Full Moon in Virgo - March 5th, 2015 4:05 PM PST

The Angelic Crucible

The heavens will be busy during this week's Full Moon, so I decided to avoid too many planetary references and focus on content. What does "The Angelic Crucible" mean? Well, the planets will be challenging us to deal with old baggage, and we will have a hard time avoiding our issues with others this week. In addition, we are going to have a difficult time working through these issues without help, so a little angelic support would not be a bad way to go since many of these concerns will have us looking at our beliefs about the world  as well as our spirituality.

Grand Fire Trine: It's your baggage.

The Grand Trine is activating planets in the houses of family, unconscious/spiritual/past lives, and philosophy. Sounds a bit heavy? Definitely! You have the opportunity to get your hands dirty and look at some significant blocks that could be impacting your journey and learn how to overcome them. Virgo is a problem-solver, and she can find problems quickly. The Moon will be helping you see those issues with greater clarity, so you can do your own healing work. You might feel tempted to distract yourself by looking at other people's baggage instead, but the reality is anything that is upsetting you at this time is most likely a result of what you are bringing to the table. Uranus wants you to look at the problems from a new perspective, Saturn would like you to keep reasonable boundaries with people closest to you (not too hard or too soft), and Jupiter is giving you a little extra help with digging into your unconscious and spiritual concerns. 

Mercury Opposition Jupiter: Talk it out.

Mercury is not letting you off the hook while it challenges Jupiter from the 6th house in the sign of Aquarius. Who rules the 6th house? Virgo. What does Aquarius like to do? Be quirky and collaborate with other odd ducks. What does this mean?

The way to grow is to communicate your wounds with others and find new solutions.

If you try to cope using the same strategies, then you will likely find  more problems erupting and the cycle will continue. Pluto and Chiron are upping the ante by giving you consequences of not addressing these issues. Pluto will likely generate conflicts and stress with other people until you work through your blocks. Chiron is forcing you to rely on others for assistance, which is not a bad thing. We all could stand to be more open and allow people to share their light with us. 

Concise Considerations:

1. Focus on what needs to be healed or resolved in your life. Any unfinished baggage will likely emerge, and you will be more successful if you connect with others. 
2. If you are making intentions, then make sure you are open to new or unique solutions. 
3. Energy work and other forms of spiritual healing are likely beneficial alternatives at this time. 
4. If you find yourself having difficulty communicating, then try writing out your thoughts and feelings first to help you articulate your internal experiences. 
5. Send out the intention that you are receptive to spiritual support in whatever form resonates with your belief system. 
6. Connect to your higher self, higher power, guides, etc. for guidance and healing. 
7. Find a healthy balance between your own needs and the needs of others in your life. 

Full Moon in Aries and Total Lunar Eclipse - Wednesday, October 8th, 2014

Physical Healing Through Release

Although the Full Moon will be occurring on Wednesday (3:51 AM PST), you will likely benefit the most from establishing intentions on Tuesday evening in order to take full advantage of the lunar energies. The moon will be in the sign of Aries, which will be part of a Fire Grand Trine. The planetary placements below are based on Pacific Standard Time (though most the information will apply to all).

Grand Trines are associated with an easy flow of energy and often can result in better outcomes. This Grand Trine will involve the Moon (8th house--death and transformation), Mars (4th house--family and home), and Jupiter (12th house--spirituality and secrets). However, sometimes the easy flow can create a state of complacency because there is little stress forcing people to act. Thankfully, the moon will also be in tense opposition to the sun and Venus (2nd house - money and possessions).

What this could translate to is use the energy of the Fire Grand Trine to help resolve any issues related to material and physical wellness. Examples of material and physical wellness include money issues, health concerns, house and land projects, creating beauty, and addressing practical needs. Do not be surprised if you are almost forced to let go of control and allow the universe to guide you to where you need to go. This is a time of listening to your higher knowing as well as those closest to you. The important thing is to act on the guidance you receive quickly.

