Category: New Moons

LIBRA NEW MOON - 16 October 2020

10/14/2020

Exact at 8.31pm BST, 3.31pm EDT

There is a lot going on during this New Moon, as we have Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Pluto and the Nodes of the Moon all forming aspects, in varying degrees of intensity, to the Sun and Moon. Not to mention that Mercury has just gone retrograde in powerful,intense and perceptive Scorpio! The Sun and Moon are forming their monthly cosmic union in Libra, the sign of relationship, balance and harmony. Libra is represented by the scales, which means that we can easily tip too far towards one extreme, and this New Moon encourages us to find balance in our lives; to somehow find the middle ground. Libra is the sign of cooperation, diplomacy, compromise and justice, and gives us the capacity to see both sides of an argument or situation. Libra reminds us that things are rarely black and white, and that it is important to truly listen to one another and understand where the other is coming from. During this Moon we might want to reflect on what in our lives is out of balance and seek to come back to the middle point somehow. Where are we seeing signs of too much extremism? How can we find a greater sense of peace and harmony? This is the beginning of the new monthly cycle, so we are seeding new growth and leaving whatever we don’t need anymore in the dark of the Moon.

The ruler of the New Moon is Venus, which is currently in Virgo, the sign of humility, purity and perfection. Venus represents our values, self-worth and capacity to attract and the sign Venus is in indicates how we relate to ourselves and others. With Venus in Virgo from 3 October until 29 October, we may be likely to be hard on ourselves and beat ourselves up for things we may have done or not done. Virgo can analyse herself to death! We could be much more critical of ourselves and others than usual and also more prone to focusing on our flaws, imperfections and any feelings of shame, guilt and inadequacy. This is not helped by Mercury being in Scorpio at the moment, which can make our thoughts somewhat obsessive and compulsive and bring some cringing moments!

To harness the best of Venus in Virgo, we can look to our loved ones and see who needs our help. What little things can we do to make other people’s lives easier? Venus in Virgo is ever ready to be of service to others, although this can also veer into subservience if we are not careful. To be of service is a choice, whereas subservience occurs when we play small or give our power away, or allow ourselves to be take for granted. This is a perfect time for taking pleasure out of cleansing and purifying ourselves and our environment, as long as we don’t seek some unattainable perfection!

Pluto and Saturn are both square the Sun, Moon and Mars during this New Moon, which is rather intense as it could bring up issues around power, control, limitation and may bring about some kind of reality check and transformation. With Pluto and Saturn both joining forces in Capricorn, we are watching societal and personal structures crumble around us, not to mention witnessing the exposure of the rot within our power structures.We are in the midst of a collective death and rebirth of all that we have previously known and relied on. The heat is rising and the pressure is building! This Moon could bring about some kind of purging process and even more exposure, both personally and collectively. It is much harder to hide from our shadows at the moment, and this Moon encourages us to dig deep and be willing to truly face ourselves, warts and all.

With Pluto square the Sun, exact on Thursday, we may experience a battle of wills and intense power struggles, especially if we let ego get in the way. We could find ourselves on the receiving end of authoritarian control or oppression and may be forced to see things as they really are as Saturn and the Sun square off against each other, exact on Sunday. We may feel as if our will is being thwarted in some way and might feel as if the light has gone out and reality is a bit too hard to bear. Mars and Sun are opposing each other, exact on Wednesday morning. This combo could also bring a battle of wills and could force some issues out into the open. It is very important to be mindful of ourselves during this time, as disagreements are very possible, especially if we let our ego get in the way. Mars and the Sun are both yang and are forceful in their own right, so together they could make people a bit more reactive or egotistical. Those with personal planets and angles around 23° of the sign they are in, especially the cardinal signs of Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn, will feel the energy on this Moon most acutely. The ingredients in the cosmic soup could easily cause us to be easily triggered, so it is important to take a leaf out of Libra’s book and try to find some balance, harmony and peace.

The Nodes of the Moon are also involved with this Moon, in a positive way, so there is the potential for some soul growth here. The Nodes are providing the backdrop for this year, combined with three conjunctions between Pluto and Jupiter over the course of the year, and the theme is around truth, lies and beliefs versus facts. There is one thing that is absolutely true at the moment and this is that nobody is absolutely certain of the truth. With Neptune square the Nodes, the truth is shrouded by illusion, propaganda and smoke screens. As such, we are being encouraged to have a very open mind and to admit that our beliefs are just that; they are beliefs and not necessarily the absolute truth.

The Sagittarius South Node gives us a gut feeling and an intuition, while the Gemini North Node encourages us to take that feeling and do some fact checking and research in order to verify what we sense to be true. Gemini also urges us to find a palatable way of expressing ourselves rather than trying to ram our beliefs down one another’s throats. Gemini does invite us to find our voice so that we can speak up about what we believe to be true, but it also encourages us to listen to each other’s view points instead of trying to convince and convert each other to our point of view. It is so important to remember that the truth is completely illusive at the moment, so that nobody can be completely certain that their version of the truth is the right one. This Libra New Moon encourages us to temper any extremist tendencies and to take a more balanced approach and be willing to take both sides of the argument into account.

Mercury goes retrograde at the same time as the Sun Mars opposition is exact, in the early hours of Wednesday morning British time. As ever, the days before and after the planet of communication and travel goes retrograde can be fraught with misunderstanding, miscommunication, delays, confusion and chaos! As such, it is important to be mindful in our communications with others, as the potential for Freudian slips and saying things that are somehow misconstrued is rife. Scorpio does have a sting in its tail, and we may find ourselves on either end of some accidental but painful truths that cut to the core! Not to mention that our thoughts could be much more obsessive than usual.

Mercury Retrograde in Scorpio is an invitation to go back over things and dig deeper, using our inner detective to ferret out information that we may have missed in the past month or so. It is an ideal time to delve back into our past and come up with some profound psychological insight and understanding that hasn’t been available to us before now. Indeed, People that we have unfinished business with could pop up and we could have some penetrating and revealing conversations that really help us to get to the core of whatever issue we are facing. This is a very good time to do some deep, inner work and to be brave enough to reveal our more vulnerable parts in some very intimate and therapeutic exchanges with people we trust. Remember that with Venus in Virgo at the moment, we have the capacity to really help and be of service to one another. We just have to watch out for paranoia, obsessive thought processes and going into a spiral of dark or negative thinking. Mercury is Scorpio is very adept at smelling a rat!

The Sabian symbol for the New Moon, at 24° Libra, is: “A butterfly with a third wing on its left side” which Dane Rudyar describes as: “The ability to develop, for inner strengthening, new modes of response to basic life situations. The butterfly is the ancient and traditional symbol of the results of the process of spiritual rebirth. If the butterfly has three wings instead of two, a special development of an aspect of the spiritual life is shown. Three is a symbol of fulfilment. Some power has been added to the normal spiritual life of the individual person. The left side usually refers to the instinctual field of the consciousness, but it is also the heart’s side. A new strength is shown, perhaps as yet unrealised.” This is a very interesting symbol that certainly brings some hope that whatever we are currently going through has the potential to help bring some kind of new spiritual superpower! Certainly, it is the most challenging times that bring some kind of spiritual awakening and profound soul growth, and we are currently going through a collective spiritual growth spurt at the moment. As the third wing is only on one side, we could feel a bit wobbly or out of balance.

There is certainly some intensity to this Moon, with these powerfully Yang planets sparking off each other! We could experience intense feelings of self-doubt, powerlessness and even depression, so it is very important to watch ourselves carefully and be mindful of our inner dialogue. There is some extremely powerful energy at play here which could be incredibly transforming but could also cause us to feel at the mercy of forces larger than ourselves. Self-care is essential at the moment, so we must harness the energy of Venus and Virgo and create little routines, rituals and habits for ourselves that help us to feel better. This Libra New Moon invites us to contemplate how we can find balance in a world of such extremes. How can we cultivate a sense of inner peace and harmony in the midst of chaos and strife? How can we find some integration between the dark and the light? How can we listen to our head and heart in equal measure? Can we find a way to listen to each other better? Above all, how can we be more kind?

"It happens all the time in heaven,

And some day It will begin to happen
Again on earth -

That men and women who are
married,

And men and men who are
Lovers, And women and women
Who give each other
Light,

Often get down on their knees

And while so tenderly
Holding their lovers hand,

With tears in their eyes
Will sincerely speak, saying,

My dear,
How can I be more loving to you;

How can I be more kind?"

Hafiz

Much Love

Amy
xoxo

Picture: Unknown

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VIRGO NEW MOON - 17 September 2020

9/15/2020

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Exact at 12pm BST, 6am EDT

This Moon seems to be encouraging us to practice the art of discernment, which is certainly one of Virgo’s superpowers! The Virgo Sun and Moon are forming an almost exact square to the Nodes of the Moon in Sagittarius and Gemini, asking us to do our best to sift through all of the differing opinions and versions of the “truth” that we are currently being bombarded with. Virgo is very good at separating the wheat from the chaff and discarding anything that doesn’t feel right, and so we are asked to harness our capacity to only let in information that serves our highest good and question anything that seems dubious, false or unhelpful. Virgo also encourages humility and stringent self-analysis, so that we are better able to recognise when our ego might be getting in the way of our search for the truth. Are we too attached to a certain set of beliefs, so that we are unable to listen to or accept other points of view? How might we improve our communication skills so that we can deliver our message in a way that is understood and accepted by others? How can we tell what is truth and what is lies?

Virgo is the sign of healing, self-improvement, self-analysis and humility, and is the part of us that seeks to purify and perfect ourselves. It is a sign of transition, whereby we might experience something that bursts the egocentric balloon of self-importance, forcing us to take a long hard look at what needs to change in order for us to be a better human being. Sometimes a crisis is needed in order to recognise what is out of balance and make the necessary adjustments. This is why so many people have life-changing awakenings when they experience a health crisis that stops them in their tracks and forces them to examine the root cause of the issue. Often what seems to be a terrible thing can also become our greatest gift, changing our lives for the better. Virgo helps us to do the necessary work on ourselves in order to understand the underlying issues that may have caused whatever we might be facing. It helps us to be humble enough to accept higher teaching and accept that there are some things we still have to learn.

This Moon invites us to recognise what is out of balance in our lives and what we might do to improve our situation and promote healing and a greater sense of wholeness. We are encouraged to practice the art of discrimination regarding what we take in and digest, whether it be food, information, opinions or ideas. This is an ideal Moon to implement new and healthy routines, systems and rituals, and to recognise what is hurting us or impeding growth and simply needs to go. Saturn and Pluto are forming a harmonious trine to the Sun and Moon, helping us to look into the shadows and transform and purge anything that we might usually find it hard to confront. We are invited to look ourselves squarely in the face, without a filter, and decide what is helpful and what is hindering us. As the structures fall, both personally and collectively, what do we choose to keep and what are no longer relevant or healthy for us? How can we look at ourselves kindly yet honestly and own the shadows and the fear and the anger and anything that makes us feel shame? How can we make ourselves more whole and “fill our cup”?

The Sabian symbol for the New Moon, at 26° Virgo, is “A boy with a censer serves the priest near the altar”, which Dane Rudyar describes as “The first stage of actual participation in the great ritual of planetary evolution. The individual is “e-ducated,” i.e. led out into the world of transcendent activity, the world of archetypal performance. He must learn to serve, humbly and with intense attention, in what as yet is beyond his spiritual understanding. He learns to perform every action super personally. He learns to PRACTICE IN THE PRESENCE OF GOD”. This symbol seems to suggest that some kind of ritual that honours spirit, however small, could be a very good thing to practice right now. A Virgo Moon really is a wonderful time to implement some healthy routines and rituals in our lives that can help connect us to the divine and bring the sacred into our everyday lives, bringing a greater sense of hope. Similarly, this reminds us that even the smallest, seemingly insignificant act, done with pure intention and reverence, can make a big difference. If we act with humility, in the spirit of service to the whole, amazing things can come from the smallest actions.

