Full Moon in Leo: Center Stage!

Full in bloom!

Full Moon in Leo
February 14, 2014
6:53 pm EST / 11:53 pm GMT


Oh, the Full Moon in Leo! In any year, this is the Full Moon illuminating our passions, creativity, and personal expression. Are we living from the heart? Are we courageous where we need to be? Can we take the lead? And ... can we be playful, living in the moment, alive in the juiciest way possible?

This year's Full Moon falls toward the end of Leo, 26 degrees, with the Sun at 26 Aquarius. See where that falls in your birth chart, as that area of life will be highlighted.

And ... hmmm ... look there by the Sun. Mercury Retrograde is conjunct the Sun, opposing the Full Moon. And, wow, there's Saturn in Scorpio squaring Sun, Mercury and Moon, turning this Full Moon into a challenging T-Square.

So, bring up the spotlights, get ready for your moment in center stage––and keep a weather eye out because it could be a bumpy night.

IF we are in our hearts, allowing this Mercury retrograde to bring us into inner, reflective spaces. IF we've been traveling with Saturn in Scorpio, finding the rough spots, working through deep issues, willing to learning. IF we've been open to transformation (for Pluto and Uranus and Venus are also in this Full Moon picture) ...

THEN this Full Moon can feel like a big, fat red rose bursting open, gorgeous to see, redolent with beautiful rose for the nose, full of creative possibilities. Oh! we might say, that's me!

On the other hand, this Full Moon does carry the potential for miscommunication (Mercury Rx) especially involving groups or technology (in Aquarius) that leads to hurt feelings and drama (Full Moon in Leo).

With Saturn in Scorpio squaring, issues could arise around the difference between what we thought was going on and what's really going on. Or, perhaps, something from the past we've not completely worked through could reappear (maybe in a new guise).

Since tomorrow is also Valentine's Day, which, whether you're celebrating, avoiding, or ignoring, gets us thinking about where we are in the realms of love, the call to stay in the moment, listen carefully, and communicate clearly, and remain compassionate and kind is there.

It's all about transformation, the signature energy of our time. The message there could not be more clear: A second T-Square has Uranus the revolutionary squaring Pluto and Venus in Capricorn, and Jupiter retrograde in Cancer.

We are deep into processes of assessing old relationships of all kinds, choosing to take (or having to take) hard looks at what's working, what's not working, and what needs to happen. Venus in Capricorn can be very pragmatic––willing to work hard, there for the long haul, but at some point, ready to say, look, this isn't going anywhere.

Pluto and Uranus are ALL about our need to change, and Jupiter in Cancer is highlighting our needs for security and nurturing. Uranus is there to push, prod, and sometimes light a fire: The past is fine as far as it goes, he says, but look at what's happening NOW. Shifts happen.

We're not without resources here. Mars in Libra trines the Sun and sextiles the Full Moon. He's ready to act, and brings charm, diplomacy, and skills at finding the win-win to the table. And these are good energies, overall; they really are. There's a lot of power flowing with this Full Moon.

The challenge will be to stay with the heart, stay with what we're truly passionate about, avoid shifting into places of hurt and misunderstanding, and being open, open, open to creativity and passion. It's going to be an amazing show. I can't wait for the curtain to rise...
    

In the Cradle of the New Moon

Infinite Dreams Tarot © Mary Pat Lynch 2013

New Moon in Leo
August 6, 2013 5:51 pm EDT

Lughnasadh (Sun at 15 Leo)
August 7, 2013 4:20 am EDT

It's time to prepare for the coming New Moon in Leo, and a passionate Moon this will be!

New Moons are always times of beginning, of planting seeds in the dark earth, of turning a corner away from the old and into the new.  

At this New Moon, we'll be in a special kind of cradle, a fiery crucible offering unique opportunities to get in touch with our creative depths.

Because the last Full Moon happened at 0 degrees of Aquarius (Sun at 0 Leo), the August Full Moon will also illuminate the Aquarius–Leo polarity, this time from the final degrees.

We were initiated into something at July's Full Moon. In August, what we've done with that initiation will be highlighted.

This New Moon, arriving on August 6, falls in the middle of Leo, the sign of the heart, passions, playfulness, creative expression, leadership, and shining our heart light into the world.

We have a chance to connect with our deepest longings and rededicate ourselves to our dearest goals––or joyfully commit to new goals.

This middle of Leo is also the time of Lughnasadh, one of the four ancient Celtic fire festivals celebrated in England as Lammas. This is a festival of first fruits, when the early results of the harvest could be gathered. Early grains were harvested, ground, and made into bread. Berries ripened. The hungry time of late summer ended.

In Ireland, Lugh held a great feast to honor his foster mother, Tailtiu, who sacrificed herself to create fertile fields. People gathered to celebrate, trade goods, race horses, and contract marriages. Although late storms were a risk, a good part of the growing season was now over, and people knew whether the harvest was liking to be good or bad. Plans were made accordingly.

By the calendar, Lughnasadh is celebrated on August 1 or 2. Astrologically, Lughnasad falls when the Sun reaches 15 Leo, which this year, is the day after the New Moon.

So this is a New Moon of our own "first fruits." Looking back through all that has happened in recent months, taking note of what was illuminated for us at the last Full Moon, where are we now?

To answer this question, we ask first:

How are we feeling? (We've still got two Grand Water Trines in the sky through today's Balsamic Moon. One will remain through the New Moon.)

What are we passionate about? What are we prepared to stand up for? (These Full and New Moons in Aquarius and Leo bring us to those issues. Aquarius is the larger vision, what will benefit the community. Leo is our heart's passion, what we bring to the table.)

Are we in the flow? Are we receiving and following our intuitive guidance? (Grand Water Trines carry intuitive insight as well as emotional energy. The New Moon is also trained by Uranus the revolutionary trickster.)

