cross Lanes, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Full Moon @ 27 degrees Virgo 40'

March 18, 2022

1:18 AM PDT

4:18 AM EDT

This month's Full Moon occurs just before the equinox (March 20) and strikes an opposition with Neptune, Jupiter, and Mercury in Pisces. There is an energetic tension and balance at play between the myopic, earth-bound focus of Virgo and the alluring idealism of Pisces. Here, the higher road invites us to discover how both ends can find fulfillment and integration without getting lost in the forest or swept out to sea.

The Full Moon archetype often correlates with reaching a moment of completion in various situations. That can also manifest as a breaking point, crisis, or the full emergence of a potential. In Virgo, that might relate to pragmatic skills, the development of competence, and organizational strategies. It could be easy to get consumed entirely in a detail-intensive project or laboring away with a sequence of tasks.

However, the other side of this Full Moon desires transcendence. Jupiter and Neptune are getting closer to their April conjunction, a unique meet up in Pisces that doesn't occur too often. It's magnifying and expanding creative possibilities, a more nuanced sense of reality, and enlargening the ability to dream. This can be deeply nourishing, especially for those starving for some spiritual sustenance.

As the Full Moon dissipates over the next few days, the Piscean lineup comes back into complete focus. Use this Virgo Moon energy to sharpen your attention and priorities so that you can stay grounded over the coming weeks. Yet, immersing yourself in the imaginal could help augment and clarify the actual, so allow yourself some time to wander.

Something Extraordinary: New Moon in Pisces 2022

Photograph by Mike Peel (www.mikepeel.net)., CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

New Moon @ 12 degrees 07' Pisces

March 2, 2022

9:36 AM PST

12:36 PM EST

Our first New Moon of March (there are two this month) occurs in tropical Pisces and features a conjunction with Jupiter and (widely) Neptune. The dominating Piscean archetype stands in sharp contrast to exact alignments of Venus/Mars/Pluto in Capricorn and Mercury/Saturn in Aquarius.

The main feature of this New Moon is the pile-up of planets in tropical Pisces. While Neptune is not in a technical orb with the New Moon itself, its closeness to Jupiter reins it into the lunation picture. There may be an odd sense of rising optimism and expansion alongside this New Moon. The strangeness of that feeling is due to the somber energies dominating the background.

To overlook the seriousness of things that must be faced or dealt with, especially responsibilities and critical tasks, would draw one into the negative face of this New Moon. The combination of Jupiter/Neptune in Pisces (which will exact April 11/12) can seriously amplify all diversity of escapist or otherwise delusional tendencies in individuals and groups of people. The latter is the most likely as Pisces and its ruling planets are fundamentally transpersonal archetypes.

Additionally, collective emotions can run high alongside this New Moon and over the next month or so of Jupiter/Neptune's conjunction. Something to be extremely wary of is the tendency to get swept up in emotional reactiveness or, worse, collective delusion as a result of imagery or information which may not accurately reflect reality. Be mindful of this danger within your personal life and your interactions with the broader society and world.

However, the more positive face of this New Moon lies in the potential to bridge creative, spiritual, or visionary impulses into deeply meaningful and constructive tasks or projects. The confluence of critical conjunctions (Venus/Mars/Pluto and Saturn/Mercury) alongside a New Moon represents a series of powerful and essential beginnings that will have lasting impacts if utilized consciously.

The challenge is staying on task, especially for those deeply committed to specific deadlines and heavy responsibilities. Jupiter/Neptune's building conjunction is not so much concerned with concrete reality; in fact, it is deeply interested in that which lies beyond or otherwise supercedes our perceptible world. Such a dip in the numinous and transpersonal can be profoundly healing and inspiring but also holds the potential to be dangerous for those lacking a secure grip on their physical existences and limitations.

Yet overall, this New Moon is a dynamic transpersonal gateway, an opportunity to put into motion something that could benefit more than our personal needs or desires. While we may be led here purely by our desires for ego fulfillment, it is most likely that the end result is quite the opposite. Keep this in mind as you take those initial steps alongside and beyond this New Moon. Realize you are a part of something truly extraordinary and greater than yourself.

