Astrology by Lauren

May 17th ~ 24th

I read the news today oh boy

Four thousand holes in Blackburn, Lancashire

And though the holes were rather small

They had to count them all

Now they know how many holes it takes to fill the Albert Hall.

I’d love to turn you on.

~ Lennon/McCartney

The song, A Day in the Life, by John Lennon and Paul McCartney, describes the angst, and sometimes depressing futility of modern day life. But rather than succumbing to the meaningless banality and hopelessness of our everyday lives, we are also being asked here to do something, almost anything, something meaningful, something incredible, to not just change ourselves, but something that will also maybe impact the rest of the world as well.  

As we enter Gemini Season this week, Uranus and Pluto make their 3rd square in this series of 7 squares in a 3 year period.  Gemini is the sign of the News, good news, bad news, journalism, misinformation, distracting information, conversations, what you hear, what you see, what you learn, curiosity, gossip, the desire to know, to learn, to breathe, to gasp, to wheeze.  It is the soft breeze lightly caressing your face, and the strong blustery winds blowing the hat off your head.  We are being shook out of our lethargy, being asked to pay attention, to notice, to be turned on by what we see and hear and read.  

Meanwhile, the Uranus/Pluto wave of transformation, rebellion, revolution, social activism, reformation, and freedom, is winding its way through the backdrop of our lives.  One of the primary elements at the basis of this cycle is power, the abuse of power, or the apparent inequality of power that becomes too overwhelming to ignore and is often the impetus for change.  It is also often preceded or accompanied by some sort of economic collapse or crisis that exacerbates the disparity between classes or opposing parties. Where there is oppression and austerity, there will be a desire to be free; where there is an excess of greed and power, there will be a need for adjustment; and where structures are outdated or unstable, they will crumble, fall, and need to be rebuilt.  

The law of liberty tends to abolish the reign of race over race, of faith over faith, of class over class.  It is not the realization of a political ideal; it is the discharge of a moral obligation. ~ John Dalbert

There is a new and enlightening book, The Body Economic: Why Austerity Kills, in which the authors explore the dangers and consequences of critical austerity measures being applied in some Western countries in response to the prevalent economic recession.  It comes as a wake up call in the midst of our current Uranus/Pluto crisis.  A tipping point, in which we are being asked to take heed.

David Stuckler and Sanjay Basu compared countries such as Greece, that have applied strict austerity measures in order to compensate for their overwhelming debt; with countries such as Iceland, who by contrast invested in jobs programs and continued to maintain their broad social safety net as a means to stimulate their economy.  As part of its cut backs, Greece has hobbled its health care system by cutting back funds by more than 40%, virtually eliminating its HIV prevention program and rendering its psychiatric services impotent.  As a result, in an atmosphere in which 50% of its youths are unemployed, they have seen a 200% rise in HIV cases, and its suicide rate (previously one of the lowest in Western Europe) has increased by 60%.  By contrast, in Iceland, which has continued to maintain its Universal Healthcare system, and invested in job growth, they have not only avoided these public health disasters, but are now inching steadily towards economic recovery.  

So there is an opportunity here to make a lasting difference.  To set our economies on track for a happier, healthier future, as we did in the postwar period.  To get our priorities as a society right.  It’s not yet too late.  Almost, but not quite. ~ David Stuckler

It was during one of the previous Uranus/Pluto squares that Franklin D. Roosevelt implemented his New Deal, a broad social safety net which buoyed up the U.S. after the Great Depression through a series of economic programs.  In addition a public works program was established which employed millions of people.  Since that time, many of these stabilizing programs have come under attack by a cadre of conservatives, calling for greater austerity.  

Uranus/Pluto cycles are times of instability.  As a result, the fluidity of these times allows for changes to be made where they are needed.  But these require the right changes.  Changes that are informed, and take into consideration the greater good of all.  These are opportunities to not only make much needed changes in society but in our personal lives as well.  In fact, if you are due for necessary changes and resist, they may even be made for you through a series of circumstances beyond your control.  Ideally, the best path to take at this time is to pursue the ideal of creating and initiating yourself, the changes that you would like to see, both in your life and in the world at large.  

the above image of Gemini symbol is by Mettus, whose portfolio can be seen on 123rf.com

For the week of May 17th thru the 24th, be sure to read your Rising Sign as well:

Aries

If you feel confused by what you hear, or cannot make up your mind over the weekend, don’t.  Just let it be.  Allow space, meditation and reflection to enter your busy life.  Many of you stand on the threshold of a new found independence, and sense of authenticity, which you feel you need to promote like a radical, new-born and brilliant idea, even in the face of entrenched and oppressive traditions.  You are being led to realize what those changes look like, and how they feel.  Embrace them, for these are changes whose time has come. The old order is gradually being transformed to accommodate.

Taurus

This is a week of creative ingenuity, good news, fair greetings, clarity and healing.  Meetings or alliances with brilliant or alternative individuals can prove to not only be enlightening, but creatively inspiring as well.  Be willing to step out of your usual routine this weekend, to see an art show, do some sight-seeing, or engage in some brilliant conversation.  It will feel like you just opened a window on to a whole new world of experience and possibility.  They key to healing this week, is in not comparing yourself to others and what they have, or what you don’t, but in simply accepting who you are and what you have, and finding joy in even the simplest of pleasures.

