New Moon in Taurus: Good Stewardship

In the Garden by Childe Hassam

New Moon in Taurus
Annular Solar Eclipse
April 29, 2014
2:14 am EDT / 7:14 am BST

In the midst of our cosmic transformational program, we're about to experience a New Moon in Taurus with a solar eclipse––which means this is an especially strong New Moon, really powerful in the energy it carries, and with longer echoes forward than usual.

This is a good thing, because we've all been in this process long enough to have some clue (an inkling, at least) of what's emerging for us and what we may want to do about it. At this Taurus New Moon, we'll plant seeds for those new directions, and they'll have extra-potent eclipse fertilizer.

Now, it's true, Taurus can be a bit stodgy, loving the familiar and the comfortable, and letting anything upsetting just go right on by. But THIS Taurus New Moon won't be doing that. No, THIS Taurus New Moon breaks through to everything that is deep in us, what is truly fundamental, where our roots truly are.

This Taurus New Moon includes the utterly alchemical Cardinal Grand Cross of Pluto in Capricorn, Uranus in Aries, Jupiter in Cancer and Mars in Libra AND Pluto is sending energy via a trine to the New Moon itself with an especially strong link to Mercury. This is not couch-potato Taurus, this is get-out-there-and-till-that-ground-deep Taurus.

It's the Taurus that underlies Reject and Protect (are those Taurus words, or what?), an alliance of (yes!) cowboys and Indians to stop the Keystone Pipeline. This grassroots group of ranchers and native communities has been in Washington, D.C. this week, and they chose a Taurean style of action: riding in on horseback and setting up camp. This is stewardship of the land, of culture, and of the future.

This is a powerful time we're in, between the Full Moon and New Moon eclipses. Even if you don't usually check your birth chart, this time you really want to. Where does this New Moon eclipse fall for you? Which of your planets are involved?

One of the great posts I found this week is Molly Hall's discussion of how eclipse aspects to our natal planets can affect us. These two eclipses, lunar and solar, Full and New Moons, touch my birth chart in significant ways. My experience of these transformational times has led to a decision I'll share here, and then talk a bit about the astrology of this for me:

This is the last post I'll write for my blog Rising Moon Astrology. This decision became very clear for me yesterday, during the Balsamic Moon. And while I'm feeling sad and nostalgic in a balsmic-y way about it, I know it's the next step for me.

First, a look at how these eclipses have touched my birth chart. The Full Moon eclipse happened right on top of my Mercury–Neptune conjunction, trined my Pluto–Ascendant conjunction, and squared my Uranus–Neptune conjunction as well as my Chiron (who opposes Uranus–Jupiter while all square Mercury–Neptune).

Yes, it's true, that Full Moon eclipse was on one of the key aspect patterns in my chart that has to do with things like my creative work, my writing, how I think and communicate generally, what my core wound looks like (ouch), what my mission is in the world.

The New Moon eclipse is in my Ninth House of journeys (all kinds) and trines my Moon, is inconjunct my Sun, and trines my North Node–Mars conjunction. That same North Node–Mars conjunction is right under Pluto at the moment, and therefore part of the Grand Cardinal Cross.

Have things been shifting for me? You bet! Does that mean I know exactly what I'm doing now? Heck no! But I do have a wee bit of clarity on what needs to happen next, and that includes not writing the blog for now.

What do I know? ... For those of you interested in working with me, I will still offer readings. I am aware that stopping the blog will probably limit my ability to reach new clients and yet, this is the right thing for me now. I think I will be doing more writing, traveling, and shamanic exploration. I'll be interested to see what emerges ...

I began my journey with astrology back in 2004 when I was invited (told) in a shamanic journey to get to know Mercurius better. Turns out Mercury is absolutely central to my chart, and (as I said) strongly affected by these eclipses. Now it seems I'll be invited into new ways of learning about Mercurius.

A Fond Farewell

This is the 636rd post in this blog, the first of which was a Capricorn Moon on May 4, 2010. I began sharing New Moon updates earlier, in a virtual world, sometime in 2008––the oldest note I have there is for October, 2008. I have learned a tremendous amount from the writing, and even more from every chart I've explored.

There's one more echo here I want to mention. Eclipses come in loooong cycles, nineteen year cycles. I hadn't looked at the eclipse linked to this New Moon eclipse until this morning, and it turns out to be very significant for me.

The last eclipse that occurred close to the Taurus degree of this one happened on April 29, 1995, nineteen years ago.

Which for me is the time when I suddenly developed symptoms that completely changed my life. In a few weeks, that Spring, I went from completely healthy (if overly stressed) to flat on my back in bed, where I stayed for several months.

If you've met me, you know I am much healthier now, yet rheumatoid arthritis continues to be a struggle and a limiter. So now I'm wondering what this new horizon holds for me, and planting seeds for good stewardship of my own self, the life I have yet to live, and the planet I live it on.

So, more personal info than I usually share but then, these aren't usual times we live in, and this isn't my usual post. Thank you to all my readers, to everyone who's sent messages of support and hugs and thanks. I hope what I've shared has been interesting, and maybe helpful, as we all try to be the best caretakers of this one precious life.
    

Full Moon in Taurus: Practical Magic

Full Moon at Fugato Island by Hasui Kawase

Full Moon in Taurus
November 17, 2013
5:16 am GMT / 10:16 am EST

Does it feel like this lunar cycle is especially long? It does to me! It seems like forever since I last posted, but when I check the calendar it's all good––I think it's the amount of stuff happening, and the intensity of what we're being asked to absorb.

In our lives and internationally, it's not all bad but it is intense and often confusing. Astrologically, this reflects the ongoing strong Scorpio signature, the strong presence of Pluto (modern ruler of Scorpio) and Uranus (sudden change), and Neptune stationing,  getting ready to turn direct.

