Moon into Taurus: The Inner Gardener

Monday morning through Wednesday afternoon
Eastern Standard Time

Monday, January 30

the inner garden

Moon enters Taurus 1:29am
Moon semisextile Uranus (Aries) 4:58am
Moon conjunct Jupiter (Taurus) 6:29am
Moon sextile Chiron (Pisces) 8:40am
Moon sextile Mercury (Aquarius) 11:15am
Moon trine Pluto (Capricorn) 6:26pm
Moon square Sun (Aquarius) 11:10pm

Tuesday, January 31
Moon trine the North Node (Sagittarius) 12:34am
Moon sextile Venus (Pisces) 9:08pm
Moon trine Mars (Virgo) 11:28pm

Wednesday, February 1
Moon inconjunct Saturn (Libra) 1:12pm
Moon square Neptune (Aquarius) 2:06pm
(begin void of course)
Moon enters Gemini 2:15pm
Mercury (Aquarius) semisextile Pluto (Capricorn) 2:38pm
Moon sextile Uranus (Aries) 5:54pm
Venus (Pisces) opposite Mars (Virgo) 6:41pm
Moon semisextile Jupiter (Taurus) 7:47pm
Moon square Chiron (Pisces) 9:40pm

The Moon stepped quietly into Taurus early this morning, leaving the heady passions of Aries behind for a while. Her first touch was a goodbye to fiery Uranus, acknowledging that while Taurus walks more slowly, the work of deep transformation is still underway. With this Taurus Moon, we tend the inner garden.

growing our dreams

In Chinese medicine, the image of the body and its energies is a garden. The meridians are irrigation channels, carrying qi to all structures as water nourishes growing plants.

Today, the Taurus Moon, patient gardener of the zodiac, walks with wise advisors––Chiron the healer-sage, Mercury the messenger, and Pluto the alchemist––to learn how to support the emerging seeds planted at the New Moon.

At the end of the day, the Moon squares the Sun, the First Quarter Moon and the first test of our newly forming intentions. Are we making goodl choices to nurture our dreams?

Tuesday, this question is asked again, as the Moon forms an awkward inconjunct to the North Node. Are we trying to move ahead too quickly? This is a day to look for missed steps.

Tuesday night, Venus and Mars each offer support for whatever we're working on. Venus in Pisces is a lovely dreamer and creative muse; Mars retrograde in Virgo is sure to notice important details that need our attention.

Wednesday, our commitment to manifesting our dreams is tested as the Moon forms challenging angles to both Saturn and Neptune. We had the chance to work with teachers and guides these last few days. Now these two want to know how we did. Did we stay stubbornly in place, refusing to move? Or did we take the careful steps that help ground our dreams in good soil? The Taurus Moon offers both choices. Consider carefully.
    

Moon into Aries: Friction and Flame

Friday afternoon through Monday morning
Eastern Standard Time

Friday, January 27
Moon enters Aries 1:28pm
Moon sextile Mercury (Aquarius) 1:31pm

burn!

Moon conjunct Uranus (Aries) 4:39pm
Moon semisextile Jupiter (Taurus) 5:46pm
Moon semisextile Chiron (Pisces) 8:07pm

Saturday, January 28
Moon sextile Sun (Aquarius) 5:01am
Moon square Pluto (Capricorn) 5:47am
Moon trine the North Node (Sagittarius) 12:13pm
Mercury (Aquarius) sextile Uranus (Aries) 1:25pm
Sun (Aquarius) semisextile Pluto (Capricorn) 2:28pm
Mercury (Aquarius) square Jupiter (Taurus) 11:07pm

Sunday, January 29
Moon semisextile Venus (Pisces) 1:31am
Moon inconjunct Mars (Virgo) 11:05am
Mercury (Aquarius) semisextile Chiron (Pisces) 4:16pm

Monday, January 30
Moon opposite Saturn (Libra) 12:21am
Moon sextile Neptune (Aquarius) 1:08am
(begin void of course)
Moon enters Taurus 1:29am
Moon semisextile Uranus (Aries) 4:58am
Moon conjunct Jupiter (Taurus) 6:29am
Moon sextile Chiron (Pisces) 8:40am
Moon sextile Mercury (Aquarius) 11:15am
Moon trine Pluto (Capricorn) 6:26pm
Moon square Sun (Aquarius) 11:10pm

The Moon flames into Aries this afternoon like an electron jumping into a higher quantum orbit. Connecting right away with Mercury in let's-get-'er-done Capricorn and then joining revolutionary Uranus, this Moon is emotionally ready to light up the night. Edgy contacts with the sages Jupiter in Chiron might sound a note of caution, but will this Moon listen? Maybe, maybe not.

Saturday we enter yet another transformation zone. The day opens with the waning sextile between the Moon and Sun, our first change to see the intentions we set at the New Moon beginning to send shoots out into the light.

Those shoots had best be hardy, because the Moon challenges alchemical Pluto, who is only stronger now we\ve entered the Year of the Dragon. Trining the North Node, the Aries Moon is ready to hit the road, boldly taking the next steps on our life path.

sharing tales around the fire

Meanwhile, Mercury joins forces with Uranus, giving the trickster's latest ideas some legs. The Sun makes and edgy contact with Pluto while Mercury challenges Jupiter. We feel the urge to move, take action, do something, but what?

Different paths may call to us, with the best one not obvious. This is where the reflective time we spent with the Pisces Moon might direct us. Which hero story are we in? What is our role now?

Sunday's edgy connections between the Moon, Venus and Mars, and between Mercury and Chiron, offers warning to choose carefully. We're also reminded here that Mars, ruler of Aries, is now retrograde and so our fiery Aries urges might be pointing more to inward action. Pay attention to where your energy wants to flow.

Very early Monday, the Moon opposes Saturn and we confront the perennial issue of the balance between self and other. What does our heart call us to do? Where are our responsibilities? The flowing sextile with Neptune that follows can offer innovative solutions, so don't let the old oppositions define the current situation. When the Moon moves into calm Taurus, we'll have time to consider the right path.

During these days of the Aries Moon, listen to what your heart is saying. Pay attention to your desires. Channel these potent energies into transformation.
  