Getting Brighter: Full Moon in Leo 2022

Yellowstone National Park from Yellowstone NP, USA, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Full Moon @ 28 degrees Leo

February 16, 2022

8:57 AM PST

11:57 AM EST

February's final lunation is a Full Moon in tropical Leo. It occurs at the bendings (square the Moon's nodal axis) and features an inconjunct with Pluto and Mercury. Additionally, this month's lunation culminates alongside an exact alignment of Venus and Mars in Capricorn. It offers a humility check for excessive ego aggrandizers. Yet, for those on the opposite end (feeling unjustifiably unworthy or meek), this lunation is potentially empowering.

As with all Full Moon's, a culmination, breakthrough, or completion takes place on the personal and collective level. It highlights the polarity of Leo and Aquarius, the tension, and the complementary nature between the needs/desires of individuals and those of larger communities (groups, organizations, and institutions).

Occurring at the bendings, a powerful transition is taking place alongside this Full Moon, one that compels us deeper toward our personal and collective destinies. Leo's aim is so often playful and creative as it urges us to pursue and cultivate joyfulness. Indeed, if we truly follow our soul calling in life, we feed what makes us most passionate. Such passion radiates outward and nourishes the surrounding communities when consistently tended to.

Leo is ruled by the Sun, the archetype of purpose, values, and ego fulfillment. However, the Sun's placement in Aquarius, the sign of its fall, draws those energies toward an objective or destiny larger than one's self-interest or personal satisfaction. This isn't to say that we should ignore the need for fun, rest, or enjoyment around this Full Moon, but that most likely, the breakthroughs emerging now are directing us toward the transpersonal.

Pluto's inconjunct to the Full Moon might emerge as a burdensome inability to ignore heavy truths and realities such as systemic corruption or personal suffering as a byproduct of structural violence. Such things are beyond any individual to change by themselves, though each contribution adds to collaborative solutions. Also, Pluto's presence here can be a somewhat nagging irritation to excessive self-assuredness, in which case, humility is the answer.

Overall, this lunation can be a moment in which choosing to shine our light contributes to a larger whole. In times such as these, it's easy to feel that our creative efforts, talents, or visions are insignificant, but nothing is further from the truth. You belong here. You have a place, and what you have to bring into this world matters and is needed. When we each shine, the world gets brighter, and that's what is so critically needed.

Nurturing Truth: New Moon in Aquarius 2022

USFWS Mountain-Prairie, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

New Moon @ 12 degrees Aquarius 19'
January 31, 2022
9:46 PM PST
February 1, 2022
12:46 AM EST

January's second and final New Moon occurs in tropical Aquarius and features a conjunction with Saturn and a square from Uranus. While occurring at the end of Venus and Mercury's retrograde cycles, this monthly reset might still feel slow going yet also like a critical break with the past.

After the convergence of Mercury and Venus retrograde, many paths have altered, perceptions changed, and new/renewed attractions have emerged. Venus retrograde's "change of heart" attribute has likely shown up in numerous ways, deeply altering the nature of our desires and relationships.

This New Moon might feel like a gradual thaw as things take their time getting back to normalcy. Aquarius is a fixed sign, and along with Saturn's conjunction, this New Moon supports taking initial steps toward building a more solid and sustainable future. The Aquarian archetype imbues this lunation with a sense of looking forward, onward, and collaboratively at what lies ahead.

However, Uranus' square adds an element of chaos into the flow, deeply challenging ideas, knowledge, and collective visions that have entrenched themselves in the broader culture. This New Moon is the beginning of the end of many group-think mentalities and a challenge to integrate radical perspectives into mainstream narratives.

Step through this New Moon with caution, a willingness to tackle a challenge, and an openness to alternative routes as they emerge down the road. While new potentials are emerging, especially those that can dramatically liberate us from the past, they will take some time. Therefore, nurture your emerging vision and be willing to let it change and evolve. Nothing quick or easy will come from this New Moon, only what is true and lasting.

