Moon in Aquarius Moving into Pisces

The Moon steps to the beat of a different drummer through the late degrees of Aquarius today, continuing her cool-headed approach to the big changes coming our way this summer. This is a time for feeling our way into big plans, broad-range thinking, community organizing, and innovative technologies. An odd place for the Moon, perhaps, but neuroscience shows that memory is linked to emotion: For the revolution to find a place in our minds, we must have feelings about it.

The Moon's final aspect is a conjunction with Neptune (exact at 6:04pm EDT), adding focus to the inconjunct between Neptune in Aquarius and Saturn in Virgo. The forces of dreams, feelings and visions (Neptune and the Moon) are envisioning on a large scale, and impatient with Saturn's insistence on details and practicality.

Then the Moon goes void of course, releasing thoughts and plans in a dream-filled reverie on her way to Pisces. Emerging into Pisces at 9:11pm EDT, she immediately joins Chiron the wounded healer while sending some edgy energy (semisextile) to Uranus and Jupiter in Aries.

This combination of Aries fire and Pisces water could signal a potent window for healing, if we remember that sometimes Chiron shows us where healing is needed by activating our wounds. If this evening brings feelings of sensitivity and wounding, see this as an opportunity for change in the direction of healing, and work with the Moon and Chiron to help this happen.

Moon in Aquarius Today

This is the Moon's time in Aquarius, not the easiest place for the Moon to be. The Moon is dreamy and emotional, and Aquarius is organized and rational. And yet, she moves through this innovative, trickster space each lunar month, guiding our hearts through the dance of energies.

In the wee hours of the morning, already past by the time you read this, the Aquarius Moon was the point person in an interesting yod. Aquarius has no problems with being the point of focus, so let's look at who's involved in this intriguing aspect.

A yod is an aspect that looks like narrow triangle, in which planets sharing energy in sextile across the bottom are each making inconjunct angles-of-adjustment to the planet at the apex. The apex becomes a point of destiny, where attention needs to be paid to balance the inconjunct energies coming from each side.

Across the bottom of this yod, we have the Sun, Mercury, and the South Node, all in Cancer ... a concentration of nurturing, protectiveness, tradition and (generally speaking) resistance to change. On the other side at the bottom, we find Mars in Virgo, careful, analytical, and pragmatic ... ready to change what needs to be changed, but moving forward with practical care.

And both side point to the Moon in Aquarius, that awkward combination of emotional intensity and rational coolness, deep connection with the past and revolutionary commitment to the future, that this combination represents.

How is this yod to be resolved?

One approach is to look straight down the triangle, to see what is between the corners at the bottom. And there we see Venus, force of relationship and creativity, in passionate, playful, expressive Leo. The Aquarius Moon will oppose Venus exactly at 6:15pm EDT.

The opposition and the yod combine to remind us that our relationships and our creative expressions are both vital in this time of change. As we move into the future at what feels like increasing speed, we can best know what to bring and what to release by being attentive to the quality of our relationships, and by connecting with our creative visions and expressing them.

Moon in Capricorn Moving into Aquarius

As the Moon approaches the end of Capricorn, she again reaches the clustered planets in the very late and early degrees. At 5:55am EDT, she flows energy with Saturn, her Capricorn Earth easily in tune with Saturn in pragmatic Virgo. Maybe they're exchanging a high five for work well done.

An edgier flow (semisextile) happens at the same time with Neptune in Aquarius, as Neptune and Saturn are inconjunct (adjustment needed!) ... the planet of dreams and visions is on a different wavelength than the traditional Earth signs.

Then the Moon slips into her void of course time, resting and gearing up for her entry into energetic, forward-thinking Aquarius at 8:53am EDT. Her key aspects are flowing sextiles with the change-agent twins, Uranus (exact at 10:01am) and Jupiter (exact at 1:42pm) in action-oriented Aries.

The Moon is waning now, sharing with the world whatever has grown during the waxing phase. At this time, you may begin to see the fruits of any seeds you planted at the New Moon.

The Aquarius Moon welcomes change, comfortable with the new, the radical and the unusual. The next few days may bring unexpected results from your New Moon wishes ... not quite what you had in mind, but still recognizably what you asked for.

Where this Aquarius Moon touches your chart will show how you might accept a new approach. But whether change is challenging or second nature, this thinking-outside-the-box window can help us keep an open mind and see our lives from another angle.

Moon in Capricorn Today

At 3:20am EDT, the pragmatic Capricorn Moon will make an inconjunct angle of adjustment with Venus in dramatically creative Leo … not a comfortable place for either. But that is the only Moon aspect, allowing Capricornian determination to carry on unimpeded.

Today let's imagine the Capricorn Moon working steadily to unearth the influence of yesterday's Full Moon Eclipse in Capricorn, part of a Grand Cross that included Mercury, Pluto, Saturn, Uranus and Jupiter. I ask you to join me in this imagining because I learned something awesome yesterday that I'm dying to tell you about.

So, I'm driving, listening to the Sounds True podcast of publisher Tami Simon's interview with Alex Theory, talking about sound and healing. Alex has created (among other things) four CDs that offer intriguing soundscapes (I'm not sure you'd call them music, exactly) based on the four elements, which he names light, air, water and earth.

The Earth CD is built around exact harmonic resonances of the sound of the Earth herself. Yep, the Earth makes a sound. It's called the Schumann resonance, named for Winfried Otto Schumann who predicted its existence in the 1950's, and it's been confirmed by satellites in space. The Schumann resonance is a very, very low, steady tone (7.83 Hz). We can't hear it, but we do feel it.

The awesome part is how the tone is created, but first, let me back up a little.

The Cardinal T-Square we're experiencing this summer is a Uranus-Jupiter conjunction in Aries opposing Saturn soon to be in Libra, both squared by Pluto in Capricorn. Its core is a push for radical change (Uranus-Jupiter in Aries), against an intense holding on to things-as-they-are (Saturn), as Pluto reveals the deep structure of life as we know it while asking for transformative, initiatory change.

Saturn and Pluto are both associated with Earth: Saturn rules Capricorn, Pluto is in Capricorn, and Pluto rules everything underground. Uranus is associated with revolutionary, immediate change … in the Tarot, Uranus is associated with The Tower, which typically shows bolts of lightning striking a collapsing tower. The flash of insight Uranus can bring is also often pictured as a bolt of lightning.

