Do Your Commitments Make You Happy? Venus conjunct Saturn and square Uranus

Do the commitments in your life bring you joy or weigh you down? Some commitments may be outdated and are no longer working for you and others may simply be in need of a renewal. This Saturday on February 6th Venus conjoins Saturn and squares Uranus, which is the reason this topic has landed on my heart. Saturn rules over commitments, obligations, responsibilities, and duties. Often, these words are loaded with negative connotations, but they don’t have to be. In fact, our commitments are meant to work for us - we aren’t supposed to work for them. This is something that is often forgotten. How many times have you caught yourself saying, “I have to do this” or “I should do this”? I know this is a language I often use with myself. But the truth is that we don’t have to do anything. We are always choosing to do the things that we do because we are benefiting in some way, even if our benefit is in the form of gaining approval from our parents or fitting into society. Belonging is a great motivator. Now, we may not always choose to do things out of a sense of joy or recognize the ways in which our commitments serve us. That is exactly what Venus is here to help us remember. 

Venus is a planet about joy, love, pleasure, and relationships. Whenever she’s in the mix, she asks, “do you love it?”. It’s her job to make sure we aren’t neglecting our pleasure body or pleasure needs. It’s her mission to help us enjoy our lives. With Venus conjoining Saturn, I am reminded that I choose my commitments because I get pleasure from them, because I like doing them, even if I don’t like them in the moment. Saturn is a planet about time and age, not about instant gratification. Sometimes instant gratification is great - I do things that give me immediate pleasure all the time. But when Venus is paired with Saturn, there’s a certain kind of satisfaction that is only accessible through patience and persevering through tests. We can’t just walk away every time we have to do a hard thing. I mean, I guess we could and many do, but I’m arguing that that wouldn’t be very satisfying at all. This isn’t to say that it’s never a good idea to break free from something that’s constraining or is indefinitely heavy. By all means, sometimes it’s time to let go of commitments and responsibilities that aren’t serving us. That’s what Venus square Uranus is here to remind us (or at least, is reminding me). 

Uranus is a planet about freedom and change. It can be rather impulsive and disruptive and when paired with Venus, we can be tempted to make drastic changes in relationships that we may later regret. We may want to do whatever we can to feel free. And sometimes, this pursuit of freedom is the very thing keeping us behind closed bars because it isn’t reflective of what we actually want. Sure, a good Venus Uranus aspect may help you finally break up with that boyfriend who you’ve been too scared to leave or perhaps help you to voice your truth to your partner that you’ve been sweeping under the rug. Venus Uranus aspects usually indicate it’s time to check in about your terms and agreements with others. Are they still working for you or do they need adjustments? Shake-ups in relationships are usually good- they help to bring in new energy and remind us to not take those that we love for granted. They are choosing to be with us and that is a gift. On the other hand, we may be distracted by shinier objects, more interesting people, or new and compelling ideas that become the apple of our eyes. There’s nothing wrong with dreaming or fantasizing, nor is there anything wrong with change. In fact, so many people stay in outdated relationships because it’s comfortable, even if they’re no longer in love or have outgrown each other. But, it’s important to be discerning when making decisions, even if those decisions are to stay. Staying in a commitment is a decision just as much as leaving is. Know your heart before you make commitments and know your heart before you break them. If you can’t know your heart because you don’t have enough information, then start collecting more data.

But, before you break free from anything, really think about why you’ve made certain commitments in the first place and what you’re getting from them. If you’re living a life based on an old value system from your parents that’s based on fear or some outdated dogmatic rule book that society created for you, then yes, perhaps it’s time to free yourself from those chains. Although we’re all subconsciously choosing these commitments, most of the time we are unaware of these unspoken agreements. Freedom comes when we consciously choose our lives. The more aware we are, the more free. Commitments are here to serve us, not the other way around. They aren’t inherently boring, heavy, or meant to keep us trapped. Ideally, they’re bringing you joy and happiness, even if every step isn’t pure bliss. Think about parents for instance. Of course there are many unhappy parents who probably wish they never had children, but there are also plenty of parents who delight in their children, despite all the poopy diapers and countless hours of playing peekaboo. Being a parent is not easy (as I’ve witnessed from my sister), but it’s a sacred responsibility that has the potential to bring a lot of satisfaction over time (if, of course, you’re not struggling every day to survive, which many are). 

If your responsibilities aren’t serving you in some way, then it may be time to re-evaluate and check in about terms and agreements and make adjustments so you can live a more easeful life. And this is about all kinds of commitments, not just relationships. We are ever-evolving humans with varying needs, not duty-bound robots. Commitments, when we make them consciously and truly with our freewill, are sacred. They provide a sort of structure to our lives and give us meaning. Without them, we might be floating around aimlessly with little substance to our lives. Games without rules are no fun because there wouldn’t be a game to play. Similarly, life without self-created structures isn’t fun either! Now, this isn’t to say that there isn’t a time to be totally free of commitments. Sometimes open space is exactly what we need to explore. But, eventually there comes a time when building upon something is the next step to reaching more long term satisfaction, something that Saturn helps us do. Really, our freedom is reflected in our commitments because we are choosing to fulfill them or deciding to end them. There are always consequences for these choices (a Saturnian value), but it’s often up to you the outcome you get.

