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 The New Moon this week is a powerful solar eclipse, so it would be a very good idea to pay close attention to the area of your chart it illuminates. At 25°01′ Capricorn, this lunation will take place late Thursday night in the western United States and on Friday on the East Coast and Europe.
The Sabian symbol for 26 Capricorn, “a nature spirit dancing in the iridescent mist of a waterfall,” is evocative of Venus in Capricorn closely conjoining the Sun and Moon. It reminds us that Capricorn is a feminine earth sign with deep ties to the natural world. This is a subtle beauty, easily overlooked in our fast-paced world.
A lovely sextile from the Sun, Moon, and Venus to Uranus in Pisces can open the doors for creative ventures and inspiration. This is a wonderful time to lay the groundwork for making changes, but keep in mind we are still talking Capricorn here, and be prepared to do your homework and have a workable plan in place.
In addition to the Sun, Moon and Venus, both Mercury and Pluto are in Capricorn square Saturn in Libra, weighing this New Moon heavily to Saturn’s point of view. Forget about taking shortcuts and making excuses, because they will not fly.
Any new enterprise started under the aegis of this lunation needs to be well thought-out and clearly viable. That being said, the period following this New Moon is pretty darn good for laying the groundwork for your next major project. Just be aware as long as Mars is retrograde to allow for a slow unfolding.
Speaking of Mars in Leo, it is sitting this one out, as it makes no major aspects to the other planets. It comes back into play on the Full Moon in Leo on January 29-30, conjoining the Moon!
Venus in Capricorn and Saturn in Libra are in mutual reception, since Venus is Libra’s ruler and Saturn, Capricorn’s. This combination is very supportive for understanding how much plain old practice goes into perfecting any type of creative skill. Writers need to write, painters paint, and musicians practice their chosen instrument in order to shine in the end. Talent is lovely to have, but without the boring practice, practice, practice behind the scenes, all the talent in the world will come to naught.
Pat covered the series of planets changing sign and direction in her weekly forecast for January 11 quite well. I do want to point out that both Mercury and Saturn are retrograde on this lunation, suggesting the pace will continue to be deliberate, so plan accordingly. No speedy resolutions in sight yet!
It is also worth noting the tight semi-sextile between Neptune in Aquarius and the New Moon-Venus stellium in Capricorn. This is a good reminder that we are dealing with influences that will affect the collective in subtle ways. Venus and Neptune both work to soften the sometimes harsh edges of Capricorn, allowing for opportunities to express kindness and compassion for ourselves and others.
This really is an excellent time to learn more about the contribution that well-organized Capricorn types make. If you are heading to job interviews, dress appropriately and please, please resist the urge to show off or oversell yourself. Be scrupulously honest too – anything else is likely to come back and bite you in the backside. Good manners go over well and are never out of style, either.
The feeling of a profound shift taking place continues, and it may well turn out that this particular solar eclipse will mark a major turning point in many of our lives. Please remember to practice kindness and tolerance, as always. Be well.
 posted by Diane . . .
Of course, today is the day to write your New Moon abundance checks! Here’s how.
Image: A photographer for REUTERS in China captured this amazing image of the eclipse on July 22, 2009. The statue is Houyi, a Chinese hero who, according to legend, shot down nine suns with his bow and arrow. The path of the Moon’s shadow began in India and crossed through Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar and China.
 The Full Moon on December 31, 2009, is momentous. At 10° 14′ Cancer, it’s the first of two eclipses in the Cancer-Capricorn series that began last July. It’s also the second Full Moon this month, making it a rare “blue moon.”
The T-square formed by the Moon in Cancer opposite the Sun, Venus, and Pluto in Capricorn, all square Saturn in Libra, speaks to me of the need for civility. Coincidentally, our local newspaper had a very good editorial on Christmas Day on sharing the gift of civility. It is important to note that as long as Saturn is in Libra, we will be returning again and again to this theme, particularly during periods when Capricorn is heavily represented in the sky, as it is now.
