Waning Moon in Aries

The Moon strides through strong Aries today, flowing energy with the Sun in passionate Leo. The two luminaries, the lights in our sky, walk together in signs of Fire, inspiring us to break new ground and achieve great things.

The Moon wanes, even as the summer wanes. We look to the harvest, the fruits of our labors, to see how we will fare for the coming winter. We give thanks for the gifts we've received, and thanks for the strength in our bodies and our hearts that carries us through the good times and the difficult times.

This is the time of Lughnasadh, Lammas, the festival of first fruits. The full harvest is yet to come, but as we gather the first sheaves of grain, we bake them into loaves that are blessed on the altar, which is the origin of the name Lammas, or Loaf-Mass. In ancient times, this was the festival of Lugh, the great champion of the Tuatha De Danann.

Lugh was called Many-Skilled because he excelled in sport, battle, games and music. He was a man of high heart, ready to chance anything, confident in his ability and strength to carry him through to victory. Embodying the confident warrior spirit of Aries and the creative passion of Leo, Lugh stands as our patron and guardian.

Today, we are called to act. Our focus is on the harvest, the waning time of the Moon and the year. What needs to be gathered in? What needs to be released, composted for future growth? Where you have hesitated, decide today. Where you have held back, act now.

Lugh Lámhfhada was always a man of skillful action. Determined, courageous, not rash or willful, he acted with honor, in service to his people. This is not a time for impetuous anger, but for decision, doing those things we know we need to do, for the highest good of all.

The stone relief of the warrior blowing his horn is in the National Archeological Museum of Spain. The Strength card is from the Rider Waite Smith Tarot. Both available through WikiMedia Commons.

Waning Moon Moving from Pisces into Aries

 I am posting these notes for Friday, July 30, a day early, as I'll be traveling tomorrow.

This is a transitional day, a shift from the quiet reflection of a void-of-course Moon into the bright enthusiasm of an Aries Moon meeting all the planets now clustered in the early degrees.

The day begins with the Moon in visionary Pisces, but without a connection to other planets. During these void-of-course times, the astrological rule of thumb is not to begin anything new. This creates a time in the early part of the day for looking inward, considering what has been accomplished, and reviewing what has been learned. This continues yesterday's Piscean energy in this waning part of the lunar cycle.

At 4:42pm EDT, a dramatic shift in energy arrives as the Moon bursts into Aries. Moving from Pisces to Aries is always significant, heralding the ending of an old cycle and the beginning of a new one. Today's shift is bigger ... the Moon was quietly void of course overnight, and now enters Aries to simultaneously joins the Cardinal Cross.

The Moon joins Uranus, and opposes Mars and Saturn. In a few hours, she will join with Jupiter and square Pluto. This brings an emotional, possibly visceral, emphasis to the Cardinal Cross at it looks now: Mars together with Saturn in balanced Libra, opposing Uranus in fiery Aries. The square between Pluto the transformer in powerful Capricorn is now coming exact with Jupiter the expander in impulsive Aries.

There is a reason we were given the past few days in visionary, intuitive Pisces to reflect on where we've been and where we're headed, and that reason is now before us: This Aries Moon joins the Cardinal Cross to let us know in no uncertain terms that change is coming. Well, let's be blunt: change is here.

As we continue with the waning part of the lunar cycle, the Aries Moon gives us the push we need to release whatever no longer serves our highest good. The waning Moon is a time of letting go, a time of realizing that we've done all we can do with this cycle, and it's time to move on. The Moon highlights the Cardinal Cross for us to say, Look! Pay attention to the energy of this time ... these patterns have not been seen for thousands of years, and they are strong. Be ready.

The Full Moon Bridge in Tokyo, Japan and the Sunrise in Constanta, Romania are available through Wikimedia Commons.

Waning Moon in Pisces

Today the Moon rides through the latter degrees of Pisces, making no significant aspects until she reaches the end, approaching her void-of-course time. The Moon continues to wane, shining her light into the world as we reflect on what we've learned and share it with the world.

Yesterday's Moon reminded me of Percival's story as he saw the mysterious cup carried before him and, awestruck, failed to ask the skillful questions that would lead to healing and resolution. Yesterday we had an opening to ask such questions of ourselves.

Continuing the tale, today we follow our own grail quest. We can feel the numinous power around us. We know we exist in a field of magic and mystery. We long to connect with that wider, higher and deeper cosmos. And so, we seek for the way.

We have stories to share of our adventures on the road, yet we know we have not reached our goal. There are still more riddles to solve, more dangers to be faced, and more boons to be won. Today, we look to the Moon in mystical, spiritual, intuitive Pisces for a sense of direction, the feeling that our feet are on the right path and the assurance that, when we reach a crossroads, we will choose the right way.

Just before midnight EDT, the Moon will oppose Venus in careful Virgo, her last classical aspect before entering her time-between-times. In this quest tale, the meeting with Venus will be meeting a Lady who poses a question: On our journey today, how have we been of service? In serving, we will receive the knowledge we can offer the Lady, to receive her blessing.

The illustration by John Bauer is titled "Once upon a time there was a prince riding in the moonlight." The painting of Queen Eleanor is by Anthony Frederick Sandys. Both available through WikiMedia Commons.

Waning Moon in Pisces

The Moon emerged into the cosmic ocean of Pisces at 4:00am EDT. Pisces, last sign of the zodiac, is the sign of intuitive understanding and also of endings, so we may feel the energy of the waning Moon more today. Now in the disseminating phase of the lunar cycle, we may want to share with others our emerging understandings of what we've learned ... and Pisces is deeply aware of the connections that support the web of life.

The Moon is at the apex, the point of focus, of a yod today. This aspect pattern is a tall narrow triangle. There is a sextile, a flow of energy, across the bottom, and then two inconjuncts, the angle that asks for adjustment, along each side. The planets in sextile are the Sun in passionate, expressive Leo and Saturn in balance, harmonious Libra. The Sun, our core self, and Saturn, planet of work and responsibility, are both outwardly focused, related to who we are and how we are in the world. Leo and Libra both carry great creative energy.

The Pisces Moon is much more reflective and inwardly focused than the Sun and Saturn, and yet longs to merge with the cosmos and to serve the needs of the collective. The "adjustments needed" along the sides of this yod relate to finding a balance between passionate expression of the self (Sun in Leo) and a deeply emphatic understanding of others (Pisces Moon), and a commitment to hard work that meets the practical needs of others (Saturn in Libra) and a tendency to get carried away on currents of dream and vision (Pisces Moon).

