Moon into Cancer: Healing Rest

Thursday evening through Sunday morning
Eastern Daylight Time

Thursday, March 29

4 Swords: Rest from Strife
©Stephanie Pui-Mun Law

Moon enters Cancer 7:07pm
Moon trine Neptune (Pisces) 11:05pm

Friday, March 30
Moon square Uranus (Aries) 4:38am
Moon sextile Mars (Virgo) 5:06am
Moon trine Chiron (Pisces) 9:38am
Moon inconjunct the North Node (Sagittarius) 11:14am
Moon opposite Pluto (Capricorn) 1:48pm
First Quarter Moon:
Moon square Sun (Aries) 3:41pm
Moon sextile Jupiter (Taurus) 8:42pm

Saturday, March 31
Mars (Virgo) inconjunct Uranus (Aries) 5:02am
Venus (Taurus) inconjunct Saturn (Libra) 2:23pm
Moon trine Mercury (Pisces) 6:13pm
Moon square Saturn (Libra) 11:33pm

Sunday, April 1
Moon sextile Venus (Taurus) 12:20am
(begin void of course)
Moon enters Leo 4:36am

The Moon enters her home sign of Cancer Thursday evening, and for those caught up in contentious conversations the last few days, the respite arrives none too soon. During this transit through Cancer, the Moon steps back from confrontation and change, seeking calm and healing. Even in the midst of big changes, quiet moments are possible––and needed.

safe at home

Thursday night offers a flowing trine between the Moon and Neptune, which could bring deep dreaming. You might also find yourself reaching for an old favorite film, or pulling out photo albums you haven't looked at in a while.

Friday morning, the Moon takes a stand against Uranus, refusing to move any faster than she chooses. She's in sync with careful Mars, still retrograde in Virgo. The Moon's also flowing with Chiron, then making an edgy aspect with the North Node and opposing Pluto.

With this combination, we might find ourselves feeling beleaguered and criticized, our feelings hurt because we meant well and were doing our best. Or we could choose to look carefully at our actions and then seek the healing we need, taking responsibility for meeting our own needs.

The First Quarter Moon also arrives Friday afternoon, followed by a supportive sextile with Jupiter, so choosing actions to reach long term goals will be the better choice.

Saturday, Mars and Venus agree with the Moon: Too much pressure for change is not helpful! Mars asks Uranus to slow down, and Venus asks Saturn to take it easy, already. Meanwhile, the Moon flows with Mercury in visionary Pisces, as he moves slowly toward the end of his retrograde time.

Overnight, the Moon makes her own square to Saturn and then flows in sextile with Venus, offering restful sleep Saturday night. After about four hours void of course, the Moon steps front and center in dramatic Leo, bringing creative passion to Sunday.

While the Moon rests in Cancer, we look for ways to slow down, finding peace and healing.
    

Moon into Gemini: Speak Truth Wisely

Tuesday morning through Thursday evening
Eastern Daylight Time

Tuesday, March 27

threading the maze

Moon enters Gemini 6:43am
Sun (Aries) inconjunct Chiron (Pisces) 7:44am
Moon square Neptune (Pisces) 10:39am
Moon sextile Uranus (Aries) 4:16pm
Moon square Mars (Virgo) 6:04pm
Moon square Chiron (Pisces) 9:27pm
Moon sextile Sun (Aries) 10:38pm
Moon opposite the North Node (Sagittarius) 11:42pm

Wednesday, March 28
Moon inconjunct Pluto (Capricorn) 2:03am
Moon semisextile Jupiter (Taurus) 8:12am

Thursday, March 29
Moon semisextile Venus (Taurus) 9:36am
Moon square Mercury (Pisces) 10:05am
Mercury (Pisces) sextile Venus (Taurus) 1:42pm
Moon trine Saturn (Libra) 2:05pm
(begin void of course)
Sun (Aries) squares Pluto (Capricorn) 3:55pm
Moon enters Cancer 7:07pm

The Moon steps into trickster Gemini early Tuesday morning, into a day whose patterns may highlight for us all the ways speaking out can trip us up. The Moon in Gemini loves to talk, and today's Moon will feel strong urges to speak up, speak out, and let the chips fall where they may––so it's best to be aware that choosing this course could tear things open in ways we won't expect.

The first aspect after the Moon enters Gemini is the Aries Sun forming an awkward inconjunct with Chiron the wounded healer in Pisces: Do we shine out, speak our truth, and go for the goal? Or do we attend to the needs of others for healing and mentoring? Speaking out can lead to healing, even if its uncomfortable at the time––for us as well as those we're speaking to. This could be one of those "you have to break some eggs to make an omelet) times.

The Moon is squaring the responsive, empathic, careful planets and flowing energy happily with the direct, revolutionary, fiery ones. If you need a boost to say something that needs to be said, today's energy will do that. It's good to be aware, though, that anything we say today will come out as forceful, perhaps more than we intended. With the aspects to the powerful outer planets, anything we say could also have long-term consequences. A good time to remember to think before we speak, which is not always easy with Gemini.

finding the right way

Another option for working with Tuesday's energy is looking for ways to receive and communication intuitive messages and/or healing energy.

Communication lines are open and energized. Remember that words have power and thoughts are things, and channel these powerful messaging capacities in growth-producing directions.

Wednesday deepens our opportunities to look at the consequences of speaking out. The quick-witted Gemini Moon forms an awkward inconjunct with slow-moving, transformative Pluto, and then an edgy semisextile with calm, steady Jupiter in Taurus. This day could show us the consequences for previous rash speech. Or it could begin a process of inner transformation and growth by offering personal insight. Or both, as the two are not mutually exclusive.

Thursday brings its own set of complex opportunities. The Gemini Moon makes an edgy semisextile with sensuous Venus in Taurus, and then squares Mercury in dreamy Pisces, right before Mercury and Venus flow energy together in sextile. Is the Moon feeling irritated that Venus and Mercury are moving slowly? Or does the Moon give voice to the visionary, creative qualities of a Mercury–Venus combination?

Let's go with the latter choice, opening our ears and communicating harmony, beauty and peace––because the Moon's last aspect in Gemini is a stable, supportive trine with Saturn that helps manifest what we envision.

