Category Archives: Full Moon

Full Moon in Sagittarius, June 7, 2009

Full Moon in SagittariusThe Full Moon in Sagittarius on June 7 makes a mutable T-square with Saturn in Virgo, reminding us to make sure our thoughts (Sun in Gemini) and ideals (Moon in Sagittarius) are in line with what is going on in the real world (Saturn).

This is a good time to review the ease with which we as astrologers slip into attaching values to certain aspects, i.e. squares are “bad” and trines are “good.” I know I benefit greatly from a natal Sun-Saturn square, because it helps keep my Sun-Uranus trine grounded. Hard aspects, like pain, get our attention and tell us to pull our hand off the hot stove.

During those times when the sky is full of trines and sextiles, it is very easy to be grasshoppers and not ants. Saturn in Virgo has been excellent at reminding us how valuable those ants are. Personally, I see a need for recognizing and accepting boundaries and limitations as stepping stones on the path rather than obstacles.

Another square reminding us to keep our feet planted in the dirt is Mercury in earthy Taurus square Jupiter, Neptune and Chiron closely conjoined in airy Aquarius. Since Mercury rules both Gemini and Virgo, we are being called to pay close attention to our thought patterns. Between the mutable T-square and this fixed square, we are very likely to be called on instances of sloppy thinking. So remember to take your time and make sure all of your facts are in order, every document has been proofread by someone else, and your due dates are double-checked. Saturn is not called the lord of karma for nothing. We could set ourselves up for instant unpleasant karma if we aren’t careful!

By this time both Mars and Venus are together in Taurus trine Pluto in Capricorn, inviting exploration of our passions and sensuality. From now until Venus exactly conjoins Mars on the summer solstice, June 21, is a great time to celebrate life through the physical senses. This can be anything from enjoying the warmth of the sun on our skin, spending time with a lover, or going deeper into our understanding of the cycle of death and rebirth. It is definitely a time to consciously slow down and appreciate rather than rushing full-tilt ahead.

The Sabian symbol for the Sun at 18 Gemini is, “Two Chinese men converse in their native tongue in an American city,” with the keyword INSULATION. Finding a likeminded person to share thoughts and ideas with is always a treat, especially under circumstances where we least expect it. This is an expression of the mutual reception of Uranus in Pisces and Neptune in Aquarius, now exactly semi-sextile as well. The internet serves as the medium for many such conversations in this day and age.

For the Moon in Sagittarius, the Sabian symbol is, “Children play on the beach, their heads protected by sunbonnets,” with the keyword PROTECTIVENESS. What is preferable, being sheltered and protected to preserve our innocence? Or seeking to know the truth, no matter how painful it might be? I know what my choice would be, and that is to know the truth. As long as Neptune and Jupiter are traveling with Chiron, we will be reminded again and again that in order to heal our wounds we must be prepared to settle for nothing less than all the facts. No pretty sunbonnets to shield our eyes from the light.

By September 4, when we have another lunation in the mutable signs with the Full Moon in Pisces, Saturn and Uranus will be almost exactly opposite each other again. The wakeup call we are getting now is telling us to stay focused and on task despite the lofty promises of Neptune & Co. I will be spending many hours between now and then doing “ant” type things such as harvesting and preserving fruits and vegetables from our garden. Saturn repays our willingness to do the work now, putting off playtime until after we’re done. And it doesn’t give us A’s for effort . . . only results.

Libra, relationship specialistposted by Neith . . .

**Please read Pat’s weekly forecast for this week, June 1, for her thoughts about what’s happening in the sky.

Image: When I saw this photo of the boat with the full moon, all I could think about was sailing away to distant shores . . . every Sagittarius’s dream.

Full Moon in Scorpio, May 8-9, 2009

Wesak Full MoonThe Full Moon in Scorpio on May 9 seems pregnant with possibilities, as if we are standing on the edge of the precipice waiting for a signal to leap off. But with Mercury retrograde until May 31 and Saturn at a virtual standstill, actual movement is not likely.

