Category Archives: New Moon

New Moon in Leo, August 20, 2009

The Moon in LeoThe New Moon on August 20 at 27°31′ Leo is the centerpiece of a dramatic chart as befits a lunation in this bold, outgoing sign ruled by the Sun.

Even though the Sun has moved past the point of exactly opposing Jupiter, Chiron, and Neptune in turn, these oppositions can still be felt in the atmosphere. Jupiter loves being in the limelight, and Neptune is not above adding to the drama, either. This opposition could play out as the individual need to shine outweighing the needs of the collective. Or, Leo could bring its considerable creative gifts and enthusiasm to help resolve intractable social issues. Either way, this is a good time to let your inner lion roar.

Speaking of the Aquarius stellium, the three bodies are slowly moving apart, lessening the intensity we experienced earlier this year. I have heard of more people reporting running into difficulties dealing with Neptune & Co. than experiencing the potentially uplifting, healing effect. This does not surprise me because in my personal opinion Jupiter is vastly overrated. And most of the time Jupiter seems to enlarge and expand whatever energies are on hand rather than adding a consistently positive spin to events. However, if we have been in denial about certain issues, Jupiter’s waning influence may allow for more clarity. Neptune and Chiron will travel in close proximity until the end of 2012, and without Jupiter acting as a magnifying lens, the effect will be much more subtle.

We have a mutable T-square that is bound to produce a yelling match or two, with Mercury in razor-sharp Virgo squaring Mars in verbal Gemini. Uranus in Pisces opposes Mercury and squares Mars, electrifying both. This is definitely not the best time to approach your crotchety relatives and hope to kiss and make up. Mercury also conjoins Saturn in Virgo, and this combination is very good for remembering all the bad stuff from the past. A far better strategy would be to let bygones be bygones for now, especially if you value peace and quiet, because it is all too easy to slip from constructive criticism into plain criticism.

While Venus in Cancer is supported by a trine from Uranus in Pisces, she is also dealing with a deeply irritating inconjunct from Jupiter and Chiron in Aquarius. Cancer and Aquarius lack common ground, to put it mildly. Cancer is a very personal sign, interested in what’s going on at home with family, while Aquarius is inclined to see those things as trivial, because their eyes are on the big picture. A work-around might be via Uranus, Aquarius’s ruler, currently in sympathetic Pisces. Uranus is very good at thinking outside the box and coming up with unique answers.

“Many little birds chirping on the limb of a large tree” is the Sabian symbol for 28 Leo and sounds very much like the opinions flying all over the place right now. What we need to do is consider the RAMIFICATIONS (the keyword for this symbol) of what is being said before moving ahead.

Like many other folks out there, I am still recovering from the extremely intense eclipse season this summer. So rather than speculate about future sky patterns, I’m going to encourage everyone including myself to take some time to enjoy life under this Leo New Moon. Make a space in your life for your favorite form of relaxation, whatever it may be. Theatricals, movies, socializing with family and friends, going out for a night of dining and dancing – the important thing is to have fun. Leo knows how to seize the moment as well as the limelight!

Libra seeks balanceposted by Neith . . .

Of course, today is the day to write your New Moon abundance checks! Here’s how.

Image: Even though this is not exactly a new moon, it is still the sort of setting a Leo Moon would feel right at home in. :-)

New Moon in Cancer, Solar Eclipse, July 21-22, 2009

The New Moon on July 21 (July 22 in the Eastern Hemisphere) is the second New Moon in Cancer this year. Backed by the power of a solar eclipse, this is another momentous lunation we will be dealing with. At 29° 26′ Cancer, the anaretic degree, this eclipse combines a clear sense of completion with the usual new beginning energy of a New Moon.

This New Moon forms an inconjunct to Neptune, Chiron, and Jupiter in Aquarius. Ordinarily, I would not give much weight to an inconjunct with an orb of 4 degrees, but since these three planets have been traveling together for some time and exerting a powerful influence, an inconjunct with a total eclipse of the Sun draws my attention. This New Moon also is inconjunct Pluto in Capricorn, adding an undertow of some size.

