New Moon in Taurus and Mercury retrograde

New Moon 05.17/18.15 @ 26 deg. Taurus 56 minutes
0:13 a.m. 05.18 EDT 09:13 p.m. PDT

Also, Mercury retrograde 05.18 @ 13 deg. Gemini and direct 06.11 @ 5 deg. Gemini. Practice patience and acceptance. Take time to reflect and relax. Be observant rather than critical and tolerant as “stuff” happens i.e. miscommunication, not hearing. Back up and approach from a new direction.

new moon chart 05 17 15The New Moon is preparation for this Mercury retrograde as slowing down and being still is what takes place naturally with the moon in Taurus conjunct the Sun—at peace, secure in proximity of the ‘greater’ luminary; basking in the warmth and light of awareness. Blessed with freedom to Be without restriction or incessant ‘worry’ about anything that has anything to do with this physical reality.

Taurus the sign of establishment, once knowing security of physical reality/illusion of duality, has the potential to transcend concern for the basic necessities and be liberated to express the higher octave of Venus (ruler of Taurus) unconditional love or our true nature. These two astrological ‘moments’ are simply unfolding with perfection as is all creation regarding our apparent movement toward Self realization.

It came to my attention recently that the moon due to the speed of the rotation of the Earth is or has been moving away from the Earth at approximately 3.8 cm. per year, an infinitesimal distance given the enormity of space. However, symbolically, this combined with humanity moving out of the Kali yuga and into the ‘lighter’ or less dense Dwapara yuga increases the grace and ease with which we may experience our Self. The moon symbolizes the instinctive nature and the past, those patterns of emotional behaviour that influence us and have the potential to create limitations and suffering.

The distancing of the moon from the earth=detachment or allowing and accepting what is rather than being controlled by the ego to react in such a way that is often uncomfortable.

There are very few close aspects to the New Moon. Saturn at 1 degree Sagittarius creates an out of sign opposition that has a 5 degree separation. Saturn’s weighty dynamic even when mutable has the effect of anchoring one to the ‘issue at hand’. That specifically will be different for every individual but essentially the same for all in that old patterns that do not serve us must go! Upon porcelain, every blemish is a distraction. Saturn, that stands at the threshold of the physical plane, whose rings represent beliefs that are grounded in relativity and as such hurdles to be leaped on the way to liberation is an enormous gift to us; the bracing slap in the face lest we are too distracted to ‘wake up’ from the dream.

See that humanity is cradled as a dew drop on a leaf, on a branch, on a tree, in the soil, on the Earth. See that humanity is a crest of the wave and the infinite ocean. See that I am that, could not be otherwise. A tiny fleck of water hurled through the air amongst the spray, falling back to the sea or dissolved by the noon day sun—gone while “that” remains, always, never changing, infinite. I am “that”.

This dance of two earthly elements Saturn and Taurus reaching beyond as far as the eye can see encourages us to elope with the unknown, to believe in our wildest dream and to actually feel the stability of having nothing and knowing nothing except what is in this moment—the perfection of that and the peace it is.

Mars, 7 degrees away in Gemini, the warrior has wings on his feet and is apt not to dally in whats, whys, whens or wheres. Flexible, agile and moving from experience to experience he has mastered every nuance necessary to complete his education therefore prefers to touch briefly as he assumes his flight of fancy. Woe be to those who endeavor to clip the wings and cage the beast. He will don the cloak of invisibility and be seen no more. With Neptune square the hero he may dash about tilting at windmills but in earnest while the rest of us look on at the scene through a vast picture window sipping mint juleps and adjusting our conversation.

Sweet Venus ruler of Taurus even sweeter considering her position in Cancer though an opposition to Pluto will ensure that desire remain on an impartial plateau and that nurturing, caring is inherent to all beings and as such there is no need that drives me to take care of you but to attend to my Self as a means of giving to all.

Undoubtedly these few days will pass by and life goes on as usual except that those invisible energetic waves that propel us forward or inward take us deeper without us even knowing. Therefore, nothing to do or be concerned about as ‘it’ is all happening as we speak. Freedom is and now for me to just accept that.