We're in the habit of thinking of the forces of radical change (lightning), and the forces of stability and tradition (earth), as fiercely and unalterably opposed … locked in a fight only one side can win. Consider this alternative image:

Scientists discovered that Gaia's tone, the sound the Earth sends out into space, is created and maintained by lightning. Every second of every day, somewhere on the face of our planet, lighting strikes. These bolts from the blue, repeated constantly and endlessly, maintain the sound of the Earth like touches from a wooden mallet to a singing bowl. The result is a standing harmonic wave, Gaia's humming.

This idea captivates me. It completely shifted my sense of scale … the Earth is much, much larger than any one lightning bolt, or any one storm. And while I may continue to dread the irruption of revolutionary change in my own life, there is something wonderful in knowing that the Earth's response to being struck by lightning is to sing.

Full Moon in Capricorn

The Moon is front and center today: the Full Moon in Capricorn is a partial lunar eclipse, in which the Moon is also tightly conjunct Pluto, and part of a Grand Cross also involving the Sun-Mercury conjunction, the Uranus-Jupiter conjunction, and Saturn. Oh, the Neptune-Chiron conjunction is also tied in, trining Sun-Mercury and sextiling Moon-Pluto.

As the G20 have their economic summit in Toronto, and planets are having a summit overhead. With Pluto, planet of wealth, in Capricorn, ruler of authority structures, we can expect intensity, scrutiny, and the possibility of seismic shifts.

Full Moons are very personal events as well, involving as they do the two luminaries, Sun and Moon, our yang and yin. How can we work with these really, really big energies?

With this Full Moon Grand Cross landing right on my Sun (0 Libra), and the Nodes of the Moon conjunct my Nodes, the question confronting me right now is, am I on my path, doing what I am meant to be doing? Am I walking my talk? Picture me stammering and shuffling my feet as I try to come up with good answers.

What I did come up with is a process, a way to dive into the examination of life and self this Full Moon Eclipse calls for. It's a set of focused questions for meditation that address each of the Big Planet energies in turn.

The process begins with me, and my birth chart. Where is this powerhouse configuration touching my chart? Which Houses, angles and planets are involved? What issues are front and center in my life right now? This tells me where I need to focus my attention.

Then, I turn to Saturn and ask, in a question from Caroline Casey's excellent Making the Gods Work for You, where is my authority? Am I grounded and centered in my own power? Or have I given it away to other people, to society, or to ideas and images? Have I taken power from others I need to give back? What do I need to do to stand strong in my own space?

Now I look to Uranus, hangin' with Jupiter in Aries, bein' the Trickster change agent. What needs to change in my life? Maybe change is happening anyway ... how do I need and want to respond?

Then I drift a while with Neptune, allowing a vision to emerge. In this time of change, what is the best future I can dream for myself? What images come to me as I allow myself to open to possibility?

Last but not least, I let go. Yes, Pluto is key to this configuration and will not be ignored. Pluto is death and rebirth, initiation, transformation. With Pluto, I push off from the shore, dive deep, and surrender; not the surrender of depair, but the surrender of emptiness, of beginner's mind, of the Tarot Fool at the beginning of the journey. I am grounded and centered, I am ready to change, I have received a vision ... let the alchemy begin!

Moon in Sagittarius Moving into Capricorn

For much of today, the Moon enjoys exploring Sagittarius, ready to welcome anyone she meets along the way, ready for lively conversations about philosophy and culture, ready to cook up (or order in) a big meal ... think of long tables under pergolas hung with summer vines, good company talking and laughing over wonderful food and flowing wine.

Important things are happening in the world, and the Sag Moon is well aware of them. She's not sticking her head in the sand, but why give way to immobilizing fear when the sky is bright and the abundance of the Earth surrounds us? Better to open our arms and embrace life!

By this evening, the Moon reaches the late degrees, where the big planets are hanging out. A challenge (square) to Saturn at 7:20pm EDT offers nose-to-the-grindstone Saturn a glass of sangria and an invitation to enjoy the sunset. Shortly thereafter (7:34pm), the Moon flows energy (trine) with Neptune-Chiron conjunction, opening the door to dreams, then goes void of course for an evening reverie.

At 10:22pm EDT, the Moon enters focused, determined Capricorn, clocking in for the night shift. Heading toward Saturday's Full Moon Eclipse, there's work to be done.

Now the Moon challenges the early degree planets: Squaring Uranus (exact at 11:26pm) and Jupiter (exact at 2:37am), opposing Mercury (exact at 1:42am), and joining Pluto (exact at 6:13am). A sextile to Chiron and Neptune keeps energy flowing for healing visions in the midst of these calls for change.

The Capricorn Moon buckles down and gets working, moving mountains if need be. This is the energy we need to prepare for the Full Moon Eclipse, another turning point in this summer's tumultuous ride. Here are some blog posts and articles to help:

April Elliott Kent starts us off on the right footing with The Upside of Eclipses.

Linda Hill offers a detailed and insightful look at the complex array of Sabian symbols associated with this Full Moon.

Moon Circles offers two articles, one by April Elliott Kent and one by Julia Bondi, on this Full Moon.

And although this last was written for the Scorpio Moon, Auntie Moon's exploration of Pluto is right on, and great groundwork for the intensity of the Full Moon's Moon-Pluto conjunction.

We each stand at a threshold, the path opening before us. May we be ready!

Moon in Sagittarius

Today's expansive and tolerant Sagittarius Moon brings the mojo we need to meet the challenging energies of a Grand Cross reaching its peak in the sky.

The Moon is moving away now from a challenge (square) to Mars in detail-oriented Virgo, reminding that planet of action to keep an eye on the big picture. She moves into an easy flow of energy (trine) with creative Venus in Leo (exact at 12:21pm EDT), keeping our hearts engaged and enthusiasm high as the winds of change swirl around us.

In this Grand Cross, the Cancer Sun, conjunct Mercury in late Gemini, completes the Cardinal Cross of heavy-hitting outer planets: Saturn (in late Virgo, so not quite cardinal yet, but still formidable), Pluto in determined Capricorn, and the Uranus-Jupiter conjunction in fiery Aries. With the Sun in this position, this cosmic pattern becomes up close and personal ... the Sun being our core self.

This is the same Grand Cross that the Moon will add her weight to, for Saturday's Full Moon in Capricorn, so beginning to grapple with its complex dynamic will help prepare us for another key point in the lunar cycle, and this amazing astrological time.

The Cardinal Cross signals a time of intense and sweeping change. Uranus, planet of revolution, coupled with Jupiter, planet of expansion, in Aries the spiritual warrior, pushes strongly through Saturn's traditional stance. This Aries fire can bring brilliant, innovative, fascinating solutions to our most pressing issues ... or the in-your-face challenge "we're as mad as hell and we're not going to take it any more!"

