Moon into Aries: A Vibrant Beginning

Saturday morning through Monday evening
Eastern Standard Time

Saturday, December 31

at the starting line

Moon enters Aries 4:49am
Moon semisextile Jupiter (Taurus) 5:37am
Moon conjunct Uranus (Aries) 6:28am
Moon semisextile Chiron (Pisces) 8:33am
Moon square Pluto (Capricorn) 7:26pm

Sunday, January 1
Mercury (Sagittarius) square Mars (Virgo) 1:05am
Moon square Sun (Capricorn) 1:15am
Moon trine the North Node (Sagittarius) 6:44am
Moon sextile Venus (Aquarius) 10:03am
Moon inconjunct Mars (Virgo) 9:45pm
Moon trine Mercury (Sagittarius) 11:57pm

Monday, January 2
Moon opposite Saturn (Libra) 2:01pm
Moon sextile Neptune (Aquarius) 3:06pm
(begin void of course)
Moon enters Taurus 5:16pm
Moon conjunct Jupiter (Taurus) 6:14pm
Moon semisextile Uranus (Aries) 7:04pm
Moon sextile Chiron (Pisces) 9:20m

On New Year's Eve, the last day of 2011, our thoughts turn toward the year ahead––and who better to lead the way than an Aries Moon? Early Saturday morning, the Moon moves confidently into the first sign of the zodiac, fiery sign of Cardinal Fire, ready to blaze a path into the new. Watch out, world!

The Moon's aspects Saturday are classic, no-holds-barred, Aries: Joining with Uranus the trickster revolutionary, squaring off against Pluto, the alchemist who turns that infinitely fine mill of the gods, and forming edgy semisextiles with the sages Jupiter and Chiron.

New Year's fireworks

Saturday brings abundant energy, lots of drive, and possibly more impulsivity and risk-taking than optimal for New Year's Eve. This is a great day for vigorous workouts of any kind. Launching new projects should feel easy and full of fire.

Partying can also be high-energy and full of fun, as long as you stay aware you and those around you––including those other drivers out there––may feel they can do no wrong, no matter what.

This energy carries through the early hours of Sunday, New Year's, which open with a square between Mercury and Mars. This could be a time when saying too much is just ... too much. Forewarned is forearmed, so avoid arguments, pledges of eternal whatever, and verbal gymnastics of all kinds.

Interestingly, the Mercury–Mars square arrives at the same time as the First Quarter Moon, the waxing square between Sun and Moon that tests our commitment to New Moon goals. The Sun is still in steady, practical Capricorn while the Moon stakes out a corner in take-no-prisoners Aries. Are we ready to maintain the effort to reach long term goals, or is fast-talking Aries already leaving us overwhelmed and burnt out? Or maybe the mountain we chose to climb has been looking pretty rocky, and Aries energy is exactly the boost we need to make it up those first slopes. The balance is ours to find.

The Moon flows energy to the North Node Sunday, energizing our life path. A sextile to Venus brings a surge to creativity, finances and relationships. Highlighting the Mars–Mercury square, the Moon sides with Sagittarian Mercury while forming an awkward angle with Mars in careful Virgo. It's time to move forward with confidence.

Monday morning is quiet among the stars and planets, giving us a chance to recover from the weekend. In the afternoon, the Moon opposes Saturn and sextiles Neptune, energizing our dreams and visions while forcing us to find the balance between Self and Other. Then, she moves into a two-hour void of course time before stepping into sensuous Taurus.

With an Aries Moon to kick off the New Year, we'll have all the energy we need and then some. The challenge is to celebrate the transitions and transformations to come without blowing any fuses in the process. Wishing everyone a wonderful 2012!
    

Moon into Pisces: Where is our Power?

Wednesday evening through Saturday morning
Eastern Standard Time

Wednesday, December 28
Moon trine Saturn (Libra) 3:09pm

Mami Wata priestess

Moon conjunct Neptune (Aquarius) 4:31pm
(begin void of course)
Moon enters Pisces 6:46pm
Moon sextile Jupiter (Taurus) 7:28pm
Moon semisextile Uranus (Aries) 8:14pm
Moon conjunct Chiron (Pisces) 10:05pm

Thursday, December 29
Sun (Capricorn) conjunct Pluto (Capricorn) 2:42am
Moon sextile Pluto (Capricorn) 8:27am
Moon sextile Sun (Capricorn) 8:56am 
Moon semisextile Venus (Aquarius) 4:04pm
Moon square the North Node (Sagittarius) 7:40pm

Friday, December 30
Moon square Mercury (Sagittarius) 4:40am
Moon opposite Mars (Virgo) 8:38am
(begin void of course)

Saturday, December 31
Moon inconjunct Saturn (Libra) 1:19am
Moon semisextile Neptune (Aquarius) 2:34am
Moon enters Aries 4:49am
Moon semisextile Jupiter (Taurus) 5:37am
Moon conjunct Uranus (Aries) 6:28am
Moon semisextile Chiron (Pisces) 8:33am
Moon square Pluto (Capricorn) 7:26pm

The Moon swims into Piscean waters this evening, a time when we enter into the full, felt experience of what our transformations mean for us. Tomorrow, the alchemy of our times will be highlighted as the Sun shines its light on Pluto's shifting of our deepest foundations. The Pisces Moon allows us to feel what this means, as we also feel the depth and breadth of the support that surrounds us.

Today's transits include a flowing sextile with Jupiter, now moving direct in nurturing Taurus. An edgy semisextile with Uranus reminds us that change is in air. A conjunction with Chiron allows us to connect fully with where we've been wounded in the past, and flow toward integration and healing.

black hole

Thursday opens with the exact Sun–Pluto conjunction, an aspect of great power and intensity. In Capricorn, we won't see flash or flamboyance, just power directed toward its goal.

It's said Capricorn is not overly concerned with means, once the ends are in sight, and we all know the saying about power tending to corrupt. Are we in trouble here?

See the Pisces Moon, sextiling this powerhouse pairing. The presence of this most sensitive of emotional antennae suggests we can explore how we feel about power, how we experience power, how we define it, and how we use it.

Sun–Pluto can certainly embody power-over: absolute obedience to overwhelming authority. And yet, power-over is a dead end when compared to power-with. The Pisces Moon reminds us we are relational beings, connected to all that is. We co-create. We are co-created. Power works best when shared, when it flows.

Later Thursday, the Moon squares the Nodes, seen in evolutionary astrology as a "missed step" on the karmic path. Have we missed seeing how connected we are? Can we take the intense, focused power of Sun–Pluto and consciously channel it into the web of all things?

These are deep matters to contemplate, and the aspects moving forward show this. On Friday morning, the Pisces Moon squares Mercury, opposes Mars, then goes void of course. Where does challenge get us? Not too far, when compared with cooperation.