Moon into Pisces: Watching the Current

Wednesday morning through Friday afternoon
Eastern Standard Time

Wednesday, January 25
Moon enters Pisces 4:11am

reflecting

Moon semisextile Uranus (Aries) 7:02am
Moon sextile Jupiter (Taurus) 7:48am
Moon conjunct Chiron (Pisces) 10:13am
Moon semisextile Sun (Aquarius) 1:54pm
Moon sextile Pluto (Capricorn) 7:31pm

Thursday, January 26
Moon square the North Node (Sagittarius) 2:01am
Moon conjunct Venus (Pisces) 8:12am
Moon opposite Mars (Virgo) 11:53pm
(begin void of course)

Friday, January 27
Mercury (Capricorn) square Saturn (Libra) 4:19am
Mercury (Capricorn) semisextile Neptune (Aquarius) 9:21am
Moon inconjunct Saturn (Libra) 12:19pm
Moon semisextile Neptune (Aquarius) 12:58pm
Mercury enters Aquarius 1:11pm
Moon enters Aries 1:28pm
Moon sextile Mercury (Aquarius) 1:31pm
Moon conjunct Uranus (Aries) 4:39pm
Moon semisextile Jupiter (Taurus) 5:46pm
Moon semisextile Chiron (Pisces) 8:07pm

The Moon swam into Pisces' cosmic ocean early this morning, while most of us were asleep and dreaming. We do dream, even when we don't remember. With the Pisces Moon, we can ask to connect in dreams with All-that-is, and to wake with remembering of who we are, even if the details of the dream dissolve into mist.

strong roots

Here, I am on the Pacific Ocean, on the Nosara peninsula, an ancient place of celebration. Ancient cliffs reach fingers out into the water, creating shallow bays of sand and rock, sting rays and scorpions, warm, salty, Piscen waters. And so today, we may encounter the warmth of gentle birth, or the sting of a scorpion, if we are unwary.

This Moon is a bit uncomfortable with the fiery arrows of Uranus and the Sun, preferring to bask in the healing waters of Chiron and the nuturing support of Jupiter. Later, though, we seek the scorpion: The Moon and Pluto flow together to create alchemical change.

Thursday, the Moon squares the Nodes of the Moon, walks in beauty with Pisces and opposes Mars. On this day, we remember something important we forgot, perhaps a long time ago--some piece of our larger selves we need to continue walking our path in this life. With Venus, we weave this piece back into the fabric of our lives, even as we ask Mars to wait. This is easy for Mars, actually, now he is retrograde. So, we reflect, we watch, we weave.

Thursday night's connection with Mars marks the last classical aspect of this Piscean Moon, creating a larger space for floating, for resting.

Friday, hmmmm... This day, the energies shift. Mercury in hard-nosed Capricorn challenges Saturn and Neptune. Perhaps we wake from our Piscean dreams with clear knowing of what to do. Today, we know what the next step is. With the Moon making awkward aspects to Saturn and Neptune, we feel a bit unsure, but today, we go with that mind and allow the intellect to speak.

Friday afternoon sparks into action. Mercury lights up in Aquarius, ready to innovate, communicate and electrify. The Moon ignites in Aries, first sign of the zodiac, the birth of Fire within and without.

During these days of the Pisces Moon, we incubate, we flow, we dream. Then, when rebirth comes, we are ready.
     

Moon into Aquarius: Tricky Manouvers

Sunday night through Wednesday morning
Eastern Standard Time

Sunday, January 22
Moon enters Aquarius 9:53pm

Monday, January 23
Moon sextile Uranus (Aries) 12:27am
Moon square Jupiter (Taurus) 12:56am
New Moon in Aquarius

twisting roads

Moon conjunct Sun (Aquarius) 2:40am
Moon semisextile Chiron (Pisces) 3:23am
Mercury (Capricorn) trine (Mars (Virgo) 6:15am
Moon semisextile Pluto (Capricorn) 12:19pm
Sun (Aquarius) semisextile Chiron (Pisces) 12:51pm
Moon sextile the North Node (Sagittarius) 6:50pm
Moon semisextile Venus (Pisces) 6:57pm
Mars turns retrograde in Virgo 7:53pm

Tuesday, January 24
Moon inconjunct Mars (Virgo) 3:26pm
Moon semisextile Mercury (Capricorn) 8:04pm

Wednesday, January 25
Moon trine Saturn (Libra) 2:59am
Moon conjunct Neptune (Aquarius) 3:33am
(begin void of course)
Moon enters Pisces 4:11am
Moon semisextile Uranus (Aries) 7:02am
Moon sextile Jupiter (Taurus) 7:48am
Moon conjunct Chiron (Pisces) 10:13am
Moon semisextile Sun (Aquarius) 1:54pm
Moon sextile Pluto (Capricorn) 7:31pm

The Moon will enter Aquarius in a few hours, Sunday evening in the Eastern time zone, which I am not actually in at this moment. The last two days brought me into a microcosm of the shift into the Dark Moon and thrust toward the New Moon we're in right now.

During the Dark Moon, we release, release, elease and I left Indianapolis early Saturday morning in ice. The shuttle driver and I slid into the airport, the plane boarded, was de-iced for 40 minutes, then took off for Atlanta where we spent an hour circling because a major thunderstorm was knocking out power to thousands of Georgians.

Yes, I missed my connecting flight. I spent a very Saturnian night (Moon in Capricorn) in an airport hotel introspecting and feeling depressed. I also released any fear of not reaching goals and/or looking foolish in the process, something I've always been loth to do.

Tonight, the night of the amazingly creative New Moon in Aquarius, I am in Costa Rica, where howler monkeys hang out in the canopy and the sun sets over the Pacific Ocean. Which is to say, things can change, and change dramatically. This is Aquarius we're talking about here.

curve and recurve

Monday begins with the Moon in touch with Uranus and Saturn, setting the stage for the outside-the-box New Moon I wrote about in my last post. Uranus and Saturn, strange bedfellows though they are, co-rule Aquarius. Saturn is the ancient ruler, Uranus the modern.

Once the New Moon arrives, growth begins on a day full of aspects: The Moon touches Chiron, Pluto, the North Node and Venus, ready to heal, transform, get on track with this life's path, and do it all beautifully.

Meanwhile, the Sun also touches Chiron, Mercury and Mars flow energy to get work done, and then everything slows way down, as Mars turns retrograde in Virgo. This lasts until April.