Libra and Capricorn may not agree on everything, but they both favor good manners and treating others with respect. Keep in mind that we don’t have to like someone in order to deal with them politely and respectfully. Skilled mediators and negotiators, both occupations ruled by Libra, know the value of good manners in creating a neutral atmosphere. It is much easier to shift from neutral to favorable than from hostile to favorable.
Saturn in Libra squaring the Moon in Cancer is far more likely to squelch emotional displays than promote them. In fact, with the majority of the planets in earth and air, the emphasis is on the practical and rational, for a change. Those who do have public meltdowns may be surprised at how little sympathy they will receive. Earth signs in general and Capricorns in particular tend to regard over-the-top behavior, especially publically, as self-indulgent . . . another sign the party is over for the year!
The retrograde pair, Mercury in Capricorn and Mars in Leo, is closely inconjunct at this time. Inconjunct signs are 150° apart and usually have little common ground, making meaningful dialogue between them difficult, to say the least. Fiery Leo, who loves nothing better than being the center of attention, is viewed by cautious, disciplined Capricorn with deep reservations. The retrograde factor means we need to double-check our facts, have all our papers in order, and be prepared for delays times two. If there ever was a time when pushing for a fast resolution is bound to backfire, this is it.
Jupiter is pulling away from Neptune and Chiron in Aquarius, and I’m feeling the sensation of a balloon slowly deflating, gradually sinking back to earth. For once the Aquarius stellium is not the headline, only making a semi-sextile to Uranus in Pisces with no strong aspects to the inner planets. Perhaps this is contributing to an overall feeling of a deep shift in the collective. At this point, it is not obvious exactly what this entails, just that it is happening.
For the Moon, the Sabian symbol of 11 Cancer is, “a clown caricaturing well-known personalities.” Learning to laugh first at our own absurdities and then recognizing that all people have their own leads to the understanding that despite traditions, no one person really is better than another.
“Pheasants display their brilliant colors on a private estate” is the Sabian symbol for the Sun at 11 Capricorn. To quote Robert Green Ingersoll: Few rich men own their own property. The property owns them. There is beauty to be found everywhere if we have the eyes to see it, not just tucked away for a privileged few.
I wish to urge everyone to start practicing treating others with respect, paying attention, speaking kindly, remembering to say “please and thank you,” listening carefully, and keeping your cool. The more of us who do this, the further the ripples will spread. It certainly can’t hurt!
posted by Neith . . .
Image: The stillness of the water in the protected pond is a sharp contrast to the rough waters behind it. May our homes be a safe haven from the turmoil of the outer world in just this way.
 By and large, the focus of the New Moon at 24°39′ Sagittarius on December 16 is on the last quadrant of the zodiac, encouraging us to review our place in the collective and consider carefully where we wish to apply our talents and energies for the benefit of all.
The tight sextile between the New Moon and Jupiter, the Archer’s ruler, is almost sure to bring opportunities for increasing our knowledge base, which Sagittarius lives for. Since Jupiter in Aquarius will make his last conjunction with Neptune on December 21, it will be interesting to see what we have learned over this past year about our personal truths and where we have been deluding ourselves.
December 21 is also the solstice and a very important point in the yearly cycle of dark and light. The next week or so is a very good time for contemplating our progress and setting intentions for the next cycle. This solstice is shaping up to be a powerful turning point, with Mars in Leo stationing retrograde the day before. Both Pat and I will be adding more on this subject between now and then.
Adding clarity to this New Moon is the square to Uranus in Pisces. Squares can be very good for delineating differences, and for allowing us to see them and make changes based on that information. Sagittarius is often impatient with Pisces’ fondness for “going with the flow,” because it wants a clear target to shoot for, not Neptune squishiness. Uranus is always pushing us to take the cutting edge option, but it won’t hurt to make sure you are going with the well-tested version, not the beta.
The Saturn in Libra square Pluto in Capricorn is clearly operating in full force, teaching us lessons in how to relate to others and deal with differences in opinion. I am seeing others (and myself) having to choose between compromises or ending a long-standing relationship.