Where are we on our life path? Are we moving steadily toward goals we value and believe in? (The New Moon will square the Nodes of the Moon, all in the stubborn fixed signs. With focused insight, we could realize we are holding on to something that is blocking us; we could find we're standing in our own way. Conversely, we could work with the New Moon to create passionate commitments that can carry us over any obstacles, opening the way to joy.)

Are we willing to embrace transformation as needed? (Pluto and Jupiter are opposing each other, and will continue through the New Moon. Jupiter can take the stance "Everything's just perfect, thank you very much." Pluto will insist we acknowledge where change is needed. If Jupiter can get with the program, his expansive optimism can create an easier surrender.)

New Moon seeds are planted after the New Moon, 5:51 pm EDT, and in the days thereafter. This Balsamic time we're in right now is the preparation. What can we become aware of? What can we let go of? Where does the ground need to be made ready?

When the New Moon arrives––and Lughnasadh the next day––we make wishes and set intentions with creativity, passion and joy. In a few weeks, we'll leave the crucible and look around us to see where we've got to. It's bound to be someplace amazing,
    

Waxing Moon: Shift Happens!

Tiger wakes up!

Spring Equinox
March 20, 2013 7:02 am EDT
Gibbous Moon in Leo
March 23, 2013 1:56 pm EDT
Full Moon in Libra
March 27, 2013 5:27 am EDT

The Spring Equinox blew into town in a big way. I wish I could say it's brought warmth and sunshine, but we're still in winter here. So far, the changes have been internal––powerful on the inside.

Astrologically, the Equinox arrives when the Sun enters Aries, arriving at the Aries Point, zero Aries, beginner's mind, the Fool card in the Tarot. Where is your Aries Point? This is one of the things you want to know about your birth chart, for it's the place where new things enter your life.

My Aries Point is in my Eighth House of deeply transformative stuff. It's also exactly opposite my Second House Libra Sun. For me, it's like the Spring Equinox Aries Sun hits me right between the eyes. This happens every year, which, while I love Spring, might tell you why my favorite season is Autumn.

The convention phrase is "I feel like a new person!" What's more accurate for me this year––and with the intensely concentrated sky energies this might be true for you too––is "Wait! I just discovered I'm not who I thought I was!"

The transformation I'm experiencing involves peeling off lots of old layers that got added on in earlier searches for things like safety, privacy, acceptance and love. Those layers may have felt good and necessary at the time, but they're stiff and old now, holding me back from living my way into a more authentic life. Still, there's a lot of "ouch" in this process.

All the powers are online for this Spring cleaning: Mars and Uranus are conjunct in early Aries, ready to remove old layers with the sharpest tools they can find. The goddesses Eris and Pallas Athena hang out in late Aries, ready with blades of their own.

I've mentioned an ongoing yod, also called a Finger of Fate, in which Saturn and Pluto point at Jupiter––reminding us not to overextend, overinflate, or get too ahead of ourselves. Now we see a second yod overlapping this one: Jupiter and Mars–Uranus are pointing right back at Saturn, psuhing back against the forces of tradition, saying, yes, we're ready to lay solid foundations here but get on with it, already!

Meanwhile, Mars and Uranus are squaring Pluto while Chiron and Mercury sextile Pluto and semisextile Mars–Uranus. Oh yes, Chiron and Mercury are also trining Saturn. Venus enters Aries tonight (11:15 pm EDT), reaching her Aries Point moment. Whew!

These complex interwoven patterns are not deadlock; there's way too much energy flowing for that. These are healing patterns, blueprints for change.

We see powers for healing and compassion (Chiron and Mercury in Pisces), an awareness of the need for depth of understanding and strength (Saturn in Scorpio), an optimistic view of many opportunities (Jupiter in Gemini) and tremendous energy for growth and joy (everybody in Aries).

I want to highlight what an opportunity this is: Yes, we have a Spring Equinox every year, and Venus enters Aries every year, but Mars has a two-year cycle, and Uranus takes 80+ years to make it around the zodiac. Having this much focus in Aries, which this complexity of patterning, is special.

Maybe you're thinking you'd like a little less "special" in your life. I hear you, believe me, but we don't have that option. We live in interesting times. Our choices lie in our responses––are we riding the tiger or frozen in his glare?

At the Gibbous Moon on March 23, the Moon will be in fiesty Leo, squaring the Nodes of the Moon. Where, she asks, are we leaving passion and creativity behind? On the way to that moment, she will trine each of the Aries planets. These are wonderful days for healing art, creative expression, and passionate play.

Then, early on the morning of March 27, we reach the Libra Full Moon. The pattern is reminiscent of the last Full Moon: a singular Moon standing alone against a full court press of other planets. The energies, though, are very different. This time, we see one voice of balance and diplomacy speaking to a room full of supercharged adrenaline junkies.

This pattern reminds me of the Chariot card in the Tarot, which is all about learning to ride the tiger. I'll write more about this amazing Full Moon in a few days. What's important to see now is that it's coming, and bringing big energies with it.

This Full Moon will illuminate things like our authenticity, our passions, and whether we're speaking our truth––so taking a look now at our personal Aries Points and considering where change wants to flow in our lives are good things to be doing.

It's time to wake up. Toss the heavy blankets aside. Look around. Then, hit the ground running. It's a beautiful day!
    

Full Moon in Leo: Sing Out Loud!

Leo!

Full Moon in Leo
January 26, 2012
11:38 pm EST

The Full Leo Moon arrives tomorrow (Saturday) just before midnight in the Eastern US time zone, like a fairy godmother––except this is the Shrek fairy godmother, full-voiced, theatrical and belting out Holding Out for Hero (in C minor, of course).