My feeling is this: If there is old business we need to address, the message to do so is going to come in loud and clear! Those matters brought to the surface at the Full Moon lunar eclipse on July 7 (likely related to the houses the Full Moon was in) will be shoved right in our faces. If we have been tending to these, then there is a good chance of wrapping things up in short order. If we have not, there will be a firm reminder this is a cardinal solar eclipse. Think irate mother finding out you didn’t take out the garbage when told to.

Because the Moon rules Cancer, it is the inconjunct from Neptune in Aquarius and the trine from Uranus in Pisces to the New Moon that clue us in to what is most critical. We are reminded once again of the importance of the mutual reception of Neptune and Uranus and the value of taking the high road whenever possible. The key may be to pay strict attention to our emotional response in any given situation, because our feelings will be the best guide, not our thoughts. If you are the kind of person who prefers to deal with facts and figures, this will prove challenging but can ultimately provide a valuable lesson. For those of us who wander through our lives following our intuitive sense of direction, we’ll be in top form!

Mars is now in Gemini, having moved out of earthy Taurus since the lunar eclipse. While considerably more scattered in this active mental sign than in slow paced Taurus, Mars in Gemini will help pick up the pace of life. Mars also makes a waxing sextile to Mercury in outgoing Leo, and this combination is very conducive to socializing. People will be happy to take a moment to chat about anything and everything. Just keep in mind that this will be largely hot air.

Saturn in Virgo is square Venus in Gemini this time around, adding a serious note to the way we communicate with those we love. Venus in Gemini just loves to flirt, but not right now. If you are a Venus-ruled sign like Libra (me), you may find that you are too busy for light flirtations anyway.

Jupiter exactly conjoins Chiron, and both are opposed by a razor-sharp Pallas in Leo. If we are fortunate, this will manifest as a pleasant, extremely well-organized individual who shows up to help us sort out the tangles in our lives. Pallas offers a dispassionate perspective, and that bodes well for those of us whom Neptune has been keeping in the fog for months. We may finally be able to see the path we need to follow. Yay!

The Sabian symbol for 30 Cancer gives us some food for thought: A daughter of the American Revolution, with the keyword INHERITANCE. Cancer is the sign most closely aligned with knowing where we come from – our “roots.” We can either cling to past glories or chose to build a new way of thinking and being based on our personal traditions.

For all of you long-suffering fire signs out there, relief is in sight! On July 22, the Sun enters Leo, joining the Moon and Mercury. The Sun is always overjoyed to enter its home sign, so enjoy this break from feeling like you have been stuck in the mud. We can all use some time away from the intensity of this prolonged eclipse season, myself included.

Libra seeks balanceposted by Neith . . .

**Please read Pat’s weekly forecast for this week, July 20, for her thoughts this week’s solar eclipse.

Of course, today is the day to write your New Moon abundance checks! Here’s how.

** Neith currently is not able to accept new clients. Please check back in late August for an update. **

Image: Last year’s solar eclipse in Leo, Aug. 1, 2008, as seen in Gansu province, China. Photo by Aly Song for REUTERS.

New Moon in Cancer, June 22, 2009

Summer solstice at Stonehenge, 2007The New Moon at 1° 30′ Cancer arrives the day after the solstice (summer in the Northern Hemisphere and winter in the southern) and is the first of two New Moons in Cancer this year, placing special emphasis on all things related to the fourth house and the Moon – our mothers, our roots, where we feel “at home,” and how we view nurturing of both ourselves and others.

Not only are both the Sun and Moon in Cancer, but they are joined by Vesta, deepening the healing, nurturing side of the watery sign. Vesta’s idea of nurturance is far more impersonal and broader in application than is usually associated with Cancer and the fourth house. She is the fire on the hearth, warming us from a distance rather than the healing touch of a mother’s hand on our forehead. Healing the collective is more in Vesta’s provenance, and there is no doubt in my mind that much needs healing, no matter where you live.

Speaking of healing the collective, Pluto in Capricorn exactly opposes this Cancer New Moon and will be happy to introduce us to all of our shortcomings, especially in how we are managing our lives and resources. Many families are dealing with one or both parents being out of work, and discussions are going on about the painful reality of no funds available for extras. This is an enormous change from just a year or so ago, when many felt “entitled” to expensive perks. Capricorn can come across as very authoritarian — the stern parent — and Pluto has demonstrated time and again that he will have the final say. We are still in the early days of Pluto’s stay in Capricorn and are just beginning to realize how deep the changes will be in both the external and internal landscapes of our lives.

