Bright Beacon: A Full SuperMoon in Capricorn

light across the waters

Full Moon in Capricorn
Sunday, June 23, 2013
7:32 am EDT

Feeling a bit damp these days? The Water element reigns: Sun newly in Cancer conjunct larger-than-life Jupiter; Mercury, Venus and Vesta very close together in Cancer; Neptune and Saturn continuing to flow energy to each other from Pisces and Scorpio; Chiron the wounded healer in Pisces; North Node in Scorpio.

We're in a time of deep dreaming and strong feeling. The annual conference of the International Association for the Study of Dreams opens today, and I'm imaging this conference will be an intensely wonderful experience for all there.

The challenge is figuring out what to do with all that emotion. The Water element is life-giving when it's flowing, circulating, bringing in nutrients and carrying away toxins. When Water stops, though, we get stagnation, brooding, stuckness. Let's face it: when water stops moving, we get mold.

Overnight Saturday (tomorrow), the largest, brightest Full Moon of this year arrives. This Moon will be the closest to Earth she'll be all year. Where skies are clear, we might feel we can reach up and touch her luminous face. Don't miss a chance to see her, and dance in her golden glow.

This Full Moon channels Capricorn, the Earth sign that puts its shoulder to the wheel, never gives up, never surrenders. This Moon is widely conjunct Pluto, the alchemist who leaves no stone unturned. This Moon is pragmatic, hard working, and has her eyes on the prize.

This Full Moon sits at the point of a kite formation that draws the Saturn–Neptune trine right into the Full Moon energy. With Jupiter in the final, anaretic degree of Gemini, and asteroid Lilith right between the Sun and Jupiter, this is a powerful combination.

Shining her bright beacon on the intense waters we're swimming in, this Full Moon asks: What are these feelings about? Are we stuck or moving? Where's the goal? How do we get there?

And, of course. where are the life vests and can we all fit into the boat?

We'll all make it to shore as long as we look to the light and follow its path across the water. Lighthouses are built with powerful lenses that serve to focus light so it carries across long distances. This Full Moon, so close to the Earth, has the power to shine through any storm.

Eric Francis has an intriguing take on 29 Gemini, the spot we'll find expansive Jupiter shining from at this Full Moon. He sees that final, intense degree as uniquely suited to giving us the big picture, offering the ability to put things into context and see how they connect.

The thing is, sometimes light shows up things we'd rather not see. This Full Moon could be like that. If there's stuff in our psyches, in our families, in our relationships we've been looking away from, this Moon could illuminate it inescapably. This Moon ain't for sissies.

focus!

The gift this Full Moon offers (and it's a great gift) is that same illumination. Those places we've felt stuck, the personal stuff we've been working on and just can't quite see clearly, the missing piece of the relationship puzzle: all those might be highlighted. Oh! we'll say ... is THAT it? I can work with that. Big shifts possible.

Another big theme for this SuperMoon is ancestry. Cancer is tribe as well as family; Capricorn is tradition as well as authority. The involvement of Neptune, Saturn and Pluto take us into deep territory.

This will be a powerful Moon for connecting to our ancestors, working with them, learning from them. Old issues may come up for healing, and new directions brought to light.

Full Moons can make us all feel a little crazy, and this one could be loonier than most. With all this emotional intensity, we'll want to be prepared. Connect to your tribe. Find a place where you feel emotionally supported, at home, loved. From that place, we can follow the Moon's bright beacon to see what we need to see, learn what we need to learn.

May it be so for you.
     

New Moon in Capricorn: The Power of Reality

Minoan goddess or priestess

New Moon in Capricorn
January 11, 2013

Tomorrow's New Moon in Capricorn arrives with an intense concentration of Capricorn energy that includes not just the Sun–Moon conjunction, but also Mercury conjunct the New Moon, a Pluto–Juno conjunction, and Venus newly arrived in Capricorn.

Babies born under this New Moon will have birth charts full of purpose, determination, pragmatism and practicality, and are likely to be hard workers, persistent, patient and traditional. As so will we be, as we set wishes and intentions at this first New Moon of the new year.

This is a New Moon for coming to grips with what's real. It's also a New Moon for making our dreams come true––if we're prepared to commit to the work needed to get it done. With Capricorn, there's no "easy" or "quick." This is the sign that understands putting one foot in front of the other, and climbing the mountain.

Capricorn is also the sign of the leader, the ruler, the CEO, of stepping into our own authority and owning our vision. Saturn, Capricorn's ruler, continues his trek through mysterious, powerful and intuitive Scorpio, so this is insightful leadership with a finger on hidden pulses.

With Pluto in the mix, and Uranus continuing his trek through Aries, change is definitely in the air. Capricorn feels most comfortable with the ways things have always been, but when the land is shifting under your feet, that just isn't enough.

Pluto and Saturn continue their mutually-receptive sextile, and the goddess Vesta now sits at the apex of the yod they form. Tranformation is reaching into home and hearth, shaking up our most secure and private places.

Venus is squaring Uranus now too, challenging the fiery revolutionary to make it real: What change? When? How? What are the concrete steps that need to happen. Uranus pushes back, upsetting apple carts in our creative and financial lives, and in relationships.

The New Moon sextiles the North Node in Scorpio, and together they form another yod with the goddess Ceres at the apex––we see the strong feminine again at the point of change.

Which is a reminder: We tend to think of practical, Saturn-ruled Capricorn as very male, the traditional father, the authority figure in the hierarchical sense and yet, as an earth sign, Capricorn is feminine and yin.