To resolve the yod pattern, we look to what is opposite the Moon and we find today not just a sign, but a planet as well: Mercury in detail-oriented Virgo opposes the Moon today. Mercury is all about communication, and Virgo wants that communication, and the thought behind it, to be correct in detail and focused on practical service. The Moon is also flowing energy in sextile with Pluto the transformer, in hard-working Capricorn.

So, the Moon's energy for today is focused in Pisces, sign of dreams, visions, empathic connection, and intuitive flow ... and the planets around her are asking for that flow of intuition and feeling to be focused enough to yield detailed, practical results, and clear enough to be communicated to others.

Today, give yourself time for reflection and allow intuition to flow. Make note of whatever feelings, ideas and images come through. Then revisit your notes and ask: What have I learned? Where do I need to take this? How can this serve my needs and the needs of others?

Today we remember Percival, the Grail Knight, who failed to ask the right questions when he first saw the Grail, and so faced a long and difficult quest before he could solve the riddle and find his true path. Today is a day to receive a vision, and then ask skillful questions.

The photo Ocean Balance, taken by Balance, and the image of Rossetti's Holy Grail are available through WikiMedia Commons.

Waning Moon in Aquarius

Today, the Moon brings opportunities for understanding, mentoring, teaching and healing. In the last degrees of Aquarius, she remains close enough to the Sun to be in her Full Moon part of the lunation cycle. Waning now, the focus is on understanding what has been accomplished.

The Moon approaches a conjunction with Neptune in late Aquarius and is already close enough to share energy with this planet of vision, dreams, spirituality, and the flow of creative inspiration. The conjunction, exact at 11:46pm EDT, is the Moon's last official aspect before entering her void of course time over night, but today we need to look more closely at what is actually happening in the sky.

This is because Neptune continues her conjunction with Chiron, the wounded healer not known in classical astrology and therefore not included in the official events of the Moon's cycle. Yet we can feel and work with Chiron's energy today as we seek understanding and healing, accept mentorship from others or take on the role of mentor ourselves. The exact conjunction with Chiron does not occur until 3:19am EDT tomorrow, and so carries the Moon, and us, through the night hours.

At the same time, Mercury, planet of mind and communication, moves from Leo into Virgo today ... passionate, creative thought and expression change focus and we shift into more practical, analytical modes of understanding. During this shift, Mercury opposes the Moon-Neptune-Chiron group, asking these three planets of visionary global dreaming to consider the details ... what, exactly, have we learned from our recent, tumultuous experiences? How will we apply this learning in our lives?

The Moon enters Pisces, the sign ruled by Neptune, at 4:00am EDT tomorrow, continuing the flow of dreams and visions, as Mercury continues to ask for practical application. Working with the energies of this time could yield a view of where we are meant to go next, a pointer to the next step on the path, with guidance from our connection to All That Is. 

The image of the redwoods was taken by an employee of the US National Park Service. Open Door on a Garden was painted by Konstantin Somov. Both available through WikiMedia Commons.

Waning Moon in Aquarius

Today's Moon, just past full, carries the torch of Aquarius, the sign of becoming who we are at our core, apart from any conditioning or expectations from others, and placing that unique self in service to our community. The Moon makes no significant aspects today, modeling for us the path of individuation, being who she is, alone, in herself.

The energy today might feel over the top, but carries the potential for productive, balanced change. We will see the fifth and final exact opposition between Saturn and Uranus, a series that began with the first exact opposition on the US Election Day that brought Barack Obama to the White House. Saturn moves forward in Libra now as Uranus retrogrades in Aries, each at 0 degrees. This last face-off between Saturn and Uranus creates an opposition between old and new, tradition and innovation, but also balance and impulsivity, reponsibility and instant gratification. Keeping the lines of communication open could be key to creating a workable, sustainable revolution.

Meanwhile, the Sun adds Leo fire to the mix, emphasizing the need for creative, passionate, heart-filled effort. At this point in the lunar cycle, we are sending our messages and gifts outward. Imagine a strong breeze lifting seeds and carrying them to new ground. We think of creativity as something that happens in the development of something new ... its creation. Sharing, communicating and implementing also call for creativity. Sometimes the difference between acceptance and rejection is not the quality of the thing itself, but the manner in which it is presented.

The Sun in Leo and Moon in Aquarius together can help us present ourselves and our gifts with passion, individuality and flair, helping us craft a compelling message that speaks to hearts of others.

The portrait of Benjamin Franklin painted by David Martin hangs in the White House. It was chosen as today's picture of the day by WikiMedia Commons. The image of milkweed seeds was taken by an employee of the US Environmental Protection Agency, available at Wikimedia Commons.

Full Moon in Aquarius

These notes are for Sunday, July 25, posted early to allow extra Full Moon preparation.

The Capricorn Moon makes her final aspect as she flows energy with Mars in Virgo at 10:20am EDT, two workhorses exchanges notes on their accomplishments. Then the Moon enters her time-between-times until 3:38pm. So, much of the day will be good for rest, reflection, tying up loose ends, and finishing.

At 3:38, the Moon sparks into electric Aquarius, ready for radical change. She flows energy with Saturn in balanced Libra at 4:19pm, putting Saturn's force behind her fixed intention. She sextiles Uranus in fiery Aries at 4:29pm, turning up the heat. Then, at 9:36pm, she opposed the Sun in passionate Leo in the moment of the Full Moon in Aquarius. With all that power built in, here's hoping we put some time into creating a really strong container to hold this Full Moon mojo!

This Full Moon is hard-wired into the Cardinal Cross, with the Moon and Sun flowing energy in trines and sextiles to both sides of the opposition between Saturn in early Libra, and Uranus and Jupiter in early Aries. This complex set of relationships opens up lots of opportunities for influence in the birth chart, so check anything you have in the early degrees to see where this Full Moon – Cardinal Cross pattern falls.

Dana Gerhardt sees this Full Moon calling each of us to be true to ourselves, no matter what. April Elliott Kent remembers the excitement of summer storms, and asks us to reconnect with our inner creative fire. Auntie Moon invokes the energy of the stag to learn where we're ready to buck the system and strike out on our own. Julia Bondi reminds us that Aquarian innovation comes in service to the community, and celebrates the unique and surprising solutions people are creating in response to world challenges.

Pull out your birth chart. Which houses are activated by this Full Moon? These are the places in your life where innovation, creativity, and the unique and unexpected might emerge. Which of your natal planets are involved? These are the energies you can engage in channeling this bolt of Aquarian energy.