Does Mars retrograde, especially in persnickety Virgo, throw up big roadblocks for the powerhouse New Moon? I don't think so. The New Moon in Aquarius signals long-term change, deep transformation, with no going back. Mars retrograde asks us to look within and consider what that means for us. "Consider" is con + sidere ... with the stars.

Tuesday brings time for considering, as the edgy touches between the Moon, Mercury and Mars mean that actually getting things done will be difficult and quite possibly better left for another day.

Wednesday morning offers another nudge to take the long view. The Moon trines Saturn and joins Neptune, positive energy with the planets that, when they work together, help us manifest our visions. After less than an hour void of course, and while most of us are still asleep, the Moon slips into the cosmic ocean of Pisces.

With this Moon in Aquarius, focused on the New Moon, we planet marvelous, creative, innovative seeds that may take time to develop, and then step back a bit from direct action and see what unfolds.

New Moon in Aquarius: Taking the Wheel

Early Monday morning
Eastern Time

The New Moon arrives early in Aquarius––2 degrees––and early in the day––2:39 am EST. We've been through some times of pondering, planning and plodding with Capricorn and Saturn, and this New Moon says, enough, already! Let's move!

Aquarius is the sign of the revolutionary, the idealist, and the innovator. In this sign, we connect to our vision of a better world at the same time we embrace our unique selves. In Aquarius, we know that our best contribution to our communities will emerge from our own talents, developed and delivered our way.

This New Moon is also the Chinese New Year, opening the Year of the Water Dragon. This will be a year of strong water events, with the Dragon bringing change.

An energized sextile from Uranus, ruler of Aquarius, channels plenty of just-do-it power into the New Moon, wanting to see big changes right out of the starting gate. But wait... this New Moon is at the apex of a T-square that challenges us to look before we leap.

Jupiter in Taurus squares the New Moon, ready to shower his good luck on our new endeavors if we're sure. Have we committed to nurturing our dreams? With our intentions be planted in good soil, so they develop strong roots and healthy branches? Have we got good self-care plans in place to avoid burnout?

Saturn in Libra squares off from the other side. He'll also be on our side if we've got good blueprints. Are our concepts well grounded? And if we meet that test, are we ready to walk our talk? Are we behaving responsibly, thinking through to seven generations?

Although the challenges are strong, this doesn't feel like a fight to me. Venus also has a strong presence at this New Moon, bringing in beauty and diplomacy. She's squaring the Nodes of the Moon, asking whether our life path is aligned with our cosmic vision. And, she rules both Taurus and Libra, the signs Jupiter and Saturn are sitting in as they square the New Moon.

water dragon

Picture a conference on a major new project, one you really want to go well. To get everyone on the team on board, you need to walk in with your best presentation: great ideas, solid supporting data, and the creative juice to get things going.

Your team includes some hard-nosed players who will challenge you every step of the way, yet you know their intentions are good. Once things are hammered out, the project will be stronger, its chances of success improved.

In these last days of the waning Moon, let go of whatever is gumming up the works. Mars is in detailed-oriented, analytical Virgo, already slowly for his approaching retrograde. Use his eagle eye to clean things up.

Check your birth chart. Where does this New Moon fall? That house will be energized to move in new directions. What does this Moon touch? If you have 

Once the New Moon arrives, harness all that vibrant creativity to flow energy into your wildest outside-the-box dreams. Mars will turn direct Monday evening, so plan to make your wishes and set intentions on Monday, especially ones focused on actions in the outer world.
 

Moon into Capricorn: Setting Our Course

Friday afternoon through Sunday night
Eastern Standard Time

Friday, January 20

laying the foundation

Moon enters Capricorn 5:41pm
Moon semisextile Sun (Aquarius) 6:10pm
Moon square Uranus (Aries) 8:02pm
Moon trine Jupiter (Taurus) 8:18pm
Moon sextile Chiron (Pisces) 10:47pm

Saturday, January 21
Moon conjunction Pluto (Capricorn) 7:32am
Moon sextile Venus (Pisces) 9:00am
Moon semisextile the North Node (Sagittarius) 2:09pm
Sun (Aquarius) sextile Uranus (Aries) 8:20pm

Sunday, January 22
Sun (Aquarius) square Jupiter (Taurus) 1:34am
Moon conjunct Mercury (Capricorn) 7:02am
Moon trine Mars (Virgo) 9:42am
Moon square Saturn (Libra) 8:38pm
Moon semisextile Neptune (Aquarius) 9:09pm
(begin void of course)
Moon enters Aquarius 9:53pm

The Moon steps into responsible, pragmatic Capricorn this evening, which might not be the best news if you're hoping for an upbeat, sociable weekend: Capricorn's seriousness and workaholic tendencies are probably not what you're looking for. But the Moon isn't on our calendar, and the agenda this weekend will be preparing the ground for the amazing New Moon in Aquarius that's soon to arrive.

The Moon's first aspect is an edgy touch with the Sun who's already in Aquarius––as if to say, ok, I;m on my way, but let me take care of these loose ends first. A square to Uranus, Aquarius' ruler, says the same thing: I know this is important, but let me take the time I need to get ready.

setting a course

Then come easy, flowing aspects with Jupiter and Chiron, the sages of the sky, to show this Moon means what she says. This Friday night might find you in a pensive mood, reflecting on how this year has begun and where your life is headed. Take the time you need to really understand where you are now.

Saturday morning, the Moon joins Pluto, ready to work on personal transformation. A flowing connection with balanced Venus makes this easier to embrace; we have our Muse with us. An edgy connection with the North Node reminds us not to waste time.

Saturday evening, the Aquarian Sun flows energy with Uranus in fiery Aries. This is the blare of trumpets heralding the New Moon. In the midst of our careful preparations, we feel energy shifting around us. This New Moon is absolutely about the new, the future, the time to come.

Sunday morning, very early, the Sun squares off with Jupiter and we again hear the challenge between the forces urging for sweeping change now, and the voices that ask for time to ponder, plan and grow change gradually. Sunday, the Moon is squaring aligned with the voices calling for careful, grounded, step-by-step action as she joins Mercury in Capricorn and flows with Mars in organized Virgo.

