Waning Moon in Libra

This note covers the Moon's transit through Libra today (Tuesday) through early Thursday morning.

The waning Moon, lovely in the sky, entered harmonious Libra this morning. As we move toward Sunday's powerful New Moon in Sagittarius, this time in Libra can help us find inner balance.

spiral galaxies dancing

We look destiny in the face once again today, as the Moon squares Pluto and the North Node, both in Capricorn. What is the balance point between serenity of thought, and outward action? How can we honor past traditions while taking focused and determined action toward a desired future?

Mercury, planet of thought and communication, enters Capricorn today. After exploring new territory in Sagittarius, our minds begin thinking of the concrete steps needed to reach our goals.

The Sun and Moon flow energy in sextile tonight, opening a window of insight and understanding. Close to the end of the Last Quarter phase, this connection between the luminaries in Fire and Air makes Tuesday night a good time for dreams, visioning and journeys of all kinds.

The Moon joins Saturn in Libra early Wednesday, revisiting the theme of finding the balance between thought and action. Mercury flows energy in sextile with Venus in Scorpio, sharing information from Scorpio's depths and assessing its practical value. The Moon's final aspect this day is a flowing sextile with Mars in Sagittarius, thought and action, Air and Fire, joining again.

Wednesday night, the Libra Moon connects with powerful outer planets messengers, trining Neptune the visionary and Chiron the mentor, while forming inconjuncts to Jupiter the philosopher and Uranus the revolutionary. Once again, windows open for intuitive guidance.

The coming New Moon represents a new, larger connection with the cosmos. Taking time during these final days of the waning cycle to clarify goals, release what we've completed, and find inner balance will help us align with this opening.

Waning Moon in Virgo

Today's Virgo Moon pulls out her best glasses to scrutinize, analyze, and organize as she encounters the big energies of the outer planets today. She'll also try to stay grounded as Mars and Venus create some intensity of their own.

Practical Electrics 1924

Mars in Sagittarius will square Jupiter in Pisces (9:51am EST), a challenge that amps up the desire to jump in and take action, explore, adventure ... possibly in Martian areas like sports or anything physically active, possibly in more philosophical or spiritual areas, drawing on Jupiter and Pisces. The Virgo Moon's caution can help avoid extremes.

Later (7:33pm), Venus leaves Libra and enters Scorpio, traversing the territory she's been through twice before––direct, then retrograde, now direct once again. This is our chance to really understand and integrate what we've learned from Venus about our creative lives and relationships. The Virgo Moon's groundedness can keep us from going off Scorpio's deep end, and bring what we know into the everyday.

Then, the Moon opposes Jupiter (8:41pm) and squares Mars (9:15pm), creating a T-square that emphasizes the need to combine Jupiter and Sagittarius' expansive enthusiasm, Mars' action, the Moon's connection to feeling, and Virgo's practicality.

Tonight, the Virgo Moon will oppose Uranus in Pisces, while forming inconjunct angles-of-adjustment with Neptune and Chiron. The Moon's final aspect in Virgo will be a square to Mercury the messenger, in Sagittarius, sign of the quest. Look for messages in dreams ... with Virgo's eye for detail, and Mercury involved, perhaps we'll remember the words spoken to us in dreams tonight!

Today offers abundant energy for insight, understanding and action. Working with the Virgo Moon can help channel that energy into practical and productive channels.

Waning Moon in Virgo

The Moon enters Virgo early Sunday morning (4:34am EST), changing the mood from passion to practicality. The Moon in Virgo has her feet on the ground and all the necessary details at her fingertips, which is good because her first aspect is a flowing trine with Pluto and the North Node, both in Capricorn.

treasure map

The Virgo Moon offers details from the deep wells of memory, reminders of the next steps on our journey. Pluto and the North Node offer glimpses of the landscape ahead. Virgo's focus on the details can lose sight of the big picture, while Pluto and the North Node take the long view.

The shift to this most analytical of Earth signs comes as the Sun and Moon square each other, the last quarter of this lunar cycle. At this time, the Moon moves closer to the Earth, heading toward the next New Moon.

The time from the Full Moon to the Last Quarter is one of disseminating, sharing what we achieved during the waxing cycle. Reaching the Last Quarter Moon, we shift from sharing to integrating. We begin assessing what we've learned, and releasing what is no longer needed.

Sunday's Virgo Moon helps us shift from self expression to self examination, figuring out where we've been, where we are now, and where we wish to go next.

Waning Moon in Leo

The Moon reaches the late degrees of Leo today, where many planets are clustered. This morning, she shines brightly on Leo's stage, reveling in the playful creativity of a Saturday. Express yourself with passion (skipping the emotional drama). Connect with your heart's core and share your vibrant self. This afternoon (3:25pm EST), the Moon makes contact with Mars in a flowing trine, your creative ideas taking action.

La Loie Fuller

The Moon reaches an inconjunct angle-of-adjustment with expansive Jupiter at 5:43pm EST, opening a conversation about how to bring our rich inner lives, reflected in the deep emotions of the Moon and the cosmic connectedness of Pisces, into our outer lives, embodied in generous Jupiter and outgoing Leo.

Just before 10:00pm EST, the Moon opposes Neptune and Chiron in Aquarius. The Leo-Aquarius dialogue is about the balance between serving the community and expressing our unique gifts. With the intuitive and healing energies of Neptune and Chiron connecting easily with the Moon tonight, new visions of how to make that happen might come to you in meditation, or in dreams.

An inconjunct with revolutionary Uranus in visionary Pisces (10:56pm) pushes us to think outside the box for ways to make this happen. The Moon's last aspect in Leo, in the early hours of Sunday, is a flowing sextile with Venus in one of her home sign's of Libra, again offering support for us to bring into full flower who we are.

Today's Leo Moon speaks to us in Martha Graham's voice:

"There is a vitality, a life force, an energy, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all time, this expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and will be lost."