Earth signs can rejoice at the New Moon! The Venus-Mars conjunction in Taurus trine to Saturn in Virgo is perfect for enjoying the types of pleasures you like the most. If you are attending a solstice celebration, it is pretty much a sure thing that the food will be lavish and delicious and the company agreeable. Most of us will be more in the mood than usual for fine food, fine wine, and a laid-back atmosphere, due to the influence of this trine. So light your favorite incense and candles, put on some soothing background music, and relax.

Mercury is back up to speed in his home sign of Gemini and sextile Pallas in Leo. After the stagnation of Mercury in Taurus square Neptune in Aquarius, this is a huge improvement. Those of us who were frustrated out of our minds will love the clarity of this sextile. Networking, organizing, and reading the fine print without your eyes crossing are all favored.

Neptune is currently retrograde, along with Jupiter and Chiron. While the triple conjunction is still in effect, the influence is gradually lessening and will continue to do so for awhile. I don’t know about anyone else, but this is just fine with me. We can only live in the stratosphere so long before coming back to the reality of our day-to-day lives. Those tender places in our hearts and psyches that Neptune & Co. introduced us to now need time to heal. Once a wound has been lanced and drained, it is better to leave it be rather than poking and prodding it some more.

Uranus is currently stationing at 26° Pisces, preparing to go retrograde on July 1. If you have planets at 25-26° in the mutable signs (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, Pisces), you no doubt are feeling the electricity in the atmosphere. Although the orb is wide, Uranus also forms an out-of-sign T-square with the New Moon-Pluto opposition. This hints at unexpected events disrupting the status quo, both in the collective and closer to home.

I love the Sabian symbol for 2 Cancer: A man on a magic carpet hovers over a large area of land, with the keyword ELEVATION. One of my favorite concepts is that of raising one’s point of view to the highest possible level to gain perspective. That huge mountain seen from above becomes the proverbial mole hole, enabling us to see our next move much more clearly.

The second New Moon in Cancer this year is the solar eclipse on July 21-22 at 29° 26′. Between now and then is an excellent time to discover more about where we came from in preparation for moving ahead. Healing breaches with our families, both birth and chosen, is worth pursuing now. Applying large doses of generosity and kindness never comes amiss either. A gift of good food, chocolate, or fine wine works, too!

Libra, relationship specialistposted by Neith . . .

Of course, today is the day to write your New Moon abundance checks! Here’s how.

**Please read Pat’s weekly forecast for this week, June 22, for her thoughts on this New Moon and the Solstice sky.

Image: Stonehenge at Solstice 2007 by Scott Barbour / Getty Images Stonehenge has a long, long association with the solstices, both summer and winter. Here is a link for more information as well as photos: Solstice at Stonehenge

New Moon in Gemini, May 24, 2009

New Moon in GeminiAlthough the New Moon in Mercury-ruled Gemini is always a good time to work on our communication skills, this particular one focuses more attention than usual on the fastest-moving planet.

As of the New Moon, Mercury is still retrograde in Taurus but is less than a week from stationing direct. Those of us who prefer to take our time with the decision-making process are far less likely to be frustrated than the serious multi-tasker who depends on a variety of fancy technological devices to connect with their peers. Keep in mind that slow can be good and far less stressful.

Mercury is squaring the triple conjunction of Chiron, Jupiter, and Neptune in Aquarius. What this configuration says to me is pay special attention not only to what you are saying, but also to your listening skills. Jupiter and Neptune together can be idealistic to the point of insanity, and it is very easy to put our personal spin on what we hear and conveniently forget the rest of the message — you know, the part where Chiron tells us how much it’s going to hurt when the bandage is ripped off. This square also highlights the differences between our personal values (Taurus) and the dreams of the collective (Aquarius), thus opening the door to reconciling those conflicting goals, but this will take serious effort.