The next time you “should'' yourself into anything or tell yourself that you have to do something, re-frame! You don’t have to do anything, you get to do that thing. There’s joy in it somewhere. If there’s not, then either find the joy through changing your perspective, adjust the terms to better serve you, or exit the agreement. Venus conjoined to Saturn asks us why we’re doing anything if it’s not sacred; if it’s not ultimately fulfilling. Sure, we may choose to sacrifice some short term comfort and say no to other opportunities, but that’s life! By saying yes to something, we are saying no to thousands of other things. Notice how it feels in your body when you say yes. Does it fill you with anticipation? Excitement? Or do you feel dread inside? If so, where does that dread come from? Some old unhealed trauma or truly from your heart?  What’s alive inside of you? Integrity to me means sticking to your truth and honoring the person you’re first and foremost committed to: yourself. If we aren’t living in accordance with what’s alive inside of us first, then we are doing a disservice to everyone else. Be of service to that life, that seed inside of you and your actions and responsibilities will feel good. If you make commitments with integrity by knowing your heart and your desire, commitments will feel freeing - because they are!

Mars conjoins Uranus

Today, on January 20th 2021, Mars conjoins Uranus. We’ve been feeling this energy already since Mars entered Taurus on January 6th. Be careful of overdoing, taking risks, or breaking free from something too soon. Impulsiveness is high. Maybe the chains you see around you are really boundaries, there to keep you safe.

Perhaps there’s a way to obtain creative freedom and self-expression while also sticking within the lines. Where’s the fun in games without any rules? Where’s the beauty of art without any form? How can we experience the human heart without a body? Perception is key.

Give yourself a little bit of permission to step outside the box, but don’t go wild. Remember what you’re working for. Remember that structure and systems are useful. They may need renovating, but they’re necessary all the same to achieve what you want.

If anger unexpectedly pops up, go into it, experience it, and give it a voice, as long as it doesn’t hurt others. What we resist persists. What we let exist eventually passes, as all other life forms.

While it’s not the time to make sudden changes, this aspect could illuminate that things indeed do need to change. Below are some questions to consider:

Instead of acting out impulsively, how can you transmute stagnant energy?

What can change look like while we continue holding onto the bones of what we’re working towards?

How can we welcome new energy without giving up everything we’ve built beneath us as our foundation?

If your foundation is old or outdated, how we can make transitions that serve us that don’t also shake our nervous systems too deeply to feel unsafe?

The Astrology of the Corona Virus

Although the Corona Virus was first detected in Wuhan, China at some point back in November of 2019, the first death reported in the news headlines was on January 11th - just 1 day before the great Saturn Pluto conjunction in Capricorn. I’ve written about this many times before, but Saturn conjoins Pluto every 33-38 years or so. Every hard aspect these two planets have with each other, whether that’s a conjunction, a square, or an opposition, result in major changes worldwide. When Saturn opposed Pluto back in 2001, we had 9/11. When they conjoined back in 1914, we had the start of WW1. Clearly these two planets are powerful forces that have major consequences that have a ripple effect for several years. This time around, it was the subtle beginnings of a virus. 

Although we heard about the first death resulting from Covid-19 in January with the Saturn Pluto conjunction, we didn’t start seeing the rapid spread of the virus until Mars entered the picture by entering the sign of Capricorn in Mid February. Mars is the Roman God of War - he rules over conflicts, weapons, anger, and divisions. In addition, Mars also rules over diseases and being a red, hot, fiery planet, he is also associated with being fast, rapid, and swift. Mars is exalted in Capricorn, meaning that Mars can do its will in this sign and more, and as a planet that is known as a malefic (meaning challenging), normally its will involves conflict, cutting away from things or people, or in this case, the rapid spread of a virus. It wasn’t until Mars traveled to the middle/later degrees of Capricorn that we started seeing the economic collapse. 

To give some more background information, when Mars entered Capricorn, he was the 4th planet to enter the sign. Saturn and Pluto had been traveling in Capricorn together since late 2017. Jupiter entered the scene in December of 2019. Whatever Jupiter touches, he makes bigger and more exaggerated. Now, Jupiter isn’t necessarily happy in the sign of Capricorn. Jupiter is a planet of kings, royalty, and gods. He’s used to expansion, granting benefits, offering hope, and lending a lucky hand in affairs. But in Capricorn, a sign that is ruled by Saturn, Jupiter is restricted in his abilities. Capricorn is a sign concerned with security, boundaries, tradition, time and age, conservation, and the down-trodden - those on the fringes of society. It’s a sign that has to do with the boundaries, structures, and systems we rely on in our lives- namely, the government. Jupiter naturally wants to expand, to be generous, to have mercy, and to give gifts. In Capricorn, the main benefits Jupiter can give is from the government and to the lower-class. And to some extent, that’s what we’ve seen with Covid-19. Those of us who’ve been laid off from our jobs not only have gotten a $1200 stimulus check but have also gotten an extra $600/week deposited directly into our bank accounts in addition to unemployment benefits. And we started hearing news of these benefits right around the time that Jupiter conjoined Pluto in Capricorn - from March 22nd - 31st, 2020, signifying the collapse of the economy. 

Our governmental systems are being tested right now to see if our foundation is built on solid ground. That’s Saturn’s job in the zodiac- to test our foundation. Pluto’s job is to dissolve; to compost; to break down and collapse, if need be. When our foundation isn’t built on solid ground, it collapses with the meeting of these two planets. Although we knew the U.S. had structural issues, we haven’t had to fully face it until now - until Mars reflected the rapid spread of this disease and the economy shut down. Now, even right-wing politicians are discussing the concept of Basic Income - of each American receiving a certain amount of money from the government each month. They’re talking about a pandemic policy. Universal healthcare is an issue now being discussed. This virus will lead to worldwide changes. Now, we are beginning to see restrictions lifted as Mars moves further and further away from all of these other planets and especially as Mars moves further away from Saturn, the other malefic. Likely come June, businesses will have reopened and life will return to a semblance of normalcy. But, we must stay prepared for what will come in the Fall, because the Astrology of Autumn suggests that we are not yet done with this virus.