Waning Moon in Leo

Today's Leo Moon flows energy in trine with the Sagittarian Sun, while forming an inconjunct angle-of-adjustment with Pluto and the North Node. The luminaries sharing their fiery energy create a focus on personal expression, energy we can channel into creative explorations of philosophy, metaphysics, or other areas under Sagittarius' expansive cloak.

This Leo-Sag combination might create a tendency to hold forth, certain we have The Answer and others should listen and learn. Be wary of giving in to a feeling that you are absolutely in the right!

paint!

A more meaningful choice might be to connect our heart's passion (Leo) with our personal quest (Sagittarius) and our transformative path in this lifetime (Pluto and North Node). The Sun and Moon today want us to move, connecting with Fire's drive to explore and create wonderful things.

Overnight, the Leo Moon flows energy in sextile with Saturn in Libra, emphasizing the theme of creative expression. The Moon in Leo knows what the heart wants; Saturn in Libra can bring that emotion into beautiful form.

The Moon today also brings a playful energy to the day. If you're spending a holiday weekend with family, getting goofy with kids will express Leo's love of children and fun. Play is deeply creative, a way we open our minds as well as our hearts, and recharge our batteries.

Whatever your plans for today, the Leo Moon can light them up with creativity, passion, and playfulness.

Waning Moon in Cancer

This note covers the Moon's transits for today and tomorrow, Wednesday and Thursday.

The Moon in Cancer, in her disseminating, waning phase, seems ideal for a holiday focused on family. In the U.S., we celebrate Thanksgiving tomorrow, a time when extended families gather, share a meal, experience (we hope) a sense of togetherness and gratitude, and watch football.

The Cancer Moon is tender hearted, and can be sensitive and easily wounded. Fiercely protective of tribe and family, Cancerians put up strong outer defenses to protect inner vulnerability.

This holiday commemorates a time when European settlers received food and other aid from Native people, allowing them to survive the winter. While offering vital assistance is certainly emblematic of the best of Cancer's spirit, we know the settlers did not respond in kind. The narrowness of their "us vs. them" approach began in fear and self righteousness, led to devastation and violence, and created a legacy of pain and betrayal we carry today.

Family and tribe are essential but difficult boundaries to create, and to maintain. The Moon today opposes Pluto in Capricorn, the tender, home-centered Mother, sometimes fearful of what is outside, in dialogue with the fierce, determined Phoenix, pushing us out into the world to confront our deepest fears and transform ourselves.

These two are aligned with the Nodes of the Moon, Pluto sitting with the North Node, where we are meant to go in this lifetime, while the Moon remains with the South Node, reminding us of our strengths but also (perhaps) holding us back, telling us of all the dangers and discomforts we'll face "outside."

Later, the Moon squares Saturn in Libra, the Father who respects tradition but demands accountability. Yes, the Cancer Moon is all about home and family, but these transits remind us of the many ways the world is still with us, and that sometimes our most challenging issues are the ones we face at home.

Tomorrow (Thursday), Mercury in Sagittarius squares Jupiter in Pisces, a reminder that the excesses of the season––food, drink, emotions, talk––can create tension as well as balance.

Later, the Moon will flow energy in trine with Uranus and Jupiter, while creating inconjunct angles-of-adjustment with Neptune and Chiron. We can open ourselves to intuitive guidance, reading the currents of whatever situation we find ourselves in, while maintaining conscious awareness. This is not a time to be on automatic pilot, or just "go with the flow."

The Moon's final aspect in Cancer is a square to Venus in Libra, one more reminder that maintaining balanced relationships is not always easy. The Moon then enters her time-between-times, resting before stepping into Leo's spotlight at 1:01am EST Friday. Expect dramatic dreams, or late night drama of other kinds, Thursday night.

The Moon's transit through Cancer offers us the warmth of family traditions, and the protection of our tribe. At the same time, we are reminded that walls can lock us in, and boundaries are maintained at a cost. We're challenged to find our balance between protection and growth, and safety and compassion.

Images of families from WikiMedia Commons.

Waning Moon in Gemini

This note covers the Moon's transit through Gemini, which begins today and continues through Tuesday.

The Full Moon in Taurus, powerful in its own right, initiates a strong shift in energy. This Full Moon, taking place in the last degree of Taurus and Scorpio, begins the Moon's void of course time, a lull, a period of rest and reflection that lasts only an hour.

Geminid meteor shower

At 1:42pm EST, the Moon flies into bright, airy Gemini, ready to take everything the Full Moon offered and share it with the world. Gemini is the sign of thought, communication and networking ... linking people and ideas in new and intriguing ways.

This lunar time is for sharing, disseminating what we've realized and achieved. Today's shift into Gemini after the intensity of the Full Moon might feel like a burst of energy, like fireworks or a shower of stars. These Gemini days will be times for connecting our hard-won insights into new patterns of understanding, for sending messages, and for reaching out to others.

Tomorrow morning, the Sun moves into Sagittarius (5:14am Monday), sign of exploration and adventure. The Moon will trine Saturn in Libra (3:04pm), creating new connections of insight and energy for Saturn's steady work of manifestation.

Just after midnight, the Gemini Moon opposes Mars in Sagittarius, a reminder to keep an eye on the horizon as we continue our quest. Becoming too focused on one goal, we can miss important shifts around us. At 3:25am Tuesday, the Gemini Moon opposes Mercury in Sagittarius, reinforcing the message: Keep a sharp lookout and all lines of communication open!

Reaching the late degrees of Gemini, the Moon will challenge Jupiter and Uranus in square while flowing energy to Neptune and Chiron in trine. Once again, Gemini connects. Easy or difficult, it doesn't matter ... communication is vital, and messages that shake things up are sometimes the most valuable of all.

The Moon's final aspect in Gemini is a flowing trine to Venus in Libra, at 4:56pm Tuesday. Moving direct now, revisiting territory she last crossed in retrograde, this trine between Venus and the Moon offers more new connections. Venus wants to make sure we've gotten the messages she's been sending about our relationships, creativity and finances. Are we listening?

During this Gemini Moon, we might need to remind ourselves that communication needs to be a two-way street to be successful. We may feel so full of things to share, it becomes hard to listen. Or we might be so bombarded with messages, it feels overwhelming.

