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The key to the Full Moon at 18° 32′ Leo on 7 February 2012 at 01:54 PM PST is Saturn stationing retrograde at 29° Libra. Full Moons are about opposing elements and this chart furthers that theme because the planets fall in a Seesaw Pattern with the Leo Moon, Mars in Virgo and Saturn in Libra opposing the rest. Oppositions present opportunities to learn about cooperation and compromise which fall under Libra’s aegis, and if we refuse to do either of those, what’s left is deepening polarization.
Saturn stations generally mean we will be forced to slow down and revisit the lessons it is attempting to pound into us. Saturn is currently midway through a seven week stay at 29° Libra and those lessons revolve around how we handle our one-on-one relationships: our marriages, business partnerships, life partners, therapists and open enemies. Do you feel you have a measure of fairness and equity or is the relationship decidedly one sided? Now is the time to make an honest evaluation and choose whether to move on or stay. Unlike abrupt Uranus inspired endings which often lack real closure, Saturn can guide us through the process carefully and give both parties time to learn why this is the best choice for them. The beauty of a Saturn guided process is it often allows for real healing, making our next step forward a positive one.
Venus at 29° Pisces is exactly inconjunct Saturn and at the same time conjoins Uranus in Aries. Venus will enter Aries shortly after the Full Moon and exactly conjoin Uranus on 9 February. The need for commitment and unconditional love comes into serious conflict with a powerful desire to break all the rules and live in the moment. Let’s just say jumping into what looks like a red hot romance may not be the best idea . . . more like a major disaster, especially if you already have someone special in your life.
Between Mercury conjoining the Sun in airy Aquarius and Mars in Mercury ruled Virgo aspecting both the Sun and Leo Moon, the Full Moon has a very mental tone. The downside is the aspects between Mars and the luminaries are rather irritating – a semi-sextile to the Moon and an inconjunct to the Sun-Mercury. Let’s just say there could be lots of loud discussions with plenty of drama and all parties convinced they are right! The devil will be in the details . . . which Mars in Virgo will insist on making sure everyone knows about. If you want to enjoy get-togethers with your friends and family, better set up some ground rules in advance.
Neptune, newly arrived in Pisces, finds Jupiter in Taurus still within speaking distance. Whilst this aspect will gradually fade over the next week or so, it will still inspire tangible gestures of caring and generosity. Do things like give your loved ones plenty of hugs and kisses or go for long walks hand-in-hand. Quality “face” time is what is called for, not phone calls, texts or facebook messages. Chiron in Pisces is a part of this equation as it is also sextile Jupiter in Taurus, and the reason I feel making amends of any kind requires being physically present. It’s a whole lot harder to apologize in person, isn’t it?
A square between Pluto in Capricorn and Ceres in Aries will most affect those with planets and Angles between 6°-8° in the cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn). Ceres in Aries expresses nurturance by encouraging independence and teaching others the value of standing up for themselves. Here she runs into Pluto’s need to control and dominate. This one can play out in the family where one parent wants to keep the child firmly under their thumb and the other is all for sending them out on their own. Considering how effective Ceres is at forcing Pluto to back down, I’m going with Ceres coming out on top.
Between Saturn at a standstill and fixed signs dominating this Leo Full Moon, I don’t see a whole lot of movement. The best option may be to let go of the need to push our agendas and call a temporary halt. People are just too entrenched right now to see any side but their own. Review your options and work on treating others with kindness, tolerance and patience for now.
On a personal note: Saturn stationing right on top of my 29° Libra Sun pretty much eclipses everything else and keeps me firmly on task. I see this as a very favorable influence in the long run but rather sobering in the now. *grin*
Mars Rx is currently sextile both my Mars and Mercury in Scorpio and is behaving himself by encouraging me to stay flexible and open to different options . . . countering the fixed Full Moon axis squaring my Mars. Right now I’ll take whatever help I can get!
**Commercial Break** Remember to check out my Personal Reports page. I offer reports on your natal chart, transits & progressions and several synastry reports. Because all my reports are completely written by me they take longer to produce. I’m also more than willing to work with you to tailor your report for your needs.
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Talk a New Moon with a punch! This one at 2° 42′ Aquarius on 22 January 2012 at 11:40 PM PST is it! It’s the apex of an out-of-sign T-Square with Saturn in Libra and Jupiter in Taurus for starters, and then Uranus in Aries (Aquarius’s ruler) is sextile to it. What this adds up to is great potential for change.