With deeply transformative Pluto squaring both sides, the only thing we know for sure is that fundamental changes are happening. In the structures of the outer world, and in our innermost core, tectonic shifts are underway. Sometimes it feels like the earth is shaking under our feet, sometimes it feels like we've just been handed a missing puzzle piece we've long searched for, sometimes both ... the earth moves, a bit breaks off, and we see exactly where it's meant to fit.

Today's Sagittarius Moon, in easy flow with Venus, opens a door for us. Sagittarius is philosophical, generous, optimistic, and enthusiastic. The Sag Moon experiences the universe as a fascinating place, where we're all on a grand adventure. Bilbo Baggins, that small Sagittarian wanderer, saw paths and roadways as rivers sweeping us into danger, yes, but also into marvels, wonders, and unimaginable treasure.

Today's the day to push off from the safe Cancerian shore of the familiar, into the deeper currents of our own transformative journeys.

Moon in Scorpio Moving into Sagittarius

After a night of depth and mystery (I'm remembering some rather odd dreams, how about you?), the Scorpio Moon reaches the late degrees, where many planets cluster. Repeating the pattern we've seen, the Moon today makes a number of complex aspects, activating patterns already in place among the slower-moving planets.

Where is the Scorpio Moon? She's now late enough in Cancer to be challenging (an inconjunct) the Cancer Sun, conjunct Mercury in Gemini ... picture Sun-Mercury sipping coffee over a morning of light, flowing chat about the right colors to paint the kitchen and the perfect recipe for blueberry pie, while the Scorpio Moon keeps asking about where Uncle Bill is and why cousin Mary never finished school.

The Scorpio Moon is flowing bright energy with stern Saturn in analytical Virgo, who is himself challenging Sun-Mercury to get busy and get something done, creating more discomfort with everything-is-just-fine-thank-you talk.

The Scorpio Moon is squaring the Neptune-Chiron conjunction in late Aquarius and early Pisces, as Saturn challenges Neptune-Chiron in an inconjunct. Again, an aspect giving us the uncomfortable reminder that healing and deep spirituality do not come from staying on the surface, or even staying in the light. Shadow issues must be acknowledged and healed, or they become boulders damming the stream of our creativity and health.

Last but not least, the Scorpio Moon is flowing energy to those fiery change agents, Uranus and Jupiter is early Aries. Perhaps she knows that revolutionary change inevitably uncovers Shadow. Uranus-Jupiter are opposing Saturn and squaring Sun-Mercury today, continuing the difficult but essential conversation about just how much sweeping change is needed, and what of our safe and familiar lives might remain the same.

But that's just this morning! After a few hours of intense dialogue, the Moon rests in a void-of-course period from about 11:30am to 2:15pm EDT. Siesta, anyone? Then, the Moon waltzes into generous, expansive Sagittarius, ready to get everyone together around the pool for a few drinks and some conversation she's sure will solve all problems.

One piece of today's aspects is a square between the Sun and Jupiter, an aspect that can signal a sense of inflation, the feeling we really can do anything. With the Sag Moon trining Jupiter this afternoon, that feeling could increase, so keep Saturn in mind, and turn any energy surges you feel into solid, steady work rather than grandiose ideas.

This afternoon's Moon mood is likely to be enthusiastic, inclusive, adventurous, and philosophical. If these last few days of Scorpio have been weighty ones, make it through lunch, and the universe may look bright and full of excitement again.

Moon in Scorpio

The Moon dives deep in Scorpio today, ready to explore what others signs prefer to avoid. With the Sun in tradition-loving Cancer, and the Moon flowing energy with the Nodes, Scorpio's focus is likely to be on exactly how and why we're tied to our past, and what that means for us.

The Nodes of the Moon are a karmic path in the sky, leading from the South Node, place of what we know and are already good at, to the North Node, where we need to develop new skills in this lifetime. The South Node is now in Cancer, trining the Moon. The North Node is in Capricorn, sextile the Moon.

Scorpio needs to understand, in the deepest way, in order to transform. Today's search may focus on things close to home: What are we clinging to that we can let go of? What is vital, and must be preserved? Where is our need for security keeping us safe and strong, and where is it holding us back?

The Water signs, wells of emotion, are strong today. As the Moon flows energy with the Nodes, the Cancer Sun trines Chiron the wounded healer in visionary Pisces. Feelings may emerge, deep feelings we can avoid, or embrace as part of our path of exploration.

These two quotes from T.S. Eliot's Little Gidding, last of The Four Quartets, capture for me the feeling of today's Scorpio Moon:

History may be servitude,
History may be freedom. See, now they vanish,
The faces and places, with the self which, as it could, loved them,
To become renewed, transfigured, in another pattern.

...

We shall not cease from exploration
And the end of all our exploring
Will be to arrive where we started
And know the place for the first time.

Summer Solstice, the Moon Transitions

As I write, the Sun is leaving bright butterfly Gemini for the comforts of home, entering the Moon's sign of Cancer, cardinal Water, sign of our search for security, family, tribe, and tradition. As Auntie Moon writes, today's a day to slow way down, rest in the arms of Mother Ocean, and celebrate the Sun's Dance.

Meanwhile, the Moon rests. She entered a void-of-course phase at 5:45am EDT. At 8:14am EDT, she enters Scorpio, sign of deep understanding and transformation. Since the Sun has just entered Cancer, the Moon's first aspect will be a trine as she enters Scorpio ... an easy flow of Water to Water, connecting our urge to nurture with our need to understand and transform. If you have a sensitive point in your chart in early Pisces, this Sun-Moon trine creates a Grand Trine, inviting you to ride a big wave of feeling to a new place of understanding.

This Sun-Moon trine challenges the Uranus-Jupiter conjunction in Aries, highlighting the intriguing paradox between desires and feelings: Aries is all about getting what Aries wants, going for the heart's desire in a single-pointed, direct way. Aries doesn't care much about feelings that come up along the way. This is what we want, right? So who cares about spilled milk?

Well, Cancer does. Cancer abhors spilled milk, wanting everyone cared for and nurtured, valuing security, and willing to forgo innovation to hold on to safety. And Scorpio, though always ready to transform, understands the need to count the cost. After all, deep change happens precisely when we understand exactly what we're giving up to get what we want.

Deep stuff for the Summer Solstice, time of mint juleps and barbecue, lemonade and strawberry pie. This time of Cancer Sun and Scorpio Moon highlights our ties to family, tribe and tradition. As Uranus and Jupiter bring new fiery energy, the Water signs remind us of what we already have. Celebrate the Solstice, celebrate summer, kick back and have a good time ... and as you do, feel the resonances in the depths.