We're in heroic Leo territory. This Moon is all about stepping into the spotlight and embracing who we really are. At each Full Moon, the Moon and Sun are opposite each other, which places the Sun in eccentric, individual Aquarius: No way to keep our lights under bushels now.

Mercury is widely conjunct the Sun in Aquarius, while Mars holds on in late Aquarius, bringing thought and action in line with who we are deep inside. Then there's the Uranus trine: The Moon at 7 Leo and Uranus at 5 Aries are stoking fires of revolutionary creativity and unique personal expression.

Full Moons illuminate. This one turns high-wattage spot lights on where we've been accommodating, making do, toeing the line, following orders and we just can't take it any more. 

To live with other humans, we all need to make adjustments. This Full Moon lights up the line where we compromise too much. This Moon strikes up the band and hands us the baton, saying it's time for us to lead the parade.

Now, no one said it would be easy ... Saturn in wary Scorpio squares the Full Moon. He can play the role of paranoid wet blanket, pointing out all the dangers in becoming more visible. Or he can become the magical advisor who knows where the hidden reefs are and guides our ship to a new and wonder-filled shore.

Mars squares the Nodes of the Moon, reminding us action is needed. We don't reach life goals by sitting around. Achievements are not delivered by UPS or FedEx. We gotta do stuff. Preferably now.

The Moon sits at the apex of a yod, a finger of fate, with Chiron and Pluto across the base. This hero story isn't a cartoon romp: We're called to make deep changes. Chiron the wounded healer and Pluto the phoenix alchemist push us into a wider vision of who we are and what we're meant to do.

The solution to a yod is opposite the apex, and there's the Aquarius Sun. Wherever we go, there we are. Maybe this Full Moon will light up an uncomfortable truth. If we can embrace it, things will be shaken up, but will also make sense in new and wonderful ways.

Expansive, optimistic Jupiter is on board this Full Moon, sextiling the Moon and trining the Sun. He's been retrograde for months, an unaccustomed time of inward focus. He's poised to turn direct in a few days and flow his exuberant energy forward.

Venus forms creative quintiles with both Saturn and Uranus, the ancient and modern rulers of Aquarius. Venus is creativity personified, and at this Full Moon tells us there are innovative ways to transform, embrace our inner eccentric, and express that in the world.

Where do Leo and Aquarius fall in your birth chart? These houses are illuminated, the areas of life in which we're called to follow our unique path. This Leo Moon's in my 12th House, the Aquarius Sun in my 6th, lighting up my spirituality, intuitive connections, personal health regimens, and ways in which I serve others. Yes, it's time to blaze some new paths in these areas of my life!

This is a Full Moon for playfulness, passion, creative expression and individuality. Depending on where you are and who you're with, there could also be drama and fireworks. This Saturday, surround yourself with friends ready to celebrate the real you, people whose personal paths you can whole-heartedly support. That way, everyone can have a wonderfully fun Leo–Aquarius time.

    

Disseminating Moon: In Like a Lion!

Takarabune!

Disseminating Moon in Leo
January 1, 2013

Of course, I first typed "2012" in that header, then had to correct for the new year. Here we are, crossing yet another threshold, stepping through another portal, into what promises to be another amazing journey round the Sun.

Calendar time and astrological time don't always mesh gracefully. Yet on January 1, New Year's Day, we step into the Disseminating Moon––the waning phase after the Full Moon when we share out what we've learned, gained, and come to understand.

Since this is the calendar time of new beginnings, resolutions, and good wishes, it's intriguing that the lunar calendar invites us to put into practice all the things we've learned in this lunar cycle, and by extension, the past year.

The Moon's in passionate, creative, playful Leo, which is wonderful because Leo is feisty, fiery and warm, and we're in Capricorn time. The Sun is just slightly past conjunction with deep, deep Pluto, and Juno and Mercury are likewise in Capricorn. Saturn holds steady to his mutual-reception-sextile with Pluto, increasing the rock-hard, iron-fist qualities of cardinal Earth that Capricorn brings.

We're in deep winter here in southern Indiana, with more snow than Chicago or Boston, which, honestly, just isn't right. The weather's got me thinking about Capricorn, and the qualities that sign represents.

Saturn-ruled Capricorn is often described as the quintessential patriarch, the archetypal Father, authoritarian to the max. Capricorn can definitely wear that suit, and it fits well ... but as an Earth sign, Capricorn also carries feminine, or perhaps we might say, yin, energy.

In woman's garb, Capricorn is the Cailleach, the hag of winter who's bones are hard rock, and who can be pitiless in enforcing the laws of nature. This is the Baba Yaga, whose key question when we show up at her door is, "Are you here of your own free will?"

Which isn't a bad question for New Year's. Are we? Are we, wherever we are in our lives, there of our own free will? What does it mean to even ask that question?

The Moon in Leo knows––the Leo Moon, a square-and-a-half from the Cailleach, knows all about free will, and the absolute necessity of personal creative expression.

Within what is frozen, there is a burning ember waiting to ignite. Within the rock, there is gold. At this turning of the year, what commitments will we make to acknowledge the force of the Cailleach, while reaching with courage for the gold that is ours?

Luckily, help is available. Lots of help, always, actually, but I'm thinking of the Takarabune, the Seven Lucky Gods of Japan, whose night this is. Tonight and tomorrow, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day, sleep with an image of the ship of these gods under your pillow, and your dreams may show you good fortune to come.

The Leo Moon is squaring the Moon's Nodes, which mark the pathway from the past into the future. A planet squaring the Nodes is said to be a missed step, something we haven't yet done, that may block us from moving forward.

At this Disseminating Moon in Leo, arriving on New Year's Day, we step forward boldly and reach for whatever good luck and good fortune are available to us, carrying these gifts into the coming year with a high heart.
    