Speaking of action, Mars is retrograde at the moment and is forming a nagging inconjunct aspect to the Sun and Moon, which could bring up irritability, anger, restlessness, resentment and frustration. We may find that little things niggle, irritate and anger us more easily than usual, but we are invited to look at where the anger is actually coming from. Often we react with anger when we are scared or fearful in some way, or being pushed out of our comfort zone. Sometimes it is because a person or an event has triggered something that is unsesolved or unhealed in us, making us reactive or defensive. Sometimes is it righteous anger or the need to defend someone or something from harm. Sometimes it is because someone has hit the nail on the head and touched a nerve! Sometimes anger comes up before the tears do when someone has hurt us. Mars invites us to be very honest with ourselves and to be willing to work on whatever comes up. Retrograde Mars gives us the courage to really look at what needs to change in our lives and to actually do something about it rather than just talking about it! Virgo New Moons certainly do give us an opportunity to cleanse and purify, and this one is no exception!

Retrograde Mars is also building up to its second square with Saturn, exact on 29 September, the first of which was exact on 24 August. On the one hand this combo calls for us to act with courage and integrity and to be truly accountable for our actions, taking full responsibility for what our gut instinct tells us and what we feel to be right. On the other hand Saturn in Capricorn, representing authority, control, government, tradition, discipline and karma, is at odds with Mars in Aries, representing our anger, courage, independence, instinctual will, capacity to act and fight back. Which of these mighty opponents will win the battle, both internally and externally? While Mars is the part of us that like to march to the beat of our own drum and dislikes being told what to do or think, Saturn can tend to control, suppress, restrict, limit, enforcing rules, regulations and greater compliance. I have written about at this at greater length in a previous post on Mars Retrograde: http://www.amybirdartandastrology.com/blog/mars-retrograde-in-aries-9-september-14-november-2020

Mercury, the planet of Mind and communication and the ruler of this Virgo Moon, is being challenged by Jupiter, Neptune and Pluto. This could make it a bit tricky to see the wood for the trees! Mercury is currently in Libra, the sign of fairness and balance, which could make it a bit difficult to make up our mind one way or the other. This is not helped by an inconjunct from Neptune, exact on 18 September, bringing the potential for smoke screens, obfuscation of the truth and even outright deception. Neptune is very adept at the art of propaganda and “glamour” and is very prominent at the moment as it is squaring the Nodal axis. What might we need to sacrifice for the higher good in order to speak up for what we believe to be right and true? What means can we employ to connect to the truth behind all of the smoke screens? How can we find greater kindness, empathy and compassion when interacting with one another?

With Jupiter in Capricorn square Mercury, exact on the day of the New Moon, there is the potential for much debate or even disputes over beliefs, or being told what to believe by those in authority. Again, fear could potentially be the cause of people disputing over opinions and beliefs, so it is important to recognise when we are being triggered and reacting because we are scared. Jupiter in Capricorn can really magnify or exaggerate fear, and combined with Mercury could spread it around like wild-fire, so it is important to be mindful of our thought processes and behaviour. With Pluto also building up to a square with Mercury, exact on 21 September, there is the potential for cruelty, manipulation, gas lighting and power games in the realm of our thoughts and communication, but also an opportunity to gain greater insight into how our minds and thoughts may being manipulated or controlled. This combination can help us to cut through to the heart of the matter and see what is lurking in the shadows, but it might not be pretty!

Indeed, the Sabian symbol for Mercury, the ruler of the Moon and Gemini North Node, at 18° Libra, is “Two men placed under arrest”, which Rudyar describes as “The breakdown in the constructive relationship between the individual and society, and the expectable result. The individual whose actions introduce unacceptable principles into the established order runs the risk of being “punished” or re-formed according to this order. Negative as the image may seem, one may see implied in it the power in every individual to assume social risks in order to express his convictions or deepest desires. Nevertheless, one thing is needed: facing the consequences”. This symbol is very interesting in the light of the Mars square Saturn transit - the battle between societal consensus reality and authoritarian control (Saturn) and the individual will and capacity to fight back (Mars).

This Virgo New Moon certainly does seem to be inviting us to create some healthy new routines or rituals to help us to connect to spirit and bring the sacred into our every day. It has been said that it takes the length of a Moon cycle to make or break a habit, so that if we start a new routine and keep it up for 28 days then it will then stick. We are helped by a lovely sextile between Neptune and Jupiter, which is building now and will be exact on 12 October. This brings the gift of faith, hope and connection to the divine. Virgo can help us to purify, cleanse and de-clutter, setting pure intentions and creating rituals and routines that help us to replenish our spirit, renew our faith and nourish our soul. This is so very important in these times of turmoil and uncertainty, as it helps us to ground and anchor ourselves somehow, which could be of great comfort. During this Moon Virgo invites us to start as we mean to go on and to practice the art of discernment, letting go of whatever doesn’t serve us and being very mindful indeed about what we allow to take its place.

Much Love

Amy
xoxo

Painting: Dawn of Hope, by Daniel F. Gerhartz

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LEO NEW MOON - 19 August 2020

8/16/2020

1 Comment

Exact at 3.41am BST (18 August in USA)

This Moon could help to inject some hope and joy into our lives, as the Sun and Moon are forming their monthly union in creative, playful and expressive Leo, a sign that is very good at following the path of joy. New Moons spark a new cycle, and in Leo we are invited to play around with a creative new vision of how life could be. The structure of many of our lives has been breaking down and it seems that life is never going to be the same again, so we are asked to adapt and adjust and to literally “play around” with ideas and ways to create a better life. Mercury is also in Leo, sitting right next to the Sun and Moon, inviting us to exchange ideas and come up with creative solutions to the challenges we face. Leo is the part of us that has the capacity to creatively actualise our destiny and to be the director of our own play rather than victims of circumstance, and so this Moon encourages us to get creative. There is a hint of hope here, with lots of supportive planetary energy around to help us move forward and grow.

The Sabian Symbol for the New Moon, at 27° Leo, the energy of which will play out over the next month, is “The luminescence of dawn in the Eastern sky”, which Dane Rudyar describes as “The exalting challenge of new opportunities at the threshold of a new cycle. While the rainbow marks the end of the crisis, early dawn indicates the real beginning of the new period of activity. After the “peak experience,” in which we touch our “divine” potentialities, comes the struggle with everyday problems. But at first the state of deep inner exultation remains within us. We are aglow with its promise. The crisis and the blessings it has brought to us are relatively unusual events; every day has its dawn, which we should meet with a pure heart and a clear mind. Alpha (dawn) and omega (the concluding peak experience) are opposites, yet the same. Keyword here is ILLUMINATION.” This truly is a symbol of hope, a sense of a new dawn as we slowly emerge out of the darkness into the light. It is an invitation to recognise and acknowledge the blessings and opportunities that come from crisis. It’s time to wake up and smell the roses!

There is a niggling inconjunct aspect between Saturn and Pluto in Capricorn and the Sun and Moon in Leo that could bring some kind of crisis or humbling experience that forces us to contemplate what needs to change and how we might implement that change. Saturn and Pluto are getting close to each other again, bringing the potential for further transformation and dismantling of the structure of our lives and society. However, ultimately these two powerful planets don’t come together for no reason, for the “destruction” occurs in order to break down both personal and societal structures that are repressive, oppressive, corrupted, unhealthy and not serving us anymore. This is a painful process, as we watch life as we know it crumble before our eyes and are forced to face ourselves and look our shadows squarely in the face. This Moon, however, gives a glimpse of the “New Dawn” that awaits on the other side of all of this. We are asked to put aside any fear and creatively envision what we would like the rebirth to look like and what needs to rise up out of the ashes. As life as we know it crumbles around us, what do we want to create for ourselves? How can we become the master of our own destiny? What might our new path look like? What, when it comes down to it, truly brings us joy?

Mars in Aries is forming a harmonious trine aspect to the Sun, Moon and Mercury, while challenging Pluto and Saturn. This fiery planet has been bringing up a lot of anger, rage and even overt aggression, violence and bullying, as people act and react out of fear. However, it is also helping us to be brave and confront some very difficult material. Mars in Aries represents the pioneer in all of us, the part of us that is not afraid to venture into new territory and forge a new path. And this is exactly what we are being asked to do right now. This is unknown territory for all everyone, and while it is natural to feel fear, anger, uncertainty and a lack of control, this Moon invites us to channel the Mars warrior energy in some kind of creative way and to have the courage to implement our ideas, express ourselves and say what needs to be said. Mars in Aries can be a very destructive, reactive energy, but if we channel it into some kind of project or enterprise, or use it to do things we didn’t even think we were capable of, then it can be incredibly constructive. This is a strong, brave, honest, forthright, energy that can really help us through these turbulent times if we allow it. It can help us to perform feats that we would normally run a mile from!

The Nodes of the Moon are being positively aspected by the Sun, Moon, Mercury and Mars during this Moon, which is very useful for our growth, both personally and collectively. We are currently being encouraged to let go of any unhealthy Sagittarius tendencies and integrate the energy of Gemini. This involves developing the capacity to really, truly listen to other people’s reality and to try and grasp their perspective rather than trying to convince and convert them to our version of the truth. With Jupiter, the ruler of Sagittarius, currently in Capricorn, there is the potential for people clinging desperately to their beliefs out of fear and being very intolerant and judgemental about any concepts, perspectives and beliefs that challenge their world view and sense of security. Indeed, humanity is becoming more and more polarised as time goes on, separated into “camps” by opposing belief systems and dogma.

With a lovely Grand Fire trine between the Sun/Moon/Mercury, Mars and the South Node of the Moon, we are encouraged to have the courage to open our minds and be able to accept other people’s point of view. It could also help us to find our voice and express what is in our hearts. When it comes down to it, the truth is very hard to find it the moment, but we do know it in our hearts if we are only able to listen and trust. The Gemini North Node also encourages us to do our own research rather than just accepting what we are being told is the truth by those in authority. Ultimately we need to integrate the energy of the two signs, which involves harnessing our capacity to trust our intuitive “sixth sense” and inner knowing truly listening to our inner voice (Sagittarius) and to find a way to make rational decisions based on a mixture of our hunches and thorough research(Gemini).

Neptune in Pisces is now forming a square to the Nodes of the Moon, which will be building over the coming months and is exact in January. To put it in historical perspective, the Titanic went down while Neptune was square the Nodes, and by all accounts things were not as they seemed during that event, as something larger was at play. This brings the possibility of us needing to sacrifice something for the greater whole, and for unified acts of empathy and compassion. Whenever Neptune is involved we have the potential for something to happen that is outside our control and that has an impact on us as a collective. As such, we must watch out for falling into victim consciousness. With Neptune square the Nodes in Sagittarius and Gemini, it makes it very difficult to know the truth. Neptune makes things very unclear and foggy, being the planet of illusion and smoke screens, so much so that it is hard to know what to believe. Indeed, the truth may be shrouded from us until we are ready to face it.

Neptune square the Nodes brings the potential for profound disillusionment as the smokes screens are lifted and the truth of the matter comes to conscious awareness. Disillusionment is sometimes necessary, although painful, if we have been unable to see past the illusion and fantasy. Indeed, sometimes the truth is so fantastical that it is hard to believe! However, there is also the potential for people to join together collectively, in unity, and demand to have a voice and know the truth. When it comes down to it, the power of the collective is incredible. When people join together as a unified front, amazing things can happen. One for all and all for one!

