Beltaine! Opening the Ways

Hawthorne ... the May

Astrological Beltaine: May 4

When the Sun reaches 15 degrees of Taurus, the center of fixed Earth in the sign of the bull, we reach astrological Beltaine. One of the four great Fire festivals of the ancient Celts, this is the hinge of the year when we move from the dark half to the light half. The paths between the worlds are open, the Fae are everywhere to be met, and magic abounds.

This year, Beltaine is the harbinger of the intensely psychic Full Moon in Scorpio of May 5. Notice the Beltaine Moon at 0 Scorpio, the key to the doors between the worlds turning in lock. This Moon, new in Scorpio, is conjunct Saturn in Libra and opposite Mercury in Aries, sparking creative fire in thought, word and deed.

The Taurus Sun sits in sensuous harmony with Ceres and Jupiter, abundant and serene as they anchor the ongoing Grand Trine in Earth. Beltaine is a festival of fertility, its fires invocations for increase in fields, flocks, herds and families.

A Grand Trine of Ceres the Grain Mother, Pluto Lord of Power and wealth, and Mars the actor, with the brilliant Sun and expansive Jupiter nearby, promises much.

The Beltaine Moon trines Neptune and Chiron, opening our connections to deep realms of dreaming, Fae glamour, and ancestral healing.

Neptune and Chiron are flowing energy to the Sun–Ceres–Jupiter group and to Pluto, connecting cosmic energy to the Earth. Neptune and Chiron also oppose Mars, striving for balance between the analytical details of the everyday world and our grandest visions.

This is an intensely creative, with Venus in agile Gemini connecting to Jupiter (semisextile), Mercury (sextile) and Saturn (trine).

As the doors between the worlds open, we could be offered glimpses of amazing alternatives, dazzling new perspectives, and marvelous beauty.

Linking to the Grand Trine in Earth, experiencing the abundance of Ceres, Sun and Jupiter in Taurus, we can stay grounded while celebrating the gifts of our home planet.

Flowing with the intense Scorpio Moon, connecting to visionary Neptune and healing Chiron, feeling the fire of Mercury and the ongoing presence of revolutionary Uranus, we're invited to dance in the stars––or perhaps in Fae realms––surrounded by entrancing visions.

The creative connection of Venus, Saturn, Mercury and the Moon remind us of our co-creative power, our ability to bridge heaven and Earth, and the opportunity to find a new way.
    

First Quarter Moon: From the Heart

The Sun ~ Shadowscapes Tarot

©Stephanie Pui-Mun Law

First Quarter Moon in Leo: April 29

The First Quarter Moon, growing ever larger in the night sky, presents the first challenge to emerging New Moon seeds. The Moon moves into dramatic Leo, flowing energy with revolutionary Uranus. Squaring the Sun, the Moon pushes for change NOW, while the Taurus Sun holds out for calm, steady, peaceful unfolding.

The Sun in earthy, sensuous Taurus is sitting with Ceres the Grain Mother, content to revel in the glories of nature. Yet even these two, who can be immovable in Taurus, feel some stirring to action. They're part of the ongoing Grand Trine in Earth with Pluto and Mars who, each in their own style, are moving and shaking our world.

Pluto is always a force to be reckoned with, and in Capricorn is inexorable in transforming our foundations. Mars is now in Virgo, working steadily in a organized, analytical way. taking direction from more powerful Pluto.

The third leg of the trine (an equal-sided triangle with easy, flowing energy) has been changing as the faster-moving planets move through Taurus. The Sun brings energy and illumination, and Ceres enhances the Taurean calm and love of nature.

All of this comes together to support action and movement––not in the lightning-quick style of Fire, but with the slow longevity of Earth.

The Leo Moon has no intention of being ignored, though. When she reaches the First Quarter square, she'll be at the point of a yod with Pluto and Chiron, bringing bright attention to the importance of Leo's courage, passion and creative playfulness in helping us reach our dreams. Pluto's deep transformation and Chiron's intense healing become the stuff of art when annealed in Leo's fire.

As we turn the corner toward the intensity of the Full Moon in Scorpio, the Leo Moon brings us right into the heart, shining a spotlight on what we care about most and inviting us to bring that forward. It's time to shine.
    

Crescent Moon: Committing to Growth

waxing Crescent Moon

Crescent Moon in Gemini: Wednesday, April 25

Early this morning, we reached the point of the waxing Crescent Moon. If your skies have been clear these last few nights, you've seen her growing in the night sky from merest sliver to visible crescent. The Moon moved from calm Taurus into bright Gemini, seeking connections that nurture growth. The question is, are we ready?

The Crescent Moon is a time of hope and possibility. Steven Forrest links this phase to the ancient Celtic festival Imbolc, that time in the depths of winter when we feel the first stirrings of Spring. Something was seeded at the New Moon, and although we can't see clear signs of it yet, we know new life is stirring underground.

Change, even planned for, welcome change, is stressful. The Taurus New Moon presented that paradox for us quite neatly––offering the promise of abundance and serenity, the New Moon calls for change and, given the choice, Taurus would rather keep things just as they are, thank you very much.