There's plenty of power around Thursday as well, as the Aries Sun squares Pluto today, while the Moon is void of course. Creative transformation is definitely in the air. This relatively brief Sun–Pluto square reminds us that a Uranus–Pluto square is on its way, offering a reminder to prepare.

Thursday evening, the Moon slips into her home sign of Cancer, ready to rest and recoup. While the Moon transits through Gemini, we speak up, relying on Gemini's quick thinking and fast footwork to keep us out of (too much) trouble. We'll walk a complicated maze, with interesting messages available at every turn.
   

Moon into Taurus: The Slow Pulse of Life

Saturday evening through Tuesday morning
Eastern Daylight Time

Saturday, March 24

seedling

Moon enters Taurus 5:44pm
Moon sextile Neptune (Pisces) 9:28pm

Sunday, March 25
Moon semisextile Uranus (Aries) 2:55am
Moon semisextile Sun (Aries) 4:00am
Moon trine Mars (Virgo) 6:13am
Moon sextile Chiron (Pisces) 8:05am
Moon inconjunct the North Node (Sagittarius) 10:54am
Moon trine Pluto (Capricorn) 12:58pm
Moon conjunct Jupiter (Taurus) 6:02pm

Monday, March 26
Sun (Aries) inconjunct Mars (Virgo) 1:38am
Mercury (Pisces) inconjunct Saturn (Libra) 2:08am
Moon conjunct Venus (Taurus) 3:26pm

Tuesday, March 27
Moon sextile Mercury (Pisces) 12:35am
(begin void of course)
Moon inconjunct Saturn (Libra) 1:54am
Moon enters Gemini 6:43am

After days of tumultuous, amped-up Aries energy, we might all welcome the calm, steady pace of the Moon in Taurus. Starting Saturday evening, our feeling self sloooooooows down, ready to chill out. There's still plenty of Aries energy around, but this Taurus Moon gives us a chance to watch it flow without feeling we need to jump into action.

A soft sextile with Neptune offers more relaxation, opening the door to gentle dreams overnight. Sparks from Uranus and the Sun in Aries, arriving overnight, could spice up those dreams with unexpected images and pointed messages, so keep pen and paper handy. The overall feeling tone, though, should be calmer than the week just past.

work & community

Sunday itself offers steady energy to get things done. No need to rush, take things step by step, and you could be surprised at how much gets accomplished. The Moon is waxing now and everything naturally increases.

The Taurus Moon flows with Mars and Pluto, ready to build solid foundations. A flow of energy with Chiron connects us with healing and mentoring. Maybe some good advice comes our way.

The day ends with a conjunction with generous Jupiter, crowning our efforts with good fortune––and possibly good company and good food as well. A great evening to spend time with friends.

Monday reminds us that all waters are not calm, and then shows us a remedy. Very early, the Aries Sun makes an awkward connection with Mars in Virgo: A need to check details before rushing ahead. Then Mercury in dreamy Pisces makes a similar awkward connection with Saturn in Libra: Again, the idea of coming up against obstacles presents itself.

Yet Monday's only daytime aspect is the Moon's conjunction with Venus, together in Taurus, the sensuous and grounded sign that Venus rules. Self care, loving the Earth, relaxing into what feels good in a healthy way––the Moon and Venus love these choices.

Very early Tuesday, the Moon flows easily with Mercury, possibly bringing lovely dreams or perhaps simply a night of deep, restful sleep. This last classical aspect in Taurus begins the Moon's void of course time, pushing an awkward connection with Saturn into that void.

Tuesday we'll wake up bright and bushy-tailed with the Moon in Gemini, ready to connect, talk, explore, everything all at once. Before we get there, with the Taurus Moon, we relax and recharge, and also get stuff done. Good combination!
    

Moon into Aries: Ride the Tiger!

Thursday morning through Saturday evening
Eastern Daylight Time

Thursday, March 22

ride the Aries tiger!

Moon enters Aries 5:58am
Moon conjunct Mercury (Aries) 7:50am
Moon semisextile Neptune (Pisces) 9:25am
New Moon in Aries:
Moon conjunct Sun (Aries) 10:37am
Mars (Virgo) opposes Chiron (Pisces) 11:20am
Moon conjunct Uranus (Aries) 2:37pm
Moon inconjunct Mars (Virgo)7:24pm
Moon semisextile Chiron (Pisces) 7:38pm
Moon trine the North Node (Sagittarius) 10:56pm

Friday, March 23
Moon square Pluto (Capricorn) 12:38am
Moon semisextile Jupiter (Taurus) 4:32am
Mercury enters Pisces 9:22am
Moon semisextile Venus (Taurus) 9:05pm

Saturday, March 24
Moon opposite Saturn (Libra) 1:17pm
(begin void of course)
Sun (Aries) conjunct Uranus (Aries) 2:19pm
Moon semisextile Mercury (Pisces) 3:30pm
Moon enters Taurus 5:44pm

Thursday brings us a surge of vitality, libido, life force, the likes of which we've not seen in some time: The New Moon in Aries flanked by Mercury and Uranus, also in Aries. At the beginning of the new astrological year, and beginning of a new Uranus cycle, power is flowing. The challenge is to find ways to channel this energy in positive, life-affirming ways.

Early Thursday, the Moon is reborn in Aries, her Equinox moment. She joins Mercury, touches Neptune, joins the Sun (New Moon here!), joins Uranus, touches Chiron, and flows energy with the North Node, all in one day.

We're likely to feel energized to the max, and yet the patterns surrounding this New Moon tell us to wait, stay calm, and choose carefully.

Notice that Mars, retrograde in Virgo, opposes Chiron in the midst of all this Aries action. Mars is Aries ruler, making his voice an important one.

He anchors both the Grand Trine in Earth and Grand Cross in the mutable signs in the sky now. He's finding every way he can to ask us to stay grounded.

This New Moon offers a wonderful opportunity for setting intentions and making wishes in the knowledge that the seeds we plant now will have tremendous energy to help them grow. This is a long term New Moon, coming as it does at the beginning of a new zodiac cycle and a new Uranus cycle. The energy we're being offered now is meant to last.