Balsamic Moon: Down the Rabbit Hole

Balsamic Moon in Leo
October 11, 2012

This Balsamic Moon reminds me of the Mock Turtle in Alice in Wonderland, a melancholy creature neither one nor t'other, styled after an imitation, who's word play made him almost impossible to follow.

Here we are at the tail end of a lunar cycle that began in Virgo and climaxed in Aries, turning everything topsy turvy and tossing a few thunderbolts here and there just for effect. Like Alice, we look around for something familiar to tell us where we are, precisely, and how we get home.

This is the time for letting go, releasing what no longer serves us, in preparation for the New Moon cycle to come ... but first we have to sort out which end is up and what sort of world we've gotten in to.

Underpinning everything is a Grand Trine in Water that flows between Saturn and Mercury in Scorpio, Neptune and Chiron in Pisces, and Ceres in Cancer.

When Neptune and Chiron seem to be dragging us into waters way over our heads, an ocean that might well be made of tears, Saturn and Mercury throw a lifeline of insight––although the insight might be in the form of satire, absurdist word play, or, in a pinch, heavy sarcasm.

Ceres in Cancer offers the hope of nurturing, safety, and tribe, and yet in this mix, she's also quite ready to be fierce, refusing to participate until she gets her own back. Strange depths we find ourselves in!

The Moon anchors a jumbled Grand Cross in which planets at the beginning and end of their signs form out-of-sign squares and oppositions. There is challenge here, and plenty to be explored and learned, but the unusual pairings turn the usual interpretations on their heads.

The Leo Moon squares the Nodes of the Moon, making her the missed step that needs to be found again. This Moon wants to create, play, express from the heart. She will not be silenced. She steps forward into the light.

The Nodes in Scorpio and Taurus prefer to stay put, thank you very much, and yet Sagittarian Mars joins the North Node, squaring the Moon while adding his Fire to create movement and change.

Neptune and Chiron also square the Nodes and Mars, opposing the Moon, in cosmic, creative, emotional Pisces.

There's a lot to balance; we're now at the Mad Tea Party, when everyone wants their say and no one makes sense.

With Alice, we cry, "Is everyone mad here?"

It's not all smoke and mirrors, though. There are some strong threads to guide us through the maze.

Venus is holding on to the end of her trine with Pluto, reminding us that sometimes the only way out is through, and a willing acceptance of necessary change can make the process less painful. The Sun trines Jupiter retrograde in Gemini, bringing thoughtful, creative reflection. Mars moves into his trine with Aries, ready to act, walking into the fires of transformation on the journey to something better.

Most intriguing of all, the passionate Leo Moon forms creative quintiles to Jupiter and Mercury. Quintiles are rare aspects that invite imaginative play and innovation. At this Balsamic Moon, we're called to combine hard-won personal insight, philosophical reflection, and courageous expression.

Beneath the absurd twists of circumstance, the challenges of fate, and anxieties about where we are and what it all means, the great heart of the Leo Moon beats strongly and steadily. She brings laughter, life and love. Out of all the madness, she says, beauty will rise.
    

Balsamic Moon: Alchemical Magic

Antony and Cleopatra

Balsamic Moon in Leo: September 12, 2012

At the Balsamic Moon, we turn toward the darkest Moon time, a time of letting go and preparing the ground for the New Moon to come. Balsamic moons are often nostalgic, quiet, calm, a little sad ... but not this one.

We're closing out the lunar cycle that began with the New Moon in Leo, and this Balsamic Moon takes the stage for one last passionate performance. This Leo Balsamic Moon is conjunct Venus, which amps up the drama, romance, creativity, and sheer beauty of this waning crescent.

Think of great scenes with passionate couples. Beatrice and Benedick will do, but also Macbeth and his Lady, for what we make of our stars is up to us. This couple need not be a romantic pair, either––think of Lear and his Fool.

Picture a stage, dark except for a spotlight front and center. There stand two people, deeply connected, tied together by fate, but not (yet) of one heart and mind: They have things to work out. These two might well be voices within the psyche, and what they choose at this Moon will have a lasting impact.

Tremendous power focuses in on the Moon and Venus, who sit at the apex of a Yod with Chiron and Pluto at the base. The presence of the wounded healer and the great transformer make this an alchemical Moon. We're in the cauldron––what will we become at the end of the process?

The Moon and Venus in Leo suggest the final, red stage of alchemical transformation: the rubedo, associated with the phoenix, the rose, and the king. This is the moment of success, when the alchemical gold, the philosopher's stone, is within our grasp.

Poised in the final moments of a delicate process, we know things can still go wrong. How many alchemists failed again and again and again, in search of the magical elixir?

This Balsamic Moon flows energy with Uranus in Aries, accessing a fiery energy very difficult to control. Great care is needed.

Meanwhile, the Sun in Virgo is conjunct Mercury, and both are semisquare the Moon and Venus. Here are the careful practitioners of secret arts, consulting their notes, moving deftly, hands and eyes steady. To return to the stage, these are the behind-the-curtain technicians who create magic unseen.

So much has gone into this experiment that is our life. Time, toil, heart, mind, and soul. Hopes, dreams, desires, and fears. We have made mistakes. We have learned. We are poised at a crucial point, to make or mar what we have worked on so long.

This is no time to hesitate. Be not faint of heart! (Excuse the flowery language, but seeing the Moon and Venus in Leo staring down Pluto and Chiron, and trying to balance Uranus as well, makes me feel all Shakespearean.)

Having made it through this Leo lunar cycle, your heart knows what to let go of, and what to hold on to. Listen to your heart, and follow.
    