Women have tremendous endurance. In fact, there's evidence women have more muscle endurance (on average) than men, who tend to excel in strength. Women are the slow-but-steady engines keeping societies going. This is Capricorn energy.

Capricorn is, symbolically, doubly feminine. This is the sign of the water goat, combining water and earth. Zeus was fostered by the goat goddess Almathea, thought to represent a more ancient and nurturing goddess replaced by the Olympic pantheon. The Roman Juno had a goat form: Juno Caprotina, a fertility goddess associated with figs and the fig harvest.

So this New Moon speaks of the resurgence of feminine power, of goddess energy. Juno and Pluto are conjunct, sextiling Saturn, inconjunct Vesta, the Finger of Fate. Can we consciously and deliberately shift our understanding of women's roles from home and hearth to the wide world? Can we all, no matter our gender, embrace feminine forms of power as a balance to the masculine models dominating the world today?

This is the New Moon to set intentions for this, to embrace women as powerful, to value feminine approaches to power. Look for powerful women in the news, and in your world: How do such women embody and model power? What can we learn from them, to emulate or to avoid? How do they align with our own values?

One of the most intriguing aspect patterns for this New Moon is a series of five quintiles. The quintile is an unusual aspect that invites creativity: Mozart had seven in his chart. This New Moon forms quintiles from the Sun and Moon to Uranus and Saturn, and from Mercury to Pallas Athena.

Could we ask for a clearer signal to look beyond the obvious? Creative solutions to our challenges will be on offer at this New Moon, if we're ready to plant the seeds and nurture the shoots that emerge, even if they look a bit different. This might be a great time for wishing without too many strings attached, for allowing the universe to point the way.

The New Moon brings a tremendous amount of energy that will last a long time, if we join in and commit to making our dreams into reality.
    

Crescent Moon: The Peacock's Tail

peacock's tail feather

Crescent Moon in Capricorn
November 16, 2012

Tonight, we reach the Crescent Moon. In the clear night sky, just after sunset, the bright sliver appears. We know the great work is underway.

The Crescent is the half-square between the Moon and Sun that lets us know something is afoot. The changes inaugurated by the New Scorpio Moon and accompanying eclipse could hardly be missed, and this Crescent unfolds the story a bit further.

This Crescent Moon has transformation written all over it. This is a relentless Moon, determined, committed, and deeply insightful.

One glance at the chart shows the focused energy in Scorpio and Capricorn, emphasized by the Sun and Moon in each.

In Scorpio, we see the Sun tightly conjunct the North Node and Mercury retrograde. Are we moving in the direction of our deepest desires? Or are we paralyzed with fear? At this Crescent Moon, the question is posed and the answer might point to very old patterns––introjects, as psychologists say.

Where are we playing out old scripts we no longer need? This might sound like a waning Moon question ... a what-do-we-need-to-get-rid-of question. But in this time of transformation, we're continually offered opportunities to understand. We're invited to explore the buried, the old, the stuck––this is Scorpio illuminated by the Sun and Mercury, side by side by side, unflinching.

The Moon, meanwhile, is conjunct Pluto (who rules Scorpio) and Mars, in unshakeable Capricorn. Emotions and action aligned with alchemy––unstoppable. What actions need to be taken, we take, fearlessly, step by step.

Saturn in Scorpio moves in to square Pluto, the Moon and Mars, emphasizing the strong coupling of insight and action. Pluto and Saturn are in mutual reception now, each in the sign ruled by the other. This puts them on the same wavelength, supporting strong expressions of each.

Saturn continues to anchor the Grand Trine in Water, with Neptune and Chiron now both direct in Pisces, and Ceres still retrograde in Cancer. Intuition remains strong, and Saturn helps ground and manifest what we feel.

Do we need another marker of change? Ceres opposes the Capricorn group, and with a square from Uranus, retrograde in Aries, a T-square is formed. Transformation goes deep here, each step feeling hard won, and each achievement celebrated.

In alchemy, the darkness of the nigredo, the Dark Moon/ New Moon phase, is sometimes followed by the Peacock's Tail. In this stage, the blackness becomes light, split into all the glorious colors of the rainbow. At this time, we catch a glimpse of the possibilities inherent in transformation. The danger is, we can be seduced by beauty, remaining stuck in contemplation of what might be.

This Crescent Moon guides us through this mysterious stage, the Scorpio group showing us wonder and the Capricorn group keeping our feet on the path. What is the next step? Take it. And the next? take that.

The image of the peacock's tail combines glorious color with many eyes, a symbol of awareness in the midst of wonders. We want to see where we're going, while avoiding siren calls that will bring our ship onto the rocks ... the Capricorn Moon, with Pluto and Mars, keep our purpose firm and commitment strong.

Here's the next step. We'll take it together.
    

First Quarter Moon: On the Edge

First Quarter Moon in Capricorn
October 21, 2012

As the Sun and Saturn reach toward their conjunction, the Sun and Moon square each other in the final degrees of Libra (Sun) and Capricorn (Moon). This last degree is called the anaretic degree, and is an especially fraught point in any sign.

One way of approaching the transition between signs is to think of them as blending––we gradually move from Libra, say, into Scorpio and the energy is a little this, a little that, the two smooshed together. This is where the term "cuspy" comes from ... if you've got a planet in that in-between territory, some astrologers will call it "cuspy" and say it's a blend of both.

I have problems with "cuspy."