Starting on July 1st, Mars will enter into his own sign of Aries. Mars is strong here - he can do what he wants. Normally Mars stays in a sign for about 6 weeks, but Mars will be going retrograde (moving backwards) in the sign of Aries, turning 6 weeks into 6 months. Simultaneously, while Mars is traveling through Aries, he’ll be making a sign-based aspect called a square to Saturn, Jupiter, and Pluto in Capricorn. Squares are 90 degrees between two planets and indicate strife, tension, conflict, and challenges. By this point, Saturn will have moved back into Capricorn until December and Pluto and Jupiter will be very close to the same degree of Capricorn they were at when the virus started taking off. This indicates that we are not yet done with this virus. Although it looks astrologically like things will be opening back up for the summer months - probably June through August - come September 9th, Mars will turn retrograde in Aries and start moving his way backwards. Now, a retrograde Mars isn’t normally a happy Mars. A retrograde Mars is a frustrated Mars, especially in his own sign of Aries, because ultimately Mars wants to move forward, get things done, and take action. Retrograde Mars in Aries indicates a review of events, a slowing down (or stopping), a feeling of “stuckness”. Essentially, it is my take that we might be dealing with another quarantine during the Mars retrograde. This will be between September 9th - November 14th of 2020. At the very least, we’ll be dealing with a serious aftermath of Covid-19 from July 1st - January 7th, 2021. Within that time frame, there will likely be another resurgence of the virus, another quarantine, and perhaps even stricter rules to follow. 

I know this isn’t news that everyone wants to hear, but I believe it is better to be prepared for the worst. Viktor Frankl, the author of Man’s Search for Meaning, said that it was those who expected to get out of the concentration camps who didn’t make it. They couldn’t make it because the disappointment was so incredibly heartbreaking. Now, I’m not comparing this to the Holocaust. I’m simply saying that if we are psychologically prepared for crises, we can brace ourselves and make a plan to get through the worst of it. If you haven’t yet planted your own garden, now is the time! If you haven’t established a spiritual practice, now is the time! It is in times of breakdown and collapse where we can re-evaluate where it is we truly want and need to go, whether as a country, a state, a city, your family, or just individually. Please reach out for any questions or concerns.

New Moon in Aquarius: Intention setting for how we can serve the group

A New Moon is occurring on Friday, January 24th at 4 degrees and 22 minutes of Aquarius. New Moons are times of new beginnings, of intention setting, and of envisioning what it is you most dearly want and desire for yourself. Aquarius season is the time of year when the Sun is dim - it’s the middle of winter and although the sunlight is growing with each day, it is still dark and the days are short. In Leo, the sign opposite of Aquarius, the Sun is in full power, stretching long and bright in the skies, nourishing all of nature. The Sun in our charts represents you, your will, and the essence of who you are. Leo, the sign that is ruled by the Sun, is similarly all about you and who you are. Leo is concerned with self-expression, performance, and being seen and acknowledged as important and unique. Aquarius, on the other hand, is about us; we. It is the sign where the Sun has the least amount of strength and thus, is the least concerned about himself as an individual. Rather, Aquarius is concerned with the collective and the needs of the group. Communal living and sharing with others is Aquarius’s domain, as is his concern with the needs of the people, on a societal level. This includes not just basic human needs such as shelter, food, and water, but higher needs; the need to be truly free from any and all attachments. 

Aquarius is ruled by the planet Saturn. Saturn also rules over Capricorn. If we think of Saturn as the walls that surround a city in ancient times and Capricorn as what is within the walls - the rules, regulations, authority figures in place, the hierarchy one must crawl through to get anywhere, etc. then Aquarius is that which is outside of the walls - foreign concepts, new ways of being, radical ideas, different rules, revolution, revelation. Aquarius stands for that which is possible to bring within the walls which could be considered unusual or “different”, often in the name of social progress. Oftentimes, this sense of looking to what’s beyond the horizon can give Aquarius a sense of being an outsider or of not belonging. Capricorn is the reverence for what is already established through ancient wisdom while Aquarius is the reformer, looking at the establishment with a critical eye and seeing what can be done away with and what new concept can be brought in. It is often said that Aquarius is the sign of authenticity because of its radical approach to all things. But, since Aquarius is still a Saturn-ruled sign, authenticity is demanded through more of an ethical lense as opposed to a need to be seen as unique or different.

Therefore, authenticity in your intentions with this New Moon is also demanded. What is it that you truly desire? What is it that will truly serve you in order to serve the collective? Remember, Aquarius isn’t about how to make you special, seen, or important. It’s about how to be in service to the group; how to make the world more fair and just by creating new and improved social structures. At the same time, this New Moon wants you to think outside of the box. What vision do you have for yourself that is a little bit radical? What would be a revolutionary intention for your life or at least for this month? How can we become clear to ourselves of who we really are while maintaining a sense of connection with others - without feeling isolated or as though we don’t belong? As you set your intentions for this New Moon, meditate upon these questions. Happy New Moon!

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Full Moon Lunar Eclipse at 20 degrees of Cancer

A Full Moon Lunar Eclipse takes place on Friday, December 10th at 20 degrees of Cancer. Cancer is the sign most associated with home, family, mother, and hearth. It’s one of the more sensitive areas of the chart, where the topics of the house Cancer rules becomes instantly emotional and emotionally charged. Cancer has to do with tribe and security - where we feel we belong or want to belong. And these tender parts of ourselves are being opposed by the coldness of the Capricorn energy, which is being triggered by most of the planets currently, including Saturn, Pluto, Mercury, and the Sun. 