New Moon 29 degrees Pisces .Spring Equinox.Solar Eclipse March 20, 2015

New Moon March 20th, 2015 @ 29 degrees 27 minutes Pisces
05:36 a.m. EDT 02:36 PDT

As freely as the firmament embraces the world, or the sun pours forth impartially his beams, so mercy must encircle both friend and foe. ~Friedrich Schiller

new moon 03 16 15The last degree of the zodiac! and combined with a Solar Eclipse and Spring Equinox. This would appear to be a pivotal point in the journey. As things are only getting better (climbing out of the Kali Yuga) this must mean an end to a collective pattern that has long created limitation here—could relate to our concept of suffering—the Pisces/Virgo axis is associated with serve and or sacrifice. As we have neared this check point, the feeling is one of needing to let go; the of what? is not specific just that we cannot continue without divesting our selves of whatever ‘nasty’ habits are still tagging along.

This of course in the best of all possible worlds! And yes this is!

The New Moon chart is dominated by 5 planets in water (all in Pisces) so we can be sure that our emotional natures will experience an overhaul as we drift into deeper and more intimate levels of expression. To begin with, friends and family are recipients to this desire for a more compassionate exchange and then the effect trickles outward to include those with whom we have even brief encounters—more tolerance, patience and a feeling that we are all in need of greater understanding as we traverse this sometimes rocky terrain.

Saturn now retrograde, trines the Sun/Moon and lends a degree of added responsibility to our efforts ensuring that we not dawdle or become distracted from our ‘goal’. Saturn also is inconjunct (150 deg.) to Venus which makes connecting with what we may desire a little more challenging. If there is a sense of frustration regarding making things happen for your self, shift your attention to the ‘big picture’, broaden your vision and allow your self to go with the flow.

Pluto/Uranus are in the final stage of squaring off completing a cycle of structural upheaval and dissolution that with the help of Jupiter right now moves everything in a direction of action executed wisely and for the highest good.

Mars in Aries continues to blaze a trail of adventurous, daring discovery of Self within this expanding territory of human experience.

If we look at the 3 harmonic charts related to this New Moon chart we can see more specifically what our potential is (5th harmonic chart) our test (7th harmonic chart) and our vision (9th harmonic chart) as relates to this powerful event.

A reminder that the harmonic charts are arrived at by dividing the 360 degree astrological circle to arrive at the various aspects used to examine a chart. The square aspect for example is 360 degrees divided by 4=90 deg. To look at the 4th harmonic chart or any harmonic chart requires a mathematical process that happily is now performed by computers.

The 5th harmonic = the quintile or 72 deg. and was considered to be a minor aspect. As we relate this aspect to the potential of an individual it would really have as much influence as other aspects. Quintiles in a chart become conjuncts in the 5th harmonic chart. Quintiles demonstrate where an individual has ‘potential’ to successfully move beyond any challenging aspects and embrace what is new and represented by the North Node sign and position.

In the 5th harmonic chart there is a potential to review belief systems from a place of limitlessness while allowing the innate truth to permeate the process all driven by the energy of compassion motivated by Mars in Cancer trine Pluto in Pisces—rising above the animal nature.

The 7th harmonic = the septile or 51.428…also a minor aspect represents the tests one overcomes on the way to utilizing considerable gifts and talents. The 7th harmonic chart for this New Moon has 6 planets in water and 0 in fire. We are transformed not by the fires that purify but by emotional maturation that opens the heart, the waters that flow unimpeded by thought.

The 9th harmonic = the novile or 40 deg. wherein lies the vision of the higher self. Awareness is compassion that ‘guides’ us to a place of absolute rest. Authority rests in awareness without need for control or judgment. Our vision is to be inspired by a moment in which we neither analyze nor define, free to simply experience what is here and to accept that.