My Sun's at 0 Libra and my Moon's at 0 Virgo, so I know from cusps. And I can tell you, I've never felt blended at all. More jagged, actually. Edgy.

Look at any two adjacent signs––do they feel like they'd blend easily? Seriously, Libra and Scorpio, Scorpio and Sagittarius, Pisces and Aries ... pick any two and tell me these are flavors that blend.

As we move around the zodiac, each sign answers a need created by the energy of its predecessor, offering an antidote to whatever has been overemphasized. It's about movement, growth, progression, and challenge, not blending gradually from red to yellow with all that lovely peach in the middle.

So, I felt a sense of satisfaction when I discovered another approach that recognizes the difficult shift from one sign to the other, reflected in part in the final, anaretic degree.

When we reach 29, we're really, really into the energy of that sign. Committed, fully immersed. But we've also taken it as far as it will go. Maybe we're sensing its limitations and excesses. But still, we're in it, all the way.

But wait ... here's a horizon. A new energy right here. We need to jump there, into the new. But can we? Maybe we stick a toe in, pull back. Maybe we make the jump and then the place we just left looks much better and we jump back.

The Sun in Libra is all about beauty, peace, harmony, clear thought, planning, and balance. The Moon in Capricorn is all about rolling our sleeves up and working hard, never mind the muck if we get to the goal.

The Sun is looking at a darker place, the shadowy realms of Scorpio where Saturn the Taskmaster sits waiting, tapping his foot. The Moon sees the grand visions of Aquarius ahead, airy-fairy stuff for hard working Cap.

Meanwhile, Venus in Virgo forms a wide trine to the Moon while sextiling Mercury and the North Node in Scorpio, who are poised between the Sun and Moon. Does Venus help us, or does Virgo increase our anxiety about all this?

The question at this Fist Quarter is, do we embrace challenge as a way forward, or sit on the fence? He who hesitates is lost ... or is it, look before you leap?

The lovely Libran New Moon has sowed her seeds. We're about to leave her beautiful visions behind. If we can hold our dreams clearly in our hearts, we won't need to look back over our shoulders. We can boldly go into the new territories before us. We can step off the edge.

Hey, Felix Baumgartner did it! We can too.
    

Gibbous Moon: Steadfast

strong foundation, solid base

Gibbous Moon in Capricorn: August 27, 2012

The Gibbous Moon arrives tomorrow (Sunday) evening, that big-bellied, almost-but-not-quite full Moon brightening the evening sky. This is the square-and-a-half that asks, are we ready? Are we prepared? Is everything in place?

This Gibbous Moon is in Capricorn, sesquiquadrate the Virgo Sun. A challenging angle, and yet what a stable, grounded combination this is. If we need structure, discipline or commitment on our way to this Full Moon, look no further.

The Moon is not considered to be happy in Capricorn, the sign of its detriment, and yet there's an essential dignity here as well. (And Capricorn love dignity, not to mention traditional systems.) The Moon is the triplicity ruler of Earth signs in a nighttime chart, which this chart is in my time zone.

The Sun rules the first 10 degrees of Virgo, reckoning by decans, and so, at 5 degrees gains some essential dignity too.

This is a steadfast Moon, a word from Old English that means "standing your ground." This Moon has feelings, but will not allow sentiment to cloud judgement, or avoid a difficult task because it might upset people.

This groundedness is a good thing, because the cosmos is full of murky energy right now.

Pluto, Chiron and Uranus are all at 7 degrees, aspecting each other in Capricorn, Pisces, and Aries.

At the Gibbous Moon, the Sun is a scant two degrees away, illuminating the ongoing wrestling match between tectonic transformation (Pluto) and volcanic revolution (Uranus), with Chiron flowing aid to both sides while avoiding the line of fire.

Mercury is point man between Pluto and Uranus, at the apex of a Finger of the World. Time to distinguish between courage and bravado, heart-felt passion and dramatic bombast.

Neptune continues to square the Nodes of the Moon, with a trine from Mars in Scorpio increasing both the pressure to do something and the inability to see clearly what needs to be done.

The Moon is at the apex of a Yod with Mercury and Ceres at its base, highlighting the need to keep our feet on the ground. our eyes on the prize, and our mouths shut unless we've considered carefully what we need to say.

The Moon also opposes Venus in emotional, Moon-ruled Cancer. Traditional values, security, home and family come to the fore. Again the Moon focuses on practical steps to help reach our goals, rather than dissolving into anxiety and reactivity.

The soon-to-arrive Full Moon is in Pisces, surrounded by energies that will increase sensitivity, intuition, empathy, and (potentially) confusion. With this Gibbous Moon, we're reminded that structure protects and strengthens.

We have the chance to test what's underfoot. Heading toward quicksand? Now's the time for a course correction to reach solid ground.
    

Full Moon: Burning Bright

Tiger, Singapore

Full Moon in Capricorn:
July 3, 2012

Tyger! Tyger! burning bright
In the forests of the night,
What immortal hand or eye
Could frame thy fearful symmetry? 

–– William Blake

The Full Moon in Capricorn arrives on the afternoon of July 3 (EDT), and is a Moon to conjure with. The sky is filled with patterns: two T-squares, two Yods, a Finger of the World, a Grand Trine in Fire that is also a Kite. Fearful symmetry indeed!

Full Moons illuminate. Capricorn looks at our work––how we work, with what effort, dedication, patience, ferocity and smarts. Who are we in the world? What have we achieved? Capricorn wants results, not excuses.