Sunday evening, a square with Saturn brings a check-in from Capricorn's ruler: Are we ready? Is all prepared? An edgy connection with Neptune gives us one last connection with our visions. Are we on track? Do we know what our intentions are?

Then, we're in the chute: After a void of course of just over an hour, the Moon steps into the outside-the-box world of Aquarius. At this point, the New Moon is just hours away. During these days with the Capricorn Moon, take the time you need to reflect, plan, prepare and act––before the New Moon initiates another wave of change.
    

Moon into Sagittarius: Festina Lente

Wednesday afternoon through Friday evening
Eastern Standard Time

Wednesday, January 18
Moon enters Sagittarius 2:29pm
Moon trine Uranus (Aries) 4:41pm
Moon inconjunct Jupiter (Taurus) 4:45pm

brighter lights

Moon square Chiron (Pisces) 7:18pm

Thursday, January 19
Moon square Venus (Pisces) 12:48am
Moon semisextile Pluto (Capricorn) 4:02am
Moon conjunct the North Node (Sagittarius) 10:52am
Sun (Capricorn) square Saturn (Libra) 4:18pm
Moon semisextile Mercury (Capricorn) 8:41pm
Sun (Capricorn) semisextile Neptune (Aquarius) 10:54pm

Friday, January 20
Moon square Mars (Virgo) 5:41am
Sun enters Aquarius 11:09am
Venus (Pisces) sextile Pluto (Capricorn) 3:31pm
Moon sextile Saturn (Libra) 4:20pm
Moon sextile Neptune (Aquarius) 4:50pm
(begin void of course)
Moon enters Capricorn 5:41pm
Moon semisextile Sun (Aquarius) 6:10pm
Moon square Uranus (Aries) 8:02pm
Moon trine Jupiter (Taurus) 8:18pm
Moon sextile Chiron (Pisces) 10:47pm

One more thing about Scorpio: Before the Moon leaves Scorpio, as we navigate our online communities, let's recognize the anti-SOPA blackouts and what a Scorpionic response this is. We're asked to take a look at what's going on under the surface of a proposed bill, and consider what it feels like to be left in the dark.

If you haven't yet, look up something in Wikipedia (English language version) today. The switch to the blackout page is powerful. Very Scorpio! Artists deserve the rights to their creative work. SOPA is not the way to create it.

And now, back to Sagittarius:

The Moon steps into the bright, convivial warmth of Sagittarius this afternoon, ready to shake off Scorpio's sometimes gloomy outlook. And yet, a sense of edginess lingers. A strong, flowing connection with Uranus in Aries stokes our fires––we feel ready to fly––but an awkward connection with Jupiter, Sagittarius' ruler, warns us not to become unbalanced.

the road ahead

Meanwhile, Chiron the wounded healer challenges the Moon to remember. Remember what??

As the Moon enters optimistic, benevolent Sagittarius, we retain the lessons we learned in the Shadow lands. Awakening into the Fire, we don't turn our backs on the darkness we carry within.

Thursday continues the pattern of Sagittarian happiness and grace, coupled with reminders of important work to be done. Any tendencies toward it'll-all-work-out grasshopper-ish-ness are counterbalanced by reminders that serious business is at hand and requires careful attention.

The Moon joins the North Node on Thursday, adding juicy energy to our movement forward on our life path––think of Bilbo Baggins ready to step onto the path and let it take him where it will. Yet the Moon also challenges Venus, and makes edgy connections with Pluto and Mercury. Meanwhile, the Sun squares Saturn and gets edgy with Neptune. So, sure, start your journey, but do make sure you've packed carefully, take extra cash, and have good maps.

on the path

Friday opens with a Moon–Mars square. Again, we see the theme festina lente, make haste slowly. There are great things to be done and done now, but proceed with your eyes open. A few hours later, we see why, as the mood shifts into transformational territory: The Sun enters revolutionary Aquarius.

I mentioned the transformative energy of creative work the other day, and we see more of if now. The Sun steps into the sign of innovation as Venus the artist flows energy with Pluto the alchemist. Friday afternoon, the Moon flows energy with both Saturn the manifester and Neptune the visionary, a great time for art.

After a short (less than an hour) void of course, the Moon enters Capricorn Friday evening, lending a serious tone to the weekend. While the Moon's in Sagittarius, we happily embrace the journey without losing sight of its challenges.
    

Moon into Scorpio: Encounter the Shadow

Monday morning through Wednesday afternoon
Eastern Standard Time

Monday, January 16
Moon enters Scorpio 11:33am

Shadow

Moon opposite Jupiter (Taurus) 1:34pm
Moon inconjunct Uranus (Aries) 1:40pm
Moon trine Chiron (Pisces) 4:11pm
Moon trine Venus (Pisces) 5:05pm

Tuesday, January 17
Moon sextile Pluto (Capricorn) 12:58am
Moon semisextile the North Node (Sagittarius) 8:06am
Moon sextile Mercury (Capricorn) 11:25am
Jupiter (Taurus) semisextile Uranus (Aries) 7:12pm

Wednesday, January 18
Moon sextile Mars (Virgo) 2:25am
Moon sextile Sun (Capricorn) 11:00am
Moon semisextile Saturn (Libra) 1:04pm
Moon square Neptune (Aquarius) 1:30pm
(begin void of course)
Moon enters Sagittarius 2:29pm
Moon trine Uranus (Aries) 4:41pm
Moon inconjunct Jupiter (Taurus) 4:45pm
Moon square Chiron (Pisces) 7:18pm

The Moon enters Scorpio just before noon today (Eastern US time), shifting from the balanced harmony of Libran thinking into intense emotional depths. Scorpio is insightful to the point of being wary, and the opening opposition with Jupiter in comfortable Taurus says it's time to pay attention to what's going on underneath.

This Moon steps away from Uranus' readiness to bungee jump into the future, preferring to look before leaping. Yet this afternoon, flowing connections with Chiron and Venus in visionary Pisces open channels of intuition offering creative healing. This afternoon, we check in with how we're feeling––expressive arts, anyone?

Fingerpainting

Tuesday, we're ready for transformation––Scorpio's greatest love and challenge.