Possibly Neptune is asking us to turn inward and connect in a different way, honouring our intuition and inner guidance rather than blindly accepting what we are being told by those in authority. Spending time in nature is a very good way to reconnect to our higher wisdom and shut out all the opinions and thoughts that are swirling around nowadays. However, we may also be prone to self-delusion, only seeing what we want to see and burying our heads in the sand so that we don’t have to face up to reality and uncomfortable truths. Neptune is very adept at the art of escaping reality! It will also be interesting to see what impact this square to the Nodes has on travel, because we are already seeing less international travel (Sagittarius) and an emphasis on staying local (Gemini).

This Moon does seem to offer some hope, encouraging us to take what we have gained from crisis and the dark night of the soul and start to contemplate what might lie ahead. It is easy to fall into fear, especially when everything is so uncertain, but this Moon seems to be asking us to get creative with our intention setting and to truly follow our hearts. This is a chance to start over, a tabula rasa, a time to be empty and see what arises. The New Dawn image reminds us that we are somehow transitioning between the dark and the light, and it is time to move focus on the light rather than dwelling in the darkness. No matter what might be going on, and however scary, we are asked to change our perspective, keep the faith and focus on the potential for a “new dawn”. If there is any New Moon to set positive intentions and leave our fear and negativity behind in the dark of the moon, this is the one! Leo invites us to have fun and play with the possibilities that lie ahead, to envision and create the life we truly want and to follow the path of joy.

Painting – Ode to Turner No 2 – Terry Orletsky

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CANCER NEW MOON - 20 July 2020

7/18/2020

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Exact at 6.32pm BST, 1.32pm EDT

This is a once in a Blue Moon, as it is the second New Moon in Cancer within a month. Usually we only have one New Moon in an given sign per year, but it seems that we are being asked to spend a bit more time with the energy of Cancer this year! The last Cancer New Moon, on the Solstice, started an energetic ball rolling that came to a head with the Capricorn Full Moon on the 5th. At that time Mercury was Retrograde, causing us to look back and reflect, not to mention that misunderstandings were rife! Now Mercury is going direct again, and this Moon will also set a ball in motion as something new comes into being and anything that needs to pass away is left behind in the dark of the Moon. Cancer is all about home, childhood, family, ancestry, the past, nationhood, tribes, nurturing and motherhood. This is the sign that helps us to find our roots and a sense of belonging, whatever that means to us. This is the part of us that struggles with insecurity and neediness and must ultimately realise that happiness is an inside job. It is not the job of anyone or anything to make us feel secure and meet all of our emotional needs. Ultimately that is up to us.

Some questions to ask during a Cancer New Moon might be: Where is home? Is it an external place or a feeling inside of us? Where and how do we find a true sense of belonging? What emotions might the current situation bring up that need to be honoured and expressed? What causes us to feel insecure or vulnerable? What might be pulling us back into the past and preventing us from fully moving forward? Indeed, do we tend to live too much in the past? Who and what are we too dependent on to make us feel emotionally secure? Are we in touch with our true emotions and do we express them in a childish or mature manner? Are we connected to the land we live on? Are we able to parent ourselves and take responsibility for our own emotional reactions to other people’s actions? Who is our tribe, our soul family? Are we nurturing those relationships adequately? What messages might our emotions hold? When it comes to the truth of the matter, how do we really feel?

There is still a bit of a Capricorn party at the moment, which is very much a part of this New Moon, as the planets are opposite the Sun and Moon. In fact, Saturn is directly opposite and is a very strong influence, as not only is it the ruler of Capricorn but is also in it own sign of Capricorn right now! This could make us very aware of how we suppress our emotions and protect ourselves by putting walls up. Indeed, we could feel a bit cut off from others during this Moon, as we may have to contend with feelings of loneliness, grief, and sorrow. We could feel a bit weighed down, fearful or burdened and might tend to withdraw from one another somewhat. Saturn is quite a heavy, karmic energy that forces us to see things as they really are rather than how we would like them to be, and sometimes this can be a bit depressing. It can make it a bit hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Saturn energy can make us feel restricted, limited, controlled and constricted by those in authority.We may have to face up to the repercussions of past actions, as we reap what we sow. Saturn asks us to make concrete decisions, take responsibility for ourselves and make a deeper commitment, forcing us to be truly accountable and come from a place of integrity.

Jupiter and Pluto are also opposing the Sun and Moon, although not as tightly as Saturn, so their energy will be felt around the time of this Moon. Indeed, this conjunction is one of the most prominent themes of 2020, as it spans most of the year. It brings up huge issues around people’s beliefs, as people attempt to convince or convert others to their version of the truth, even though it is hard to really know what the truth is. Any opposing opinions are bringing up very strong emotions in some people, and there is so much judgement and fear based beliefs around that it is frightening. Fear can make people very reactive and rigid, and tends to contract the heart. It is so very important to do all we can to keep our hearts open and not to operate from a place of fear, as it is so destructive! Capricorn is the sign of control and authority, and when Pluto comes into contact with Jupiter there is the potential for propaganda and mind control by those in power who might have an ulterior motive and hidden agenda. When Pluto and Jupiter join forces the truth can be occluded, hidden, obscured.

There is also the capacity for some very thorough research, digging deep in the search for the truth. The gift of this combination is the capacity to smell a rat, to learn to really trust our sixth sense and our intuition. All is not as it seems, and Jupiter and Pluto can help us to see beneath the surface and find what is hidden there, even if it is not pretty. This is a year for purging some “programmed” or conditioned beliefs, which can be quite a painful yet profoundly transforming process. It is as if we are in a birth canal at the moment, which is quite a dark place to be! With the Sagittarius South Node also forming a “crisis” aspect to the Sun and Moon, there is definitely a sense of us needing to examine some of our more rigid or ingrained beliefs and convictions and to be open to a other peoples point of view and a new way of seeing things.

Saturn and Pluto are also moving back towards each other, as Saturn is retrograde in Capricorn, having recently left Aquarius for a little while. The conjunction between these two powerful planets back in January was the catalyst for the destruction of systems and structures, both personal and societal. There is a sense that systems that are deeply flawed or no longer have integrity are being broken beyond repair. We have been forced to dive deep into our own shadows and also to recognise the deeper, darker aspects of the power structures that govern us. Fear based control has been rife this year, and it will be interesting to see what happens as the planet of karma, control, authority and structure comes back to meet the planet of power, death/rebirth, the underworld and transformation. They will not form an exact conjunction, as they did on 12 January, but will come closest to each other on 29 September, and the energy will be building up until then.

During this New Moon we have an exact “square off” between Chiron in Aries and Mercury in Cancer. This could cause us to come to some understanding and have realisations that are quite painful but also profoundly healing. We may be forced to be very honest with ourselves and to realise where the source of our current pain lies, which could have its roots in childhood and even past lives. Indeed, there is a huge amount to be learned from history, as we tend to keep making the same mistakes over and over again as patterns repeat. Someone may say something to us that hurts us or triggers our old wounds and causes us to react or become defensive. Indeed, we may do the same to someone else. There is much healing possible here, but it may involve having to have a difficult conversation or come to a painful realisation. Mercury is in Cancer, so the focus may be our home, family, our country, roots, childhood or sense of belonging. This all ties in with the nature of this New Moon, which is intensely personal.

The Sabian Symbol for this New Moon, the energy of which will play out over the coming month, is in 29° Cancer: “A Greek Muse weighing new-born twins in golden scales”, which Dane Rudyar describes as “The intuitive weighing of alternatives…..at this stage in the process of individualisation two ways are open. The individual person may hesitate before making his decision. His “intuition” (the Muse) is able to show him what the choice is. Perhaps there can be a way of combining the two alternatives. But, as the next symbol implies, the one which in the end has the greatest appeal may not be the “nature” way. This symbol reveals to us the pro and con operation of the mind when faced with a vital decision. Because it is the “Muse” that is doing the weighing, it is apparent that forces deeper or higher than the intellect are actually at work - the intuitive mind, or what Jung calls the “anima,” i.e. the psychic function which relates ego-consciousness to the collective Unconscious. What we see happening, at the very threshold of a new cycle, is an INNER PRESENTATION OF ALTERNATIVES”.

There is a sense that we may be faced with some kind a decision or choice in the coming month. This symbol also alludes to the extreme polarisation that we are currently experiencing in society, with so many different “camps”. How do we find balance between all of the “opposites”? Do we actually have to take a side and “choose”? How can we find a balance between our head and heart? We are encouraged to listen to our inner guidance to show us the way, which is reinforced by a harmonious sextile aspect between Jupiter and Neptune, bringing the gift of faith and intuition. As Rudyar says, maybe we can combine the two alternatives somehow. The scales could also mean weighing up alternative points of view.

The Sabian symbol for Saturn is also interesting, at 29° Capricorn, and could help somehow: “A woman reading tea leaves”, which Rudyar describes as “The ability to see the signature of hidden meaning in every occurrence drawing one’s attention. Man has always sought to interpret the meaning of events or situations which baffle him in terms of specific omens or “Signatures.” What is implied is the ability not only to perceive the facts of everyday existence, but to see through these facts and discover how they are related to the realm of basic meanings or archetypal processes. This is essentially what is meant by true CLAIRVOYANCE, the capacity to see in everything the Signature of deeper realities.” This symbol asks us that we have the potential for receiving messages if we are open to seeing the signs. It is important to use both our left and right brain, and trust in our intuitive knowing and any clues and symbolism that can help us to know which way to turn. The signs are all around us if we can only open our eyes to see.

The Sun is about to take us into creative, self-expressive, playful Leo season, but for some reason we are being asked to stay with the theme of Cancer for a little while longer, hence a second New Moon in this sensitive, emotional sign. Saturn’s involvement may force us to take responsibility and make a decision or deeper commitment to something. It certainly seems that we may be asked to weigh up some alternatives, which is where Cancer can help, as it encourages us to recognise what emotions come up when we talk about whatever we are facing. Our emotions hold the key. Our body is wiser than our mind, which can easily play tricks on us, and our emotions can reveal the truth of the matter, because they don’t lie.

Much Love

Amy
xoxo

Painting: Reading Tea Leaves by Harry Herman Roseland

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CANCER NEW MOON / ANNULAR SOLAR ECLIPSE / SOLSTICE - 21 June 2020

6/18/2020

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Exact at 7.41am BST.

Well, it is not often that we have a New Moon and Eclipse and the Solstice all in one day! This feels very significant indeed, especially in the light of all that is happening in the world right now. An Annular Solar Eclipse is otherwise known as a Ring of Fire, which must have seemed like a sign from the gods in times gone by! Indeed, it has lost none of its magic now as it is a truly magnificent sight, symbolising a significant shift in consciousness and the beginning of a new chapter. This is like the mother of all New Moons, as we are starting a new cycle, setting a ball in motion that will have an impact on the next 6 months, culminating with the Eclipses in November/December. What do we need to leave behind in the dark of the moon and what energetic seeds do we wish to sow for the coming cycle? This Eclipse cycle also has a resonance with the Cancer New Moon 19 years ago, on 21 June 2001. This is the next phase of a 19 year Nodal cycle.

The Sun and Moon have literally just moved into the very first degree of Cancer, where they are forming their monthly union. This takes the emphasis from the mental, communicative busyness of Gemini to the emotional, nurturing energy of Cancer. This is the sign of the home, family, childhood, emotional patterns, ancestral roots, nationhood, motherhood. This is the sign that helps us to find a sense of belonging and connects us to certain places which may or may not be the country we were born in. Cancer asks us to find a way to meet our emotional needs, but when it is out of balance can make us incredibly needy and insecure, reverting to childish behaviour in order to get our needs met. This is the sign of national pride, with a great emphasis on finding our “tribe”, which may be our family and country or origin, but may also be our soul family that we have found along the way. It is possible that the emphasis of this Moon may be on contemplating where home is and where we belong. Times like these certainly make us more aware of who is in our soul tribe, that’s for sure!