Later today, the Scorpio Moon will flow bright energy to Pluto (3:41pm EDT) and Mars (10:21pm EDT) both in Earth signs, connecting the power of emotions to the pragmatic, practical drive to get things done. Venus, in dramatic Leo, will receive a square from the Moon just after midnight (12:43am EDT), an unsettling challenge to look at what's bubbling under the surface of our relationships and creativity, with a push to go deeper.

This year's Solstice brings a bright point of balance in the midst of great change. The Scorpio Moon brings an awareness of shadow, a poignant sense of what may be passing away, and an understanding of the transformative potential of this time.

Moon in Libra Today

The Moon sails through the middle and late degrees of Libra today, sharing her charm and diplomacy as she seeks harmony and balance.

Libra is the sign of the Other, opposite Aries, sign of the newly emerging self, on the wheel of the zodiac. Ruled by Venus, Libra naturally rules the Seventh House, the first House above the horizon, the first emerging into the public sphere. This is the sign where we are keenly aware we're not alone in the cosmos.

I suppose this awareness of others is the source of Libra's supposed shadow quality of being wishy-washy ... according to the little white books of astrology, Libra can't make up her mind. My Sun's in Libra, and knowing my own mind has never been an issue, so indecisiveness is not a given. I suspect Libra, which after all is the cardinal Air sign, usually knows her own mind quite well.

When Libra looks indecisive, other things might be going on: As an Air sign, Libra enjoys the play of ideas. Couple that with a strong sense of the Other, and you have an energy that easily entertains multiple viewpoints without getting overly attached to any of them. This contributes to Libra's skill in diplomacy.

Sometimes, Libra emphasizes her sense of fairness and plays devil's advocate, taking a completely new perspective and arguing for it persuasively. Libra can be an excellent debater.

At times, Libra values others to the point of losing the self, and defers her own needs and feelings to keep the peace. This is a tricky one ... Libra can be knocked off balance in environments marked by discord, tension and inequity, so working toward balance meets a real Libran need. And yet we each have needs of our own, and giving away too many of those creates imbalances within.

Today's only significant aspect is a trine between the Libra Moon and Mercury in Gemini at 2:44pm EDT, a flow of energy supporting clear thinking and communication. Try bringing awareness to how you think about yourself and others. How do you communicate who you are? How do you balance your needs and the needs of others?

As we approach the Summer Solstice, one of the balance points of the solar year, we can ask, where is my balance point? Where can I find a still point, and dance?

Moon in Libra

Ahhh, Libra! Sign of balance, harmony, beauty, diplomacy, fairness ... ruled by Venus. The Moon in Libra has the ability to step back a bit (this is an Air sign), see where balance is needed, and advocate ably to bring it about. And today, her skills may be tested, as another large and challenging aspect is forming in the sky.

The Moon is now activating one corner of a Grand Cross (oppositions and squares) that comes into focus on June 21, the Solstice, and will be exact on June 24. This Grand Cross involves the Sun in bright, networking Gemini opposing Pluto in determined, achievement-focused Capricorn and Ceres the Grain Mother in deeply philosophical Sagittarius ... a need to balance our interests in many things with the realization the attaining our goals requires commitment to a few.

Squaring the Sun vs. Pluto-Ceres, we see Saturn in practical, analytical Virgo opposing Uranus and Jupiter in Aries, who advocate tossing everything out the window and finding something new and exciting. This speaks to the tension between huge forces for change and a strong investment in things as they are. How do we honor tradition and keep what works as the world shifts under our feet and so much change is genuinely needed?

Meanwhile, today, the Sun is flowing energy with Neptune still late in Aquarius, and Chiron newly in Pisces. This flow supports creative visioning and spiritual exploration, or could lead to a retreat into daydreams and spaciness.

What's a Libra Moon to do? Libra is often felt as a creative and harmonizing energy. Today there may be an awareness of how difficult finding the right balance point can be. Instead of playing devil's advocate just because you can, channel the Libra Moon into a deep appreciation of the beauty of life as it is, in all its glorious chaos. The Moon flows bright energy with Venus in Leo this afternoon about 3:00pm EDT, opening a window for creative expression and the celebration of beauty.

Moon in Virgo, moving to Libra

The Moon makes her careful way through Virgo today, attending to the details of life, attempting to herd cats, doing her best to line up those ducks, and generally doing all the things (and I do mean all ... ) that Virgo feels are so important.

At the end of the day, we reach the end of the seed time of the lunation cycle, as the Moon approaches her first quarter square with the Sun (12:30am EDT). The square is an aspect of challenge when our New Moon wishes and intentions may be tested. We may see the shape of the emerging wish for the first time ... is this what we really wanted? We may be presented with a choice ... will we choose the new intention or the old way of being? Our wishes are growing and developing now, and need support, including the support that the right kinds of challenge can provide.

Just after 1:00am EDT tomorrow, the Moon goes void of course for a few hours, a window for reflection, if only in dreams. At 4:13am EDT, she enters the sign of Libra, the gracious diplomat. As she does, she finds herself opposite the Uranus-Jupiter conjunction in pioneering Aries.

The Libra-Aries polarity is about finding the balance between self and other, focused goal attainment and overall harmony. The Libra Moon asks, how is radical change affecting our sense of balance? Can we find a path of harmony through a time when nothing seems the same? Libra offers us comfort in beauty–not a superficial prettiness, but the deep loveliness of right relationship.

Remember the prayer of the Navajo, the Diné, who say:

In the house made of dawn,
In the house made of evening twilight,
In the house made of dark cloud and rain
In beauty I walk.

With beauty before and behind me,
With beauty below and above,
With beauty all around me, I walk.

Moon in Virgo Today

The Moon has entered grounded, practical, detailed-oriented Virgo, so brush off the last of Leo's glitter and get out the to-do lists. A burst of bright energy from Venus in Leo (semisextile) sends us on our way with a smile and reminder that everything is more fun with a little creative passion mixed in.

Moving into a flowing trine with transformative Pluto in Capricorn (exact just before 9:00am EDT) and a conjunction with get-er-done Mars in Virgo (exact just before 11:00am EDT), today's Moon is ready to analyze the situation, face reality, and tackle the tough jobs.

Virgo is an interesting sign ... an Earth sign like Taurus and Capricorn, this energy is pragmatic, focused on doing what is useful. A mutable sign like Gemini, Sagittarius and Pisces, Virgo is more flexible than the other Earth signs. Where Taurus and Capricorn dig in their heels, Virgo is the ultimate realist, an empiricist able to look at what is, and work with it.