Where will this New Moon happen in your birth chart? Look there for new surprises emerging in your life. Which house does Aries rule (which could be next door to where the New Moon happens, depending on where your house cusps are)? This area of life will be energized. What birth planets are touched by this New Moon? Look here for transformation.

With all this potential for re-creating ours lives, why waste this gift of Aries fire in anger, irritation or panic? The Grand Trine in Earth helps us flow the energy into productive channels, if we connect with the steady heartbeat of the world. Ride the tiger with joy, and plant lots of seeds.

Friday's energy helps with the planting as the Moon meets up with Pluto, Jupiter and Venus, all part of the Grand Earth Trine. Mercury enters Pisces this day too, easing some of the mental agitation and helping everyone chill out. Reconnect with your dreams.

Saturday, the Moon opposes Saturn retrograde in Libra. This begins the Moon's void of course time, during which the Sun and Uranus will reach their exact conjunction. Can the sky find any more ways to counsel us to slow down?

Saturday afternoon, the Moon meets Mercury again. Having started this wild ride through Aries with a Mercury meeting, we slow down with Piscean Mercury, ready to meditate and dream.

The Moon steps into calm, peaceful Taurus on Saturday evening. Now we can talk a deep breath and relax! Whirling through the ether with the Aries Moon, we hang on, feeling the exhilarating rush, and keep planting those seeds.
       

Spring Equinox: The New Seed

eggs!

Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Eastern Daylight Time

Tuesday, March 20
Spring Equinox:
Sun enters Aries 1:14am
Moon semisextile Mercury (Aries) 1:41am
Moon semisextile Uranus (Aries) 4:10am
Moon conjunct Chiron (Pisces) 9:00am
Moon opposite Mars (Virgo)10:25am
Moon square the North Node (Sagittarius) 12:46pm
Moon sextile Pluto (Capricorn) 2:05pm
Moon sextile Jupiter (Taurus) 4:56pm

I want to share the chart for the Equinox, Spring in the Northern hemisphere, Fall in the Southern, and a hinge of the year in all earthly places. Note the amazing geometry of this chart, with its overlaid squares and triangles.

The Sun moved most decisively into Aries, closely aligned with Mercury and Uranus. The Sun at the Aries point highlights where change is happening, where new fire is alight, and here we have mind and communication, and the revolutionary trickster, ready and waiting.

Look for the Aries point in your birth chart: Which house holds 0 Aries? What upheavals are you experiencing there? What world-flipping new ideas are showing up? Where is your life force, your libido, your desire, glowing?

This is vital––literally!––and yet there is a context here that needs to be woven.

Notice how most of the planets are clustered on one side of the chart, with Mars standing alone on the other side. This is a basket pattern. Mars, the handle, takes on added importance.

Not only is he the handle of this Ostara basket, he is one point of the Grand Trine in Earth (with Pluto, Jupiter and Venus) and one corner of the Grand Cross in the mutable signs that includes the Nodes of the Moon as well as the Moon, Neptune and Chiron in Pisces.

Mars is holding a lot of important threads here, so it's good he's in organized, detail-oriented Virgo. We can be sure no one will be forgotten, no energy left out, all ducks will be lined up. And yet ... Mars in Virgo is no speed demon, is still retrograde, and rules Aries. What's up with that?

Aries likes to act, ACT NOW, jump in with both feet, no holds barred. With the Sun, Mercury and Uranus aligned, we could feel a big power surge to DO something. Mars retrograde in Virgo, with Saturn retrograde in Libra and Mercury retrograde in Aries join together to say, NOT YET.

Something vital has now been seeded, and needs time to grow. The power of the Grand Trine in Earth offers us a strong connection with natural cycles of growth and development, the ability to allow life to unfold without interference, the willingness to wait and watch.

The Grand Cross creates the container, the alembic in which transformation will occur. This container is anchored in Virgo and Pisces, the Earth and the cosmos, and includes the karmic life path, the Moon's Nodes.

This is the time of the anlage, the primordial seed from which something new will come. We cannot see its form yet, and opening the container will mar the process. With the coming New Moon, we will plant seeds and nurture them, allowing them to grow with the best support we can provide.

The alembic is an alchemical vessel that transmutes what we put into it. Another translation for 'alembic' is 'still,' and so we imagine ourselves heading into the hills with the trickster Uranus, setting up our copper coils and tubs away from prying eyes, fermenting the mix and hoping for a tasty and potent brew––uisce beatha, the water of life!

Happy Equinox Morning to all.
         

Moon into Pisces: Dreaming into a New Age

Monday evening through Thursday morning
Eastern Daylight Time

Monday, March 19

Vertical Aspirations – Stephanie's newest!

Moon enters Pisces 8:05pm
Moon conjunct Neptune (Pisces) 11:16pm

Tuesday, March 20
Spring Equinox:
Sun enters Aries 1:14am
Moon semisextile Mercury (Aries) 1:41am
Moon semisextile Uranus (Aries) 4:10am
Moon conjunct Chiron (Pisces) 9:00am
Moon opposite Mars (Virgo)10:25am
Moon square the North Node (Sagittarius) 12:46pm
Moon sextile Pluto (Capricorn) 2:05pm
Moon sextile Jupiter (Taurus) 4:56pm

Wednesday, March 21
Moon sextile Venus (Taurus) 4:39am
(begin void of course)
Mercury (Aries) semisextile Neptune (Pisces) 11:09am
Sun (Aries) conjunct Mercury (Aries) 3:20pm
Sun (Aries)semisextile Neptune (Pisces) 7:23pm

Thursday, March 22
Moon inconjunct Saturn (Libra) 1:58am
Moon enters Aries 5:58am

The Moon swims into mystical Pisces tonight, and then directly into the wide Piscean arms of Neptune. This will be a powerful night for dreaming, and with the Spring Equinox also on our doorstep, a wonderful time to ask for dream guidance in the year ahead. For this is the beginning of the astrological year, as the Sun steps into bright Aries just two hours after the Moon–Neptune conjunction.

In fact, tonight will be an extraordinary night for dreaming, as a look at the aspects for Tuesday show: Just after the Sun enters Aries, the Moon forms an edgy inconjunct with Uranus, and then a few hours later with Mercury, both in Aries.