Gemini

If you perceive a conflict between what you are being told, and what you intuitively know to be true, then it warrants some sort of investigation.  We are being inundated with information right now, and it’s up to us to translate and sift our the misinformation from the truth, to discriminate between what we want to be true and reality.  Be open to alternatives and be willing to change your mind.  Creative alternatives are going to be presenting themselves after the weekend.  During the weekend, just allow yourself to be, to experience.  It is a time for introspection and silence.  Clarity and innovative and creative solutions and ideas will come after, when we begin to see that we can accomplish a great deal more in the company of others, than we can on our own.

Cancer

This is usually a time of year for peace, reflection and introspection for Cancer.  However, with all of the potential changes emerging, it can also be a period of preparation.  In the backdrop of your life, it may have been feeling like you were being forced to make some radical changes in your life.  If this were true, then realize that these are changes whose time has come.  If not, look for ways in which you can allow for greater growth, freedom and potential in your life, while discarding those things that you have been clinging to out of familiarity, but may in fact be no longer relevant.  There is a whole world of possibility out there, just waiting to unfold.


Leo

For Leo, Gemini season is a season of potential, possibility and playful communication with others.  One thing that may become evident, is that if you wish to make any significant changes in your life, some of these may be more easily accomplished with the assistance of others, or through a group, who share the same goals or ideals and aspirations that you do.  Part of that is simply networking.  But the beauty of Gemini season is in finding those particularly brilliant and inspiring individuals who just totally get you.  

Virgo

This is the time of year for Virgo to shine.  Do also be aware though that not everyone will be on the same page as you.  That’s all right, though.  This weekend is one of those times when there are more likely to be glitches in communication, or messages get lost in the mail, or things get lost in translation. These are days better spent in reverie or contemplation, as opposed to trying to get things organized.  Be aware that clarity and solutions to any existing problems will soon follow immediately after, with the best days being Sunday thru Wednesday.  From Tuesday on, practice yogic consciousness and mindfulness, realizing how words can both heal and wound.

Libra

This is a brilliant time for Libra to explore truths and get the answers to questions that help to broaden and expand your mind and its possibilities. It’s like your world is opening up like some sort of telescope, allowing you to realize a whole world exists out there for you to explore.  Open yourself up to creative possibility by being willing to step out of your usual ways of doing things.  Do something different, go somewhere new, consider alternatives.  Even just moving the furniture around, or making space in your environment, unburdening yourself of baggage you no longer need, will allow you to look at your life in a more creative and meaningful way.  

Scorpio

This is usually a time of year for adjustments any way for Scorpio.  So take a look at your life and explore the changes that you have already implemented, and those that are just waiting for the right moment to be unveiled.  For many Scorpio’s, this has been a year of deep inner changes and realizations about yourself and your environment, perhaps questioning many ideas, many things that you used to take for granted.  The world is changing in some remarkable ways, and so are you right along with it.  This will become apparent through your work, or even through your everyday conversations with others.  The best way to handle these changes right now, is to simply become as informed as you possibly can.  

Sagittarius

This time of year is often about one’s partners, or the people with whom you are closest to, Sagittarius.  Much can be learned from them, through them, and their point of view, their vision, their insight.  Perhaps more than you may wish to know.  Particularly about your past or home and family wounds that become sadly unveiled, and may even wreak confusion in their wake.  Not everyone will be able to relate to your own wounds, and your past, or even understand what these mean to you.  But realize that healing comes through simply accepting where you come from as a necessary part of your secret and personal history, while also accepting others, and where they come from as well.  

Capricorn

As we enter Gemini season, make yourself as knowledgable as you can about any health or dietary issues.  It is also a good time to consider honing up on, or perfecting some sort of skill that can be useful to you and your work and your life in some practical way.  But the big story is in the backdrop of this crazy transformation that your life is going through right now, that has both rendered the home and family environment into a strange alternate universe, while also unveiling deep truths about yourself, your personal integrity, and wanting/needing/desiring to take the reins of your life into your own hands.  Explore those things over which you do have control, as opposed to those that you simply do not, and focus on the former rather than the latter.

Aquarius

This time of year is usually a pleasant time of year for Aquarius, in which you explore those things that bring you both happiness and joy.  It is a time of year for you to rediscover and give voice to your inner child.  But the big story is in the backdrop of your life, in which you are being beckoned to consider alternative realities and truths in the light of recent disclosures and/or discoveries in your life.  If you insist on thinking that there is only one way to look at a problem, you will never find the solution.  Albert Einstein is purported to have said, “No problem can be solved from the same level of consciousness that created it.” Allow the shifts to take place.  They must.

Pisces

As we shift into Gemini season, at first it may feel like your world is unravelling and becoming less focused.  It feels like one is lost, taking wrong turns, lost in time and space... simply losing one’s way.  Messages get lost, some misunderstood, mis-read, misinterpreted.  Just allow things to simply be for a few days.  Know that clarity will come later.  In the mean time, just put some things up on the shelf for now.  In the backdrop of your life, Pisces is being beckoned to experience stillness, serenity and healing.  Too much commotion and chatter can be misleading and distracting.  So, in the midst of your busy life and interruptions, allow those important moments of reflection and meditation to fill your life with meaningful connections.