New Moon in Leo: The Heart Has Its Reasons

New Moon in Leo: August 17, 2012, 11:54:26 am EDT

Tomorrow we're offered a chance to reconnect with our heart––the beating pump moving life throughout our bodies, the generator of an energy field connecting us with the world around us, and the seat of our courageous, passionate, shining self.

It's been a rough year, and the tumultuousosity of our times is increasing. How can we cope with everything life is throwing at us now, in our private lives as well as globally?

Many of us are gradually realizing that there's no way to think our way out of the mazes we're in. Too many data points, changing too quickly, too many needs, too many demands, not enough time and energy. Rationality is hitting the wall on this one.

At this New Moon in Leo, the door opens on another way. Aristotle, and the ancient Egyptians, located the mind in the heart, rather than the brain. Today, increasing evidence shows we think with our whole bodies, and the heart has a special place in regulating how everything works together.

At the HeartMath Institute, they call this coherence, a state of steady, organized cycling within our body systems that promotes well being and peace. Sounds good, doesn't it? At this New Moon, we can set intentions and make wishes to move in this direction.

This New Moon comes with challenges, and challenges lead to growth.

Because the New Moon comes at the end of Leo (25 degrees 8 minutes, to be exact), and because the Sun and Moon reach out farther on either side than any other body in the sky (astrologers call this 'orb'), this New Moon makes out-of-sign oppositions and squares to the T-square hovering over the Moon's Nodes.

The New Moon is opposite Neptune and Chiron, and square to the North and South Node, as Neptune also squares the Nodes.

The Neptune–Node T-square has been around for a while, and while this aspect pattern has been pushing us to explore connection and spirituality, it's also been acting as a fog machine, shrouding our path forward.

Now the New Moon arrives, bringing the lights of Sun and Moon together, to challenge the Neptunian mists and illuminate the next steps. If Neptune has been creating fog in your life, set the intention at the New Moon to turn the lights on!

Another T-square focuses more attention on matters of the heart, as Venus slips out of her opposition to Pluto and square to Uranus. Venus is in nurturing, and sometimes emotionally needy, Cancer. This pattern may have pinpointed where today's chaos is hitting home. If this has been true for you, make some New Moon Wishes to be courageous in the face of inevitable change.

This New Moon has the power to face up to transformation, as the Sun and Moon sit at the apex of a Finger of the World with Pluto and Uranus at its base. Each of the powerhouses forms a sesquiquadrate to the New Moon, a challenge that Leo energy is ready for.

The importance of mind is highlighted with Mercury in Leo at the apex of a Yod with Pluto and Chiron at its base. Now thankfully direct, Mercury embraces Leonine courage and passionate self expression in answer to pressure to transform and heal. Since Mercury is also trining Uranus, change is on the agenda, so suit up and stand ready.

Jupiter stands ready to energize the New Moon, forming a creative quintile from his position in mid Gemini. Saturn quintiles Pluto ... did we need another indication that change is in the air?

Check where this New Moon falls in your chart. Look to see which planets and chart angles are touched; basically, anything in or around that 25th degree. This will point to where the New Moon will be focusing its energy, and where intentions and wishes will be powerful.

Leo is the energy of courage, passion, playfulness, and leadership. This sign loves the spotlight, and wants to share what's in the heart. A great actress delivering a dramatic monologue, a brave leader inspiring his followers, a clown who captivates attention while teaching an important lesson––these are Leo.

In these times, we all need to be strong of heart.
        

Crescent Moon: The Bud Unfurls

tight in the bud

Crescent Moon: June 23, 2012

And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom. ––Anais Nin

Today is the day. The Sun and Moon form their waxing semisquare. Something in us pushes to open. In some way, small perhaps but finally palpable, we are no longer who we were.

The Sun moves into opposition with alchemical Pluto. The tectonic plates of tradition, ancestry, the deep past push up against each other, looking for release. Revolutionary Uranus squares them both, ready for anything.

Meanwhile, Neptune and Chiron, vision and healing (and also lies and wounding) are squaring the Nodes of the Moon, and Jupiter, and Venus. Good fortune is allied with the path of fate––do we choose the Gate of Horn or the Gate of Ivory? Apocalyptic despair or visions of hope and beauty?

The Moon's only other aspect today is a creative, quirky quintile with Jupiter the Great Good Thing: With the Moon in Leo and Jupiter in Gemini, this quintile can expand infinitely in an amazing burst of creative fire.

Saturn remains at the apex of his Finger of the World: A square-and-a-half against Chiron and Venus, who square each other.

What breaks free now? When healing and balance, wisdom and love, challenge each other, what becomes real?

The Moon is visible in the sky again, her gentle curve showing the emerging path of growth. Where are we becoming, now?
    

Crescent Moon: Careful Nurturing

Crescent Moon: May 24, 2012

First, my apologies for getting behind with the posts. My return trip from Scotland was a bit harrowing and I've been in the grip of jet lag. Without further delay, let's get on with this amazing lunar cycle and see where we are:

The Gemini New Moon and accompanying eclipse dubbed "The Ring of Fire" initiated a cascade of new somethings that will be popping up for a long time to come.

Wherever this New Moon touched your chart, you may already have experienced synchronicity, surprise, communication, connection, youth, sudden shifts, newness––or not quite yet.

The thing about the New Moon is, it's dark. Masked by the Sun, we can't see the Moon at all for about three days. The night is dark as the earth, where seeds wait to germinate, dark as the womb in which new life stirs.

At the New Moon, we note where energy is flowing and allow our energies to flow with it, in the form of wishes and intentions. But until seeds begin emerging, we can't see what we might be growing. Yes, we wished for roses, but are those sunflowers growing there? Or stinging nettle?