Now here we find ourselves with a Gemini Moon, who can't get enough of change, who requires variety to feel alive, and things might feel a wee bit uncomfortable. Yes, we'd love to welcome abundance into our lives, but couldn't it simply magically appear in our bank accounts? Couldn't peace and plenty drop into our laps? Well, no.

Journeying with the Moon is a constant reminder that we live an embodied life with all its pragmatic requirements and practical details. This may sound like an odd statement coming from an astrologer––isn't astrology about unseen cosmic forces influencing our lives? Yes, and ... the cosmic force of the Moon is the one that anchors us firmly to our human life.

The Moon is the ancient gateway, the liminal opening between the cosmic and the mundane. The Moon was called the Gateway of Man––today we would say the Gateway of Humans. She is the closest to Earth. In an model of the cosmos in which souls descend through the great Spheres, being touched by each on the way, the Moon is the last, the doorway through which we are born into this world.

time to get moving!

So, the journey with the Moon is one of embodiment. In the Mother, our bodies grow. Through her we are born. Our emotions move us through life, motivating action, driving thought and memory, and influencing health––emotions are also linked to the Moon.

The Moon is ever present, ever changing, and not always comfortable. When she's waxing in Gemini, we might feel that even more than usual. Gemini is a bright, flirty, laughing energy, and also one that won't let you be. What about this? says Gemini, and this over here? Oh, and that ... what about that?

I don't know about you, but I've had a hard time focusing these last few days!

The Gemini-ness of the waxing Moon feels stronger because of another aspect pattern present now: a square between Mercury (Gemini's ruler) and Pluto. Mercury, the faster planet, is in fiery Aries calling our attention to the deep, slow, tectonic movements of Pluto in Capricorn. This combination of fiery thought and intense power could lead to explosive arguments, or transformations in thought patterns, but with Uranus close to Mercury, something revolutionary seems likely.

Yet calm is still available to us. The Grand Trine in Earth is still present, with the Sun conjunct Ceres in Taurus trining Mars in Virgo and Pluto in Capricorn. This energy makes it easier to avoid explosions and instead channel transformative power where it can do the most good.

Neptune and Chiron remain important too, still squaring the Nodes of the Moon with Mars, and also anchoring the tip of a Kite pattern as they sextile both Pluto and Sun–Ceres. We are reminded to hold tight to our visions, and embrace healing, as we flow energy into getting things done.

It is time to act: With the Moon waxing, that feeling of Gemini poking and prodding is a call to get moving. The Grand Trine in Earth promises the slow, steady energy to keep going. Our New Moon seeds are planted and safely underground for the moment. What can we do to prepare the way? Let's do it.
   

New Moon in Taurus: The Fertile Earth

abundance and peace

New Moon in Taurus: Saturday, April 21
to the First Quarter Moon in Leo: Sunday, April 29

With this post, we begin a new stage of this journey with the Moon with a new pattern of posting: Posts focused on the Moon's quarters rather than on each change of sign. Today we change our dance with the Moon, looking ahead a bit farther, bringing more focus to the phase of the Moon as well as her sign. Let's see where this takes us!

The Sun and Moon enter Taurus together, meeting in the first degree of this sign of fixed Earth for the New Moon. Every Taurus New Moon is a time for planting seeds of abundance and peace, flowing with the deep calm of this sign of Gaia, the Earth Mother. This year's Taurus New Moon offers more, a superabundant time.

The asteroid Ceres is conjunct this New Moon, bringing the powerful energy of the Grain Mother. Ceres is the Roman name for the goddess Demeter, who caused all things to grow. She is fiercely maternal and strong, nurturing us especially through food. What nourishment do we need in our lives right now? What will feed our bodies, minds and spirits in healthy, sustaining ways? Wish for these things at the New Moon.

This New Moon is part of a Grand Trine in Earth with Mars, now moving forward in Virgo, and Pluto, the great alchemist. Pluto can bring powerful changes, and also bears wealth and power as gifts. Mars in Virgo makes sure our plans are well-laid and nothing is overlooked.

We're all moving through transformations now. This New Moon reminds us it's not all about loss, refocusing our attention gently if inexorably on what is ahead. This New Moon is a wonderful time to look at the up side of change, opening our hearts to all good things.

With Mercury and Uranus together in Aries, there's lots of energy around. After months of holding back, we're feeling the urge to surge––ready to do something, anything, to break things open. Another message of this Taurus New Moon is to allow life to unfold in its own time, at its own pace. Yes, we welcome the feeling of energy flowing forward, and no, this is not the time to push it. Relax and watch.

Mars is anchoring a Grand Cross at this New Moon, opposing Neptune and Chiron in Pisces while all square the Nodes of the Moon.

This pattern reminds us we're in this for the long haul, on a journey we can envision without fully grasping. Yet another reason to take a deep breath and approach this time with grace and calm.

The New Moon arrives overnight, so tonight's dreams may point the way to the seeds waiting to be planted. As the Moon turns from waning to waxing, it's time for things to grow––hidden at first, then emerging into the light of Spring.