Traditionally ruled by Mercury, Virgo reflects a very different side of Mercury's energy, as today's challenge in square to Mercury in his home sign of Gemini shows. Where Gemini is facile, Virgo is precise. Where Gemini can skip over the harsher side of life, Virgo sometimes can't move at all unless all the puzzle pieces are in place, even the tough ones. With Virgo's devotion to service, and especially to the healing arts, some astrologers give this sign an affinity with Chiron, the wounded healer, and assign him as co-ruler.

How today's Moon affects you depends on where she touches your birth chart, and a Virgo Moon will pay careful attention to those details. Today's energy supports careful work and practical service. Analytical Virgo also tends to worry; if you feel anxiety creeping in, put that energy into healing for yourself, for other beings, and for the Earth.

The Moon Transitions Today

The Moon continues sweeping through dramatic Leo today, heading toward the court of the outer planets in the late degrees. At 6:30 pm EDT, she flows bright energy with the Sun in Gemini, finding one more way to inspire our thoughts and communications with magical fire and creative passion. At this time of the Crescent Moon, the seeds we planted at the New Moon are beginning to grow. We may not see their shape yet, but we may feel the presence of something new emerging.

Just before 11:30 pm EDT, the Leo Moon reaches 28 degrees, where she will oppose Neptune in Aquarius, while flowing energy with Ceres the Grain Mother (trine) and sending some edgy energy to Saturn in Virgo (semisextile). Aquarius focuses on the collective, and Neptune is all about merging with something larger ... while Leo wants us to express what is in our heart through the Moon, one of the most personal of planets. Perhaps the reminder here is that every one of us carries a unique and precious vision, and expressing it enriches the collective. We each embody our part of the ongoing cycle of life.

Then the Moon goes void-of-course, resting until 1:40 am EDT when she accepts the mantle of Virgo, Earth sign of sacred service, helping us ground Leo's grand creative fire in the myriad details of the manifest world.

Moon in Leo Today

The Moon sails through Leo today as the queen she is, creative, passionate, expressive and also fun ... a queen who hugs kids and kittens, and has a big, goofy grin.

With Venus' trine to Jupiter and Uranus continuing, and the aspect to Jupiter coming exact today, there's energy in the air for unexpected good fortune: Venus is relationships, creativity and money, and Jupiter is luck and expansion. Today could be a time when generosity brings rich rewards ... good karma and warm smiles are worth their weight in gold, after all.

A generous heart is one foundation of manifestation work, something not always remembered in our acquisition-centered society. Yes, some approaches to manifestation tell us we can have whatever we want, that we create our own reality as if no other beings existed in all the worlds except in our minds. Not so. Saturday's Gemini New Moon, whose seeding timing we're still experiencing, reminds us of the dense web of life that includes all beings.

Attempting to manifest our desires without acknowledging the community of life is like crossing the street with our eyes closed ... our failure to see limits our vision without changing the nature of reality. David Spangler writes about manifestation as the art of being in the world, a path of creative wholeness. Rick Jarow writes about manifestation as something that happens in community, including the communities through time embodied in our pasts and futures ... I recently listened to a great podcast with Rick at the Sounds True podcast, Insights at the Edge.

The Moon in Leo is a queen of the best kind, one with a deep connection to her people, an insightful awareness of our needs, and a loving heart. Embodying her today gives power and depth to our New Moon wishes, as this afternoon's energy flow (sextile) with Mercury in Gemini (1:41 pm EDT) helps us express them creatively and passionately.

Moon Transitioning Today

The Moon leaves her safe harbor in Cancer for the altogether more dramatic seas of Leo today, as Venus leads the way. Venus enters the sign of the Lion just before 5:00am EDT, immediately flowing energy in trine to Uranus and Jupiter in Aries ... rev your engines, as the planet of relationships, finances and creativity has joined the fiery outer planets of change.

While this is happening, the Moon remains behind in the middle degrees of Cancer, perhaps sending morning dreams carrying messages from the ancestors to help carry us through.

When the Moon reaches 28 degrees of Cancer, about 8:30pm EDT, she reaches the outer planet cluster. There, she forms the tip of a yod, with Ceres the Grain Mother and the Neptune-Uranus conjunction across the bottom sextiling each other. For the brief time she's there, the Cancer Moon becomes a point of focus, reminding us once again that memories from the deep past, and our traditions and tribes, can serve to keep us grounded in the midst of change, helping us bring the visions and mythic images of the outer planets home.

At 8:40pm EDT, the Moon goes void-of-course, where she remains until midnight ... a fitting time for the one who stayed home to tend the hearth to emerge in a glow of creativity and drama in the sign of Leo. Now she conjuncts Venus, adding the Moon's emotions and mystery to Venus' glamour and creativity. And as they both trine the Uranus-Jupiter conjunction, look for big, dramatic flashes of intuition. Definitely a night to keep a pen and notebook next to your bed.

We're still in the New Moon seed planting time, and energy abounds for creative problem solving and manifesting our dreams. The Leo Moon reenters the yod, now focusing on Pluto and Neptune-Chiron. If you haven't found the time to make some wishes, it's not too late. If your wishes are made, they are given roots as well as wings!

Moon in Cancer

The Moon revels in her home sign of Cancer today, moving through the early degrees without significant aspects to other bodies in the sky. Sunday is often a day for home and family, and today's energy will support that ... depending on where Cancer is in your birth chart and what points the Moon touches for you today, you may feel like exploring your roots, strengthening bonds with close friends, and nurturing your family.

About 7:30 pm EDT, the Moon conjuncts the South Node in the sky, the place of what we already know. The South Node-Moon connection in Cancer will emphasize our feelings that traditions and history have value, that the past is something to be honored, and that family bonds can bring strength. If areas of tradition, history and family legacies are challenging for you, this time can provide a window for finding positive threads from the past, and perhaps the nurturing from your current tribe or family to heal old wounds.

Cancer's family is not limited to biological family. The sign will bring in anyone you care about and count them as one of your tribe. Who do you feel close to? The lingering Gemini energy can combine with today's Cancer Moon to forge new connections where they are needed. And Cancer's nurturing vibe can help you choose the seeds you want to plant during this New Moon time and tend them gently. The yod in which Venus and Saturn join energy to point to Neptune comes exact today, adding strength to our ability to manifest our dreams.

New Moon in Gemini Today!