May 3rd ~ 10th

When one door closes another opens; but we often look so long and regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the new one opened for us. ~Alexander Graham Bell

There is a Solar Eclipse on May 9th(10th) in the sign of Taurus. It is an annular eclipse, meaning that the Moon is far enough away from the Earth to block the Sun just enough to allow a halo of solar light to bleed out from beyond the Moon’s shadow.  This particular eclipse will be visible in Northwest Australia, the Southern Pacific and Hawaii.  

Like all New Moons, Solar Eclipses are indicative of New Beginnings.  Often these solar eclipse new beginnings are predicated on, or  coincident with something ending, or needing to be released to the gods, in order to then be able to move on with our lives, on a new footing, a new path, a new way of being.  This seems to be even more significant with the South Node attending eclipses, such as this one is.  It is probably this latter piece of the puzzle that gave them their reputation as a harbinger of doom steeped in mythical forebodings.  But endings need not necessarily be a negative thing, and the insight and awareness that accompany eclipse season can also border on sheer revelation.   

These can be, and often are, times of correction, in which the perspective or focus shifts from one paradigm to another.  This can be due to specific events which at first feel like we are being taken off course, when in actuality we are being redirected back on track.  It’s kind of like a universal GPS system.  But perhaps the most significant events that happen at this time, are those within our own minds, when and where we are given the opportunity to fulfill, purify or ignore karmic obligations as they arise.  And they often do seem to arise during these fateful periods.  It’s kind of like when the ball is now in your court, what do you do?  How do you handle it?  Do you embrace it as yours?  Or do you revile it and seek blame?

The Taurus/Scorpio axis which coincides with these current set of eclipses is an axis that has to do with reciprocity; exchange; commitments; agreements; value; attachment; ownership; consummation; transformation; and the portals through which souls pass on to their next journey.   This Taurus Solar Eclipse is a time to make new commitments or renew our vows to do so, within the light of any recent revelations, changes of circumstances or perspectives.  With this comes the necessary acceptance that an old order is passing, and this is the new reality, whatever that may mean for you.  

There are also a series of healing aspects this week, as the Sun, Mars and Mercury in Taurus will activate the sextile between Pluto and Chiron, the half-comet, half-asteroid centaur*.  Through these gates we are being shown the tools we need to heal ourselves of wounds inflicted recently, or even those festering from lifetimes ago.  We all have deeply ingrained ways of responding, acting, seeing, based on our present state of mind and point of view.  This is actually a safer time than most to honestly look at ourselves, face our fears, our darkness, whatever may be festering or seething, and allow these to heal by shedding light on them and applying the correct antidotes.

Chiron is symbolic of the bridge that can be built between our lower rational conscious mind and our higher, more spiritual mind experience.  Chiron brings us the means to build this bridge.  Whether he arrives as a guide, a teacher, an advisor, a therapist, a healer, a priest, an initiator or elder... working with Pluto, he is giving us the tools to not only heal our wounds, but to embark on the path to the cessation of suffering.  In this way we have the capacity to create some sort of remarkable shift in our lives.

*A centaur is a small body that orbits the Sun between the planets Jupiter and Pluto, and crosses the orbits of one or more of these outer planets.  Chiron travels between the orbits of Saturn and Uranus.  Scientists believe that Chiron came from outside of our solar system, and may some day leave again.  

The image of an annular eclipse was captured by the Hinode Satellite in January 2011, courtesy of NASA.gov

The image of a “Solar Eclipse over Alien Lake Landscape” is by Angela Harburn whose portfolio can be seen here courtesy of 123rf.com.

For the week of May 3rd thru the 10th, be sure to read your Rising Sign as well:

Aries

Make a commitment with this Solar Eclipse that is arriving this week, to see how one hand gratefully washes the other.  Sometimes out of fear we act defensively, or hold on dearly to what we have, for fear that someone will come and take it all away.  In this way we may be holding on too tightly and are disrupting the natural flow of give and take.  Look at ways that you may have been too attached to material things, with too much emphasis on monetary value, or possession.  In some way, you will be able to gain the security that you desire.  But in order to do so comes the realization that something will need to be relinquished, sold and/or given up.  Having that realization is the first step.

Taurus

The Solar Eclipse in Taurus the end of next week is relevant for all Taurus people, but will be especially powerful for those Taurus’s born between May 7th and the 13th, or have 15-23° of Taurus rising.  All Taurus rising people born with up until 26° of Taurus will feel this one strongly though.  This is because the eclipse will be falling in the sign associated with yourself, your environment, and with new beginnings in general.  Do realize with the South Node at this angle as well, that some sort of sorting out, some sort of unraveling, and divesting needs to take place first, before you can make that new start.  See how complacency, habit, attachment and a fear of letting go has allowed you to get into a rut in the first place, and is preventing you from moving on with your life and growing.