Remember that New Moon wishes are best made after the New Moon arrives, when the energy of growth will support the change you wish for. My post on New Moon intentions is here.

Knowing exactly where this New Moon falls in your birth chart will also help focus your intentions on where Taurus energy wants to grow in your life. Check the house in which the first degree of Taurus falls, as well as the adjacent house with Taurus on the cusp (unless you have very early Taurus on a house cusp, in which case these will be the same!)

Notice how many planets are clustered in the early degrees of their signs. This, coupled with the New Moon in the first degree, brings a focus to any planets or points in these degrees. Check here too!

Welcome the New Moon in Taurus as a time of sensual enjoyment of the Earth in all her glory, a time of peace and plenty, and an opening to abundance in our lives. Taurus loves security, stability, loyalty and quiet. Wish for any or all of these at this wonderful New Moon.
    

Moon into Aries: At the Starting Gate

Wednesday noon through early Saturday morning
Eastern Daylight Time

Wednesday, April 18

ready to go

Moon enters Aries 11:59am
Moon conjunct Mercury (Aries) 3:28pm
Moon semisextile Neptune (Pisces) 5:04pm
Moon inconjunct Mars (Virgo) 7:34pm
Moon conjunct Uranus (Aries) 11:45pm

Thursday, April 19
Moon trine the North Node (Sagittarius) 2:14am
Moon semisextile Chiron (Pisces) 4:44am
Moon square Pluto (Capricorn) 6:57am
Mercury (Aries) semisextile Neptune (Pisces) 11:04am
Sun enters Taurus 12:11pm
Moon sextile Venus (Gemini) 2:41pm
Moon semisextile Jupiter (Taurus) 11:12pm

Friday, April 20
Moon opposite Saturn (Libra) 3:35pm
(begin void of course)
Mercury (Aries) inconjunct Mars (Virgo) 6:14pm

Saturday, April 21
Moon enters Taurus 12:05am
New Moon in Taurus:
Moon conjunct Sun (Aries) 3:19am

The Moon enters feisty Aries today, bringing a surge of energy we're all likely to feel. Today ends with a Moon–Uranus conjunction, carrying Aries Fire into the night. It's been a long time coming, and now we're ready to move... so remember we're in the last days of a waning Moon, not yet time for action. Channel this fire into releasing what's getting in your way, preparing the ground for Saturday's New Moon in Taurus.

eager to move

Today's aspects highlight the hurry-up-and-wait feeling in the air: A conjunction with Mercury in Aries, an edgy semisextile with Neptune in dreamy Pisces, an awkward inconjunct with Mars in organized Virgo, then that Uranus conjunction.

We feel the fire rising, are reminded to hold fast to our vision, held back as we're asked to check every detail then check it again, and then reconnected with the fire.

Think of this as revving our engines, clearing out the gunk, and focusing on the race ahead. (Not that the New Moon in Taurus will be a race––this New Moon will be peaceful––but Aries loves that competitive imagery.)

Thursday, the Moon flows energy into the North Node, energizing our path forward. At the same time, we're reminded not to start too soon, with edgier connections to Chiron, Pluto and Jupiter all offering sage advice the Aries Moon might not want to hear.

Mercury's awkward inconjunct to Neptune sounds the same note––is it time? Can we begin? No, not yet ... The Sun's entry into calm, steady Taurus should make it easier for us to take a deep breath and slow down.

Friday, the Moon opposes Saturn, a stern reminder not to act rashly. This is the Moon's last aspect in Aries, leaving us void of course through Friday night, until the Moon enters peaceful, sensuous Taurus just after midnight.

The glorious New Moon in Taurus arrives just after 3am Saturday in the Eastern Time Zone, offering an expansive "ahhhhhhhhhh!" While the Moon rushes through Aries, we feel the building excitement, avoid impetuous action, energetically release whatever we're done with, and enjoy the ride.
     

Moon into Pisces: One Last Dive

Monday morning through Wednesday noon
Eastern Daylight Time

Pisces' waters

Monday, April 16
Moon enters Pisces 1:38am
Moon conjunct Neptune (Pisces) 6:25am
Moon opposite Mars (Virgo) 8:43am
Moon semisextile Uranus (Aries) 12:44pm
Moon square the North Node (Sagittarius) 3:39pm
Moon conjunct Chiron (Pisces) 5:35pm
Mercury enters Aries 6:41pm
Moon sextile Pluto (Capricorn) 7:59pm
Moon square Venus (Gemini) 11:41pm

Tuesday, April 17
Moon sextile Jupiter (Taurus) 10:35am
(begin void of course)

Wednesday, April 18
Moon inconjunct Saturn (Libra) 4:03am
Moon semisextile Sun (Aries) 9:52am
Moon enters Aries 11:59am
Moon conjunct Mercury (Aries) 3:28pm
Moon semisextile Neptune (Pisces) 5:04pm
Moon inconjunct Mars (Virgo) 7:34pm
Moon conjunct Uranus (Aries) 11:45pm

The Moon enters Pisces overnight tonight, in the wee hours of Monday, and will join Neptune about dawn. This night of visionary dreaming opens a Moon transit through this last sign of the zodiac in which we're likely to experience Pisces energy in intense ways, rather like one last slow dive before we touch bottom, turn, and push upwards to the surface.

dreams and reverie

On Monday, the Moon will also conjunct Chiron, the wounded teacher who leads toward healing.