Doorway

Tonight, we have the Pisces Moon (a dreamer's Moon) in close contact with the two strongest outer planets messengers, visionary Neptune and revolutionary Uranus, and also with Mercury, planet of mind and communication.

This is happening at a hinge of the year, the Spring Equinox, when the Sun steps into the sign of new beginnings.

Set those dream intentions and keep pen and paper close by!

Tuesday morning, the Moon joins Chiron, the wounded healer. The Pisces Moon feels deeply and empathically, and could be swamped by Chironic woundedness. Choose healing and integration instead by allowing time for processing whatever comes up today––dreamwork can help here.

Tuesday afternoon, the Moon gets grounded with the Grand Earth Trine, as she flows energy with Pluto and Jupiter, and opposes Mars. There's also a square to the North Node––some challenge, but keep in mind that challenge clarifies. This is the time to transform Monday night's cosmic messages into something real.

Wednesday, we're reminded that we're in a transitional phase. The end of the waning lunar cycle, with a big both/and: This transition is much more. We're entering a new astrological year, and something larger still. The aspects put this message up for us in bright lights.

The day opens with a lovely Moon–Venus sextile, the last classical aspect in Pisces and beginning of an all-day void of course: one sign of transition. Then we see retrograde Mercury touching Neptune, the Sun joining Mercury, and the Sun touching Neptune. Could we ask for a clearer pointer to the Pisces–Aries doorway?

Overnight, the Moon makes an awkward inconjunct with Saturn before stepping into fiery Aries for her own transition. Thursday will be an amazing day, with a powerful New Moon flanked by Mercury and Uranus, but more of that in my next post...

While the Moon swims through Pisces, we attend to our dreams, listen to intuition, flow with emotions, and hold space for whatever will be emerging.
   

Moon into Aquarius: Look to the Future

Saturday afternoon through Monday evening
Eastern Daylight Time

Saturday, March 17

The Fool, Maat Tarot, Spring Equinox card

Moon enters Aquarius 12:12pmMoon semisextile Neptune (Pisces) 3:08pm
Moon sextile Uranus (Aries) 7:46pm
Moon sextile Mercury (Aries) 8:46pm

Sunday, March 18
Moon semisextile Chiron (Pisces) 12:24am
Moon inconjunct Mars (Virgo) 3:22am
Moon sextile the North Node (Sagittarius) 4:30am
Moon semisextile Pluto (Capricorn) 5:32am
Sun (Pisces) inconjunct Saturn (Libra) 5:55am
Moon square Jupiter (Taurus) 7:22am
Mercury (Aries) conjunct Uranus (Aries) 1:21pm
Moon square Venus (Taurus) 2:39pm

Monday, March 19
Moon trine Saturn (Libra) 4:31pm
(begin void of course)
Moon semisextile Sun (Pisces) 7:39pm
Moon enters Pisces 11:16pm

In one hour (as I write this––less by the time you read it), the Moon steps into cerebral, forward-looking Aquarius. This is the Moon as messenger, bringing our attention to larger patterns in the sky. Tomorrow, Mercury and Uranus reach the second of their conjunctions in Aries during this Mercury retrograde cycle. Overnight Monday, the Sun enters Aries to begin the new astrological year. Time to look ahead!

Tonight offers an intriguing opening for receiving messages. The Aquarian Moon is already attuned to the heavens, looking for signs and patterns. Her first aspect for this transit is an edgy touch with visionary Neptune, and tonight she flows energy with Uranus and Mercury. Questions we ask at this time are likely to get answers, although perhaps not the ones we'd expect.

Captain Future!

Sunday's focal aspect is the Mercury–Uranus conjunction. Mercury is moving backwards at this time, and this retrograde connection alerts us to where we need to change. Yes, we're already working on the changes we know we need to make. (We are, right? Mostly? Maybe?)

Now the places we're stuck, holding on too tight to the past, or outworn thinking, or bad habits, feel more irritating than ever. Mercury–Uranus wants to rip that bandaid right off––the sting only lasts a second.

The Moon feels conflicted about all this, as we're likely to be. After the lovely flowing time with the Grand Trine in Earth, all calm and peaceful, we're gritting our teeth and wondering why it takes so long for positive change to happen. I might not be quite ready to (fill in your essential change here), but it really bugs me that everyone else is moving so slowly.

Early Monday, the Moon trines Saturn, a time when our thoughts and feelings might settle and a plan of action emerges. Hold that thought, though, because this is the Moon's last classical aspect in Aquarius and the void of course will last all day.

We're entering a liminal time, the doorway between one zodiac cycle and another. All day Monday, the Moon is void of course in Aquarius, entering Pisces, last sign, Monday night. This is the end of the waning lunar cycle too, so we're entering a time of release.

And yet, the Sun is ready to move. Overnight Monday, he steps boldly into Aries, reaching the Spring Equinox, the Aries point of new beginnings. The Aries New Moon, flanked this year by Mercury and Uranus, is not far behind.

With a highly energized Equinox and New Moon ahead, we welcome this Aquarius Moon time to look ahead, realign with our own grand plan, and prepare.
    

Moon into Capricorn: Slow and Steady

Thursday morning through Saturday afternoon
Eastern Daylight Time

Thursday, March 15

The Gardener's Daughter by Edmund Evans

Moon sextile Saturn (Libra) 3:35am
(begin void of course)
Moon enters Capricorn 6:24am
Moon sextile Neptune (Pisces) 9:04am
Moon square Uranus (Aries) 1:26pm
Moon square Mercury (Aries) 4:53pm
Moon sextile Chiron (Pisces) 5:52pm
Moon trine Mars (Virgo) 10:17pmMoon semisextile the North Node (Sagittarius) 10:18pm
Moon conjunct Pluto (Capricorn) 11:00pm

Friday, March 16
Moon trine Jupiter (Taurus) 12:00am
Moon trine Venus (Taurus) 3:11am

Saturday, March 17
Moon sextile Sun (Pisces) 7:12am
Moon square Saturn (Libra) 9:00am
(begin void of course)
Moon enters Aquarius 12:12pm

Thursday morning early, the Moon leaves feel-good Sagittarius behind to enter hardworking, responsible Capricorn. The lovely, grounded energy of the Earth Grand Trine is still here though––this Moon flows energy with Earth and Water signs to get real and get going.

abundance

Capricorn is not interesting in speed. The Moon is in sync with slower patterns, giving form to the healing visions of Neptune and Chiron, getting organized with Mars, and joining forces with alchemical Pluto.