This Full Moon is conjunct Pluto, so the questions run deep. Pluto wants power, control and strong foundations. Ultimately, Pluto wants right livelihood. Are we doing what we're made for, what we came for, what we're meant to be doing?

The Capricorn Full Moon conjunct Pluto isn't interested in shilly-shallying, doesn't care if the file got lost, or the dog ate your homework.

The Sun in Cancer cares, though. The Sun reminds us that who we are in the world rests on who we are at home. This Full Moon will also shed some light on our secure base, our ability to take care of ourselves, and our stability.

Uranus in Aries squares the Full Moon and doesn't care about any of that stuff. Uranus knows what's not working and is ready to change it, yesterday if possible. Why be concerned about worldly achievement or secure homes when the game is reinventing itself?

As with the lunar phases leading up to this Full Moon, we're in a time when the global and the public intersect with the personal and the private. In fact, this Full Moon may shine light on exactly those places in our lives.

Meanwhile, the second and very complex T-square involves the Nodes of the Moon in Sagittarius and Gemini, plus all the Gemini planets clustered around the South Node (Jupiter, Ceres and Venus), being squared by Neptune and Chiron.

Both Capricorn and Cancer, the opposing signs of the Full Moon, value the tradition. The big Gemini group clustered around the South Node invites us to look at the past in new ways. Whether those new perspectives are enlightening and healing, or deceptive and wounding, depends on where we are in relation to these planetary energies.

Interestingly, Saturn, ruler of this Full Moon, forms sesquiquadrates to Chiron and Venus, who square each other. This Finger of the World pattern points to the need for balance, responsibility, creativity, and action in the world to solve the problems presenting themselves.

The call for creative action is sounded again in a pair of Yods, one pointing at the Moon–Pluto conjunction with Venus and Mercury at its base, and the other pointing at Mercury with Chiron and Moon–Pluto at its base. Mercury in Leo wants to speak from the heart, in a passionate voice.

At the heart of this Full Moon, there beats a Grand Trine in Fire that connects Mercury, the North Node and Uranus. This blaze becomes a kite when sextiles to the Gemini group are added in. Expression is key––this is not a time to sit on our hands, but a time to speak, think, act.

Mars trines the Gemini group and sextiles the North Node from his position at 0 Libra––again, creative and balanced action is supported.

Within the fearful symmetry of this Full Moon we find tremendous energy, possibilities for insight, and the desire for action.

Look to your birth chart to see where this Full Moon falls. The houses of the Full Moon (where the Sun and Moon appear by transit), and the houses ruled by Capricorn and Cancer, are places through which these energies can flow.

Look also for planets in your chart touched by the Full Moon and its complex patterns, especially anything in the early degrees of the cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn). Areas if life related to these planets will be in the spotlight at this Full Moon.

Honor the past without accepting it blindly. Examine whether actions align with values. Connect with what energizes and enlivens. Take action. Ride the tiger.
    

Disseminating Moon in Capricorn: Bringing It Home

Disseminating Moon: May 9 through May 12

The Moon moved in sturdy, pragmatic Capricorn overnight. With the Sun remaining in Taurus, and Mercury newly arrived in Taurus as well, Earth energy is strong. After the heady magic of the luminous Full Moon, we might feel a bit of a bump as we land on the ground again––or the sense of solid rock underfoot could be very welcome.

What did you see, learn, uncover at the Full Scorpio Moon? What secrets came to light? What mad journeys through mysterious realms did you take? We're entering the Disseminating Moon phase, and it's time to sort things out.

Sometimes, in this phase, we meet resistance to the Full Moon's enlightenment. The resistance could come from outside, or within, as we adapt and integrate.

Since the Full Moon was filled with magic and mystery, and this Disseminating Moon is nothing if not practical, the first resistance could arrive as the question "Was it real?" When we enter into mystery, or come face to face with Shadow, or a combination of both, there's a temptation in the full light of day to shake it off and get on with things. It's a tricky balance to find, with becoming ungrounded and unstable on one side, and denying the presence of magic altogether.

These days of the Disseminating Moon would be good ones for asking "what if?" What would it mean in my life, if the revelations of the Full Moon were fully real and true? How would I live differently? How would I feel, think and act?

Tomorrow (May 10) the Sun and Moon reach their harmonious trine in Earth, Capricorn and Taurus. Then perhaps we can feel our way into a new sense of balance, acknowledging the gifts of the Full Moon while keeping our feet firmly on the ground.

Meanwhile, today, we can experiment, trying things this way and that, looking for a new way to be in the world.
    

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 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 Capricorn: Down to Earth

Friday morning through Sunday morning
Eastern Standard Time

Friday, February 17

Capricorn by ©Stephanie Pui-Mun Law

Moon enters Capricorn 12:04am
Moon sextile Neptune (Pisces) 12:57am
Moon square Uranus (Aries) 4:30am
Moon sextile Chiron (Pisces) 8:21am
Moon trine Jupiter (Taurus) 8:43am
Moon sextile Mercury (Pisces) 11:51am
Moon conjunct Pluto (Capricorn) 3:41pm
Moon semisextile the North Node (Sagittarius) 6:29pm
Moon square Venus (Aries) 8:17pm

Saturday, February 18
Moon trine Mars (Virgo) 9:32am
Sun (Aquarius) trine Saturn (Libra) 11:01am
Mercury (Pisces) sextile Pluto (Capricorn) 4:23pm

Sunday, February 19
Sun enters Pisces 1:17am
Moon square Saturn (Libra) 4:22am
(begin void of course)
Moon enters Aquarius 5:29am
Moon semisextile Sun (Pisces) 5:49am
Moon semisextile Neptune (Pisces) 6:33am
Moon sextile Uranus (Aries) 10:15am
Moon semisextile Chiron (Pisces) 2:16pm
Moon square Jupiter (Taurus) 3:03pm
Sun (Pisces) conjunct Neptune (Pisces) 3:40pm
Moon semisextile Pluto (Capricorn) 9:38pm

Just after midnight tonight (Thursday), the Moon moves into solid, grounded Capricorn. In this pragmatic sign, we focus on what's real. We're ready to take concrete steps toward our goal. Which is a good thing, because energy is building in Pisces, focusing our attention on the cosmic, the spiritual, and the confusing. Right now, the Capricorn Moon is our anchor.