The Sabian Symbol for this New Moon/Eclipse is very interesting, at 1° Cancer: “On a ship the sailors lower an old flag and raise a new one”, which Dane Rudyar describes as “ A radical change of allegiance exteriorised in a symbolical act: a point of no return. On the “ship” which symbolises the ego-consciousness floating on the sea of the vast Unconscious, the individualised will makes a basic decision. The “collective” will gradually overcomes the “individual” and at the end the state will overpower the person. Now, however, the individual person enjoys his most glorious hour; he exults in this ability to make a “free decision” – i.e. to act as an individual who selects his life goal and his allegiance. His consciousness accepts a process of fundamental REORIENTATION, implying the stabilisation of his energies”.

This symbol is profound, as it feels like a turning point and a big shift, on top of the energy of the Eclipse. There is a sense of a change in where we place our loyalties, and a feeling that what came before is no longer relevant. What this flag represents may be different for each of us, but it could be seen as our ideals, hopes or even our beliefs. Something may happen that there is no coming back from, both personally and collectively. It is important to note that this symbol sets the tone for the next 6 months, so it will have far reaching impact and consequences. It brings the feeling that things will be very different for all of us after this period of time is over. We may be called to make profound changes that we couldn’t have foreseen, but which are absolutely necessary given the present circumstances. We may be asked to make a choice, a decision, a symbolic act that shows everyone where we stand. No sitting on the fence. Which flag shall we be flying? What do we stand for? What do we believe? What needs to be left behind in the “old world”? What old habits and patterns are simply not relevant anymore? The significance of this symbol will reveal itself no doubt, in the coming months, as the old world passes away and we move towards the new one, in whatever form it may take. However, it does seem as if we are asked to make a choice about which reality we wish to live in.

Usually an Eclipse involves the Sun and Moon being in the same sign that the Nodes are in, but not in this case. The Nodes are very close indeed, but they have recently moved from the Cancer/Capricorn axis into the Gemini/Sagittarius axis. This is the axis of truth and lies, of travel, of beliefs and opinions versus facts and data. We are being asked to keep an open mind right now, as we may find that some deeply ingrained beliefs about life could be blown out of the water. We are asked to listen to one another and to do some research in order to better inform ourselves about what is really going on in this world of ours right now. With the ruler of the Sagittarius South Node in Capricorn right now, there are many who are in fear, defending their rigidly held beliefs as if they are a matter of life and death. In fact, there is some down-right bullying going on as people attack others for having an opposing point of view that challenges their world view. It is important to recognise when we are being triggered into an angry or irrational response and to question why this might be. Why might we be so unwilling to accept that there might be another point of view? What fears prevent us from hearing other people’s opinions and beliefs?

We are currently being encouraged to use our Gemini “street smarts” and to look behind the curtain, questioning the narrative that we are being told and allowing our Capricornian conditioned and “programmed” beliefs to be challenged and broken down. This is a very important period in history when it is essential that we open our minds and do the necessary research to inform ourselves so that we can make the right choices moving forward. Gemini also invites us to find our voice and speak our truth, whatever that might be. If people don’t agree with whatever we have to say then so be it! However, we all have a right to speak our version of the truth and to be heard and listened to (or ignored!) instead of being attacked, judged or ridiculed. We should not need to be afraid of simply trying to voice an opinion or giving an alternative to the prevailing narrative. If we open our minds and give up the need to be right then we might learn something! As Einstein said, “The measure of intelligence is the ability to change”, while George Bernard Shaw said “Those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything”.

Jupiter and Pluto are building up to their second conjunction in Capricorn, which will be exact on 30 June, and are being joined by Pallas Athena, the goddess who is very adept at the art of military strategy and is known for her creative intelligence. The last time these three joined forces was at the beginning of April, when pandemic pandemonium was at its worst and fear was spreading like the plague. Indeed, Jupiter can certainly magnify our fears and with Pluto can make us believe that we are under threat and our lives are in danger. It can also mean that our beliefs become a matter of life and death, taking on a far greater intensity and bringing out the very worst and most ugly parts of ourselves. There is also a sense, with Pallas involved, of some very clever strategy being employed for manipulation of the truth, propaganda and mind control. Pluto is the planet of power and is very adept at the art of psychological manipulation and hypnosis, so there is the potential for us to be convinced that something is “truth” when it is in fact very far from it. Capricorn is the sign of authority and control and represents our societal conditioning, so there is much potential for authoritarian control through the use of incredibly clever techniques that convince us to believe things that promote division and fear and that bring out the very worst in us.

However, this combo also brings the potential for a profound Plutonian transformation of our belief systems. In fact, all that we have been conditioned or “programmed” to believe is real and true could come crashing to the ground like a house of cards. This could be a painful process, but could also be profoundly liberating and enlightening. The truth shall set you free! Pluto is the detective in us that encourages us to dig deep beneath the surface of reality and find whatever is lurking there. What we find may be shocking, dark and disillusioning, but also has the potential to open our eyes and expand our minds. Jupiter and Pluto will have joined forces three times by the end of this year, by which time what we believed to be true about all things Capricorn, such as authority, government, society and those in control, could be completely and utterly transformed. Pluto is currently taking us through a process of exposing the rot, corruption and any hidden agendas within the power structures that rule us, and what is uncovered has the potential to radically shake up our world view and open our minds to the truth of the matter. We just have to be brave enough to keep an open mind, think for ourselves and to be willing to look under the proverbial carpet and behind the curtain.

Which takes us to the ruler of Capricorn, Saturn, who is now back in the very first degree of Aquarius, having recently gone retrograde. Saturn is forming an inconjunct “crisis” aspect to the Sun and Moon, so it is a significant player in this Moon/Eclipse. Saturn went into Aquarius on 21 March and is going to go back into Capricorn on 2 July until 17 December, when it will go back into Aquarius. While Saturn has been in Aquarius we have had the curbing of our freedom via lockdown, those in authority preventing us from meeting in groups, social distancing, an increase of virtual reality, the censorship of any alternative viewpoints, the increased usage of technology to track, trace and control, suppression of civil rights and liberties and in recent times, while Saturn has been retrograde, rioting and civil unrest.

It is important to remember that Saturn rules Capricorn, where Pluto, Pallas and Jupiter are joining forces right now. This brings the capacity for mind control and manipulation by those in power that then feeds into Saturn in Aquarius, bringing the civil unrest and even greater division than we already had before this. This is the old age strategy of Divide and Rule. People are fighting each other over their beliefs and emphasising their differences rather than recognising the need to come together to fight for something much bigger - the future of humanity. To come together in order to create the world we want our children to live in rather than the dystopian reality that could potentially be looming. To take our power back and stop being blindly led by those corrupted by greed and power who no longer have our best interests at heart. To question any rules that simply don’t make sense. To take responsibility for a “New Normal” that feels healthy and free and equal and just and more in line with the natural rhythms. Lockdown has given many of us a change of perspective on the way we want to live our lives, so maybe it is time to “hoist a new flag”. As the structures crumble we have a chance to create, from the bottom up, a true democracy whereby we all take responsibility for making the world a better place to live.

It will be interesting to see what will happen when Saturn and Jupiter join forces in this same degree of Aquarius in December, exact on the 21st, which is the next Solstice! What will have happened in the 6 months between now and then? What choices will we have made? How will life look different? The Sabian symbol for the degree where Saturn is now and where Saturn and Jupiter will be on the Solstice is: “An old adobe mission in California” which Dane Rudyar describes as “The power inherent in all great human works to endure far beyond the workers’ life spans… While the zodiacal sign Capricorn begins with a symbol of social-political power, Aquarius, at its start, presents a more spiritualised and idealistic or creative picture of the social forces at work. Moreover, it stresses the enduring character human achievements ensouled by a great vision. At least within the frame of reference of our Western civilisation, the symbol speaks of the projection of a noble ideal into concrete forms of beauty and significance, thus of the radiation of the “civilising” power into an institution offering, to primitive men, the opportunity to reach a higher, more organised and productive, level of activity. It speaks to us of THE CONCRETISATION OF AN IDEAL.” This feels like we have an opportunity here to create a new world, so it is important that we all take responsibility for the kind of world we envision in our dreams, rather than our nightmares!

One last thing of note. Mars, the warrior planet, is about to go into its own sign, Aries, where it will remain for the rest of the year.This will happen on 28 June. Usually Mars is only in a sign for a month or two, but Mars will go retrograde in September, so it will be there fr 6 months. Mars in Aries is raw, unfiltered anger, honesty, aggression, impulsiveness, forcefulness, enthusiasm, bravery, act first, think later. This combination could certainly bring out the fighting spirit, and fires that could literally and metaphorically burn out of control. Tempers could flare and brute force and Martian aggression could be more prevalent. In the same token, this could help us to find our courage and the “fire up the arse” that we need to make choices, decisions and to take action where and how we need to. Mars is going to be forming a challenging square aspect to Pluto and the other planets in the Capricorn party three times this year, due to going retrograde. The sign of authority and control going up against the planet and sign of anger, aggression and war.

Pluto and Mars will square off against each other in August, Sept/Oct and Dec/Jan, which has the potential to bring acts of brute force by those in authority and could also bring up rage against those in power and anger as we face some very uncomfortable truths. This combo could also bring psychological warfare. It could also bring the courage and power to overcome some huge obstacles and perform feats that we would never have thought possible! During this Moon Mars is still in Pisces and is forming a square to the Nodes of the Moon, which also highlights the Martian energy of anger and aggression, especially around people’s beliefs and opinions. How is anger playing out in our lives? Who and what is triggering our anger right now, and why might that be?

These are certainly unprecedented times and this is no ordinary Moon! Indeed, this next 6 months could be quite pivotal. The Sabian symbol certainly seems to indicate so! As ever, we must not forget Neptune in Pisces, the planet reminds us that we are not separate and that ultimately we are all consciousness in different bodies and having different earthly experiences. Neptune reminds us to treat one another with kindness and compassion and to remember that what happens to one happens to all. This is not an abstract concept - it is real. We are going through a massive collective shift right now and this Eclipse season is the next phase in this process. Many are extremely vulnerable, scared, and starved for touch right now, and that does strange things to the psyche. So we must be gentle with one another.

This Cancer Moon reminds us to take care of each other and also to admit when we need help or can’t cope. Neptune reminds us that we are all simply souls living in very uncertain times right now, and we are bound to have a wobble or two. Spending time in nature is essential in times like these, as it can centre, ground and reconnect us when we are feeling overwhelmed or fearful. Fear contracts the heart and causes us to act and react in crazy ways, so it is very important to find ways to reconnect to the love that is innate within all of us. Neptune is the planet of unity. United we stand, divided we fall. Never has this statement been more pertinent than now.

Much Love

Amy
xoxo

Picture: Annular Solar Eclipse - Unknown source

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GEMINI NEW MOON - 22 May 2020

5/19/2020

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Exact at 8.38pm GMT, 3.38 EST

There is quite a lot happening during this New Moon, not to mention a considerable amount of planetary activity in curious, communicative and adaptable Gemini. Indeed, the planet of the mind and communication itself, Mercury, is also in Gemini, its own sign. Whenever Gemini is prominent we tend to experience an increase in mental activity and social interaction, as well as the potential for information overload! Gemini rules the media and often during Gemini season we are often exposed to so much information that it’s hard to tell the wood from the trees. The energy of Gemini, the twins, can also bring duplicity and even outright lies. As such, it may be hard to know what to believe at the moment, not to mention that there are so many differing points of view being offered that it could be overwhelming. This is not helped during this moon by Mercury forming a challenging square aspect to Neptune, the planet of illusion, fantasy and smoke screens. This means that the potential for fake news and propaganda is rife, so that it’s hard to know what is real and what is not. One of Gemini’s superpowers, however, is collecting facts and data, and so maybe this is what will save the day. As long at the data itself is correct, that is!