Saturn opposing the Full Moon in sweet, sensitive Cancer can feel like someone saying “No” to that which you seek for comfort and safety. Instead of comfort, Saturn offers self reliance, boundaries, limitations, and the challenge to overcome. Pluto opposing the Full Moon in Cancer might feel like an emotional crisis that comes to a culmination. Pluto indicates crisis, decay, and death followed by rebirth. This transit might invite a journey to the underworld where the Crab feels most uncomfortable, but where it must go to feel truly safe in the long run. The only darkness the Crab likes is that of its own shell. But darkness enforced for this summer sign is inherently uncomfortable. Mercury opposing the Moon in Cancer denotes challenges in expressing emotions or in seeking comfort through words. There may be a block or inhibition with asking for the comfort you seek and need. The Sun opposing the Moon indicates a culmination or peak - it is the height of energy for the month where there’s a sense of being busy, perhaps overly emotional, and generally oppositional - feeling one way, yet being another way. Emotional sensitivity and perhaps defensiveness is heightened during this time, yet discipline, duty, and productivity are visibly seen. You might find during this Full Moon a sense or need for comfort, yet plunging ahead with your ambitions and obligations.

Eclipses indicate changes ahead. Lunar Eclipses specifically indicate changes that involve endings. Look at where 20 degrees of Cancer is in your chart. The House topics that are highlighted will tell you in what area of life to expect the changes. The changes can take up to 6 months to pan out and may not be very big or noticeable- it depends on what other planets are being triggered in your chart. Regardless, this Eclipse is occurring opposite of Saturn and Pluto for everyone, so the mood for the day is intense and heavy. The intensity and heaviness could be productive in some way or it could be stressful. Just remember that Saturn is the great authoritarian that sometimes limits or blocks us for reasons that are sometimes unexplainable or unknowable. Pluto is the force that purges; that forces you to go into the depths of shadows to find the truth of the matter. Resistance creates suffering, but acceptance creates space for relief. Choose to release rather than being taken from.

Solar Eclipse New Moon: Change is on the Horizon

Eclipses are times of change and adjustments in our lives. Solar Eclipses specifically are about changes that involve the starting of new things while Lunar Eclipses are changes that involve endings. This Solar Eclipse is happening at 4 degrees of Capricorn conjunct Jupiter on December 25th, 2019.

Capricorn rules over our bones, our teeth, and our skin. It is the structure of our bodies that make our organs able to exist. Similarly, Capricorn rules the structures and systems we have in place in society so that we can function in a somewhat organized manner. This includes our government and the traditions of culture. Saturn, the ruler of Capricorn, is also the Lord of Time and Age. Therefore, Saturn honors that which has taken time and age to come about, like an aged wine. Where would we be today without tradition? Capricorn, represented by the goat, is a climber that won’t stop until it is on the top of the mountain. It seeks status and usually gets to where it wants to go through integrity and hard, honest work. It is slow, cautious, meticulous, and methodical. New Moons are times of planting the seeds for new beginnings. When a New Moon is also a Solar Eclipse, a new beginning will be bestowed upon you, regardless of whether you set intentions. Sometimes the changes are big and sometimes they are small. It may depend on how and where it is hitting your chart. Whatever change takes place in the house that Capricorn rules, it might be slow change. It might be change that will require patience and mastery. Something of longevity may come into your life which first requires an ending occur.

The Eclipse is happening in the same sign of the Pluto and Saturn saga that has been going on since December of 2017. Thus, the tone of these new beginnings will strangely involve Pluto tones of death, decay, and power as well as Saturn tones of government structures, discipline, and delay. These 2 planets are forming what’s called a Conjunction in mid January, meaning they are meeting up in the heavens at 22 degrees of Capricorn. Saturn meets Pluto in the skies every 33 to 38 years. This meeting always denotes the destruction of societal structures and power-systems that are no longer working for us and the rebuilding of systems and leaders who are hoped to be icons of a new age. Saturn is the Lord of Karma and Pluto is the Lord of the Underworld. When the two meet, the morality of world leaders is tested. The last few conjunctions between the two planets were November 8th, 1982, August 11th, 1947, and October 5th, 1914. This upcoming conjunction will definitely have worldwide impacts in one way or another.

These aren’t the first Eclipses we’ve had in Capricorn with Saturn and Pluto this year.  We had a Partial Solar Eclipse at 15 degrees of Capricorn on January 5th, 2019 and then a Lunar Eclipse on July 16th, 2019 at 24 degrees of Capricorn.  If you know what house Capricorn rules over, think back to the topics of that house and what changed or shifted. Those topics will be brought up again. It can take up to 6 months for the change to take place, so try not to forget! A theme has been unfolding for the past year and this New Moon Solar Eclipse is a critical part to the story. In order for new plants to grow, we must uproot that which is taking up too much space and nutrients. In order for healing of the body to occur, one must purge the sickness. These times of transformation may not be fun, but they are necessary. The shedding skin of the snake must take place. And it may just be that Jupiter conjunct the Eclipse will save the day in the end, making the overall experience more positive rather than challenging.

There are many ways this Eclipse could play out. Regardless, the winds of fate will take you exactly where you need to go. It is all about trusting in the cosmic force that is nature, god, the divine, our higher selves – whatever you’d like to call it. I recommend not approaching Eclipses with fear, but with faith that whatever comes is meant to be and is ultimately the journey your soul desires.

Full Moon in Gemini: Play, Curiosity, and Connection

The Moon is full in Gemini on Wednesday, December 11th, at 19 degrees 51 minutes of Gemini at approximately 10:12pm Mountain Time. Gemini is ruled by the planet Mercury, which governs our minds, including how we communicate, speak, write, think, and how we exchange information with one another. With the Moon here, which rules over emotions and our habits, there might be a need or tendency to talk to others about our feelings and generally use speech as a way of emotionally connecting. Thus, a full moon in Gemini might be a bit chatty. The mood of the day will certainly be social, as Gemini is an air sign and likes, especially, to connect with various social groups. Gemini is also associated with the Greek God Hermes, Messenger of the Gods. Hermes’s job was to deliver messages between the god of the skies and the god of the underworld and along his delivery path, there was ample time to play tricks on others. Thus, Gemini is also associated with trickery, play, and being mischievous. 