Perhaps we can remind ourselves that Mercury, Gemini's ruler, is also the patron of merchants, ruling exchanges of all kinds. This will be a time of communication, yes, but we want to spend as much time listening as talking. Checking that important messages have been received and understood will ensure that we're communicating in meaningful, productive ways.

At 8:14pm Tuesday, after a void of course period of about three hours, the Moon walks through her own front door, emerging into the security of Cancer.

Waxing Moon in Taurus

Today as the Taurus Moon trines expansive, enthusiastic Jupiter, and Mercury and Mars meet in Sagittarius, Jupiter's sign, we explore the energy of the coming Full Moon.

This has been an amazing year, astrologically and in many other ways. Each New and Full Moon has presented compelling energies that challenged us while offering opportunities for growth. Tomorrow's Full Moon in Taurus is no exception, bringing the planets together with power and intensity.

This Full Moon is the second in a series of five occurring in the last degrees of the signs. This one brings us the Moon at 29 degrees of Taurus and the Sun at 29 degrees of Scorpio.

These signs, fixed Earth and fixed Water, are patient and steadfast, in for the long haul. Where Taurus nurtures natural growth, allowing life to unfold at its own pace, Scorpio focuses his intense gaze on what's beneath, poking and prodding to see exactly what's happening down there.

For an insightful look at the Taurus-Scorpio polarity, read the paired posts at Dana Gerhardt's Moon Circles: April Elliott Kent's essay praises the calm strength of Taurus, while Julia Bond recognizes the power of Scorpio's often uncomfortable messages.

The impact of this Full Moon rests in Scorpio's depths, fueling new growth through Taurus' gentle acceptance of what is.

The Full Moon polarity becomes a T-square as Neptune and Chiron challenge the Sun and Moon. Neptune and Chiron turned direct recently, giving added emphasis to this already powerful combination. Neptune brings visions and dreams, and Chiron offers healing. Both are in Aquarius, sign of intuition, innovation and individuation.

Meanwhile, Uranus and Jupiter, in visionary Pisces, flow energy to the Sun in trine and the Moon in sextile. With all these outer planet connections, I see this Full Moon as an especially powerful time for dreams, visioning, meditation, and shamanic journeying.

Journeys are also energized by the Mars-Mercury conjunction in Sagittarius, the sign of exploration, philosophy, and metaphysics. A sextile to Mars and Mercury from Saturn can keep things real, while bringing in the power to manifest what we envision.

As one way to explore this Full Moon, I've created a guided journey experience, an invitation to travel with the drum to meet the Moon, Neptune and Chiron, ask questions, and listen to responses. If you'd like to try this, the recording is available HERE. I'd love to hear your feedback!

This is a transformative Full Moon, as an inconjunct angle-of-adjustment from Pluto and the North Node to the Moon, emphasizes. The Moon is also inconjunct Venus in Libra, creating an almost-yod, pointing at the Moon herself. And there is a yod, pointing at Venus, from the Moon and the Uranus-Jupiter conjunction.

With Venus and Jupiter newly direct, this yod and almost-yod shine the Full Moon's light on issues of good fortune, abundance, values, and aesthetics. Venus rules Taurus, sign of this Full Moon, and her presence shimmers like gold threads woven through dark cloth.

Linda Hill's discussion of the complex Sabian symbols associated with this Full Moon, beginning with the Moon's symbol of a peacock parading on the terrace of an old castle, speaks to the importance of Venus at this time.

This Full Moon in Taurus invites us into a transformative space of dreams, visions and journeys, within which we can explore the depths of our most challenging issues, returning from the quest bearing gifts of great value and beauty.

Waxing Moon in Taurus

After two and a half headlong days in Aries, the Moon breathes deeply and relaxes in Taurus. Void-of-course overnight, the Moon stepped into Taurus' sensuous garden of Earthy delights at 5:04am EST.

The Moon in Taurus is a time to slow down, to connect with the Earth's abundance, the wonders of the physical, and our own bodies. So today, I'm sharing a wonderful link from CJ Wright's blog, Auntie Moon ... Astrological Tai Chi! What could be better as we head toward Sunday's Full Moon in Taurus?

Tai Chi in Hong Kong

Of course, I followed CJ's link back to the original site, Priestesses of the Zodiac, and will be spending time exploring the tai chi exercises and other resources there. I love the idea of body-centered astrology! For those of us with Moons in Earth, it feels completely natural to ground the Moon's energies in this way.

If this concept feels odd to you ... try it anyway! Extending into new experiences helps develop areas that are less strong in our charts and our psyches, balancing us elementally. The waxing Moon supports the idea of reaching out in new ways (check out the Lunar Cycle Tai Chi!), and Taurus is a body-centered sign.

Renaissance philosophers like Marsilio Ficino saw our celestial existence as held within two circles, the Tropics of Capricorn and Cancer. The Moon, closest body to Earth and ruler of Cancer, was the gateway to incarnation, to manifestation. Through aligning ourselves with Luna's cycles, we learn to synchronize the natural rhythms of the Earth with the celestial realms. This alignment is the goal of tai chi.

Recognizing the Moon as a bridge linking Earth to the cosmos, and cosmos to Earth, acknowledges that the physical realm––including the body––is a place of soul making. The Abrahamic religions tend to see the body as weakness, punishment, something to be controlled and ultimately transcended. The focus on transcendence, and the view of Earth as less-than, a regrettable way-station on the cosmic journey, is reflected in many current philosophies as well.

The Taurus Moon loves Gaia. These next days are times to embrace the physical and experience the spirit in all things. What if we truly felt the world as ensouled? What if we walked an Earth in which we knew Spirit as immanent, rather than transcendant?

The Moon today flows energy in trine with Pluto the transformer (12:32pm EST) and the North Node, pointer to our life path (1:49pm EST). This connection opens the Moon gateway to the deep life changes Pluto and the North Node may ask of us, preparing the way for Sunday's powerful Full Moon. Anchoring these changes in the physical is what the Taurus Moon is all about.