Capricorn can also connect with Water. Remember the symbol of Capricorn is the an animal with the head and forelimbs of a goat and the tail of a fish. As Deborah Houlding says, "the abyss of the ocean is combined with mountainous terrain" giving this sign the ability to think straight even in the midst of collectively unconscious currents.

Cloud Ocean in Taiwan's Big Snow Mountain

Because the Moon enters Capricorn so early on Friday, most of her aspects will happen that day. This Capricorn Moon will flow easily with planets now in Earth: Jupiter, Pluto and Mars. She'll also connect comfortably with Water: Neptune, Chiron and Mercury.

Contacts with Air and Fire will be more challenging, and a Capricorn Moon can definitely stand her ground. The headlong rush of Uranus and Venus in fiery Aries are put on hold.

Expect an emphasis on patience, steadiness, an appreciation for hard work. Whether the focus is on worldly achievements or spiritual pursuits, Capricorn reminds us that effort brings rewards.

Saturday and early Sunday, the value of the foundational steps of the Capricorn Moon becomes clear. The Sun, on his way out of Aquarius, flows energy with Saturn: We can move ahead with innovative plans today. Mercury sextiles Pluto, offering insights into where our lives need to transform. Then, the Sun enters Pisces, illuminating, however imperfectly, the watery realms of this complex sign.

The Moon's last aspect in Capricorn is a square with Saturn, Capricorn's ruler. We can take this as a signal that our work is not yet done. After an hour void of course, the Moon enters the conceptual heights of Aquarius.

Beginning with the first minutes of Friday, we've got two days to get some serious work done with the waning Capricorn Moon. The seed time of the Pisces New Moon will soon arrive. Don't waste time.
    

Moon into Capricorn: Setting Our Course

Friday afternoon through Sunday night
Eastern Standard Time

Friday, January 20

laying the foundation

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

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

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

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

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

setting a course

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

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

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

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

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

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

Moon into Capricorn: Captaining Our Own Ship

Saturday morning through Monday afternoon
Eastern Standard Time

Saturday, December 24

Jupiter turns direct!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Who's at the helm?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Moon into Capricorn: Shoulder to the Wheel

Saturday evening through Tuesday morning
Eastern Standard Time

Saturday, November 26

engines ready ...

Moon enters Capricorn 10:05pm
Venus (Sagittarius) sextile Chiron (Pisces) 10:34pm
Moon square Uranus (Aries) 11:16pm
Moon sextile Chiron (Pisces) 11:22pm
Moon conjunct Venus (Capricorn) 11:26pm

Sunday, November 27
Moon trine Jupiter (Taurus) 1:01am
Moon semisextile the Sun (Sagittarius) 6:15am
Moon conjunct Pluto (Capricorn) 8:26am
Moon trine Mars (Virgo) 11:23am
Venus (Capricorn) trine Jupiter (Taurus) 4:22pm
Moon semisextile the North Node (Sagittarius) 11:12pm

Monday, November 28
Moon semisextile Mercury (Sagittarius) 5:55am
Sun (Sagittarius) semisextile Pluto (Capricorn) 1:35pm
Moon square Saturn (Libra) 6:00pm
(begin void of course)
Moon semisextile Neptune (Aquarius) 10:52pm

Tuesday, November 29
Moon enters Aquarius 2:02am
Moon sextile Uranus (Aries) 3:16am
Moon semisextile Chiron (Pisces) 3:29am
Moon square Jupiter (Taurus) 4:50am

Thursday night's New Moon eclipse opened a new time of exuberance energy and generous grace. Now we need to figure out where and how to channel all that power, to create something meaningful. The Moon moves into Capricorn Saturday night, ready to take the helm and set a course into the world that awaits us.

In Capricorn, the Moon partners with Earth and Water planets to build strong foundations, while putting the brakes on Fire planets and asking Air planets to provide detailed schematics for those beautiful but potentially unworkable ideas. The Capricorn Moon focused on practical strategies to move forward, willing to work hard but only when the goal is clear.

Saturday night, the Moon squares off with Uranus the revolutionary, while flowing energy in sextile with Chiron the mentor and joining with grace-filled Venus. The tendency to look before we leap is held in check, while we seek wise advice and creative inspiration. Very early Sunday, the Moon trines Jupiter, seeking good fortune and solid support.

setting foundation stones

Sunday's aspects include a series of positive connections that can show us exactly what steps to take to reach our goals, and shower us with good luck as we begin. Over the course of the day, the Moon makes positive aspects with the Sun, Pluto, Mars and the North Node, with the Pluto and Mars connections being especially strong.

Meanwhile, Venus and Jupiter, the two planets of good fortune, form a flowing trine that showers good things on those who work steadily and responsibly.