As always, Full Moons are times of culminations, completions, and peaks. Things get especially busy and can seem a little bit crazy during the Full Moon because the energies are so high! Watch out for spreading yourself too thin, committing to too much, or being overly social. Gemini is a busy sign, interested in anything and everything that catches its attention. Known for its particularly short attention span, Gemini can have us all in a tizzy with all the interests and curiosity it can have. Try not to have too much planned or have too much detailed work to do. Earlier in the day around 3:12pm, the Moon makes a square to Neptune in Pisces, which can leave us feeling as though we’ve entered another mini Mercury Retrograde period! The feeling might be imaginative, idealistic, or a little mentally drunk, feeling as though you just can’t focus on the details or get things done.

Gemini is also known for its propensity to getting bored often and easily, which is why a short attention span is attributed to this sign. Do something fun on this day, but don’t try to do it all, as this will probably stress you out! Feeling restless or having nervous energy is normal for Gemini, as Gemini rules over the nervous system. Avoid stimulating drinks, as the nervous system is bound to be more sensitive! Surgical procedures are not recommended during the Full Moon. Avoid surgery involving the organs, systems, and limbs that Gemini rules over. These include not only the nervous system, but the shoulders, arms, hands, bronchial tubes, and lungs. Stay healthy and warm in this cold weather. Gemini also rules over the respiratory system. If we’re not mindful of our bodies, we could end up with a cough.

The true gift of this sign is its capacity to play and to be curious about everything! This is a good time to meditate upon the following questions: Where could you introduce a little more play in your life? What could you be more curious about before making up your mind? How can you integrate the trying of new things into your life without spreading yourself too thin? The Full Moon is the perfect time to experiment!


New Moon in Sagittarius: Dream Big and Take a Leap of Faith

On Tuesday November 26th, we have our final lunation with Jupiter as our host in his own sign of Sagittarius. The New Moon on Tuesday is a special one. In Astrology, each planet rules over a sign, meaning that they have the final say of how other planets in their sign will function. Whenever a planet is placed in a sign that it rules, it functions at its best and is able to accomplish its goals fully. Since December of 2018, we have had Jupiter, God of the Sky, traveling through his own home sign of Sagittarius, lending his benefic hand to those other planets traveling through his sign. This New Moon is happening at 4 degrees of Sagittarius while Jupiter is in its final degrees of the sign at 28 degrees of Sagittarius. This is the last hurrah of Jupiter in Sagittarius before he moves into a sign he can’t be as expansive in: Capricorn.

New moons are times of renewal, of seed-planting, and of new beginnings. They are times where we plant thought-seeds of what we want to manifest come the full moon, two weeks later. Sagittarius is the sign of the Centaur: half man, half horse, with a bow and arrow pointing out to the horizon. It’s during a time of year when we are transitioning from Autumn into Winter; the darkest time of the year in terms of sunlight. This is a sign that has to do with faith. As the days get shorter, darker, and colder, we don’t have the promise of the harvest to carry us through. Instead we must rely on the knowledge that it will come again; on the belief that abundance is true; on the faith that even in our darkest hour, still, there is more than enough for everyone. The bow of the centaur, pointing to the horizon, points to the exterior, beyond the boundaries of what’s known and seen. The bow functions as a life philosophy the centaur carries: that it doesn’t necessarily know or have a plan for where it’s going, but its destination is anywhere but here. Similarly, wherever we have Sagittarius in our birth charts is where we must rely on faith, where we are confident, and where we seek adventure and further knowledge. Or perhaps it is the antithesis of this, depending on what planets you have in the sign and their aspects.

The New Moon in Sagittarius gains the support of Jupiter in his own domain. Thus, the Moon is treated as an honored guest and takes on the mood of Sagittarius: Adventuring, knowledge-seeking, confident, philanthropic, spacious, welcoming, and truth-telling. Whatever thought-seeds you intend to plant, it’s a good time to dream and be expansive in what you are wanting to manifest. Your dreams have the support of Jupiter, God of the Sky. And I promise you, Jupiter will do whatever he can to help make your wishes come true because wishes and dreams are of the nature of Jupiter and of the sign of Sagittarius. Jupiter in Sagittarius believes that anything is possible if you just dream big enough and take a leap of faith.


Full Moon in Taurus: Indulge Yourself

The Full Moon is happening on Tuesday, November 12th 2019 at 6:34am Mountain time at 19 degrees 52 minutes of Taurus. Full moons are times of culmination, completion, pinnacles, and peaks. Taurus is a sign associated with hard work and hard play. It’s an earth sign, represented by the bull. The bull was used to work in the fields. Thus, Taurus is no stranger to hard work. But, being a Venus-ruled sign, Taurus is no stranger to luxury, relaxation, and enjoyment too. Taurus is associated with earthly things, the physical world, and the sensual pleasures experienced by the body. Taurus season is also during the middle of Spring when the natural world is in full bloom. Abundance is everywhere and no one is lacking for food. Being in the middle of a season gives Taurus a fixed nature; an immovable force. Endurance is Taurus’s strength; rigidity can be its downfall.