Waxing Moon in Aries

The energy of direct action continues today with the Aries Moon, as both Venus and Jupiter station direct after weeks of retrograde motion. The time when planets stop and turn is an especially potent one, and today this is doubled.

The Chariot

Venus and Jupiter are both "money planets" said to bring good fortune in financial affairs. With the Moon still in a wide trine with Mars and Mercury in Sagittarius, the new, direct motion of Venus and Jupiter could free up stuck energies around difficult financial issues. And yet ... today is a day for careful thought and planning in this area.

A positive shift this big, along with the Moon, Mars, and Mercury in Fire signs, might create a strong urge to jump on an opportunity, or follow what looks like the perfect way to solve a long-standing problem. But remember that Aries has a tendency to be impulsive, and Jupiter can get inflated ... so enjoy the good feeling, sense of new possibilities, and flowing good fortune, but look before you leap!

The Sun's Scorpio energy can help, as he challenges the Neptune-Chiron conjunction in square. Neptune and Chiron have been traveling together in Aquarius for some time now, offering opportunities for healing old patterns in our creative and spiritual lives. Yet Neptune has the potential to confuse, swirling us in illusion. The Scorpio Sun can pierce through any veils that might delude us, getting to the heart of the matter and focusing our intent.

The Moon's key aspects tonight are flowing sextiles with Neptune and Chiron, and an opposition with Venus that marks the end of her transit through Aries and beginning of her void-of-course time (just after midnight). These aspects reinforce the need for cautious action in the face of what might appear to be very enticing opportunities.

The fiery, courageous Aries Moon revels in the sense of good fortune and fresh energy that Venus and Jupiter direct will offer. The light of the Scorpio Sun helps keep us on track, revealing hidden dangers and bringing a healthy skepticism. Today, the energy of both luminaries will flow best when working together.

Waxing Moon in Aries

Today's Aries Moon wants to act! She moves independently through the skies for most of the day, surging ahead toward the Full Moon. This evening, she touches Mercury, Saturn and Mars with her fiery determination.

Bharata natyam dancer

Just before 8:30pm EST, the Moon trines Mercury, alinging emotions and thoughts in the bright enthusiasm of Aries and Sagittarius. At the same time, the Aries Moon opposes Saturn in Libra, a dialogue between reaching for what our hearts want, and responsibly attending to the needs of others. Meanwhile, Mercury and Saturn sextile each other, communicating about self and other, expansion and contraction, philosophy and reality.

This three-way discussion touches on important issues. Where and when do we put ourselves first, honoring the wishes of our hearts and reaching for our goals? Where and when do we put others first, attending to the needs of our families, friends, and communities?

We're often taught these two are in conflict––self vs. other––are they really? How can we support those around us without sacrificing our own goals and needs? How might we support others through attaining our goals?

This is the discussion on the table today, as the Moon (emotions, nurturing, our traditions) in Aries (intense commitment to personal goals) connects with Mercury (thoughts and communication) in Sagittarius (expansion, enthusiasm, inclusiveness, philosophy) and with Saturn (work, responsibility, karma, tradition, reality) in Libra (including others, balance, fairness, beauty).

The Aries Moon invites us to engage, jump in with both feet, and act. Today's energy will best express itself through a combination of action and thought, as we explore feelings directly through what we do.

Waxing Moon in Pisces Moving into Aries

Today our movement toward the Full Moon picks up momentum as the Moon shifts from dreamy Pisces into fiery Aries.

At 5:00am EST, the Moon joined Jupiter in Pisces and now sits between Jupiter and Uranus, expansive and philosophical, innovative and intuitive. Nestled between these two, the Moon reached her trine with the Sun in late Scorpio (exact at 5:52am), a time of understanding and insight. At 11:37am, the Moon reaches her conjunction with Uranus, the last classical aspect and official beginning of her void of course time.

Fire Dancing in Water

Yet there's one more aspect worth noting: The Moon reaches an inconjunct angle-of-adjustment with Venus, still retrograde in Libra, at 1:27pm EST. Venus nears the end of her retrograde time of reflecting on relationships and creative work. The Pisces Moon inconjunct Venus reminds us we need to adjust. What we've learned from Venus can help us create deeper, more meaningful relationships, if we listen.

The Moon remains void of course through the afternoon, a time to pause and reflect, rather than begin new things.

At 5:29pm EST, the Moon strides into pioneering Aries, and all things new begin at once. Each time the Moon shifts sign, the energy changes, but the move from Pisces into Aries is particularly potent. This is not only a change of sign, but the beginning of a new round of the zodiac, from Pisces' release of energy into the cosmic field, to Aries' initiating a new cycle of growth.

The Aries Moon is a warrior and a pioneer, ready to break new ground and knock a few heads. If we've gathered the insights offered during the transit through Pisces, we know exactly what is needed to get to our Full Moon goal. Of course, the Aries Moon feels she knows exactly what's needed whether she took time for reflection or not, so checking in with intuitive guidance this morning, before the brakes come off, is a good idea.

After midnight, at 1:35am Wednesday, the Moon challenges Pluto in square, Cardinal Fire igniting Cardinal Earth to initiate transformation. At 3:24am, the Moon squares the North Node, setting fire to our commitment to follow our true path. Expect energetic dreams tonight!

Waxing Moon in Pisces

The Moon swims in Pisces today, squaring Mars in Sagittarius and forming an inconjunct angle with Saturn in Libra.

Pisces is the last sign of the zodiac, associated with completing, endings, and releasing. What do we experience when the Moon moves through Pisces in the waxing half of her cycle? How does the energy of Pisces support us as we grow our intentions?

water flowing around rocks

The challenging aspects with Mars and Saturn hold the key. Mars is all about action, and he's in Sagittarius, a Fire sign that is expansive, adventurous, and devoted to learning. Saturn is all about work and effort, in Libra, sign of creativity and balance. These planets challenge us to expand our awareness of the Pisces Moon and what she holds, which includes sensitivity to our own emotions, empathy for others, and intuitive and psychic connections of all kinds.