For example, catastrophic typhoon Haiyan is an ongoing nightmare for the more than half a million people displaced––homes gone, family lost, nowhere to go. This is a tremendous human tragedy and I urge everyone to do what they can to help. Astrologically, the storm landed under transits that point to extreme events involving wind and water.

As aid pours in, Neptunian confusion interferes. Communication networks are disrupted or destroyed, along with what appears to be organizational and political issues getting in the way. At the same time, the death toll has been revised downward, and aid is arriving in from around the world, reaching at least some of those in need.

On another front, the drug and behavior problems of Toronto's mayor Rob Ford are becoming more and more public. An open secret in some circles for a long time now, it's reached the point where it can't be swept under the rug––transformation, information, dragging what needs to be known into the light, brought to you with the support of Pluto, lots of Scorpio energy, Mercury's retrograde-then-direct, and Neptune (who rules drugs and addiction) stationing direct.

Intense things (again, not all bad) have been coming up for me personally. My Scorpio energy concentrates at my I.C., the bottom of my chart leading into the 4th House of home and family: Yes, events relating to long-standing unresolved problems, information and experiences bringing new insights and perspectives. As always, lots of chances for me to witness my own reactions, learn about myself, and dive into whatever needs to be adjusted.

Phew!

Still life by Ilya Mashkov

But a Taurus Full Moon ... that's all about comfort, and stability, and sensual pleasure, right? Please??

Well ... yes and no. You will not be shocked to hear this Full Moon has its own intensity to offer.

Remember, Full Moons are about illumination, revelation, seeing clearly what may have been hidden.

Taurus is definitely about the physical world, which includes everything that makes our bodies feel good: health, wealth, security, good food, tasty beverages, a warm fire. We are invited to celebrate the Full Moon enjoying all the good things we have.

The wider message of this Full Moon is finding the balance. Seeing where the balance is now, and taking note of where adjustments are needed.

At a Full Taurus Moon, the Sun is in Scorpio, and with Saturn, the North Node and Mercury also in Scorpio, this energy is still strong. The Scorpio–Taurus polarity reflects Jung's personality functions of Sensing and Intuition.

Taurus is ALL about Sensing. If I can see it, taste it, touch it, hear it, it's real. Otherwise, forget about it. Scorpio is all about Intuition: Using our emotional antennae and/or clair senses to see what our ordinary senses cannot.

So, this Full Moon asks us to look at how these arenas are working together (or not). Are we so into the hidden realms we're missing what's right in front of our noses? Are we so focused on the "real world" we won't acknowledge our own or anyone else's feelings? Or are we finding ways to work with our strengths and develop our weaknesses in perception?

Interestingly, the Full Moon is part of a wide-ish but still important Grand Cross. Neptune and the asteroid Pallas Athena will oppose each other and make out-of-sign squares to the Full Moon.

[Let me explain the "out-of-sign" thing because it adds interest to this aspect pattern. Ordinarily, we would expect Aquarius and Leo, the other two fixed signs, to be making squares to a Full Moon in Taurus.

But the Full Moon is in late Taurus and Scorpio, and Neptune and Athena are early in their signs of Pisces and Virgo, close enough by degree to count as a square but, as we say, out of sign. This means we've got all Water and Earth, yin energy, going deep and paying attention.]

Neptune and Athena bring in another Jungian personality function polarity, Thinking and Feeling. Neptune in her home sign of Pisces is awash in intense feelings of all kind. Athena has always been known for her cool head and intellectual acumen.

At this Full Moon, we're really being asked to look at how we take in and process information. This is good to know! It's a really valuable check in, and we'll want to take advantage of the opportunity.

That said, this Full Moon may not be very comfortable. In their different styles, Taurus and Scorpio are very hard-headed, pull-no-punches kinds of energy. As we approach this Full Moon, we're quite likely to find ourselves in situations where we come face to face with what we actually do in taking in and processing information, not what we might like to think we do. This could be reassuring, but will probably have an "ouch" factor.

So, prepare the Taurean treats––your favorite bath salts, that special whiskey you've been waiting to taste, the time with those close friends you don't see often enough––and absolutely enjoy them.

At the same time, keep your antennae up for the messaging around what we do and how we do it. Where are we in denial, painting a rosy picture that's just not accurate? And also, where are we not appreciating ourselves and others? Where can we say, oh! that's really great, how awesome that is?

We've been through a lot and it's not over. We can take some time for real, solid Taurean self care. We can also attend to that information about what's not working. It's all about balance.
    

New Moon in Taurus and Solar Eclipse: Nourishing Earth

Gaia!

New Moon in Taurus
Solar Eclipse
May 9, 2013

The New Moon is on her way, bringing energy to transform our relationship to this world. Many parts of the northern hemisphere are (finally) experiencing Spring.

We're entranced by warm breezes, the scent of lilacs, the intoxication of forest paths lined with wildflowers, and birdsong. The idea of relating to this world seems wonderful, natural, and easy ... of course we want to!

Do we really? Maybe, maybe not. Let's look:

Taurus is the sign that celebrates Earth, the natural world, and the body. As in, our body, the one we live in. Taurus loves the ordinary things of life––food, drink, good company, and also dishes, laundry, and fixing the sink. The blooms on the lilac, also digging in compost.

This New Moon arrives in the middle of this year's eclipse season, bringing us a solar eclipse––which means the Nodes of the Moon are lined up with the New Moon herself. This is another powerhouse grouping, too, with Mars, Mercury and Pallas Athena also in Taurus.

The alignment of the Nodes means the North Node, the place we're meant to be heading toward, is opposite the New Moon in shadowy Scorpio. Which means this New Moon isn't limited to celebrating the natural world. We're also asked to look at the shadow side of that relationship.