The bright spot for Mercury is the sextile with Uranus in Pisces, supporting compassionate and original thinking. This is the second pass of a three-part sextile. The first happened at the New Moon in Taurus on April 24, while the third and final pass will occur on June 9, just after the Full Moon in Sagittarius. The final sextile will coincide with Mercury’s return to the degree at which it went retrograde, and we will have an opportunity to start applying our ideas at that time.

Pluto in Capricorn is inconjunct this New Moon, presenting an interesting set of challenges. Gemini and Capricorn really don’t have much common ground, to put it mildly. Gemini loves to dart around collecting bits and pieces of information to play with, while Saturn-ruled Capricorn wants its data organized, with an emphasis on practical application. This aspect reinforces the same differences between the personal and the collective as Mercury in Taurus square Neptune & Co., and in a dissonant way. As much as we would like to ignore the larger universe at times, I doubt if we will be allowed to.

Venus and Mars are both still in Aries but are no longer traveling quite so close together. The only aspect Venus makes is another of those pesky inconjuncts to Saturn in Virgo, and I can hear the whining already. Just about the time Venus thinks she’s going to able to go and have some fun, Saturn will nag her about taking care of unfinished business first.

Mars in sextile to Neptune & Co. is easier to deal with, as it provides energy and enthusiasm to follow your dreams. Interestingly, Mars falls on the midpoint of the sextile between Mercury and Uranus, helping fuel manifestation of your brilliant ideas. Keep in mind the need for practicality, though.

The Sabian symbol for the New Moon at 4 Gemini is, “Holly and mistletoe reawaken old memories of Christmas,” with the keyword RITUALIZATION. This represents a gentler way of looking at the richness of traditions (Capricorn) with a childlike delight (Gemini) in them. Perhaps we all need to take a moment to view our lives with a childlike sense of wonder.

As a Libra person, I am very aware of maintaining a sense of balance and proportion, so I feel it is very important to make reality checks a part of our lives now. The triple conjunction of Neptune & Co. can bring new and delightful possibilities, but my gut instinct says double-check all the facts before signing up for the magical mystery tour. If it looks too good to be true, it is. This is the perfect time to practice forgiving ourselves and others, too.

Libra is working on balanceposted by Neith . . .

Of course, today is the day to write your New Moon abundance checks! Here’s how.

New Moon in Taurus, April 24-25, 2009

New Moon: photo by Michael MyersThe New Moon in Taurus is one of my favorite lunations, because Taurus enriches our senses and our lives. Here in the northern latitudes, we are surrounded by new growth, beauty, and the wonderful green smells of spring.

For those of us who live in our heads, the New Moon in Taurus can pull us back into our bodies, for a change.

At 5°03′ Taurus, this New Moon squares the degree of the solar eclipse at 6°29′ Aquarius on January 26, providing an opportunity to evaluate our progress (or lack thereof) since that time. Aquarius focuses on the ideal and Taurus on the physical reality, making this lunation the perfect time to see if we’re living in la-la land or the real deal. If we aren’t seeing the progress we’d like, then how do we adjust our vision? Is idealism standing in the way? Are we cutting off our nose to spite our face? Keep in mind that compromise is not a dirty word.

As Jupiter approaches conjunction with Neptune and Chiron, we are going to be challenged to stay in touch with reality. We are aided by Mercury in pragmatic Taurus, squaring this stellium in Aquarius. Still, it’s tough going. This aspect reminds me of those cartoons in which the character runs off the cliff and stops in mid-air before dropping straight down. The proliferation of misinformation available on the internet has reached staggering proportions, and we need the grounding provided by Taurus to sort this out. It’s all about having good, solid information on which to base our decisions.

The sextile between Uranus in Pisces and Mercury in Taurus can aid in the search for ways to resolve the issues raised by the square between Mercury and the Aquarius planets. Taurus is noted for taking a position and sticking with it, but if anyone can gently persuade the Bull to change his mind, it’s Pisces – master of subtlety and the indirect approach. In other words, avoid butting heads and direct confrontations, if possible.