In the early hours of Saturday, the Moon forms edgy aspects with Saturn and Neptune inside the void time, before surging into Aries, ready to blaze into life. This time with the Pisces Moon is an opportunity to contemplate our relationship with power before a new, fiery cycle ignites.
    

Moon into Aquarius: A New Vision

Monday afternoon through Wednesday evening
Eastern Standard Time

Monday, December 26
Moon enters Aquarius 12:15pm

spirits of Air

Moon square Jupiter (Taurus) 12:53pm
Moon sextile Uranus (Aries) 1:34pm
Moon semisextile Chiron (Pisces) 3:11pm
Moon semisextile the Sun (Capricorn) 9:00pm

Tuesday, December 27
Moon semisextile Pluto (Capricorn) 12:56am
Moon conjunct Venus (Aquarius) 2:33am
Moon sextile the North Node (Sagittarius) 11:47am
Moon sextile Mercury (Sagittarius) 2:00pm
Moon inconjunct Mars (Virgo) 10:35pm

Wednesday, December 28
Moon trine Saturn (Libra) 3:09pm
Moon conjunct Neptune (Aquarius) 4:31pm 
(begin void of course)
Moon enters Pisces 6:46pm
Moon sextile Jupiter (Taurus) 7:28pm
Moon semisextile Uranus (Aries) 8:14pm
Moon conjunct Chiron (Pisces) 10:05pm

The Moon is shifting from practical Capricorn into visionary Aquarius now, and will complete the transition just after noon in my time zone––if you haven't already set your intentions for this New Moon cycle, wait until after she enters Aquarius, as she's currently void of course. With the Moon in Aquarius, you'll have the breathtaking clarity, scope and innovation of Uranus' sign to help support your wishes.

new worlds

The Moon transits through Aquarius over the next few days, ready to sail boldly into new territory. Aquarius is not for the faint of heart, tossing the old overboard and setting course for the future with brilliance, eccentricity, and laughter. We've turned a cosmic corner, and the horizon of the new is before us.

Today, the Moon challenges stodgy, old-fashioned Jupiter in Taurus, aligning herself instead with incendiary Uranus in Aries. Forming edgy connections with Chiron and the Sun, there's an anything-can-happen feeling in the air.

Tomorrow brings the same mix of movement and challenge as the Moon aligns with Venus in Aquarius, and flows easily with Mercury and the North Node as they point to the Great Attractor. We're in Air and Fire territory, and our connections to Earth don't feel quite as stable. The trick is entering into the creative dreaming of Aquarius without losing our groundedness––can we fly without losing our sense of direction?

Wednesday, the Moon trines Saturn and joins Neptune, shining her light on the trine between these two. This is a Yes! It is possible to combine these two powers in creative, positive ways––to manifest our dreams rather than feeling them crushed, to stay grounded and practical rather than expending energy in unrealistic castles in the air, to thread our way through the challenges of envisioning what we desire and making it real.

How? we find ourselves asking ... how can we do this? The Aquarian Moon lights the way, shining brighter in her waxing time. Explore visionary practices, both familiar and new. This is a time to step outside our comfort zone, feeling our way into something strange and wonderful.
    

Moon into Capricorn: Captaining Our Own Ship

Saturday morning through Monday afternoon
Eastern Standard Time

Saturday, December 24

Jupiter turns direct!

Moon enters Capricorn 8:46am
Moon trine Jupiter (Taurus) 9:23am
Moon square Uranus (Aries) 10:01am
Moon sextile Chiron (Pisces) 11:25am
New Moon in Capricorn:
Moon conjunct the Sun (Capricorn) 1:07pm
Moon semisextile Venus (Aquarius) 5:26pm
Moon conjunct Pluto (Capricorn) 8:43pm

Sunday, December 25
Moon semisextile Mercury (Sagittarius) 4:23am
Moon semisextile the North Node (Sagittarius) 7:19am
Moon trine Mars (Virgo) 4:12pm
Jupiter turns direct (Taurus) 5:07pm

Monday, December 26
Venus (Aquarius) semisextile Pluto (Capricorn) 8:17am
Moon square Saturn (Libra) 8:35am
(begin void of course)
Moon semisextile Neptune (Aquarius) 10:02am
Moon enters Aquarius 12:15pm
Moon square Jupiter (Taurus) 12:53pm
Moon sextile Uranus (Aries) 1:34pm
Moon semisextile Chiron (Pisces) 3:11pm
Moon semisextile the Sun (Capricorn) 9:00pm

The Moon is now in steady, patient Capricorn, moving toward the New Moon that arrives just after 1:00pm Eastern Time. This New Moon, coming during the time of Solstice, is another sign we're in the midst of a large shift of energy and focus. Many planets––Pluto, Uranus, Venus, Chiron and Jupiter––join the Sun and Moon in the early degrees of their signs, with Saturn and Neptune in the closing degrees lending their energy as well. Seeds of intention planted with this New Moon will grow for a long time to come.

NORAD reports that Santa has already begun his journey delivering gifts to children of the world––we are likely to feel the grace and benevolence of the season more fully tomorrow, when Jupiter turns direct in Taurus. For this reason, I suggest we all wait until after 5:00pm tomorrow, December 25, to make our wishes and set intentions for this New Moon. That way, Jupiter can add his good luck to our efforts.

The Ghost of Christmas Present, Dickens' larger-than-life bringer of all good things, is a wonderful embodiment of Jupiter, especially resonant this year when Jupiter turns direct in abundant Taurus on Christmas Day. The syncretic links with many religious, spiritual and mythic traditions make it possible for all of us to welcome extra blessings and gifts arriving at this time.

What of the New Moon itself? Capricorn can feel a bit Scrooge-like, focused on getting and having, emphasizing hard work and scorning ease and pleasure. Any tendencies to work too hard, or take too dour a view of the world, can be released at this New Moon.

Who's at the helm?

And yet, let's not take a narrow view of Capricorn. This is the sign of the senex, the archetype of the old man and old woman who has lived much, survived much, and knows much. Yes, the senex can be harsh, narrow, authoritarian, rigid, and unhappy. The senex can also be the wise mentor, the scholar, the keeper of ancient lore, the contemplative.

Each of us has the archetype of the senex within us. This figure can feel critical, negative and controlling––or protective, supportive, and warm. At this New Moon, we look within. Who is our senex? How do we relate to tradition, structure and authority?

If the relationship is an unhappy one, now is the time to shift it. Who are the wise elders we most want to connect with? Reach out to them. Imagine their presence and advice.

Ultimately, of course, we embody the senex ourselves. Capricorn is a sign of leadership. At this New Moon, we can take the helm, becoming the author of our own story and the hero of our own life.