Monday morning, the Moon forms a semisextile with retrograde Mercury, reminding us to check the details, and then check again. No point in spoiling the outcome by missteps now as the building blocks are set in place. The Sun and Pluto connect today, building confidence as we continue transforming.

The Moon's last classical aspect in Capricorn is a square to Saturn––a challenge, yes, but Saturn rules Capricorn, and both welcome challenge. This is where we're asked to stand up for our goals, and prove we know what we're doing. This opens a void of course time that lasts eight hours, through Monday evening and into the early hours of Tuesday.

During the void time, the Moon forms a semisextile to visionary Neptune, bringing dreams, perhaps, of how our goals might be realized in the future. The Moon enters Aquarius very early Tuesday, bringing visions all her own. First, we have several Capricornian days to buckle down and get busy, feeling confident we're on the right track.
   

Moon into Capricorn: Who's in Charge?

Sunday afternoon through Tuesday evening
Eastern Daylight Time

Sunday, October 30

La Hague Lighthouse, Normandy

Moon enters Capricorn 12:38pm
Moon sextile Chiron (Pisces) 1:52pm
Moon trine Jupiter (Taurus) 9:20pm
Moon conjunct Pluto (Capricorn) 9:58pm

Monday, October 31
Moon sextile Sun (Scorpio) 1:34am
Moon inconjunct South Node (Gemini) 5:02pm
Venus (Scorpio) square Neptune (Aquarius) 5:19pm
Moon sextile Ceres (Pisces) 5:35pm

Tuesday, November 1
Moon square Saturn (Libra) 4:14am
Mercury (Scorpio) square Neptune (Aquarius) 4:36am
Moon inconjunct Mars (Leo) 8:58am
Moon sextile Mercury (Scorpio) 3:56pm
Moon sextile Venus (Scorpio) 5:00pm
(begin void of course)
Moon enters Aquarius 6:08pm

The Moon grabs her tool belt this afternoon to step into Capricorn, sign of steady effort and hard work. With Halloween tomorrow making this feel like a long weekend, it might seem a bit early for dour Capricorn. And yet, Capricorn is also the sign of authority––including claiming our own authority––and the Moon's journey over the next few days could help us do exactly that.

The Moon's first aspect is a flowing, energized sextile to Chiron as the Moon enlists the healer, sage and mentor. This Samhain season, beginning with the New Moon and continuing until November 7, is a time of facing the dark. We need all the help we can get.

sea thrift and storm clouds

Tonight, the Moon joins the transformative Pluto–Jupiter trine as she first trines Jupiter, then joins Pluto. Now we can let the universe know we're ready to enter the cauldron, surrendering to the alchemical process that will release our gold. This could be a night for big dreams, as the Moon taps into this Pluto–Jupiter connection.

Monday opens with a flowing sextile between the Moon and the Scorpio Sun, a time as crescent Moon waxes that we begin to see the shape of what will grow with this lunar cycle.

Monday evening brings intense connections with strong feminine archetypes as Venus squares Neptune, the Moon forms an inconjunct with the South Node, and sextiles Ceres. This Samhain evening will be a powerful time for meditation, divination, and visioning, especially if goddess energy is needed.

Early Tuesday morning, the Moon squares Saturn as Mercury squares Neptune. Morning dreams could be challenging––but also offer breakthroughs on difficult issues. When you go to sleep Monday night, ask for dreams to bring solutions to whatever you've been wrestling with, and pay attention to what shows up.

The Capricorn Moon forms an inconjunct aspect to Mars Tuesday morning, signaling another opportunity for problem solving (in other words, something might come up that demands attention!). If we're tempted to dramatically charge ahead, this Moon will counsel patience. If we're hopelessly slogging through mud, Mars can bring in sunlight, passion, and playfulness. Honor both.

The Moon ends her transit through Capricorn by returning to Scorpio territory, with sextiles to Venus and Mercury. Can we feel ourselves transforming within? It might feel too early, but it's time to pay attention: Things are changing. We're on board. Maybe it's time we learned to steer the ship.

... I wanted to embed a song here, but it's disallowed. Check out Kathy Mattea and Dougie MacLean performing MacLean's wonderful and haunting Ready for the Storm.
   

Moon into Capricorn: Sweat Equity

Monday morning through Wednesday morning

The Moon moved into rock-steady Capricorn early this morning for a challenging couple of days. Capricorn, though, relishes challenges when they're the kind you can sink your teeth into. We might fight every step of the way, feel like we're slogging through mud, but our eyes are on the prize. There's a bone-deep satisfaction in every inch we gain.

Women Miners by Van Gogh

The Moon's opening aspect was a square with Uranus in Aries, with the Moon as a small but doughty David facing a flaming Goliath who won't stay in the same place for two seconds. The Capricorn Moon holds tight to the solidity of stone, saying, You say you want a revolution; well, we all want to change the world ... and it happens one stone at a time.

Early this afternoon, the Moon joins Pluto. Our feelings align with the deep need for transformation. It's never easy, and yet the results are rich and rewarding. We surrender to the inexorable power of the alchemist. This even, the Moon trines Jupiter in Taurus, and our patient strength is rewarded as we receive grace, and a bit of peace.

Tonight, the Sun and Moon reach their waxing square: The Half Moon in Capricorn. The Sun, still in Libra, reminds us of the tremendously ambitious, bright, clear plans we made at the New Moon. Now we are challenged with the question, Is this what you really want? The Capricorn Moon is prepared to assess the realities of the situation and say yea or nay, committing fully to the decision.