Another dynamic square is between Venus and Mars in Aries with Pluto in Capricorn. Venus is now direct and newly returned to Aries, which will kick-start creative projects put on hold six weeks ago. Mars moved into Aries on April 22 and is a totally happy camper for a change, because this is the sign he rules. I see Pluto squaring these two as generating a huge amount of energy as well as a preview of possibilities coming up next year when Uranus moves into Aries, squaring Pluto. So hang on to your hats and be prepared for lots happening in the next few weeks.

Saturn in Virgo plays a background role in this chart, providing another planet in earth to support the earthy Sun, Moon, Mercury and Pluto. Earth is the dominant element of this New Moon chart, making it a great time to treat yourself to a massage, indulge in aromatherapy, or fill your home with fresh flowers and beautiful music.

The Sabian symbol for this New Moon is 6 Taurus, Cantilever bridge across a deep gorge, with the keywords CONQUER OBSTACLES. Even the most creative leap needs to be counterbalanced by roots in reality. If we wish to build connections across what divides us, we need to reach out with compassion and practicality.

The importance of forgiving ourselves and those we love is something to keep in mind now and over the coming months as the conjunction between Jupiter, Chiron, and Neptune tightens. Our imperfections illuminate our beauty rather than detracting from it. We have the practicality of well-grounded Taurus energy supporting us now, so use this time well. Practice forgiveness and kindness daily!

Note: The New Moon falls on Friday, April 24, in the Western Hemisphere and Saturday, April 25, in the Eastern Hemisphere.

Libra loves Venus Directposted by Neith . . .

**Please read Pat’s weekly forecast for this week, April 20, for her thoughts on events in the sky.

Of course, today is the day to write your New Moon abundance checks! Here’s how.

Image: New Moon, only 6 hours old – photo by Michael Myers from his website, The Moon.

Aries New Moon – March 26, 2009

New Moon in AriesThe New Moon on March 26 at 6°08′ Aries is the first lunation of the astrological new year. With a stellium in Aries consisting of the Sun, Moon, Mercury, and Venus, we definitely get a sense that it’s time to get off our collective duffs and go for it!

The most important aspect to the luminaries is a square from Pluto in Capricorn. The square, or 90° aspect, is often regarded in a negative light, but it often presents us with opportunities to discern what is really happening. Bernadette Brady, in her book “Predictive Astrology, The Eagle and the Lark,” describes a square as forcing action in new areas and making it impossible to blame anybody effectively, so results stimulate actions rather than decisions.

In the case of the square between Aries and Capricorn – both cardinal signs with very different styles for taking action – Aries may have to acknowledge that it’s better to think before acting, while Capricorn must see the value in taking a risk now and then. We are at the very beginning of Pluto’s journey through Capricorn, and this New Moon is not only the beginning of the astrological new year but the first one activating Pluto. The issues brought to the surface now, both collectively and personally, are those we will be asked to work on for quite some time.

With both Mercury and Venus conjoining the New Moon, it would appear we will be called on account for snap decisions regarding values. In fact, the process of learning what is truly valuable in our lives and letting go of the rest is very consistent with Pluto in Capricorn. Learning how to live better with less is going to be an ongoing theme, so we might as well start now!

Mars, who rules Aries, is in gentle, slippery Pisces and semi-sextile retrograde Venus in Aries. Aggressive behaviors will not be very effective now. Choosing tact, patience and an indirect approach will be rewarded. In other words, instead of yelling at someone who doesn’t agree with you, try responding by first acknowledging their right to feel the way they do. This is a common technique taught to front-desk people everywhere to defuse angry patrons and clients. After Mars moves into Aries on April 23, joining a direct Venus in Aries, asserting ourselves will get a lot simpler.

An interesting relationship in this chart is the inconjunct between Jupiter in Aquarius and Saturn in Virgo. An inconjunct is an aspect always seeking balance but never quite finding it. Say Jupiter is promoting a wonderful clean energy program, guaranteed to benefit many people. That sounds like it would appeal to Virgo’s eco-friendly side, but because Saturn is representing Virgo, it responds with, “How are we going to pay for this?” This type of discussion is taking place from the boardroom to the family room under the influence of this aspect.

Neptune and Chiron continue to travel closely together, in a waxing semi-sextile with Uranus in Pisces. It’s as if there is a bell tolling in the background reminding us of what is truly important: We live on a small, lovely planet and we need to work on respecting that fact instead of ignoring it. The time has come to set aside our differences and celebrate unity and life.