The photo of the tied cleat was taken by BenFrantzDale and is available thought WikiMedia Commons.

Waxing Moon in Capricorn

Tomorrow we reach the spotlight of the Full Moon, so today we put the finishing touches on whatever will be released into the world. And what better sign for that than hard-working, determined, never-say-die, Capricorn?

Our New Moon work asks us to get clear on what we wish for, make our wishes, then allow events to unfold, trusting the universe to know the best way. If we're relying on the universe to bring our wishes to fruition, where does Capricornian hard work come into the picture?

The question touches on the balance among our roles in making wishes, putting in the time and effort to reach the goals those wishes point to, and nonattachment to specific outcomes. We are meant to walk our talk, following our path does call for us to take practical steps, the choices we make will lead to specific outcomes. And, at the same time, we understand that our perspective is limited. We cannot know how things will unfold. We cannot see all ends.

How we respond to the call to work without controlling the outcome is a Moon in Capricorn issue. Saturn, ruler of Capricorn, is the planet of responsibility, authority, and boundaries. The outermost of the visible planets, he was viewed in ancient times as the outer limit of the world, that beyond which we could not go. Where Saturn and Capricorn fall in our birth charts reflect how these themes present themselves in our lives, our choice is how to engage, to respond.

In Capricorn's shadow are all our difficulties with power and authority, from seeking dominance over others to giving away our power, from insisting we know all the answers to throwing up our hands and declaring the world meaningless, from a blind reliance on external authority to rejecting all constraints. When we struggle to find the right relationship to power, we're working with Capricorn.

The Moon's only aspect today is a trine, a flow of energy, with Venus in Virgo. Venus is the planet of relating, Virgo the sign of careful analysis. This waxing Capricorn Moon, coming right before the Full Moon time of moving into a public sphere, asks: Where are we standing in our own authority? Where are we following?

The Moon is our feeling function. As you move through your day today, notice how you feel about power. Capricorn loves to get things done, so notice how you work. Are you comfortable in your own power and authority? Are you comfortable allowing others to be in their power and authority?

Take some time today to check in with yourself on this issue: Find a still place. Take a few deep, cleansing breaths. Ask, where in my body is my sense of my own authority? Do I rest easily in that place? If it feels tight with anxiety, breathe into that space. If it needs strengthening, reach deep into the Earth and bring energy up through your body and into that space.

Paradoxically, we are most comfortable with the uncertainties of life, most able to allow events to unfold without attachment, most willing to go with the flow of synchronicity, when we are securely grounded in our own power. Today is a day for grounding and centering.

The image of the stage is adapted from a photo by Lekogm at WikiMedia Commons. The photo of the carved relief of the Hittite king Shupiluliuma II in Hattusa was taken by China Crisis, available through WikiMedia Commons.

Waxing Moon in Capricorn

The Moon steps into heavy Capricornian work boots at 4:39am EDT today, spits into her palm, grabs a shovel, and digs in. Capricorn is cardinal Earth, a sign of hard work, determination, and reliability, and the Moon's key words for today.

Right now, early Capricorn is home to Pluto the transformer, so the Moon joins her energy with his as he holds the corner square in the great Cardinal Cross. We may find Plutonian aspects of the Cardinal Cross emphasized today: a hard look at authority structures, big organizations, and power; an unearthing of secrets we need to face, bringing uncomfortable truths to the surface; and a breaking down of forms that are no longer working, so something better can be built.

Echoing Pluto's position, the Moon challenges Saturn in square at 4:55am, squares Uranus at 5:33am, squares Jupiter at 11:14am, and joins Pluto at 11:18am EDT. These past months, Pluto has brought many things to our attention in the economy, in corporate structures, in governments, and in the environment. Today, the Moon moves through this difficult terrain.

As the Moon passes through Pluto's territory, emotions may intensify. We may have a visceral response to what we see going on in the world around us. We may feel threatened, presented with challenges to our safety and security. We might also be offered a perspective from the past, a chance to consider how these issues now brought to light have been developing over time, and perhaps a new understanding of the historical processes involved. All of these––emotions, the body, security, and the past––are part of the Moon.

Capricorn can be associated with depression, one possible response to the many challenges facing us. But the remedy is hard work, which Capricorn rewards with success. Perhaps today's challenge is to allow ourselves to experience whatever the Moon and Pluto bring, and put the resulting insights to work in building a better world.

The photo above was released by the US Navy into the public domain, available through WikiMedia Commons.

Waxing Moon in Sagittarius

Today's a day to shine! The Moon adventures in enthusiastic Sagittarius, flowing energy in trine with Mercury in creative Leo at 2:26pm EDT, then tries to motivate slow-moving Mars in Virgo with a challenging square at 8:31pm EDT. And the Sun enters his home sign, Leo at 6:21pm. Solar power indeed!

The Sun and Moon high-five the Uranus-Jupiter pair in Aries today, embracing the new with open arms, confident everything will work out for the best. And Saturn is part of the picture too, as the Sun and Saturn share energy in sextile at 9:12pm EDT. The Sun's fiery energy coupled with Saturn's steady determination can get a lot done.

The Moon grows larger and brighter as she approaches Sunday's Full Moon in Aquarius, another sign of expanding energy and enthusiasm. The seeds we sowed at the New Moon have passed the challenge and are preparing to burst out at the Full, sharing the fruits with the world.

The Moon's last aspect in Sagittarius is a flowing sextile with Aquarian Neptune at 12:50am EDT Friday. At that point, she enters a void of course time that lasts until she steps into hardworking Capricorn at 4:39am. Imagine yourself dreaming with the Moon and Neptune overnight.

Today, find a way to shine your light. Tackle something you've been fearing, riding the Sagittarian and Leonine waves to success. The shadow side of a Sagittarius and Leo combo is inflation or over-reaching, but with all the challenges out there, an extra dose of confidence will feel welcome. Whether you reach for the stars or relax and enjoy the day, celebrate who you are ... there's no one else exactly like you in all of time and space. The world needs your gifts, your presence, right where you are, now.

The graphic image of the solar system was created for NASA and is therefore in the public domain, available at WikiMedia Commons.

Waxing Moon in Sagittarius

The Moon goes questing in Sagittarius today, exploring whatever catches her interest. There are no Moon aspects until evening, so follow the Moon into those philosophical, metaphysical, historical or cultural byways ... while limiting the number of shops and bakeries. The shadow side of expansive Sagittarius is excess, so if shopping, eating or just doing more seem especially appealing today, gently remind yourself that generosity to the self includes balance.