Where, in these areas of intuitive awareness, do we tell ourselves, "I can't do that ... other people have those senses, but not me"? Where have we held back from exploring new things in our spiritual path, telling ourselves we don't have the skill, awareness, gift (...fill in whatever word you use here...) to go deeper? Mars and Saturn push us to open our intuitive senses and take the next step.

From the other side, the Pisces Moon reminds us that sometimes the best action is not doing. In manifestation work with the New Moon, we craft our wishes and intentions carefully, finding words that resonate with our hearts ... and let them go. We ask, then allow the universe to unfold.

As we approach the culmination of this waxing phase, less than a week from the Full Moon, Pisces reminds us that pushing too hard, holding too tight, watching too closely, can interfere with the transformations we initiated at the New Moon. The Pisces Moon reminds us to breathe and be still.

Today's Moon, looking for a dynamic balance with Mars and Saturn, reminds us we are more than we imagine. Coming into that wider, deeper self is sometimes best achieved by going with the flow and letting it happen.

Waxing Moon in Pisces

The Moon swam into the Pisces ocean early this morning, open to the flow of cosmic energies. In this sign, the Moon's sensitivities are acute. Her wells of memory reach deep into the past, flowing healing energies into the present.

Boracay

The Pisces Moon flows energy in sextile with the Capricorn group who are urging us to work our plan, walk our talk, and get going with our life path. At 12:57pm EST, she sextiles Pluto the transformer. At 3:08 pm, she sextiles the North Node. Tomorrow she'll sextile Ceres the fiercely protective mother.

These touches from the Moon remind us that the hard work we put into reaching our goals has a wider context and a deeper meaning. In the challenges and trouble in our lives, we are offered solace and joy.

Tonight at midnight, the Moon challenges Mercury in square. Mercury is now in Sagittarius, deep into the study of systems. How are things put together? What are the laws governing the universe? Mercury in Sagittarius wants to know. The challenge from the Pisces Moon reminds Mercury that the cosmos is a vast place not easily reduced to systems of human thought. Sometimes we're meant to rest in the flow rather than figure it all out.

With the Moon in Pisces, we can experience healing energy and deep rest, as we continue to work toward our goals.

Waxing Moon in Aquarius

The Moon sails through Aquarius today, revolutionizing and individuating as she goes. This morning, we reach the Half Moon point as the Sun and Moon meet in a challenging square: Riding the waves of Aquarius, our resolve to move ahead with our plans and goals is tested.

Maybe today we'll see our goals from a new angle, or an unexpected consequence will emerge, or someone will question our thinking or our motives. Whether external or internal, this challenge tests our commitment as well as our concepts. Is there a need for a mid-course adjustment? How strong is our intention? This is the Half Moon square.

Tai Chi Master

Aquarius is paradoxical, asking us to be who we truly are while holding the highest good for all among our goals. So often we feel we need to give ourselves away, be who other people want or need us to be. We are taught that the highest good requires us to sacrifice ... not just time and resources, but our very selves.

But here, Aquarius draws the line. Willing to work hard for the community, the Aquarius Moon reminds us that our best contribution to the world is to embrace our unique selves, and offer those gifts. The challenging message of Aquarius is that only by becoming who we truly are, can we create the communities we most need.

With all the Scorpio energy around us, we've been deep into feelings, tracing emotional patterns and responses. The Sun remains in Scorpio, challenging the Moon not to forget these insights. The Aquarius Moon says, follow the energy. What about our relationships and creative work juices us, gets us moving, and brings us joy? How do we support our unfolding selves as we move toward our goals? Where is the excitement, the sustenance, the flow?

I'm in a workshop with energy healer Donna Eden this weekend, learning how to support and heal myself and others energetically. At one point in last night's presentation, Donna demonstrated how we affect each others' energy fields. When we're scrambled, we drain energy from those around us. A teacher whose energies are tangled can confuse an entire classroom. This is what Aquarius wants us to realize at a deep level: That only when we ourselves are clear and coherent can we offer our best to our communities.

This evening, the Aquarius Moon joins visionary Neptune and Chiron the wounded healer, focusing our attention on our healing needs, and offering a flow of healing visions to support us. The Moon's last aspect in Aquarius will be a flowing trine to Venus, retrograde in Libra, when we'll be able to bring the healing full circle, back to our relationships, replenishing the deep wells of creativity that nourish us and our world.

Waxing Moon in Capricorn Moving into Aquarius

This note covers the Moon's transition from Capricorn into Aquarius today and tomorrow, Thursday and Friday.

The Moon's been steadfast and determined these last days––or maybe with Pluto, Ceres and the North Node present, "relentless" would be a better word! Capricorn can be a steamroller, putting tremendous energy at our disposal if we're driving. But when we're on the receiving end, things get flattened.

Which points to one of astrology's key lessons. Astrology as a discipline is fairly eclectic, befitting its Aquarian style. You can look to your birth chart and the skies for guidance no matter what your spiritual path, personal philosophy, or political affiliation. (Yes, I'm aware that some religious communities anathematize astrology, but that's coming from their side. Nothing in astrology calls for it.) Astrology does, however, tell us that:

• Knowledge is better than ignorance.
• Personal insight and understanding lead to more effective and enjoyable choices.
• Acting in light of our knowledge and personal insight leads to more effective and enjoyable experiences.

planning

Capricorn is nothing if not realistic, testing the practical utility of everything. If it works, use it. If not, set it aside. The Moon in Capricorn, channeling the energies of Pluto, Ceres and the North Node during this particular transit, asks us to apply this rigor to our emotional lives. The powerful Capricorn cabal wants us fit and ready for the next phase of our unfolding life path. No sentimentality, no clinging to familiar but unproductive patterns, no hanging back. We've set our goals; time to move.

Early this morning (5:03am EST), the Capricorn Moon flowed energy in sextile with Jupiter, a meeting that offered enthusiasm and warmth. Later, she'll form a similar sextile with Uranus, and semisextiles with Neptune and Chiron (beginning at 9:30am). Connecting with these cosmic energies allows us to adjust our guidance systems: Neptune and Uranus are the bringers of intuitive messages, and Chiron points to where we need healing while offering support in finding it.