The Scorpio Moon flows with Pluto, Scorpio's ruler. An edgier connection with the North Node, the arrow pointing to our life path, urges us forward without hiding the difficulties. This Moon would rather see them, anyway. Can't hide things from Scorpio.

Later Tuesday, the Moon connects with Mercury in practical Capricorn. Although Water and Earth signs usually flow easily together, Scorpio and Capricorn can be at odds: Scorpio's antennae quiver at every nuance, while Capricorn just wants solid facts. This combination offers a chance to translate intuitive awareness into practical action.

Tuesday evening brings an edgy aspect between Jupiter and Uranus, possibly raising questions about whether things are moving too fast or not fast enough.

By Wednesday morning, it looks like this Moon has made up her mind and is ready to act. Flowing connections with Mars and the Sun, both in Earth, support practical action in the world. Edgy connections with both Saturn and Neptune raise questions about whether our actions are aligned with our plans––yet we know that plans also must change in light of practical realities.

The Moon–Neptune square is the closing aspect for this waning transit through Scorpio. After about an hour void of course, the Moon steps into sociable, optimistic Sagittarius. During this time with shadowy Scorpio, we explore spaces that are not always clear: emotions, intuition, and the path ahead.
   

Moon into Libra: Finding Flow

Saturday morning through Monday morning
Eastern Standard Time

Saturday, January 14
Venus enters Pisces 12:47am
Moon semisextile Saturn (Libra) 6:46am

painting a thangka

Moon inconjunct Neptune (Aquarius) 7:15am
(begin void of course)
Moon enters Libra 8:28am
Moon inconjunct Venus (Pisces) 9:12am
Moon inconjunct Jupiter (Taurus) 10:13am
Moon opposite Uranus (Aries) 10:29am
Moon inconjunct Chiron (Pisces) 12:56pm
Venus (Pisces) sextile Jupiter (Taurus) 9:47pm
Moon square Pluto (Capricorn) 9:50pm

Sunday, January 15
Venus (Pisces) semisextile Uranus (Aries) 12:14am
Moon square Mercury (Capricorn) 2:15am
Moon sextile the North Node (Sagittarius) 5:17am
Moon inconjunct Mars (Virgo) 11:10pm

Monday, January 16
Moon square Sun (Capricorn) 4:07am
Venus (Pisces) conjunct Chiron (Pisces) 6:11am
Moon conjunct Saturn (Libra) 10:00am
Moon trine Neptune (Aquarius) 10:29am
(begin void of course)
Moon enters Scorpio 11:33am
Moon opposite Jupiter (Taurus) 1:34pm
Moon inconjunct Uranus (Aries) 1:40pm
Moon trine Chiron (Pisces) 4:11pm
Moon trine Venus (Pisces) 5:05pm

The Moon entered calm Libra this morning for a day that will call on her diplomatic skills. The Moon's aspects today are edgy: inconjunct Venus, Libra's ruler, as well as Jupiter and Chiron, the sages of the sky; opposite Uranus and square Pluto, the changes agents. And yet, today offers abiding peace as Venus steps into visionary Pisces and flows with Jupiter in sensual Taurus. What do we make of this?

runners

Psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi explores and writes about flow states, times when we experience creative surges, well being, competence, and a feeling of timelessness.

One of the ways we move into flow is to experience the right amount of challenge, a level that calls us to step up without catapulting us into anxiety. Athletes, musicians, visual artists, programmers––all of us––when we do something we love, in a way that engages all our skills and just a bit more, can find that flow state.

Today, with the Moon holding her own against revolutionaries, alchemists, and sages, we might feel challenged to bring out our best. At the same time, the inspiration offered by Venus newly arrived in Pisces, plus the benevolent grace of a flowing aspect between Venus and Jupiter, surround us with a cosmic "yes!"

Sunday's energy continues the sense of edginess as Venus and Uranus seek ways to balance peaceful calm and fiery action. The Libra Moon flows easily with the Sagittarian North Node, ready to discuss concepts and make plans. At the same time, edgy aspects with Mercury and Mars in Earth signs might leave us feeling it's not the right time to act.

weaving

Monday opens with the waning square between the Sun and Moon, the Last Quarter Moon.

We shift from appreciating accomplishments to preparing for the next cycle. We begin thinking about what needs to be composted, what we're ready to release.

Monday morning's Moon aspects make this process of release one of ease and healing. Venus and Chiron meet in Pisces: creativity, harmony, healing, and mentoring aligned.

The Moon joins Saturn, then trines Neptune, allowing for creative manifestation. After an hour void of course, the Moon enters Scorpio's shadowy realms.

This Libra Moon will make it easier for us to feel the peace, abundance, and creative vision that Venus in Pisces can bring to our relationships, finances and creative work. If we also embrace the challenge, we can find ourselves in flow, accomplishing wonderful things with ease.
   

Moon in Virgo: Working Creatively

Thursday morning through Saturday morning
Eastern Standard Time

Thursday, January 12
Moon enters Virgo 4:44am
Moon trine Jupiter (Taurus) 6:18am
Moon inconjunct Uranus (Aries) 6:40am

mopping up

Moon opposite Chiron (Pisces) 9:04am
Moon trine Mercury (Capricorn) 4:34pm
Moon trine Pluto (Capricorn) 6:11pm
Sun (Capricorn) trine Mars (Virgo) 11:45pm

Friday, January 13
Moon square the North Node (Sagittarius) 2:06am
Venus (Aquarius) trine Saturn (Libra) 4:04am
Mercury (Capricorn) conjunct Pluto (Capricorn) 8:02am
Venus (Aquarius) conjunct Neptune (Aquarius) 10:16am
Moon conjunct Mars (Virgo) 7:36pm
Moon trine Sun (Capricorn) 8:59pm

Saturday, January 14
Venus enters Pisces 12:47am
Moon semisextile Saturn (Libra) 6:46am
Moon inconjunct Neptune (Aquarius) 7:15am
(begin void of course)
Moon enters Libra 8:28am
Moon inconjunct Venus (Pisces) 9:12am
Moon inconjunct Jupiter (Taurus) 10:13am
Moon opposite Uranus (Aries) 10:29am
Moon inconjunct Chiron (Pisces) 12:56pm
Venus (Pisces) sextile Jupiter (Taurus) 9:47pm

The Moon steps into careful, organized Virgo very early Thursday morning, ever ready to be of service and get things done. This is actually a great day to get all kinds of work done, as the Moon flows energy with Jupiter, Mercury and Pluto, all in Earth signs. Fiery Uranus and dreamy Chiron are a bit confusing for this steady Virgo Moon, but the planets in Earth join forces to make solid progress all day.

artist's tools

Friday offers an intriguing combination of pragmatic practicality and creative visions. Venus in innovative Aquarius flows energy smoothly with Saturn in Venus-ruled Libra, and then joins visionary Neptune. These three together can make wonderfully artistic ideas become real.