Balance is the watchword for today, as Saturn finally leaves Virgo for this zodiac round and enters Libra, sign of harmony and relationship, at 11:10 am EDT. With Saturn, planet of responsibility, moving back into Libra to stay for a while, we'll now be asked to look at issues of balance, fairness, and responsible relating. At the personal level, this may involve looking at issues of balance within ourselves (how do we spend our time? do we have solid routines for taking care of ourselves?) and within our relationships (how can we do our fair share without codependency or trying to control others?). In the wider world, issues of fairness and social justice may come up for review. The balance of power, the scales of justice, the tipping point ... all these are Saturn in Libra phrases. Ecology is ultimately an issue of balance, and so we can hope that the energy of a Libran Saturn helps us see clearly what needs to be done to bring a healthy balance back into our relationship with the natural world.

The entry of Saturn into Libra also marks a key moment in the developing Cardinal Cross, the powerful T-square whose influence we've already been feeling. Saturn now enters his cardinal point in his intense dialogue with Uranus in Aries, the awakener asking us to change, change again, then change some more. Yes, in this dialogue, Saturn represents the power of traditional authority, formal structure, the way we've always done it. And so, no matter how painful change can be, we may lean toward the Uranian side, welcoming changes we hope will be progressive and life enhancing.

At this cardinal moment, though, it's good to remember that the polarity between Aries and Libra includes dialogues about charging ahead vs. thinking things through, and going after what we want vs. including others in our plans. A case can be made that the deeply troubling issues we face have been fueled by unbridled greed, a feeling that I'm entitled to everything without counting the cost. Let's bring Saturn in Libra to the table as a voice of planning, and of speaking for the powerless. Let's give Saturn in Libra the role of helping us consider the impact of our decisions for the next seven generations.

Today's Moon aspect is a challenge in square to Venus in careful, practical Virgo at 7:42pm EDT. The Sag Moon wants to grab Virgoan Venus and pull her into a wild circle dance. Venus may go along, but feels anxious that something important has been left undone. Perhaps a way to resolve this square is to invite Libran Saturn into the dance as well ... we know Uranus in Aries is already dancing! Venus in Virgo wants to know that others are safe and well cared for, and the move of Saturn into Libra may help us see more clearly how to help that happen.

The young Kaamulan dancers, the image Ecologia and the Japanese belly dancer are all available through WikiMedia Commons.

Moon Transitioning from Scorpio to Sagittarius

The Scorpio Moon runs the gauntlet of the late-degree planets today, fearlessly challenging one and all, asking point-blank, what are you hiding? As we approach the official opening of the Cardinal Cross this Thursday and a powerful Full Moon in Aquarius on Sunday, it's good to know where the bodies are buried and which closets are hiding skeletons.

The Moon flows energy in sextile with Mars in careful Virgo at 5:36am EDT, trines the Sun in Cancer at 4:07pm, then squares off with Neptune at 4:16pm. The Scorpio Moon's final aspect is a sextile with Saturn in Virgo at 7:43pm. This void-of-course period is a short one: Five minutes later the Moon journeys into Sagittarius, at 7:48pm EDT.

Scorpio is indeed associated with detection, secrets, and hidden things as well as psychoanalysis and personal transformations of all kinds. The Moon continues in her waxing phase, moving toward the Full Moon and the release of energy outward. Best to use today's Scorpio Moon to probe for weakness in ourselves and our plans, before we step onto the cosmic stage.

Sagittarius is a very different kind of energy, mutable Fire, expansive where Scorpio is closed up tight, accepting where Scorpio is suspicious, generous where Scorpio withholds. And yet as each sign unfolds from the other, the next step on the path, we can see that Scorpio's strength and willingness to confront our deepest shadows make Sagittarian generosity possible. Having faced our demons, we celebrate life!

The Sagittarius Moon trines Uranus in fiery Aries at 8:44pm EDT, welcoming the trickster change agent, ready to experience the unexpected as a wonderful adventure. At 2:11am EDT Wednesday, the Sagittarius Moon trines Jupiter, and the party really gets underway! Tonight our dreams are likely to be busy, bright, and BIG.

The poster of Alfred Hitchcock's film Secret Agent is in the public domain. The picture of the interior of a hot air balloon was taken by Toni Lozano. Both available through WikiMedia Commons.

Waxing Moon in Scorpio

Hecate is the goddess of the Scorpio Moon, goddess of magic, enchantment, shadows, and the underworld. She is usually associated with the dark Moon, yet here we meet her as the Moon waxes, just past the first quarter. What does it mean for us to meet Hecate now?

The Moon's first aspect today is a sextile, flow of intense energy, with Venus in Virgo (7:26 am EDT). The planets of emotion and relationship, in the signs of intense and focused analysis, meet to compare notes. Anything in our relationships hiding just below the surface of consciousness may be dredged up today for examination. The waxing Moon is a time of increase and growth, and one of Scorpio's goals is an increase in awareness. The Scorpio Moon is not going to turn away from unpalatable truths.

Hecate, goddess of the crossroads, greets us as the Moon crosses the midpoint of her waxing cycle. What do we need to know, to reach the goals we set at the New Moon? Are we facing the right way, looking in the right direction, or is Hecate pointing her torch down a different path?

The day closes with a square from the Scorpio Moon to Mercury in Leo (10:39 pm). What is the challenge?

Perhaps part of the challenge has to do with keeping secrets or telling the world. Mercury in Leo would happily go on any talk show, sharing every detail of trauma and drama as long as the spotlight shone on him. Confession is good for the soul! The Moon in Scorpio understands the power of the word not spoken, of invocations whispered in sanctuary, of occult knowledge.

Hecate is a psychopomp, a conductor of souls ... and so is Mercury, the only one of the classical gods able to travel from Olympus to Hades and back at will. Today, these two are pulling in opposite directions. Mercury in Leo wants to go toward the light, seeking warmth and bright solar illumination. The Moon in Scorpio knows that too much light only casts deeper shadows, and that our greatest gifts are often deeply hidden.

In his book, Dark Nights of the Soul, Thomas Moore reminds us that "Hekate’s torch illuminates the pervading darkness with a dim lunar light" and so our "understanding likewise has to be enlightening as the moon illuminates––soft, incomplete, obscure, romantic, slightly chilling, beautiful."

The image above shows the Moon illuminated by Earthshine as the Sun emerges over her rim, and was created by NASA. The torch was taken by Panther40k. Both available through WikiMedia Commons.

