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.