For some reason, this square is calling to our attention the differences between people’s words and their actions. Pluto in Capricorn pretty much demands accountability for our actions as well as the need for honesty. Saturn in Libra is all about getting real in the way we interact with others. Between the two, we either will clean up our act or be shown the door – I do not see much leeway in this. Those with strong Libra signatures in their charts are bound to be the bellwethers for the rest, because if they are seeing these issues in their relationships and taking action, then sooner or later, it will be happening to others.
On a lighter note, Venus in Sagittarius is having the time of her life right now, with Mars in Leo right there ready to escort her to the nearest holiday party. This influence will be fading by Christmas, so all you fire signs out there better make the most of it while you can. Mars going retrograde and Venus moving into Capricorn on December 26 are sure to give us one heck of a hangover.
Mercury is in Capricorn and slowing down to station retrograde on December 26. We still have some time to take care of business correspondence and enjoy the brisk, matter-of-fact way Capricorn handles communications in general. Have you sent out your Christmas cards and letters yet? If not, better get cracking!
For the New Moon, the Sabian symbol is 25 Sagittarius, “A chubby little rich boy rides upon a hobbyhorse.” My sense is that we have opportunities for imaginative play in a protected situation, but it is important to keep in mind a hobbyhorse only goes back and forth in one place. Enjoy the moment, but remember the party always ends.
Please express your gratitude and appreciation for family and friends every day all year round as well as during this holiday season. It is easy to be generous and loving when life is upbeat, but it is critical to do so when times are tough. Be well and be kind to all who cross your path.
posted by Neith . . .
Of course, today is the day to write your New Moon abundance checks! Here’s how.
Image: This is a Christmas stocking I cross-stitched for my granddaughter. It took me roughly ten months of working on it almost every evening to complete and is an example of tenacity-patience (Saturn) creating something beautiful (Libra) for a loved one.
If you feel like you are about to go into orbit, it could be due to a very energetic Full Moon at 10° 15′ Gemini on December 1 (December 2 in the Eastern Hemisphere). The majority of planets are in fire and air signs for a change, but it would behoove us to remember there is a darker undertow beneath that shiny surface.
Gemini’s ruler, Mercury, is in direct, outspoken Sagittarius closely sextile to Jupiter, Sagittarius’s ruling planet. Depending on your perspective, this aspect is either extremely creative and stimulating or full of hot air. That call I will be happy to leave up to everyone’s personal judgment. However, I do recommend taking time to check facts before taking action, because it is very easy for us to get ahead of ourselves under this very Jupitarian influence.
Since Neptune and Chiron in Aquarius are also exactly sextile to Mercury, we may have a realization slip into our conscious minds from below about an old source of pain and resentment, presenting an opportunity for healing. Another possible expression is seeing slights where none were intended and responding with harsh, wounding words, effectively alienating others.
Mars in fiery, outgoing Leo is further bumping up the desire to make a big splash one way or another. It forms a supportive trine to the Sun in Sagittarius and is sextile the Gemini Moon, encouraging fire and air signs in particular to get out and take advantage of various holiday gatherings. If you are out shopping for gifts, be aware it will be easy to spend too much, especially for glitz and glittery items. Otherwise this is a great aspect for throwing a grand party and having a great time.
There is one gentle sane note in this chart and that is Venus, newly arrived in Sagittarius, stabilized by a sextile to Saturn in equitable Libra. Saturn will help Venus maintain some decorum amidst all the hype and drama being generated now.
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the party poopers: Mercury in Sagittarius square Uranus in Pisces and the ongoing Saturn in Libra square to Pluto in Capricorn.
Uranus turns direct at 22° 42′ Pisces a few hours before the Full Moon and forms a jarring square with Mercury in Sagittarius. Taking in consideration the already volatile sextile Mercury makes with Jupiter, the square from Uranus further increases the potential for jumping to unwarranted conclusions. Yes, it is always possible to use these potent energies in a conscious, helpful manner, but it will take focus and discipline. In other words, take extra care to express yourself in a thoughtful manner. Shooting from the hip could come back and bite you big time.
I am beginning to see the Saturn-Pluto square taking its toll in people’s lives and relationships. It is becoming clear our relationships are being tuned up, and where one person or the other has indulged in irresponsible behaviors, there is a very good chance that those relationships will come to an end. Pluto in Capricorn makes a very good executioner, too.