Waxing Moon in Scorpio

Today's Moon swims in deep waters. At 6:11am EDT, the Moon in Libra challenges the Sun in Cancer, cardinal Air and cardinal Water testing whether thought or feeling is primary. Of course, both are essential: Neuroscience shows that we don't remember ideas without feelings attached to them, and thoughts bring consciousness to feeling. The balance between the two is dynamic and ever-changing.

This Sun-Moon square marks a shift in the energy of the unfolding lunar cycle. Now the Moon has reached her first quarter, when we may feel a challenge to whatever seeds we planted at the New Moon. The Sun asks, are these seeds viable? Can they survive above ground? The new wish emerges, sends out stalks, unfolds leaves, continuing to grow into its own form, marking out its place in the world.

The Libra Moon's final aspect is a flowing trine with Neptune, late in Aquarius, at 10:26 am EDT, creating an ideal time for meditation or visioning. Then the Moon enters her time-between-times, until diving into Scorpio's depths at 1:42pm EDT.

As soon as she enters Scorpio, the Moon flows energy in trine with Chiron in Pisces, as she also forms an inconjunct angle-of-adjustment with Uranus in Aries. This offers new energy for healing, as the Moon-Chiron connection may bring forward emotional memories of past wounds so they can be resolved, as Uranus pushes for an unexpected solution. Chiron is also the teacher and mentor, so this could also be an ideal time for mentoring someone working through old emotional patterns and memories, and needing to shift into a new way of perceiving.

At 7:55pm EDT, the Moon sextiles transformative Pluto and forms an inconjunct with Jupiter in Aries, as Pluto and Jupiter, cardinal Earth and cardinal Fire, square each other. Powerful forces of expansion and contraction vie for control, while the Scorpio Moon probes beneath the surface to expose hidden agendas and possible weak points.

However the Cardinal Cross has been affecting us, the Scorpio Moon can help us explore how we really feel about it, and why, pointing our attention to exactly where our triggers are. This may feel uncomfortable, but offers options for releasing whatever is holding us back.

The Scorpio Moon can leave us feeling persecuted, suspicious and alone. She can also bring us deep insights, clear perceptions, and the iron determination to continue on the most difficult path. The trick is to welcome challenges as teachers, and follow the Moon into the depths.

Waxing Moon in Libra

The Moon continues in balanced Libra today, where she will flow energy in sextile with Mercury in Leo while squaring the Nodes of the Moon. This Moon-Mercury energy offers the opportunity to creatively express heartfelt emotions, since Leo and Libra are both in their owns ways creative signs, the Moon is our feeling function, Leo is passionately heart centered, Mercury is mind and communication, and Libra loves to relate.

So what about the square to the Moon's Nodes, then? How does that focus the energy of the day?

The Nodes of the Moon mark the points where the visual paths of the Sun and of the Moon intersect. The two points are always opposite each other, and so mark polarities of sign as well as House. Together, they are a path from past to future, from what we've already achieved to what we need to learn, from the comfortable to the challenging.

The South Node marks our point of entry, bringing into this life stuff of the past – attitudes, skills, habits, styles, feelings. The North Node marks where we're meant to go, the areas of life (by sign and House) that draw our attention and yet seem tantalizingly out of reach.

The Moon squares the Nodal axis today, challenging past and future with ... the present! The Moon is all about our connection to the past, our emotions, and our life as incarnated beings, so who better to ask vital questions of the Nodes?

How am I feeling today about my life? Please note, I don't mean, how am I evaluating my life, am I on track, meeting my goals, or any of those other worthy questions. I mean quite specifically, how does it feel to be me, in this life, today? The key to moving from the South Node to the North Node is to become more aware, more conscious. With the Moon, we become conscious through feeling.

The South Node offers us the same old-same old, emotional habits, routines of living. We've done this before, we know how, we're good at it. Our level of consciousness is not too likely to change this way. The North Node's challenges, coming to grips with skills and attitudes that are not comfortable and yet somehow draw us in, are where consciousness can grow.

Will I spend my energies repeating South Node themes and actions, or walking into the uncharted territory of the North Node? The choice is mine, every day. Some days I choose the familiar and the comfortable. It's time for a change, though. Time to focus on what challenges me.

Crossroads is a railway crossing photographed by Mitya Illyinov; the path is a photo of Offa's Dyke from the Geograph project collection, both available through WikiMedia Commons.

Waxing Moon in Libra

The Moon's final aspect in Virgo is a conjunction with Saturn the taskmaster at 9:46am EDT, perhaps to report in on everything she's accomplished during her sojourn in this careful, practical sign. Having turned in all her assignments, she then goes void of course until making her entrance in lovely Libra at 10:24am.

The Moon graces Libra until Sunday morning. Libra is cardinal Air, ruled by Venus, and known for her balance, harmony, creative flair, diplomacy and charm. The word is that Libra, in trying to keep everyone happy, can be a pushover, but I don't believe it ... Libra may graciously defer or mischievously play devil's advocate, but she knows her own mind more often than she'll admit.

The Moon will need Libran tact today, as she emerges into an opposition with Uranus (11:19am EDT), moves to oppose Jupiter (3:58pm EDT), and squares Pluto (4:24m). Basically, the Moon steps into Saturn's shoes in the Cardinal Cross.

The Moon loves tradition, and so may employ Libra's diplomatic gifts to moderate the tremendous pressures for change that Uranus and Jupiter in Aries, and Pluto in Capricorn, represent. Or perhaps Libra's creativity and balance will come into play, suggesting a beautiful and harmonious solution to one of your most daunting challenges.

Whatever issues the Cardinal Cross is pushing to the fore, the Libra Moon offers a welcome time of calm. Our challenges won't go away, but we may be able to step out of the ring, take off the boxing gloves, and try negotiating instead. And if negotiations fail, the Libra Moon always maintains grace under pressure.

After facing the big guns on Friday, Saturday offers a chance for the Libra Moon's creative gifts to shine. The significant aspect of the day is a sextile, a bright flow of energy, with Mercury in Leo at 10:36am EDT that coincides with a challenge in square to the Nodes of the Moon. This combination calls us to examine our life path, and express what's in our hearts passionately and beautifully.

The pastel drawing Harmony is by the Armenian artist Carlos Sayadyan, available through Wikimedia Commons with permission of the artist.

Paying Attention

The Virgo Moon is a good time for considering specific effects of the Moon in transit. Writing about the Moon,I offer an overview. I can look at the sign, lunar cycle, and aspects of the Moon, but cannot know exactly how they will affect you ... for that, you need to pay attention.