The elements are evenly balanced in this chart, underscoring the sense of stasis. Saturn in Virgo is the handle of the bucket pattern. Saturn is preparing to station direct on May 16 and will remain at 14° Virgo from May 8 until May 26. Virgo is always happy to double-check the details, and with Mercury, Virgo’s traditional ruler, retrograde, that’s about all we’ll be able to do for now. Yes, it’s frustrating!

Venus and Mars, who rule Taurus and Scorpio respectively, are both in Aries, pushing personal agendas. Venus is pulling away from her last square to Pluto on May 2, completing a rather difficult period for her. Now she just wants to have fun for a change. Taking some downtime may not be a bad idea, if you can. Mars in Aries encourages physical activities of all kinds – as in less thinking and more doing! This is a great time of year to head outside to play, since it is spring in the northern latitudes and fall in the southern ones.

Mercury in Gemini forms an awkward inconjunct with Pluto in Capricorn before moving back into Taurus on May 13. This may be a case where Mercury feels like a teenager being reined in hard by the authorities (Pluto). All those bright ideas that leapt into our heads when Mercury entered Gemini are up for intense review, so we might as well sit down and do it. The collective is still in the process of adjusting to the new tone of frugality and paying as you go demanded by Pluto in sober-minded Capricorn. This is just one more step.

A lovely mystic rectangle is formed by the Sun in Taurus, Moon in Scorpio, Saturn in Virgo, and Juno in Pisces. What this says to me is trust your intuition and your gut instincts over logic and reason, especially when it comes to committed relationships. Juno is the asteroid associated with marriage. Saturn demands that we honor our commitments, and the luminaries in fixed signs are both inclined to stay the course. Don’t be surprised if you and your sweetheart end up talking about taking your relationship to the next level – either that, or calling it off because you realize you are ready for something more serious, and the person you’ve been seeing isn’t.

The stellium of Jupiter, Chiron, and Neptune in Aquarius semi-sextile Uranus in Pisces does not seem to have an outlet of expression, but this will change at the New Moon in Gemini on May 24. For now, it is a good idea to continue working on maintaining perspective and not succumbing to fear. It is much easier to deal with a tangible problem than all the “maybes.” Stay strong and have faith in the universe.

For the Sun, the Sabian symbol is 19 Taurus, “A new continent rising out of the ocean,” with the keyword ORIGINALITY. This is Taurus, so the emerging potential is based in reality rather than speculation. We still have to wait out the Mercury retrograde period, though, so don’t get in too big of a hurry. Besides, no Taurus I’ve known ever did anything quickly.

The symbol for 19 Scorpio is, “A parrot repeats the conversation he has overheard,” and the keyword is CONVENTIONALITY. Be careful not to “parrot” what you’ve heard without taking time to determine for yourself what is really going on.

The message of this lunation is clearly one of taking time to consider all of your options carefully, choosing what works and clearing out the rest. Hauling around emotional baggage is exhausting, as most of us know. I know I sound like a broken record sometimes about practicing kindness and forgiveness, but I do so from the heart. Something else I would like to recommend is doing something nice for yourself regularly. We all deserve a treat now and again!

Libra, relationship specialistposted by Neith . . .

Image: This is the Wesak Full Moon, celebrating the Buddha’s birthday. This image shows last year’s Wesak Full Moon, on April 29, over Mount Everest. Photo by David Gray for REUTERS.

Full Moon in Libra – April 9, 2009

The Return of Perspehone by Frederic LeightonThe Full Moon is always about bringing two different agendas, represented by the Sun and Moon, into balance. When the Moon is in Libra, this is particularly emphasized. Libra is the mediator of the zodiac, offering a fair, even-handed point of view.

Jupiter in Aquarius is closely trine the Full Moon at 19? 53′ Libra and sextile the Sun at 19? 53′ Aries, giving this lunation an optimistic tone and asking everyone to continue to take the big picture into account. We are still in a time of new beginnings, but now the Libra Moon says we need to take into consideration what others are thinking and feeling rather than forging ahead in true Aries style.