Total Lunar Eclipse

On Wednesday, October 8th, 2014 at approximately 3:56 AM PST, there will be a total lunar eclipse. The Eclipse is supposed to be visible from Asia, Australia, the Pacific and the Americas. This is going to be the second Total Lunar Eclipse in a series of four (known as a Tetrad). 

Lunar eclipses have a tendency to force us into a crisis in order to deal with what we are not facing. The common element is change, and the energies of a Lunar Eclipse will help take away distractions and illusions in order to move forward in a healthier way. Because of the placements of the Moon, Mars, and Jupiter, there is a good likelihood that we could even experience a spiritual crisis and be forced to test our limits of faith in the face of uncertainty. The good news is we also have Pluto helping us to purge and release old stuff, so as long as we are open to "letting go," we will likely benefit greatly. 

Concise Considerations

1. Intentions focused on physical healing and environmental (land) healing will be strengthened. Both forms of healing will be accelerated through physical cleansing and releasing old energies. 
2. Intentions focused on money or financial wellness are strengthened. 
3. Intentions focused on home and yard projects are strengthened. 
4. Intentions focused on changing systems, processes, habits, or patterns are strengthened. 
5. Intentions focused on connecting with your higher purpose are strengthened. 
6. Intentions focused on facing or resolving old issues--especially issues that could be affecting your physical wellness--are strengthened. 
7. Intentions focused on creating joy and pleasure through the senses are strengthened (i.e., dancing, decorating, new clothing). 

Fall Equinox and New Moon in Libra - Monday, September 22nd, 2014 and Tuesday, September 23rd, 2014

The Fall Equinox, also known as Mabon, will herald the first day of Fall on Monday, September 22nd, 2014 at about 7:29 PM PST. In some earth-centered spiritual traditions, Mabon is referred to as the Second Harvest honoring the sun's last bounty. The sun, represented as the waning power of the masculine aspect of the divine or God, is preparing for his eventual "death" or loss of power (represented by the loss of the growing season due to the decreasing amount of light) at Samhain (October 31st) and rebirth at Yule/Winter Solstice (when the light begins to increase once more).

I believe the equinoxes are a time of reflection of our internal and external balance of light and dark. Now, the balance point of light and dark differs from person to person, but we all have to find where that point is. One of the most dangerous beliefs a person can have is that he or she is immune to, incapable of, or completely devoid of any shadow. We all have thoughts and behaviors that can become destructive. I find the thought liberating because I do not have to adhere to an impossible standard of existence, but at the same time, I can learn about my shadow and how to avoid manifesting as much harm as possible. We tend to focus easily on the negative behaviors of others without seeing how our own thoughts and behaviors are making our experiences better or worse. Here is one of my favorite quotes from Lao Tzu that reminds me of this truth.

“Knowing others is intelligence; knowing yourself is true wisdom. 

Mastering others is strength; mastering yourself is true power. 

If you realize that you have enough, you are truly rich.” 



The reason I am focusing on the shadow is Pluto will be returning to direction motion on the equinox after being in retrograde since April. Pluto has been doing a lot of work forcing us to examine our thoughts and behaviors and providing intense learning experiences in order to become better human beings. We have an opportunity to integrate what we have learned, which can alleviate the tension we feel in our lives.

Interestingly, the sun and moon will be in the astrological sign of Libra during the New Moon--emphasizing the need for balance. The New Moon will occur at 11:14 PM PST, and we have opportunity to examine our lives to determine what  we can do to create more harmony in our internal and external worlds. Libra initially focuses on finding balance with others, but needs to find balance within the self in order to create an authentic harmony. During this New Moon, remember to come to a place of peace and acceptance with your life, and you might find your relationships transform accordingly.

Tarot Thoughts for Mabon

The tarot message for the autumnal equinox is to connect with your own internal sense of power and vitality in order to move past the old wounds and losses and become productive. Combined with the message of the stones I threw, our emotional power can be unleashed by integrating the painful lessons of the past to overcome the problems of the present.