We live in times of great change, as this New Moon reminds us. Aligned with Pluto the alchemist, the New Moon squares Uranus the transformer while trining Jupiter the philosopher and sextiling Chiron the mentor and Neptune the visionary. Once again, everyone is at the table. The Nodes of the Moon are aligned with the Great Attractor, reminding us we're hurtling at tremendous speed toward an unknown but immensely powerful place.

We can respond to the tumult of these times by channeling our inner Scrooge, hoarding whatever we can get our hands on to ward off harsh times to come. Or we can step into another kind of authority, in which we take responsibility for piloting our own vessel, understanding the limits of our influence while pushing off into the deeper currents. Welcome to the New Moon in Capricorn!
   

Moon into Sagittarius: Both/And!

Thursday morning through Saturday morning
Eastern Standard Time

Thursday, December 22
Astrological Solstice:
Sun enters Capricorn 12:29am

holiday lights

Moon semisextile Saturn (Libra) 3:07am
Moon square Neptune (Aquarius) 4:48am
(begin void of course)
Moon enters Sagittarius 7:02am
Moon semisextile the Sun (Capricorn) 7:32am
Moon inconjunct Jupiter (Taurus) 7:41am
Moon trine Uranus (Aries) 8:13am
Moon square Chiron (Pisces) 9:30am
Sun (Capricorn) trine Jupiter (Taurus) 9:32am
Moon sextile Venus (Aquarius) 10:54am

Friday, December 23
Moon conjunct the North Node (Sagittarius) 5:12am
Moon square Mars (Virgo) 12:30pm
Sun (Capricorn) sextile Chiron (Pisces) 12:48pm

Saturday, December 24
Moon sextile Saturn (Libra) 5:03am
Moon sextile Neptune (Aquarius) 6:35am
(begin void of course)
Moon enters Capricorn 8:46am
Moon trine Jupiter (Taurus) 9:23am
Moon square Uranus (Aries) 10:01am
Moon sextile Chiron (Pisces) 11:25am
New Moon in Capricorn:
Moon conjunct the Sun (Capricorn) 1:07pm
Moon semisextile Venus (Aquarius) 5:26pm
Moon conjunct Pluto (Capricorn) 8:43pm

The Moon steps into generous, benevolent Sagittarius today on the Winter Soltice, a showering of grace in the longest night. This shift in energy heralds many changes to come, as the Moon trines Uranus the trickster redeemer, while challenging Jupiter and Chiron. Today's aspects invite us to embrace "both/and" as we rest within the strong circle of Sun in Capricorn and Jupiter in Taurus, expanding into the excitement of a Sagittarian journey into the unknown. This is the day we begin.

The Sun's move into Capricorn and trine with Jupiter in Taurus allows us to feel grounded, strong legs striding through winter snow, warm boots stamping on a stone floor as a Yule fire blazes. Within the cold of winter, abundance is available and begins in the warmth of our own hearts.

candles

Meanwhile, the Moon sparks our interest in far-flung journeys of body, mind and spirit. Challenging the wise sages Jupiter and Chiron, the Moon allies herself with revolutionary Uranus and Venus in innovative Aquarius. Within the steady realms of Earth, Fire is igniting.

On Friday, the Moon allies herself with the North Node of the Moon in the middle of Sagittarius. The Moon, closest body to us here on Earth and the gateway of manifestation, is aligned today with the arrow pointing to our life path as both aim at the Great Attractor, the strange and mysterious force (possibly quasar, possibly black hole) that draws our galaxies and all our neighboring galaxies toward it at amazing speed. This is some kind of Sagittarian journey we're on!

Also on Friday, the Moon squares Mars in careful Virgo as the Sun sextiles Chiron the wounded healer. The Moon is eager to explore, travel, GO. Mars and the Sun again provide some grounding. It's more both/and––we are stardust, and we are members of the Earth community.

Remember these are the last days of the last waning cycle of 2011. We enter the dark of the Moon on the longest night of the year. This is our last change in this cycle to let go of what is completed, what is no longer needed, and what is holding us back. The fire of the Sagittarian Moon illuminates this process.

Saturday opens with the final Moon aspects in Sagittarius: sextiles to Saturn and Neptune, who are trining each other in late Libra and Aquarius. Saturn and Neptune together are another both/and pair, reminding us dreams can have limits, while offering us the power to manifest our visions. With the support of these two, we empty ourselves for the New Moon to come.

While the Moon travels through bright Sagittarius, we light candles, holding our lanterns aloft to celebrate these times of change.
    

Winter Solstice: Birth of the Light

On the longest night of the year, light is reborn. We can't see it yet––winter tightens its grip and Spring is far away––yet we see the Sun stopping, and trust that the turn and slow climb will begin. This is the Winter Solstice.

newborn bear cub

This time of year is associated with tales of the birth of a magical child who brings light and hope into darkness. If we look closely at what's happening energetically, we see something more like a conception than a birth: Deep in the darkness, a new vitality stirs. It won't be visible for a while but we know it's there.

In winter caves, mother bears give birth in darkness. They're hibernating––a deep meditative state––and the cubs snuggle in, sucking the mother's milk and nestling against her warm body. This is a Winter Solstice kind of birthing, when new life emerges in hidden places.

In The Book of the Moon, Steven Forrest draws a parallel between the lunar cycle from New Moon to Full, and the annual cycle of solstices, equinoxes and the four great Fire festivals between. He links the New Moon with the Winter Solstice and festival of Yule, saying:

"The dark Moon's inwardness and otherworldliness merge with the out-rushing intensity of the waxing cycle.  ... This is the sheer life-fire of the germinating seed. It is young, naive––and bursting with vital force."

And yet the Sun enters Capricorn at this time, the Saturn-ruled sign that pushes us to be responsible, work hard, practice our craft, and wait. Where are youth and naivete in that? What's going on?

Solstice chart

Think of Capricorn as the mother bear, the container, the safe space for the newborn cub. If she hadn't made it through the year past, found a suitable den, fattened up, and dug in, this new cub wouldn't have a chance.

But she did, and here's the tiny, hairless, blind, helpless bear-seed starting to grow.

We live in cycles, waxing and waning patterns that simultaneously repeat and change. Without one, the other is not possible. Without the other, the one cannot arrive.

When we get attached to one part of a cycle, we miss a sense of cyclic flow. Whether we're attached to acquisition, achievement and success, or to loss, failure and disappointment, we become rigid. When we lose flexibility, we lose insight, we lose choice, we lose hope.

The power of this year's Winter Solstice is heightened by the New Moon in Capricorn following so closely on its heels and by the number of planets clustered in the first degrees: The New Moon at 2 Capricorn, Uranus at 0 Aries, Neptune and Chiron straddling 0 Pisces, Venus at 1 Aquarius, and Jupiter at 0 Taurus poised to turn direct. Our attention is drawn again and again to the power of new beginnings.