I'll offer some personal examples. My Moon at 0 Virgo should theoretically be happy when the transiting Moon enters the Earth signs, as these signs will either join (Virgo) or trine (Taurus and Capricorn) my own Moon, creating easy flows of familiar energy, accentuating my strengths. But do they?

As I've tracked my moods these last months, I'm finding I love the Moon in Taurus. Maybe it's my Libran Sun (both Libra and Taurus are ruled by Venus), but when the Moon enters Taurus, I take a deep breath, relax, and love my life. Virgo and Capricorn Moons don't bring the same ease; instead, they accentuate my perfectionism. When the Moon arrives Virgo or Capricorn, I get anxious about things I need to do, haven't done, should have realized I would need to do, ought have completed years ago, will wish later I would have done earlier ... you get the idea!

I've got a loaded Third House, including Mercury and Neptune in Libra. So you'd think I'd really resonate with Gemini Moons ... and I do, but the resulting vibration is intense enough to make focusing on anything a challenge. So Gemini Moons may generally be great times for writing and communicating, but not for me. There are way too many ideas bouncing around in my head on Gemini Moon days to be anything but scattered.

What am I doing about these awkward Moon transits? Right now, I'm paying attention month by month. If I want to change these patterns, the remedy is within the problem: Beginning a Virgo or Capricorn Moon transit by completing some less-than-fun but necessary tasks takes the pressure off by giving my inner critic less to complain about. Another option is just to go with the flow: Gemini Moons are great times for me to catch up on phone calls.

There's more for me to learn, about myself and about the Moon through the zodiac. In the meantime, when's that next Taurus Moon?

The closeup of the yellow rose was taken by Fir0002; the manuscript is a table on medical astrology from an Icelandic manuscript, JS 392 8vo, written between 1747 and 1752; both available through WikiMedia Commons.

Waxing Moon in Virgo

The Leo Moon's last aspect is an opposition to Neptune in Aquarius ... the energy of personal creative expression in dialogue with the cosmic collective. Then, at 6:23am EDT, the Moon enters her time-between-times until emerging into cautious Virgo at 9:15am, where she will stay until early Friday.

Virgo is an Earth sign: analytical, detail-oriented, practical, reliable, and dedicated to service. If your Leo Moon time was a dramatic, creative party, Virgo will clean up and get the bills organized. This is a time for checking things off your to-do list. The satisfaction of a job well done is one of Virgo's chief joys.

Virgo does have its joys, by the way. Despite its reputation as a critical workaholic, Virgo at its best is the sign of craftsmanship ... taking the time to master a craft, and then putting those skills to good use.

Mihály Csíkszentmihályi wrote about flow, the timelessness and joy we feel when we're in the zone, caught up in an optimal experience. Although we've come to think of the flow experience as something special, linked to challenge and exertion, Csíkszentmihályi found that flow also happens when people are serenely engaged in everyday tasks.

Flow can happen when we chop wood and carry water, knowing these tasks are practical, helpful, and vital to our ongoing lives. This second kind of flow is a Virgo thing ... the flow of gardening, making, mending, tending.

At 3:08pm EDT, the Virgo Moon flows energy in trine with Pluto the transformer, another acknowledgment that ordinary things can carry great power. At 5:14pm, the Moon joins Venus in Virgo, carrying the energy of willing service and practical help into our relationships and creative lives.

Thursday evening, at 8:30pm EDT, brings the Virgo Moon into conjunction with Mars in Virgo. If Wednesday was devoted to planning and organizing, today's the day to get 'er done. A bright flow of energy (sextile) from the Cancer Sun at 11:39pm brings the Virgo Moon's focus to home and family, tribe and tradition.

These Virgo days are times to appreciate fine work well done, and those who accomplish it. Look with new eyes at the myriad details of the world, how wonderfully everything around us is made. Value those who preserve the old ways and traditional crafts, for they are links with our ancestors. Express gratitude to those who serve us, and gratitude for our opportunities to serve others. These are the virtues of Virgo.

The painting is The Seamstress by Joseph DeCamp. The photograph by Tom Allen was taken at Shaker Village at Pleasant Hill, Kentucky, USA, of a craftsman making boxes in the manner of the 19th century Shakers. Both images from WikiMedia Commons.

Wishes from the Heart

As the Moon waxes in Leo, we're still in the seed time of planting wishes and sending intentions out into the universe. How do we make wishes with the Moon, and how is this different from other ways to set intentions? I introduced the concept of New Moon wishes; here's a little more about the process.

Wishing with the Moon recognizes that we live in a cosmos full of sentient beings who are all wishing too, a process of co-creation. David Spangler suggests the model of a galaxy full of stars is more holistic and more accurate than the model of a solar system, ourselves the one star at the center, sometimes recommended for setting intentions.

Yes, we create our realities in the sense that how we perceive and feel has a tremendous influence on how we experience the world. Yes, with intention, we can influence the path of our lives and the world around us. The world, though, does not exist solely to be molded into whatever we desire. We are not alone, we live in communities of all kinds and sizes, and we influence and are influenced by everything around us.

This recognition of community is central to the energy of Cancer, sign of the New Moon Eclipse. In its positive sense, Cancerian communities are our homes, our families, our tribes ... the network of those who love and support us, who offer us security and safety, who want us to be happy. The shadow side of Cancerian communities are the webs of tradition and the kinds of security needs that hold us back, telling us the world outside is scary and dangerous and it's better to just stay home.

Today's Leo Moon energy can help us sort out which is which, crafting wishes that honor community without allowing empty traditions or groundless fears to hold us back.

Leo is the energy of creative, passionate self expression. We can see Leo as a reaction against Cancer, puling away from the tribe and saying, "I've gotta be me!" or we can see Leo as a result of Cancer, the ability to fully and warmly express the best of who we are because we are loved and supported. Ultimately, we need to find that sense of strength, compassion and security within ourselves, by loving who we are. It helps tremendously if that kind of caring is part of our childhood: The innovation and wildly successful investor Warren Buffet said in a recent interview that the best advice he ever received was the unconditional love his father gave him. For many of us, though, it's a long process of growth and exploration to find that secure base.

The Leo Moon can help by providing the fiery warmth to express what's in our hearts. The Moon is the container of our feelings. Expressing those feelings is a way to honor the Moon, and ourselves. Through personal expression, we learn – we feel – who we are more fully.