The dynamic tension created by the T-Square combined with planets at 29° to 2° signals the need to look around us and decide what in our lives is coming to an end and where new beginnings can be forged. Saturn is going to be at 29° from now until 4 March because it is slowing to station retrograde on 7 February, giving us plenty of time to review the relationship issues brought to the surface over the past couple of years. Whenever another celestial event focuses attention on Saturn, we will be reminded of those issues and be given opportunities to take action if necessary. The fixed portion of the T-Square, Jupiter in Taurus square the Aquarius New Moon, pits the Aquarius need express what makes us unique against Taurus’s desire to stick with the tried and true. In this instance with Uranus in Aries sextile the New Moon, I’m betting eccentricity will triumph over adhering to the status quo . . . but not without a stiff argument or two. Don’t be afraid to speak up and let others know where you stand and what you think because Saturn in Libra is there to guarantee a fair hearing regardless of the outcome.
Uranus in Aries also conjoins Ceres in Aries where nurturance means encouraging a spirit of independence. This is a real jolt to the system and plenty of people will be shocked awake when they are thrown into the deep end to sink or swim on their own. The transition from Pisces to Aries is always a big eye opener and these days any planet entering Aries promptly runs into wild-eyed Uranus, intensifying the difference between gentle, fluid Pisces and energetic, forceful Aries.
I suppose I better mention the out-of-sign inconjunct between Saturn in Libra and Uranus in Aries. This is one of those aspects that make me grit my teeth because the signs involved are compatible but the aspect is contrary. What I see happening is plenty of instances where the drive to achieve is thwarted by the need to make compromises with plenty of ensuing opportunities for misunderstandings. Yeah . . . time to practice patience and tolerance.
After several lunations with Mars in Virgo squaring Mercury in Sagittarius, we get one where Mars is trine to Mercury in Capricorn. I vote this aspect as the one most likely to get us through all the hullaballoo of the T-Square! Mercury in Capricorn is focused, assertive and very businesslike, aided and abetted by Mars in Virgo’s capacity for tracking and organizing all the necessary information for each task. Gemini and Virgo folk are going to be very happy campers under this influence!
A fascinating aspect is the sextile linking fantasy loving Venus in Pisces with a hardnosed Pluto in Capricorn. This is one of those instances where we see how powerful supposedly gentle Venus really is because she definitely has a civilizing influence on this cold, harsh Pluto. In Pisces she practices the art of yielding to achieve her goals . . . thinks oceans and rivers wearing away rock as in the Grand Canyon.
It is very possible the fresh ideas generated under this New Moon will be awhile in manifesting because Mars in Virgo is at a virtual standstill preparing to station retrograde within hours of the New Moon. Be prepared for plenty of revisions and delays but have faith that when the time comes to launch your ideas and projects, all the frustrations will be rewarded. For now, gather information and start doing some serious networking! And practice being kind, tolerant and patient to the best of your ability.
On a personal note: Saturn in Libra is officially sitting on my 29° Libra Sun and so far, it’s been helpful making sure I stay on task! I’m going to be paying close attention to this transit because I know I will choose to let go of some things that used to be very important to me but no longer are. Recognizing those is the key . . . not always easy.
The focus of this New Moon is on my Venus in Sagittarius because it is sextile the New Moon and trine Uranus conjunct Ceres in Aries. This channels the energy generated by the T-Square directly into my first house. Also means I get to deal with those frustrations resulting from the Saturn-Uranus inconjunct. Walking a fine line between creative productivity and being too ornery is my challenge.
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One would think under this Full Moon at 18° 26′ Cancer on 8 January 2012 at 11:30 PM PDT, how we feel would be highlighted but that is not the case this time. The Moon is the only body in water in a chart dominated by earth and air so we will be aware of our emotions without being ruled by them. Very nice if you think about it!
Mars in Virgo creates a harmonious pattern with the Sun in Capricorn and the Cancer Moon, allowing us to focus on practicalities and get down to work. It will be simple to keep all the necessary bit and pieces sorted in order to accomplish our goals.
An excellent use of this Full Moon is analyzing your family’s daily routines and making adjustments in order to improve health and well being. Make time to take a walk together and vow as a group to keep high fat/sugary foods out of the house. Drink more water and less soda or fruit juice. You may want to start out with short term goals that are easy to attain and let everyone gradually adjust to their new life style. After all, leading a healthy life style is the best route to good health that lasts.