At this time of the Winter Solstice, the New Moon of the year, we are invited to pause. At the turning of the tide, the ocean is still. If we also are quiet, we can hear the stillness and then the change. The germinating seed is not visible, but we feel its pulse. This is the gift of hope.
    

Moon into Scorpio: Balancing Light and Dark

Tuesday morning through Thursday morning
Eastern Standard Time

Tuesday, December 20
Moon enters Scorpio 5:33am

Pierrot and Harlequin by Cezanne

Moon opposite Jupiter (Taurus) 6:15am
Moon inconjunct Uranus (Aries) 6:41am
Moon trine Chiron (Pisces) 7:53am
Mercury (Sagittarius) semisextile Pluto (Capricorn) 11:31am
Venus enters Aquarius 1:25pm
Sun (Sagittarius) sextile Neptune (Aquarius) 3:46pm
Moon sextile Pluto (Capricorn) 5:01pm
Moon semisextile Mercury (Sagittarius) 5:20pm
Venus (Aquarius) square Jupiter (Taurus) 9:19pm

Wednesday, December 21
Venus (Aquarius) sextile Uranus (Aries) 2:56am
Moon semisextile the North Node (Sagittarius) 3:56am
Moon sextile Mars (Virgo) 9:57am
Venus (Aquarius) semisextile Chiron (Pisces) 6:03pm

Thursday, December 22
Astrological Solstice:
Sun enters Capricorn 12:29am
Moon semisextile Saturn (Libra) 3:07am
Moon square Neptune (Aquarius) 4:48am
(begin void of course)
Moon enters Sagittarius 7:02am
Moon semisextile the Sun (Capricorn) 7:32am
Moon inconjunct Jupiter (Taurus) 7:41am
Moon trine Uranus (Aries) 8:13am
Moon square Chiron (Pisces) 9:30am
Sun (Capricorn) trine Jupiter (Taurus) 9:32am
Moon sextile Venus (Aquarius) 10:54am

The Moon enters Scorpio's depths early Tuesday morning for a day of complex aspects calling for a balance of light and dark. Not only is exploration of Shadow a Scorpio theme, we've also reached the Winter Solstice, when the Sun stands still for three days before turning to climb higher in the sky. This is the rebirth of the Sun in the days of darkness, a time of balance and a hinge of the year.

On Tuesday, Venus leaves Capricorn, shifting our relationships, finances and creativity into the edgy, innovative visioning of Aquarius. The Sagittarian Sun also sextiles Neptune in Aquarius today, adding more light to creative dreaming. These aspects point to a day of thinking outside the box and connecting with the muse.

winter solstice sunrise

The Scorpio Moon adds shading to this picture as she opposes expansive Jupiter, forms and awkward inconjunct with Uranus, and trines Chiron the wounded healer. Reaching deep into our hearts and souls, connecting with past wounds and transcending them––these efforts add depth to our creative work and allow us to reach new levels.

More aspects between Mercury and the Moon, the Moon and Pluto, and Mercury and Pluto emphasize this theme: Tuesday's expressive work will be transformative to the extent we allow our truth to come forward.

Wednesday continues the creative trickster energy as Venus sextiles Uranus and, later, forms an edgy semisextile with Chiron. Meanwhile, the Moon semisextiles the North Node and trines Mars. Yes, we can act, we can get things done, we can create––if we embrace the unexpected. Inspiration seldom looks like we think it will.

Just after midnight, the Sun enters Capricorn and the astrological Solstice arrives. Thursday brings a long list of complex aspects, beginning with the last two for the Moon in Scorpio: a semisextile with Saturn and square to Neptune. This transit through Scorpio ends as it began, with a call to creative expression that carries challenge within it. After a few hours void of course, the Moon steps into Sagittarius. Use the Scorpio time to explore the deepest reaches of your creative inspiration.
   

Moon into Libra: Time to Exhale

Sunday morning through Tuesday morning
Eastern Standard Time

Sunday, December 18

Clear Wind, Strong Bamboo

Moon enters Libra 3:06am
Moon inconjunct Jupiter (Taurus) 3:54am
Moon opposite Uranus (Aries) 4:15am
Moon inconjunct Chiron (Pisces) 5:22am
Venus (Capricorn) square Saturn (Libra) 9:17am
Moon sextile Mercury (Sagittarius) 12:25pm
Moon square Pluto (Capricorn) 2:46pm

Monday, December 19
Moon semisextile the North Node (Sagittarius) 2:14am
Moon semisextile Mars (Virgo) 7:00am
Venus (Capricorn) semisextile Neptune (Aquarius) 9:52am
Sun (Sagittarius) sextile Saturn (Libra) 11:24am

Tuesday, December 20
Moon conjunct Saturn (Libra) 1:19am
Moon sextile the Sun (Sagittarius) 2:17am
Moon trine Neptune (Aquarius) 3:13am
Moon square Venus (Capricorn) 4:48am
(begin void of course)
Moon enters Scorpio 5:33am

The Moon enters balanced Libra very early Sunday, heading into a series of intriguing transits. Libra is sometimes criticized for being wishy–washy, even codependent, but I prefer to think of Libra as a devil's advocate––the role the Moon will play over the next few days, with diplomacy and grace.

Over the course of the day, the Libra Moon will challenge the big transiting pattern of our time: the Uranus–Pluto square. The Moon will oppose Uranus and square Pluto, challenging these two great forces of change to rethink, reconceptualize and rebalance.

During this same time, the Moon will be at the apex of a yod, also called a finger of fate, with Jupiter and Chiron at the base. This aspect creates a point of focus on the Libra Moon, asking her to balance input from Jupiter the expansive philosopher-sage and Chiron the cosmic wounded healer.

With Uranus opposite the Moon during the yod, the message is clear enough: The way out of our current dilemmas will be original, innovative and revolutionary.

Sunday is also the day Venus and Saturn reach their exact square, another interesting challenge. Generally, a Venus–Saturn square brings limitations and reality checks in relationships, finances and creative endeavors. And yet, looking at the signs involved, we see mutual reception: Venus moves through steady, responsible Capricorn while Saturn happily rests in lovely, creative Libra.

Windy Day by Irina Baldina

With the Moon also in Libra, and a sextile to Mercury thrown in for good measure, we might struggle with but also realize one or more of the following:

• Creative solutions require clear thinking AND focused action.

• Beautiful concepts CAN manifest when we put time and effort into them.

• There is wisdom in the past that can contribute to creating a wonderful future.

Sunday's aspects call for clear Libran thinking, while offering creatively practical breakthroughs.

Monday, the Moon forms semisextiles with the North Node and Mars, and Venus forms a semisextile with Neptune. Semisextiles are classified as minor aspects, sparking a somewhat edgy energy between the planets involved. This combination suggests we might still be processing Sunday's transits, sorting out how to balance detailed action with cosmic vision.