Mercury, the ruler of this Moon, is sitting right next to retrograde Venus in exactly the same degree of Gemini, which definitely increases the potential for more social interaction and communication. Venus is the planet of love and beauty, and as she is currently going “backwards” we are being encouraged to re-assess, review and reflect upon the way are are relating to and communicating with one another. We are living in unprecedented times, and there is a huge amount of fear around, as people’s survival issues are being severely triggered. Fear tends to close the heart and can cause people to act and react harshly and even turn on one another. Retrograde Venus combining with Mercury asks us to reconsider how we are communicating with one another and remember to be kind, loving and considerate to one another’s feelings.

Neptune is also challenging Venus and Mercury, which could make it harder to think and communicate clearly and could also make us considerably more sensitive and thin-skinned than usual. Neptune challenges us to “walk a mile in someone else’s moccasins” and to approach one another with love, empathy, compassion and consideration for one another’s vulnerabilities during this time. This could also be a time for us to take our heads out of the proverbial sand and wake up to what really happening, beyond the illusion. Are things as they really seem? Do we need to change some of our beliefs? Should we simply believe everything we are told? It is time to look behind the curtain and burst the bubble of fantasy? What are we not able or willing to hear? What do we need to say but are not saying?

The Sabian symbol for this conjunction of Venus and Mercury, at 21° Gemini, is: “A tumultuous labour demonstration”, which Dane Rudyar describes as “The revolutionary impact of mental concepts upon the collective emotions and desires of man.” and “The repressed or oppressed instincts stage an emotional outburst, claiming their due.” This symbol brings a sense of people who have been opressed joining to protest against injustices. It also hints at the need to come together and raise voices in order to be heard by those in charge. Neptune, which is squaring Mercury right now, represents the collective consciousness, and this symbol certainly reminds us that the power of the collective should never be underestimated, especially when there is a need to speak out over issues that are too important to ignore.

With all the divisiveness and polarisation that is occurring at the moment between people with their opposing views and beliefs and propensity for turning on one another, Neptune, the planet of unity and oneness, reminds us that we are all souls having the human experience. It is so important to remember that even if we have different opinions or beliefs, we all ultimately want the best and are trying to find the truth. This is a time to come together, not fall apart. United we stand, divided we fall! Neptune is also the planet of unconditional love and sacrifice; the part of ourselves that is willing to open our hearts and do the right thing, even if we have to give something up on a personal level. In aspect to Mercury, maybe we are being challenged to speak our truth, from our heart, even if that feels like a risk.

Saturn and Pallas Athena are currently joining forces in Aquarius and have both just started going retrograde. They are also both forming a harmonious trine aspect to the Sun and Moon in Gemini. With Saturn now going “backwards”, having been in Aquarius since 22 March, we now get to look back and take a look at the implications and ramifications of what has happened since then. This is a good opportunity to gain more understanding of what happens when people’s freedom and liberty is inhibited and they are unable to mix with other people or gather in a group, or protest, or worship, or be with their loved ones when they are sick or dying. Is it possible to reconsider certain realities that we have recently found ourselves facing, including the virtual reality that has become the norm in recent times? Saturn in Aquarius also brings the potential for authoritarian control through the use of technology, the reality of which might be worth some consideration. What kind of a world are we headed for? Can we have a rethink?!

It is interesting to note that since Saturn has gone retrograde people have joined together all over the world to protest and voice their concern about the current situation. Saturn retrograde has also coincided with an easing of the lockdown in most countries in the world. This is an opportunity for a re-assessment of the whole situation, as Saturn goes back over the ground it has already covered since February. It will be interesting to see what happens when Saturn leaves Aquarius and goes back into karmic Capricorn on 1 July, and also when it goes back into Aquarius on 17 December. Are we going to have more of the same, or will we have managed to shift the energy into a higher vibration by then?Ultimately we are all being asked to be accountable and responsible (Saturn) for creating a vision of a better future (Aquarius) and also for questioning the status quo. It is time to become really clear on what kind of a world we want to live in and to do whatever we can to make it so.

There is the potential, while Pallas Athena, the warrior goddess known for her sharp creative intelligence and capacity for military strategy, is in Aquarius, for people to come up with some ingenious and unusual solutions to the problems we are currently facing. Pallas Athena in Aquarius brings the potential for shrewdly intelligent and well-planned revolutionary action to defend humanitarian causes and well organised grass roots protests. However, as she is also with Saturn, the planet of authority and control, there could also be some master strategists at work coming up with ways to gain greater control and to counteract those who question and voice their dissent. And with Pallas Athena involved it could be very clever indeed. Pallas Athena will be in Aquarius until 3 June, when she will go back into Capricorn, the sign of government, authority, judgement and control. Hopefully she will harness the best of Capricorn, which is discipline, structure, good judgement and, above all, integrity.

Mars in Pisces is forming a challenging aspect to the Sun and Moon. Indeed, Mars and the Sun will be in this face-off with one another until mid June. This could potentially be calling for the divine masculine to rise within each of us. Mars is the warrior and represents our drive, courage, motivation, energy, desire and capacity to fight or assert ourselves. Mars in Pisces is quite gentle and more likely to be passive aggressive than overtly aggressive. We are asked to find greater empathy, compassion and acceptance of one another and to put our own desires aside for the sake of something bigger than ourselves.We are asked to find our sacred warrior who is able to listen to and act on intuition and spiritual guidance and is willing to stand up for the weak and the vulnerable and fight for our ideals and for the collective. The danger of Mars being in this gentle, compassionate and sensitive sign is that people may act and react in indirect or covert ways that could blind side us. However, this could help people to be less reactive and to be kinder, more tolerant and accepting of each other and better able to listen to one another’s point of view. There are many paths to the same destination.

The Sabian Symbol for Mars, at 7° Pisces, is “Illumined by a shaft of light, a large cross lies on rocks surrounded by sea mist” which Dane Rudyar describes as: “The spiritual blessing which strengthens individuals who, happen what may, stand uncompromisingly for their own truth. Men who do not depend upon collective values, tradition or support but seek at any cost to be true to their individual self and destiny almost inevitably face some kind of crucifixion. They are sustained only by the power within them, to which a light above answers. The symbol tells us: “Be true to thine own self, and in the midst of the outer confusion displayed by those surrounding you, you will realise what you really are as an individual – a son of God.” This symbol implies the supreme worth of a life guided by an inner voice and manifesting a high degree of self-assertion.” This symbol is a reminder to keep the faith, to trust our own intuition and guidance and to be brave enough to act on it, no matter what the cost and no matter what we might have to sacrifice.

There certainly is a lot of interesting planetary energy around right now! It seems that the overall message is that while we may have an overwhelming amount of information and disinformation being passed around right now, so much so that it is hard to know where the truth is, we need to trust our inner knowing. How do we actually feel inside our bodies when we see certain people speak or hear certain views and information? Who and what do we intuitively trust, despite our own belief system? Gemini encourages us to open our minds and allow ourselves to be open to differing points of view rather than burying our heads in the sand or rabidly defending our own beliefs. Gemini also invites us to research and collect information and data so that we can better inform ourselves. It is possible that we may need to completely change the way we actually think about the world. Above all, however, we are reminded to keep our hearts open so that we are kinder, more accepting and better able to “hear” each other, and also able to step up and do what we know in our hearts is the right thing to do. This New Moon may be prompting us to find the courage to put our fears aside and be true to ourselves, finding our voice in true Gemini style and speaking up even if it means facing “crucifixion”. However, hopefully it won’t come to that. Love shall prevail.

Much Love

Amy
xoxo

Artwork: Beyond Illusion, from Osho Zen Tarot deck. I went on to look at the description of this card and found it to be very apt, so I thought I would share:

The butterfly in this card represents the outer, that which is constantly moving and that which is not real but an illusion. Behind the butterfly is the face of consciousness, looking inward to that which is eternal. The space between the two eyes has opened, revealing the lotus of spiritual unfoldment and the rising sun of awareness. Through the rising of the inner sun, meditation is born.

The card reminds us not to look outside for what is real, but to look within. When we focus on externals, we too often get caught up in judgments--this is good, this is bad, I want this, I don't want that. These judgments keep us trapped in our illusions, our sleepiness, our old habits and patterns. Drop your opinionated mind, and move inside. There, you can relax into your own deepest truth, where the difference between dreams and reality is already known.

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TAURUS NEW MOON - 23 April 2020

4/19/2020

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Exact at 3.25am GMT.

There is the potential for this New Moon to bring some kind of curve ball that takes us by surprise and wakes us up. Uranus, the Great Awakener, the Revolutionary, the Harbinger of Change, is sitting right next to the Sun and Moon in Taurus, bringing the potential for us to have a slightly unsettling or shocking experience or realisation in order to wake us up to something that we have been unable to see before. Uranus is the planet that liberates us from our conditioning and helps us to undo any limiting programming , enabling us to see beyond consensus reality and question whatever we might usually simply accept from society and those in authority. Uranus invites us to take a step back from the mainstream and look at whatever is going on for us from a different perspective. Sometimes it takes a bit of a shock or a jolt to wake us up and see things differently. Sometimes things have to break down in order for us to recognise the need for another way of doing things.

The Sun and Moon are forming their monthly cosmic union in the earthy, sensual and practical sign of Taurus. New Moons represent the beginning of a monthly cycle, setting the tone for the month ahead and planting energetic seeds that will come to fruition as the Moon becomes full. Taurus represents our values; what holds meaning for us, our sense of self-worth and the capacity to attract what we need in order to survive and flourish. It is also the sign that represents Mother Earth and her capacity to provide and keep us safe. When our inner Taurus is in balance, we know that we will always have what we need and that somehow we will be taken care of, no matter what comes our way. However, when our survival is threatened it is easy to go into fear and retract into ourselves in order to create a feeling of safety and security. This New Moon could be a good time to set some positive intentions around money and survival, sending out prayers or affirmations that we will all be safe and protected. This is a perfect time to set intentions for a beautiful, abundant, flourishing earth where everyone is provided for.

Uranus will be in Taurus for 7 years, from 2018 until 2025. It has the capacity to completely revolutionise the financial system, forcing us to somehow think outside of the box and look at issues around finance, values and security from an alternative and unorthodox perspective. Is it possible to approach earning a living in a completely different way? Taurus likes to play safe and can be quite possessive, while Uranus doesn’t know the meaning of the word. Wherever we are stuck or limited, Uranus seeks to shake things up and help us to envision another way that we may not have been able to see before. Uranus is the innovator, the inventor, the visionary, the planet that has the capacity to brings sudden events that force us to step outside of the box. While the Taurus part of ourselves can get quite attached to that which we consider to be “mine”, even to the point of hoarding, Uranus seeks to undo that programming and overhaul our value system. However, in order to do so, this unpredictable, maverick planet in Taurus, the sign of finance, survival and security can bring about a tremendous amount of insecurity and throw the financial system into complete disarray, as we are now seeing.

It is interesting to note that the last time Uranus was in Taurus was between 1934 and 1941, during the Great Depression. There is the potential for us to witness a complete overhaul of the financial system world-wide, as Uranus tends to bring about breakdown that then leads to some kind of breakthrough or new vision. Sometimes things have to break down completely in order for something new to be born. We can only hope that whatever comes out of this will be fair and just and serve humanity as a whole.

With Pluto in Capricorn, helping to expose the flaws and corruption within the “system”, there is the potential for anything in the current system that is rotten or broken to pass away so that something more appropriate can take its place. We are currently experiencing a kind of death and rebirth of the power structures and, indeed, the structure of our lives. As humanity pauses and steps off the hamster wheel we are experiencing a shift in perspective in terms of how we would actually like to live our lives. We are better able to see the flaws in the system as we know it. The hope is that whatever rises up out of the ashes will be something much better than we have experienced up until now. This is a good time for us to truly harness the power of Uranus in Taurus to envision and invent a new Earth based on the principles of equality, liberty and brother/sisterhood. What kind of world do we want to live in? What needs to change to make that happen?