We also need to consider Venus, Libra’s ruler, and Mars, ruler of Aries. On the Full Moon, Venus is still retrograde in Aries and Mars is in Pisces, which tones down his more aggressive side. What this says to me is this is not the time to push our agendas and demand results. Plus, Venus is still recovering from her second exact square to Pluto on April 3 and may be feeling somewhat bruised. Pluto in Capricorn is very set on reining in Venus’s desire to indulge in what he sees as frivolities. (We still have one last exact square between these two on May 2.)

Mars in Pisces is exactly inconjunct the Libra Moon, and with both of those signs preferring to conciliate and negotiate, attempts to confront others can lead to all kinds of avoidance behaviors on their parts. If you Mars types find this discouraging, remember your day is coming on April 22, when Mars moves into Aries. By then, Venus will be direct and on her way back into Aries, arriving on the April 24. Then it’s stand back and let ‘er rip!

The same rectangular pattern we saw at the Full Moon in Leo on February 9 appears on this Full Moon, with Mars in Pisces rather than Uranus holding down one corner. Fire is represented by Aries instead of Leo, and Libra is the air sign, not Aquarius. Saturn in Virgo is the same. This pattern has the same feeling of dissonance and the need for resolution as we felt before. What area of our lives is demanding deconstruction in order to be rebuilt on a new and better foundation? If we follow the sour note to its source and do the work, we may be able to prevent further deterioration. Another question may be, is this situation worth saving, or would it be better to let it go all together?

A grand trine in earth with Pluto in Capricorn, Mercury in Taurus, and Ceres in Virgo adds lovely harmonious overtones. It is appropriate for Pluto and Ceres to be on speaking terms when spring is arriving in the Northern hemisphere and nature is showing off her spring clothes. This is the season when Persephone rejoins her mother after wintering in the underworld. For us mortals, the grand trine gives an opportunity to mend fences and put together plans for where we want to go next. Of course, since earth is the element, good sense and practicality rule the day.

We still find Neptune and Chiron traveling together semi-sextile Uranus. The ongoing background theme is to remember to be compassionate and stay aware of the importance of thinking globally while acting locally. Innovative ideas benefiting the greatest number of people will be well-received now. The best use of the Neptune-Chiron conjunction in Aquarius is always to take the high road, because negative behaviors and attitudes are very likely to backfire.

There is a great pair of Sabian symbols for this lunation. The first one is for the Sun at 20 Aries, “A young girl feeding birds in winter,” with the keyword HOSPITALITY. There is a purity of intent in this image, a simple example of caring with no agenda that it would behoove all of us to emulate in these trying times.

For the Moon at 20 Libra, the Sabian symbol is, “A rabbi performing his duties,” with the keyword HERITAGE. Even though the ongoing opposition between Saturn in Virgo and Uranus in Pisces has abated some in intensity, it is still humming away in the background. This symbol offers the idea that we can draw upon the richness of traditions (Saturn) and use those to inspire us to create new ones (Uranus) – a timely reminder that life is a process, never static.

Remember to be respectful and kind to others. It certainly won’t hurt and it may just throw your enemies off their stride!

Libra hates Venus Rxposted by Neith . . .

**Please read Pat’s weekly forecast for this week, April 6, for her thoughts about this week.

Image: This painting, The Return of Persephone by Frederic Leighton, fits so well with the grand trine in earth I couldn’t resist using it.

Full Moon in Virgo, March 10-11, 2009

Moon and TreesThere is little doubt that the Full Moon on March 10 will focus our attention on the ongoing debate between the desire to retain the status quo and the yearning for meaningful reform, in both our personal lives and on a collective level.

The Moon will be full at 20°39′ Virgo, opposite the Sun at 20° 39′ Pisces, falling in close alignment with the Saturn-Uranus opposition. [Note that if you’re in the Eastern Hemisphere, the Full Moon falls on March 11.] It may help to keep in mind Virgo and Pisces are complements, and if we take the time to slow down and breathe, we stand a good chance of finding common ground. Yes, Saturn in Virgo is very anxious to make sure all the details are correct and prioritized, and Uranus in Pisces prefers to think in terms of universal good, ignoring the details, but both are service-oriented and are often willing to compromise as long as they feel the benefits will be spread around to all.