As the day continues, part of the answer begin to emerge. The Sun sextiles Saturn, shining light on our ability to move forward. As Tuesday begins, the Moon joins Saturn, and the Sun sextiles the Moon.

We're reaching the end of a waning lunar cycle. This waning sextile is a time when we can get clear on what we need to let go of. The strong presence of Saturn gives us a tap on the shoulder: Pay attention, take this seriously, clean out whatever needs to go at this end of the cycle and end of the year.

I listened to a wonderful interview yesterday with Dennis Lewis, part of Interviews at the Edge with Tami Simon at Sounds True. Daniel talked about breathing, pointing out that natural breath balances the exhale and the inhale. Yet many of us put more effort into the inhale, trying hard to pull in more air in without releasing the old. This just doesn't work, making us feel we can't get enough air, that there simply isn't enough.

This interview expanded my understanding of a breath workshop I took a few months ago with Cynthia Bretheim, in which she also talked about the importance of balancing our inhale and exhale, the two halves of the breathing cycle. (If you're in the Bloomington area, I recommend this powerful workshop!)

So here we are with the Moon in Libra, the Air sign that values balance, in the waning half of the last lunar cycle of 2011. To what extent are we trying to bring more (and more and more) into our lives without letting go of what's finished? Can we realize with this waning Libra Moon, with the help of Saturn, that the waxing and waning halves of every cycle need to be balanced and equal?

The last two aspects for the Libra Moon are a flowing trine with visionary Neptune, and a challenging square with Venus. Dennis Lewis talked about the fear we can feel as we exhale, the fear of loss. If we really empty our lungs, will there be more air for us? Will this breath be our last? Acknowledging this fear, he suggests we relax into the mystery, letting go without knowing what will come back.

The square to Venus opens a brief void of course period before the Moon steps into the shadowy mysteries of Scorpio. We are challenged to exhale into the darkness. Let it go. Let it be.
    

Moon into Virgo: Careful Work Now

Thursday night through Sunday morning
Eastern Standard Time

Thursday, December 15

new brooms!

Moon enters Virgo 10:59pm
Moon trine Jupiter (Taurus) 11:55pm

Friday, December 16
Moon inconjunct Uranus (Aries) 12:09am
Moon opposite Chiron (Pisces) 1:12am
Moon square Mercury (Sagittarius) 6:36am
Moon trine Pluto (Capricorn) 10:55am
Moon square the North Node (Sagittarius) 11:06pm

Saturday, December 17
Moon conjunct Mars (Virgo) 2:34am
Moon square the Sun (Sagittarius) 7:48pm
Moon trine Venus (Capricorn) 9:29pm
(begin void of course)
Moon semisextile Saturn (Libra) 10:28pm

Sunday, December 18
Moon inconjunct Neptune (Aquarius) 3:54am
Moon enters Libra 3:06am
Moon inconjunct Jupiter (Taurus) 3:54am
Moon opposite Uranus (Aries) 4:15am
Moon inconjunct Chiron (Pisces) 5:22am
Venus (Capricorn) square Saturn (Libra) 9:17am
Moon sextile Mercury (Sagittarius) 12:25pm
Moon square Pluto (Capricorn) 2:46pm

The Moon enters Virgo tonight, sign of humility, service, organization and analysis. The Virgo Moon loves nothing better than getting down to work of the most detailed and practical sort. It's comforting, in these tumultuous days, to have something real to do; and Virgo craves the security of work. These days of the Virgo Moon combine the opportunity to get some real work done with the chance we'll confront some of our anxieties along the way.

1942 poster

The opening aspects of this Moon transit present the double-edged blade: The Moon trines Jupiter, basking in expansive generosity and feeling really good about the world––then comes an awkward inconjunct with Uranus, creating intense discomfort around the fast pace and huge scope of change.

An hour later, the Moon opposes Chiron, raising the question of balance. Do we face up to the reality of change, find support in the benevolence of life, and reach for healing? Or do we retreat in the familiarity of routine, avoid the changes swirling around us, and feel wounded? It's not all one way, of course. Both stability and revolution are available. In these times, though, each might not look exactly like we expect.

If Thursday night's dreams reflect some of our anxieties, Friday helps us articulate and transform them. The Moon squares Mercury, initiating a debate about values, beliefs, and priorities. The Moon trines Pluto, connecting with a deep need to face important issues and the energy to tackle them.

Friday night, the Moon squares the Nodes of the Moon. In evolutionary astrology, a planet squaring the Nodes represents a karmic "missed step," something we need to do to move from the South Node of the past to the North Node of the future. The Virgo Moon offers a chance to look carefully at our life path, checking for details we might have missed, picking up any dropped stiches along the way.

Saturday brings the steady dedication to get on with things. The Moon joins Mars, feeling and action aligned. We reach the waning Half Moon, the square between Sun and Moon that signals we're entering the last phase of this lunar cycle. We become keenly aware of what we've accomplished and what needs to be released. The Virgo Moon loves to clean house.

A trine with creative, balanced Venus is the official close to this Moon transit through Virgo, beginning a void of course time that ends when the Moon steps into Venus' sign, Libra, in the early hours of Sunday. The Moon will connect with Saturn and Neptune during the void, reflecting on issues of vision and manifestation.

While the Moon travels through Virgo, we can attend to the details, get down to work, face up to whatever is getting in the way of steady progress, and feel good about what we've accomplished.
     

Moon into Leo: The Passionate Advocate

Tuesday afternoon through Thursday night
Eastern Standard Time

Tuesday, December 13
Moon enters Leo 4:48pm

hearts in a choir stall

Moon square Jupiter (Taurus) 5:55pm
Moon trine Uranus (Aries) 5:59pm
Moon inconjunct Chiron (Pisces) 6:59pm
Mercury turns direct (Sagittarius) 8:42pm
Moon trine Mercury (Sagittarius) 11:53pm

Wednesday, December 14
Moon inconjunct Pluto (Capricorn) 5:05am
Moon trine the North Node (Sagittarius) 6:06pm
Moon semisextile Mars (Virgo) 8:03pm

Thursday, December 15
Moon trine the Sun (Sagittarius) 11:06am
Moon inconjunct Venus (Capricorn) 11:52am
Moon sextile Saturn (Libra) 5:05pm
Moon opposite Neptune (Aquarius) 8:20pm
(begin void of course)
Moon enters Virgo 10:59pm
Moon trine Jupiter (Taurus) 11:55pm

The Moon moves joyfully into Leo this afternoon, wanting to share passionately from the heart. Leo is the sign of courage, which we trace back to the IndoEuropean root kerd-, leading to heart (cor, kardio) and belief (credo). This Leo Moon challenges the slower-moving Earth signs and celebrates the energy of Fire. With this Moon, we stand up for what we believe and who we have become.