This is not a recommendation to go yell at whoever you're mad at. This is an invitation to take paper and pen, paint, crayons, markers, pencils, whatever is at hand, and give form to whatever is inside you. No editing, no critical eye commenting on "mistakes" ... those voices are given a rest.

Pull together a collection of whatever you can find. Find a quiet (relatively quiet) time and space. Take a deep breath. Pick up pen or marker or brush. Begin.

Stay with the flow. No labels, just experience. Move with the feelings as they shift and change. Dark colors may change to bright ones. Sunny words might turn to stormy ones. Either, both, back and forth. You might find yourself diving deeply into one color, idea or memory. Stay with what emerges until it finds a point of completion.

Then, at that point of rest, breathe deeply. What wish would you make for this New Moon Eclipse time? What is expressing itself through you now?

The galaxy is an image from NASA. The poppy is today's image of the day at WikiMedia Commons, the center of the flower of an orange Iceland Poppy ('Champagne Bubbles') taken in the Teacup Garden at the Chanticleer Garden where this cultivar was selected, by and (c)2008 Derek Ramsey for Chanticleer Garden.

Waxing Moon in Leo

Writing again this morning during the Moon's time-between-times, I feel like I'm looking out on a new landscape. Washed clean in the Cancer New Moon, we emerge into a new world with the Moon in Leo. The Moon officially entered her void-of-course period with her sextile to Saturn at 7:48am EDT, bursting into Leo at 8:53am today, Monday.

For me, the Moon in Leo is linked to Inanna, Queen of Heaven. Her descent to the underworld, though central, is only part of her story. She is a queen of passion and of war, protecting her people fiercely, associated with Venus as the morning star. This combination of traits – love and war, deep personal transformation and worldly power – may seem difficult to contain in one queen, yet all reflect the Leo Moon.

The Moon will shine in Leo until early Wednesday. From now til then, we have a bright window to passionately and creatively express whatever the New Moon Eclipse is bringing us.

Leo is fixed Fire: dramatic, passionate, creative, playful. Leo loves children, theater, color, expressing whatever is in the heart, and being in the spotlight. Leo can be a drama queen overly focused on the ego; the remedy is the permission to create, to express the heart's desire in playful, dramatic, bright ways.

This is the seed time of the New Moon, the window through which we send our dreams and wishes into the cosmos. What new visions has the New Moon Eclipse brought you? Which House of your chart has been brought to life? Where have things shifted? These are the areas where the Leo Moon wants to play and create.

If other New Moons saw you writing neat wishes on small slips of paper, go big this time! Find those bright red origami sheets, get out the paints, up-end the wrapping paper box looking for ribbons and colored paper. If your usual approach to crafting intentions is calm meditation, this time, get up and dance. And if you naturally approach these ritual times with flair and color, revel in it.

When the Moon emerges into Leo today, she will conjunct Mercury, and flow energy in trine with Uranus and Jupiter in Aries ... this is not a shy Moon at any time, and joining forces with mind and communication (Mercury), revolutionary change (Uranus) and generosity and luck (Jupiter) create an amazing energy for creative expression of our heart's desires.

Tomorrow, Tuesday, the Moon makes no significant aspects, but Venus (always a creative force) in careful Virgo will help us make sure we get the details of our creations right, and remember the need to serve others as we reach for our own goals.

Early Wednesday, at 6:23am EDT, the reminder to place our individuals desires and gifts in a wider context is repeated with the Moon's final aspect, an opposition to the Neptune-Chiron conjunction in late Aquarius and early Pisces. Neptune and Chiron are checking to make sure our visions are big enough to embrace the cosmos ... with this Leo Moon, dream BIG!

The lioness and cub were photographed in the Serengeti by David Dennis, the oil palette is a photo by Max Wehlte, and the Chinese dragon is a photo by Caseman, all from WikiMedia Commons.

New Moon Eclipse in Cancer

Today, this afternoon at 3:41pm EDT, we will reach the turning point of the New Moon in Cancer. I've written and talked about this time and the meanings it might hold for each of us, and find myself this morning with a feeling of waiting and no additional words. Well, not too many, anyway.

This time is a gateway. The sign of Cancer was itself considered a gateway. As the highest point of the Sun in the sky (in the Northern hemisphere) at the Summer Solstice, Cancer was the Gate of Man, the point through which souls descended into bodies to begin another round on Earth. Her opposite, the Gate of Souls, is Capricorn, the time of the Winter Solstice, and the gate through which departing souls pass to other worlds.

So this is a hinge time, one made more powerful by the New Moon Eclipse. What we do now will echo through time in ways we cannot fully anticipate.

Let me introduce you today the the Thirteen Indigenous Grandmothers, if you have not already met them. Women elders of power and healing, they were called to give us a message about how we are living on our Earth Mother. Their website tells of events and projects, and YouTube offers trailers from the film For the Next 7 Generations, about their work.

On the New Moon Eclipse in Cancer, listening to wise mothers is a good thing to be doing.

The photograph of Casa Romana Park was taken by Peter R. Suter and available through WikiMedia Commons.

Waning Moon in Cancer

I begin writing this morning while the Moon is between-time, Gemini's scintillating energy now behind us. Before I finish, she will emerge into her home sign of Cancer, in the last waning phase of this lunar cycle. We are moving into a powerful window of change, the New Moon Solar Eclipse in Cancer, happening tomorrow afternoon. The influence of solar eclipses extends in all directions, so we may already feel we've walked through a gateway.

Astrologer April Elliott Kent works with eclipses, and offers two posts worth reading now. She writes of this New Moon Eclipse as a kind of vacation, not just as a trip to the seaside but as a vacating of our lives as we know them that brings a new perspective. And she writes of the experience of eclipses throughout our lives, times when the world as we know it can change utterly and completely.

The waning lunar cycle is a time of reflection. We embrace an ending and consider what we've learned. The word reflection is built on the root word flexion, and means to flex again. Can we regain the flexibility we once had? Can we stretch into a new way of seeing, feeling, and being? Our lives are full of cycles, small and large. The difference between spiraling through them in widening, joyful arcs and spinning in repetitive patterns depends on our ability to remain pliable.

With the Sun and Moon in Cancer, we may want to pull inward, staying home with the drawbridge up and all we care about safely inside. This protective side of Cancer supports meditation, looking inward, and appreciating what we have ... but is not always flexible. As we sense a portal opening in this time of change, perhaps we can be move into knowing we are not one alone but part of a larger community.

Perhaps this eclipse is a time to realize we are all one family, linked in a tribe that includes not just people, but all sentient beings. This might be a big stretch, pushing the limits of Cancer's circle of care. And yet, doesn't every news story show us how true this is? Having created a global village, we now must learn to live in one.