The Sabian symbol for the New Moon at 7 Aries is, “a man successfully expressing himself in two worlds at once”, with the keyword PROFICIENCY. The question here is what compromises have been made to achieve this level of success and at whose expense? If we are in a position of authority (Pluto in Capricorn), are we sharing the benefits of our success beyond our immediate family (New Moon)? A good, decent person I used to work for failed badly in this regard and is now suffering the consequences.

Whenever Pluto aspects a New or Full Moon, it’s a good time to take stock of our obsessions and unreasonable expectations. This hasn’t happened since the New Moon in Capricorn in late December, so we may need a reminder to peel our fingers off of whomever or whatever we’ve become overly attached to. In this time of new beginnings, it is more important than ever to give each other room to breathe and grow.

Libra hates Venus Rxposted by Neith . . .

**Please read Pat’s weekly forecast for this week, March 23, for her thoughts about this curious week.

Of course, today is the day to write your New Moon abundance checks! Here’s how.

New Moon in Pisces, February 24-25, 2009

Moon Rising Mist Descending by Steve OutramWhat struck me when I looked at the chart for the New Moon in Pisces on February 24 was Saturn in Virgo sitting all alone on one side with everything else on the other side. This says we are best served by remembering to behave in a caring and responsible manner, because all else hinges on doing so.

We still have Aquarius strongly represented in this chart, continuing the themes from the two prior lunations but tempered by the gentler influence of the Fishes.  Pisces is the last sign of the zodiac and the one most given to being inclusive rather exclusive. In fact, some think Pisces can be a little too inclined to forgive and forget, but not this astrologer.

I treasure the compassionate spirit of this powerful but subtle sign. It is easy to underestimate the immense strength of Pisces, because these are often unassuming, occasionally spacey types who would rather not confront life and people directly. But if we consider the inexorable power and weight of the ocean, or even the force created by a small stream flooding its banks due to an excess of rain or snowmelt, we can begin to get a glimmer of what Pisces is capable of behind those gentle eyes. The concept of Oneness running like a thread of pure light through most of the major belief systems is the heart of the twelfth sign.

The Sun and Moon at 6° 34′ Pisces are not closely aspected by any major planets, but they are in a tight opposition to Ceres in Virgo. Ceres recently was elevated to dwarf planet status, and many astrologers feel she is a good candidate to rule Virgo, including Real Astrologer Pat Paquette. There is little doubt Ceres is very comfortable in earthy, practical Virgo, and the opposition with the New Moon blends the tangible with the intangible, taking us back to the idea that we are all part of everything and all life is cyclical.

Even though Jupiter has moved past the North Node in Aquarius, it is still close enough to amplify the Aquarian message of working together as a collective to benefit humanity. Mercury exactly conjoins Jupiter the day before the New Moon and is happy to aid in articulating this message. We are drawn to exploring innovative ideas and technology and are eager to try them out. It is possible we will see some breakthroughs in technological applications for alternative methods of communication.

Mars in Aquarius has passed Jupiter (they were conjunct on February 17) and is not yet within range of Chiron but it is still in a sextile with Venus in Aries. While this sextile between Aquarius and Aries is not a wildly romantic pairing, it is very good for encouraging friendship between men and women. Venus in Aries is forthright and likes a challenge, while Mars in Aquarius is about as egalitarian as Mars gets.

The ongoing conjunction of Neptune with Chiron in Aquarius recedes into the background for now unless you have planets or angles at 22° to 24° in the fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius). Then this pair is continuing to clue you in about your sensitive places, usually in a roundabout way, because neither of these two bodies is noted for hitting you over the head to get your attention. They leave that method to Mars and Uranus!

Speaking of Uranus, I just want to give you a heads up about the upcoming Full Moon in Virgo on March 10, because the Full Moon axis is conjoining the Saturn-Uranus opposition. Perhaps we will find that matters set into motion with the first Saturn-Uranus opposition last November will reach a point of resolution on this lunation. It will be worth noting, that’s for sure.