The Crescent Moon arrived on Thursday evening (in the Eastern Tome Zone) with the Moon in her home sign of Cancer. Semisquare to the Sun in bright Gemini, the Cancer Moon felt protective of those newly emerging seedlings, knowing full well Gemini may have completely lost interest by now, drawn to the latest shiny thing. Or remembering the seedlings, Gemini would want to see, right now, how they were doing, examining them so exhaustively the attention alone could wilt them.

So, the Cancer Moon hid the seedlings a bit longer, nurturing them. It's a harsh world out there. The Crescent Moon placed the Moon at the apex of an unusual aspect pattern called the Finger of the World, which is a broad isoceles triangle of challenging aspects.

As the North Node (the point of unfolding fate) and Chiron (the wounded healer) squared each other, the Moon formed a sesquiquadrate (a square and a half) to each. This places the Moon in the hot seat, driven to solve the problem presented by the North Node–Chiron square. In a contest between fate and wounding, a Cancer Moon will choose to protect.

Even though the Crescent Moon usually offers the first glimpse of our emerging seedlings, I'm wondering if, for many of us, we're still feeling a bit in the dark about what this New Moon will actually bring into our lives.

Now, the Moon is in bright and sturdy Leo. Early this morning, the Moon and Sun formed a sextile, and we look to the playful Leo Moon to give our seedlings the support and care they need without too much swaddling. Now we look to see what's growing in our gardens, in the energy of Air and Fire.

Challenges are still out there, though. At the moment of the Sun–Moon sextile, the Moon was also in the hot seat of a yod, in which Chiron the wounded healer sextiled Pluto the transformer, who each are inconjunct the Moon.

But wait ... the Sun–Moon sextile itself forms the base of another yod with Pluto at its apex. And, if that weren't enough, the Moon is part of a Grand Trine in Fire with the North Node and Uranus.

It's time to check in: How committed are we to those New Moon wishes? We're on our way to the First Quarter Moon, the square that will put that question right in front of us. Our seedling wishes are already on the receiving end of powerful energies, so it's good to be sure this is really what we want.

The thing is, New Moon eclipses carry power. Events, patterns, stuff reach back and forward in ways difficult to discern. The aspects we see at the Crescent Moon and this morning's Sun–Moon sextile remind us that transformation is afoot. Continue to watch the parts of your chart touched by the New Moon, and take care of your wish garden.
   

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.
    

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!
     

Moon into Leo: Take Aim and Fire!

Sunday evening through Tuesday night
Eastern Standard Time

Sunday, March 4

the energy of Fire

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

taking aim at a goal

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

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

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

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

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

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

Moon into Leo: Shining Like the Sun

Monday morning through Wednesday afternoon
Eastern Standard Time

Monday, February 6
Moon enters Leo 8:24am

Strength ©Stephanie Pui-Mun Law

Moon semisextile Neptune (Pisces) 8:35am
Moon trine Uranus (Aries) 12:01pm
Moon square Jupiter (Taurus) 2:23pm
Moon inconjunct Chiron (Pisces) 3:30pm
Moon inconjunct Pluto (Capricorn) 11:34pm

Tuesday, February 7
Moon trine the North Node (Sagittarius) 3:49am
Sun (Aquarius) conjunct Mercury (Aquarius) 4:02am
Saturn retrograde in Libra 9:03am
Venus (Pisces) inconjunct Saturn (Libra) 2:59pm
Full Moon in Leo
Moon opposite Sun (Aquarius) 4:54pm
Moon opposite Mercury (Aquarius) 5:42pm
Moon semisextile Mars (Virgo) 10:14pm

Wednesday, February 8
Venus enters Aries 1:00am
Venus (Aries) inconjunct Neptune (Pisces) 4:29am
Moon sextile Saturn (Libra) 11:42am
(begin void of course)
Moon enters Virgo 12:32pm
Moon opposite Neptune (Pisces) 12:50pm
Moon inconjunct Venus (Aries) 1:36pm
Moon inconjunct Uranus (Aries) 4:09pm
Moon trine Jupiter (Taurus) 6:45pm
Moon opposite Chiron (Pisces) 7:33pm

The Moon entered Leo this morning, striding onstage for the final dress rehearsal before tomorrow's Full Moon performance. Her opening contacts with Neptune and Uranus are strong and flowing, so expect abundant intuitive messages today. Awkward aspects with Jupiter, Chiron and Pluto add some edge to this last rehearsal. Things might be a bit rocky, but that only guarantees a stellar performance.

Tomorrow, the Moon opens the day by flowing fiery energy into the North Node, our path in this life. The Sun and Mercury join forces, sharpening our mental acuity to a fine point. Brilliant ideas form easily, innovation is in the air, but remember the trickster is about too––don't get too wedded to any one model.

Another reminder to step carefully arrives as Saturn stations retrograde in Libra. For the next months, we need to walk our talk, be impeccable with our words, and follow through.

These are always good ideas, but with Saturn retrograde, chickens might come home to roost rather quickly for those who pursue manipulative and shady paths. Venus awkwardly inconjunct Saturn is just one more reminder to stay true to our brightest visions.

Then the Full Moon! This Moon in Leo, sign of the heart, of the light we're meant to shine forth, of our courage and joy, is surrounded by aspects that point to creative inspiration combined with the power to manifest.

This Full Moon illuminates our heartfire, letting us know whether it's burning high and bright, or needs some passionate, playful fuel.

Each opposition surrounding this Moon calls us to balance personal creative vision with the good of our communities. With the Full Moon in Leo, it's vital we are part of that balance. At this Moon, we're not called to self-sacrifice, but to bringing our juiciest, most authentic self on stage.

As if to emphasize this, Venus enters Aries early Wednesday. Our relationships, finances, and creative lives surge forward. We're ready to set the world on fire. An awkward contact between Venus and Neptune reminds us not to move too quickly, while urging us on to action in alignment with our dreams.