The Moon is exalted in Taurus, meaning, she’s treated as an important guest. The Moon likes to be fed, nurtured, taken care of, and adorned. She knows she’ll get what she wants and needs in Taurus’s domain. The trick is not to take Taurus’s generosity too far. The Moon represents our habits and emotional needs; that which we do unconsciously to feel safe and secure. There can be a tendency for the Moon to go too far in the comfortable den that Taurus provides by eating too much of Taurus’s food, drinking too much wine, lounging around in the beautiful and calm environment that Taurus provides.

Bask in the delight of these tangible pleasures, but be careful not to take it too far. This could be a time that you enjoy a meal so much so that you have a stomach ache later. You might enjoy drinks with a friend and suffer a headache the next day. There’s potential to feel truly abundant, but be careful not to spend what you do not have. This can also be a great time to connect with the land. Taurus has to do with agriculture and plants, which is another reason the Moon loves being in Taurus so much. In ancient times, everyone planted their seeds according to the phases of the moon. Some still do! Get out and go for a hike or work on cleaning up your garden to prepare for the spring. Be outside if it’s warm enough. But most of all, enjoy this lovely energy and indulge, just a little.

New Moon in Scorpio: Shadows Coming into Disruptive Light

New Moons are times for planting seeds, creating intentions, and for making sure you have everything you need for your little plant to grow. This particular New Moon may be more suited for creating space, sitting with your shadow elements, observing, and then transforming them. Scorpio is the middle of the Autumn and is a “fixed” sign; thus, Scorpio is enduring, rigid, persevering, and immovable. Tis also the time of the year when the light is fading and the days grow colder and darker. Abundance is no more as everything that was edible is now going to seed. With this knowledge, the Scorpion grows both fearful, conserving, and penetratingly insightful; Fearful of there not being enough, conserving of whatever it is they already have, and insightful as to what little opportunities are left to gain something for keeps. This is partly where the Scorpion’s passion for justice comes from - it comes from the feeling that they ended up with the short end of the stick and that they received nothing from the abundance of the summer months. The harvest is over. Now the Scorpion must scrounge for whatever little there is leftover. This time of year gives Scorpio that quality of being a good bargainer, of fighting for the best deal, making sure they either get the better end of the stick this time or at least what they deem as equal in the share. The looming darkness of this season gives Scorpio their depth and their comfortability in the darkness, both literally and figuratively. Their comfort with the shadow elements can make other signs uncomfortable. But for Scorpio, what lies beneath the still waters is home.

A New Moon in Scorpio is about creating intentions alongside your shadow elements; making a deal with the parts of your psyche that often never see the light of day. Consider what it is you want to transform; which shadow you’d like to befriend. Think about where you want more insight about yourself, where you want to persevere as though it comes down to life or death. Scorpio will fight to the death to what they are loyal to. What is that for you? As you consider what intention you set, be mindful because as the New Moon becomes exact, it hits a direct opposition with the planet Uranus in Taurus. Uranus is the planet of unexpected changes, surprises, upheavals, revelation, and revolution. Uranus is also the planet of authenticity and radicalization - Uranus’s goal is to help you individuate and become your most authentic self, even if that involves a few upsets. With Uranus involved in an opposition, the more shocking elements of his nature are bound to emerge. Oppositions are 180 degrees between two planets. They are at odds with each other and have totally separate goals. Usually, one planet dominates the will of the other, making the situation a win-lose situation. In this scenario, the Moon is not comfortable in the dark lair of Scorpio. The Moon wants to be comforted with cookies and a glass of milk, not lured into Scorpio’s investigative and interrogative lair. While Uranus is not particularly strong in Taurus, he is stronger than the Moon, making her give in to Uranus’s will. Although Uranus is usually jarring, usually these disruptions end up being for the better. They can be the result of not being exactly where you need to be in life. And Uranus is quite good at getting you back on track if you’re lost on a path that you’re not supposed to be on. 


Be careful what you wish for; what you create intentions around. Make sure you’re particularly conscious of what it is you want and what the potential ramifications are of acting upon your desires. It’s hard, because you don’t know what you don’t know. Uranus will make sure you know, but in a most surprising or unsettling way. Leave room. Leave room to be surprised, to have your plans disrupted, to be taken on by spontaneity. If you do set intentions, I recommend not being attached to them and not having expectations around them. Simply observe and see what comes up. But don’t make too many plans for the weekend. It’s not a time of hyperactivity. Scorpio season is a time of going within - to the deepest, darkest components of our psyche. Focus on accessing your inner Scorpio: what is it that you feel most deeply passionate about. What would you die for, give your life for? Death and rebirth, death and rebirth. This is a cycle the Scorpion is deeply familiar with. And with Uranus opposing the New Moon here, there could definitely be a disruption of a shadow within you; perhaps bringing those castaways to the surface to finally be seen and acknowledged before sending them to their final resting place. Scorpio is famously associated with all the shadowy things including death, sex, deeply shared resources, debt, money, taxes, inheritance, and the occult. Keep an eye out for these topics coming up. Create an intention to be deeply present with them. Be open to change and disruption. Revolution requires shaking things up. Radicalization requires spontaneity and a willingness to be disruptive and receive disruption. Watch instead of wish.

Sunday September 13th, 2019: Full Moon in Aries

The Moon relates to our instincts, our emotions, our needs for security, and our unconscious mind. She also relates to mother, to family, and to our bodies. The moon’s goal is to nurture us; to send us messages in the dream world; to help us feel safe and loved. She can’t always do all the things she wants to do in every sign of the zodiac. Some signs color her braver than she usually is. That’s what Aries does. Aries is the first month of spring; thus, Aries relates to new beginnings, to taking initiative, to confidence that abundance is on the way and that the darkness of winter is past. Aries is what’s known as a Cardinal sign in Astrology, meaning the first sign of a season. Any sign that is the beginning of the season is a Cardinal sign. The others are Cancer, the beginning of summer, Libra, the beginning of fall, and Capricorn, the beginning of winter. They all have the same quality of taking leadership, of starting new undertakings, and of taking on great feats, all in their own elemental style.