Saturn, Capricorn’s ruler, continues to work with Neptune in Aquarius with an additional bonus this lunation of Venus, Libra’s ruler, conjoining sympathetic Neptune. Aquarius and Libra are both air signs and both take an intellectual approach to problem solving. The key to maximizing the benefits of this aspect is to align what is good for each individual with the greater good of the collective. Small sacrifices as individuals often end up helping the many. Well run charities that care for those in need are an example of how this works. Many people making small donations end up helping provide food, shelter and clothing for those without those basic necessities. Be generous in your giving whether it is time, goods or money.
Mercury is newly arrived in Capricorn after spending the past couple of months in blunt Sagittarius. Conversations will take on a serious tone and hopefully a lower volume. We could still see some contentiousness due to an exact square to Uranus in Aries, toned down some by a trine to earthy, genial Jupiter in Taurus. Best outcome here is to utilize Uranus’s influence to come up with creative solutions based firmly in reality as demanded by Capricorn and Taurus. The trick is to be flexible and open to all possibilities . . . not easy.
Pluto in Capricorn sits on the sidelines for now and I, for one, have no problem with that. He’ll have plenty to say in the coming months!
After a string of intense lunations, this Full Moon in Cancer comes as a very pleasant surprise. The tone is calm, focused and grounded with sympathetic overtones. Other than a tendency for our minds to race ahead of our mouths, this is a wonderful opportunity to spread goodwill and seek agreement rather than discord.
On a personal note: I get a fun combination of kisses from the Saturn-Neptune-Venus trine and a firm kick in the backside from the Sun and Moon forming a T-Square with my Libra Moon. Mars in Virgo is exactly square my natal Uranus, triggering the inconjunct between Uranus and my Mars-Mercury in Scorpio. No slacking allowed for this astrologer! So I guess it’s time to remind all who read here I am open for business and if you would like my feedback on navigating 2012’s transits or need help with your relationships, both business and personal, contact me using the form on my Personal Reports Page.
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The flavor of the New Moon at 2° 34′ Capricorn on 24 December 2011, 10:07 AM PST is decidedly cardinal earth – controlled, traditional and determined. The fire and flourish of Sagittarius is put firmly behind us under this lunation with only Mercury remaining in the previous sign.
This is a good time to take another look at Capricorn and remember it is a receptive/feminine earth sign whose natural inclination is to be responsive. In the northern hemisphere this is the time of year when nature is resting and the landscape appears serene. However there is plenty going on beneath the snow and ice in the fertile soil where nutrients are being broken down to prepare for the spring growth spurt. The god Pan is associated with Capricorn and he rules the deep forests and mountains where we can easily lose our way if we don’t stay calm and focused. Traditions can be useful guides as we forge ahead.
The Capricorn New Moon is an excellent time to sit down and look inward to lay the groundwork for the coming year. The trine from Jupiter in fertile Taurus is still in effect and will get a boost on Christmas Day when it stations direct. Taurus strongly favors putting together a solid, consistent plan before taking the first step – something Capricorn favors too. I realize not everyone will be able to ignore that electrifying square to the New Moon from Uranus in Aries, so just do your best to incorporate the driving energy without going overboard. Please keep in mind jumping into a new situation too quickly is not a good idea at this time because you could end up jumping back out just as fast . . . a huge waste of time and resources, something Capricorn frowns on.
There are a couple of semi-sextiles of interest: Sun-Moon in Capricorn semi-sextile Venus in Aquarius and Mercury in Sagittarius semi-sextile Pluto in Capricorn. When it comes to love and romance, Capricorn prefers to take it slow and, at least in public, behave with decorum. Aquarius likes open relationships with plenty of opportunities to experiment. I recommend following Capricorn’s rules in public and Aquarius’s urges in private. 
Anytime Mercury brushes up against Pluto it can mean obsession time. Sagittarius is fond of being right and Pluto in Capricorn is willing to take this waaaay too far. If you want to still be on speaking terms with your friends and family after the holidays, squelch the need to be right for now. Good time to practice your active listening skills?
Read my take on the Solstice to learn about the wonderful Saturn in Libra trine to Neptune in Aquarius!
Even though Mars in Virgo is unaspected, it is still the “handle” planet of a Bucket Pattern and consequently gains a great deal of influence. Thankfully Virgo’s willingness to handle all the important details without much fanfare feeds nicely into the planning mode of this New Moon in earthy Capricorn.
Slow down, relax and breathe in the possibilities, always present on the New Moon. Take time to enjoy celebrating with friends and family and hold off on making big changes for now. This is a perfect time to feed your unconscious and let it do its work. Have a fantastic Christmas!