Clearly the Sabian symbol for the Full Moon of 11 Gemini, “Newly opened lands offer the pioneer new opportunities for experience,” reflects the exuberant sextile between Mercury in Sagittarius and Jupiter in Aquarius. We are drawn to seek new experiences and the excitement of going off the beaten track.
For the Sun in Sagittarius, the symbol is 11 Sagittarius, “In the left section of an archaic temple, a lamp burns in a container shaped like a human body.” This is a gentle reminder to take care of our bodies and treat them as “temples” that house our spirits.
With my Libra Moon conjoined Neptune in the eleventh house, I have learned to pay attention to my intuitive sense telling me what is out of balance in the collective as a whole. Libra is the sign of the scales, and many of us with a strong Libra signature in our charts automatically do what is necessary to restore equilibrium to any given situation. With the arrival of Saturn in Libra, there is a feeling of greater urgency about this mission.
When I am writing these posts on the lunations, I follow my intuition as to what to emphasize and seek to offer a balanced perspective. Writing about this Full Moon, it would have been easy to stick to a bright and cheerful message, but my inner voice was saying, “Don’t stop there. Remind people of the dark undercurrent out there we need to stay aware of.”
It is more important now than ever to interact with others in a kind and respectful manner. Doing otherwise holds the potential to backfire on us . . . badly. Spread thoughtfulness and love, not hate and dissension.
posted by Neith . . .
 If there was ever a time for figuring out the source of difficulties in our lives, the New Moon at 24° 34′ Scorpio on November 16 is it.
The Sabian symbol for this New Moon is so fitting and descriptive that I am going to lead off with it this time. It is 25 Scorpio, “An X-ray photograph helps with the diagnosis.” How appropriate is that for a New Moon in Scorpio square Neptune in Aquarius and trine Uranus in Pisces? There is little doubt that if we can identify a problem, we are well on the way to resolving it, providing we apply a generous dose of compassion and diligence.
Scorpio’s penetrating vision and willingness to use a scalpel to lance the wounds it finds may not be easy or comfortable, but if we can accept the necessity of doing so, we have an opportunity to really start healing wounds long ignored. There is also little hope of being able to continue to bury our heads in the sand, because our vulnerable backsides are sticking up, just waiting to get kicked. Fortunately Uranus in Pisces trine the New Moon offers new possibilities and solutions to old dilemmas, with a nice measure of empathy thrown in.
Mars, Scorpio’s ruler, forms a square from dramatic Leo to Venus in very private Scorpio. This sets the stage for potential disagreements with friends and lovers, because both of these fixed signs tend to be somewhat possessive with jealousy as a consequence. Scorpio likes to hold their feelings close to the chest, and Leo prefers to make a public display of theirs – not a happy combination. Honesty is by far the best option, because if Scorpio finds out they have been lied to, there will be all hell to pay.
On the subject of honesty in relationships, the Saturn-Pluto square is just one day past making the first of three exact squares (the second one is January 31, 2010 and the third, August 21, 2010). At this time, we have help in the form of Mercury in forthright Sagittarius forming a sextile to Saturn in Libra and a semi-sextile to Pluto in Capricorn. Yes, the words may be blunt and to the point, but if they reflect the truth as each person understands it, progress in resolving our differences can be made. I know I sound like a broken record on the subject of being as honest as possible in our dealings with ourselves and others under this transit, but please, do your best! The rewards will be well worth the pain.
This particular New Moon falls within a degree of my Scorpio Ascendant and I find myself being terser and more focused than usual. Usually my pleasant Libra nature shows more, but with Saturn in Libra sextile my Venus now, my more serious side is coming to the fore these days. That being said, I wholeheartedly recommend taking time to really listen to your friends and loved ones with love, kindness and compassion foremost. These are difficult times for many people, and we need to feel someone really cares about our welfare and well-being.
Blessings and peace to all.
posted by Neith . . .
Of course, today is the day to write your New Moon abundance checks! Here’s how.
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