The Sabian symbol for 7 Pisces is, “Illumined by a shaft of light, a large cross lies on rocks surrounded by sea mist,” with the keyword SELF-ASSERTION. Have we taken too much on faith or not enough? That may be the question. The ongoing semi-sextile between Chiron in Aquarius and Uranus in Pisces may be enough of an irritant that we cannot be comfortable falling back into old ways of believing but must look in new places or try on new belief systems (Neptune in Aquarius) to find our way back to the light. Whatever the case, it would appear that it is up to us to initiate action and take the first step on the path leading to the rest of our lives.

Be strong like water and yield from a position of strength, and practice kindness every day. Think about it!

[Note: The New Moon in Pisces falls on February 25 in some places in the Eastern Hemisphere. Likewise, parts of the Eastern Hemisphere will experience the Full Moon in Virgo on March 11.]

Libra with Scorpio risingposted by Neith . . .

**Please read Pat’s weekly forecast for this week, February 16, for her great take on the mythology in the sky right now.

Of course, today is the day to write your New Moon abundance checks! Here’s how.

This wonderful painting is “Moon Rising Mist Descending” by Steve Outram. To see more of his works, visit here: Fairfax Gallery – Steve Outram

New Moon Solar Eclipse in Aquarius, January 25-26

The New Moon solar eclipse on January 26 (January 25 on the West Coast of the United States and points west) is the first of 2009 and has an impressive lineup in Aquarius, drawing our attention to the qualities and agendas of this forward-looking sign.

Aquarius is noted for being able to think outside the box, and we will be reminded of this in no uncertain terms, not only because there are six bodies in Aquarius but because this lunation has the extra punch an eclipse brings with it.

The asteroid Juno moved into Aquarius on January 22, heralding a shift in the way we will perceive our structured partnerships such as marriage. This may be the time when we begin to redefine the concept of marriage to be more inclusive than exclusive. Juno conjoins Jupiter in Aquarius, where the Big Guy is happy to put his considerable weight behind increasing awareness of all humanitarian issues for a change. In Roman mythology, Jupiter was king of the gods, and Juno was his wife. With the waxing conjunction of Juno to Jupiter from now until around Valentine’s Day, stepping out on one’s spouse would not be a good idea . . . Juno came up with some very creative ways to punish her philandering husband!

The theme of change is very powerful on this New Moon, and while many of us pay lip service to enjoying new ideas and ways of thinking and being, the reality can be quite uncomfortable initially. If Uranus is active in your natal chart by conjunction, sextile, or trine, you are more likely to embrace the new, but if the aspects are squares or oppositions, the resistance can be fierce. Often those with tense aspects have lives that are periodically turned upside down by outside forces and consequently hunger for a peaceful status quo.

The North Node in Aquarius is also part of the stellium with the Sun and Moon and signals the need to broaden our perspective and think globally instead of nationally. The Sun will conjunct the North Node on January 28, the peak of this cycle. The internet, a very Aquarian network, has made it possible for people like Pat and me to reach out to others all around the world; and we are just one small website among an ever-increasing number. Humanity is less isolated than ever before, and we increasingly need to set aside seeing our differences and focus on how much we are alike. What type of world do we want to live in? What ideals do we want to see promoted?

Neptune is still traveling with Chiron, reminding us that the path to true and lasting healing is through recognition and forgiveness of old wounds. If we cradle our grievances to our breasts, nurturing our feelings of anger and resentment, we will simply not be able to forge a better life for ourselves. Neptune offers sympathy and compassion and will help us dissolve and wash away our pain, but only if we actively participate in the process.

Uranus and Venus are conjunct in Pisces, both opposing Saturn in Virgo, and the next exact opposition of Saturn and Uranus is drawing closer. For now, we have the gift of Venus as part of this aspect pattern, suggesting that kindness and being agreeable are better tools for conflict resolution than aggression and denial. Conversely, the Mercury-Mars conjunction in Capricorn tells us that taking a firm, decisive, practical approach to problem-solving will help us. Because the conjunction in Pisces is sextile the Capricorn conjunction, we can blend these energies easily with Saturn in Virgo’s common-sense way of doing business and find our way into the future.