The Moon's final aspect in Capricorn is a challenge in square to Venus, retrograde in Libra. Venus has been shining a searchlight on our relationships, creativity and finances during this retrograde. Today's Capricorn Moon can help us look dispassionately at where we are, where we want to be, and what it'll take to get there. Paradoxically (a good word for square aspects), taking tangled emotions out of the picture can help us look more compassionately at a situation and find the best solution.

The Moon enters her time-between-times at 2:57pm EST and steps into clear-sighted Aquarius at 5:32pm. Aquarius is Fixed Air, sign of planning, innovation, and individuation. Aquarius wants the greatest good for the greatest number, humanitarian in aim but (like Capricorn) not especially warm and fuzzy in style.

The Moon in Aquarius is ready to move. We're in the waxing phase of the lunar cycle, when things are growing, developing, expanding. The intentions we set at the New Moon are emerging. Friday's aspects include flowing sextiles with expansive Mercury and adventuring Mars, both in Sagittarius, and a flowing trine with hard working Saturn in Libra.

In Capricorn, the Moon asked us to take a hard look at where we were. In Aquarius, she moves us swiftly toward our goals. This can feel exhilarating, but also disorienting. Aquarius is a trickster who loves using the unexpected twist to teach a lesson. With the Aquarius Moon, we need to be careful what we wish for ... because it might show up on our doorstep. If we fly too high with the Moon, Mercury and Mars early in the day, Saturn can help us rebalance and find the ground again.

Waxing Moon in Sagittarius Moving into Capricorn

This note covers the Moon's transit through Capricorn today and tomorrow, Tuesday and Wednesday.

The questing Moon reached the end of her Sagittarian journey flowing energy in sextile with Libran Venus. The last aspect for this sign, the Moon offered Venus a broad context for understanding and action, philosophical and metaphysical insights for creating the shifts in relationship and creativity that Venus needs.

At 7:35am EST, the Moon reached her time between times. She emerges into hard working, reliable Capricorn at 8:37am. Capricorn is Cardinal Earth, the beginning of winter, the time we go to ground, hole up, cocoon ... all those phrases for whatever combination of nesting and becoming a hermit this season offers us.

Cranes in migration

The Moon's transit through Capricorn brings attention to winter's issues of structure and substance. Grouped in the early degrees of Capricorn, we find Pluto, energy of radical transformation; Ceres, fierce mother of growth; and the North Node, the beacon pointing the way to our path in this lifetime.

Over the next few days, Pluto reaches conjunction with the North Node, as the Node receives a semisextile from Mercury. Transiting Mars will semisextile Ceres, then reach back and sextile Saturn. In other words, there's a lot of attention this week on the question of whether we're on our path. This is the territory of the crescent Moon, as she reaches the time in her waxing cycle of actively moving toward goals.

The presence of Pluto signals the depth of structural changes we may be called to make. The presence of Pluto also says we'd best get moving on things we already know we need to do, or deal with the fallout. The Moon in Capricorn can help us face unpalatable truths, while giving us the determination to push through challenges to reach our goals.

If you've got your map, and your feet are on the road, the Capricorn Moon transiting across Pluto, the North Node, and Ceres can offer confirmation. The gifts of Pluto are wealth and power, the North Node is a place of challenge but also meaningful achievement, and Ceres offers abundance.

If the road is not so clear, or challenges loom large, the Moon in Capricorn brings the strength to keep on pushing. The Moon connects us to deep memories, traditions of the ancestors. Our people faced many difficulties in the past, and yet here we are. The Moon opens a way for us to feel their support and guidance.

Wednesday, the Moon in Capricorn challenges Saturn in square. Saturn rules Capricorn, so this transit is more a reminder to move carefully, maintaining our balance through difficult terrain. The Sun and Moon reach their waxing sextile today, a time of greater clarity as we continue moving forward.

Moving through Capricorn is not easy, especially in the presence of Pluto, Ceres, and the North Node. But then, life isn't always easy. This Capricorn time might present an unflinching look at what lies ahead; it also offers the strength and determination to reach the goal.

Waxing Moon in Sagittarius

Jupiter loves "big," so today's Sagittarius Moon might find herself exploring some of the "big systems" like philosophy, metaphysics, publishing, or the law. Or perhaps she'll throw an impromptu party for a bunch of friends who don't know each other yet, and see what ideas emerge in the discussion. With Mars in Sagittarius now, and Mercury entering Sagittarius this evening, there's a focus on this Mutable Fire sign and the all-embracing energy it brings.

"Gypsy Caravan" by Leon Goodman

Venus continues her retrograde journey into Libra now, taking her exploration of relationships, creativity and finance into more comfortable territory. Venus is not particularly comfortable in Scorpio, since it's opposite Taurus, one of the signs she rules. Libra, on the other hand, is her lovely home. Now we have the leisure to examine the awkward feelings that surfaced during Venus' backtracking through Scorpio and figure out how to integrate and balance what we've learned.

Speaking of learning, we're still in the first days after the New Moon when the themes for this cycle are still emerging. Joyce Mason's blog post explores this New Moon in depth, reminding us of the importance of connecting with and listening to our intuitive selves.

With the Moon in Sagittarius, we have the enthusiasm to learn and the motivation to change, supporting us as we integrate the insights from our Scorpio journey.

Waxing Moon in Sagittarius

The New Moon ventures farther from the Sun, Sagittarian enthusiasm giving a boost to her journey. Still in the seed time of the lunar cycle, we're invited today to look farther afield as we craft our wishes and intentions. If you've already made your wishes, the Moon in Sagittarius will carry your messages to the far reaches of the cosmos.

warmth of the fire

This Moon is ready to embrace change. Right now, she bridges between Venus, retrograde in Scorpio and exploring the depths of relationships, and Pluto in Capricorn, ready to move mountains to transform us. Venus and Pluto flow energy to each other in sextile, with the Moon semisextile between them.