A flowing sextile with Saturn closes this Moon transit through Leo, giving power to our ability to manifest. Wednesday afternoon, the Moon enters careful, detail-oriented Virgo. While she shines forth in Leo, we listen to our muses, vow to take action on our heart's desires, and make it so.
    

Moon into Leo: Enter the Queen!

Monday night through Thursday morning
Eastern Standard Time

Tuesday, January 10

young leopard charging

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

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

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

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

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

Queen Nefertiti

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

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

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

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

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

Moon into Leo: The Passionate Advocate

Tuesday afternoon through Thursday night
Eastern Standard Time

Tuesday, December 13
Moon enters Leo 4:48pm

hearts in a choir stall

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

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

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

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

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

heart labyrinth

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

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

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

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

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

Moon in Leo: Rehearsing for a New Role

Wednesday morning through Friday evening
Eastern Standard Time

center stage

Wednesday, November 16
Moon enters Leo 11:17am
Moon inconjunct Chiron (Pisces) 12:30pm
Moon trine Uranus (Aries) 12:54pm
Moon square Jupiter (Taurus) 4:33pm
Mars (Virgo) trine Jupiter (Taurus) 5:07pm
Moon inconjunct Pluto (Capricorn) 10:01pm 

Thursday, November 17
Moon trine the North Node (Sagittarius) 3:15pm 
Moon trine Mercury (Sagittarius) 7:07pm
Moon trine Venus (Sagittarius) 10:59pm

Friday, November 18
Moon sextile Saturn (Libra) 7:28am
Moon square Sun (Scorpio) 10:08am
Moon opposite Neptune (Aquarius) 2:06pm
(begin void of course)
Moon enters Virgo 5:19pm
Moon opposite Chiron (Pisces) 6:30pm
Moon inconjunct Uranus (Aries) 6:46p
Moon trine Jupiter (Taurus) 9:50pm

The Moon stands center stage in the spotlight, having just entered Leo. Her presence draws our attention although she hasn't said a word or even made a gesture. Here I am, her presence says. Here I am. We've had a few days respite in Cancer, and found in the process that resistance is not enough. Leo is the sign of personal, passionate, creative, playful expression. The sign that leads from the heart. The sign that welcomes attention not to stroke the ego, but to speak truth.

ready for adventure!

Wednesday's aspects point to a process of figuring out what to say, when, and to whom. The Leo Moon is inconjunct Chiron, the mentor and healer––feeling edgy, ready to do something, anything, this Moon is impatient. Trining Uranus, feeling a surge of revolutionary passion, the Moon says, Yes! But then comes the square with Jupiter: Again, a sage appears with difficult questions when all the Moon wants is to go.

Mars, newly arrived in careful Virgo, trines Jupiter today, supporting slow, planned action rather than acting out. The Moon closes the day with an inconjunct to Pluto the alchemist. It seems that everyone wants this Leo Moon to wait, reflect, consider. Sigh.

Now look at Thursday's transits, bringing a shift in energy and heralding next week's amazing New Moon in Sagittarius: The Leo Moon trines the North Node, Mercury and Venus, who are lined up together in Sagittarius, the sign they will stay in through the New Moon to come.

Now the passionate Leo Moon connects. Now we explore where our journey might take us. Now we share our excitement with these optimistic, openhearted adventurers. On Thursday, we see the road ahead with new clarity and embrace it.

Which is good, because Friday brings work to be done. We've had our taste of what might be ahead for us and now we need to make it real. The Leo Moon sextiles Saturn in Libra, supporting creative work of all kinds. Your muse is ready and waiting.

Friday also brings the waning Quarter, as the Moon squares the Scorpio Sun. We're entering the last phase of the waning lunar cycle, when it's time to clear the decks and make ready for what's coming. With the Moon in Leo, imagine yourself as Prospero saying goodbye to old magics to welcome a new phase of life, or Gandalf counseling Frodo on how to let go and move on. We can reach deep, acknowledge the power of what has been, and make ready for a new day.
    

Moon into Leo: Celebrating Change!

Thursday night through Saturday night

The Moon sailed into passionate, expressive Leo last night, where her first actions were to meet Mars in Leo and trine Uranus in Aries, setting the stage for an explosion of creative energy. Mars and Uranus reached their exact trine early this morning.

In the early hours of this morning, the Sun entered creative Libra, marking the astrological Autumnal Equinox, the neopagan festival of Mabon, and harvest festivals the world over. At Weather Thor's Day, Nan Moss shares a poem on this time of equal day and equal night in which she says, in these times of change, that "Equal fear, equal courage" is the true equinox.

Libra is the sign of balance, harmony, beauty and peace, where we experience the ability to see both sides of any question and mediate a just solution. The Moon and Mars in Leo embrace the courage of the heart, ready to face equally the dark and the light, and find a creative way forward. With Uranus the trickster on board, we watch for the unexpected.

This afternoon, the Moon squares Jupiter in Taurus. Expansive, philosophical Jupiter cautions the Moon to slow down, experience the sensual world in all its glory, and nurture ourselves. The passionate Leo Moon pulls Jupiter into a dance, unwilling to sit still. The Moon sextiles Venus in Libra later this afternoon, another creative blending that invites our individual muses to join the dance as well, inspiring us anew.

Strange Fruit performance troupe coming to Lotus

This weekend, my new hometown celebrates world music and art in its annual Lotus Festival––a wonderful way to experience this combination of Leo and Libran energies!

In the early hours of Saturday, the Moon sextiles Saturn. If you're up that late (4:36am EDT), you might feel inspiration turning to action, as words, colors or shapes begin taking form. Saturday is a day for making.

Saturday night, the Sun and Chiron form an inconjunct angle-of-adjustment. What new balance point do we need to find, for healing to happen? If we've been stuck in feeling wounded, where can we find peace?