How you experience this opposition of course depends on where Saturn, Uranus, and the Full Moon fall in your chart. Generally speaking, however, what can paralyze Saturn is fear, creating the potential to fail out of sheer funk. Here is where Uranus in Pisces can come to the rescue by keeping faith alive and supplying innovative ways to work around existing shortcomings. By reaching out with compassion – a Pisces hallmark – we can do our part as individuals to help each other through the darker days.

Because the Sun and Moon both illuminate rather than obscure, I see this Full Moon as a great opportunity to evaluate what is really happening, gather the information we need to make informed decisions, and move forward with confidence.

It is always helpful to look to the rulers of the signs of the lunation. The planetary rulers of Virgo and Pisces are Mercury and Neptune, respectively. Neptune is still traveling in close conjunction with Chiron in Aquarius, calling attention to the wounds of the collective and the means to heal them.

Mars is pulling away from Neptune, having conjoined it on March 8, so we have received our marching orders and now need to implement them. There has seldom been greater urgency for being aware of the needs of humanity as a whole and viewing our friends and neighbors with kindness and compassion.

As of the Full Moon, Mercury is in Pisces and tightly sextile Pluto in Capricorn. I see this as a clear signal to clean up our communications and take the high road rather than pointing out the shortcomings of the system and those closest to us. Pluto gives words (Mercury) great power and clarity now.

Another interesting pattern in this chart is a Yod with Saturn in Virgo at the apex and retrograde Venus in Aries sextile Jupiter in Aquarius at the base. Although being retrograde subdues Venus in Aries, the sextile to Jupiter brightens her day. We still want to have some fun once in awhile. However, Saturn in Virgo is raining on the Venus-Jupiter parade, telling us we need to pay attention and not blow the entertainment budget out of the water.

Another way of looking at this Yod is to use the discipline and boundaries Saturn wishes to impose and draw on the creative potential of the Venus-Jupiter sextile to find healthy, inexpensive ways to enjoy ourselves. This pattern reminds me of going to a health food restaurant and biting into what appeared to be a beautiful dessert only to find out it was neither sweet nor a treat. Saturn in Virgo still has the upper hand here, so we may have no choice but to eat our veggies now.

The Sabian symbol for the Sun at 21 Pisces is, A little white lamb, a child and a Chinese servant, with the keyword WHITE HOPE. This image reminds us of the importance of maintaining a purity of vision and a childlike sense of wonder in our daily lives. Perhaps we can remember to supervise with a light touch rather than micro-managing everything and everyone in our lives, exhausting ourselves in the process.

For the Full Moon at 21 Virgo, the symbol is, A girls’ basketball team, with the keyword GROUP INTEGRATION. With the majority of the planets in the last quadrant of the zodiac, it is natural to focus on working together as a team for the good of the whole. By emphasizing fair play and teamwork, the possibility of achieving our mutual goals is much greater. This is not a good time to go it alone and ignore the needs of others.

There are major problems in the world-wide economy, and to my way of thinking, the need to be considerate of others and take time to truly listen is paramount. Both Virgo and Pisces represent the desire to take the health and well-being of others into account, and this is a wonderful time for all of us to do this. Perhaps the time has come to expand our concept of who belongs to our collective.

Blessings to all.

Libra hates Venus Rxposted by Neith . . .

**Please read Pat’s weekly forecast for this week, March 9, for her thoughts on this momentous Full Moon.

This photo of the Moon taken through the trees seemed appropriate for a Full Moon in tree loving Virgo.

Full Moon Lunar Eclipse in Leo, February 9, 2009

Lunar Eclipse 

Eclipses come in pairs, with the solar eclipse followed by a lunar eclipse, and this Full Moon in Leo is the lunar eclipse of this set opposing another huge stellium in Aquarius. We are being reminded once more of the necessity of looking beyond our immediate circle of family and friends to consider the needs of the many and how we as individuals are connected to humanity as a whole.