Mercury joins Pluto, ready to clearly articulate and communicate the deep transformations that Pluto is pushing for. Meanwhile, the Moon challenges the Nodes of the Moon, asking what stitches have been dropped along the way––now we can see where missed steps might be holding us up.

Later, the Moon joins let's-get-it-done Mars, and then flows energy in trine with the Sun. This is the waning trine, when we review the progress we've made during this lunar cycle. We assess our accomplishments, and prepare to let go of what we no longer need.

The trine with the Sun is the Moon's last classical aspect in Virgo, opening an almost twelve hour void of course period. During this liminal time, early on Saturday, Venus slips into Piscean waters. The Moon makes edgy, awkward contacts with Saturn and Neptune––Virgo prefers simple, clear tasks. By Saturday breakfast, the Moon enters balanced Libra.

As the Moon transits through Virgo, we'll feel ready to tackle our to-do lists, knocking off tasks big and small, clearing the undergrowth to make space for new, creative work.
   

Moon into Leo: Enter the Queen!

Monday night through Thursday morning
Eastern Standard Time

Tuesday, January 10

young leopard charging

Moon square Jupiter (Taurus) 12:58am
Moon trine Uranus (Aries) 1:29am
Moon inconjunct Chiron (Pisces) 3:52am
Moon inconjunct Mercury (Capricorn) 5:15am
Moon inconjunct Pluto (Capricorn) 1:21pm
Moon trine the North Node (Sagittarius) 9:51pm

Wednesday, January 11
Moon inconjunct Sun (Capricorn) 12:49pm
Moon semisextile Mars (Virgo) 3:06pm

Thursday, January 12
Moon opposite Venus (Aquarius) 12:28am
Moon sextile Saturn (Libra) 2:49am
Moon opposite Neptune (Aquarius) 3:23am
(begin void of course)
Moon enters Virgo 4:44am
Moon trine Jupiter (Taurus) 6:18am
Moon inconjunct Uranus (Aries) 6:40am
Moon opposite Chiron (Pisces) 9:04am
Moon trine Mercury (Capricorn) 4:34pm
Moon trine Pluto (Capricorn) 6:11pm
Sun (Capricorn) trine Mars (Virgo) 11:45pm

The Moon blazed into Leo just before midnight last night, and spent the early hours of this morning claiming her territory. Today's aspects present the passionate Leo Moon as a queen, aligning clearly with the forces of change and asserting her right to her own views against all comers. With this Moon, we stand for what we believe in, creatively expressing who we are and what we choose.

Today, the Moon forms flowing trines with Uranus the trickster revolutionary and the North Node, the arrow pointing to our life path. She is awkwardly holding her ground against Chiron the wounded healer, Pluto the transforming alchemist, and Mercury the practical thinker.

Queen Nefertiti

Give your creative, passionate self voice today in a way that clarifies for you what burns in your heart. If possible, allow your heart to express itself without alienating others or disdaining their advice––without asking your fiery self to follow that advice right now.

Wednesday, the Leo Moon continues to feel prickly and determined, setting passions and creative drive against the steady practicality of the Capricorn Sun and the careful organization of Mars in Virgo. We want our voices to be heard and honored; we want to feel appreciated. The challenge is to find our creative voice without becoming imperious, or trampling the feelings of others.

As we move into Thursday, the Moon opposes Venus and Neptune, again standing forward on behalf of individual expression––but does accept the guidance of Saturn in diplomatic Libra. Yet it's the opposition to Neptune that initiates the void of course time. After just over an hour of in-between, the Moon enters Virgo.

Often, the transition from energetic Leo to careful Virgo feels like a bit of a let-down, the realization that our 15 minute of fame didn't take away the work that needs to be done. This particular Leo Moon, though, fueled as she is by the shining energy of the Full Moon, might leave us feeling a bit exhausted, so we may welcome the chance to step out of the spotlight a bit and get to work.

Over the next few days, we flow with the Leo Moon to connect with our heart's passion, to stand up for what we believe in, and connect more deeply with what fuels our actions.
    

Full Moon in Cancer: Where We Started From

Full Moon in Cancer

detail: Two Rabbits, Pampas Grass, Full Moon

Eastern U.S. Time Zone

Monday, January 9
Moon opposite Sun (Capricorn) 2:30am
Moon sextile Mars (Virgo) 8:48am
Moon inconjunct Venus (Aquarius) 1:44pm
Mercury (Capricorn) sextile Chiron (Pisces) 4:12pm
Moon square Saturn (Libra) 9:25pm
Moon inconjunct Neptune (Aquarius) 10:03pm
(begin void of course) Moon enters Leo 11:35pm

As Sunday moves into Monday, we welcome the Full Moon in Cancer, illuminating how things are for us at home, with family, with tribe, with tradition, with Mother.

In the sign of cardinal Water, the Moon's home sign, emotions are strong. Feelings are illuminated, offering the chance to feel deeply, see clearly, commit to what we most value, and shift what needs to move so we can heal and grow. Mercury and Pluto are also in Capricorn, supporting thought, communication and transformation.

This Full Moon happens with the Moon at 18 Cancer and the Sun at 18 Capricorn, highlighting our connection with how-things-have-always-been-done.

In these times of great change, it sometimes feels as if there's nothing to hold on to––or nothing we should hold on it, that it's time for everything to go and all to be made new. Yet this is not the way of the our world. Everything arises from what came before.

In chaos theory, this is the sensitivity to initial conditions, the butterfly effect. In mathematics, the importance of initial states is part of Markov chains. Where we can go depends on where we've been.

In these models, though, there is no intentionality and no meaning. The butterfly neither intends or causes the tornado, and a walk through a Markov chain is random. The fact that such models can accurately mirror biological and social processes is unsettling. Are we living in a random universe?