Feeling into Truth: Full Moon in Cancer 2022

Dzikra Imron, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Full Moon @ 27 degrees Cancer 51'

January 17, 2022

3:49 PM PST

6:49 PM EST

Our first Full Moon of 2022 occurs in the tropical sign of Cancer and includes an opposition from Pluto in Capricorn. Additionally, this lunation occurs at the confluence of two inner planet retrogrades: Mercury and Venus. Combined with the sometimes nostalgic nature of Cancer and the backward motion of retrograde planets, many features from the past can emerge alongside this lunation vying for completion, resolution, and awareness.

It might feel as if a lot has suddenly come to a standstill, snag, or moment of indecision. We're also moving into the peak of the lunar cycle, which can dissipate building momentum and crises over the following two weeks. Use this lunation for careful reflection, revision, and reconsideration. The retrograde flow is helpful for a review and contemplation of directional changes rather than forcing things to happen.

Pluto's opposition to this Full Moon represents the intrusion of collective and personal shadows, urging us to acknowledge blindspots and neglected realities. Cancer's intuitive and emotional nature combined with Pluto's opposition can heighten sensitivity and bring forth unexpressed feelings and impulses. The emergence of uncomfortable truths and perceptions is also likely when Pluto dominates.

The Cancer archetype highlights the need and desire for connection, kinship, nurturance, and belonging. Pluto's opposition can shed light on how our access to those dimensions has been blocked or stifled due to fear, ignorance, or culturally systemic factors. Yet, the other face of Pluto is the freedom and empowerment that comes from facing the darkness, embracing honesty, and speaking our truth.

While a potentially difficult Full Moon, the bright side to this lunation is its ability to deepen our most critical bonds and bring to light a more honest perception of events and situations that have been building for some time. It is hard to ignore the truth when it becomes so painfully obvious. For some, this is liberating and even validating. The fruits of dedicated shadow work and keen investigation are ready for harvest. It's time to acknowledge all that you've gotten right as much as you've missed.

Expanding What's Possible: New Moon in Capricorn 2022

Bijay chaurasia, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

New Moon @ 12 degrees Capricorn 20'

January 2, 2022

10:34 AM PDT

1:34 PM EDT

2022's first lunation is a New Moon in tropical Capricorn. A supportive trine from Uranus in Taurus creates a potent New Moon for initiating pragmatic changes, innovations, and breakthroughs on several levels. Additionally, this New Moon's softer aspects are welcome given the complex astrology of the past months.

The tropical sign of Capricorn has been the backdrop for the most challenging astrology of our lifetimes and what Nicholas Campion described as the "first-ever global crisis in human history” (1). As past crises were isolated to specific regions of the planet, 2020's pandemic had a worldwide reach (with some countries faring better than others).

With Venus retrograde and Pluto in Capricorn (widely conjoined or co-present the New Moon), this lunation connects us to deeply embedded issues in personal and collective relationships. It renews, reconnects, and revitalizes individual and collective purpose, mission, and destiny. And it can correlate with taking initial steps toward gaining greater freedom and autonomy.

In the seasonal model of the northern hemisphere, the sign of Capricorn symbolizes the height of achievement and manifestation in the physical world. Thus, it has direct symbolic correlations to experiences of success, worldly power, and authority. With a New Moon in this sign alongside the dynamic astrology of the moment, this lunation is a critical beginning point for planting seeds that will blossom into tangible and concrete realities.

As we step through this New Moon and into the New Year, consider in what ways you can claim more authority over yourself and your life. Consider the power you have as a co-creator of this world and the inherent purpose you deserve to realize. Ultimately, if the physical world is made of consciousness, then as we expand our consciousness, we expand what's possible in the realm of matter.

1. Zahrt, Jenn. “Through A Glass Darkly: Nicholas Campion On Astrological Reforms and Current Research.” The Mountain Astrologer. December 2020/January 2021, 47.

Breaking the Shell: Full Moon in Gemini 2021

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, CC BY 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Full Moon @ 27 degrees Gemini 29’

December 18, 2021

8:36 PM PST

11:36 PM EST

This final lunation of 2021 is a Full Moon in tropical Gemini. Out of all of the zodiac signs, Gemini knows well the inherent messiness of a universe imbued with nuance. If you're majoring in Gemini in this life, you realize that as you go. Every story has two sides--a counter-narrative to what "everyone knows" to be true.