The point in the New Moon chart opposite the Sun/Moon is the midpoint between Black Moon Lilith (point of empowerment) at 19 deg. Virgo and the North Node (where we are heading) at 10 deg. Libra. It is 0 deg. Libra 12 minutes. The release point for the New Moon is the point at which we understand the nature of duality—all things find their natural balance—like the tumbler of a lock falling into place—the door opens. All of our cells are set free. We complete. Patterns that have long influenced us, that have been held in place by billions of thoughts of the past disperse and dance uninhibited. For more information: Florian Schlosser The Trinity of Life https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-7xxS0FN8c

We stop seeking to perfect that which is already everything and therefore ‘perfect’ and peacefully reside in the stillness. The current is alive with knowing.

New Moon February 18, 2015: 0 degrees Pisces

New Moon February 18, 2015 @ 0 degrees Pisces (*) 6:47 p.m. EST 3:47 p.m. PST

(* In Maynard’s Celestial Guide calendar the New Moon is listed at 29 deg. 54 min. Aquarius. My astrology program says 0 degrees Pisces and I have no logical explanation for this discrepancy. I am going with what Halloran software program displays at the above time which means there are two new moons in Pisces in 2015. The other is March 20th at 29 deg. 27 minutes and this is also a solar eclipse, a powerful way to complete this month punctuated by the last sign of the zodiac where we dissolve into nothing and realize we are everything.)

Deep down, below the surface of the average man’s conscience, he hears a voice whispering. ~Carl Jung

new moon chart 02 18 15

What can we expect with 6 planets in Pisces that include a conjunction of Mars and Venus as well as the Sun and Moon? With the yin/yang elements in agreement and immersed in the well of collective unconscious or absence of thought/belief, guided or motivated by essence, we experience a realm that words can not accurately describe. It is in Pisces that thought becomes knowing and actions evolve from a sense of perfection that permeates the deep waters of our souls.

Is there a tendency with Pisces to drift away and become lost in streams of awareness that avoid connection to the mundane elements of physical existence? Might this be our fate for these few days surrounding the New Moon? It would depend upon what other aspects exist in the natal chart. Pisces people are just as diverse as members of any other sign based on the many combinations of planetary positions.

The chart for February 18th has the benefit of a Saturn square to the Sun/Moon and also to Neptune at 7 degrees Pisces. Though this may manifest in some as insecurity and observing fears that lay hidden in crevasses barely wide enough for the passage of a tiny lizard, in others it is grand vision, compassion and empathy for the human condition; a sense of responsibility to the highest good and to relieving the suffering that has been a defining quality of human existence throughout. In Pisces is found the connection to Christ Consciousness and an elevated platform from which to act without reaction.

We may find, once we have realized the source of our fears, that we have very little to be attached to that would limit us from Being our true nature that is symbolized within this last sign in astrology. Without boundaries or ‘beliefs’ we are free. That is the frightening and nebulous quality of Pisces—it is for the most part beyond the knowable. Pisces people with whom I have acquaintance, are not to be understood in the same way we might understand others. They offer few footholds for those requiring relative connection. We are sometimes left to navigate therefore our own insecurities that prompt us to seek avenues into others psyches.

Saturn in Sagittarius aspecting the luminaries provides an anchor for the practical application of what we find while engaged in exploration of the spaces between the warp and the weft. Saturn is the ballast for the ship that might otherwise float out to sea. The disposition of Saturn is to create parameters, to focus attention and to resist ‘temptation’ that would distract us from our goal.

In the dark of this Moon we will find our selves relying on blind faith with impetus to loosen the grip we have on physical reality in order to embrace the deeper rhythms to which we are eternally tuned. Make way for spontaneous insights that provide magical solutions and allow time for the mystical that has potential to transport us to new ‘heights’. Enjoy the waves of compassion whilst contributing amply to them and notice the kindness with which we are now interacting with each other–grace, patience and peace.

This is the opening of a gateway to the above mentioned; that as we approach the New Moon of March 20th will open further to be all inclusive and continue to ease us from separative thought.