There's also a sextile to Pluto the alchemist, determined to remake anything within us that is not yet gold.

Meanwhile, there are edgy and challenging aspects to the Fire and Air planets: Uranus, the North Node and Venus in Gemini. This Piscean Moon needs time for meditation and reverie, and is uncomfortable with rushing.

Mercury enters fiery Aries Monday afternoon, a signal that the energies of the cosmos are shifting into a higher gear. Still, this Moon will not be hurried. We're in the last days of the waning Moon.

Tuesday, the only aspect is a flowing trine between the Pisces Moon and Jupiter in slow and peaceful Taurus. This is the Moon's last classical aspect in Pisces and opens a long void of course time that extends into Wednesday. Again, the Moon says: Soon, but not yet, not yet.

Wednesday morning brings edgy connections between the Moon and Saturn, and the Moon and the Sun. Then, just before noon, the Moon enters Aries and the tide turns. I've included the rest of Wednesday's aspects, to show the dramatic shift in energy as the Moon joins Mercury and later Uranus, setting the world aflame.

With this Pisces Moon, we reflect, dream, meditate, perhaps drift a bit. We can already feel the coming shift and revel in these last days of floating in Pisces' ocean.
   

Moon into Aquarius: The Big Picture

Friday evening through Monday morning
Eastern Daylight Time

getting perspective

Friday, April 13
Moon enters Aquarius 5:48pm
Moon semisextile Neptune (Pisces) 10:14pm
Mercury direct in Virgo 11:52pm

Saturday, April 14
Moon inconjunct Mars (Virgo) 12:30am
Moon sextile Uranus (Aries) 4:07am
Moon sextile the North Node (Sagittarius) 7:21am
Moon semisextile Chiron (Pisces) 8:46am
Moon trine Venus (Gemini) 11:10am
Moon semisextile Pluto (Capricorn) 11:16am
Venus (Gemini) inconjunct Pluto (Capricorn) 12:51pm

Sunday, April 15
Moon square Jupiter (Taurus) 12:09am
Sun (Aries) opposite Saturn (Libra) 2:26pm
Moon trine Saturn (Libra) 6:21pm
Moon sextile Sun (Aries) 6:42pm
(begin void of course)

Monday, April 16
Moon semisextile Mercury (Pisces) 12:21am
Moon enters Pisces 1:38am
Moon conjunct Neptune (Pisces) 6:25am

As the Moon moves through each sign of the zodiac, changing every two and a half days (more or less), she pulses naturally between yin and yang through the four elements, shifting our attention around the wheel. After the focused, steady work of Capricorn, we're invited to lift our eyes to far horizons. It's time to rise above the clouds and get the Aquarian big picture.

This evening, as the shift into Aquarius takes place, the Moon's first touch is to Neptune in Pisces, bringing Aquarian flashes of insight together with Piscean intuitive flows. The Moon is the intuition of the body, what our gut tells us, and tonight she's connected with the cosmos. A good evening for intuitive arts of all kinds.

Added to that, Mars turns direct tonight. He'll be in his retrograde shadow for a few more weeks, so action in the world might still feel slower than normal. Yet now the energy will start to flow outward again. This time of reflection has been valuable, and now Mars is shaking himself off and getting ready to move.

making plans

Planets are especially strong when stationing, and Mars in Virgo brings an intense attention to detail––another reason tonight could be good for intuitive connections and messages.

Saturday is full of lunar aspects as the Aquarian Moon sparks with the Fire and Air planets, and makes edgier connections with Earth and Water.

The most awkward aspect is the inconjunct with Mars, a reminder that it's not yet time to move ahead with new projects.

Semisextiles with Chiron and Pluto keep us connected with the slow but inexorable changes happening around and within us.

Meanwhile, the Moon feels Uranus' revolutionary charge, flows easily with the North Node pointing to the future, and networks madly with Venus in Gemini.

All this happens in the morning, followed by an awkward inconjunct between Venus and Pluto: Lots of energy flowing in all directions, and still Pluto can stop us in our tracks. Keep track of messages as they arrive, enjoy connecting and planning and thinking wonderful thoughts––and don't forget the past while planning for the future. History has long arms.

Sunday opens with a challenge between the Aquarian Moon and Jupiter in Taurus. Both are optimistic, but move at very different speeds. Taurean Jupiter is ready to let life unfold as it will; the Moon in Aquarius wants change yesterday.

This focus on the pace of change is emphasized as the Sun opposes Saturn, the Sun in fiery, impetuous Aries and Saturn in calm and balanced Libra. The Aquarian Moon highlights these two with a trine and a sextile, suggesting the balance will be found by stepping back and taking the long view. These are perennial questions after all, not solved in a day.