Gemini

It is time to release your past, say goodbye, as you pass through the gates of this eclipse season, in order to be able to prepare and commit yourself to a new beginning.  There may be some difficulties from Saturday through Monday, if you dwell to much on the past, on what was, on what you once had or did not have.  It is essential at this time to focus on what is in front of you, and not look forlornly back.  This will only hold you back and prevent you from fully utilizing this extraordinary time to heal.  On the 9th, Venus, the lesser benefic, will be entering your sign.  This along with Jupiter also in Gemini, will help to brighten the day significantly over the next several weeks.  

Cancer

With the Solar Eclipse in Taurus next week, much support comes from friends, groups you belong to, and identify with.  Those that are there for the long haul will continue to be part of your new paradigm, but those that are no longer relevant, and whom you have outgrown, could very well end in the light of this Eclipse season.  We are all being shown where we have undermined our growth through some sort of attachment or misplaced loyalty, out of sheer habit, or because that is what we are used to.  With the South Node in Taurus we are being asked to move on and move away from those things we no longer need, and make new commitments to friends, groups or relationships, within the context of our new life.  

Leo

This is an important eclipse for Leo since it falls in the area of the chart that has to do with your career, your status, your reputation, and goals that you have set for yourself.  With South Node traveling here as well, you are being asked to look at those things that you are attached to, those ideas, concepts, or things, that you need to relinquish, in order to make a new start, a new commitment to a new future.  There is a lot of promise here, but recognize where you may have got yourself into a rut in some way, and/or need to detach yourself in order to be less limited and encumbered.  A lot of this Eclipse is all about making our lives simpler and more streamlined.

Virgo

In order to make some sort of new commitment, you are being asked to be willing to let go of some sort of old concept, or something that you are attached to, but that has some how also become something of an albatross, and a headache.  Sometimes what we are holding on to is more of a concept, a belief that has become outmoded and is really no longer relevant to current circumstances.  See how your perspective or personal prejudices or judgments about others, have some how been limiting your outlook.  And thereby also limiting your growth and future possibilities.  If you find yourself in a conflict of ideology, try seeing how you can reach some sort of compromise that everyone can feel comfortable with. 

Libra

If it comes to your attention that you had not paid that bill after all, or that you owe someone something that you had not been aware of, pay up.  You are being given the opportunity to purify your karmic debts in some way through the doorways of this eclipse season.  Doing so will allow you to move forward unencumbered and much lighter than when you first entered.  This is also true with allowing yourself to let go of those things or circumstances that are proving to be more costly than they are worth, but you cling to them because you are attached to them, and you gain a certain comfort from knowing they are there.  It’s about making your life simpler, making a commitment to a life less complicated and less encumbered by debts and baggage you no longer need, and are merely weighing you down.

Scorpio

The Solar Eclipse on Thursday will be particularly relevant for the signs of Taurus and Scorpio, especially those Scorpios born between November 9th and the 13th, or have 16-22° of Scorpio Rising, although anyone with Scorpio Rising will probably feel this one, especially in the area of their interpersonal relationships.  One of the most important keys to the Taurus/Scorpio axis is the cycle of reciprocity: the artful dance of giving and receiving with an open heart, where one action refreshes and invigorates the other in a healthy relationship.  You are being given the opportunity here to make a new start, to release any fears about not having enough, or giving too much, or being taken advantage of.  Release those clogged channels of who owns what and how much, and keep those karmic books balanced.  Something needs to end in order to make that new beginning.  Then you will both be able to freely share the fresh running water of the mutual communal pond.

Sagittarius

The Solar Eclipse on Thursday is in a sign associated with health and healing, as well as the development of useful skills.  If you have been undermining yourself with less than healthy habits or routines, this is your opportunity to regroup and create a much healthier lifestyle and/or work environment.  Do realize, that in order to make a true start, something will probably have to be given up, such as bad habits, streaks of self-indulgence, or a tendency towards lethargic inertia.  Sagittarians need to keep moving, and require their optimum health in order to achieve this!  See what is keeping you from soaring.

Capricorn

You are certainly feeling pro-active this week, and like you can get a deal accomplished.  Especially if you set your mind to it!  You have been in the process of reinventing yourself for a while now, and you’re beginning to see the fruits of your labors.  Your main challenge this week is making sure that everyone is on the same page.  You have a very definite idea about the way that you want things to transpire, and you will find yourself being very sharply focused this week, especially from Saturday to Monday.  Just make sure that others have a copy of the plans as well to avoid miscommunications.  This is not a week to dwell on the past, or worry about the future.  Focus on what is in front of you right now.  For that is where your attention needs to be.

Aquarius

You can make a brand new start with the upcoming Solar Eclipse next Thursday/Friday, provided you are ready to accept that this is predicated on a whole new paradigm.  Think of it as a time of major housecleaning, both figuratively and literally.  Wherever you have been accumulating clutter, wherever you have been hoarding, and fearing the need to let go, wherever you have been stuck in a rut, get out the giant trash bags and load them up.  This is a time to divest yourself of those things that you are lugging around and no longer need.  This includes past memories, resentments, and stuff that is simply no longer relevant for where you are right now.  Make a commitment to make your load a little lighter.  You will appreciate it.  