This evening's aspects set the tone for the next few days: The Moon squares Jupiter and forms an awkward inconjunct with Chiron, chafing under the careful mentoring of Earth and Water. She lights up with Uranus and Mercury, trining each, reaching Mercury just a few hours after Mercury turns direct.

heart labyrinth

Yes, that's right––Mercury turns direct tonight! We worked with Mercury during his reflective, let's-think-about-this retrograde time, thereby avoiding the excesses of tumultuous Uranus and the eclipse Full Moon. (We all did that, right? The reflective bit?)

Now we're with naturally reflective waning Moon, and Mercury flows directly once again. All those who've experienced technoglitches and commuication snafus can breath :)

Wednesday, the Moon's movement through Leo continues with an inconjunct with Pluto (no, Leo does not want to jump into any alembics, thank you very much), a trine with the North Node (certainly, let's move forward on the path), and a semisextile with Mars in careful Virgo (yes, ok, we can doublecheck the details but let's move this along).

Thursday, the mix of energies continues. The Moon trines the Sun, still bright in the crystalline winter sky. A sextile to Saturn allows creative work to move forward. But what's this? An inconjunct with Venus and opposition to Neptune suggest creative visioning may not be trouble free. After a few hours void of course, the Moon steps into careful Virgo Thursday night.

Leo is a creative, expressive sign, and this Moon wants to celebrate. There's plenty of energy available for movement and play. The more challenging aspects bring in shading, chiaroscuro––the Shadow is also here. These days offer openings for creative wrestling, for honing our vision, for deepening our craft. The hero never reached succeeds without the challenges. During this Leo Moon, we embrace everything that comes our way and open our hearts.
    

Moon into Cancer: Nesting and Nurturing

Sunday morning through Tuesday afternoon
Eastern Standard Time

Sunday, December 11

Seedling by Daniel Clahane

Moon enters Cancer 8:26am
Moon square Uranus (Aries) 9:40am
Moon sextile Jupiter (Taurus) 9:49am
Moon trine Chiron (Pisces) 10:33am
Moon inconjunct Mercury R (Sagittarius) 4:36pm
Moon opposite Pluto (Capricorn) 9:04pm

Monday, December 12
Moon inconjunct the North Node (Sagittarius) 11:01am
Moon sextile Mars (Virgo) 11:08am
Moon opposite Venus (Capricorn) 11:27am
Moon inconjunct the Sun (Sagittarius) 11:46pm

Tuesday, December 13
Jupiter (Taurus) semisextile Uranus (Aries) 12:22am
Moon square Saturn (Libra) 11:06am
(begin void of course)
Moon inconjunct Neptune (Aquarius) 1:58pm
Moon enters Leo 4:48pm
Moon square Jupiter (Taurus) 5:55pm
Moon trine Uranus (Aries)5:59pm
Moon inconjunct Chiron (Pisces) 6:59pm
Mercury turns direct (Sagittarius) 8:42pm
Moon trine Mercury (Sagittarius) 11:53pm

The Moon is now in her home sign of Cancer––nurturing, protective, emotional, and following the heady exuberance of the Full Moon, perhaps clinging to the past and anxious about the pace of change. These next days of the Cancer Moon are good times to take care of ourselves, our families and our tribes and celebrate the bonds that keep us strong. If we can do this while resisting the urge to put our heads in the sand and hope the challenges of the world pass us by, we'll have the best of this transit.

Today, the Moon squares Uranus, standing firm against headlong, heedless change. A sextile to Jupiter and trine to Chiron provide grounding as the sage and healer offer good counsel.

Listening to good advice is not always easy, though. Later today, the Moon finds herself in an awkward inconjunct with Mercury retrograde and opposing alchemical Pluto––these are possible signs of resistance. The Cancer Moon can dig in her heels and cling to the familiar past, not the approach Mercury and Pluto will advocate.

Mother and Child by Robinson

Monday brings another series of tricky aspects. There is a sextile to Mars, emphasizing the desire to take careful, small steps. But the inconjunct angles to the North Node and the Sun, and the opposition to Venus, show the Cancer Moon is still struggling with the depth and breadth of change we now face. Allowing time for nesting and nurturing is important in being able to move forward.

Tuesday opens with a semisextile between Jupiter and Uranus––a minor angle, and yet, nothing involving Uranus at the Aries point can really be minor. This touch, with Jupiter at 0 Taurus and Uranus at 0 Aries, offers a preview of the coming Solstice and New Moon charts, which will feature many planets at or near 0 degrees of various signs. The Solstice marks the rebirth of the light––much can be reborn during this year's Solstice season.

The Moon squares Saturn for her last classical aspect in Cancer, a challenge that signals our need to find the balance between emotion and action, past and future, desire and manifestation. After three hours void of course (during which the Moon will inconjunct Neptune, still looking for that balance), the Moon steps into passionate Leo, ready to shine.

While the Moon is in Cancer, be mindful of your feelings and the feelings of others, honoring the needs we all have to feel secure and safe without stepping back from the path of transformation.
   

Moon into Gemini: Change is the Only Constant

Thursday evening through Sunday morning
Eastern Standard Time

Thursday, December 8
Moon enters Gemini 9:53pm

the Space Cowboy

Moon sextile Uranus (Aries) 11:09pm
Moon semisextile Jupiter (Taurus) 11:34pm
Moon square Chiron (Pisces) 11:57pm

Friday, December 9
Moon opposite Mercury R (Sagittarius) 9:07am
Moon inconjunct Pluto (Capricorn) 10:48am
Moon square Mars (Virgo) 11:44pm

Saturday, December 10
Moon opposite the North Node (Sagittarius) 1:41am
Uranus turns direct at 0 Aries 2:04am
Moon inconjunct Venus (Capricorn) 8:02am
Lunar Eclipse 9:32am
Full Moon in Gemini:
Moon opposite the Sun (Sagittarius) 9:37am

Sunday, December 11
Moon trine Saturn (Libra) 2:05am
Moon trine Neptune (Aquarius) 5:24am
(begin void of course)
Moon enters Cancer 8:26am
Moon square Uranus (Aries) 9:40am
Moon sextile Jupiter (Taurus) 9:49am
Moon trine Chiron (Pisces) 10:33am
Moon inconjunct Mercury R (Sagittarius) 4:36pm
Moon opposite Pluto (Capricorn) 9:04pm

What an amazing ride we're in for with this Gemini Moon! It's good this Moon loves connecting and is adaptable, crafty, and able to see the humor in any situation ... we may find ourselves pulling all those qualities and more out of the toy chest in the next few days. Full Moon, full lunar eclipse, and more ...

The Moon pops into Gemini tonight, and moves into an intriguing set of aspects right away––Uranus, Jupiter and Chiron in less than an hour, two "easy" connections and one challenge, and the three big energies lined up in the early degrees of three adjoining signs. "Three planets walked into a bar.." we might say "... and then I found five dollars." Of course, another version of the all-purpose tag line is "... and then my car blew up." Which will it be? Think both/and.