This afternoon, the Moon joins Mars in Sagittarius (exact at 4:42pm EST), emotion and action flowing together in the energy of expansive journeys. We may feel things shift in a big way, and need to remember that Sagittarius has a tendency to grow too fast. Channel this optimism and drive into steady, sustainable growth.

Just after midnight (12:47am EDT Monday), the Moon reaches her sextile with balanced Saturn in Libra, whose energy can provide a calming influence if needed. Energy and enthusiasm abound today. After the intensity of Scorpio's depths, Sagittarius can feel like having the Sun on our faces afters days of thick clouds. Our goal is to remember what we learned in the shadows, as we bask in radiant warmth.

Waxing Moon in Scorpio

The New Moon arrived, and the Moon now moves to join Mercury, adding her energy to the flow of messages between Mercury, Neptune, Chiron, Uranus and Jupiter. The Moon will take all day to reach the exact conjunction with Mercury, giving us time to explore this New Moon territory.

deep roots

This may be a morning for dreamwork, if you wake (as I did) with odd and powerful dream images. It might be a day for divination, as we are still in the time of Samhain, the turning to the dark half of the year, when the ancestors speak to us.

It might be a day for magical work, supported by the Sun, Moon, Venus and Mercury all in Scorpio strongly connected to the outer planets. It might be a day for journeying with the drum or in meditation, supported as well by Mars in adventuring Sagittarius.

Whatever practice you prefer, today is the day to focus in on the exact wording for your intentions for this lunar cycle and the year to come. Now is the time to choose the areas of life, and find the way to express wishes that resonate with your heart and soul. Seeds planted under this Scorpio New Moon will have deep roots.

New Moon in Scorpio

Today the Moon moves toward the Sun, diving into tonight's intense New Moon in Scorpio, which happens just after midnight Eastern Time (12:52am Saturday). Today we are in the final hours of this waning cycle, as Scorpio's energy helps us release whatever we no longer need or want.

Scorpio rules systems of the body related to elimination, and also the genitals, which offer release of a different kind. Scorpio is about transformation, those times when we are burnt to ash and then burst into life again with bright new feathers. Letting go, practicing radical nonattachment to outcomes, is paradoxically the way to experience the deepest renewal.

CJ Wright writes of this New Moon as a cauldron or grail, rich symbols of rebirth. Ancient tales of magical cauldrons and holy grails include a quest, a dangerous series of adventures in which the hero is challenged again and again. Only those with the determination to keep going in the face of fear, and the willingness to risk all for an uncertain yet glorious outcome, have a hope of succeeding.

This is a time for making wishes and setting intentions. With the New Moon in Scorpio, we can plant seeds to release anger and increase trust. When the New Moon arrives, we can wish for greater insight and and courage to face our shadows. Depending on where in our chart the New Moon falls, we can set intentions for transformation in those areas of life.

We can also swim into deeper waters. April Elliott Kent brings us face to face with the pain of transformation in her essay Transformation is Hell. In these challenging times, many of us know this all too well. In the midst of traumatic change, we mostly try to hang on, having no time to think about the opportunities hidden in the challenge. Sometimes it feels as though we are pulling personal insight and growth from terrible experiences by main force.

And yet, my experiences on this life journey show me we never walk alone. This sounds trite when offered as an easy salve from someone else, but becomes a lifeline when we realize it deeply for ourselves. My guides and companions may not look like yours. Our spiritual traditions may be different, as well as our understanding of the cosmos. Yet somehow, if we ask, help is given. If we look, guidance is there.

The Sabian symbol for this New Moon is "telephone lineman at work installing new connections." Linda Hill explores this image and the related Sabian symbols for this Moon, which emphasize communication and connections of all kinds.

Mercury in Scorpio flows energy and information in trine with Uranus and Jupiter in Pisces at this New Moon. This configuration can forge new connections among how we think and communicate about our deepest issues, our intuitive connection with the cosmos, and our philosophy and expansive ability to embrace life.

Neptune and Chiron are especially powerful positions as they station direct in Aquarius, and challenge Mercury in Square.  These planets ask how we connect with the dreams and visions of the cosmos, and how we heal ourselves and others.

The asteroid Vesta, goddess of home and hearth, is aligned with this New Moon. Venus continues her retrograde journey into the depths of our relationships and creative selves, reaching 0 Scorpio at the New Moon. We find ourselves exploring patterns of how we relate and making connections here as well.

Sangreal by Arthur Rackham

The New Moon in Scorpio offers us the change to explore the difference between giving up, failure, and surrender. They sound the same, or mostly the same. Yet the differences are crucial.

Scorpio, and all energies of shadow and depth, do not ask us––in fact, do not want us––to give up. Throwing in the towel, saying we've had enough, refusing to try ... these do not get us to our goals. Respite is fine; refusal to engage is only likely to get us a stronger invitation to try again.

Failure is not a word Scorpio and the energies of shadow and depth care about at all. "Failure" is a label we apply to our situation at one point in time. Even at the moment we think we've failed, the situation shifts. Life is fluid. Energy moves. As Thomas Edison said, he did not fail, he learned 99 ways not to make a light bulb. When he finally found a way to light those bulbs, our world was transformed.

Surrender is qualitatively different from failure. Surrender is a process, a choice, a willingness. When we surrender, we acknowledge we don't know how things are going to turn out, we can't hope to control all the relevant variables, we need guidance and support on the road without being certain it's available, and then we do it anyway.

The vital choice is what we surrender to. When we align ourselves with goals and values that sustain life and spirit, we are powerful. Dana Gerhardt suggests a ritual for connecting with the energies of this time. To find the right path in the dark ... this is the challenge of the New Moon in Scorpio.

Waning Moon in Libra Moving into Scorpio

The Libra Moon approaches the late degrees, reaching out to the outer planets, ready to receive their messages. Today's aspects include inconjunct angles-of-adjustment with Jupiter and Uranus, and flowing trines with Neptune and Chiron.