Pisces

Healing comes through a willingness to simplify your life in some way.  Focus on those things and those people that are most meaningful and pressing to you right now, and be willing to delegate the rest to someone else.  Your schedule requires a little triage right now.  Relieve yourself of obligations that are cluttering up your life.  It may be that old news, old familiars resurface during eclipse season.  If that is the case, see how your own experiences can help to placate, and heal others.  Chiron, the wounded healer, is currently traveling in your sign, bringing you the necessary tools to not only heal yourself, but to be the better able to help and heal others as well.

April 5th ~ 12th

The beginning is the most important part of the work. ~ Plato

At the time of the Spring Equinox, which was the first day of Aries, the days and nights are equal.  Therefore the God of Day, the Sun, and the Goddess of the Night, the Moon, stand as perfect mates, with neither one standing in the shadow of the other.  In the Northern seasonal cycles, the the green life is just beginning to return, and with these is reborn the Green Man, the reincarnation of the Corn King cut down at the last harvest.  The Equinox is seen as a time of conception, of renewal, when the Goddess mates with her lover in order to conceive her next son.  In astrology, whereas the Sun and the Moon are representative of the divine masculine and feminine, the symbols of sexuality, fecundity and attraction are further represented by the planets Venus and Mars.

At this week’s New Moon, on April (9th)10th, we see the wedding of Sun, Moon, Venus and Mars, all conjunct in the Martian sign of Aries: Initiation, Fertility, Conception, Passion and Vigor.  A signature of New Birth and New Beginnings.  The Green Man, also known as the Horned God, was the ancient God of Fertility.  He was the Lord of Light, reborn every Spring, to rule in the Summer Months at the Solstice.  

In order to turn the pagan people against their ancient God who was often portrayed a bit like Pan with his horns and goat feet, the Church used a similar description for their portrayal of the Devil, except that they associated him with evil.  A few days after the New Moon, Pluto, the astrological Lord of the Underworld, will roll around in his lair and station Retrograde.  When Pluto stations retrograde, not only do we address our relationship to power, but we also come face to face with those hidden aspects of ourselves and our lives that we associate with shame, or that we keep under wraps to keep from feeling vulnerable and exposed, or those things that ‘control’ us in some way, either as a habit, an obsession, or a tendency or false perspective.  During the retrograde period which lasts almost 6 months of the year, we are being given the opportunity to weed out those blocks and those outworn attitudes, that prevent us from growing and fully embracing our own power and our lives.

However, to the natural born agrarian pagans, the Horned God was not at all evil, but an important symbol that meant life or death for those living on the land.  To them the powers of sexuality, conception, passion, and birth were sacred, and a necessary part of life.  And it was through the rites of the sacred marriage between the Goddess and the Green Man, that the fertility of the Earth was insured.  The Horned God symbolized the life blood, the rebirth of nature and the vegetable kingdom which is the foundation for the sustenance of all of life.  His marriage to the Goddess represents the source of that Life.

We must always change, renew, rejuvenate ourselves, otherwise we harden. ~ Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

The New Moon in Aries is always a time of ripe New Beginnings, with this particular New Moon having this extra twist of fertility, and a melding of both the Sacred Feminine and the Divine Masculine energies.  The time of the New Moon, and the first few hours up to the few days following, are therefore potent times to renew and reseed our intentions, particularly in the field of the area of one’s chart where the New Moon falls.  And this one in particular contains such an abundance of vital creative energy, that if nurtured, cultivated and applied, it just has that much more potential.

The woodcut of the Tree of Life is by Barthelemy Aneau, from Picta Poesis, 1552

The Aries New Moon, is by Vimal Mehra, whose portfolio can be seen on 123rf.com

For the week of April 5th thru the 12th, be sure to read your Rising Sign as well.  If you do not know your rising sign, but do know the time that you were born, you can figure out the sign here, on my home page:

Aries

“Take the first step in faith.  You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.” ~ Martin Luther King, Jr. This New Moon can truly be the first step of the rest of your life.  Falling in your birth sign, use the fertile potential of this moon for your own self-renewal.  This can be literal as in a makeover, but more importantly a renewal of your convictions and faith in yourself and what you feel passionate about.  Look at what goals you would like to achieve, primarily making you the focus: what do you need to make yourself healthier, stronger, more honest, authentic and self-reliant.  Then take that first step.  And then invest it even further with Love.

Taurus

“Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.” ~ Maria Robinson.  This is a great moon for Taurus to clear out those inner channels, to forgive and release the past and any pent up anger or frustration that might reside there.  Have the courage to confront your past, and put old demons to rest. Find ways to decrease inflammation in your body and the stress in your life through therapeutic techniques that work for you, and a renewed faith in yourself.  This is an excellent time for Taurus to do a physical and psychic Spring cleaning, removing the excess clutter of your life.  And then you will have fertile ground in which to plant new seeds of inspiration and hope.  

Gemini

“The secret to living the life of your dreams is to start living the life of your dreams today, in every little way you possibly can.” ~ Mike Dooley.  This is a great moon for Gemini to take the initiative to take that first step, whatever that might look like, to make their hopes and wishes a closer reality.  This is a forward looking Moon.  A Moon that looks to the future with hope and courage.  Also think about possibly joining a group, networking, or making the connections that will help you to promote yourself, your work, or to be the better able to achieve your goals.  Or simply to find the people with whom you share the same ideals.  There are just some things that are much easier to achieve in the company of others than it would be on your own.  