Tuesday is a day of challenges, as the Moon faces squares with the remaining Libra planets. Mercury in the morning, Saturn in the afternoon, and Venus at night each ask the Moon again, Are you committed to this path? Are you seeing clearly what is before you? Are you ready to do the work it takes? The Moon in Capricorn is up to any challenge. If the goal is deemed worthy, forward movement will continue no matter how steep the path.

The square with Venus is the Moon's last classical aspect in Capricorn, opening a void of course time at 1:58am EDT Wednesday that lasts until the Moon steps into the scintillating trickster energy of Aquarius at 11:18am EDT.

This time with the Capricorn Moon may seem difficult, but if we stay the course and do the work, we'll feel the satisfaction that only good, solid work and steady progress can bring.
    

Moon into Capricorn: Moving Mountains Slowly

Monday night through Thursday morning

Tonight at 10:00pm EDT, the Moon pulls on heavy work gloves and steps into Capricorn for a few days of hard work. This sign of cardinal Earth loves nothing better than getting down to it and getting things done. No job too tough for Capricorn, and it doesn't matter how long it takes.

mountains

Capricorn is where Pluto is hanging out these days (well, years), and the Moon will be joining Pluto on his side of the ongoing Pluto–Uranus square. This is the slow, red warning light of a square that keeps letting us know big changes are ahead. At 4am EDT Tuesday, the Moon will square Uranus, then at 7am EDT, she'll be right with Pluto.

So, the work week after the Labor Day holiday begins with a fresh awareness of just how massive these changes are. As the Eastern seaboard and inland areas continue to face the results of hurricane Irene, the Gulf Coast is lashed by another tropical storm, and large swaths of the West continue to burn, it hardly seems as though we need the reminder.

And yet, Capricorn is never daunted by a challenge. The Moon in Capricorn doesn't shrink back or shirk. Instead, she grins and digs in. Just before 5pm EDT Tuesday, the Moon trines Jupiter in Taurus, connecting with the planet of generosity and good fortune. At midnight, the Moon trines the Sun in Virgo, bringing the two luminaries together with energy for good, detailed work and practical healing.

In the early hours of Wednesday, the Capricorn Moon squares Saturn in Libra. This is a challenging aspect, and yet, Saturn rules Capricorn––in this square, like meets like. Here again, we get an invitation to buckle down, find balance, and do the work.

Just after noon, the Moon trines Venus in Virgo, echoing the Sun trine. In the realm of relationships, finances and creativity, where is work needed? Where do we need to pay attention?

The Moon's last classical aspect in Capricorn is an opposition to Mars in Cancer. I'm not sure how things have been for you, but this Mars in Cancer transit has been difficult, with more than its share of anger, tension and emotionality. This opposition brings the emotional Moon in hard-nosed Capricorn, into contact with action-oriented Mars in emotional Cancer, and so asking the question, what action needs to be taken? What work is needed here?

The opposition initiates a void of course time that lasts until 5:42am EDT Thursday, when the Moon moves into visionary Aquarius.
   

Moon into Capricorn: Steady As She Goes

Tuesday afternoon through Thursday evening

The Moon steps purposefully into achievement-oriented Capricorn at 4:24pm EDT today, ready to get down to it, making this afternoon a great time to get things done.

working gears

Tonight, the Moon reaches powerful outer planets aspecting each other: squaring Uranus, opposing Mars, and joining Pluto. The faster-moving Moon triggers the unsettling Pluto-Uranus square, and Mars in the mix brings more emphasis.

This Moon could bring a bit of a reality check, a sense of the consequences of the let's-tear-it-all-down we're seeing with Pluto and Uranus. Or the Capricorn Moon might bring a realization of how much work really needs to be done. Tonight's dreams might reflect this.

Wednesday morning, the Moon trines Jupiter in Taurus, bringing an expansive sense of comfort and well being, especially if Tuesday was productive and there's a feeling of work well done. An afternoon square between the Moon and Saturn offers a check-in point: Are things going according to plan? If anything is out of balance, this Moon-Saturn connection could bring that into focus.

With many planets clustered in the earlier degrees, the Moon-Saturn square becomes the Moon's last classical aspect in Capricorn, lasting until she enters Aquarius just before midnight on Thursday. The combination of a void-of-course Moon and ongoing Mercury retrograde makes Thursday a day to avoid new beginnings.

There will also be inconjunct aspects between the Moon and first Venus, then the Sun, both in Leo during the void period, suggesting a need for adjustment in how we combine creative fire and practical achievements. This makes Wednesday afternoon and all day Thursday good for keeping on track and getting things done, rather than breaking out in new creative directions or beginning new enterprises. Slow and steady works for Capricorn, and for Mercury retrograde.

When the Moon enters Aquarius, we head toward Saturday's Full Moon and into the time of the revolutionary trickster. These next days, we appreciate the steady drive of Capricorn, and get some work done!

Moon into Capricorn: Making it Real

Wednesday morning through Friday afternoon

The Moon marches through Capricorn now, putting one boot down, then the other. My guided journey for tomorrow night's Full Capricorn Moon is available now, offering one path for connecting with the energy of this Moon.

The paired themes of this Full Moon are the challenges of making our goals real, and the generosity of the universe in sending messages on how that can happen.

Today, messages come thick and fast, as the Moon touches each of the outer planets: a sextile to Neptune this morning, followed by a sextile to Chiron, square to Uranus, conjunction with Pluto, and trine to Jupiter this afternoon and evening.