At this New Moon, we're invited to set intentions and make wishes in areas like self-nurturing, abundance, sensuality, and healthy growth. These are lovely wishes to have:

• I wish to bring abundance into my life.
• I intend to find ways to care for myself in healthy ways.
• I wish to appreciate the beauties of the world, and bring colors, textures, sounds and tastes into my life that I love and that nourish me.

Bluebells in Spring

These are all good, wonderful, strong Taurus New Moon wishes.

And ... our journey with this New Moon will tell us something about whether we really mean it, and where we get hung up. Because, you know, that Scorpio North Node is part of the story too.

So, we all know we need to be grounded. What does that mean, though? We need to have our feet on the ground, not spend too much time in our heads, and find our center.

Yet when we're grounded, we can't fly. When we're rooted, we're rooted to the spot, frozen, unable to move. We have a long legacy of not liking earth very much, from the world's major religions through some Enlightenment thinking, and New Age ideas that focus on what is higher, lighter and transcendent. Descartes said, "I think, therefore I am" ... not "I have a body, therefore I am."

Today's media-mediated society delivers constant messages about not liking our bodies. Women get more, but men get it too: The need to look right, smell right, eat right, because if we don't, well, then we won't have love, money or health.

This Taurus New Moon says, let's calm waaaaaay down and just be. That Scorpio North Node eclipse point adds, let's notice what's really going on with all that messaging.

How can we really feel "grounded" if our goal is to transcend? How can we connect in healthy ways with the Earth who is the literal ground of our being, if we're constantly feeling not enough-ness?

That saying "We're not bodies that have a soul, we're souls that have a body" misses, I feel, an important point: We are embodied.

Our souls, our spirits, our minds, our emotions are all expressed in and through and with our bodies. Whatever happens before or after or elsewhere, while we're here in this life, it all happens with this body.

New research on mind-body relations makes it ever harder to tell the difference. Our minds are clearly not limited to our brains. Our minds exist throughout––some would say, in every cell of––our bodies. We are integral and whole. It would be really cool if we could embrace and love all of us.

At this New Moon, I'm proposing a change in language. Let's not get grounded, let's experience the nourishing qualities of Earth. This is a wonderful time to deeply feel the way the Earth feeds us, caresses us, supports us, energizes us. It's a great time to experience how our bodies are part and parcel of that feeding, caressing, supporting and energizing. Just the way we are.

Today is the Balsamic Moon, moving us into the last days of release and preparation. The strong Taurus presence is already in the sky, helping us find our way home. For the next few days, we're invited to let go of whatever gets in the way of our experience of this one precious life, on Earth, in a body.

Then, with the New Moon, we can say "ahhhhhhhhh ... I love this life!"
    

Waxing Crescent Phase: Sailing Boldly into Uncharted Waters

Crescent Moon
February 13, 2013, 3:45 pm EST
First Quarter Moon
February 17, 2013, 3:30 pm EST

In this New Aquarius Moon phase, the weird factor seems unusually high. Has it been for you?

I've been coping with unexpected health stuff, and watching odd news items––my favorite being the hacked-in emergency alert on Monday afternoon in Montana (and apparently other places) that dead bodies were rising from the grave and attacking the living.

Yes, the zombie apocalypse will be broadcast.

To have anonymous and unidentified hackers post a humorous, over-the-top interruption to normal television broadcasting: how Urananian is that? For what it's worth, Mercury in Pisces was trining Saturn in Scorpio that afternoon, and Mars in Pisces was semisextile Uranus in Aries and square Jupiter in Gemini (who was sextile Uranus).

And now we're sailing on, eagerly awaiting what the New Moon will manifest for us!

The amazing thing about the sky these days is how concentrated the energies are getting. Back when we were in Scorpio time in October and November, there was tons of planets in Scorpio.

Now we're shifting from intense Aquarius into intense Pisces, with some fiery Aries thrown in for Valentine's Day. Oh yes, to add to the squirrel factor, there's a happy group over in Gemini anchored by make-it-bigger Jupiter.

So what do we do? Waiting around for the zombie apocalypse is not the best option.

With this heady combination of Aries action and Pisces vision, it's time to seize the day and make dreams real. Today is One Billion Rising, the global day of action to end abuse and violence against women, and the call is to rise up and dance. At the website, actions all over the world are live streaming. It's time––past time––and now's the time.

I'm also thinking today of Idle No More, the movement in support of the rights of indigenous people everywhere that began when a woman, chief of her people, said "No more!" The poster, above, also captures the mood of this Aries–Pisces time: Change is coming; let's make it real and meaningful.

At the lovely Crescent Moon, the Sun remained in Aquarius while the Moon moved into Aries (where they both are today). The Moon conjunct Uranus won't take "No" for an answer to questions that deserve "Yes!"

At the First Quarter Moon, the Moon will have moved into Taurus, squaring the Sun in Aquarius, each in the powerful, final, anaretic degree of their sign. At that challenging Moon, we'll be asked: What will we stand for? Where will we not be moved?

In personal relations, today could be filled with passion, or challenge, or both. Choose love and hope (... my suggestion, anyway). Put the best spin on things. And don't back down, if you need to take a stand.

In our hearts, the challenge is there too. We're challenged to open our hearts to our courage as well as our acceptance, our strength as well as our love. Our warrior selves are called on today ... for, as the Irish say, the day that's in it.
    

Gibbous Moon: Welcoming Transformation

the Capricorn Sun?

Gibbous Moon in Taurus
December 24, 2012

A few days ago, I wrote about getting in touch with our birth charts, finding where the growth points are, and learning which transits of planets through signs are likely to affect us the most.

This learning process is a great reason to follow the Moon, who some astrologers slight because she changes so quickly––we live in the moments of those quick changes, and our experiences are right there for us to feel and relate to.