Not too happy with Uranus and Mercury, the Capricorn Moon draws a line in the sand for the two planets in fiery Aries that want everything yesterday and tell you exactly how they feel. Capricorn and Aries can be stubborn––immovable object and the irresistible force––so if Mercury and Uranus have been showing up as anger, there may be more to come.

On Friday... ahhhhh! Take a deep breath and relax, as the Capricorn Moon trines Jupiter and Venus, actualizing good luck and helping us feel glad to be alive. These aspects arrive early in the morning, bringing deep sleep and good dreams. TGIF!

Saturday, the Moon flows energy with the Sun as she reaches the end of her waning cycle. Another reason not to move too fast, this is a time to let go. A square with Saturn, ruler of Capricorn, gives us a small but not necessarily reality check. Are we ready for the new cycle?

After about three hours void of course, the Moon steps into eccentrically unique Aquarius. While the Moon's in Capricorn, we continue with the tortoise's steady pace, enjoying the abundance of Earth, and working responsibly toward our goals.
    

Moon into Sagittarius: Finding Our Center

Tuesday morning through Thursday morning
Eastern Daylight Time

Tuesday, March 13
Moon semisextile Saturn (Libra) 12:23am

slow and steady ...

Jupiter (Taurus) trine Pluto (Capricorn) 12:43am
Moon enters Sagittarius 1:53am
Moon square Neptune (Pisces) 5:18am
Moon trine Uranus (Aries) 9:25am
Moon square Chiron (Pisces) 1:38pm
Moon trine Mercury (Aries) 2:10pm
Moon conjunct the North Node (Sagittarius) 6:18pm
Moon inconjunct Venus (Taurus) 6:30pm
Moon semisextile Pluto (Capricorn) 6:44pm
Moon inconjunct Jupiter (Taurus) 6:58pm
Moon square Mars (Virgo) 7:24pm
Venus (Taurus) trine Pluto (Capricorn) 9:27pm

Wednesday, March 14
Venus (Taurus) conjunct Jupiter (Taurus) 1:54am
Venus (Taurus) trine Mars (Virgo) 3:27am
Mars (Virgo) trine Jupiter (Taurus) 5:50am
Mercury (Aries) semisextile Chiron (Pisces) 12:52pm
Mars (Virgo) trine Pluto (Capricorn) 8:23pm
Last Quarter Moon:
Moon square Sun (Pisces) 9:25pm

Thursday, March 15
Moon sextile Saturn (Libra) 3:35am
(begin void of course)
Moon enters Capricorn 6:24am

The Moon enters welcoming, optimistic Sagittarius early Tuesday, inviting us to relax into an abundant, benevolent time. Sagittarius is mutable Fire, Jupiter's sign, a place of learning, of journeys, of embracing the world as a place of wonder and adventure, and of wanting to know life deeply. The Sag Moon opens the doors of our perceptions and feelings, as we look at what else is happening in the sky.

There's a long list of Moon aspects for Tuesday, but look first at the trine for Jupiter and Pluto that opens the day, and the trine for Venus and Pluto that closes it. Very early Wednesday, Venus and Jupiter reach their exact conjunction, and trines with Mars will follow. This is a Grand Trine in Earth, and an especially lovely one.

The trine is an easy, flowing aspect, one third of the circle, that typically connects planets in the same element––in this case, Earth. Things unfold easily with trines, so easily we can take them for granted. This is where the Sagittarius Moon helps us, bringing our attention to what is going well, where things are deeply right, where we feel confident, where we experience abundance and well being.

an Earth's-eye view

This Grand Trine in Earth joins powerful planets. Venus and Jupiter in Taurus, which Venus rules, are the two "good luck" planets, the ancient benefics, the bringers of all good things.

Pluto in Capricorn is the alchemist who has great wealth within his gift. And Mars is the actor, the one who gets things done. What more could we ask for?

And yet ... and yet ... Mercury just turned retrograde in Aries, Saturn continues retrograde in Libra, and Mars himself is retrograde in Virgo. Isn't this a bad time to start new projects? Aren't we being asked to wait?

Maybe, maybe not. Perhaps this Grand Trine is cueing us in to what is already happening in our lives and our world. Perhaps this is a time when we can sense that underneath the turmoil, the challenge, the violence, the injustice, the grief––underneath all that, life is still vibrant, powerful, and full of magic.

Mercury, Mars and Saturn, all retrograde, ask us to reflect, find clarity, and move slowly. The Earth element is no speed demon anyway. This is the race when the tortoise wins. This is a time to find our center and act from that place.

On Tuesday, the Sagittarius Moon contacts almost all the planets. Sagittarius is tireless in the quest for knowledge, although having a tendency to believe he already has all the answers. Within the series of easy and edgy aspects, we see the Moon asking questions, debating the responses, having to recalibrate understandings, and learning––always learning.

Heading into Wednesday, when the Grand Trine comes into crisp focus, the Sag Moon may catch a glimpse of something fundamental. This is a waning Moon, heading toward the new beginning of the New Moon in Aries and the Spring Equinox. The day closes with the Sun–Moon square of the Last Quarter Moon, a time of letting go. One gift of the Grand Trine might be a sense of peace, easing our transition from the old astrological year into the new.

In the late 1300's, the Englishwoman we know as Julian of Norwich had a series of visions during a serious illness. Later, she wrote about her visions, and became an anchorite, dedicating her life to contemplation and prayer. Her experiences showed her that while we are all challenged, we are also supported.

Underneath it all, she said "all will be well, and all will be well, and all manner of things will be well."

Early Thursday, the Moon gets down to work in Capricorn. During this transit through Sagittarius, we breathe, we look, we walk, we learn, we experience peace.
    

Moon into Scorpio: The Deep Places

Sunday morning through Tuesday morning
Eastern Daylight Time

Scorpio dives in ...