Not long after the Sun–Chiron connection, the Moon opposes Neptune in Aquarius, and we're asked to take our individual creative visions into a wider realm of community and cosmos. This is the last classical aspect in Leo, opening a two-hour void of course until the Moon steps into analytical Virgo at 12:40am EDT Sunday.

While the Moon is in Leo, the Sun enters Libra, and the year turns, we celebrate our creative passions and face with courage the changes arriving in our world.
   

Moon into Leo: Here Comes the Sun

Friday morning through Sunday afternoon

Yes, I'm late with this post. I'm putting it down to a last tweak from retro Mercury before he turned direct yesterday afternoon, because somehow I thought yesterday was today, or vice versa ... you get the idea.

Anyway, the Moon entered creative, playful, passionate Leo yesterday morning, the sign in which Mercury has been messing with us these last few weeks. Mercury's goal was to invite us to slow down, disconnect, and look within, but his methods––well, Leo likes to play.

the Southern Pinwheel Galaxy

Just as Mercury turned direct, the Leo Moon flowed energy in trine with Uranus in Aries, adding a jolt of revolutionary trickster to the mix. Overnight, the careful Virgo Sun formed an edgy quincunx with Uranus, so if you woke this morning with dreams of adjusting to change and feeling a bit anxious about it, look to that Sun–Uranus connection.

Early this morning, the Leo Moon squared Jupiter in Taurus. Can our passionate feelings create enough energy to get Jupiter's bounty flowing again? Taurus is generous but slow, and we may be feeling the need for more action, more energy today. On the other hand (with a square, there's always another hand), Jupiter in Taurus might remind the fiery Moon to slow down a little, that good things take time to grow and having it now could mean having less.

Early this afternoon, the Moon flows with Saturn in creative Libra, so perhaps this Moon will listen to Jupiter's calming advice. This Moon–Saturn combination is wonderful creative energy, the determination to get some work done with inspiration from the muse. It's Saturday, but if you feel your genius whispering in your ear, take note and get working.

This evening, the Moon joins Mercury, newly direct in Leo, creating a fountain of energizing, inspiring ideas. If you've somehow missed writer Elizabeth Gilbert's amazing TED talk on genius, listen today. This evening, with the Moon and Mercury together in Leo, your daimon will definitely be hanging around, so listen then too.

Sunday morning, the Virgo Sun forms a flowing trine with alchemical Pluto. This is one arm of the wonderful Grand Trine in Earth that is part of Sunday evening's New Moon in Virgo. As the Sun and Pluto connect, we begin to sense the very grounded and stable energy this New Moon offers.

In early afternoon, the Moon opposes Neptune in Aquarius. This illuminating connection creates the opportunity for deep intuitive messages, dreams and visions to flow through the intense creative fire of the Leo Moon. This is the Moon's last contact in Leo, and she enters about an hour void-of-course period before stepping into practical Virgo.

Heading toward tomorrow's New Moon, we're in a wonderfully energized creative space today. There are plenty of challenges facing us now, including massive, circling Irene on along the East Coast of North America. So it's good to remember that creativity is not exclusively about great art, but also great living. There are innovative solutions out there, and today we can connect with them.
   

Moon into Leo: Sailing to the New Moon

Friday night through Sunday night

Overnight, the Moon roars into Leo, ready for anything. Because Saturday's New Moon occurs early in Leo, at 7 degrees, aspect patterns for the New Moon begin falling into place.

The Moon begins with an inconjunct to Neptune and a trine to Ceres, easily understanding the fierce maternal energy of Demeter, but having a harder time connecting with Neptune's easy, cosmic flow. The Leo Moon is very much in the bright Sun of the Now, not the forever waters of Neptune's oceans.

Then comes the conjunction with Venus that is one of the hallmarks of this New Moon. Venus brings added creativity and good fortune, as well as relationships. 

A trine to Uranus in Aries is the signal that this Moon is thinking outside the box, innovative as well as creative and not bound by convention. At the same time, and inconjunct to Chiron in Pisces reminds us that the deepest forms of creative expression are also healing.

The New Moon is exact at 2:40pm Saturday. Once we reach this moment, we can make wishes and send our intentions out to the universe with all the passion and joy Leo can muster (and that's quite a bit!). Leo's qualities point the way to wishes that will be strongly supported now. Where do we need more passion and joy in our lives? What creative gifts are ready to shine? Where is it time to step into the spotlight, claim our power, and become king, or queen? Where do we need more fun, more play?

This New Moon is the focal point of a yod, that fateful aspect that says "this is important!" Pluto on one side, and Neptune and Chiron on the other, challenge the Leo New Moon to transform, heal and connect, to shine our heart light not only on a limited human stage, but out into the cosmos.

After the New Moon, the Moon and Jupiter reach their exact square, a reminder that while desire flies on swift wings, manifestation takes a bit more time, and care. Jupiter brings good fortune, expansiveness, and generosity, which Leo loves. The Moon brings nurturing and a love for tradition that Taurus feels comfortable with. There is room in this square for much balancing.

A nighttime sextile with Saturn in Libra continues the theme of manifesting creativity. Saturn, the planet of form, can help our New Moon intentions become real.

Sunday, Venus in Leo begins to move through the same aspects. She forms an inconjunct to Chiron and trines Uranus, looking healing in matters of creativity, finances, and relationship by thinking outside the box and staying true to her core self.

Overnight Sunday, the Moon reaches her last classical aspect in Leo, sextiling Mars in Gemini. This connection channels Leo's creative fire into new communications, seeking innovative ways to spread the word.

The Moon steps into the carefully organized territory of Virgo in the early hours of Monday, preparing to create the detailed plans that will make Leo's wild creativity into something a bit more practical, perhaps, but also real.