This Full Moon offers the chance to look at where we've been through the lens of meaning. The archetypes of the Mother and Father, and the myths, symbols, and stories that surround them, are some of the most powerful we have. How do our cultures present Mother and Father? How have we experienced them in our lives? What does that mean for where we can go?

As always at the Full Moon, I'm offering a guided journey. This journey, recorded as an mp3 and supported by the sound of my drum, takes us into a meaningful dialogue with the energies surrounding this Full Moon, helping us prepare for the illumination to come.

At this Full Moon, we explore where we've come from. Our life journeys are tied to the family, tribe and traditions that nurtured us. Understanding those origins, in a deep and compassionate way, brings more freedom to build on what is strong and nurturing and to release what weakens. When we see more clearly where we stand today, we choose where to step next with greater awareness and love.
   

Moon into Cancer: Embracing Our Traditions

mother and child

Saturday afternoon through Monday night
Eastern Standard Time

Saturday, January 7
Moon enters Cancer 4:05pm
Moon sextile Jupiter (Taurus) 5:20pm
Moon square Uranus (Aries) 5:58pm
Moon trine Chiron (Pisces) 8:20pm

Sunday, January 8
Mercury enters Capricorn 1:33am
Moon opposite Pluto (Capricorn) 6:23am
Mercury (Capricorn) trine Jupiter (Taurus) 1:04pm
Moon inconjunct the North Node (Sagittarius) 3:38pm
Mercury (Capricorn) square Uranus (Aries) 5:58pm

Monday, January 9
Moon opposite Sun (Capricorn) 2:30am
Moon sextile Mars (Virgo) 8:48am
Moon inconjunct Venus (Aquarius) 1:44pm
Mercury (Capricorn) sextile Chiron (Pisces) 4:12pm
Moon square Saturn (Libra) 9:25pm
Moon inconjunct Neptune (Aquarius) 10:03pm
(begin void of course) Moon enters Leo 11:35pm

For much of today, we celebrate the bright communications of a Gemini Moon surrounded by Mercury aspects. 'Tis the season of epiphany, as Jessica Murray noted on FaceBook, and the Gemini Moon ready––be open! Meanwhile, I'm here blogging about the Moon's transition into Cancer later today:

After the heady connectedness of Gemini, going home to family (however you define it), to tribe, to traditions, is a way to center and ground ourselves. The Moon enters Cancer just after 4:00pm, where her first aspect is a flowing sextile with Jupiter in Taurus, followed by a square to revolutionary Uranus. Could the message be clearer? Slooooooow down, inhale, exhale, do something wonderfully sensuous for yourself and those you love.

Later this evening, a trine with Chiron the wounded healer might gently remind us of where we're hurting. Flow with the feelings, knowing this is a path to healing. Let Mother Ocean carry your tears away.

Mother Goddess of Çatalhöyük

Sunday, we enter tranformational territory on our way to the Full Moon. The day opens with an opposition between the Cancer Moon and Pluto in Capricorn. Cancer and Capricorn are the archetypal, traditional Mother and Father, the homeplace and the outer world of achievement and mastery. The Moon rules Cancer, she is powerfully at home here. Pluto is moving inexorably through Capricorn, methodically turning up every rock under which the heavy, hurtful excesses of the patriarchy are hidden.

Now comes the Moon, saying, come home, there is love here even for the worst of you, and it's time to stop hurting yourself and all these others I love. Yes, Pluto is challenging the Moon today, but Pluto is the alchemist and so his challenge is one of deep change. What do we need to love within ourselves and the world, so all can freely enter the cauldron of transformation?

The Moon's other aspect Sunday is an awkward inconjunct with the North Node. What must we acknowledge, accept, release or embrace about our past and our traditions, so we can move forward on our life path?

Sunday is grounded in the Cancer Moon, yet filled with Mercury the communicator as well: Mercury enters Capricorn not long after midnight. In this sign, Mercury puts on his commerce hat. The patron of merchants and thieves, Mercury is the consummate trader.

Today, Mercury trines benevolent, fortunate Jupiter and squares headlong Uranus, making this a day for careful planning. Prosperity follows solid, step-by-step work today, folding in any flashes of insight that arrive but also reading the fine print. Can we form alliances and make deals that honor feminine as well as masculine traditions?

Monday opens with the Full Moon. Arriving at 2:30am in the Eastern Time Zone, she will illuminate our dreams tonight. Setting intentions for dreams about tradition, family ties, ancestry, mothering––and also fathering, achievement and our goals in the world––is strongly supported Sunday night.

This is a practical, pragmatic Moon, flowing energy with Mars still in careful Virgo. This Moon feels awkward with the innovative creativity of Venus and the future-oriented visions of Neptune, both in Aquarius. She's even squaring off with traditional Saturn, perhaps holding on to what feels safe and secure, unsure about the changes on the horizon.

Meanwhile, Mercury flows with Chiron, supporting the healing energy flowing from the Full Cancer Moon. Think of this as our time in the cocoon, morphing into an amazingly beautiful butterfly. The square with Saturn is the Moon's last classical aspect, opening a two-hour void of course until we emerge in the new, brilliant hues of the Leo Moon.

During this Cancer Full Moon time, explore connections with family, mother, ancestors, traditions and tribe, knowing that these are the cauldron from which we've emerged, bearing gifts as well as scars, now ready to move into the world in a new way.
    

Moon into: Gemini: Communicate, Network, Connect

Thursday morning through Saturday afternoon
Eastern Standard Time

Thursday, January 5
Moon enters Gemini 5:44am

merengue!