Sunday, March 11
Moon enters Scorpio 12:24am Standard Time
Moon trine Neptune (Pisces) 3:38am
Moon inconjunct Uranus (Aries) 7:30am
Moon trine Chiron (Pisces) 11:33am
Mercury (Aries) semisextile Venus (Taurus) 11:46am
Moon inconjunct Mercury (Aries) 12:29pm
Moon opposite Venus (Taurus) 12:31pm
Moon opposite Jupiter (Taurus) 4:14pm
Moon sextile Pluto (Capricorn) 4:38pm
Moon semisextile the North Node (Sagittarius) 5:26pm
Moon sextile Mars (Virgo) 6:32pm

Monday, March 12
Mercury stations retrograde in Aries 3:48am
Moon trine Sun (Pisces) 2:30pm
(begin void of course)

Tuesday, March 13
Moon semisextile Saturn (Libra) 12:23am
Jupiter (Taurus) trine Pluto (Capricorn) 12:43am
Moon enters Sagittarius 1:53am

The Moon will slip into Scorpio's deep waters just after midnight tonight, which is officially Sunday morning. In the US, this is the night we switch to Daylight Savings Time. Since it's Spring, we lose an hour at 2am Sunday so, the Moon enters Scorpio at 12:24am standard time and the next thing we know, an hour mysteriously disappears... very Scorpio event, that.

While we're still asleep, not really aware of time slipping away, the Moon trines Neptune in Pisces, making this a night of intense, visionary dreaming. As we wake, the Moon makes an edgy contact with Uranus––something has changed, but what is it? Then, the Moon trines Chiron the wounded healer, which can be uncomfortable or wonderful, depending on where we are in the cycle of healing.

With this Scorpio Moon, we might feel echoes of the words given to Galadriel at the beginning of The Lord of the Rings films: "The world is changing. I feel it in the water. I feel it in the earth. ..." Scorpio's finely tuned antennae are quick to sense shifting currents, before we clearly articulate what they are.

Mercury in fiery Aries touches Venus in calm Taurus today, an edgy semisextile that heralds Mercury's slowing speed. He will turn retrograde soon, and we've already been sensing that shift.

Meanwhile, the Scorpio Moon challenges Venus and Jupiter to look beneath the surface, as she joins forces with Pluto to examine our foundations, walking into the deep places. An edgy semisextile with the North Node asks, are we making progress here? Yet the following sextile with Mars says yes, we are. Looking deeply within is an essential part of the quest.

Gaia's abundance

Overnight Monday, Mercury stations retrograde, another call to reflection. We're offered several weeks now to reexamine what has changed for us, what additional changes are needed, and whether we're truly committed to the path we're on.

Mercury will slip back into late Pisces, giving us a chance to revisit our vision, before turning direct and forging on through Aries.

The Moon and Sun form their waning trine on Monday, Scorpio and Pisces joining forces to review what has been, and prepare to release what is finished. This is the Moon's last classical aspect in Scorpio, and opens a void of course period that lasts about twelve hours.

During this void time, the Moon connects briefly with Saturn, a check-in with what is solid and real. At this time also, Jupiter and Pluto reach their exact trine, a message of hope and renewal.

This Jupiter–Pluto connection is part of the Grand Trine in Earth that was present also during the Full Moon. This Grand Trine includes Venus and Jupiter in Taurus, the two planets of good fortune in the sign of abundance, along with Pluto in Capricorn who wields great power, and Mars retrograde in Virgo, making sure no steps are missed and all is accomplished as planned.

As life continues to challenge us, we can reach into this pattern of stability, of growth, of regenerative power of life itself, and know in our bones there is good in the world.
   

Moon into Libra: But on the Other Hand ...

Thursday night through Sunday (very early) morning
Eastern Standard Time

talking it through

Thursday, March 8
Moon enters Libra 11:50pm

Friday, March 9
Moon inconjunct Neptune (Pisces) 1:57am
Moon opposite Uranus (Aries) 5:45am
Moon inconjunct Venus (Taurus) 7:03am
Moon inconjunct Chiron (Pisces) 9:42am
Moon opposite Mercury (Aries) 10:00am
Moon inconjunct Jupiter (Taurus) 1:54pm
Moon square Pluto (Capricorn) 2:53pm
Moon sextile the North Node (Sagittarius) 2:57pm
Moon semisextile Mars (Virgo) 6:02pm

Saturday, March 10
Moon inconjunct Sun (Pisces) 8:49am
Venus (Taurus) sextile Chiron (Pisces) 9:27pm
Moon conjunct Saturn (Libra) 10:09pm
(begin void of course)

Sunday, March 11
Moon enters Scorpio 12:24am

The Moon slips into Libra tonight just before her beautiful coach turns back into a pumpkin––and with the laundry list of challenging aspects the Moon faces on Friday, she may feel like Cinderella indeed. But all is not lost––we're about to discover that the Libra Moon does more than smile and look pretty. Libra keeps an iron fist inside that velvet glove.

Some write-ups of Libra focus on the grace and diplomacy of this cardinal Air sign, and suggest the need to keep everyone happy leads to wishy-washy waffling, people pleasing, and enabling.

"La Discussion politique" by Friant

Friday, we see Libra's other side: This sign has a keen sense of justice, deep need for fairness, and impatience with the easy way out.

To reach the best solution, Libra will stay the course until everyone is on board. Libra is an able, articulate advocate––even for the devil––in the quest to consider every angle and find the right path.

Libra is the yang side of Venus, her direct and active expression. Inside Libra's velvet glove, there's an iron hand. There's a reason why Saturn is exalted in this sign!

All day Friday, the Libra Moon takes on challenge after challenge. The only easy aspects are to the Nodes of the Moon, a signal that sometimes we need to dive into difficult conversations to get someplace important.

Saturday opens with the Libra Moon trying to find a way to connect with the Sun in Pisces––another tough conversation. And then maybe we get a glimmer of what lies beneath the struggle.

Venus in Taurus flows energy with Chiron in Pisces Saturday night. Venus rules Taurus by night, her yin, receptive side. Now we connect with where we've felt wounded and where we find healing, in nurturing, compassion, and rest.