Concise Considerations

1. Consider what you could be thinking or doing that could create greater harmony in your life. 
2. Consider what aspects of your life you are neglecting that could create greater balance in your life. 
3. Intentions focused on increasing personal power are strengthened. 
4. Intentions focused on creating healthier relationships with others are strengthened. 
5. Intentions focused on ending unhealthy behaviors, thoughts, relationships, jobs, etc. are strengthened. 
6. Intentions focused on clearing out old emotional hurts will be strengthened. 
7. Intentions focused on psychological, energetic, and/or spiritual healing will be strengthened. The shamanic practice of soul retrieval as well as other forms of energy integration are especially potent. 
8. Equinox Ideas: gather and dry herbs, bake bread, share a bountiful meal with others, engage in "fall cleaning" as a counterpart to spring cleaning, contemplate what you are willing to let go of, and give thanks for abundance. 

Supermoons, Asteroids, and Cards

Full Moon in Pisces (Final Supermoon) - Monday, September 8th, 2014 at 6:38 PM

This will be the third and last consecutive supermoon in 2014, so I am anticipating a culmination of the preceding lunar energy. In addition, the Full Moon will reside in the sign of Pisces, which is the final sign of the zodiac. The theme will be completion. A lot of energetic work has been done during the past three months, and, for some, the work was challenging and painful at times. My hope is the moon will herald a time of calming winds and allow us to follow our path with fewer obstacles. If you have spent time evaluating your life's current path and have made choices that are in alignment with your deepest values, then you will likely notice a greater change in how your life will unfold during the next month. 

On Sunday, September 7th, 2014 at about 11:18 AM PST, the asteroid 2014 RC was about 25,000 miles away from Earth before continuing onward into space. The asteroid was reportedly about the size of a house, and the distance was great enough that no interference with satellites occurred. The asteroid was classified as "Apollo class" because it spent the majority of its time outside of Earth's orbit (unlike "Aten class," which spends most of its time within Earth's orbit). 

The energetic effects of asteroids are a newer concept in astrology. There are asteroids in the outer solar system that are said to have an effect on the denizens of our planet, but they are located at a astronomical (please forgive the pun) distance away from Earth.  For example, Chiron's orbit can get as close as 8.5 AUs to the sun, or about 7.5 AUs to the Earth. The conversion to miles would be about 697,168,554.75 miles from Chiron to the Earth, which is a bit further than asteroid 2014 RC's distance to Earth of 25,000 miles. 

Therefore, if asteroids have an energetic effect on our energy fields, then I would assume the closer the asteroid, the more intense the influence. Of course, Chiron's mass is definitely larger than 2014 RC's mass, but Chiron is also significantly further away. However, let's assume the asteroid has some sort of impact. 

The appearance of comets are often viewed as harbingers of something to come, and asteroids could be viewed the same way. The timing of the asteroid beautifully coincides with the upcoming final Supermoon tonight. If we think of asteroids as agents of transformation, then perhaps the asteroid is signaling completion of all the hard work we have been doing in our lives. Now is a time of integration of the energies within us, so do not feel guilty if you are inclined to take a break and rest. Head the wisdom of Pisces by allowing the changes within you affect the world outside of you. 

I wanted to add another aspect to the astrological elements of this blog by using Tarot to help distill the important information. This week, I drew the Ace of Stones/Pentacles when asking about how we can best utilize this final Supermoon. 

The card's theme is Abundance. Traditionally, the abundance has to do with money and wealth. However, your abundance can be physical, mental, emotional, and/or spiritual. Look at the card and see what jumps out at you with your intuitive sense, and use that information to help guide your intentions tonight.  

Concise Considerations

1. This full moon is about allowing change to flow without forcing or controlling. Focus on what you want like you would hold a figurine made of glass. Be what you want, and then you can get what you want. 
2. Intentions focused on rest, rejuvenation, or vacations will be strengthened. 
3. Intentions focused on spiritual goals will be strengthened. 
4. Clearing out old and/or unnecessary objects in your life will be beneficial. 
5. Connect with inner abundance to manifest outer abundance. 