 

New Moon 01.20.15: Expect the Unexpected

New Moon 01.20.2015 @ 0 degrees Aquarius 9 minutes 08:14 a.m. EST 05:14 a.m. PST

There is no passion to be found playing small – in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living. ~Nelson Mandela

new moon chart 01 20 15 We sail in a galleon the way for which is set by the ever changing night sky. The deep silence of the New Moon gives voice to countless stars that suddenly appear in numbers far too numerous to count. One would weary of this endeavor and simply give in to observing the cosmic domain; feeling small at first then vaster than the mind can possibly grasp. At 0 degrees Aquarius this moon offers consciousness freedom to explore without boundary or definition. Ruled by Uranus this decan (in this case the first 10 deg. of Aquarius) defies convention, acts upon knowing rather than belief and has no regard for emotional attachment as it limits ones vision/freedom. With four planets in Aquarius and three in Pisces we should expect the unexpected during this phase. There is an elimination process occurring that manifests through our greatest desires but illuminates our greatest fears, that of the unknown and yet we are helpless to struggle against the natural flow; the current is too swift. We are carried along and acting for the highest good without regard for individual concern. There is an inherent responsibility in expressing/being truth that we cannot deny so that peace will prevail that we might continue having the opportunity to embrace life here, a rare opportunity. We reach for everything, are content with nothing. The beauty of nothing becomes undeniable. Optimism goes hand in hand with a sense of how to accomplish, that leads to the practical application of these lofty ideas that spring from the depths of a newly realized truth. And there is no need to ask what is this truth as it is known, and known that there is no need to ask. Therein is freedom from the mind that perpetually wants answers and questions to confirm its purpose. Saturn in this chart figures prominently as it sextiles Sun/Moon and squares Neptune/Mars. Its position in Sagittarius provides a vehicle for escaping the mundane through awareness of the underlying structure that is Reality. The mind will run rampant perhaps, wanting to educate us in all kinds of ways but on a deeper level the stillness will implore us to silence. What a huge relief! To suddenly find one self with out opinion, perspective or proposition. Without anything about which to be concerned we can get down to the ‘task’ of simply being and in that we allow everything its beingness. With nothing rubbing up against anything else causing friction there is no conflict, war or lack of peace. Listening takes precedence over the need to inform. It is at this time of the New Moon that we do our deepest listening, first to our own heart and then knowing that all hearts are essentially the same develop wisdom and compassion for all things here as we are the same. Full moon, new moon—quarter moon, harvest moon—come and go along with an eternity of astrological aspects that apparently give definition to a moment. However, the bottom line is the same; that the ‘acquisition’ of freedom is awakening to Reality, escape from illusion and everything here eventually leads to that though it apparently takes time. In Reality, it takes nothing at all.

Full Moon 01 04 2015: Cancer and going Deeper

Full Moon January 04, 2015 @ 14 deg. 31 min. Cancer 11:53 p.m. EST 08:53 p.m. PST

There is nothing you can see that is not a flower; there is nothing you can think that is not the moon. ~Matsuo Basho, 17th century poet

full moon chart 1 4 15Last year began with a New Moon in Capricorn literally the opposite to how this year begins with a Full Moon in Cancer. 2014 began with the energy and influence of Saturn
immersed in Scorpio leading a chart intent upon peeling away and finding the essential ‘structure’ beneath. With Saturn in trine aspect to Black Moon Lilith conjunct Jupiter we could not help but examine the hand that rocks the cradle, questioning the role of the hand; aware of its function and therefore free of its influence.

The new cycle includes liberation from dependency. And now we approach 2015 from an emotionally more mature place with greater awareness of our motivations. In the dawning of a new year we are treated to a realization via the moon in its own sign of Cancer as it opposes the sun and squares the north and south node; that the ‘path’ to unity (north node in Libra), and beyond suffering is through recognition of the completeness of the individual self (south node in Aries) and in need of nothing external to Self as Self is everything.

The deep feeling nature of Cancer as it ‘sees’ via the inherent confident knowing of Capricorn provides a glimpse of Reality that offers ultimate security as there is nothing missing and there is nothing to do that will alter this Reality. Meanwhile it is observed that everything else changes and is temporary.