When Gemini comes rushing into the collective psyche, as it is right now, it quickly points out the shortcomings of our carefully constructed worldviews. Perhaps it brings us facts, challenging questions, or a rebuttal. We might not be entirely wrong, but we probably don't have every detail of the universe covered.

As this Full Moon rises, it brings a sense of culmination, climax, or completion to a perception, conversation, or understanding about "reality." With Neptune's wide square, and the Sun's opposition (from its alignment with the galactic center), there is the potential to glimpse deeply into some semblance of the truth.

There is equally the potential to realize that whatever semblance of the truth you had previously was wrong, or merely begin to question things in light of personal experiences, intuition, or upon hearing another side to the story. Humility will prevent things from getting messier than they already are. Yet, Jupiter's trine adds more to the story, perspective, and belief, ideally expanding awareness and perception.

Let's add Venus stationing retrograde while conjunct Pluto (and quincunx the Full Moon). All of that lofty, big picture stuff, the revealing facts and details, have to share the stage with the nitty grittiness of our everyday relations and interactions. We might be realizing how imperfect things are in a particular relationship or how flawed someone or something we idealized actually is.

And that's okay. Getting more grounded in reality is healthy and keeps us sane. Talking things out honestly or checking in with our feelings and reactions to relational triggers will help to deepen those connections that truly matter. The more we have idealized the things and people we love, the harder it will be, but not impossible to integrate the emerging truths.

These mutable lunations remind us how quickly our perceptions can change based on new input and information. Truth is what it's all about, however elusive it might seem at the moment. Yet, as we clear out the ideological clutter, alter or put aside certain beliefs, we can get closer to our heart path. And there is where destiny truly unfolds.

"Your pain is the breaking of the shell that encloses your understanding." --Khalil Gibran

A Change of Faith: Total Solar Eclipse in Sagittarius 2021

Total Solar Eclipse @ 12 degrees Sagittarius 22'
December 3, 2021
11:44 PM PST
December 4, 2021
1:44 AM EST

December's New Moon in tropical Sagittarius is a total solar eclipse that will be visible over Antarctica (with a partial eclipse visible over southern portions of Africa, Australia, and New Zealand). While most of the world will not visibly witness the eclipse, the inner eclipse is just as significant.

As an extra potent New Moon, this solar eclipse brings us to a novel emerging horizon and the seeding of powerful potentials. Yet, as a south nodal eclipse, some elements of this fresh start can feel familiar. There can be a reemergence of the past alongside south nodal eclipses that can weave things forgotten or momentarily neglected into the present.

This eclipse can help us reintegrate vital pieces to our understanding of the world, universe, multiverse, etc. Sagittarius points us to our driving faith and quest to hold a larger view in focus. While potentially frustrating for more detail critical activities, Mercury's conjunction adds an element of perceptual expansion and a new understanding of certain truths.

Neptune's wide square does suggest some caution with emerging data or novel solutions, especially those zealously presented as unquestionably accurate or efficacious. Yet, the opportunity to challenge reality and push ourselves to see past facades, while possibly uncomfortable, can be revealing and insightful.

Uranus' quincunx to this New Moon suggests not remaining too comfortable with our current understanding. In light of emerging evidence and information, sudden changes to the truth and narrative are likely forthcoming. This eclipse stands as a powerful sign and suggestion that the most significant changes coming alongside this eclipse are likely perceptual and present both challenges and reinforcements to our faith.

Inner Shifts: Lunar Eclipse in Taurus 2021

Neil McIntosh from Cambridge, United Kingdom, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Full Moon/Partial Lunar Eclipse @ 27 degrees Taurus 14'

November 19, 2021

12:58 AM PST

3:58 AM EST

November's Full Moon in tropical Taurus is a partial lunar eclipse. It will be visible from all of North and South America, Oceania, and most of the Asian continent. The penumbral phase will be visible from portions of Europe and Africa. And since eclipses always occur in pairs, we are now in the thick of eclipse season, with a total solar eclipse to follow on December 4 (visible over Antarctica).