New Moon in Virgo - Monday, August 25th, 2014 at 7:13 AM PST

This New Moon in Virgo is heralding a perfect time for self-improvement and organization. Both the sun and the moon will be located in the 12th house, which is not an auspicious placement normally. Although the 12th house is associated with spirituality, the 12th house is also associated with secrets and wounds. The 12th house has a tendency to hide or redirect the energies of the planets, so you might feel more overlooked or alone.

On the west coast, the sun and the moon will both in the sign of Virgo and in opposition to Neptune (the planet associated with the 12th house), which might suggest this time of introspection is purposeful. Neptune is calling your attention to who you are and what you feel in an effort to do some internal and external housekeeping. Virgo is an analytic sign, and with the placement of the sun and moon, there will be an emphasis of self-examination related to how you are managing your body and environment. Are you eating or drinking excessively? Are you letting your housework get a little (or a lot) behind? You are feeling less in touch with your body or more spacey? Are you having a hard time making decisions because of a lack of clarity? These are some of the possible effects of the current placement of the moon, sun, and Neptune. 

Thankfully, we have some help coming from the direction of Pluto. Historically, Pluto can be a bit of an instigator, but in this context, he is providing a way to resolve the tension created by Neptune. Pluto forms a trine with the sun, the moon, and mercury, which will help force the truth into awareness. You will have an opportunity for greater understanding about how to better take care of yourself by examining old patterns originating from your family of origin. 

Mercury, also in the sign of Virgo, will be in opposition to Chiron the wounded healer. How you communicate what you think and even feel might be difficult. Or, the other possibility, you might have a hard time resisting expressing your hurts and wounds to others. Chiron is encouraging us to examine our communication and see how we can improve the way we express ourselves to others. 

Mars, Venus, Jupiter, and Saturn will all be interacting closely with one another while Uranus gives them the chance to work through their issues without losing their uniqueness. Relationships (romantic and platonic) might have a little extra emotional charge, but like the other placements, this energy is meant to help resolve long-standing relationship issues.


Concise Considerations

1. Intentions focused on self-improvement and organization will be strengthened. 
2. Intentions focused on dealing with old wounds will be strengthened. 
3. Intentions focused on improving physical health through nutrition and exercise will be strengthened. 
4. Intentions focused on domestic improvements will be strengthened. 
5. Intentions focused on being heard or communicating differently will be strengthened. 
6. Intentions focused on mental clarity will be strengthened. 
7. Intentions focused on improving problem-solving will be strengthened. 
8. Intentions focused on connecting with your personal spirituality, religion, or philosophy will be strengthened. 
9. Intentions focused on removing barriers to immediate work problems (but not necessarily long-term career plans) will be strengthened. 

Sunday, August 10th, 2014 at 11:09 AM PST - Full Moon in Aquarius - Supermoon

On Sunday, the moon will be in Perigee, which means the moon will be as close to the earth as she can be given her orbit. The event has been termed "Supermoon" by more mainstream media, and the moon will look larger than normal in the night sky. Astrology does not offer a lot of information regarding Supermoons, but many would consider the closer proximity of the moon to intensify the lunar energies experienced on earth to some degree.

The moon will be shining in the astrological sign of Aquarius. Locally, the energies will be focused on family and career needs once again. However, the strain is much more substantial. The sun and mercury are both sitting in the fiery sign of Leo (in the 10th house of career), and they are both in direct opposition to the moon in Aquarius (in the fourth house of family and close relationships). A lot of tension is being created in the resolving career and job needs, so that you can restore balance and harmony to work and home. The strategy for resolution lies in the moon's placement in Aquarius.

Leo is well known for passion and getting what he wants. The problem is Leo's tactics can sometimes be off-putting because other human beings also have needs and desires, which do not always register with the Leo. Assertiveness and confidence can sometimes be perceived as aggressiveness and arrogance. If you are noticing you are not getting what you want through normal direct strategies, then perhaps you might have to consider the wisdom of Aquarius.