This is an Earth Moon, grounded, practical, wanting to know what's real. Uranian Fire might feel like nothing more than blowing smoke today, while the connections with Pluto and Jupiter in Earth, and Neptune and Chiron in Water, are things we can really get our hands on.

But wait ... overnight, the Capricorn Moon squares Saturn in Libra. What's this Saturn-Saturn connection (Saturn as ruler of Capricorn) trying to tell us? Maybe we need balance, careful thought, a touch of beauty, and the warmth of emotion too, and not just hard work. As the old song has it, "yes, it is bread we fight for, but we fight for roses too."

Thursday morning, the Moon reaches an opposition with Venus in Cancer, the only aspect today on the way to the Full Moon. This Moon-Venus, Capricorn-Cancer connection says again, the work we do is vitally important, but equally vital are the reasons, the feelings, the values, the relationships that provide the context for our actions in the world. We need the color; we need the love.

The Full Moon arrives at 2:40am EDT, the culmination of the Moon's transit through Capricorn, as her last classical aspect in this sign. After this, the Moon is void of course until she enters Aquarius at 4:30pm EDT Friday, a long time to reflect on whatever the Full Moon illuminates for us.

Moon into Capricorn: Walking the Talk

Thursday afternoon through Saturday evening

Sagittarian exploration ends this afternoon when the Moon steps into grounded, practical Capricorn, the sign that says philosophy might be a nice diversion, but it's time to get to work. Capricorn is the cardinal Earth sign, whose motto is "a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step."

This Moon in Earth will make easy, flowing aspects with planets in Earth and Water, and more challenging aspects with planets in Fire and Air. Yet all four elements are needed, working together in balance, to create the world.

Santa Fe adobe

The Moon's first aspect in Capricorn is a flowing sextile with Neptune, practical Earth and visionary Water. Tuesday at a dream workshop led by my friend Victoria Rabinowe, we built dreams with found objects. Mud, stone, wood, dried stalks and seeds, fragments of bark include all four elements in unique and wonderful forms.

Tonight, the Moon meets Uranus in square. The Awakener blazes through Aries, igniting fires of spirit, of anger, of desire, of change. This practical Moon challenges Uranus to pay attention to structures and foundations.

Overnight, the Capricorn Moon trines Venus in Taurus and sextiles Chiron in Pisces. Perhaps this combination will bring a new steadiness, calm and healing to relationships unsettled during the intense Aries time we've just been through.

Friday is a day to be grounded, offering great support for practical action. Over the course of the day, the Moon will trine Mercury and Mars in Taurus, join Pluto in Capricorn, and square Saturn in Libra. Meanwhile, Mercury and Mars will trine Pluto and join each other. Mind, action and emotion are aligned today.

As the Moon wanes, we share what we've learned with the world. What are the real-world applications of our realizations? "Matter" comes from the Latin materia, the stuff from which things are made, possibly originally from mater, origin and mother. Friday we explore what matters, and what we can do about it.

Saturday, the energy shifts from Earth to Air as the Sun enters Gemini overnight. Venus trines Pluto, calm and creative alchemy. The Moon's last aspect in Capricorn is a square to Jupiter in Aries, bringing us back to the philosopher king, our practical work in hand.

After about five hours in her time-between-times, the Moon lifts off into Aquarius at 10:31pm EDT. Soon after, the Sun and Moon, both now in Air, element of thought and communication, reach their waning trine, a time of harmony and understanding. Saturday night's dreams may fly far on bright wings.

Moon into Capricorn

Friday morning through Sunday morning

The Moon has stepped into Capricorn, to trine the Taurus Sun and meet Pluto. Today our feet are on the ground and we're ready for hands-on, practical action. Yes, we still have five planets burning their way through Aries, squaring off against Capricorn, but now we have a way to channel that energy into something real.

The Moon in Capricorn loves to work, as long as the goal is tangible and important. What have you committed to? What really needs to get done? What's the unpalatable task you're been putting off, that's now getting in your way? This is the Moon that helps you buckle down and just do it.

The Chariot (Rider-Waite-Smith)

A Capricorn Moon is steady and unflappable, which is a good thing, because there are powerful forces gathering. Venus moves into conjunction with Uranus, so watch for changes, tensions, and possible explosions in your relationships or financial matters.

Flowing with this energy instead of resisting it could open up new levels of authenticity in relationships, new opportunities with money, and energized creativity.

Meanwhile, Mercury and Mars join together to oppose Saturn as he holds steady in Libra. This opposition forms a T-square with powerful Pluto in Capricorn, a spot the Moon will emphasize tonight and tomorrow morning.

Finding a dynamic balance among primal desire, responsible action, and balanced thought could be tricky. In th Tarot, The Chariot shows a driver holding on to two very different, equally strong forces––this pattern is like that.

Yet, finding and maintaining that place of balanced control is possible. During this Capricorn Moon, Mercury turns direct (at 6:04am EDT Saturday), ending a fiery retrograde that invited us to think before we speak, but also offered a variety of intriguing challenges in technology and (mis)communication. Mercury's energy will flow forward again, moving quickly in Aries, so remember the lessons of the retrograde.

The Moon's last aspect in Capricorn will be a square to Jupiter in Aries at 8:13pm EDT Saturday, a direct reminder not to get carried away with Aries' expansive energy. The Moon remains void of course overnight and through Sunday morning, entering Aquarius at 1:59pm EDT.