Cancer

“Begin somewhere; you cannot build a reputation on what you intend to do.” ~ Liz Smith. Aries is a sign associated with either career, or reputation, or what you want to be known for.  Make the renewed intention to be filled with the courage to believe in yourself and what you do.  And that you can make a difference.  It is not unusual for Cancer to take on a leadership role in their community or in their field.  Make a road map for what you would like to achieve this year.  Then bravely go out and take that first step.   

Leo

“Begin today. Declare out loud to the universe that you are willing to let go of struggle and eager to learn through joy.” ~ Sarah Ban Breathnach.  Leo is the sign of joy, and Aries the sign of passion, innovation and courage. Pick a path, a lodestar, a journey, an adventure that you would like to embark on this year.  Then hitch your wagon to that star and allow yourself to be filled with the joy of discovery and exploration.  There is so much more to the world than we realize, when we only have the courage to take the first step on that journey.  

Virgo

“The indispensable first step to getting the things you want out of life is this: Decide what you want.” ~ Ben Stein.  Another thing to ask yourself is, how can you gain more control over your life, instead of life having control over you?  Explore those things that are standing in your way, and then realize whether or not you have any control over these, and what you can do about them.  Be willing to have the courage to allow those things to end that are standing in the way of your growth and well being.  This Moon is also about commitment for Virgo, or taking a relationship to the next level of intimacy.  What barriers, you might ask, need to be removed, in order to make a stronger, more passionate connection with others?  

Libra

“You will never win if you never begin.” ~ Helen Rowland.  This New Moon sits in the opposite sign from Libra, a sign that symbolically represents other people and relationships.  Therefore, this could mean making more of a commitment to a relationship, starting a new one, or exploring what stands in the way of intimacy, or nurturing honesty and openness with others.  It can also be a good time to declare your independence.  Strike out on your own and do your own thing, regardless of what other people may think.  Another way is in engaging in more activities with others, perhaps a little healthy competition?  Or simply finding the right exercise or motivational partner to do things with.  The key to this Aries Moon?  Doing what you do passionately and like you mean it.

Scorpio

“The secret of getting ahead is getting started.  The secret to getting started is breaking your complex overwhelming tasks into small manageable tasks and then starting on the first one.” ~ Mark Twain.  If you ever needed to organize your space, your office, your desk.. anything for that matter, this is a great Moon to get Scorpio motivated.  This is also a good Moon to make a commitment to a new routine, or health regimen.  So whether it’s joining a gym, taking up jogging, or taking more initiative and challenges on at work, may you be filled with the vital energy and vigor to see your tasks easily achieved.

Sagittarius

“Life isn’t about finding yourself.  Life is about creating yourself.” ~ George Bernard Shaw. How can you be a more genuine expression of the self you want to be?  One key is to be open to easily discovering those things that truly make you happy and feel more motivated.  This Moon is about having the courage to go out and take the initiative.  And for Sagittarius that includes creating the life that you would like to see yourself living.   What challenges would you dare yourself to undertake, what would simply, make you feel more alive?  Now take that first step to finding your joy.

Capricorn

“Don’t wait for something big to occur.  Start where you are, with what you have, and that will always lead you into something greater.” ~ Mary Manin Morrissey.  Start with the essentials.  Your foundation.  For Capricorn, the Aries New Moon is a time for initiating changes surrounding the home and family.  This may simply spur you on to do a massive Spring Cleaning, or taking more of a leadership role.   But it’s also about trusting your instincts, and having the courage to take charge of your own life.  Starting from where you are right now.  

Aquarius

“The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.” ~ Walt Disney.  See how you can walk the walk, as well as talk the talk. Enroll in that class you’ve been wanting to take.  Take up some intellectual challenge.  Engage in lively debates with others.  Learn a new skill.  Take up jogging, if only to better explore your neighborhood.  Become more active in your neighborhood or community affairs.  Realize that yes, you do have something important to say, and this is actually a very good time to say it, but unless you say it to the right people, and in the right venue, and in an effective way, it might not have the desired result.   

Pisces

“Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” ~ Theodore Roosevelt.  This is a New Moon with a great deal of energy, passion and motivation.  The key is to cultivate and nurture all that incentive in a way that will bring fruition and results later on down the road.  This is a good time for Pisces to think in terms of growing a nest egg.   Or perhaps to figure out a way to turn a creative hobby into a lucrative business, or to prioritize those things which are most meaningful to you.  What do you want to invest your valuable love, time, money and passion on? 

All of the above inspirational quotes on New Beginnings are courtesy of ecosalon.com

March 8th ~ 15th

On Monday we wade into the New Moon in Pisces.  From Thursday thru Monday, we will be immersed and drenched in the depths of Pisces with Sun, Moon, Venus, Mars, Chiron and retrograde Mercury all in this foggy, mystical, watery sign.  However, shortly after the New Moon, the Moon will then escort Mars into Aries in a shockingly awesome way.  Will this awaken us to a desire to be once again motivated?  Or will we get a taste of what’s to come later on this month when we enter Aries season, with a bit of shock and awe?  In the mean time, even with the shift of Mars creating a little steam in his wake, we’ll be swimming through the labyrinthine depths of Pisces, trying to figure out what is going on and where we are on the map, and which direction we’re headed.