We've entered the New Moon time, the beginning of a new lunar cycle when the Moon and Sun join and seeds are planted. Yesterday's post reviewed the complex aspects attending this Gemini New Moon, weaving a dense web of connections to support our abilities to communicate, network, and manifest our dreams.

The next few days open a window for wishing and setting intentions. An earlier post on New Moon Intentions introduces this approach. To learn more about the special energies of today's New Moon, read some of the wonderful essays available online: Dana Gerhardt and Simone Butler each write on MoonCircles, Auntie Moon offers her perspective, and Linda Hill reviews the fascinating Sabian symbols of this New Moon. With Gemini, the more ideas, the better!

And today's Gemini Moon is not sitting still. She moves into the late degrees, where there are more planets to be touched.

Just before 6:30 pm EDT, the Moon squares Saturn in Virgo. Gemini and Virgo share a love for details, but while Virgo can get stuck in wanting each detail exactly right, Gemini is more interested in turning the gems it finds this way and that, watching light glance off the surfaces. This square is about finding a balance between pinpoint accuracy and creative connection.

Just after 7:30 pm EDT, the Moon trines Neptune in Aquarius (traveling with Chiron in Pisces) and semisextiles Venus in Cancer. Venus and Neptune-Chiron are inconjunct, and so this aspect pattern asks us to find creative connections between heart and mind (Water and Air signs) and between the cosmic and the personal (personal and outer planets).

That aspect signals the Moon's move into a void-of-course time lasting until 9:51 pm EDT when the Moon enters her home sign of Cancer. This Water sign has deep feelings about protecting home, family, tribe and tradition and begins with a challenge to Uranus (square exact at 10:30 pm) and Jupiter (square exact at 11:20 pm) in Aries, who are all about BIG changes. The Cancer Moon wants to make sure no babies go out with the bath water.

A trine with Chiron at 11:30 pm creates a flow of healing energy. If you find yourself remembering wounds from the past, know those memories come to be healed. Those big guys are right there in Aries after all, wanting to see innovative, creative shifts.

A sextile to Mars overnight (3:13 am EDT) may send dreams of practical solutions to whatever is worrying you, or maybe you'll wake up with the urge to clean out closets and sort old photographs. An opposition to Pluto at 5:18 am tomorrow carries more of the Cancer challenge: As we transform our deepest structures, let us honor our traditions and carry their best into the future.

New Moon in Gemini of June 12, 2010

Yes, it's Friday, but today's Moon sails through Gemini without significant aspects, tomorrow's New Moon happens really early (7:14 am EDT), and this New Moon is a complex powerhouse ... so let's look at the New Moon.

The New Moon is a time of new beginnings. A cycle is ending, a new one begins, and the seeds we plant now will grow and bear fruit. At this time of great change, signaled by the move of Uranus and Jupiter into Aries, the New Moon in Gemini is most fitting. Mercury, ruler of Gemini, is the herald of the gods, and this New Moon can act as conduit and messenger for the new emerging energies.

The New Moon is a time for setting intentions and making wishes. Focusing on areas that connect this particular New Moon to our birth charts makes the wishing powerful.

At each New Moon, the Sun and the Moon are conjunct – together in the sky – placing both in Gemini. With Mercury in Gemini as well, information and communications of all kinds are sure to flow. Any wishes we make at this time will be transmitted! If you have intentions in areas related to communication: speaking your truth, communicating clearly and easily, connecting with the people and resources that can be most helpful to you, finishing your novel ... these are all supported.

Gemini is all about networking, and the aspect patterns for this New Moon dense and complex. The patterns reflect both support and challenge, and no one is left out.

I like to see where the supports are, so we'll look first at the trines:

The New Moon trines the Neptune-Chiron conjunction straddling the Aquarius-Pisces border, creating an easy flow of energy and information about healing, creativity, spirituality, and visioning. Bringing your dreams into reality is supported by two other trines: Mercury in early Gemini to Saturn in late Virgo, and Mars in Virgo to Pluto in Capricorn and Ceres in Sagittarius. An intriguing out-of-sign trine from Venus in Cancer to the Uranus-Jupiter conjunction in Aries suggests a path for the shocking newness of Aries to be nurtured, touch our hearts, and find a home. Wish for the right words and images to express your creative vision. Wish for your best dreams to come true!

There are challenging aspects as well: Ceres the Grain Mother, in Sagittarius, opposes the Gemini Sun and Moon, reminding us not to sacrifice depth for breadth, or avoid grappling with thorny issues by keeping things light and superficial. Saturn continues to oppose the Uranus-Jupiter conjunction, as Mars opposes the Neptune-Chiron conjunction: challenges from the ordinary, pragmatic, physical world to the most cosmic of planets to keep things real. Wish for your creative vision to manifest in physical reality, or to release any tendency to get lost in bright ideas and dreamy visions. We all need to walk our talk.

The same emphasis on keeping things real is reflected in some of the squares happening with this New Moon: Saturn squares the New Moon as Pluto squares Uranus-Jupiter, Mars squares Mercury ... all reminders that creative vision and physical reality need to inform each other, each is empty without the other.

Mercury squares both Mars and Neptune-Chiron, suggesting that the key to balancing the visionary and the physical worlds lies in communicating and networking ... creating a web that connects and sustains both. Wish for the skill and insight to cross boundaries easily, bringing the best of both worlds together.

Ceres the Grain Mother squares both Saturn and Uranus-Jupiter. Perhaps she is telling us that the balance point between old and new, tradition and innovation, lies in natural cycles of fertility, growth and death. Wish for the skill and insight to let go of what needs to be released, while keeping the vitals seeds for the new season.

This New Moon also includes two intriguing yods, which overlap each other like those optical illusions with two images in one set of lines. Pluto-Ceres and Neptune-Chiron are in sextile across the bottom of a yod pointing at Venus, while Venus and Saturn are in sextile across the bottom of a yod pointing at Neptune and Chiron. Two destiny points saying 'you first' ... 'no, you first' as we look from one to the other.

Each yod connects Water and Earth across the bottom and points to Water at the apex, where we are meant to find the solution. Yet the Water connections are inconjuncts, not the easy trines we expect within an element, so adjustments are needed here. Perhaps the message is that making our dreams real (Earth) requires that we honor both the close-to-home, close-to-the heart feeling of Venus in Cancer and the otherworldly, creative visions of Neptune in Aquarius and Chiron in Pisces. Not an easy course to steer! Wish for the wisdom to find a way.

Moon Transitioning Today

The Moon enters the crowded late degrees this morning, preparing to transition from quiet Taurus to lively Gemini. Today is full of aspects, as the Moon traverses this currently crowded part of the zodiac.