Moon semisextile Jupiter (Taurus) 6:51am
Moon sextile Uranus (Aries) 7:36am
Moon square Chiron (Pisces) 9:58am
Moon inconjunct Pluto (Capricorn) 8:34pm

Friday, January 6
Moon opposite the North Node (Sagittarius) 6:45am
Moon inconjunct Sun (Capricorn) 12:50pm
Moon trine Venus (Aquarius) 11:40pm
Moon square Mars (Virgo) 11:44pm

Saturday, January 7
Venus (Aquarius) inconjunct Mars (Virgo) 12:26am
Mercury (Sagittarius) sextile Saturn (Libra) 3:12am
Mercury (Sagittarius) sextile Neptune (Libra) 10:14am
Moon trine Saturn (Libra) 1:35pm
Moon trine Neptune (Aquarius) 2:21pm
Moon opposite Mercury (Sagittarius) 2:52pm
(begin void of course)
Moon enters Cancer 4:05pm
Moon sextile Jupiter (Taurus) 5:20pm
Moon square Uranus (Aries) 5:58pm
Moon trine Chiron (Pisces) 8:20pm

The Moon popped into bright, active Gemini this morning, I went to my first Nia dance class, and bright and active it was! I signed myself up for class every Thursday morning, so we'll see if I can make it there when the Moon's in a less sociable sign.

The aspects this morning definitely supported doing something fun and new that brings healing, with an edgy connection to Jupiter in slow-moving Taurus making it hard to get out from under the warm covers, but the sextile to revolutionary Uranus saying "Just do it!" and a square to Chiron the wounded healer saying, how many more times we gonna repeat this pattern?

Tonight's inconjunct with Pluto, well ... he might wag his finger and say I didn't do enough, while that Gemini Moon dances off to do something else.

Friday, the Gemini Moon says, TGIF! Opposite the North Node and conjunct the South, this Moon is looking for fun, not challenge––a feeling reinforced by the inconjunct with the Sun in serious Capricorn. Forget about hitting achievement targets today and focus on networking. This is a much better day for communicating and connecting than slogging through something you dread.

Friday night's aspects send the same message: The trine with Venus in Aquarius says, hey, that person looks different, let's go talk to them ... that place we've never been to, let's go there! The square with Mars in careful Virgo doesn't want to hear why none of that's a good idea.

The inconjunct between Venus and Mars just after midnight reinforces the tug-of-war between taking chances and being careful. The Gemini Moon is not a risk-taker, but not the most cautious sign in the zodiac either, so try some new, intriguing things without throwing caution to the winds.

silk painting: Auspicious Cranes

Saturday will be an even better day for networking and communicating. In fact, if there are important conversations you need to have, think about choosing Saturday. Writing, speaking, connecting in any way, shape or form––this is the opportune moment. Let's look at the aspects:

The Moon is in Gemini, which is ruled by Mercury, so we're already feeling good about connecting.  Mercury right now is in Sagittarius, opposite sign to Gemini, so our communications need to balance breadth and depth, and also maintain awareness of connecting with others while making our own position clear. A Moon–Mercury opposition closes the Moon's transit through Gemini, so this balance is important.

Saturday opens with Mercury sextiling Saturn and Neptune in close succession. The early afternoon brings that Gemini Moon into trine with the same two planets. we've got positive, flowing aspects between the Moon and Mercury to the two planets that, together, help us manifest our dreams. Saturn is the reality guy, the one who can make things happen in the world. Neptune is the visionary, keeping us connected with our biggest dreams. Quite a pattern!

The Moon opposes Mercury in midafternoon. Then, after an hour void of course, enters her home sign of Cancer. This is a time to slow down and rest after the heady socializing of the last few days. While the Moon is in Gemini, with the supporting aspects surrounding her, get your message together, and make those connections. It's time.
   

Moon into Taurus: A Slower Pace

Monday evening through Thursday morning
Eastern Standard Time

Monday, January 2
Moon enters Taurus 5:16pm

a warm spot by the fire ...

Moon conjunct Jupiter (Taurus) 6:14pm
Moon semisextile Uranus (Aries) 7:04pm
Moon sextile Chiron (Pisces) 9:20m

Tuesday, January 3
Moon trine Pluto (Capricorn) 8:19am
Moon inconjunct the North Node (Sagittarius) 7:15pm
Moon trine Sun (Capricorn) 7:43pm

Wednesday, January 4
Moon square Venus (Aquarius) 5:49am
Moon trine Mars (Virgo) 11:39am
Moon inconjunct Mercury (Sagittarius) 8:37pm

Thursday, January 5
Moon inconjunct Saturn (Libra) 2:51am
Moon square Neptune (Aquarius) 3:47am
(begin void of course)
Moon enters Gemini 5:44am
Moon semisextile Jupiter (Taurus) 6:51am
Moon sextile Uranus (Aries) 7:36am
Moon square Chiron (Pisces) 9:58am
Moon inconjunct Pluto (Capricorn) 8:34pm

This evening, the Moon takes in a deep, slow breath, exhales fully, and steps into calm and peaceful Taurus. If 2012's arrival has felt like a headlong rush into the new, we're now offered a few days to slow the pace and contemplate the year ahead with grace and good will. An hour after arriving in Taurus, the Moon joins benevolent Jupiter––tonight we can access the feeling that all's right with the world.

This doesn't imply we're going to stop changing: An edgy contact with Uranus the trickster prevents us from getting complacent. Yet, basking in the warmth of expansive Jupiter, enjoying the sensual comforts that Taurus inspires, and connecting with Chiron the healer and mentor, we place challenges and upsets in a context that also embraces synchronicity, serendipity and abundance.

Tuesday, the Moon trines both Pluto (in the morning) and the Sun (in the afternoon). The waxing Sun–Moon trine highlights our New Moon intentions in the best possible light, encouraging slow, steady progress. First, though, we can flow into whatever alchemical transformations Pluto has in store. These might require adjustments on our path (the awkward inconjunct with the North Node), but alchemy is underway.

taking it easy

Wednesday, the Moon encounters the other personal planets––Venus, Mars and Mercury––in aspects that highlight Taurus' preference for the slow and steady.

The contacts with Venus and Mercury are challenging, so that original work, creative work, socializing, and communicating might feel difficult today, like trying to make headway against resistance. Her contact with Mars in organized Virgo is a flowing trine; this will be a good day to get ordinary work taken care of.

In the early hours of Thursday, the Moon reaches her last connections in Taurus, both challenging, with Saturn and Neptune. Saturn and Neptune are both in Air signs, ready for movement and thought, while the Moon in Taurus is slower, more careful, and more grounded. Dreams Thursday morning might reflect this tug between the slower energy of Earth and the speed of Air––a contest Air will win, as the Moon pops into bright Gemini.

Enjoy the slower pace of the next few days, reveling in creature comforts and appreciating the times to come.