Mercury retrograde in Pisces is like wandering in a foreign country, a country where you do not know the language.  Like the 2003 Sofia Coppola movie “Lost in Translation” where two foreigners meet in Tokyo, bewildered and befuddled by the complexities of language and custom.  The words sort of make sense on some level, you think you can grasp the intent by the expressions on people’s faces, by their actions and whether or not they are smiling or frowning.  But without all the words, what they are saying and what you are understanding can easily get lost in translation.  The key is to find that place, that bridge that gets lost between intention and expression.  I shared this video clip last year when Mercury was retrograde in Pisces.  It’s worth sharing again.

Mercury in Pisces, even retrograde, when grounded by Saturn as we have had last week, when channeled can serve as the translator between inspiration and expression.  But it does take some effort and some training of a mind that intuitively understands so much, but lacks the language to convey this.  The reason why Mercury does not often function well in Pisces in the mundane world, is because it often translates as a lack of focus, the tendency to daydream, for the mind to wander where it will like some ‘mercurial amoeba’.  One person who was able to use his retrograde Mercury in Pisces in a very successful way, was the poet Robert Frost, who had his retrograde Mercury in Pisces trine Saturn, and was able to translate what he intuitively and emotionally grasped into a language that could be understood by others. In the world of Pisces, poetry is one of the mediums that can bridge the gap between divine inspiration and comprehension.  As Robert Frost said: “Poetry is what gets lost in translation.”

Mary Shelley wrote of Homer’s Odyssey, that when a priest and a poet fell on their knees before Odysseus, praying to him to spare their lives, the hero kills the priest without a thought, but saves the poet.  She said that Homer “felt awe to slay a man who had been taught his divine art by the gods.  Not the priest, but the poet, had influence with heaven...”

This week retrograde Mercury will be conjunct Chiron while square Jupiter in Gemini.  Mercury and Jupiter, are also in each other’s signs (called mutual reception), making this a particularly powerful aspect this week.  Robert Frost also had his Mercury opposing Jupiter (and in mutual reception), the planet of expansion, exaggeration and hope.  Despite his own bouts with deep melancholy and a lifetime challenged with darkness and Chironic type wounds, he was quite a successful, prolific, and well received poet in his lifetime, receiving 4 Pulitzer Prizes.  And although he never graduated from college, he received over 40 honorary degrees.  

In our everyday lives, Jupiter will most likely only exaggerate the qualities of Mercury in Pisces, rendering us distracted, merely daydreaming when we should really be elsewhere, surrendering to moments of chaos and confusion, ruminating on the wounds that we carry, or succumbing to the divine as it will, and sometimes losing our way and getting lost in translation.  Jupiter, however, in his magnanimous way, will also instill a sense of much needed anticipation and even spontaneous optimism, getting us ready for the next phase of our journey which follows.  Let’s see if we can channel some of this inner elusive wisdom in a meaningful way, without getting too distracted along the way.

Whose woods these are I think I know.

His house is in the village, though;

He will not see me stopping here

To watch his woods fill up with snow.

~

...The woods are lovely, dark and deep.

But I have promises to keep,

And miles to go before I sleep,

And miles to go before I sleep.

~ Robert Frost

For the week of March 8th thru the 15th, be sure to read your Rising Sign as well:

Aries

If you’ve been feeling stuck, and like you haven’t been able to get anything done... just hold on to your seat cushion.  After Mars enters Aries on Tuesday, it’s going to hurl you headlong into a period of ever-increasing activity.  So enjoy the last of this Pisces stellium as an opportunity to connect to your inner vision.  Make some space and time to do so in your busy schedule.  This New Moon is a time for you to find the inspiration that will prepare you for the journey that is about to unfold.  Use the tool of visualization that the New Moon in Pisces brings to envision the future that you would like to see.  It’s like planting seeds in a time capsule.

Taurus

This New Moon on Monday is your wishing Moon.  What you might want to do is to bring some perspective to your dreams, hopes and wishes.  Have you made them so high and/or unrealistic that they couldn’t possibly be attainable?  Or explore the ways that you might be standing in the way, and not allowing them to unfold, because you think they should unfold in a particular way.  With all of these planets in Pisces it is important to listen to your intuition, to follow your bliss, and also to trust that there is a higher power operating here as well.  And sometimes all that is required is to step aside and allow the Universe to show you the way.  

Gemini

This could prove to be something of a hectic weekend with Jupiter exaggerating everything.  Make sure that communications are clear, and that wires are not being crossed in the process, or that you are not over-committing yourself.  Even Gemini cannot be in more than one place at a given time.  That being said, this New Moon on Monday is excellent for planting seeds, or reenforcing those ideals in your life that you wish to be known for: such as acts of compassion, being available to help and heal others, any intuitive or creative gifts, or abilities that you have at your disposal to be the better able to be of service.  And most of all, follow your muse, and allow it to be your guide.  You will need one with all of this crazy information flying around in various languages.  