The Taurus Moon moves toward a flow of bright energy (sextile) with Venus in home-loving Cancer. This aspect will be exact at 10:20 am EDT and places these two planets in mutual reception, a lovely beginning to today's Moon dance. Mutual reception occurs when two planets are in signs the other rules, and creates a sympathy and ease of communication between then. Venus rules sensual Taurus, and the Moon rules nurturing Cancer, so this morning's Taurus Moon and Cancerian Venus are harmonizing.

At 2:30 pm EDT, the Moon flows energy (trine) with Saturn in Virgo, Earth speaking to Earth. This can be a time when you feel (Moon) like working (Earth signs), or it might be a time when your responsibilities (Saturn) might feel heavy, depending on how these two affect your birth chart. Saturn rewards work, so if you're feeling burdened, get something done and the mood could shift to one of satisfaction.

Just before 4:00 pm EDT, the Moon challenges Neptune in Aquarius before going void-of-course, which could feel like one last effort at digging in your heels (Taurus) before embracing the changes you can sense are coming (Aquarius). Perhaps the Taurus Moon wants a few more moments of calm meditation, an excellent way to spend the void-of-course period lasting until 6:12 pm EDT when the Moon emerges into bright and curious Gemini.

Immediately (Gemini is quick!), energy levels will spike as the Moon shares bright energy (sextile) with the Uranus-Jupiter conjunction in Aries. Listen! The Gemini Moon is a messenger, carrying cosmic tidings of change, as she also conjuncts Mercury in Gemini. This can be a strong time for receiving intuitive flashes from the powerful Aries pair, as resistance the Taurus Moon might have felt is now swept away.

Chiron the wounded healer is also at 0 degrees, in visionary Pisces, and challenges the Moon-Mercury conjunction (square). Perhaps the intuitive flashes will include opportunities for healing, or perhaps the message is not to forget the deep flow of creativity as we are drawn into Gemini's bright thoughts and words.

At 9:43 pm EDT, the Gemini Moon squares Mars in careful Virgo. Mars in this Earth sign may feel a little too careful to a Gemini Moon wanting to have fun with words and ideas, making new combinations just because. Finding a balance between the pragmatic and playful is the challenge here.

The Moon now heads toward the Sun, reaching the end of this lunar cycle. One gift of this communicative Gemini Moon might be an easy sharing of the wisdom gained since the last New Moon, so make a little space in the next few days to write down your thoughts. And plan to write quickly; your pen might have a hard time keeping up with Gemini!

New Moon in Taurus Today

The Moon tends gardens of all kinds in patient Taurus today. Just before 11:00 pm EDT tonight, she'll send a bit of edgy energy (semisextile) to the Sun in lovely Gemini, most likely asking the Sun to take a deep breath and slow down. Other than that, the Moon makes no aspects to other transiting planets today.

This gives the Moon a clear field, allowing her to send waves of calming energy in all directions. It also gives you a chance to feel where and how the Moon touches your chart today. Here's a post from Donna Cunningham's blog that offers pointers on how to track your responses to the Moon in transit:

How to Use the Moon for a Daily Emotional Weather Report

Today's peaceful Moon energy also creates an opening for reflection in this time of change. How are things going? Where can you simplify? Where is steady effort needed, and where can you relax? The Taurus Moon is also a great time for enjoying Nature in all Her glory. Breathe deeply. Smile :)

Moon Transitioning Today

Following an Aries night, bringing dreams of bright futures full of new vistas, the Moon reaches the late degrees where so many planets still congregate. Beginning about 6:00 am EDT, the Moon sends some edgy, electric energy over to Mercury in slow-moving Taurus, asking for new ideas. Then comes an inconjunct (adjustment needed!) to Saturn in let's-keep-our-ducks-in-a-row Virgo, as the Aries Moon just scatters those ducks.

At 9:15 am EDT, the Moon flows energy with Neptune in Aquarius, two planets of dreams and visioning in signs that reach for excitement, adventure and innovation. After this last aspect in fiery Aries, the Moon rests in a void-of-course period until 11:40 am EDT, when she takes a deep, calming breath and emerges into green and peaceful Taurus.

Uranus and Jupiter are still at 0 degrees Aries, sending edgy energy to the Moon (semisextile), but an easier flow from Chiron the wounded healer at 0 degrees Pisces helps the Moon maintain her calm.

Now the pace changes. It feels like we have time to stop a while, really see and appreciate the world around us, and take some clear, practical steps toward our goals. At 1:00 pm, the Taurus Moon trines Mars in Virgo, patience and analytical skill working easily together.

Depending on where the Taurus Moon touches your chart, you may feel patience, a willingness to let things unfold as they will, and an enjoyment of life as it is. A trine between Mercury, also in Taurus, and Saturn in Virgo at 7:15 pm EDT echoes the Moon-Mars trine from the morning. Then the Moon trines Pluto in Capricorn at 8:00 pm, and all the Earth signs are included in the day's energy.

Once the transition to Taurus is made, the mood of the day will be steady, pragmatic, and calm; a time to view any changes the universe has sent your way in a peaceful, meditative way, staying grounded and knowing you have the time and energy to handle whatever needs to be done.

Moon in Aries Today

The Moon forges ahead through pioneering Aries today, carrying the energy of the new Jupiter-Uranus conjunction in Aries through the zodiac.

About 4:00 am EDT, the Moon squares the Nodes, the karmic axis that runs in the sky now from Cancer (South Node) to Capricorn (North Node), from the safe confines of home and family (Cancer) to the safety of tradition, authority, and hard work (Capricorn). The Aries Moon, challenging both sides, says, it's time to step outside your comfort zone and ride the winds of change.

About 10:30 am EDT, the Aries Moon exchanges energy with the Sun in Gemini, a bright flow of energy in which the Sun, networking in Gemini, flashes out the Aries message: embrace the new!

For the rest of today, the Moon acts as herald and pioneer, bringing Aries fire to whatever in your chart she touches. By evening (9:45 pm EDT), she squares Venus in steady Taurus, enticing the planet of relationships and creativity to taste something unusual, sip from an unexpected source, dance to new tune … something we can all try on today!

Moon in Aries Today

All Aries, all the time! With the Moon, Jupiter and Uranus all new in Aries today, we all feel the shift. The "...And now for something completely different" corner of the emerging Cardinal Cross has just popped into focus.

As the Moon moves through pioneering Aries today, ready to take risks and go for the gold, we ask, what's holding us back? Sometimes we have excellent reasons for staying where we are, sometimes we wait until the time is right, and sometimes it's just fear ... and fear, Aries has no patience with.