The potential is for becoming flexible and flowing with the innate rhythm that permeates all things. Gratitude for being here to witness and experience everything that occurs and for the awareness that arises as a result of surrender. Surrender that is a result of no longer being convinced that I am right. (based on the 5th harmonic of this Full Moon chart that has 6 planets in mutable signs including the sun/moon). The potential is going with the flow.

The test is taking the initiative to step forward in this authenticity and to shrug off the tendency for repetitive expression based on the past. In this moment there is only this reality. In this moment everything exists simultaneously as an expression of the Absolute: def.= free of external references or relationships, not limited in any way. The test is in letting go.

The service is through persistence, maintenance, single minded focus and determination to uphold that which has been gained. To deepen the roots of knowing and share the wisdom that resides in abundance in the heart of our being. (based on the 9th harmonic chart where the sun/moon are in fixed signs). The service is in Being.

The harmonic charts are a slice of the natal chart that are arrived at by division of 360 degrees by 5=72 deg. The septile aspect, 7=51.4—deg. The quintile aspect, 9=40 deg. The novile aspect.

At 14 degrees Cancer this Full Moon is influenced by the star Sirius at the same location, the brightest star in the heavens. Sirius has a long history as a navigational point and by its rising just before the sun, a precursor of the flooding of the Nile. What is it we are being guided toward and what abundance will be the result of this journey? To answer this question consider the role of the outer planets in this chart. At 12 or 13 degrees they promote freedom, independence and awakening (Uranus 12 deg. Aries), elimination and transformation (Pluto 13 deg. Capricorn conjunct the sun) and healing (Chiron 13 deg. Pisces) as they aspect directly the Sun/Moon axis.

This is not new of course, the square for example between Uranus and Pluto has just occurred for the 6th time. The 7th and last aspect is in March of this year. These planets have an ongoing relationship of evolving consciousness the results of which are evident in Truth arising.

Neptune, the planet that urges one to go deeper and creates apparent confusion in relation to ordinary reality is at 5 degrees Pisces and in this Full Moon chart opposes Black Moon Lilith and conjuncts the point of fortune.

What this means is discovering the Truth that lies beneath the fear (Black Moon Lilith) of our own nature; in some way confronting the fear of annihilation. This is our greatest desire and where we will find greatest fulfillment (point of fortune). With the BML in Virgo, the objective is to realize one self as perfect or absolute, not in need of anything; that is a dualistic objective, attaining what we think we lack. Neptune stands as the mirror in this opposition, ‘you are not what you appear to be’. In other words you are not your mind/body but that which is when all else has been defined. The nebulous quality of Neptune results from the minds inability to comprehend its meaning which lies beyond relative experience.

The opposition of Neptune and BML is squared by Saturn at 1 degree Sagittarius so that focus and determination are added to a desire to know Self. There is no fear or hesitancy with Saturn in Sagittarius but rather a persistent calling to show up in authenticity. Old patterns of authoritarianism are replaced with a longing to disseminate Truth and share the light. The arrow that Sagittarius directs upward has the potential to illuminate as it crosses the skies and expands our vision. This supported by Mercury, Venus and Mars in Aquarius the sign of freedom and enlightenment. How we think and communicate, what we want and how we act become communal or collectively centered. Personal acquisition makes little sense. We open up even more to this experience as one with everything and in the big picture find peace in knowing it is all Love. Deep abidance in the heart confirms this.

During these several days before and after this Full Moon in Cancer express gratitude for the guidance you receive, the abundance that is everywhere in your life and the gift of being here with open eyes!

Thank you and blessings for this amazing life.

New Moon 12.21.2014 and Winter Solstice! Rebirth.

New Moon 12.21.14 @ 0 degrees 6 minutes Capricorn 8:35 p.m. EST 5:35 p.m. PST
and Winter Solstice. The magic of the absence of moonlight announcing rebirth.