Eclipse seasons tend to correlate with accelerated changes, pushing all of those things pending into motion or in new directions. Occurring along the axis of fixed signs, anticipate changes to things with more consistency and stability, which may explain why they appear more dramatic.

Lunar eclipses are also potentized Full Moons. So anticipate more notable culminations, breakthroughs, resolutions, or crises. And while the pace of outer events can seem more intense than usual, it's always a good idea to reflect more on what's happening internally and not neglect the inner changes (via the emotional, psychic, and perceptual landscapes).

Occurring in Taurus, a fixed earth sign, this eclipse relates to more pronounced shifts and culminations involving physical dimensions of earthly experience. Think bodily sensations, money, food, sex, and the natural world. Further, Venus' trine to Uranus adds spontaneous or surprise minglings or unforeseen changes in attraction or desire.

Jupiter's square to the Full Moon/eclipse axis is the second most notable aspect. It inflames situations for sure or adds an element of overconfidence. Yet, it also represents the emergence of opportunities, where some risks pay off or leaps of faith bear some fruit. Lastly, Pluto's trine to the Full Moon/eclipse might deepen the intensity, but it also opens pathways for insight, introspection, and a more gentle emergence of uncomfortable truths.

Changes occurring alongside this eclipse can feel heavy but also potentially liberating. While the eclipse itself receives supportive aspects, it occurs in the zone of the Mars/Uranus/Saturn t-square. And in the next two weeks, in the waning phase of eclipse season, consider all that you need to let go of to make space for the new horizon coming into view. That will better prepare you for the solar eclipse on December 4, when a more expanded vision or outlook will begin to emerge.

Freeing the Shadows: New Moon in Scorpio 2021

temporalata, CC BY-SA 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

New Moon @ 12 degrees Scorpio 40'

November 4, 2021

2:15 PM PDT

5:15 PM EDT

November's New Moon in tropical Scorpio represents our collective ingress into the final eclipse season of 2021, kicking off with the partial lunar eclipse on Nov. 19, followed by a total solar eclipse on Dec. 4. Yes, the remaining astrology of 2021 reflects some turbulence, yet also necessary movement and action, especially where there's been stubborn resistance to change.

The New Moon in fixed, water sign Scorpio touches upon the deeper layers of life experience, including emotional, psychic, and psychological undercurrents. It also represents a fresh start relating to situations that have evaded complete understanding, clarity, or acknowledgment. The Scorpio archetype relates to the places where the light of conscious awareness does not fully illuminate, and it stirs fascination with the dark, obscure, taboo, and ignored.

Uranus' very close opposition to this New Moon adds an extra element. As the liberator and revolutionary of the planetary pantheon, Uranus suggests that change is coming alongside this New Moon, and it is likely to be rapid, sudden, or unanticipated. Yet, whatever emerges alongside it, opens a path to a novel direction where greater freedom and autonomy can be acquired or awakened.

Opposing the Scorpio New Moon, Uranus seeks to free us from the grip of that which we've refused to see or that which we literally could not see for whatever reasons. In doing so, this lunation releases the power that ignorance can often have over us. That's because awareness is empowering; it allows us to finally notice potential dangers or problems so they can be appropriately managed and understood.

Saturn's square completes the t-square structure that is central to this lunation and the month of November. Its highest expression represents the wisdom needed to know the appropriate limits of progress, allowing us to create steady, moderated change. Negatively, it can relate to an overbearing hubris or breach of authority as it clashes with radical defiance.

Obstructions can be frustrating until we realize they're often placed for a reason to define what's possible and appropriate for the soul more clearly. Yet, with Mars (the New Moon ruler) now in Scorpio, passion, desire, intensity, and willpower will increase. Directed with intention, we can move creatively and wisely around imposed limitations to accelerate progress and better align ourselves with where we need to go.