A square to Chiron the healing mentor, with a sextile to revolutionary Uranus and a semisextile to expansive Jupiter says to me something like "the only way out is through." Look for innovative, outside-the-box ways, unexpected solutions, and new perspectives. A good model for this whole Gemini Moon thing.

Friday puts the Gemini Moon into tricky territory. An opposition with Mercury retrograde, and Mercury rules Gemini––what's that about? Followed by a this-feels-awkward inconjunct to Pluto and an outright square to Mars, today we indeed ask ourselves, what's it all about?

We might feel we're walking on eggshells. A light touch will help maintain balance and perspective. If eggs break, make an omelet. Remember to laugh.

Saturday! Take a look at Saturday ... the Moon aligns with the South Node and opposes the North: Where is the balance on our life path? Can we maintain balance by releasing old karma? What can we let go of? Now's the time––right now!

Uranus turns direct at 0 Aries. Boom! The Aries point in our birth charts is where new energies come into our lives. Uranus was here before, then turned back, and now turns forward again. In a retrograde pattern, the first touch is the wake-up call. The second, retrograde, touch tells us this (whatever "this" is) is not going away. The third is the check-in: Where are we now? Have we embraced our epiphanies? Have we made adjustments? Are we different than we were back in March?

The Moon is inconjunct Venus in Capricorn––more awkward feelings, more need to adjust. Are we there yet?

And suddenly, we're there. Here. Somewhere bright, somewhere fully illuminated––except during the lunar eclipse. Full-on, visible in North America as the Moon sets. A gateway to change.

The Moon is Full in Gemini, conjunct the Nodes of the Moon, squared by Mars and Ceres, with a yod pointing at the Moon and South Node formed by Venus and Juno. The Sun and North Node, aligned with our mid-Sagittarian galactic center, are the answer to solving the yod.

What does it all mean? Do I hear someone out there saying "42!"?? Yes, life is a serious business. Yes, there are many perils surrounding us. Yes, there is grave injustice, cruelty, greed, devastation. And ... and ... there is meaning. Warmth. Connection. Generosity. Love. With this Full Moon, we say yes to it all. With Zorba, we embrace the full catastrophe.

The Full Moon Saturday morning is the last aspect that whole day, so bask in the glow of the philosophical, generous, warm Sun reflecting off the spritely, surprising, scintillating Moon.

Sunday morning the Moon trines Saturn and Neptune. These are energies for manifestation. With this Gemini Moon, light something up. Start something new. Share it with the world. If you've been waiting for the right time, it's now.
 

Moon into Taurus: Slow Hand and an Easy Touch

Tuesday morning through Thursday evening
Eastern Standard Time

Tuesday, December 6

hand massage

Moon enters Taurus 9:35am
Moon semisextile Uranus (Aries) 10:54am
Moon sextile Chiron (Pisces) 11:33am
Moon conjunct Jupiter (Taurus) 11:17am
Jupiter (Taurus) sextile Chiron (Pisces) 7:00pm
Moon trine Pluto (Capricorn) 10:38pm

Wednesday, December 7
Moon inconjunct Mercury R (Sagittarius) 1:47am
Moon trine Mars (Virgo) 10:03am
Moon trine Venus (Capricorn) 1:47pm
Moon inconjunct the North Node (Sagittarius) 2:22pm
Moon inconjunct the Sun (Sagittarius) 4:46pm

Thursday, December 8
Mercury R (Sagittarius) semisextile Pluto (Capricorn) 11:13am
Moon inconjunct Saturn (Libra) 2:51pm
Moon square Neptune (Aquarius) 6:39pm
(begin void of course)
Moon enters Gemini 9:53pm
Moon sextile Uranus (Aries) 11:09pm
Moon semisextile Jupiter (Taurus) 11:34pm
Moon square Chiron (Pisces) 11:57pm

The Moon is now in Taurus' garden of earthly delights. From the intense yang of Aries, we shift into the yin of fixed Earth, the sign of Gaia. During the nest few days, the Moon flows with the Earth and Water signs while checking the headlong rush of Air and Fire. Look down the list of aspects and you'll see the pattern.

Today, healing energy abounds as Jupiter, also in Taurus, flows energy with Chiron in Pisces. These are two sages of the cosmos, philosophers, healers and teachers ready to share wisdom. Everything they offer may not be "easy" and yet it will be grounded, given with generosity and grace. The Moon joins with Jupiter, sextiling Chiron, emphasizing this pattern for today.

In the words of the old Shaker hymn:

'Tis the gift to be simple, 'tis the gift to be free

'Tis the gift to come down where we ought to be,

And when we find ourselves in the place just right,

'Twill be in the valley of love and delight.

child pose

This is where we are today. The day closes with a trine between the Moon and Pluto. Alchemy happens!

Wednesday, the pattern continues as the Moon forms inconjunct angles-of-adjustment with the headlong energy of Sagittarius, and flows in steady trines with Venus and Mars in Earth signs. Venus and Mars are flowing together too. Slow and steady.

Thursday brings challenge as the Moon forms an inconjunct with Saturn, then a square with Neptune, then enters a void of course time. Saturn and Neptune together are the planets of manifestation: Neptune brings the vision, Saturn makes it happen. Perhaps today we realize things are not quite ready. A powerful Full Moon is coming soon, but not yet. We're still in the chrysalis, growing, changing, forming. This isn't a time to rush.

Late Thursday, the butterfly spreads her wings as the Moon flies into Gemini. For now, we rest, we learn, we heal. For now, we're in the right place.
  

Moon into Aries: Let's Get This Party Started

Saturday evening through Tuesday morning
Eastern Standard Time

Saturday, December 3

Fire dancer, Papua New Guinea

Moon enters Aries 8:51pm
Moon conjunct Uranus (Aries) 10:11pm
Moon semisextile Chiron (Pisces) 10:42pm
Moon semisextile Jupiter (Taurus) 11:13pm

Sunday, December 4
Sun conjunct Mercury retrograde (Sagittarius) 3:52am
Moon square Pluto (Capricorn) 9:41am
Moon square Venus (Capricorn) 5:56pm
Mercury retrograde (Sagittarius) square Mars (Virgo) 6:18pm
Moon trine Mercury retrograde (Sagittarius) 6:59pm
Moon inconjunct Mars (Virgo) 7:07pm
Moon trine the Sun (Sagittarius) 10:21pm
Mercury retrograde (Sagittarius) semisextile Venus (Capricorn) 11:18pm

Monday, December 5
Moon trine the North Node (Sagittarius) 1:54am
Venus (Capricorn) trine Mars (Virgo) 10:06am

Tuesday, December 6
Moon opposite Saturn (Libra) 1:56am
Moon sextile Neptune (Aquarius) 6:13am
(begin void of course)
Moon enters Taurus 9:35am
Moon semisextile Uranus (Aries) 10:54am
Moon sextile Chiron (Pisces) 11:33am
Moon conjunct Jupiter (Taurus) 11:17am
Jupiter (Taurus) sextile Chiron (Pisces) 7:00pm
Moon trine Pluto (Capricorn) 10:38pm

The Moon sets herself alight in Aries tonight, joining Uranus the trickster revolutionary in a wild, exuberant, no-holds-barred dance. Those semisextiles to Chiron and Jupiter show this reborn Moon has not totally forgotten her mentors' lessons, but their connection now is more faint memory than firm guidance. And those rules are really more guidelines, aren't they?