While Pluto is refraining from an active role in this lunation, I’m sure if you have personal planets or angles in the cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn) from 2 to 5 degrees, you are keenly aware of him. Keep in mind that if you feel like you are being pulled under by this transit, letting go will let you bob back to the surface. There is a very good possibility that what you were holding onto so tightly is unnecessary anyway.

As always, the Sabian symbol is an amazing fit. For 7 Aquarius, it is “a child is seen being born out of an egg” with the keywords EMERGENCE OF GLOBAL MAN. Being free of the inertia of humankind’s past, a transmutation of something entirely new is coming onto the world stage. When we move away from our history, we have an opportunity to see ourselves with new eyes and can choose which facets of ourselves we wish to polish for display.

It is especially important to remember to be kind to one another in times of great change because uncertainty creates stress. Mercury is still retrograde, and it is easy to misspeak right now, so let’s do ourselves a favor and practice thinking before speaking. OK?!

**Please read Pat’s weekly forecast for this week, January 19, too. She has more pertinent information on both the eclipse and the next exact Saturn-Uranus opposition.

Libra with Scorpio risingposted by Neith . . .

Of course, today is the day to write your New Moon abundance checks! Here’s how.

New Moon in Capricorn, December 27

New Moon by Chuck RenThe New Moon on December 27 may be one of the most significant of 2008, because it conjoins Pluto as Pluto begins its 16-year journey through Capricorn, signaling the beginning of a new era.

The Sun, Moon, Mars, and Pluto are in early degrees of Capricorn with Mercury and Jupiter at the end of the sign, totaling six planets in Capricorn at this New Moon. Capricorn is an interesting sign. Even though it is associated with government, corporations, and the father of the family, it is feminine in polarity and the third earth sign. Saturn is the traditional ruler of Capricorn and the planet responsible for teaching us to respect boundaries and limitations and to follow through on our commitments. On this New Moon we are getting a clear message to grow up and accept responsibility for ourselves in all facets of our lives. It is time to be creative with what we have on hand.

The Pluto-Mars conjunction in Capricorn is powerful and implacable, and we need to be aware this is not a good time to stir up trouble, because the response may be far more than we bargained for. With Mars in Sagittarius, tempers flare quickly but cool quickly, too, but this is not the case in Capricorn. This Pluto-Mars conjunction can cause people to hold a grudge for a long, long time so the wiser course of action is to take the high road and behave with maturity.

The luminaries are also part of this stellium, underlining the importance of considering the needs of the collective rather than the individual. It is very possible we will be in for a dose of instant karma if we behave badly at this time.

Jupiter and Mercury are conjunct in Capricorn, and both are trine Saturn in Virgo, emphasizing a clear, concise, pragmatic approach to problem-solving. The more we stay with the “no frills” version of things, the easier time we will have right now. Jupiter will move into Aquarius on January 5, and the sense of constriction will start to ease some.

Venus is exactly conjunct Neptune in Aquarius in this chart, and compassion rather than passion is the order of the day. Unconditional love encourages us to embrace others, warts and all, and supports diversity within the collective – all necessary aspects of the maturation process this New Moon embodies.

The Sabian symbol for 7 Capricorn is, “A veiled prophet speaks, seized by the power of a god,” with the keyword MEDIATORSHIP. This message is appropriate for a New Moon conjunct Pluto, as we are in a time of new beginnings on many levels, and those glimpses we have of future possibilities can help us choose what we wish to manifest. However, it is important to stay open and avoid becoming attached to a certain outcome, because Pluto is the quintessential outer planet and is impersonal in the way it affects our lives.

Here in the Northern Hemisphere, especially those latitudes where the nights are very long, it is easy to remember that this is time to reflect and review the past year in order to prepare for the new one. This New Moon practically demands that we turn our focus inward and take inventory. My own key phrase these days is, “Don’t get attached to an outcome,” because Pluto is on the field. It is also good to remember to be kind to yourself and others now and forgive, forgive, forgive.

**Please read Pat’s weekly forecast for this week, December 22, too. With the dynamics in the sky right now, additional perspective can only help.

Libra with Scorpio risingposted by Neith . . .

Of course, today is the day to write your New Moon abundance checks! Here’s how.

Image: New Moon, by Chuck Ren.