Aquarius is the polar opposite of Leo. Remember, polar opposites also share common themes despite their differences. The lessons for Leo and Aquarius have to do with identity. Leo rules over our sense of self and individual identity while Aquarius rules over our collective identity. Leo might say, "What I need matters." Aquarius might say, "The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few or the one." Leo has a personal approach, and Aquarius has an impersonal approach. That does not mean Aquarians do not have feelings or do not feel deeply--quite the contrary. What this means is Aquarius is going to make decisions based on what is in alignment with deeply personal principles regardless of what people think about them, and the principles tend to have a broader view of the whole.

In addition, Aquarians prefer collaboration and including others in decisions and processes. Although they often have their own ideas, they understand that learning from others can enhance their own good ideas and therefore help them grow. Female Aquarians often exhibit the collaboration tendency more often than males, but even Aquarian males seek some sort of input from others even if the input does not change their minds.

The theme of the upcoming full moon could be something like this:

"Allow the ideas of others to mix with yours to create truly genius results." 

Allow yourself to be open to the energies of others in order to create the most incredible internal alchemy that will manifest in the external world.

Concise Considerations

1. Consider asking for help from close friends or family members if you are having trouble overcoming a specific problem--especially work-related problems. 
2. Collaborate, network, and see the strengths of others in order to achieve your goals more effectively. 
3. If you are feeling stuck, then set intentions for seeing the bigger picture. 
4. Intentions focused on improving mental clarity and holistic thinking will be strengthened. 
5. Intentions focused on generating new ideas and solutions will be strengthened. 
6. Intentions focused on combining elements (i.e., ideas, people, things, projects) into a cohesive whole will be strengthened. 
7. Intentions focused on connecting with your uniqueness and expressing your own creativity are strengthened. 

New Moon in Leo - Saturday, July 26th, 2014 at 3:42 PM PST

The New Moon in Leo will herald a shift in energies. The Sun will also be in the regal sign of the lion and in conjunct with the moon. The result is a congruency between who you are and what you feel. You will have a clearer idea of what you want and how to best go about your goals. Jupiter will also be providing a little bit of luck in your ventures, and Mercury and Venus are encouraging eloquent and effective communication.

With a New Moon, you have an opportunity to plant seeds only after you have cleared away the last harvest. If you are having trouble letting go or allowing necessary endings to occur, the moon can help you facilitate release. A New Moon is about preparation, rest, and planting whereas the Full Moon is about action, energy, and completion.

Pluto is putting pressure on Venus and Mercury during the time of the New Moon. You might find yourself experiencing conflicts with people in your life because of unspoken words. Pluto does not like keeping psychological wounds hidden for very long, so if you have been avoiding confrontations or vocalizing your true feelings, you might notice words erupting from your mouth without your full consent. The only answer is to speak before Pluto pushes you, so that you can articulate your thoughts and feelings in the most effective and helpful manner possible.

Lammas/Lughnasadh

On August 2nd, many people will be celebrating Lammas--also known as the first harvest festival. During this time, wheat was harvested in many European countries, and there were festivities to reflect the abundance reaped. There is also a tradition of making and blessing bread, which could then be used later in magic or prayer. As you enjoy the energies of the New Moon, you can also set aside time to be grateful for the abundance you have received and decide how you would like to best use the gifts you currently have. Because this is the first harvest, symbolically you can also review the progress you have made so far to determine if other changes are in order. You might want to review contracts or agreements--possibly changing or modifying the course you have set for the rest of the year. 

Concise Considerations

1. Intentions focused on improving communication within relationships are strengthened. 
2. Intentions focused on identity and place in world are strengthened. 
3. Intentions focused on removing elements of the self or old energies are strengthened. 
4. Intentions focused on improving nutrition are strengthened. 
5. Intentions focused on helping others are strengthened. 
6. Intentions focused on releasing unwanted energies related to money, sex, or death are strengthened.
7. Intentions focused on learning or growing from past experiences involving money, sex, or death are strengthened. 
8. Blessing food (especially bread) on Lammas can help with magic or other intentions.