Cancer

You may get a little insight right after the New Moon (late Monday night or on Tuesday, things get a little heated up) about what to expect later on in the month, when the harbingers of excitability and inevitable change whose time has arrived, come to visit.  In the mean time, use this New Moon on Monday to receive divine inspiration, and instill seeds that will allow you to be more open to spiritual ideals, journeys, studies.  You may be thinking about broadening your horizons in some way.  See where the Pisces muse is leading you.  

Leo

Right now, with all of the planets congregating in Pisces, there are some things that appear to be beyond your control.  Appear is the correct terminology.  No matter how much you would like to, you cannot fix others.  This is one of those times when it makes a lot of sense to be aware of those things that you do have control over, and those, that you don’t.  Do think in terms of protecting yourself from any negative influences, or individuals that sap you psychically, and also see how you can purge yourself of any unhealthy habits, or unrealistic fantasies that might be preventing you from growing.  Instead see how you can use the impetus of this New Moon to plant seeds of healing and spiritual power that will help you to ultimately reclaim your life in some meaningful way.  

Virgo

Things could feel pretty hectic, and it may be hard to tell if you are coming or going with your ruler Mercury all tied up in knots.  Make sure that you are truly hearing what you think you are hearing and that you are on the same page with others.  It is too easy for communications to get all discombobulated this week.  Use the Pisces New Moon to plant seeds of tolerance, understanding and acceptance of others.  Try to avoid the urge to want to fix people.  Only they can do that.  This is a New Moon of instilling compassion.  See if you can step aside in order to allow your heart to open and grow. But, once again, also use wisdom in being able to discriminate between what you want to hear, and what you are truly being told.

Libra

This is an excellent New Moon to think in terms of purifying or detoxing your life in some way.  What you do not want to do is to go overboard in any way, however.  Eliminating toxic foods are a good idea, but you also have to listen to your body and its response as well.  The tendency could be to overdo things right now.  Pisces is truly about giving reverence to that whole Mind/Body connection, while also keeping things in perspective.  It’s the realization that your spiritual and emotional health are just as important to your physical well-being, as are your diet and exercise.  So see how you can plant seeds of spirituality, inner peace and acceptance that will permeate your daily life.

Scorpio

If you have been feeling in something of a distracted slump... you will begin to feel revitalized after the New Moon, when your ruler, Mars moves into Aries.  After this week things are probably going to be speeding up considerably, so take advantage of this Pisces energy by trying to instill some added peace and serenity.  Part of that is in accepting children and loved ones unconditionally and without judgment.  If they have been troubled, see if you can spend some quiet time with them.  It is also about stepping aside and allowing some bliss and joy to enter your life.  They are looking for an opening.  You do have a higher mission on your agenda, but for at least part of this week, follow your bliss, your heart, your inspiration.  Allow it to lead you where it may.

Sagittarius

This is a great New Moon on Monday to visualize the perfect home or living arrangement.  How can you make your home environment a closer proximity to the ideal that you envision?  Remember to make it as reasonable as possible so that it can also be achievable.  And then step out of your way to allow your intuition to guide you to realize the best possible circumstances to allow that to happen.  If nothing else, seek to create more peace and serenity in your home environment: perhaps a sacred place where you can create, hope, pray... a corner that is your own special spiritual retreat.  A place where you can find both inspiration, as well as peace and serenity.

Capricorn

See how this New Moon can open you up to embracing spiritual ideas, or altruistic ideals that also opens up your heart in some sort of meaningful way.  You may find yourself involved in some sort of neighborhood cause, or helping out a neighbor.  This is not for nothing.  These are the sorts of ideals that you wish to promote in your everyday encounters.  Things could be pretty hectic over the weekend especially.  Make sure that you are truly hearing what you think you are hearing.  It will be too easy for the communication wires to get crossed, and/or to be over-committed.  Keep your schedule down to a low frenzy.   But do allow yourself to be inspired.  Something is compelling you in some significant way.  Follow your muse.

Aquarius

With all of these planets piled in Pisces, see how you can plant seed ideas that could lead to some sort of realistic and realizable lucrative plan later on.  Perhaps a hobby that could be turned into some sort of cottage business.  Just keep in mind, that with all this Pisces that it can be difficult to discriminate between fantasy and reality.  What’s probably even more important right now is to see how you can prioritize those things which are most meaningful to you in your life.  You may realize that you would be willing to sacrifice in one area in order to allow more quality of life in some other area.  Just so long as you keep everything in perspective, and don’t count your chickens before they hatch.

Pisces

Things could be a little hectic this weekend with Jupiter squaring Mercury this week, but keep in mind that this New Moon is actually an opportunity to renew your sense of self.  Commit to following your own path and your own ideals.  Allow love and compassion to enter your heart, and open up to all of the bounty that is potentially yours.  Embrace and plant seeds that will allow some of the finer qualities to grow, such as compassion, kindness, gentleness, tolerance, patience and inspiration.  May these all become a stronger part of your character so that you will continue to inspire others.