The sextile with the Sun is the Moon's last classical aspect in Aquarius, opening a void of course time. Sunday night could bring strong dreaming, as the Moon connects with Mercury in Pisces, enters Pisces, then meets Neptune in Pisces. Keep paper and pen handy.

While the Moon's in Aquarius, we get the overview, look to the future, and plan. This is a waning Moon, a time of letting go. When you see where your future is pointing, you know which baggage is no longer needed. Let it go.
    

Moon into Capricorn: Quality Assessment

Wednesday afternoon through Friday evening
Eastern Daylight Time

finding balance

Wednesday, April 11
Moon enters Capricorn 1:02pm
Moon sextile Neptune (Pisces) 5:07pm
Moon trine Mars (Virgo) 7:23pm
Moon square Uranus (Aries) 10:33pm

Thursday, April 12
Moon semisextile the North Node (Sagittarius) 2:00am
Moon inconjunct Venus (Gemini) 2:02am
Moon sextile Chiron (Pisces) 2:57am
Mercury (Pisces) inconjunct Saturn (Libra) 3:16am
Moon conjunct Pluto (Capricorn) 2:48am
Moon trine Jupiter (Taurus) 12:35pm
Venus (Gemini) square Chiron (Pisces) 6:05pm

Friday, April 13
Last Quarter Moon:
Moon square Sun (Aries) 6:50am
Moon square Saturn (Libra) 11:11am
Moon sextile Mercury (Pisces) 1:04pm
(begin void of course)
Moon enters Aquarius 5:48pm

The Moon enters steady, pragmatic Capricorn this afternoon, shifting energy from what feels good to what works. Tomorrow, the Moon joins Pluto the alchemist for a look into the cauldron of transformation. On Friday, we reach the Last Quarter Moon, when we begin looking at what is ready to be composted before the next New Moon. Time to roll up our sleeves.

This evening, the Moon flows easily with Neptune and Mars, who are opposing each other. Finding the balance between the cosmic "big picture" and the everyday details is supported by paying attention to our goals, and the concrete steps needed to reach them.

Thursday offers a complex dance of the rational and the emotive, the visionary and the pragmatic. The Moon makes edgy contacts with the North Node and Venus in mentally active Gemini. The Capricorn Moon values steadiness and focus, and wants us grounded.

steady focus

Mercury, still in dreamy Pisces, makes an awkward connection with Saturn in Libra Thursday, another need to balance visionary thinking with physical reality.

The Capricorn Moon flows easily with Chiron in Pisces and Jupiter in Taurus, reminding us that steady, focused work helps in our quest for peace and healing.

The Moon's conjunction with Pluto the transformer reminds us that we live in a time of deep, structural changes. The work we're doing on personal goals needs to be aligned with the goals of the psyche, as well.

Friday brings the Last Quarter Moon as we turn the corner toward the coming New Moon in Taurus. Squares between the Moon and Sun, and Moon and Saturn create a T-square with the Capricorn Moon at the apex. Here, the Moon asks how we're doing in balancing self and other, desires and responsibilities, impulsive spontaneity and careful planning.

Friday afternoon's flowing sextile between the Moon and Mercury opens up a few hours void of course with an invitation to rest and reflect: End the work week with wrap ups and reviews, rather than new projects.

Friday evening, the Moon steps into Aquarius, ready for something innovative. While the Moon's in Capricorn, we assess where we've been and how we're doing, using Capricorn's pragmatism and good sense.
      

Moon into Sagittarius: Come On, We Can Do This!

Monday morning through Wednesday afternoon
Eastern Daylight Time

Monday, April 9

time to shine!

Moon enters Sagittarius 11:13am
Venus (Gemini) sextile Uranus (Aries) 12:51pm
Moon square Neptune (Pisces) 2:58pm
Moon square Mars (Virgo) 5:22pm
Moon trine Uranus (Aries) 8:02pm
Moon opposition Venus (Gemini) 8:28pm
Moon conjunct the North Node (Sagittarius) 11:42pm

Tuesday, April 10
Moon square Chiron (Pisces) 12:12am
Moon semisextile Pluto (Capricorn) 2:48am
Pluto turns direct in Capricorn 12:23pm
Moon inconjunct Jupiter (Taurus) 12:35pm
Moon trine Sun (Aries) 10:50pm

Wednesday, April 11
Moon square Mercury (Pisces) 6:05am
Moon sextile Saturn (Libra) 7:06am
(begin void of course)
Moon enters Capricorn 1:02pm

The Moon enters open-hearted Sagittarius today, pointing us gently but inexorably toward change. With the Moon in this Fire sign of generosity and good luck, and Venus in bright and cheery Gemini, we're invited, coaxed, and maybe tricked into shifting our perspective. "Come on, guys," Moon and Venus call, "it's be fun!"

Venus flows with Uranus today in an energetic sextile, ready to jump on the revolutionary rocket for a ride. The Moon trines Uranus this evening, another easy flow of energy. Roller coasters are fun, right?