Christmas Eve brings the Gibbous Moon, the square-and-a-half between the Sun and Moon. This sesquiquadrate is an edgy aspect pattern, and the Gibbous Moon is often a challenge before we reach the illumination of the Full Moon.

This Gibbous Moon certainly carries its share of challenge: The Sun in hard-driving Capricorn is squaring revolutionary Uranus, a classic encounter between an immovable object and an irresistible force. We could feel really pushed today, pushed hard.

But me, I feel happy. In the spirit of Christmas and the mysteries of the Moon, I'll tell you why. The Moon is our mama, and we all know if mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy––under these aspects, my Moon is happy.

Here's how it works for me, as an example, and to encourage you to get to know your Moon mama better: My Moon is in Virgo; at 0 degrees of Virgo, in fact, which makes her anxious. Then, looming over my Moon is my natal Pluto, and together they're right at my Ascendant.

Astrologers out there are already saying "ouch" and for everyone else, this means I often feel insecure, anxious, inept, and so on ... and yes, I know many people who know me won't believe that. I also have Leo rising, who puts up a good front, but believe me, my Moon can be a jumpy, unhappy place.

... Except when the transiting Moon's in Taurus, which (for several astrological reasons) feels wonderful to me.

With a Taurus Moon, I feel content, peaceful, blissed out. I feel the wonderfulness of the world, its abundance, its myriad marvels.

When the Sun's in Capricorn, trining my anxious Moon, I feel more capable, more powerful, more energized. This is how it works for me.

It's not all sweetness and light in the sky or my birth chart: That same Capricorn Sun strengthening my Virgo Moon every Winter's Solstice also squares my Libra Sun.

This year's Gibbous Moon brings my Sun front and center into a T-square with the Sun and Uranus, telling me in a very pointed way to revolutionize my life. I'm working on it, I promise (I keep muttering this...).

Still, my Moon mama is happy. It all looks possible, and doesn't need to happen today, no matter how pushy Uranus gets.

It will happen, though: The Capricorn Sun is moving toward conjunction with transformative Pluto, who holds to his sextile with Saturn, they're still in mutual reception, and still forming a yod with Jupiter. The phoenix is about to flame up, to rise again.

My absolutely favorite tale from this time of year is Dicken's A Christmas Carol, a story I feel a deep, abiding connection to. The Capricorn Sun can be a real Scrooge––a grasping, squeezing, covetous old sinner. This energy embodies everything we like least about a season that gets commercialized, overspent, overstuffed, and still somehow never enough.

On the night of this Gibbous Moon, Christmas Eve, Capricornian Scrooge will go through the fire, encountering (with the help of Pluto and Saturn) the dark side of his greed and lack of compassion. We all have this chance to be remade, we're all invited to walk abroad with the spirits.

When the transiting Moon's in Taurus, I am confident in the redemptive powers of insight and compassion. Here, have something heartening and sweet for your journey. It could be a long night, I know it will be a magical one, and we'll awaken to a wonderfully magical birth.
    

Full Moon in Taurus: Beautiful Mother

the feast of life

Full Moon in Taurus
October 29, 2012

Tomorrow brings the Full Moon in Taurus, our yearly northern hemisphere reminder, as nights grow long and winds sharp, that the Earth is a place of abundance.

It's time to prepare for the lean season, so the cosmos sends a message––our bodies need feeding, homes need heat, children need warm coats, people need safety in winter storms, and the Earth will provide with our help.

Taurus is the sign of patience, perseverance, and nurturing; the sign that loves the precious physicality of life. Taurus also understands how the world works––systems have cycles and some include loss, so each of us needs to step up for all of us to enjoy the good things of life.

The loaves and the fishes may have appeared miraculously, but they came in answer to a recognized need––someone who noticed, then said out loud, wow, there's a lot of people here who haven't eaten. And all that plenty didn't distribute itself––people came forward to carry, hand out, make sure everyone got some, and collect the leftovers. Pot luck supper where everybody helps, not the miracle drive-thru where someone hands you a bag and you're gone.

Taurus sticks around.

Across from the Taurus Moon, we find the Sun and Saturn in that other sign of great staying power, Scorpio. Here we experience the deeper reverberations of our physical life.

In one framework, we could see Scorpio (especially with Saturn right there), as the big stick behind the carrot, the hellfire consequence of failures of virtue. Scorpio as darkness with a capital "D," as the things we run from.

In another, Scorpio becomes the messenger of the unseen, the one who knows what is not obvious, the one who understands the deeper meanings of our simplest actions. At this Full Moon, the unseen but deeply felt is especially strong:

The Grand Trine in Water still flows, as the Sun and Saturn together trine Neptune and Chiron in Pisces, and Ceres in Cancer. This pattern connects strong energies of dreaming, manifesting, healing and abundance, bringing them all closer to our conscious awareness.

With the Moon opposite the Sun (as always at a Full Moon), this Taurus Moon becomes the apex of a wide kite, receiving sextiles from Neptune and Chiron, and from Ceres. Pluto the Alchemist trines the Full Moon, and sextile the Sun and Chiron.

Meanwhile, Venus has entered her home sign of Libra, and sextiles Mercury in generous, optimistic Sagittarius. Mars is also in open-handed Sagittarius, opposite Sag's ruler, Jupiter the Sage, still reflectively retrograde in Gemini. Uranus, too, is part of the picture, as he semisextiles the Moon and forms an inconjunct to the Sun, edgy as always.

Much can be illuminated at this Full Moon. Look at your birth chart to see where the Full Moon will fall, as issues related to this part of your chart will be in the spotlight. For all of us, the Full Moon in Taurus will ask:

• Where am I feeling well provided for in my life? Where am I feeling deprived or left out? What actions do I need to take, to feel and experience more abundance?