Definition, rationality, and structure are ways of seeing, but they become prisons when they blank out other ways of seeing. ~A. R. Ammons (Mars and south node in Capricorn)

new moon chart 12 21 2014

The final New Moon of 2014 is our chance to complete, in the sanctity of inner quiet, whatever we have become aware of this year that we do not wish to carry over into the new year; bits of the crumbling structure that we have chipped away at for ‘awhile’ still in need of a little nudge over the edge. As stated several times over this last year, we have had plenty of help in this undertaking from the Uranus/Pluto ongoing square and Saturn in Scorpio—persistent energy moving us toward waking up and greater awareness. Ultimately a kinder attitude toward one another—family, friends and those with whom we may have differences.

Children are being supported to deliver their message and we, the current adult population are ready to listen. Children have a vision and will be encouraged to express that vision by all of us interested in ways of thinking that elude the older generations. This New Moon in Capricorn bestows a sense of responsibility to ‘the vision’ as we have not experienced before; fresh ideas, unique and unlimited by old beliefs.

“When children and youth are seen as partners in development their participation fosters
ownership and empowerment to contribute to their own well-being and that of society as a whole. (from the World Vision website: The role of children in the post-2015 Development Agenda)

As this is also the winter solstice and symbolic for rebirth throughout history and various cultures perhaps we all have an opportunity to embrace the inner child and arise, unencumbered by conditioned response or reaction. Mars the active force and representing the direction in which our energy flows during these few days prior to and following the new Moon is in freedom loving Aquarius at the point of the bow that would launch into awakening—beyond the known world and into the mysterious and vast unknown. On either side of Mars is Chiron, the healer and Venus/Pluto that is discussed subsequently as the focus of transforming the material desire nature. In opposition to Mars is the Black Moon Lilith that we know as the point at which we recognize the true Self. Mars leading the way ignites our passion to know the true Self and so migrate to inner peace. This supported by the healing of our wounds and less focus upon what we think we want or need here to be okay.

With Saturn at 29 degrees 48 minutes Scorpio this is the final curtain call to scrutinize and eliminate the deep, old collective patterns that restrict and bind us to servitude—serving the ego. We work with these aspects in relation to the blueprint we were given upon entrance. And though it may sound complicated it is quite simple. If you wish to scale a mountain there is a single rope that dangles in front of you—the only means by which to reach the top—you may veer a foot or two to one side or the other looking for the best foot hold but the rope remains the constant source for your ascent.

The final New Moon is a time to clarify the vision you have for the coming year. With Pluto, the planet of power, elimination and transformation conjunct Venus the ruler of desire and relating there will be a honing of what we perceive to be important. In some cases getting to the bare bones of what motivates us will be the driving force at this time.
For others realizing that old patterns influence us in ways that are limiting is just as profound. Wherever this combination shows up in your chart there will be a deep need to purge one self of dependence in favor of authenticity.

It would be impossible to avoid the showering of light that we are receiving from planet Uranus (it is everywhere) that, squaring Pluto and Venus, impels us to throw open the shutters and receive this gift. Suddenly it is realized that focusing on the minutia for a really, really long time we have managed to distract our selves from seeing the big picture. The distraction has been the reality whilst the Reality, always right here, has gone unnoticed except for the vague desire for something I long for but, as of yet, have not attained. (This of course in varying degrees for all of us. Not a criticism at all. It is as it is and couldn’t be more perfect!)

It must be stated also that there are five planets in Capricorn at this time—Sun, Moon, Mercury, Pluto and Venus. This has the capacity to undertake big projects and successfully complete challenging agendas. Not necessary for this to happen immediately. But with this powerful dynamic present to fully design a concept to be completed in 2015 would have considerable potential for standing out of the ordinary. Capricorn is adept at utilizing resources and creating what is of greatest service. Composers/musicians, engineers and architects for instance are often influenced by Capricorn—builders of systems, structures and rhythms.

What is your dream for 2015? What is your desire beyond the accumulation of material assets that contributes to well-being individually and collectively? Allow the inner child to engage in this process and free your self to dive into your unknown world of play and creation. No matter how many times we have dipped our toes into the pool, there is always something new awaiting us. This for the mind in stillness.

Happy celebrations and blessings for a marvelous New Year!