On a personal note: The New Moon falls in my second house semi-sextile my natal Venus in Sagittarius, making it even more important to reflect on what I truly value. Jupiter is poised once more on the cusp of my sixth house, so the trine between the New Moon and Jupiter links two of my earth houses. With a little luck and some careful planning I may start to see improving income in the months ahead.
Chiron in Pisces in my third house of communications is sextile both the New Moon and Jupiter . . . reminding me to take care in my writing to uplift rather than tear down.
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The second of a pair of eclipses, the Full Moon at 18° 11′ Gemini on 10 December 2011, 6:37 AM PST will either encourage wisdom and generosity of spirit or overblown rhetoric full of hot air and righteousness. Lunar eclipses always are aligned with the Moon’s Nodes, bringing into focus both the best and worst of both signs involved.
Ceres in Pisces and Mars in Virgo both square the lunar axis though those two do not and will not form an exact opposition. Mars squaring the Luminaries makes for a testy atmosphere where people may be quick to take offense. Please watch your step and your tongue if you are out shopping for gifts in crowded stores. Ceres in sensitive Pisces has an earnest desire to help those in emotional crisis but there is a good chance she will be overly sensitive now and make matters worse instead of helping sooth tangled emotions.
And then there is Mercury retrograde in Sagittarius, making it much, much more tempting to shoot one’s mouth off in righteous indignation – usually without checking the facts first. Foot in mouth disease is going to run rampant on this lunation! Helping Mercury do this are several aspects: a semi-sextile to hardcore Pluto in Capricorn, a square to Chiron in Pisces (see above), a trine to “shoot first and ask questions later” Uranus in Aries and an inconjunct to Sagittarius’s ruler, Jupiter in stodgy Taurus. We may win the battle but lose the war. Please, please take lots and lots of time to think before speaking or risk alienating your nearest and dearest. After all, it is our loved ones who usually end up on the receiving end, isn’t it?
Fire, air and earth dominate the sky with only Chiron and Ceres in Pisces serving as water’s representatives creating a hot, dry, arid atmosphere. Sensitivity to other people’s feelings may be noticeably lacking. Cancer and Pisces folk are the ones most likely to suffer under these conditions and make themselves scarce as a result. Scorpio, who is much better equipped to defend themselves, will not only strike back on their own behalf but defend others as well.
Uranus in Aries stations direct just hours before this Full Moon at zero degrees. Those of you who have planets and Angles at 0 to 1 degrees in the cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn) will receive one last blast of this extremely potent energy. Think back to March of this year and what was set into motion at that time and brace prepare yourself for more of the same. For better or worse, this is the last time Uranus will visit the critical degree point in Aries for many, many years.
Don’t worry, there are a couple of bright spots too. *grin* A lovely, soothing trine between Mars in Virgo and Venus in Capricorn will encourage lovers to offer tangible expressions of love and affection. Perhaps a nice meal and wonderful foot massage after a long day of shopping? The waxing trine between Saturn in Libra and Neptune in Aquarius is also super for demonstrating warmth and caring in tangible ways, not only to those closest to us but to others in need of food, shelter and clothing during the holiday season. Be generous with your time as well as making donations of all kinds to your favorite charities.
Eclipses have a way of doing really odd things to our sense of time and generally turning our lives inside out for an extended period of time both before and after they occur. Mercury Retrograde overlapping both our current eclipses makes this a very poor time to make critical decisions about future directions. We literally may not know whether we are coming or going. For now I suggest we concentrate on behaving with kindness and courtesy towards all we come in contact with, reserve judgment if at all possible and play nice with the other children!
On a personal note: Mercury Retch is trudging back through my first house and the Nodal Axis is within a degree of my natal Nodes, just in reversed signs. Perhaps these transits will help me figure out a better way to interact with the world at large . . . lots of re-thinking in any case. Mars in Virgo exactly conjoins my Midheaven for the first of three passes on this lunation and gives me an abundance of energy to pour into practical and career decisions. Saturn in Libra is steadily approaching my Chiron-Sun conjunction in Libra and here’s hoping the trine from Neptune in Aquarius will actually prove helpful for a change.
It looks like it is my public face and persona that will be getting the most attention as a result of these eclipses. Interesting . . .
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I have my natal Sun in Libra, the sign of relationship, conjunct Chiron in Libra and have spent many years analyzing what makes us tick when it comes to relating to others.