Saturn in Aquarius is also forming a challenging aspect to the Sun and Moon. This adds another dimension to the story, especially as Uranus rules Aquarius. Saturn is the planet of authority, control, limitation and reality. It is possible that the extremity of the limitations and control of our Aquarian freedom and liberties that we are currently experiencing could cause people to question and somehow “wake up” to the reality of what is happening. The more freedom that is stripped away in the name of goodwill, the more suppressed and uneasy people could feel. Saturn in aspect to the Sun and Moon can literally bring depression, and a sense of somehow being held down, controlled, squashed or suppressed. Saturn in Aquarius can also show us the “reality” of the technology that is becoming more and more prevalent as time goes on, in terms of how it can be used as a form of authoritarian control as well as the affect it can have on our health.

Saturn in Aquarius does not feel very comfortable, as Saturn constricts and controls while Aquarius represents our right to question, to protest, not to mention our freedom and civil liberties. Aquarius is the rebel, the revolutionary, the sign that questions the status quo and the rules and guidelines that we are given. Saturn, the planet of government and authority, is currently suppressing, restricting and controlling all things Aquarius. However, we can also look at Saturn in Aquarius in another way. Saturn asks us to step up to the plate, to become more accountable, to take responsibility for the Aquarius part of ourselves that has the capacity to question the “rules”, to step back from consensus reality and see what is really going on, to stand up for our rights as human beings and to kick back against authority. Instead of blindly giving our power away, we are asked to harness the power of Mars in Aquarius and be brave enough to think for ourselves and decide what kind of world we want to live in. It is our responsibility as parents and citizens of the world not to blindly accept everything we are told by the mainstream and to take our power back and actually take responsibility for the kind of world we want our children to live in.

Venus, the ruler of the New Moon, is currently in Gemini, helping us to share information, ideas thoughts and opinions with one another. Right now all we have is our communication, as we are separated from one another! Venus is forming a harmonious trine with Mars in Aquarius all month long, which is very helpful for our relationships and also brings the potential for us to use the information we receive to question the status quo. There are already people being brave enough to stand up to any authority figures who they have discovered to be corrupt and to blow the whistle on any untoward agendas which do not have our best interests at heart. Information is flying every which way and with Mercury in brave and forthright Aries there is the potential for people to find the courage to bring anything out into the open that is important for us all to be aware of. Mercury in Aries could also mean that people are very assertive, forceful and possibly even angry in their interactions and so there could be disagreements and arguments over beliefs and opinions.However, Mercury in Aries can help people have the courage to be honest and expose the truth of the matter. Independent thinking is encouraged!

On 25 and 26 April, Mercury in Aries will square Jupiter and Pluto in Capricorn, at the same time as the Sun reaches its exact conjunction with Uranus in Taurus. Mercury square Pluto brings the potential for delving beneath the surface and bringing out anything that might be hidden in the shadows, anything that has been brushed beneath the proverbial carpet. What we find might not be comfortable! It is possible for people to speak out and expose the rot, having the courage to look deeper and gain some understanding of any agendas that do not have our best interests at heart. This combination can bring paranoia, mind games and power plays, whereby people try to convince or convert others to their version of the truth. In the same token, Mercury forming a square to the waning Pluto/Jupiter conjunction in Capricorn can mean that the mind becomes overwhelmed with fear, or that our right to think independently and speak the truth is somehow thwarted, manipulated or controlled.

At the same time, the Sun and Uranus conjunction, exact on 26 April, brings the possibility for some kind of wake up call, epiphany, realisation, revelation or sudden event that can be quite unsettling or destabilising and cause us to question the status quo. This can bring out the rebel and revolutionary in us all and help us to step out of our programming and the conditioned tendency to be part of the herd and blindly accept authority. Those of us with personal planets or angles around 6 degrees of Taurus, Leo, Scorpio and Aquarius may feel this energy most acutely.

The Sabian symbol for this conjunction is very interesting “The woman of Samaria at the ancestral well.” which Dane Rudyar describes as “The meeting of the traditional past and of the creative spirit pointing to the future. Early in his ministry, Jesus meets a Samaritan woman at an ancestral well. This woman belongs to a tribe despised by the Jews; moreover, she is unmarried and therefore on the fringe of even her own society. It is to just that kind of woman that Jesus reveals that he is the Messiah: “I am He,” a revelation that he apparently will not bestow even upon his disciples, at least not in words. What does this mean? Jesus, as the Avatar incorporating the Christ-Impulse, came to replace the old tribal order with a new order based on universal Love. It is not to representatives of, or even to men still attached to, the old order that Jesus could reveal his spiritual, evolutionary and society-transforming status; they had instead to reach a point where they could discover his avatar-ship – as did Peter just before the Transfiguration scene. But to the woman of Samaria – who, in her openness to love’s urgings, had already repudiated any narrow subservience to the old order – Jesus could reveal his function. The highest meets the lowest when this lowest is free from traditional bonds and open to love. The creative future descends first to that which has become chaos. An old order is never open to a new Revelation until it has accepted disorder in the name of that Power which subsumes all forms of order, i.e. Love” A new order based on Love!

This is where Neptune in Pisces comes in. Neptune reminds us to always act from a place of empathy and compassion. There is so much suffering in the world right now, and so many people in need of help, support, understanding, love and guidance. It is so important to keep our hearts open and to remember to be kind and aware of one others’ feelings at every moment. Everybody is struggling in one way or another and now, more than ever before, we have the potential to really understand the concept of unity and the sense that we are all in this together. Neptune dissolves barriers, which on the one hand helps us to come together in unity, as a collective, while on the other hand can lower our immunity and make us feel more vulnerable. In time of crisis we often feel the urge to reach out and seek comfort and guidance from the Divine, and so spending time in prayer or meditation can be very helpful indeed. Neptune in Pisces can also help us to use our imaginations to dream up a new world for us to inhabit. Together we must dream a new Gaia into being. It is important to remain aware of what is going on, while also keeping the faith that ultimately the light will prevail over the shadows. And we must never, ever, underestimate the power of the collective.

The Sabian symbol for this New Moon, at 4° Taurus, is “The pot of gold at the end of the rainbow” A very hopeful symbol indeed, that Dane Rudyar describes as “Riches that come from linking the celestial and the earthly nature. In all mythologies it expresses, in one way or another, a linking process – or bridge used by divine beings to communicate with mortals.” Rainbows are considered a bridge to the divine, and this symbol brings such hope that at the end of all of this there is a pot of gold to be found. What that pot of gold represents may be different for all of us, but this symbol certainly brings a sense of hope and reminds us to keep connecting to spirit and keeping the faith that this is a necessary process that will bear some beautiful fruits in the end.

Much Love

Amy
xoxo

Artwork by Tierra Mitica

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ARIES NEW MOON - 24 March 2020

3/21/2020

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Exact at 9.28am GMT

I apologise in advance for the length of this post, but there is so much going on right now, and it all feels very important!

This is the first New Moon of the astrological new year, as the Sun and Moon are now in Aries, the very first sign of the zodiac. This the ultimate New Moon, a time of new beginning, symbolising the start of a new chapter of development. It certainly feels as if this is the beginning of something big, as we are very much in uncharted territory, in a place we have never been before, facing challenges that we couldn’t have even imagined up a few months ago. There is a sense of this being the beginning of a new world, with all the uncertainty, curiosity and fear that comes along with facing something that we have never come across before.

Aries is the trailblazer, the pioneer that is brave enough to venture into places others may shy away from in terror. This is an impulsive sign that isn’t afraid to start things, although the follow through can sometimes leave something to be desired! Aries is a sign that struggles with anger on one level or another and can be quite aggressive. Ares is the Greek God of War, representing the violent and untamed aspect of war. Pallas Athene, on the other hand, represents miltary strategy and generalship and, interestingly enough, she is currently in Capricorn, the sign representing, government, society, authority and power structures. Not only that, but she is in exactly the same degree of Capricorn as the Saturn Pluto conjunction of 11 January, which many awaited with curiosity and dread because Pluto represents power and transformation while Saturn represents control, karma and authority. A powerful blend of planetary energy! Both planets represent endings and a death of sorts, and in Capricorn it seems that we could indeed be about to experience the collapse of society as we know it. We, as a civilisation, are currently reaping what we have sown.

Pluto has slowly but surely been exposing the rot within our governing structures since moving into Capricorn in 2008 (which, interestingly enough coincided with the a global economic crash), and has been slowly but surely making us all too aware of just how dark the obsession with greed and power can and has become. Pluto is the planet of death and rebirth, so it has always had the potential, before it moves into Aquarius in January 2024, to bring some kind of a “death” or purification of government, society, the power structures and, indeed, the structures of our own lives, so that something better can take its place. It brings the potential for some kind of societal rebirth - a purification process. The question for a while now has been “But how will this actually happen?” Combine this with Uranus in Taurus, which holds the potential for some kind of a financial revolution and a massive shift in values, plus the need for a radical change in the way we approach the ecological crisis we are facing, and it is clear that something needed to happen. But what? What was not clear was what form this death and rebirth would take, and how the financial system and our values could actually change so radically.

What is perfectly clear is that the obsession with “success”, money and power has reached a peak in our society and has taken us away from what really matters in life. The rich get richer and the poor get poorer, and this is the way it has been for centuries. Consumerism is rife, as is the desire for success. The rat race is a hamster wheel that is very hard to get off of. The Nodes of the Moon have been in Capricorn and Cancer since November 2018, where they will remain until the beginning of June this year, and have been trying to push us, both personally and collectively, away from the darker side of Capricorn towards the energy of Cancer. Now we have Chiron the Wounded Healer in fast moving, pioneering, aggressive Aries forming a square to the Nodes, which is literally forcing us towards the Cancer North Node and making us take care of each other, stay at home, focus on community, leave the rat race behind, drop the striving for success, working so hard and nurture ourselves.

This virus, as symbolised by Chiron in Aries, the “violent and untamed aspect of war”, is an aggressive and virulent virus that is literally being labelled as a “war against humanity”. No matter where it came from (and there are so many theories being thrown around at the moment), this virus is forcing people to remember what really matters. People are coming together, despite any physical distance, and coming up with imaginative and innovative ways to help one another get through this. People are offering their services from free. Governments are forced to admit that they are vulnerable and don’t have the answers. The rich and poor alike are experiencing the impact of this - no-one is exempt. It is an equaliser, a great leveller. Finally, just before the Nodes leave Capricorn and Cancer, humanity are really, truly learning that “getting ahead in life” and “keeping up with the Jones” and accumulating wealth, working crazy hours and not seeing family, and being “successful” in the outer world is not actually what it’s all about.

And it is scary. And it is ok to admit that. The Capricorn part of ourselves may try to suppress these feelings, or do something to distract ourselves, or pretend we have everything under control while even judging others for the way they are handling their fear. The Cancer North Node encourages us to simply feel the fear, to own it, to admit it, and by so doing we are not pushing it away but allowing it to just be. This can help take its power away. It is human nature to feel fear in the face of the unknown, especially something of this magnitude. How we respond to the fear is something else altogether.

There are so many things happening that could make us feel fearful at the moment, and with Jupiter and Pluto coming together this week we could experience a magnification of fear as well as a feeling that the problem is spiralling way beyond our control. Jupiter is the largest planet - the planet of excess! All sorts of things could get blown out of all proportion. Not to mention that there are so many opinions and beliefs being thrown around that we have absolutely no idea what the truth is anymore. There are also so many theories around regarding the origin of and reason for the virus that also have the potential to bring up fear and paranoia. Jupiter and Pluto in Capricorn also bring the potential for people being extremely self-righteous and sanctimonious, not to mention incredibly judgemental. We really need to watch ourselves right now and be careful of what we say and also who we listen to and believe. This conjunction will be exact on 5 April, but the energy has been building all week. Jupiter can make everything much more extreme, including the widespread panic that is rife at the moment.