Soon after, the Moon joins Saturn for her last aspect in Libra. Having talked it all out and found peace, solutions can manifest. Maybe we understand things better, embraced a new perspective, created a fresh vision, chosen a different plan.

Sunday begins with the Moon stepping into shadowy Scorpio. During this Libra Moon time, we embrace diplomacy and speak inclusively, while standing firmly for fairness and balance.
   

Full Moon in Virgo: Weaving a Balanced Pattern

Virgo ©Stephanie Pui-Mun Law, 2009

Thursday, March 8
Eastern Standard Time

Full Moon in Virgo:
Moon opposite Sun (Pisces) 4:40am

The Full Moon in Virgo arrives tonight as the universe offers many ways for us to connect the heavens and the Earth at our feet, weaving them together in marvelous patterns.

We can see five planets in the evening sky right now, for the first time in eight years––as if the cosmos is waving hello.  All this month, we get an especially good view of Mars, currently retrograde in Virgo and conjunct the Moon at this Full Moon. We're being nudged to pay attention to details, gently reminded not to miss important steps.

And lest we think the Moon is just a symbol, a way to externalize things happening within our own psyches, scientists are proposing that an unusually powerfully alignment of the Sun, Moon and Earth might have created the conditions leading to the sinking of the Titanic.

The Full Moon across the Virgo––Pisces axis reminds us that the symbolic and the physical are connected, and both are real.

The fascinating Full Moon chart includes both a Grand Cross and a Grand Trine.

Chiron in Pisces and Mars in Virgo each square the Nodes of the Moon: North Node in Sagittarius and South Node in Gemini. All four mutable signs connect with another nudge to pay attention to every steps needed, including our own healing, to continue our life path.

With the Moon only 6 degrees away from Mars, the Full Moon shines her light on the Grand Cross ... and the Grand Trine, in which Mars, Pluto, Jupiter and Venus create a pattern in which abundance can flow when we act with integrity and authenticity to create strong foundations.

Challenge and support, obstacles and good fortune, everyday details and cosmic connection––this Full Moon is a both/and invitation to hold paradox until it shifts into something new and amazing.

The Virgo Full Moon is the wise woman in the woods, weaving magical clothes, her cottage filled with herbal remedies as her hands are full of healing touch. The guided journey for this Full Moon is now up and ready, available for you here. Listen, and journey to the wise woman. Enjoy!
 

Moon into Virgo: The World in a Grain of Sand

Tuesday night through Thursday night
Eastern Standard Time

Tuesday, March 6
Moon enters Virgo 10:26pm

Wednesday, March 7

the cosmos

Moon opposite Neptune (Pisces) 12:29am
Moon trine Venus (Taurus) 1:52am
Moon inconjunct Uranus (Aries) 4:22am
Moon inconjunct Mercury (Aries) 7:01am
Moon opposite Chiron (Pisces) 8:25am
Moon trine Jupiter (Taurus) 12:17pm
Moon trine Pluto (Capricorn) 1:55pm
Moon square the North Node (Sagittarius) 2:11pm
Moon conjunct Mars (Virgo) 6:28pm

Thursday, March 8
Full Moon in Virgo:
Moon opposite Sun (Pisces) 4:40am
(begin void of course)
Venus (Taurus) semisextile Uranus (Aries) 12:12pm
Mercury (Aries) semisextile Chiron (Pisces) 9:40pm
Moon semisextile Saturn (Libra) 9:45pm
Moon enters Libra 11:50pm

The Moon gets down to the details in Virgo late tonight, organizing the next few days so everything that needs to get done, gets done. In the US, the Virgo Moon will be helping count primary voted in ten states––the Moon is strictly bipartisan, but wants every vote counted!

Just after midnight, the Moon opposes Neptune, reminding us this lunar cycle began with the cosmic New Moon in Pisces. The Full Moon in Virgo is almost here, time to see how our New Moon wishes are unfolding and whether we're getting the details right.

Throughout Wednesday, the Moon touches every planet, in comprehensive Virgoan style. She flows easily with Venus, Jupiter, Pluto and Mars in solid Earth signs. She's much less comfortable with Uranus, Mercury and the North Node in Fire. And the relationship with Pisces is highlighted again by an opposition with Chiron.

Where Pisces invites us into a world of wonders, where everything is beautiful and connected, and it's easily to dissolve boundaries and give effortlessly, Virgo holds tight to what is real. The Virgo Moon gets anxious without clear definitions, preferring practical guidelines and pragmatic steps.

Finding the balance between Pisces and Virgo can be tricky. As with everything else in life, there's more than one way to find our way through. Depending on your chart, and where your life is right now, one or more of these might feel good:

• Balance wondrous visions with real world actions: World peace is a lofty goal; what can we do today to protect one child from the violence of war?


• Plan carefully, then let go of the outcome: Yes, practicality is essential and, yes, we can't control everything. Pledge not to micromanage.


• Look squarely at personal failings, and offer love and compassion. Virgo can be fiercely critical of others, and even harder on the self. It's great thing to change unhealthy habits. Tearing ourselves up is one of them.


• Appreciate the value and beauty of small, ordinary things. Sometimes the grandeur of the universe leaves us feeling bewildered and inadequate. Focusing on one tree, one flower, one smile, one hug helps us regain our footing and find our place. 

close-up

Very early on Thursday, the Full Moon arrives, illuminating everything about Virgo and Pisces. This is a William Blake moment:

To see a world in a grain of sand,
And a heaven in a wild flower,
Hold infinity in the palm of your hand,
And eternity in an hour.

This is a wonderful both/and, when we see the holographic nature of the universe, the intricacy of its patterning, the beauty of its nested domains.

The Full Moon is also the last classical aspect in Virgo, which puts us into a void-of-course period for the day. During this time, we experience other intriguing connections. The sensuous abundance of Venus in Taurus searches for common ground with revolutionary Uranus in Aries, and firebrand Mercury tries to see Chiron's point of view. More polarities to balance, using our Virgo–Pisces sense of grounded connection.

At the end of the day Thursday, the Moon steps into Libra, and finding our balance suddenly feels easier. With the Virgo Moon, we look carefully at our lives, ourselves and our plans––remembering always to look with a compassionate heart.
   