Meanwhile, the Moon touches the four corners of the Grand Cross in the mutable signs. These are flexible energies that unlike, for example, the fixed signs, are ready to adjust and accommodate. The Sagittarian Moon explores each point, ready to discuss and debate with an open mind.

Square to Neptune: Where can we be more clear about our dreams and visions? Where have our beliefs become too separate from our experience?

moving the energy ...

Square to Mars: Where are we focusing on the trees and missing the forest? How can focused attention keep us on our path?

Opposition to Venus: Where are we so entranced with new opportunities we're missing the deeper meaning? Where are we so sure we're right, we can't hear other voices?

Just before midnight, the Moon joins the North Node and we have a chance to check in with ourselves. What have we learned today?

Tuesday, the Moon completes her tour of the Grand Cross with a square to Chiron: Where are we stuck in feeling wounded, when a generous spirit would move us out of that? Or, where are we letting pride stand in the way of healing?

This is the day Pluto turns direct, which while not quite as noticeable with the outer planets who spend about half of each year retrograde, still frees up energy to flow forward. And there's the Moon pushing Pluto just a wee bit, with a semisextile.

Over the course of the afternoon, the Moon feels impatient with Jupiter's slow pace in Taurus, feeling far more comfortable with the Aries Sun. Energy is flowing, it's time for growth and expansion!

Wednesday, the Moon checks in with Mercury in Pisces, another chance to align philosophies, goals, and dreams. An easy sextile with Saturn allows for some of that Sagittarian energy to flow into form––but since this opens the Moon's void of course time, it's best to wait until she steps into Saturn's home sign of Capricorn. If bright ideas arrive Wednesday morning, don't act on them until Wednesday afternoon.

While the Moon's in Sagittarius, we allow ourselves to feel expansive, abundant, and optimistic, appreciating life's gifts. From that positive place, it's easy to make whatever adjustments present themselves on the next steps in our journey.
         

Moon into Scorpio: What's Hidden in the Shadows?

Saturday morning through Monday morning
Eastern Daylight Time

Saturday, April 7

What is within?

Moon enters Scorpio 11:18am
Moon trine Neptune (Pisces) 2:53pm
Moon inconjunct Venus (Gemini) 5:22pm
Moon sextile Mars (Virgo) 5:30pm
Venus (Gemini) square Mars (Virgo) 7:36pm
Moon inconjunct Uranus (Aries) 7:42pm
Moon semisextile the North Node (Sagittarius) 11:36pm
Moon trine Chiron (Pisces) 11:46pm

Sunday, April 8
Moon sextile Pluto (Capricorn) 2:27am
Moon opposite Jupiter (Taurus) 11:07am
Moon inconjunct Sun (Aries) 6:14pm

Monday, April 9
Moon trine Mercury (Pisces) 2:56am
(begin void of course)
Moon semisextile Saturn (Libra) 5:49am
Moon enters Sagittarius 11:13am

The Moon enters Scorpio's shadowy realm on Saturday just before noon, a time of intense emotion, insightful reflection, and going within. Now the Moon flows easily with other planets in Water and those in Earth, finding herself much less comfortable with the clarity of Air and the impulsiveness of Fire. What did we learn in the light of the Full Moon? With the Scorpio Moon, we begin to sort it out.

The Moon's first aspect in Scorpio is a trine to Neptune the visionary. Her last on Saturday night is a trine to healing Chiron. We begin and end our Scorpio journey today with outer planet powers who offer spiritual connection but can also be deceptive and confusing. Scorpio's incisive perceptions can be helpful here.

In between, the Moon points our attention to Saturday's strongest aspect, the square between Venus and Mars. Venus in airy Gemini wants connection, moving quickly from one to another, charming and restless. Mars in Virgo moves slowly, each step planned in detail and nothing missed. The Moon's mood is closer to Mars than Venus.

Venus and Mars in square: dynamic balance

Both Venus and Mars are in signs ruled by clever, adaptable Mercury. Gemini is Mercury's bright daytime sign; Virgo carefully tends Mercury's nighttime realm.

This square can highlight challenges in relationships, and the roles we play in them. Yet the presence of Mercury offers the chance of a both/and: Can we stay grounded enough to attend to important details and still enjoy the scintillating world around us?

The Scorpio Moon is also inconjunct Uranus today, asking uncomfortable questions about what's really going on with changes revolutionary Uranus is pushing. Do we really understand the implications? What is being hidden from us by powerful others?

Sunday, the Moon continues exploring and questioning. Flowing with alchemical Pluto, the Moon in Scorpio understands the process of deep change. Opposing Jupiter, she pushes against his optimistic certainty that all will be well, which feels like complacency to Scorpio.

Sunday's last aspect is an inconjunct with the Aries Sun. Again, the uncomfortable question: What are we not seeing in all this bright light?

Very early Monday, the Moon reaches her last classical aspect in Scorpio as she trines Mercury. Perhaps Sunday night's dreams will bring answers to Saturday's square between Venus and Mars. If so, the dreams might be in the form of riddles that need unraveling.