• What deeper motives support (or interfere with) my actions? Where do I need to look below the surface at what's really going on in my life?

• How am I connecting with intuition or guidance in its many forms? Am I listening to compassionate voices seeking my highest good? How can I deepen my most positive, life-enhancing connections?

• Am I a glass-half-full or a glass-half-empty kind of person? What are the consequences of that? If I am less happy than I would like to be, where can I invite conscious, deliberate optimism into my life, and express that to others?

You'll notice that each of these areas end with "what can I do?" kinds of questions ... Saturn is strongly present in this Full Moon, and he doesn't like to see anyone sitting around, wasting time and resources. On the other hand, this is the Taurus Full Moon, and appreciating the wonderful things of life becomes a responsibility too, one we embrace now.

So, sitting around worrying about what's going wrong? Not so much. Resting in the abundance of our Earth Mother, savoring the good things of our lives and sharing them with others––that's a responsible, as well as responsive, way to live this Full Moon.
     

Disseminating Moon: Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes

Autumn twilight

Disseminating Moon in Taurus
October 4, 2012

Today's Disseminating Moon arrives in the midst of change––planets changing signs, turning retrograde, realigning.

After the intense Aries Full Moon, we're adjusting, finding new places in a shifted world.

Venus entered Virgo earlier this week and Jupiter turns retrograde today, events that might not seem related but both indicate energy turning inward, slowing down, becoming more finely tuned.

Jupiter is in the sign of Gemini, and both Virgo and Gemini are ruled by Mercury, so we might find  thought and communication shifting gears this week from full-on, full-tilt high energy to something more careful, analytical and measured.

The Taurus Moon is slow and steady too, which allowed me to enjoy a wonderful massage yesterday and a slow restful day––and wait until this morning to write my blog entry!

The Disseminating Moon is a time of sharing, sending things out into the world, and looking around to see what's different. If this Full Moon felt explosive,with unexpected illuminations, the Disseminating Moon might feel like the movie scene after the cataclysm when everyone cautiously peeks out to see what's left and where it landed.

Venus in Virgo wants to check in and make sure everyone's OK, handing out supplies and sandwiches. Jupiter in Gemini wants to connect, and as he turns retrograde, some of that connecting is thoughtful and inward. What just happened––to me?

Meanwhile, Mercury and Saturn are poised to move into deeply introspective Scorpio. Tomorrow (Friday) they join each other, shift into Scorpio, and trine Neptune in Pisces, offering powerful energies for self exploration, dreams, visions, divination and magic.

When Saturn and Neptune flow energy together, our dreams become reality, and when cosmic Pisces and deep Scorpio are involved, powerful connections are made. With Mercury there too, magic words and thoughts emerge––a time to focus on our biggest visions and be careful what we wish for!

Mercury's trip through Scorpio lasts until October 29, although he'll dip back in during his early-November retrograde. Saturn, though, will remain in Scorpio for the next two and a half years, bringing a longer-term focus to matters of transformation, power, sexuality, death and rebirth and the deep psyche. Saturn pushes us to look at structure, karma and responsibility, so prepare for intensity.

Those of us with natal Saturn in Scorpio will experience a Saturn return during this time––more introspection and focus. 

We're moving into the Scorpio time of year, Autumn in the Northern hemisphere. Surrounded by signs of waning, of loss, of harvest, we naturally attune to similar patterns within. This week cues us in, drawing our attention to the natural cycles of life and death, and inviting us to welcome each turn of the wheel.

Jupiter remains retrograde in Gemini through the end of January 2013. This is Jupiter the philosopher, considering whether the systems of thought, the idea collected together, the ways of communicating we've developed for ourselves are still working.

Do we, at this point in our lives, have a consistent, workable approach to life? What might be missing? What needs rethinking? What needs to be revisited? This will be an excellent Fall and Winter for diving back into important books, exploring the roots of our personal philosophies, and having deep conversations.

If this sounds heavy, it is... no way to avoid it, really, with Saturn moving into Scorpio and jovial Jupiter looking within. Accept the invitation to think deeply, and enjoy a slower pace. The rewards can last a lifetime.
   

Last Quarter Moon: Test of Allegiance

a question of loyalty

Last quarter Moon in Taurus: August 9, 2012

The Last Quarter Moon, the waning square between the Moon and the Sun, arrives tomorrow––although I can see her in the sky now, pale as a cloud against the blue.

This is the turning of the Moon into the dark. After the brilliance of the Full Moon in Aquarius, the intense energies of the Disseminating Moon and the festival of Lughnasadh, the energy shifts to something quieter. Not necessarily less intense, but more inwardly focused.

Which is funny, in a way, because Mercury is finally stationing direct, releasing us from the fiery self-scrutiny we've been held in these last weeks... or maybe not quite yet.

Let's see where we are.

At this Last Quarter, the Sun and Moon will square each other at 17 degrees of Taurus (Moon) and Leo (Sun). Fixed Earth, Fixed Fire––cue Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, "I Won't Back Down"

Loyalty, fidelity, allegiance... these are virtues, right? These are good things, signs of strength. Aren't they?

In these times of political upheaval and polarization around hot-button issues, when does loyalty to the best in a nation, a party or a cause shade into jingoism, blind faith or fanaticism? The glib answer is, when we personally don't agree with the position being held, but the question is a real one.

At this Last Quarter, Mars and Saturn are conjunct in Libra, embodying the principle of right action. We want to act according to our best values, with integrity. We might also feel prepared to accept an external discipline that looks good, feels right.

Venus in Cancer is trining Neptune in Pisces, calling to deep emotions binding us to family, tribe, nation: My country right or wrong. Defend to the death.