 

Aries is a fire sign. Fire is passion. Fire is hot and bright and will get your bum moving if its under you. Fire is always under Aries, urging him to tread onward before he burns up. The element of fire gives Aries an extra sense of urgency to begin new things, right here and right now. They usually have little patience to wait and can thus sometimes be impulsive. Individuals with their Moon in the sign of Aries can function very similarly. They can be impatient and impulsive, wanting to get started on their goals immediately, feeling like they just can’t wait. This can function both positively and negatively. On the positive side, this sign is ruled by the planet Mars, the god of War, and can thus take a much braver stance than the other signs. Hesitancy and fear will not hold this sign back. Aries plunges forth, tackling problems and chasing desires head first and headstrong. On the negative side, this energy can heed over-confidence, impulsive decisions made too quickly, or even bring conflict, as a warrior is wrought to want. There’s a childlike eagerness associated with the sign of Aries, and with the Moon here, an eagerness that is very instinctual and habitual to just do; to simply act. Now! This month, we can all experience a taste of what having a Moon in Aries is like.

 

Full Moons are not times to create intentions or start new projects. New Moons are the times for planting seeds. Full Moons are times for culminations; to finish up projects; to come to completion. They are the height of activity and should be the pinnacle of the month, with things beginning to wind down after. They are like getting to the top of a mountain, where the only way forward is the descent. This is a bit contradictory to the nature of Aries, which is to eagerly start something new. So, what could this New Moon be about? Simply put, think about the ways in which you are spreading yourself thin, working yourself to the bone, so vigorously and ardently invested in a goal or project. Think about where you’re putting enormous amounts of your energy; the energy of a warrior. Perhaps it’s time to let go a little and drink some water to cool that fire. The two weeks following the full moon are about rest and recuperation and with Aries at the peak, it’s been a marathon. Also think about the relationships in your life. We had a New Moon in Libra two weeks prior with lots of planets transiting through the sign of Libra. Aries is the sign of the self and Libra is the sign of the other. Where are you needing more independence? More time in solitude? Or perhaps, on the flipside, where are you needing support in partnership? Sometimes we’re not meant to go at it alone. The Aries/Libra axes is about “Me” versus “We”. This month’s cycle is just as much about the balance of connecting with others without losing yourself in the relationship as it is about letting go of the need to be a warrior.

Shifts in our communications with each other and how we take action

On Thursday, October 3rd, 2019 a few planets shift signs. Mercury goes into the sign of Scorpio and Mars enters the sign of Libra. I’ll first touch on Mercury in Scorpio and then on Mars entering Libra.


Are Your Words a Weapon or a Tool?

Mercury is the planet of our mind and rules over all things having to do with communication, including our thoughts, our verbal interactions with others, and how we express ourselves. It is also the planet of trade and craft. Scorpio is a Mars-ruled water sign. Mars-ruled signs are good at getting what they want, but in that process, they can often bring about conflict and strife. Mars-ruled signs are also good at cutting away and editing out what is unnecessary; getting to the point or heart of a matter. This is combined with the element of water, which turns us inwards towards our own emotions and psychological processes. Thus, Mercury in Scorpio is skilled at cutting away the fluff of our beliefs and internal dialogue. This is a time of extreme honesty both with others and with yourself - remember, Scorpio being a Mars-ruled sign doesn’t play nice. What’s real isn’t always pleasant. Scorpio wants to get to the root of the matter. Think of Mercury, the planet of communication, wielding a knife or scalpel. This knife can be used as a weapon to cut others down in the name of “truth and honesty” or it can be used as a tool to create precision with words to speak your truth clearly - to carve away the excess wood so that the statue may be seen for what’s always been there. The choice is yours. 

From “Me” to “We”


In the evening on Thursday around 10:22 Mountain time Mars enters the sign of Libra. Mars is inherently uncomfortable in Libra because Martian goals and Libran goals are at odds with each other. Mars, the Roman God of War, is the planet of our will and of what we want. His purpose in your chart and in the heavens is to get you what you want and his style of doing that depends on what sign he is in. Libra is the sign of relationships; of the other. Libra wants to unite and Mars wants to separate. Mars is the planet of Me, Myself and I. Libra is ruled by the planet Venus, the planet of We. Now, Venus also works for you in helping you to get what you want, but she does it in a more round about way. Mars is very direct and to-the-point and Venus is strategic, using the tools of invitation, diplomacy, and relationship to get her way. Mars is unable to do his business in his usual crass and direct way in Libra. He must take initiative by considering the other. He must perform his task relationally rather than independently, which is his much preferred manner. We have Mars here for about 6 weeks. This is a time that may be a bit uncomfortable for all of us. We may find it hard to say the words, “I need” because much of our energy will be focused on other people. Practicing saying, “I need” during this time is a good mantra. On the other hand, take advantage of this energy to develop your diplomacy skills. And remember, if you’re feeling frustrated because your goals are dependent on the actions of others, this energy does not last. 

Venus Square Pluto: A Deeper Look into the Shadows of our Relationships, Money, and Values

Venus will be making a square to Pluto on Monday, September 30th, 2019. Venus is the planet of love, relationships of all kinds, money, sweetness, beauty, women, values, and style. She is the planet in your chart that works for you by attracting opportunities to you in whatever way she is able (depending on the sign she is located in your chart or what sign she is transiting in the sky). Squares are 90 degree angles between two planets that indicate challenge and strife. Squares, unlike oppositions, are workable, meaning that they can be worked out with effort and careful consideration, although they are not easy. Pluto, associated with the god of the underworld, is the planet of death and rebirth, deep honesty, crisis, catastrophe, depth, shadows, and trials and tribulations and the transformations that arise from them. 