Creating Waves: Full Moon in Aries 2021

Via Wikimedia Commons

Full Moon @ 27 degrees Aries 26'

October 20, 2021

7:58 AM PDT

10:58 AM EDT

This month's Full Moon in tropical Aries is undeniably catalytic and fueled with tension, tapping into the Eris/Pluto square via the Full Moon's Eris conjunction. As a recent discovery (as of 2003), Eris hasn't come into complete focus. Still, she seems to carry a powerful theme relating to extreme divisiveness (on a collective level) in addition to a trickster-like nature. After all, she was named after a trickster, chaos goddess whose discovery demoted Pluto and forever altered the solar system (though still hotly debated).

As a turning point, culmination, completion, or eruption, the Full Moon completes a t-square with the Sun and Mars in Libra. All of this suggests a lunation with assertive or explosive power that is, in some ways, held back or contained via Mars' proximity to the Sun and detriment in Libra. It relates to the ability to acknowledge and bring to consciousness volatile or "primal" urges, feelings, or desires and integrate them civilly, tactfully, and pro-socially.

Pluto's square inevitably involves Saturn, since both planets are nearing their final closest proximity (via conjunction) for this Saturn/Pluto cycle. Still, this doesn't suggest a total lack of heat, intensity, or passion. As such energies emerge under this lunation, they are more readily directed, shaped, or artistically implemented. On a collective level, that brings to the surface issues about overt authoritarianism and the glaringly obvious ways a myriad of social, economic, and political power structures have overstepped their appropriate limits of dominance.

On a more personal level, this lunation invites a shift in our ability to implement a new order in our lives or assert our right to claim some space in the world. In times like these, it's easy to feel disempowered, beleaguered by intrusive agents, or otherwise hopeless in what you can do to make a change. This lunation reminds us that a warrior, chaos goddess, and creative catalyst exists within us all, capable of igniting great ripples and waves if only we are brave enough to confront the shadow and liberate those parts of ourselves.

Renewed Relations: New Moon in Libra 2021

Photo by Chad Woodward, Maui, June 2021.

New Moon @ 13 degrees Libra 24'

October 6, 2021

4:05 AM PDT

7:05 AM EDT

As the Sun and Moon conjoin in tropical Libra this month, they're joined by Mercury retrograde and Mars, forming a cluster of planets in the sign of peace, homeostasis, and relational equanimity. Those, of course, are Libra's positive aspirations, and we can equally anticipate a suppression of honesty for the sake of peacekeeping or losing agency to the needs or demands of others. Also, an inconjunct with Uranus and opposition from Chiron further complicate this lunation.

Classically, a New Moon in Libra is a reset and new start in various relational situations, an opportunity to implement fresh strategies for destressing and cultivating beauty. With a heavy emphasis in this sign under this lunation, and for the next few weeks, the complexity of social interaction is likely to take precedence, and how we achieve homeostasis in our relationships is also expected to change notably.

Mercury's retrograde cycle through this sign requires listening more and perceiving less logically and more heart-centered, opening us to new ideas, perceptions, and dimensions of experience. Alterations to the way we relate, who we relate to, or the pace of interactions are likely as well. Open yourself to new or renewed relational encounters, all of which can provide information and insights under this lunation and the next several weeks.

Mars' conjunction with this New Moon represents the start of a longer range cycle in how we assert/attain our desires, make things happen, or confront fears and challenges. Consider how your passions, sexual relationships, relational goals, and interpersonal battles are being reset or refocused. Also, what might feel like a loss of stamina is really a vital recharging of the inner warrior.

Much of what emerges alongside or around this New Moon conceals an intensity that may not blossom or erupt for a few weeks beyond it. What might seem like a civil and or peaceful interaction/exchange may have more brewing beneath the surface--wildness, passion, or aggression. With Uranus quincunx this New Moon, a disruptive disequilibrium enforces itself, likely inciting unwelcome, unexpected detours and radical departures that have to be contended with.

Lastly, Chiron's opposition to this New Moon points to certain flaws, defects, traumas, or wounds that prevent us from healthy, sustainable relational experiences. Yet, under this lunation are opportunities for healing, for creating new boundaries, asserting needs, opening our hearts to hear what others have to say, or letting down barriers to more loving experiences. The emergence of those wounds is helping to bring consciousness and eventually rapid resolution through critical perceptual changes.