The Moon is our link to the past and the ancestors ... where in your history are the fierce warriors of the heart? Which pioneering spirit most calls to you? Who will be your model in the tumult of change? Follow that trailblazer and cross the threshold. With Jupiter and Uranus at your back, obstacles will shrink and may just melt away in the newly-born Aries fire.

Moon Transitioning Today

As the Moon heads into late Pisces this morning, she once again moves toward the late degree planets, beginning with an easy flow of energy with lovely Venus in the Moon's home sign of Cancer at 4:44 am EDT. By 11:25 am, the Moon sextiles Mercury in steady Taurus ... both Pisces and Taurus know that life cannot be rushed, and are ready to wait patiently for the butterfly to emerge in its own time.

The rest of the day, the Moon sails dreamily through late Pisces, touching whatever in your chart is in similar degrees around the wheel. You might find it difficult to focus today; meditation will be easier than detailed analysis!

9:30 pm brings an opposition to Saturn in Virgo. Pisces is a higher octave of Virgo; both share a focus on service, Virgo in a practical Earth-based way, Pisces in an all-embracing, spiritual way. These signs always have something to learn from each other.

Just before 2:00 am, the Moon conjuncts expansive Jupiter in Pisces, before entering the briefest void-of-course minute before popping into fiery Aries. And immediately, Jupiter follows the Moon, entering Aries to begin a new twelve-year cycle. This movement from Pisces to Aries is a jump from the ocean to the fire, and a night with great potential for big dreams. Keep paper and pencil by your bed tonight, to record any messages from the universe.

Moon in Pisces Today

The Moon floats through Pisces, sign of creative visioning, today, with no aspects until she challenges the Sun in quick-thinking Gemini at 6:00 pm EDT. This Sun-Moon Gemini-Pisces square asks for something from both sides: The Gemini Sun wants a dream that can be clearly communicated; the Pisces Moon reminds us that clarity cannot come at the expense of meaning.

Other sky events add to the Piscean energy of the day. The opposition between Neptune (ruler of Pisces) in Aquarius and Mars in Leo comes exact, even as Chiron, newly arrived in Pisces, stations before turning back into Aquarius for one last visit.

How many ways can we experience Piscean energy? Today we are offered healing and mentoring (stationing Chiron), making innovative plans for a beautiful future (Neptune in Aquarius), and passionate, creative expression (Mars in Leo opposing Neptune and Chiron).

This is a time when we may feel again the wounds of the past (Chiron). Rather than losing ourselves to avoid pain (a Neptune shadow), we can choose to act (Mars) in ways that help us realize our creative potential (Leo). Let the Pisces Moon help you find the healing path that's right for you.

Moon Transitioning Today

This morning, about 9:00 am EDT, the Aquarius Moon reaches the late planet party as she opposes Mars, creates an inconjunct with Saturn, is semisextile Uranus and Jupiter, and conjunct Neptune and Chiron.

This grouping of planets in the late degrees is a powerful one. We have Neptune, bringing flows of intuitive vision and creativity; Chiron, the wounded healer who becomes a mentor; Uranus, master of the bright flash of intuitive insight; and Jupiter the philosopher-king; all tied together. What sense can we make of so much cosmic energy?

In this case, the challenging angles can help. Saturn in Virgo asks, how can all these visions become something of real, practical use? Mars in Leo asks, what's in it for me, and will it play in Peoria? Seriously, though, Leonine Mars will always be interested in how the cosmic becomes individual, expressed passionately and creatively through one human heart ... and a little clowning around keeps the big guys from getting too heavy-handed.

And the Moon? She brings it home, where we feel what's happening in our hearts and bodies, where we connect the cosmic with our past, where we translate big messages into something understandable for ourselves and those we care for.

After a morning spent channeling for the outer planets, the Moon rests in a void-of-course period from 10:55 am EDT until she emerges into blissful Pisces at 1:33 pm EDT, joined with Chiron, sextile Ceres the Grain Mother, and semisextile Uranus in pioneering Aries. By 11:00 pm EDT, the Moon flows energy with Pluto in Capricorn, perhaps looking for a way to make her dreams manifest.

Aquarius loves making long-range plans for the greater good; Pisces gives those plans depth and color. This afternoon and evening, the Moon's mood turns toward dreaming, weaving creative images of how life will be beautiful when we all realize how closely we are connected, one to the other.

Moon in Aquarius Today

The Moon continues her journey through innovative Aquarius today, from the middle degrees to the late. About 3:00 am EDT, she reaches 13 degrees Aquarius, creating an inconjunct angle-of-adjustment to the South Node and Venus in Cancer, a sign that is nurturing and protective, but deeply committed to tradition. And yet, Cancer is the Moon's home sign. Perhaps the Moon wants to say that sometimes the only security lies in letting go of the old and swimming toward a new shore.

A challenging square to Mercury in Taurus, about 2:45 pm EDT, seems to offer the same message: Thinking (Mercury) can't keep plowing the same, familiar furrows (Taurus) if we are to move ahead. The Aquarian Moon is ready for new thoughts, new plans, and a new day.

For the rest of Wednesday, the Moon has plenty of space to create the long-range plans that Aquarius loves: bright visions for a future in which we work together to solve our problems, creating communities that help each of us find our unique gifts for the collective.

Moon in Aquarius Today

The Moon has entered the sign of Aquarius, innovative, eccentric, surprising, and all about being who we really are. Very early in degrees right now, she is leaving the outer planets behind to break new ground. Late tonight (12:15 am EDT) she will trine the Sun in Gemini, two Air planets getting together to compare notes and share information.

Today, the Aquarian Moon will touch any planets or points you have in early degrees, sending easy flows of energy to some and challenges to others, depending on the signs involved. The touch of Aquarius is often paradoxical: co-ruled by Saturn and Uranus, Aquarius can be very determined (Saturn) in its commitment to revolution (Uranus), or rebellious (Uranus) in the face of limitations (Saturn). To experience the best of Aquarius, Saturn's focus and hard work and Uranus' creative flair and innovative approach must be honored.

Without Saturn, Uranus can become a rebel without a cause, reacting against without offering constructive solutions. Without Uranus, Saturn can get stuck, circling through the same solutions to the same problems, with the same results.

For the last months, Saturn and Uranus have been opposing each other in the sky, getting closer and backing off. We can experience this as polarizing, a face-off between the old and the new in which neither side will move. Or, we can learn what each planet has to offer and find creative and effective ways to combine their talents while avoiding their pitfalls.

Now that's thinking outside the box!