Late morning on Monday, the Moon steps into convivial Sagittarius. This week, Monday might feel more sociable than this weekend of the Scorpio Moon. When the Moon traverses Scorpio, we find ourselves face to face with uncomfortable questions, situations and answers. Yet when we enter the dark places, we come back renewed.
     

Moon into Libra: Fresh Air

Thursday morning through Saturday morning
Eastern Daylight Time

Thursday, April 5

Ma'at weighs the soul–balance in all things!
©Julie Cuccia-Watts

Moon enters Libra 11:32am
Moon trine Venus (Gemini) 2:41pm
Moon inconjunct Neptune (Pisces) 3:05pm
Moon semisextile Mars (Virgo) 6:08pm
Moon opposite Uranus (Aries) 7:55pm
Venus (Gemini) square Neptune (Pisces) 9:48pm

Friday, April 6
Moon inconjunct Chiron (Pisces) 12:00am
Moon sextile the North Node (Sagittarius) 12:11am
Moon square Pluto (Capricorn) 2:52am
Moon inconjunct Jupiter (Taurus) 10:50am
Full Moon in Libra:
Moon opposite Sun (Aries) 3:19pm

Saturday, April 7
Moon inconjunct Mercury (Pisces) 2:06am
Moon conjunct Saturn (Libra) 6:15am
(begin void of course)
Moon enters Scorpio 11:18am

The Moon is poised to move from focused and sometimes anxious Virgo into the balanced, cerebral spaciousness of Libra. This is the sign of tomorrow's Full Moon in Libra, and her first aspect is an easy trine with Venus (Libra's ruler) in Gemini. Beautiful ideas and beautiful words can flow today.

The Air signs––Gemini, Libra and Aquarius––value clarity and perspective. If life has felt murky lately, stuck in swampy emotions or lacking in movement and direction, The Libra Moon and Venus in Gemini bring fresh breezes and shifts in the wind.

Over the next few days, the Libra Moon will form awkward inconjuncts with the Pisces planets: visionary Neptune, healing Chiron, and Mercury still dreaming away in his retrograde shadow. Venus in Gemini will square these same planets over the next week or so, beginning with Neptune today.

The Moon and Venus are also urging the Earth planets forward: Edgy and challenging aspects between the Moon and Mars, Pluto and Jupiter will also happen over the next few days.

Wake up! say the Moon and Venus. Spring is here! Open your eyes. Look around. Feel the wind on your face. Spring is bustin' out all over where I live, with the energy of Air carrying sweet scents as well as loads of pollen. Plants, insects and birds, procreating like crazy and loving every minute.

Of course, challenging aspects between Air and Water can also stir up storms as movements of air carrying different amounts of moisture at different temperatures meet and mix. Yet Libra is a sign of balance and harmony, calming the exuberance of Gemini Venus, and hopefully diminishing more violent movements of air.

self and other in harmony

Libra opposes Aries on the wheel of the zodiac, and so the Moon opposes revolutionary Uranus in Aries today, a prelude to the Moon's opposition with the Sun tomorrow, the Full Moon in Libra.

The Libra–Aries opposition illuminates where we are balancing (or not balancing) honoring ourselves and honoring others, following our own star and taking care of family, friends and community, pursuing our own goals and values while creating just and fair societies.

This is the time of year when Aries is strong: New life emerging, vibrant and fiery, ready to go, to do, to grab, to have. We need this juicy energy, which is the fire of life itself.

The Libra Full Moon reminds us that all life emerges into a context, an ecosystem, a community. No being is an island, and we all depend on the support of those around us to survive. When cultures and ecosystems are in homeostasis, the energy of each supports the needs of all and each of us is thereby strengthened.

The Moon's last aspect in Libra is a conjunction with Saturn, who remains retrograde in this sign of harmony and justice. When we find our balance point, we have the power to manifest our dreams.

The Moon will be void of course for five hours on Saturday morning, a time of rest after the bright light of the Full Moon. While the Moon is in Libra, we raise our eyes above the horizon, sniff the winds, welcome change, and find a new balance within ourselves and our communities.
    

Moon into Virgo: Gentle Reminders

Tuesday morning through Thursday morning
Eastern Daylight Time

Tuesday, April 3

Bluets

Moon enters Virgo 9:53am
Venus enters Gemini 11:17am
Moon opposite Neptune (Pisces) 1:32pm
Moon conjunct Mars (Virgo) 5:17pm
Moon inconjunct Uranus (Aries) 6:31pm
Moon opposite Chiron (Pisces) 10:50pm
Moon square the North Node (Sagittarius) 11:24pm

Wednesday, April 4
Moon trine Pluto (Capricorn) 2:00am
Mercury turns direct in Virgo 6:11am
Moon trine Jupiter (Taurus) 9:35am
Moon inconjunct Sun (Aries) 11:30am

Thursday, April 5
Moon opposite Mercury (Pisces) 1:38am
(begin void of course)
Moon semisextile Saturn (Libra) 6:38am
Moon enters Libra 11:32am

The Moon slipped quietly into Virgo this morning, standing ready to serve in any way she can. Right on her heels, Venus skipped into flirty, butterfly Gemini. This shift in energy for relational Venus is the big astro news for today, yet keeping an awareness of the Virgo Moon will help us stay grounded as we reach for new social connections.