Neptune and Venus together in Water can bring us into a felt connection with everything that is, transcending the boundaries that divide us––or trigger a need to belong to something larger than ourselves, and an accompanying need to pledge fealty to whatever that something is.

At this Last Quarter Moon, we're pushed (the square) to look at what we having pledged allegiance to. The Leo Sun likes to take a stand, passionately proclaiming beliefs to the world. The Taurus Moon hates to move; once committed, this Moon will stay the course.

But what if our old alliances no longer fit?

The Leo Sun is also the great heart, the courageous heart. This Sun wants to be aligned with the best and truest self, and has the strength to look unflinching at what is.

The Taurus Moon is ultimately loyal to truth, and wants a chance for truth and beauty to unfold into the world. The Taurus Moon will change when it becomes clear that change is needed.

We move toward the New Moon in Leo, the renewal of the heart. This Last Quarter Moon is a test, the moment we're asked––when we ask ourselves––what we truly believe in. As we move into the dark phase of the waning Moon, we'll perhaps cut away old allegiances. This can be done with honesty and integrity, but sometimes must be done. It begins with asking the question.
  

Balsamic Moon: The Gentle Dark

time passes, things change

Balsamic Moon in Taurus: June 15, 2012

The Balsamic Moon is the last bit of the lunar cycle. We're moving into the darkness now, feeling the approach of the Dark Moon. This is a time of nostalgia, a word that means "yearning for the past" but at its root means feeling homesick.

The Balsamic Moon, in steady, peaceful Taurus, is keeping company with Pluto in Capricorn, Chiron in Pisces and Mercury in Cancer, offering a sense of calm acceptance of necessary change, even as we feel the sadness of loss.

Every lunar month, we're offered this time of letting go, which is good, because it's something most of us are not very good at.

Couldn't we just have the things we long for––peace, prosperity, love, health––without losing something else in the process? And this whole aging thing: Are decay and decline really necessary?

Well, no ... and yes. Our world is physical; matter doesn't maintain its form indefinitely. Change is the only constant, and while we know this intellectually, it can be hard to embrace fully.

The Moon helps us practice. As the Moon reaches this darkening time, we find ourselves once again feeling our way into what we want (or need) to let go of.

We look ahead to the promise of the New Moon, but to get there, we have to go through this first. What is getting in the way? Can we manage, this time, to loosen our grip on it?

Health psychologist Kelly McGonigal studies how we change right down to the neuroscience. It turns out that most efforts to change behavior fail, which is not really a surprise and brings on a bit more balsamic melancholy.

But the cravings we know are bad for us, are hard-wired into our ancient brains, the ones that developed in times of scarcity. Advertisers know exactly how to push those primitive buttons, too.

Are we doomed, then? No, we're not. Change is possible.

As this Taurean Moon makes an edgy semisquare to the energetic Gemini Sun, with the support of Pluto, Chiron and Mercury in embodied Cancer, we're invited to let go of thoughts, habits and behaviors that no longer serve us ... slowly, with understanding, and with compassion.

Kelly McGonigal's work shows that hard-and-fast rules (No more sugar, ever!) and harsh self criticism (I suck at self control) are ineffective, and in fact counterproductive, in making lasting changes. Approaching our lives with gentle, calm, compassion works better.

Yes, our first tries at changing an unhealthy habit are likely to fail. So are our second, third, fourth and fifth tries. And yet, if we watch what happens each time, approaching our lives with curiosity and awareness, we gain insight and also strength. Each small adjustment leads to more change, and changes approached in this way are far more likely to become permanent.

At this Balsamic Moon, we're aware of how massive some of the changes we need to make in ourselves and our world really are (Pluto in Capricorn). We're aware of how damaging some situations are, even as we're offered healing (Chiron in Pisces). Thoughts and emotions are connected, allowing us to explore left and right brain, mind and body, thought and feeling (Mercury in Cancer). The Taurus Moon is slow and steady, willing to wait for natural unfolding, all in good time.

It's time to let go, release, and prepare the way for new things. And if we don't get it quite right this time, that's OK. The Moon moves gently through her phases; another chance will come.
    

New Moon in Taurus: The Fertile Earth

abundance and peace

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Moon into Taurus: The Slow Pulse of Life

Saturday evening through Tuesday morning
Eastern Daylight Time

Saturday, March 24

seedling

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

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

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

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

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

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

work & community

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Moon into Taurus: Earth Connection

Sunday morning through Tuesday night
Eastern Standard Time

Earth abundance

Sunday, February 26
Moon enters Taurus 9:30am
Moon sextile Neptune (Pisces) 11:14am
Moon semisextile Uranus (Aries) 3:36pm
Moon sextile Chiron (Pisces) 8:18pm
Moon conjunct Jupiter (Taurus) 10:43pm

Monday, February 27
Moon sextile Sun (Pisces) 1:53am
Moon trine Pluto (Capricorn) 3:55am
Moon inconjunct the North Node (Sagittarius) 5:35am
Moon trine Mars (Virgo) 5:09pm

Tuesday, February 28
Sun (Pisces) sextile Pluto (Capricorn) 2:15am
Moon semisextile Venus (Aries) 9:13am
Moon sextile Mercury (Pisces) 2:46pm
(begin void of course)
Moon inconjunct Saturn (Libra) 8:39pm
Moon enters Gemini 10:27pm

The Moon moved into calm, nurturing Taurus at 9:30 this morning for a day of healing and deep connection with the Earth. The Moon flows energy with visionary Neptune and Chiron the wounded healer today, closing the day by joining with Jupiter. There's an edgy connection with Uranus as well, making this a wonderful day to listen to intuitive messages, especially calls for healing our relationship with our bodies and the Earth itself.