Naming it and admitting our fear and letting go of control can allow tears to fall and grief to surface instead of being “rigid with fear”, or acting and reacting with anger, or putting up walls and shutting others out. Showing our vulnerability can also allow others to help so that we can all come up with solutions and comfort each other. We are all in this together! Fear is in the collective right now, there is no doubt about it. This situation has the potential to really show up people’s discomfort around illness and bring up anger that blocks compassion. This situation could definitely bring our shadows to the surface, as we see the best and the worst in ourselves and each other, not to mention making our not so pretty coping patterns and conditioning very obvious indeed! However, there is the potential for enormous growth if we allow it. It can be very powerful to look fear squarely in the face and peer into our own shadows. We are experiencing a powerful shift in consciousness right now. However, change and growth can be extremely uncomfortable and even painful.

This is where Neptune in Pisces comes in. Neptune is in its own sign, reminding us that we are all in this together in a very tangible way. Neptune knows nothing about boundaries between people or countries anyway, as essentially we are all the same - rich, poor, black, white, Muslim, Christian. This situation that we are facing has the potential to be profoundly unifying, as all the countries of the world and their citizens are facing exactly the same problem. It can bring a greater sense of empathy and compassion for others, providing that we don’t allow fear to cloud it. This situation certainly has an equalising quality to it. It also brings an opportunity for a giant pause for humanity. The imposed or self-imposed isolation brings the potential for turning inward and spending more time meditating and praying or doing mantras to help the earth and humanity. As we have less distraction we are forced to spend time in quiet and solitude, not to mention that crisis can literally bring us to our knees as we ask for help and guidance in this time of need. And this is not a time to be selfish or self-serving. All for one and one for all. We are being asked to act with consideration for everyone.

Of course, Neptune in Pisces is not without its pitfalls. It can also cause us to want to “numb out” and escape reality, which can take many forms, including losing ourselves in television, movies, drugs and alcohol, reading novels, sleeping too much or endless hours of computer games - there are many different ways we can “exit stage left” and go into La La Land! Which is all absolutely fine and completely understandable, but if taken to the extreme could also be a waste of an opportunity to step up our spiritual game and really work through whatever is coming up for us. Isolation can make one feel a bit unhinged, especially if we are not used to being alone and are used to having a lot of interaction and distractions in our life. Neptune can literally blur the boundaries between reality and fantasy, making everything very unclear and confusing. Indeed, it is hard to know what is real and what is illusion at the moment, as Neptune is the king of smoke screens. However, we also have an opportunity to use our imaginations in very creative ways to help one another and to dream up a better future.It really is possible that a profound and global awakening could come from all of this.

With Uranus, the Great Awakener in Taurus, the sign of Mother Earth, this could bring a huge wake up call regarding our values and our attitude towards this beautiful planet we live on.This could be seen as Nature’s rebellion; a revolt against humanity and our terrible treatment of this planet, enforcing the changes that are needed to slow the ecological crisis that we are facing. If we won’t do it voluntarily then Gaia will make it happen anyway! As human beings slow down and stop travelling, the Mother Earth heaves a huge sigh of relief! This is showing itself everywhere, as skies clear and nature ventures back into the empty spaces left by humans. Not to mention the fact that nature herself can offer solace and the ultimate “chill pill” during this time, for those who are still able to take advantage of it. It is the best antidote for stress that there is.

In the meantime, Saturn has just moved into Aquarius. This represents an energetic shift. Saturn tends to shine the harsh light of reality onto the sign that he is in and also bring a sense of limitation and some profound lessons. Aquarius is the rebel, the revolutionary, the humanitarian, representing brother/sisterhood, liberty and equality. On the one hand, we could be called to take responsibility for our sisters and brothers and really understand what it means to be a citizen of the world. It is a time to truly be accountable in terms of making this world a better place to live in. On the other hand we could find our liberties and the right to rebel/revolt are somehow squashed or limited by those in authority. Lessons around equality could come up as those in control are forced to act in ways which take into account the rights of everyone rather than favouring the rich. However, this could go the other way as our freedom is somehow curtailed or squashed by those in authority. We are moving into the age of Aquarius, and Saturn could show us the reality of what this all means. Are we moving towards utopia or dystopia? All shall be revealed in due time. And possibly it is all a question of attitude.

One thing that is interesting to note is that some of the current astrology is very similar to 9/11, which was a time when the whole world changed completely. Pluto was opposite Saturn then, while they are conjunct now, so this could be a continuation of what started then - another phase. The Nodes were also in Capricorn and Cancer, which is interesting considering that the situation then also made people more nationalistic and travel more challenging. It also brought about extreme paranioa and a closing of borders, not to mention heightened control. During this New Moon we have Pallas Athena (military strategy), Jupiter (beliefs, magnification), Pluto (Power/transformation) and Mars (anger, war, aggression) all joined together in Capricorn, the sign of society, control, fear, authority, government.This is quite a party! On a personal level it brings the potential for rage, fear and feelings of powerlessness to come up, as well as the death/rebirth of the way our lives are structured. Not to mention that it is hard to know what to believe! We do have a chance to powerfully transform ourselves at this time, there is no doubt about it. It also brings the potential for the power structures and those in authority coming up with strategies to gain a greater sense of control. They may also need to use force (Mars) to enforce this control.

The Sun, Moon and Chiron the Wounded Healer are all sitting together in Aries for this Moon, so Chiron is very much the focus. This is no surprise whatsoever, given that the very Chirotic corona virus is the biggest focus in the minds of the whole world right now! The New Moon is in 4° Aries, and the Sabian Symbol is very interesting and also quite comforting: “ A triangle with wings.”, which Dane Rudyar describes as “The capacity for self-transcending. This is the symbol for the desire to reach a higher level of existence, of pure aspiration or devotion, of bhakti. The principle of “levitation” is seen as one of the two essential factors in evolution. The emergent being glorifies and deifies it, but it is still only an ideal. At this stage, nevertheless, the whole being experiences a childlike longing for its eventual realisation. A NEW DIMENSION of being is envisioned mobilising creative endeavours.”

This is a beautiful, incredibly “uplifting” symbol, which brings the sense that we can utilise the situation we now find ourselves in to rise above it all to a place of greater spiritual connection, inner peace and joy. This symbol brings the sense that all that is happening is ultimately for our greater good, helping us to purify our karma and find greater meaning in our lives, beyond the mundane, materialism, greed and striving for power. The triangle is the strongest shape, reminding us how strong and resilient we are. It represents mind, body and spirit, mother, father and child, past present and future, and is a very spiritual symbol indeed. The ancient Greeks saw it as a doorway. It might be useful to visualise a triangle with wings whenever we feel the fear rising in us, as a reminder.We have a chance here to find a greater sense of connection, peace, compassion and Love than we have ever known before.It is up to us to make the most of this time, this giant collective pause, and remember what is most important. It is so important to be incredibly mindful of how we act and react. May love, not fear, prevail.

Much Love

Amy
xoxo

Picture by Marino Peccinetti

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PISCES NEW MOON - 23 February 2020

2/20/2020

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Exact at 5.47pm GMT, 12.47pm EST

This New Moon has quite an energetic, exciting feel to it, as it is helped out by a harmonious trine between Mars and Uranus which can help us to have the motivation and courage to release ourselves from stifling or stuck situations or patterns of behaviour. Indeed, Mars is rather a big player in this Moon, so it is possible that we are currently being called to step into our sacred warrior energy and stand up for ourselves. In the meantime, however, the Sun and Moon have just moved into spiritual Pisces as well as Mercury being retrograde in Pisces, so we can all benefit from turning inward and listening to the subtle whispers of our soul. This is a perfect Moon to open ourselves up to guidance, meditating and tuning into spirit so that we allow ourselves to be shown the way. As we move towards the New Moon on Sunday we are invited to rest in the dark of the moon and reflect on what we might need to leave behind us so that we can start anew.

Pisces is the last sign of the zodiac and we are also in the final phase of the moon, so this is a very Piscean time! Pisces energy dissolves any barriers within us that might prevent direct contact with spirit. As such, this Moon has the potential to make us feel quite sensitive, as if our skin is somehow a bit thinner than usual. Pisces is the part of us that feels compassion and empathy for one another and, indeed, all of creation. We are reminded that we are not separate beings, but rather we are all connected by a giant invisible web. What happens to one affects us all. Pisces also teaches us acceptance, which is truly a gift. As such, this Moon could be a very good opportunity to contemplate upon whatever we might be struggling with in our lives and see if we can reach a state of acceptance of what is. There are some things that we find challenging either within ourselves, other people or the world, and while it may be hard to forgive, we at least have it within our power to accept “that which we cannot change”. This can bring a greater sense of peace and serenity that makes it easier to cope.

Pisces also represents the act of surrender. Many of us have had that moment in our lives when we have literally had enough. We are at the end of our tether, with nowhere else to turn. At that moment we give up, let go, we surrender, we “crack open”. It is the moment when we give ourselves up to something larger than ourselves and admit that we can’t do it on our own. We might fall on our knees and “pray”, surrendering to forces larger than ourselves, reaching out to whoever and whatever might be out there to help, hold and guide us. In that moment of darkness, when we have lost all hope, we crack open and allow the light in. This Moon could be a reminder to tap into that force, surrendering our will and allowing ourselves to be guided to wherever we need to go and whatever we need to do next. This Moon invites us to let go and allow ourselves to simply go with the flow of the river instead of fighting it. The path of least resistance!

Mercury is currently retrograde in Pisces, which really is a perfect opportunity to allow our rational,analytical, logical, conscious minds to take a break and to tap into the subtle realms. Forcing ourselves to focus too hard on the mundane, nitty gritty details could be a fruitless exercise with the planet of the mind and communication going backwards in intuitive, imaginative, dreamy Pisces! There is the potential for overwhelm if we push ourselves too hard, so it might be good to allow time for meditation, reflection and giving our minds a bit of a rest. Pisces can be a bit confusing at times, as it is hard to know what is real and not real. Our imaginations can run wild, and all in the wrong direction at times!

Mercury Retrograde is known for bringing miscommunication and misunderstandings, and in Pisces it could become downright confusing! This is a perfect time for reflection, retrospection, review, re-visiting; anything that involves going back and looking over things. It is quite possible that our blind spots could be revealed during this time, as anything we may have pushed into the back of our unconscious may pop back up to remind us that it is there and still needs dealing with, rather than pretending that everything is perfect and rosy. Mercury went retrograde on Monday 17 February and will turn direct on 10 March.

Mars and Uranus are helping out during this Moon, as they are working well with each other, and not only harmoniously aspecting the Sun and Moon but also the Nodes of the Moon, which makes it very significant in terms of our soul growth and evolution. The combination of Mars and Uranus could help us have the courage to revolutionise our lives and release ourselves from any stagnant ruts we may have fallen into. We are less likely to just “put up with” situations that are unhelpful or unhealthy. Mars is also sitting right on top of the South Node in Capricorn, and so we might be called to recognise any unhelpful habits, patterns or conditioning around Mars issues such as anger, how we assert or stand up for ourselves and our attitude to authority and the “system”. Do we control our natural impulses and suppress our anger and rage, or is anger something that need to harness in a healthier way? What messages have we received around anger, sexuality and assertion?

With Uranus in Taurus, which is calling us to make rise up and find solutions for the ecological crisis we are facing, aspecting Mars in Capricorn, the sign of government, the patriarchy and societal structures, are we being called to find our righteous anger and stand up to “the system”, demanding action? Are we being asked to find our courage and motivation to make the changes we know must happen? With Mars on the South Node, are we being shown how history is repeating itself? Mars in Capricorn could bring out the aggressive side of those in authority. Indeed, it could bring up our anger AT those authority figures! There are already five celestial bodies in Capricorn, including Pallas Athena, and now the warrior planet has been added to the mix! This could definitely heat things up, as it brings the potential for some strong battles and anger to come to the fore in the world arena.