At the Full Moon, the Sun is part of a waxing conjunction with both Chiron and Neptune in Aquarius, illuminating the possibility of healing the wounds of alienation created by emphasizing differences rather than commonalities. Neptune and Chiron both promote healing through acceptance and understanding and the necessity of treating ourselves and others with compassion and kindness. We have the choice of opening our hearts and minds to an inclusive vision of humanity, and if we do so, we can add our bit to making our little corner of the world a better place to live.

Jupiter brings his ability to magnify and expand to a conjunction with the North Node in Aquarius, turning up the volume on the North Node’s message to come together and celebrate the paradox of the uniqueness of each individual within the group consciousness of humanity. Is it possible the seeds are being laid at this time for the expansion of a growing collective supporting a genuinely humanitarian effort worldwide? Are there finally enough of us out here who are beyond weary with the greed and corruption around us to stand up for real change?

Pluto, planet of obsession and transformation, sees Venus in Aries moving away from the first of three exact squares. Venus is not at her best in Aries, a sign ruled by Mars, and the square with Pluto is not going to bring out her better nature, either. There may be opportunities to learn about the downside of overdoing narcissistic behaviors, such as all those apologies needed to your friends and family for toes stepped on in the single-minded pursuit of pleasures.

Mars, newly arrived in Aquarius, forms a waxing sextile with Venus in Aries (exact on February 18) to help get us in the mood for Valentine’s Day. Mars is much quicker to fly off the handle in Uranus-ruled Aquarius than in earthy Capricorn, so if you have planets and angles in the early fixed signs, be prepared for sudden bursts of temper or unexpected events.

There is a curious pattern formed by the Sun opposite Moon and Saturn opposing Uranus, with the Sun semi-sextile Uranus and Moon semi-sextile Saturn. This is an uncomfortable mix of air and fire with water and earth (Aquarius, Leo, Pisces, Virgo), creating the type of stress that encourages movement to relieve it. On one side of this rectangle, we have Aquarius urging us to look at the big picture with Uranus in Pisces pushing for compassionate change, while on the other side, Saturn in Virgo is for maintaining the status quo with the Moon in Leo saying go for the creative option. All of these planets are at 20 degrees, and for all who have planets or angles at this degree, this pattern will be a wake-up call! Keep in mind this is a lunar eclipse, funneling more power than the usual Full Moon down to Earth.

The Sabian symbols for the Sun and Moon reflect the discomfort of this awkward rectangle, offering insights into how to best respond.

For the Sun, the symbol for 21 Aquarius is “a woman disappointed and disillusioned, courageously facing a seemingly empty life,” with the keyword RESILIENCE. We can choose to see loss and disappointment as a teacher, recognizing our limitations but doing so with a sense of purpose and hope – or we can wallow in self pity. The edgy atmosphere surrounding this Full Moon supports taking a more active role in finding our path forward.

The symbol for the Moon at 21 Leo is “intoxicated chickens dizzily flap their wings trying to fly,” with the keyword ACCENTUATION. New ideas can be intoxicating, and we can attempt to do too much too soon, setting ourselves up for failure when we sober up. Saturn in Virgo may be a bit of a fuddy duddy, but a solid foundation built to healthy specifications is integral to lasting, positive change.

Between the need to resolve the dissonance in the sky and Mars sextile Venus in air and fire, the potential to get ahead of ourselves is great. A better course of action may be to slow down and really study your options now to avoid setting up situations for regret later.  A little kindness and courtesy can come in handy, too.

Libra with Scorpio risingposted by Neith . . .

**Please read Pat’s weekly forecast for this week, February 2, too. With the dynamics in the sky right now, additional perspective can only help.

Full Moon in Cancer, January 10

Full Moon in CancerThe first lunation of 2009, the Full Moon in Cancer on January 10 (January 11 in the Eastern Hemisphere), reflects light from the Sun in Capricorn and is a reminder we need to tend to the practical side of our lives. Perhaps this is the reason so many of us are inclined to make New Year’s resolutions during this time of year.