In a holographic universe, each small part reflects the whole. Maybe this is the time to consider ... con + sidere, with the stars ... how deep our connections are, and open our hearts to embrace all that is.

Images from WikiMedia Commons: A water drop by Sven Hoppe; a mud muddle in a wheat field by Jerry Seagraves; and water drops on a spiderweb by Luc Viatour

Diving into the New Moon Eclipse

Remember, yesterday's note describes the Moon's path today.

Sunday's New Moon in Cancer is also a solar eclipse, creating yet another powerful window for change in this tumultuous and transformative time. We are still in the waning cycle, releasing whatever we need to let go of; yet we also look to the patterns of the coming New Moon, to anticipate areas of life likely to be affected, where we can partner with cosmic energies to co-create change.

Solar eclipses have traditionally been seen as dangerous times when dramatic, and traumatic, events happened. Today we can recognize that powerful archetypes are activated at these times, read the signs, consult our inner guidance, and set our sails to ride the winds of change.

Reading the astrological weather requires some maps, and your birth chart is the most important for you. Have a copy of your chart handy as you consider the upcoming patterns ... if you don't have a chart, Astrodienst can calculate one for you. (Follow the links for the free daily horoscope and find the free chart link at the bottom of the horoscope page.)

And here is a map of the New Moon itself. Created for SE Ohio, the House placements in this chart may not fit your area. But the planets and points are where they should be, and you can compare them to your birth chart, seeing where the relationships are. Look especially at any planets or points in your chart that are in the late teens or early 20's by degree, as these will be affected one way or another by the New Moon at 19 degrees of Cancer.

Cancer is the Moon's home sign, making this a very lunar time strongly focused on home, family, tribe, tradition, and the ancestors. The Moon carries the energy of the Mother ... our birth mother, the archetype of the mother, security, safety and nurturing. The Moon represents the body, changing rhythms of life, and natural cycles. The Moon is our emotional self, feelings that arise in the body from the unconscious, feelings that desire and need expression in order to be understood.

At The Radical Virgo, Joyce Mason writes of the Moon as our container. Of this New Moon, she says "During this kicker, Cancer, Solar Eclipse New Moon: Learn about your container. What holds you? What makes you feel safe? Where do you lack the Holy Grail in your inner life?"

One of our containers is our history: the legacy of family and ancestral patterns that might support us in strength or bind us in dependency. At Astro Alchemy, Simone Butler writes lovingly of her own grandmother, and how this New Moon Eclipse offers a powerful opportunity to recast our relationships with the past.

We live in the present, with ties that reach back into the past as well as into the unseen future. When we change our relationship to our past in positive, strengthening, life-enhancing ways, we offer healing to the ancestors and new, beautiful paths to those who will follow us.

Astrologer Lynda Hill works with the Sabian symbols, a fascinating set of images and messages channeled for each degree of the zodiac. Her exploration of the complex Sabian symbols surrounding this New Moon emphasizes the important of relationships at this time ... with Venus strongly aspected, and the New Moon in Cancer, we can anticipate feelings about, and possible changes in, our closest relationships.

This Cancerian New Moon Eclipse also offers the opportunity to set intentions to benefit Gaia Herself. Our home, our Mother, the container that holds us, our relationship with Her is vital to our survival and now in need of repair and deep change. At MoonCircles, Dana Gerhardt writes about the power of prayer, and how our power increases when we work in community. 

Cancer is a Water sign. This New Moon's solar eclipse will be most visible from the Pacific, the largest of Gaia's oceans. As we set our personal intentions and craft wishes to reach our goals, we have the opportunity to ask for the changes in how human societies relate to the waters of the Earth, and ask for healing.

Waning Moon in Gemini

Today's post will cover the Moon's transit through Gemini beginning this morning at 3:51am EDT and lasting until 6:17am EDT Saturday. This is both an experiment with a different approach to writing about the Moon, and an opening for me to write extra posts about the upcoming New Moon Eclipse. Feedback welcome!

The Moon emerges from her chrysalis at 3:51am EDT this Thursday morning, into bright, energetic Gemini. This Air sign ruled by Mercury is all about connecting, networking and communicating, and early sextiles with revolutionary Uranus (exact at 4:53am) and expansive Jupiter (exact at 9:15am) boost the energy even higher.

In these last balsamic days of this lunar cycle, this energy could feel a bit out of sync ... like pushing the latest new thing before the old one is quite worn out. Or it could feel more like a pep talk, a preview of a shiny future that makes it a bit easier to let go of a past that no longer fits.

This could be a great day for journaling, harnessing Gemini's flow of words and facility of expression to reflect on what we've learned, burnishing our insights to share them with others. It could also be wonderful energy for realizing how things in our lives are connected, tracing a network of feelings and memories from past, to present, to future.

Friday morning opens with a challenge from the Gemini Moon to analytical Mars in Virgo ... the Moon wants us to look up from the detail work, and notice the brilliant web of connections surrounding us, while Mars in Virgo reminds us this web is maintained by careful attention to its myriad details.

Mercury, Gemini's ruler, enters dramatic Leo at 12:29pm EDT, bringing a focus on creative expression from the heart, another opening for reflecting and sharing our insights. This also brings Mercury into a flow of energy (trine) with Uranus and Jupiter in Aries, again reminding us that releasing whatever we need to release now opens up space for new energies to flow.

Early Saturday, the Moon enter the last degrees of Gemini, flowing energy with Neptune in Aquarius at 4:47am EDT, two Air signs joining together to say "Only connect!" This could be a morning for big dreams we actually remember on waking ... be sure to place a journal and pen next to your bed Friday night.

At 6:17am, a challenge to Saturn in Virgo ends the Moon's transit through Gemini, sounding again the note struck with the square to Mars: how do we balance our need to tend the details of life with the entrancing energy we feel when we look at the whole? Holding that thought the Moon enters her time-between-times until opening her own front door to enter the sign of Cancer at 7:38am EDT Saturday. She enjoyed her ride through scintillating Gemini, and now breaths a deep, comfortable sigh ... she's home.

The image of butterflies is Plate II from Europas bekannteste Schmetterlinge. Beschreibung der wichtigsten Arten und Anleitung zur Kenntnis und zum Sammeln der Schmetterlinge und Raupen (ca. 1895), F. Nemos, Oestergaard Verlag, Berlin, 18 chromolithographische Tafeln, 160 pp.