Pluto isn’t very fun, especially when all Venus wants to do is to have some fun through connection! Their goals as planets aren’t very compatible. What this means is that Pluto will force Venus to look deep within in some manner, whether it’s through a fight with your partner or best friend or perhaps a deeper look into what your values are. This transit could make you deeply reconsider your values, your friendships and partnerships, or your personal style. Perhaps you realize that you want to express yourself more deeply and authentically through how you present yourself to others. Perhaps you realize you need to take a more serious look at how you are handling your finances and make a change in that regard. Perhaps you realize that there is conflict with how you are making money and what your values are. Pluto will force a deeper look into these areas and will reveal the shadows beneath the beauty. Of course, this all depends on what house Venus in Libra and Pluto in Capricorn is transiting through in your birth chart. Knowing that information will give you a deeper idea as to what this could be about for you and it will become even more specific and more complex if you have personal planets involved in this aspect. 

After this aspect, this isn’t the end of dealing with Pluto. Once Venus makes the journey into the underworld, then the planets following her will to. This includes the Sun and Mars. Mercury in Libra already made the journey on Thursday, September 26th, 2019. If you follow Astrology closely enough, you’ll find a story unraveling. Mercury, representing our mind and how we communicate, could have started the story, since he was the first planet to make this aspect with Pluto. Think back to Thursday of last week. Were you forced to communicate your truth to someone in an honest, yet perhaps painful way? Or were you contemplating (Mercury) about the deep nature of your relationships (Libra) and whether they are still working for you or whether you want to take them more seriously and maturely (Pluto in Capricorn)? There could be so many ways this plays out, depending on where this is happening for you in your chart. And like I said, the story is not done. First, it began with the mind and your thoughts (Mercury) and now comes Venus with her themes of relationships, values, and finances. Next will come the Sun in a few weeks, followed by Mars. I’ll write on those as they come. But for now, just observe. And perhaps write! Find an outlet to explore these deep themes as the story unravels.


Happy looking within!


Dream Big, Be Discerning, Work Hard, and Be Honest

Sun Opposition Neptune and Sun Square Jupiter: Dream Big, but Be Careful of being Disillusioned

On Monday, September 9th, the Sun in Virgo both squares Jupiter in Sagittarius and opposes Neptune in Pisces. Jupiter is the planet of expansion, optimism, and good fortune. Neptune is the planet of dreams, ideals, and illusions. Both planets are in their “home sign”, meaning they are able to fully execute their duties and wishes because they are in very strong positions. Squares indicate friction that results in some sort of challenge. With the Sun Squaring Jupiter, there is potential for taking on too much, being overly optimistic, or spending too much money. Oppositions indicate opposing viewpoints. When a planet is opposite another planet, they are literally taking on opposite perspectives, creating extreme discomfort. Finding the middle ground might be needed, but oftentimes oppositions indicate that a choice be made. You can’t always have your cake and eat it too. All of these dreamy and enthusiastic aspects might boil down to having a dream, but perhaps being in certain circumstances that aren’t conducive to obtaining what it is that you actually want. With Jupiter in the mix, take care not to make rash decisions or take on more than you can chew. There’s a sense of seeing the light at the end of the tunnel, but not being close enough to be in the light or to feel it. Maybe you’re finding yourself wanting to take a leap of faith or to take shortcuts, trying to find a way to speed your progress up to get there sooner- to reach the light and feel it on your skin sooner- perhaps before you’re ready. Take care not to get carried away. Let this energy inspire you, but make sure you work towards these dreams in a slow steady manner. Mars trine Saturn can help you with a slow and steady approach.

Mars Trine Saturn: Slow and Steady

Mars, the planet of what we want, makes a lovely trine to Saturn, the planet of hard work and endurance, on Monday, September 9th as well. Mars rules our motivations, our energy levels, and the way we take action. Mars can be a cutting energy as its main goal is to individuate and to separate ourselves from the group so that we can accomplish what it is that we want. Saturn, on the other hand, can sometimes indicate delays, setbacks, and plain old hard work. Saturn can also be a grounding force and have a “back to reality” feeling. With Mars trining Saturn, there is an opportunity to take slow action and to be successful through careful planning. This will be helpful in containing and directing the extreme enthusiasm that might result with the Sun squaring Jupiter and opposing Neptune so that it doesn’t get out of control. Mars in Virgo, more specifically, might have you focused on the details, on health routines, or on being of service to others in some way. Saturn in its home sign of Capricorn means that Saturn can execute his goals easily and more readily. With this Trine, he wants to ground and bring you back to the “reality” of the world, helping you plan your actions for the long-haul so that it is sustainable and long-lasting.


Mercury Trine Pluto: Be Painstakingly Honest

Mercury, the planet of communication and the mind, is also making a lovely Trine to Pluto, the planet of transformation, crisis, depth, and deep passion. Mercury is also in his home sign of Virgo, meaning he is able to function very well. He is aware of the details and is especially discerning and honest. This Trine provides an opportunity to communicate with others with depth and deep, discerning honesty. Sometimes honesty can be awkward, painful, and hard, but this trine indicates that communications will go smoothly and will be rewarding. If you’ve been aiming to have an authentic conversation with someone to solve a problem or relational issue, this would be a good time. You may find yourself connecting deeply on an intellectual level with someone or perhaps someone else is changing your mind or your philosophy of life. It could also be a good time to be honest with yourself, getting to your psychological roots, and diving deep into your own thoughts and your own mind. Take out your journal on this day. Think about what it is you really want and make a detailed plan. The energies support this naturally.