Capricorn’s ruler, Saturn, is just beginning the retrograde phase for the coming year, giving us an opportunity to review and revise what was set into motion in roughly the second half of 2008. For many of us, it was a quite a ride as we saw what we thought were financial gains disappear into thin air. Now we need to give serious thought to working in more tangible ways to regroup.

In the chart for this Full Moon, the Sun is part of a mystic rectangle with Saturn in Virgo, Uranus in Pisces, and the Moon in Cancer – all water and earth signs. A mystic rectangle features two oppositions, two trines and two sextiles, uniting four planets in a manner capable of manifesting the energies represented by the planets into physical reality. Dane Rudhyar interpreted this pattern as “practical mysticism.”

Capricorn and Cancer are both cardinal signs and both are negative in polarity, so their way of asserting themselves is very different from the Gemini-Sagittarius axis of the last Full Moon. That does not mean they are any less powerful in expression, just more subtle about it. There is great potential here for healing on many levels, drawing on the nurturance of the Moon in Cancer, the practical caring of Saturn in Virgo, the endurance of the Sun in Capricorn, and the marvelous compassionate touch of Uranus in Pisces. Perhaps seeds will be planted for new healing technologies that could help many people.

Jupiter and Mercury have moved into Aquarius from Capricorn and remind us of the need to work as part of a group to achieve our dreams. Jupiter has just begun his year-long stay in Aquarius, and we are just beginning to get some idea of what it means to have Jupiter’s magnifying properties promoting Aquarian agendas instead of Capricorn’s. It is a whole new world, folks!

Mercury will station retrograde within a few hours after the peak of the Full Moon, further underlining the need to be open to revamping our agendas without prejudice. The lunar North Node in Aquarius is traveling with this pair, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and staying in touch with the collective vision.

Neptune in Aquarius is the apex, or focal point, of a Yod with Saturn in Virgo sextile the Moon in Cancer as the base. Saturn and the Moon represent the need to care for our loved ones and families in a sensible and nurturing fashion, and if we do that we can gain understanding of how to move this same attitude of caring to all members of our collective. The Aquarius New Moon on January 26 will pick this theme up and ratchet it up a notch with six planets in this most visionary of signs.

After taking center stage at the New Moon, Pluto in Capricorn is letting us catch our breath on the Full Moon  . . . thankfully. Mars in Capricorn is in a waxing sextile with Venus in Pisces, a gentle blessing for friends and lovers. Venus is kind and sympathetic in Pisces and encourages us to listen closely to others when they share their thoughts and feelings, while Mars in Capricorn is solid and dependable. We do need to be clear about our boundaries, though, and avoid misinterpreting a sympathetic ear as something more intimate.

We have two Sabian symbols to consider on the Full Moons, one for the Moon and one for the Sun. The symbol for the Moon at 22 Cancer is, “A young woman awaiting a sailboat,” with the keyword EXPECTANCY. We need to draw on the grounding energy of the Sun in Capricorn to focus on what is, rather than what might be. This is about the danger of always seeking an ideal fantasy solution when we are better served to look more deeply at those already in our lives, or to look within to work on our relationship with ourselves.

For the Sun at 22 Capricorn, the Sabian symbol is, “By accepting defeat gracefully, a general reveals nobility of character,” with the keyword INNER STRENGTH. Learning to accept that winning is not everything is an important step on the road to maturity, and many of us need this reminder. Pluto in Capricorn can teach this concept the hard way if we don’t make a conscious effort to work on developing inner strength and integrity.

Even if New Year’s resolutions are not your thing, this is still a good time to lay out some general guidelines for the coming year. We can take advantage of the grounding energy of the mystic rectangle in earth and water, so when the New Moon solar eclipse in Aquarius conjoined with Jupiter blows into town, we’ll have a structure in place to build on. Remember, always practice kindness to everyone you come in contact with!

Libra with Scorpio risingposted by Neith . . .