Monday, the pattern of Earth connection and healing continues as the Moon flows energy with the Sun in Pisces, and trines Pluto in Capricorn. An edgy connection with the North Node might leave us wondering whether we should be moving ahead faster, while a flowing trine with Mars in Virgo reminds us that each step on the way deserves our full attention. We're being invited to change, to transform ourselves and how we relate to the Earth.

More gifts

Shamanic practitioner Sandra Ingerman uses the word "transmutation" to describe the process of healing ourselves and healing the Earth.

This process includes visualization, energy work, and shamanic journeying––and also how we eat, drink, sleep and walk on the Earth every day.

With the Moon in Taurus, our attention turns to the practical as well as the ethereal. How are we taking care of ourselves? When we're tired, hungry, in pain, do we offer ourselves the same compassion we might give our children or others around us? This Moon invites us to explore new ways to feel good.

Tuesday, the Sun flows with Pluto, illuminating more openings for visionary alchemy. We might feel a jolt of energy as the Moon semisextiles Venus in fiery Aries, followed by flowing communications from Mercury. Tuesday morning looks like a wonderful time for creative writing, teaching, or communication of any kind.

The Moon–Mercury sextile is the Moon's last classical aspect in Taurus, although she will also make an awkward inconjunct aspect with Saturn Tuesday evening. The Moon is void of course from mid afternoon until she steps into bright Gemini at 10:27pm.

Waking with the Moon in Taurus, we open all of our senses to drink in the world around us. Welcoming healing energy from the Earth, we offer healing in return. This is a time for doing good, and feeling good.
    

Moon into Taurus: The Inner Gardener

Monday morning through Wednesday afternoon
Eastern Standard Time

Monday, January 30

the inner garden

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

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

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

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

growing our dreams

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

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

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

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

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

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

Moon into Taurus: A Slower Pace

Monday evening through Thursday morning
Eastern Standard Time

Monday, January 2
Moon enters Taurus 5:16pm

a warm spot by the fire ...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

taking it easy

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

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

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

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

Moon into Taurus: Slow Hand and an Easy Touch

Tuesday morning through Thursday evening
Eastern Standard Time

Tuesday, December 6

hand massage

Moon enters Taurus 9:35am
Moon semisextile Uranus (Aries) 10:54am
Moon sextile Chiron (Pisces) 11:33am
Moon conjunct Jupiter (Taurus) 11:17am
Jupiter (Taurus) sextile Chiron (Pisces) 7:00pm
Moon trine Pluto (Capricorn) 10:38pm

Wednesday, December 7
Moon inconjunct Mercury R (Sagittarius) 1:47am
Moon trine Mars (Virgo) 10:03am
Moon trine Venus (Capricorn) 1:47pm
Moon inconjunct the North Node (Sagittarius) 2:22pm
Moon inconjunct the Sun (Sagittarius) 4:46pm

Thursday, December 8
Mercury R (Sagittarius) semisextile Pluto (Capricorn) 11:13am
Moon inconjunct Saturn (Libra) 2:51pm
Moon square Neptune (Aquarius) 6:39pm
(begin void of course)
Moon enters Gemini 9:53pm
Moon sextile Uranus (Aries) 11:09pm
Moon semisextile Jupiter (Taurus) 11:34pm
Moon square Chiron (Pisces) 11:57pm

The Moon is now in Taurus' garden of earthly delights. From the intense yang of Aries, we shift into the yin of fixed Earth, the sign of Gaia. During the nest few days, the Moon flows with the Earth and Water signs while checking the headlong rush of Air and Fire. Look down the list of aspects and you'll see the pattern.

Today, healing energy abounds as Jupiter, also in Taurus, flows energy with Chiron in Pisces. These are two sages of the cosmos, philosophers, healers and teachers ready to share wisdom. Everything they offer may not be "easy" and yet it will be grounded, given with generosity and grace. The Moon joins with Jupiter, sextiling Chiron, emphasizing this pattern for today.

In the words of the old Shaker hymn:

'Tis the gift to be simple, 'tis the gift to be free

'Tis the gift to come down where we ought to be,

And when we find ourselves in the place just right,

'Twill be in the valley of love and delight.

child pose

This is where we are today. The day closes with a trine between the Moon and Pluto. Alchemy happens!

Wednesday, the pattern continues as the Moon forms inconjunct angles-of-adjustment with the headlong energy of Sagittarius, and flows in steady trines with Venus and Mars in Earth signs. Venus and Mars are flowing together too. Slow and steady.

Thursday brings challenge as the Moon forms an inconjunct with Saturn, then a square with Neptune, then enters a void of course time. Saturn and Neptune together are the planets of manifestation: Neptune brings the vision, Saturn makes it happen. Perhaps today we realize things are not quite ready. A powerful Full Moon is coming soon, but not yet. We're still in the chrysalis, growing, changing, forming. This isn't a time to rush.

Late Thursday, the butterfly spreads her wings as the Moon flies into Gemini. For now, we rest, we learn, we heal. For now, we're in the right place.
  

Moon into Taurus: Finding Comfort in the Midst of Change

Wednesday morning through Friday afternoon
Eastern Standard Time

Wednesday, November 9
Moon enters Taurus 2:46apm

new paths opening

Moon sextile Chiron Pisces 4:04am
Moon conjunct Jupiter Taurus 10:20am
Neptune turns direct in Aquarius 1:53pm
Moon trine Pluto (Capricorn) 2:08pm
Moon inconjunct Mercury (Sagittarius) 10:02pm
Moon inconjunct Venus (Sagittarius) 10:17pm

Thursday, November 10
Full Moon in Taurus:
Moon conjunct Sun (Scorpio) 3:16pm
Chiron turns direct in Pisces 6:11pm
Mars enters Virgo 11:14pm
Moon trine the North Node (Sagittarius) 11:01pm

Friday, November 11
Moon inconjunct Saturn (Libra) 2:20am
Moon square Neptune (Aquarius) 11:27am
(begin void of course)
Moon enters Gemini 3:10pm
Moon square Mars (Virgo) 3:52pm
Moon square Chiron (Pisces) 4:27pm

The Moon stepped into calm, steady Taurus early this morning. After a heady Aries transit, we collectively take in a deep breath, exhale, and relax. The Moon's first contact was a supportive sextile with healing Chiron, reinforcing the sense of peace. Now the Moon moves to join Jupiter, who throws out his arms offering grace and good fortune.