Mars in Capricorn calls for us to act with integrity and also to have the courage to step out of our conditioning and embrace the Cancer North Node. The Cancer North Node is calling us forward, teaching us to express our emotions instead of repressing them, to ask for help when we need it instead of feeling like we have to have it all under control. It takes courage to be vulnerable, and Mars is here to assist with that. It is hard to unravel our conditioned responses and try something else on for size, but the help is here at the moment for us to do exactly that. However, we may become all too aware of our old habits and tendencies, especially within the realm of anger, assertion, sexuality and having the courage to express our needs.

Chiron the Wounded Healer is also forming a challenging square aspect to Mars and the Nodes of the Moon, which is significant indeed. It is interesting to note that Chiron has been forming a square to the Nodes of the Moon during the coronavirus outbreak, highlighting Capricorn South Node issues around hard control, boundaries, barriers, suppression, government, judgement, intolerance and prejudice. The square between Chiron and Mars is exact on Friday 21 February and is particularly potent because Chiron is also in Aries, the sign ruled by Mars. It is a call for courage and action. This combination could call for us to be really honest about our core wounds, as they could be brought to the surface in no uncertain way.

Who and what are we angry at? Do we repress this anger or do we have a healthy outlet for it? What still needs healing within us? Are we dealing with unresolved trauma around violence or sexual abuse? What might we need to stand up for in our lives? How good are we at expressing our needs? What is our conditioning around anger and assertion – do we direct it outwards in a destructive way or turn it inwards in a self-destructive way? Who and what do we need to forgive? How might we take a more active approach in our healing process? How might our repressed anger, both personally and collectively, be showing up in the physical realms, in the form of illness, for instance? This is a very good opportunity to look into our relationship with all things Mars related. It seems like this is important work right now.

There is definitely an emphasis on all things Pisces during this Moon, encouraging us to find a greater acceptance of what is and to turn inward, allowing spirit to guide us. This is an ideal time to meditate, spend time in nature and to nourish our spirits. However, this is set against a backdrop of a plethora of Capricorn energy, which is very different energy from Pisces! Pisces is boundless and knows no barriers, while Capricorn is structure itself, and is that part of us that can be judgemental and needs to feel like we are in control. Indeed, an excess or distortion of Capricorn can be very controlling indeed and bring about repression and suppression of natural emotions and instincts. Pisces encourages us to simply surrender and let go of this illusion of control, allowing ourselves to be swept along with the natural flow of the river. It reminds us to have compassion for all beings, including those who it is easy to judge as being “evil”, “bad” or “wrong”. They all have something to teach us, and when we hate the only person we are really hurting is ourselves. The most important message of a Pisces Moon, however, is to find compassion for ourselves.

“There is a crack in everything
That's how the light gets in”

Leonard Cohen

Much Love

Amy
xoxo

Painting: Spirit of the Night - John Atkinson Grimshaw

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AQUARIUS NEW MOON - 24 January 2020

1/21/2020

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Exact at 9.42pm GMT!

This New Moon has a slightly lighter, liberating feeling to it in contrast to the heavy nature of the past couple of moons with their preponderance of Capricorn energy. It is also the beginning of the year of the Yang Metal Rat on 25 Jan, which feels very much like a new start as the Rat is the first animal in the Chinese zodiac. This could be a year to use the force of Yang Metal and really get things done! There is a certain cunning ruthlessness to this combination but also a feeling of no nonsense and “enough is enough”! This might help us to draw a line in the sand with our “swords”, creating better boundaries, and to strategise a better way forward for ourselves. The Rat is quite a clever and resourceful creature who managed to be the first in the zodiac by sitting on the hard working Ox’s back on the way to see Buddha and then jumping off at the last minute, thereby pipping the Ox to the post. We might need to keep our wits about us this year and be clever with whatever resources we have at our disposal. A little can go a long way, as the Rat clearly shows us! We are invited to work with what comes naturally to us to create the new beginning that this year promises.

And now we have a creative, visionary Aquarius New Moon to start us off! Aquarius energy is a reaction to the dutiful, responsible, authoritarian energy of Capricorn, as this is the sign of the rule breaker, the rebel, the revolutionary! During this New Moon, which is a time of new beginnings, we have the Sun, Moon and Mercury all residing in Aquarius, which gives us the chance to take a step back and see everything a bit more objectively. Aquarius helps us to see outside of the box and liberate ourselves from the heavy conditioning that we have been subjected to in our lifetime. We are invited to break out of the mould. Aquarius can help us to be objective and envision another way of doing things, releasing ourselves from the weight of the past and writing a new story for ourselves. Aquarius is a bright, visionary, humanitarian sign that can help us to come up with some left field, ingenious solutions to problems that are too old and heavy to carry anymore.

We still have Jupiter, Saturn, Pluto, Ceres and the South Node in Capricorn, so the Capricorn party certainly isn’t over yet, as the slower moving planets spend a long time in each sign. Pluto will finally leave Capricorn in 2024, having been there since 2008, during which time we will have been exposed to the dark underbelly of all things Capricorn, such as our governments, political structures, the patriarchy, corporations and “the system”. The Saturn Pluto conjunction, which peaked on 12 January, is still very prevalent, albeit the energy is gradually starting to wane. This has brought a very heavy dose of reality to whatever area of life that the conjunction is found in our charts, and has certainly highlighted issues around power, control, corruption, as well as showing us just how destructive and divisive fear can be.

The Nodes of the Moon have another four months left in the Cancer Capricorn axis, which emphasises issues around our conditioning patterns, where home is, our work/life balance, patriarchal versus matriarchal values, control versus vulnerability, and government versus grassroots movements and community. This energy has been prevalent since November 2018 and will end in June this year. As such, we only have a little more time to work on the issues brought up by Capricorn and Cancer, the Father and the Mother. And this is important work! One of the big lessons of this Nodal combination is recognising when we are reacting from fear. Capricorn is that part of us that tends to withdraw or put up the walls when we are upset, fearful or overwhelmed. The Capricorn part of ourselves may tend to suppress emotions, keeping it all tightly under control and reacting with old, outworn patterns that come from the conditioning we received from the authority figures in our lives.

However, Cancer invites us to let down our walls and dare to admit that we are scared and need help. It takes a certain amount of bravery to actually share our fears and allow ourselves to be vulnerable. It takes great strength to relinquish control, let down the walls and admit that we don’t have all the answers. We have been taught to believe that vulnerability is somehow negative or weak, when really it actually requires great inner strength and can greatly help our relationships and lives. Showing how we really feel gives us a far greater chance for resolution of conflict than holding it all in and pushing each other away.

This Moon can help us undo some of that conditioning, loosening the knot and liberating ourselves from some of the more entrenched patterns that tend to sabotage us. We have the opportunity to harness the energy of Aquarius in order to step back and see ourselves more objectively so that we can choose another way. It is so easy to remain stuck in old, familiar patterns that don’t actually serve us anymore, but the energy of this Moon can help bust us out, helping us to write a new story altogether. We have just come out of Eclipse season, which signifies a new chapter starting, and now we have this hopeful, visionary, pattern busting energy of an Aquarian New Moon to help us to break out of our bondage and start fresh. This sign stands for Liberty, Equality and Brother/Sisterhood. It is time to break the rules and to somehow find ways to navigate the system.

Uranus, the ruler of this Aquarius New Moon, is also forming a dynamic square aspect to the Sun and Moon. The challenging energy of the square can create sudden upheavals, unexpected curveballs and events or situations that seem to force change upon us. However, as unpredictable and potentially unsettling is this energy may be, it can also be incredibly liberating, causing us to somehow “wake up” and see the way out of our comfortable ruts, recognising where and how we may be stuck or stagnating. Uranus helps us to break the rules and find who we really are versus the version or ourselves that we have been taught to present to the world in order to somehow “fit in” and not rock the boat. Uranus helps us to stand up to authority, to question any rules that quite simply don’t make sense to us and to recognise exactly what need to change and why. This is the Great Awakener, so whatever happens during this time could help us to wake up liberate ourselves from the chains that bind us, both personally and collectively. Anyone who has personal planets or angles between 0 and 4 degrees of a sign, especially Taurus, Leo, Aquarius and Scorpio, will be feeling this energy most acutely.

During this Moon the cosmic lovers, Venus and Mars will be squaring off against each other, potentially causing some friction in our relationships. Passions could run high and any problems that might have been simmering could now come to the foreground to be dealt with. However, ultimately this could help to clear the air and get things out into the open so that we can see the truth of the matter, and combined with the Uranus and Aquarius energy we have the chance to liberate ourselves from old ways of relating that might actually be doing us harm and/or sabotaging our relationships. It is time to write a new story and throw out the rulebook. The old way doesn’t exist anymore.

The good news is that Venus is currently in Pisces and is also joining forces with Pisces’ ruler Neptune, so we have the potential for relating to one another in an empathetic, compassionate, kind and loving way that leaves our egos out of the picture. This combination is a recipe for unconditional love, whereby we put the wellbeing of the relationship itself first, over and above our own needs and wishes. However, Neptune can also cause us to be somewhat vague, elusive and even deceitful about our feelings, leading to confusion, mixed messages and even disillusionment. This energy peaks on Monday 27 Jan, so it will be building during the New Moon and the weekend. Anybody with personal planets or angles between 14 and 18 degrees of a sign, especially Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces, will feel this energy the most.

The Sabian symbol for this New Moon, at 5° Aquarius, is: “A council of ancestors is seen implementing the efforts of a young leader”, which Dane Rudyar describes as: “Every individual is far more dependent upon the strength of his ancestors’ achievements – or oppressed by their failures and lack of vision – than he usually believes. This can mean a hidden foundation of individual strength, or the inertia of a tradition unable to transcend its limited origins.” This symbol speaks for itself, really, as we are both helped and hindered by the past. On the one hand, history and the elders can aid us with the wisdom of the tried and tested, not to mention learning from history. On the other hand the old way, with all its conservatism and stuckness can hold us back as we walk towards the new order. However, this symbol gives the sense that the ancestors are on our side, helping the young leader to move forward and make the changes that we so desperately need at this time. The key is to learn from the past and tap into the wisdom of our roots but to ultimately forge our own path, unique to us alone.

Change is in the air during this Moon, that’s for sure! This is an ideal opportunity to focus on breaking out of any stuck, limiting patterns, learning from the past while striding towards a new way of being. We have a chance to liberate ourselves from oppression and suppression, whether internally in the form of our old conditioned patterns or externally in the form of situations or relationships. Or more likely both! We may experience a bit of a shock as we “wake up” to what needs to change, but ultimately this Moon holds the promise of a breath of fresh air to blow away some cobwebs. Things may feel a bit uncertain, unsettled and even unstable, but at least we know we’re alive! This Moon can certainly help us to find new solutions to old problems and to envision a better way to move forward. Aquarius invites us to take a step back and look at things with new eyes. There is always a way forward that we might not have been able to see previously. It all depends on our perspective!

Much Love

Amy
xoxo

Picture: Set Me Free by Mahyat Tehrany

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LIBRA NEW MOON - 16 October 2020

VIRGO NEW MOON - 17 September 2020

LEO NEW MOON - 19 August 2020

CANCER NEW MOON - 20 July 2020

CANCER NEW MOON / ANNULAR SOLAR ECLIPSE / SOLSTICE - 21 June 2020

GEMINI NEW MOON - 22 May 2020

TAURUS NEW MOON - 23 April 2020

ARIES NEW MOON - 24 March 2020

PISCES NEW MOON - 23 February 2020

AQUARIUS NEW MOON - 24 January 2020

Amy Bird

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