With Mars and Saturn still retrograde, and Mercury slowing down to station, we remain in a time of slooooow––reflective thought, triple-checked plans, and careful steps. Tuesday's Moon aspects remind us of this as she touches many of the points on the Grand Cross formed around the Nodes of the Moon.

The Moon will oppose Neptune, conjunct Mars, oppose Chiron, and square the Nodes, and there you have the Grand Cross. The Nodes of the Moon are a karmic pathway moving from where we've been (South Node in Gemini) to where we're going (North Node in Sagittarius). In evolutionary astrology, planets squaring the Nodes are seen as "missed steps" on the path.

flowers!

It's time to pick up these dropped stitches, and the Moon in Virgo is perfectly placed to help us see exactly where they are: Neptune's long-range visioning and Chiron's deep healing, combined with Mars' attention to detail and willingness to take on ordinary tasks.

It's intriguing that Venus enters Gemini now, enticing us into the fun distraction of new shiny things. Perhaps the Virgo Moon, highlighting the Grand Cross, reminds us to focus on Venus in Gemini's strengths––easy flow of communication and joy in building strong networks––while keeping our eyes on the Sagittarian goal of depth of understanding.

Ah, Wednesday! Aspects this day offer stability, clarity and a feeling of good fortune as the Moon flows easily with Pluto and Jupiter in Earth and Mercury turns direct. Mercury remains in vague, nebulous Pisces, within his retrograde shadow, and yet we may already feel knots untangling and thoughts flowing smoothly again.

This Moon is all in favor of steady patience, holding the line against Aries' fiery pushes in inconjunct angles with Uranus on Tuesday and the Sun on Wednesday. As your energy surges forward, honor the Virgo Moon and Mars by stopping for a deep breath or two (or three) before diving in.

In the early hours of Thursday, the Moon opposes Mercury in Pisces, another point of balancing the cosmic and the everyday, the confusing with the comfortingly ordinary. This is the last classical aspect for the Virgo Moon, who remains void of course until entering Libra late Thursday morning.

With this Virgo Moon, we hold on to practicality and planning, even as Gemini Venus calls us out to play. Go off with Venus, enjoy Spring's offerings of butterflies, bright flowers, and blue skies! Just listen to the Moon as she reminds you to pack a lunch and take a sweater.
   

Moon into Leo: Larger Than Life

Sunday morning through Tuesday morning
Eastern Daylight Time

Sunday, April 1

Moon enters Leo 4:36am
Moon inconjunct Neptune (Pisces) 8:27am
Moon semisextile Mars (Virgo) 1:10pm
Moon trine Uranus (Aries) 1:42pm
Moon inconjunct Chiron (Pisces) 6:22pm
Moon trine the North Node (Sagittarius) 7:24pm
Moon inconjunct Pluto (Capricorn) 10:01pm

Monday, April 2
Moon trine Sun (Aries) 4:12am
Moon square Jupiter (Taurus) 5:19am
Moon inconjunct Mercury (Pisces) 11:26pm
Sun (Aries) semisextile Jupiter (Taurus) 11:33pm

Tuesday, April 3
Moon sextile Saturn (Libra) 4:57am
Moon square Venus (Taurus) 9:47am
(begin void of course)
Moon enters Virgo 9:53am

The Moon strode into Leo early this morning, and announced herself with a roll of thunder. No longer resting in the safety of her Cancerian home, this Leo Moon is front and center, ready to express herself passionately, creatively, playfully.

creative expression

Flowing trines to revolutionary Uranus and the North Node in Sagittarius signal that our own goals and desires will demand attention today. Impatient with the nebulous confusion of Pisces, and the slow steadiness of Capricorn, this Moon wants life, juicy energy, and attention.

Leo is criticized for being egotistical, and the Leo Moon for being a drama queen, yet petulant attention-seeking is a sign that our Leo selves are not being honored. What within you longs to be expressed? That's where Leo wants to be.

Especially with Uranus on board, this Leo Moon isn't interested in small and quiet. Think Bette Davis:

"Acting should be bigger than life. Scripts should be bigger than life. It should all be bigger than life." 

Monday morning, the Leo Moon trines the Aries Sun, another boost of passionate expressiveness. This is the waxing trine, heading toward the Full Moon, and we now see how our New Moon wishes are taking shape. Feed those wishes the warmth and attention they need to grow!

There's more chafing against the slow pace of Water and Earth today. The Moon's inconjunct with Mercury in Pisces is worth noting: With Mercury still retrograde in foggy Pisces, it's possible our communications might not be heard and understood as we intended. Flow with the joyful, playful side of Leo to sort out misunderstandings.

Tuesday morning, the Moon flows easily with Saturn, supporting manifestation. This is followed by a square to Venus, though, suggesting a need to slow down and work through and creative blocks. After a very brief void of course time (just a few minutes), the Moon steps into careful, organized Virgo, and our pace naturally slows.

With the Leo Moon, we connect with our creative core. Sing, dance, laugh, create!