The Full Moon on December 31, 2009, is momentous. At 10° 14′ Cancer, it’s the first of two eclipses in the Cancer-Capricorn series that began last July. It’s also the second Full Moon this month, making it a rare “blue moon.”

The T-square formed by the Moon in Cancer opposite the Sun, Venus, and Pluto in Capricorn, all square Saturn in Libra, speaks to me of the need for civility. Coincidentally, our local newspaper had a very good editorial on Christmas Day on sharing the gift of civility. It is important to note that as long as Saturn is in Libra, we will be returning again and again to this theme, particularly during periods when Capricorn is heavily represented in the sky, as it is now.

Libra and Capricorn may not agree on everything, but they both favor good manners and treating others with respect. Keep in mind that we don’t have to like someone in order to deal with them politely and respectfully. Skilled mediators and negotiators, both occupations ruled by Libra, know the value of good manners in creating a neutral atmosphere. It is much easier to shift from neutral to favorable than from hostile to favorable.

Saturn in Libra squaring the Moon in Cancer is far more likely to squelch emotional displays than promote them. In fact, with the majority of the planets in earth and air, the emphasis is on the practical and rational, for a change. Those who do have public meltdowns may be surprised at how little sympathy they will receive. Earth signs in general and Capricorns in particular tend to regard over-the-top behavior, especially publically, as self-indulgent . . . another sign the party is over for the year!

The retrograde pair, Mercury in Capricorn and Mars in Leo, is closely inconjunct at this time. Inconjunct signs are 150° apart and usually have little common ground, making meaningful dialogue between them difficult, to say the least. Fiery Leo, who loves nothing better than being the center of attention, is viewed by cautious, disciplined Capricorn with deep reservations. The retrograde factor means we need to double-check our facts, have all our papers in order, and be prepared for delays times two. If there ever was a time when pushing for a fast resolution is bound to backfire, this is it.

Jupiter is pulling away from Neptune and Chiron in Aquarius, and I’m feeling the sensation of a balloon slowly deflating, gradually sinking back to earth. For once the Aquarius stellium is not the headline, only making a semi-sextile to Uranus in Pisces with no strong aspects to the inner planets. Perhaps this is contributing to an overall feeling of a deep shift in the collective. At this point, it is not obvious exactly what this entails, just that it is happening.

For the Moon, the Sabian symbol of 11 Cancer is, “a clown caricaturing well-known personalities.” Learning to laugh first at our own absurdities and then recognizing that all people have their own leads to the understanding that despite traditions, no one person really is better than another.

“Pheasants display their brilliant colors on a private estate” is the Sabian symbol for the Sun at 11 Capricorn. To quote Robert Green Ingersoll: Few rich men own their own property. The property owns them. There is beauty to be found everywhere if we have the eyes to see it, not just tucked away for a privileged few.

I wish to urge everyone to start practicing treating others with respect, paying attention, speaking kindly, remembering to say “please and thank you,” listening carefully, and keeping your cool. The more of us who do this, the further the ripples will spread. It certainly can’t hurt!

posted by Neith . . .

Image: The stillness of the water in the protected pond is a sharp contrast to the rough waters behind it. May our homes be a safe haven from the turmoil of the outer world in just this way.