Moon into Leo: Take Aim and Fire!

Sunday evening through Tuesday night
Eastern Standard Time

Sunday, March 4

the energy of Fire

Moon enters Leo 6:18pm
Moon inconjunct Neptune (Pisces) 8:21pm
Moon trine Mercury (Aries) 11:57pm

Monday, March 5
Moon trine Uranus (Aries) 12:25am
Moon inconjunct Chiron (Pisces) 4:42am
Venus enters Taurus 5:24am
Mercury (Aries) conjunct Uranus (Aries) 6:34am
Moon square Jupiter (Taurus) 8:19am
Moon inconjunct Pluto (Capricorn) 10:43am
Moon trine the North Node (Sagittarius) 11:18am
Moon semisextile Mars (Virgo) 5:03pm
Moon inconjunct Sun (Pisces) 10:30pm

Tuesday, March 6
Venus (Taurus) sextile Neptune (Pisces) 7:25am
Moon sextile Saturn (Libra) 8:28pm
(begin void of course)
Moon enters Virgo 10:26pm

The Moon enters dramatic Leo tonight, aligning herself with the energies of clarity, passion, and direct expression. After some time of nesting with Cancer, this Moon is ready to stand up and be counted, let the chips fall where they may. Impatient with in-the-flow Neptune, she strongly supports Mercury in fiery Aries.

Monday morning, two events pull us in different directions, and the Leo Moon tips the balance. First, Venus enters calm and steady Taurus, one of the signs she rules. This Venus invites us to slow down and smell the roses, appreciating everything that is tender and peaceful.

An hour later, Mercury reaches exact conjunction with Uranus in take-no-prisoners Aries. Together, these two flame up in righteous anger, no longer able to tolerate the intolerable. This explosive combination has been building over the last few days, empowering us to clearly state our case, but also fueling ugly tirades like Rush Limbaugh's attack on Sandra Fluke.

The combination of Venus entering Taurus while Mercury joins Uranus can give us that precious moment to think before we speak. Venus in Taurus can also feel entitled and stubborn, though, so this is a day to take care with thoughts, words and deeds.

taking aim at a goal

Careful speech is generally not a Leo Moon strength. The Moon's first aspect, as Monday begins, is a flowing trine with Uranus. The pattern of adding fuel to fiery planets, and blocking, arguing with, or challenging cooler heads continues throughout the day.

At the same time, Monday offers tremendous energy. Commit to a course of action, take aim, and nothing can stand in our way.

Clear away the underbrush, stop waffling, and say yes! to life. Flow this playful, creative, expressive energy into someplace you've been feeling blocked or confused, and a whole new perspective can emerge.

Tuesday opens with a peaceful connection between Venus and Neptune, the only aspect for most of the day. If a new vision emerged in Monday's fire, today we can flow with that vision and mold it into something wonderful.

Tuesday evening brings the Moon's last aspect in Leo, a friendly sextile with Saturn in Libra. This connection sets the seal on the creative flow we experienced all day, bringing the power to manifest our visions. After two hours void of course, the Moon steps into organized Virgo, preparing to get to work on the wonderful new vision and make it real.

With this Leo Moon, avoid hasty and angry speech, and channel the abundant, passionate energy into something surprising, wonderful, and new.
    

Moon into Cancer: The Warmth of Home

Friday morning through Sunday evening
Eastern Standard Time

Friday, March 2

6 of Cups, ©Stephanie Pui-Mun Law

Moon enters Cancer 10:05am
Moon square Mercury (Aries) 10:33am
Moon trine Neptune (Pisces) 12:11pm
Moon square Uranus (Aries) 4:29pm
Moon trine Chiron (Pisces) 9:04pm

Saturday, March 3
Moon sextile Jupiter (Taurus) 12:27am
Mercury (Aries) semisextile Neptune (Pisces) 3:09am
Moon opposite Pluto (Capricorn) 3:46am
Moon inconjunct the North Node (Sagittarius) 4:41am
Moon trine Sun (Pisces) 11:58am
Moon sextile Mars (Virgo) 12:19pm
Sun (Pisces) opposite Mars (Virgo) 3:10pm

Sunday, March 4
Venus (Aries) opposite Saturn (Libra) 6:17am
Moon square Saturn (Libra) 4:21pm
Moon square Venus (Aries) 5:16pm
(begin void of course)
Moon enters Leo 6:18pm
Moon inconjunct Neptune (Pisces) 8:21pm
Moon trine Mercury (Aries) 11:57pm

The Moon is entering her home sign of Cancer as I sit here writing, so you'll find her relaxing in her own safe space by the time you read this. The Cancer Moon loves comfort food and cozy blankets, the warmth of home and tribe. I'm sure she loves chocolate.

... a good day to be home

Today she's holding the line against the headlong, fast-paced agenda Mercury and Uranus keep pushing, and flowing energy for dreams, intuition and deep healing with Neptune and Chiron. A day of strong emotions and empathy.

Saturday, the focus remains on home and tradition.

Mercury in fiery Aries has sharp words for nebulous Neptune, while the Sun in Neptune's sign of Pisces opposes Mars in detail-oriented Virgo: We sense the discomfort change can bring, especially when the changes are huge and not well defined.

Meanwhile, the Moon wants safety and security, placing value on tradition.

Sunday opens with the exact opposition between Venus in fiery Aries and Saturn retrograde in diplomatic Libra. The Cancer Moon squares Venus and Saturn, focusing our attention directly on this connection.

Where are we in our key relationships? The opposition between Aries and Libra is all about finding the balance between self and other. Do we focus too much on what we need, what we want? Or are we giving too much of ourselves away to please or appease others? Are we happy? Are we balanced? Where do our true responsibilities lie?

These are the issues in the forefront on Sunday. The Moon in Cancer ensures how we actually feel about all this will come up for review, not just what we think, or think we think, or tell ourselves.

Then the Moon enters passionate Leo, and we may suddenly feel ready to tell the world how we feel––so taking time for personal reflection before this happens could be an excellent choice!

While the Moon moves through Cancer, we connect with our feelings about home, about safety in times of change, and about how our relationships are faring. All good things to explore.