This afternoon, Neptune turns direct, releasing positive energy for dreams and visions. Taurus is not an energy that easily embraces change, while recognizing that we grow and develop through time. The Moon flows into transformation this afternoon in an easy trine with Pluto the alchemist. This Moon is committed to slow, gentle change, resisting the eager enthusiasm of Sagittarius: Tonight the Moon forms inconjunct aspects to Venus and Mercury.

Thursday brings the Full Moon in Taurus, a time when our need for comfort in the midst of change is illuminated. The Sun remains in intense, depth-oriented Scorpio, ready to face the shadows. The Taurus Moon holds up the beauty of the manifest world, reminding us of the abundance offered to us.

Underlying this Full Moon is an alchemical Grand Trine of Pluto, Jupiter and Mars. Are we ready to embrace deep change? Pluto insists it's time. Jupiter offers benevolent support. Mars is ready to act.

At the moment of the Full Moon, Mars still hangs on to the last degree of Leo, passionate, playful and creative. By evening, he'll step into Virgo, rolling up his sleeves to get down to work.

Chiron turns direct a few hours after this Full Moon, releasing energy for healing. All these patterns converge to let us know energy is beginning to flow. Where we've felt stuck, frozen, held back or immobilized, currents begin to move. Despite the autumn season, we feel new growth stirring underfoot.

Friday is 11-11-11, another signal of shifting energies. The Moon, still in Taurus, counsels us to move slowly, allowing time to adjust to what is happening around us. Her first aspect today is an inconjunct angle-of-adjustment with Saturn, saying, yes, we're ready to change, but not too fast. Let's breathe.

The Moon's last aspect in Taurus is a square to Neptune that says, once more, let's be calm. Yes, we're beginning to see the bright vision for the future, but we can't get there today. It's important to take care of ourselves, and of each other, as we begin this new journey. Keep breathing.

Friday afternoon, the Moon pops into bright Gemini, ready to network, connect, and communicate. Linking with Chiron and Mars, she'll push for new ideas, new action, new everything. While the Moon's in Taurus, we take the time for nurturing, for appreciation, for just being.
  

Moon into Taurus: Standing Calmly in the Light

Wednesday night through Saturday morning

illumination from a hidden star

Today, we're glowing in the fire of the Aries Full Moon, absorbing the implications of what's been illuminated for us. Depending on what this powerful Full Moon touched, we're also adjusting to new situations and realizations.

This evening, the Aries Moon forms a flowing sextile to Neptune in Aquarius, offering a wider context for what we've learned. Three hours later, the Moon opposes Mercury in Libra, another chance to examine what we know now, and reach a sense of balance with it.

The opposition with Mercury is the Moon's last classical aspect in Aries, opening a void of course time lasting an hour and a half, until she enters Taurus at 9:35pm EDT.

Taurus, fixed Earth, ruled by Venus, is the sign of the patient gardener: calm, peaceful, and deeply nurturing. During this Moon transit through Taurus, we offer ourselves the care we need, as we integrate the power that flowed through at the Full Moon.

And this is a time of facing issues of power: Early Thursday morning, Venus in Scorpio sextiles Pluto. A few hours later, Mercury moves into Scorpio. A hour after that, the Taurus Moon trines Pluto. An hour after that, the Taurus Moon opposes Venus in Scorpio.

What do we do with all this Pluto and Scorpio energy? We're heading into deep territory here. Scorpio, ruled by Pluto, is the sign that invites us to enter the shadows and explore our deepest, scariest issues.

Power is definitely on that list: Where is the power in our lives? Who wields it? To what ends? The Aries Full Moon turned the floodlights on some of that, and now we follow explore what's there and what it means for us.

Taurus and Scorpio are opposite signs. They share a commitment to taking things slowly, not rushing, moving step by careful step. Where Scorpio wants to rip the covers off and expose sensitive secrets, Taurus focused on self care. So, as we move through this newly illuminated landscape, the Taurus Moon hands us a blanket and a warm cup of tea. This Moon takes us by the hand and says, it's OK, we can look at this together.

Friday's aspects continue our examination of new territory––or more accurately perhaps, new perspectives on old territory. In the early morning, the Taurus Moon squares Mars in Leo, challenging Mars to slow down. Late morning brings an inconjunct angle-of-adjustment between Mercury and Uranus, our mind and cosmic mind finding a new balance. In the evening, Venus in Scorpio and Jupiter in Taurus reach exact opposition, as we're again invited to find a balance between self examination and self nurturing.

comfort

Working with Scorpio energy is not easy. The Taurus Moon is there, suggesting a warm bath, a massage, maybe a glass of wine. We can absorb these new energies best if we take things slowly, this Moon says. Remember to breathe.

Saturday morning (6:51am EDT), the Moon reaches her last classical aspect in Taurus, a square to Neptune in Aquarius. This meeting might challenge us, asking what new realizations we've achieved. This Moon remains void of course for about three and a half hours, popping into bright Gemini at 10:15am EDT, buzzing us into a social weekend.

During these Taurus Moon days, we're offered a time to really look closely at what the Full Moon lit up, shining its light into some dark corners. With the support of this nurturing Moon, it won't feel so bad. Keep the kettle on, and the tea handy.