In Aries, the Moon aligns with the side of the Pluto–Uranus square that's chanting "What do we want?" "Change!" "When do we want it?" "NOW!" During these next days, we connect with our sense of righteous anger, with a clear vision of what needs to happen, and a burning desire to make it so. Change is needed, and overdue. Aries power is the energy of birth, the new being bursting into life.

Fire dragon dance, mainland China

And yet, this fiery enthusiasm needs to be channeled or it can run amok, dissipating itself in meaningless action or violent destruction. Sunday morning, the Sun conjunct Mercury retrograde, bringing our conscious attention to Mercury's role now in checking precipitate action, in getting us to slow down and think things through. Aspects throughout Sunday ask us to look, then look again, at all our plans and actions.

The just-do-it Aries Moon squares Pluto and Venus in steady Capricorn. Where is the best path between waiting too long and acting too quickly? Mercury squares Mars in careful Virgo, while the Moon trines Mercury and inconjuncts Mars. Where is the balance point between thoughtful reflection and careful planning on one hand, and the paralysis of analysis on the other? How do we know when it's time to act?

If we face the questions on Sunday, Monday could offer glimpses of answers. The day opens as the Moon joins the North Node, aligning us with the dragon's head. Then Venus and Mars form a trine, showing us exactly where strategic, planned, committed action will move us forward.

In the early hours of Tuesday, the Moon opposes Saturn in Libra. Dreams might point to places where rebalancing the needs of self and other is needed. An early morning sextile with Neptune connects Aries action with Neptunian visioning––pay attention to morning dreams today.

The Moon–Neptune sextile is the last classical aspect in Aries, opening a three-hour void of course time until the Moon steps into peaceful Taurus, and we relax into meditation. While the Moon is in Aries, we connect to our passions, testing them against the challenges of the world and our own psyches.
  

Moon into Pisces: Flowing into New Forms

Thursday morning through Saturday evening
Eastern Standard Time

Thursday, December 1

mermaid

Moon enters Pisces 9:46amMoon semisextile Uranus (Aries) 11:03am
Moon conjunct Chiron (Pisces) 11:25am
Moon sextile Jupiter (Taurus) 12:23pm
Moon sextile Pluto (Capricorn) 9:54pm
Moon sextile Venus (Capricorn) 11:19pm

Friday, December 2
Moon square the Sun (Sagittarius) 4:53am
Moon opposite Mars (Virgo) 5:02am
Sun (Sagittarius) square Mars (Virgo) 8:07am
Moon square Mercury retrograde (Sagittarius) 1:06pm
(begin void of course)
Moon square the North Node (Sagittarius) 2:01pm

Saturday, December 3
Moon inconjunct Saturn (Libra) 12:49am
Moon semisextile Neptune (Aquarius) 5:27am
Moon enters Aries 8:51pm
Moon conjunct Uranus (Aries) 10:11pm
Moon semisextile Chiron (Pisces) 10:42pm
Moon semisextile Jupiter (Taurus) 11:13pm

The Moon swims into empathic Pisces now, at the moment I write this. When you actually see this post, though, it will have already happened because I overslept this morning. So in addition to sharing what the Moon will be touching in her travels through Pisces over the next few days, this is also a story about the void of course Moon.

Today's aspects are calm and healing, supporting transformative change––wonderful energy for a workshop on Shadow, for example, which a friend is offering tonight here in Bloomington. A semisextile with Uranus the revolutionary, considered a minor angle in the Moon's swift path, offers a jolt of fiery energy to see and be a bit different, our unique selves. Then, the Moon joins Chiron the wounded healer for the strongest aspect of the day, opening the door to self reflection, compassion and healing.

The afternoon and evening bring a series of sextiles, bright, positive energy flowing between the Pisces Moon and Jupiter, Pluto and Venus. Notice how Pluto the alchemist is bracketed by the two "good luck" planets, Jupiter and Venus, touching our personal transformations with grace and beauty.

waterfall

...which makes today a good time to think about void of course Moons. I woke this morning while the Moon was still in energetic, focused Aquarius. I felt alert, ready to dive into the day, and was surprised to see it was only 5:00am.

No! I thought, if I get up now, I'll be too tired later. I rolled over and went back to sleep––for an hour or two, I thought, only to wake four hours later at 9:00, running behind before I pulled back the covers. Yep, the Moon was void of course.

I'm reading  Steven Forrest's book, The Book of the Moon, which is fascinating and already enriching my lunar understandings. His phrase for the void of course Moon is one I've heard before: Nothing will come of it ... yet his discussion points out that this is not always a bad thing. Sometimes we might prefer that nothing arises from a certain situation––a medical diagnosis, for example––and those things are perfect for a void Moon. At other times, of course, we have great hopes. Those are better begun when the Moon is connected to other planets who can help make things happen.

The Moon in Pisces is reflective and intuitive. Writing this morning, it now feels as though I woke at 5:00am so that I could get up and write my blog and perhaps do a bit of journaling, and I missed that window through not paying attention to the coming void time. Next time I wake up at an unexpected time for no apparent reason, I'll check the Moon before rolling over and heading back into sleep!

Tomorrow, the Moon opens the day with a square to the Sun. This is the waxing First Quarter Moon, when we experience a challenge to our emerging New Moon wishes. Are we really committed? Are we sure? Are we willing to work toward our goals? With this particular waxing square between a Sagittarian Sun and a Piscean Moon, the questions might be: Does this goal feel right? Is it in line with my values and beliefs? If there are adjustments to be made, now is the time.

The Moon's other strong aspect Friday is a square to Mercury retrograde, again challenging us to think things through before diving in. This is the Moon's last classical aspect in Pisces, opening a long void of course time that lasts until Saturday night––another reason for talking about the void Moon in today's post.

During the void time, the Moon will form aspects to the Nodes of the Moon, to Saturn and to Neptune, but none are considered strong enough to "make things happen." So while we might feel the energy, it might not manifest.

The Moon surges into Aries Saturday night, ready to light up the world after a day of quiet. The Aries Moon's first contact is a conjunction with Uranus, so expect the unexpected on Saturday night! For the next few days, we swim in the healing waters of Pisces.