Code Pink Vigil

Because classical astrology does not recognize the inconjunct aspect, nor Chiron the wounded healer, the Moon officially goes void of course with her trine to Neptune at 7:34 pm EDT. The trine to Chiron at 7:48pm and the inconjunct to Uranus at 9:26pm delay the beginning of the void time, if you choose to include them (as I do). The Moon dives into Scorpio's depths at 2:16am Friday, where she will join Venus at 4:24am.

The coming New Moon will be a time of intense transformation. Today's Libra Moon offers us calm and balanced energy in which we can prepare. This is, if you will, a vigil, a time of keeping watch, of meditation, of recognizing that an event is at hand that will change us.

The Mayan calendar marked a profound shift yesterday, November 3, the dawn of the Seventh Day of the Galactic Underworld. At this time, according to Carl Johan Calleman's work, dominance of rational, patriarchal ways of thinking begins to fall away, as we emerge from the Sixth Night. During this Libra Moon, we shifted into a time of balancing the rational and the intuitive, masculine and feminine, cognition and feeling.

This year, the New Moon in Scorpio and the astrological Samhain, when the Sun reaches 15 degrees of Scorpio, coincide with a profound shift in consciousness marked by the Mayans long ago. Astrologer Simone Butler writes of this as a time of alchemy, when we can release and transform. She reminds us that with Venus and Jupiter in strong positions, this transformation can include our relationship with money, something many are struggling with in these challenging economic times.

Ik

Today's day sign in the Mayan Calendar is Ik, which is Wind, a sign of dreamers and visionaries. Wind is the breath is spirit and of life, a spiritual energy of powerful imagining. Today's Libra Moon, sign of Cardinal Air, aligns with Ik to support clear vision.

The Moon today receives messages from Neptune, planet of dreams and visions; Chiron, the wounded healer; Jupiter, bringer of grace and good fortune; and Uranus, the trickster who sends bright flashes of intuition.

Winds of change are blowing. By keeping watch, we can align with these energies, filling our sails with fresh breezes to carry us forward.

Waning Moon in Libra

The Moon in Libra is balanced and calm, aware that the experience of life includes loss as well as growth. In these last days of the waning cycle, this Moon makes it easier for us to integrate our new understandings and release whatever no longer serves us.

morning ride

Early this morning (6:54am EDT), the Moon challenged transformative Pluto in square. The Libra Moon surrenders to Pluto with grace, but without ceding anything essential. This square asks Pluto to remain balanced as well, and preserve what is good, and what is needed, in his inexorable soul making.

A sextile to Mars in adventuring Sagittarius is a happy meeting. Mars is Sagittarius is expansive, ready to welcome the Libra Moon along on his journeys to explore new places, people and experiences. The Moon brings equanimity to Mars' enthusiasm.

This evening, the Moon joins Saturn in Libra (8:34pm). She brings a lighter touch to Saturn's gravity, reminding him that work is intended to create beauty as well as utility, and there is a flow to life that sometimes calls for acceptance rather than effort.

This is a day of preparation for the coming New Moon in Scorpio, as Libra's serenity allows us to review our lives and experiences with a peaceful heart.

Waning Moon in Virgo Moving into Libra

Today's Virgo Moon steps carefully into the late degrees, through which Neptune, Chiron, Jupiter and Uranus are traveling. She will be face to face with Jupiter and Uranus, and making adjustments with Neptune and Chiron, before retiring into her void-of-course period to rest and reflect.

message

The Moon will receive intuitive guidance from these four outer planets. She prepares herself to listen and record by consulting with Mercury, planet of mind and communication, in Scorpio, sign of deep insight. Exact at 9:18am EDT, this flowing sextile opens the gates, as Hermes the messenger shows the Virgo Moon how to connect with the powers of the outer planets.

Neptune offers dreams and visions, a flow of creative guidance. Chiron offers healing of old patterns of wounding, healing that allows us to step into our true selves. Jupiter offers bountiful good fortune. Uranus offers the flash of insight that illuminates where we are and where we need to be.

The opposition with Uranus is the Moon's last aspect in Virgo, initiating her time-between-times at 8:36pm. As we move closer to the Scorpio New Moon on Friday, we're offered another window to listen to our intuitive guidance, look deeply within, and make plans for the year ahead. The Virgo Moon has her feet on the ground, and the gift of healing. We listen with her today to learn where and how we can heal.

The Moon steps into harmonious Libra at 1:19am Wednesday, beginning her transit through Venus' sign of grace, beauty and balance.

Waning Moon in Virgo

The Moon in Virgo is grounded, practical and ready to be of service. Today, the Moon interacts with energies of transformation and deep insight, giving us the chance to look at the shadowy depths of the unconscious in a down-to-earth, realistic way.

Early this morning, the Moon squares Mars in Sagittarius (4:45am EDT). As Mars pushes us into adventure, ready to embark for unknown places, the Virgo Moon asks whether we've packed our toothbrush. It's easy to poke fun at Virgo's attention to detail and tendency to anxiety, even as we know how much we need that wise guidance. Mars in Sagittarius could keep expanding into infinite possibilities without the Virgo Moon's steady grounding.

The Virgo Moon brings her practical analysis to a flowing trine with Pluto the phoenix (5:30am). Then, she sextiles Venus in Scorpio (5:40am) as Venus sextiles Pluto (9:37am).

Pluto is now in Capricorn, but rules Scorpio, and is ever the bringer of transformative change. Venus is retrograde in Scorpio, allowing us an in depth look at our relationships, finances and creativity. The Virgo Moon brings her analytical touch to this triangular communication.

Scorpio rules occult practice, among other things, making this flow of energy between Venus, Pluto and the Moon, a wonderful time for practical magic.

The Moon reaches a flowing sextile with the Sun in Scorpio at 3:16pm, one more link between grounded details and deep transformation. This sextile tells us we're reaching the end of this lunar cycle, and offers another window for insight and understanding.

Remember that this hinge of the year is excellent for divination; this Moon-Sun sextile could yield deeply insightful and practical advice for the time to come.