New Moon In Leo 2013

New Moon @ 14 degrees Leo 35'
August 6, 2013
2:51 PM Pacific
11:51 AM Eastern

This New Moon is seething with intensity, heat, and creative passion. It effectively breaks up some of the watery influence we've been so immersed in for the past month. The sign of Leo is dramatic and ostentatious; it doesn't hold much back. This New Moon brings us (perhaps momentarily) back to the moment, to what's right in front of us as opposed to what's behind. The astrology from last month was imbued with nostalgia and deep reflection. Leo isn't too concerned with such things, and although there's still a heavy planetary presence in Cancer, this lunation carries enough power and punch to point us toward any or all tasks currently at hand. The New Moon conjoins the asteroid Vesta, the goddess of the hearth and the sacred fire. Combined with the energizing enthusiasm of Leo, we get a powerful surge of fiery energy that's dynamic, willful, and strong.

Contact with Vesta is said to generate an intense focus and commitment. Interestingly, the goddess Vesta was said to rule over the hearth; the word focus, from latin, actually means hearth. Another quality of Vesta is that it provides a sense of renewal and an ability to recharge, regroup, and refresh. This lunation provides an opportunity to perhaps renew creative juices, adding a dose of humor, play, and spontaneity into the collective psyche. A Trine to Uranus in Aries creates the potential for flashes of insight and revelations that incite creative action. If you can allow yourself to really feel these energies and tap into this powerful moment, the universe will gift you with a brief glimpse into entirely new vistas and landscapes you never thought possible.

This New Moon also helps to lighten up the heaviness and conflict generated by Jupiter, Lilith, and Pallas in Opposition to Pluto--bringing a powerful and challenging T-Square involving Uranus into sharp focus. This configuration urges us to break free from past restrictions and limitations that stifle our independence. But, it can be a rather frustrating process, because we can't just throw off all of the shackles that bind us, because in a way, we depend on some of them for our security and survival. That means we have to make some compromises and work within the limits of the structure that we've chosen to be a part of--and yet, this brief Trine to Uranus gives us a little more room to maneuver and to take charge; just don't take it too far.

The dark side of this lunation (it is the dark of the Moon) is that it drives us into such single pointed subjectivity that we exclude everything else outside of us, which could generate some conflict from those who end up feeling deprived of our attention. Leo can be a very self-centered sign, but must tap into the awareness and reality that it's a part of a larger community it depends on for its sustenance and survival. That means we could end up really losing perspicacity because we're so focused on our own needs and concerns. With that said, however, if we can consider the bigger picture as well as the needs of others, we should feel free to develop and focus on our own creative development.

On the collective level, this lunation appears significant as a portal for innovative solutions. It helps to bring fresh air which supports ingenuity. In combination with the Jupiter, Uranus, and Pluto T-Square, we're at a significant turning point which requires fresh ideas and solutions to bring new life into the world. However, it won't come easily. It comes through a lot of hard work and constant debugging to get it right. We're also in the midst of a very volatile and unstable period of time politically. Be wary of this and remain highly conscious and grounded so as not to get mindlessly swept up in some collective drama that seeks to siphon your personal energy. Leo can really exaggerate things way beyond what's necessary. The world is a stage, so just play your role, but don't forget, it's all just a show.

Conscious travels.

Kosmic Horizon: August 2013

The astrological landscape of August changes quite significantly compared to last month. July was an acutely reflective and possibly emotional month--our attention was likely pulled deeper into ourselves, toward our essential needs as well as vulnerabilities. Mercury retrograde, as always, brought us to a place from which we had to reconsider our current path and question deeply ingrained assumptions. Specific emotions may have been brought up to the surface, inviting us to deal with and process anything that we've suppressed or have been holding in. We were likely brought back to things that were essential for our security and survival. The water Grand Trine formations which highlighted July mutate into T-squares this month creating quite a bit of friction as both Venus and Jupiter join in on the Pluto/Uranus square.

This is the kind of energy that really motivates us to get down and dirty. Without considerable tension, nothing would be challenged to grow. While the aspects this month appear rather intense, they provide the impetus needed to make tremendous progress. Time itself will appear as if it's speeding up, and events will likely unfold quite rapidly. There's going to be a lot to process and take in, so it's best to be prepared and ready to assimilate a lot of material. If we flow with it we can cover a lot of ground. The need for freedom, the need to break away from repression, stagnation, or boredom is extremely powerful right now and most of us will respond to this in our own unique way. If utilized creatively we'll have the opportunity to break out of restrictive molds and templates.

The Grand Trine energy last month was much more about conceptualizing, observing, and feeling. August takes this process to the next level and invites us to step up and make use of our potential. In other words, if you've been testing the water for a period of time, it's now time to decide whether we take the plunge. On both the collective and personal level, this will be a highly eventful period of time. The events that are beginning to transpire will likely carry on and reverberate clear through to next Summer. This energy influx is also very creative and innovative. It invites to move beyond rigid barriers, stale routines, and patterns of behavior that have outlived their usefulness. We're all feeling it and there's no going back to the way things were. Resistance is futile. Your best bet is to make the changes that are necessary now and move with it. The pace is quick and the beat is strong; do your best to keep up.

This month brings with it a rapid acceleration of growth and progress. Obviously, these are collective energies, but each of us is responding to them in our own lives because in reality there's truly no separation. How much actually changes is completely up to us. Real change hits the very root or core. Don't be fooled by artificial change, which is only a superficial renovation so that things merely appear to be different. Authentic change comes from within, it adjusts and uproots the foundation; it's uncomfortable and usually frightening, but once we've crossed the threshold, we're grateful we made the transition.

August 6th The New Moon occurs @ 14 degrees of Leo--The fire element begins to gain prominence with this lunation and a surge of passion and a single pointed focus infuses the collective psyche. This New Moon is creative and provides a burning intensity and drive that offers plenty of fuel for the long haul. The New Moon conjoins Vesta, giving a sense of powerful focus and stamina, and a Trine to Uranus amplifies willpower to break through creative barriers. Anticipate sparks or lightening bolts of inspiration that motivate action. August 7th Jupiter (along with Pallas and Lilith) makes an exact opposition to Pluto, joining in on the Uranus/Pluto square. This is intense, it amplifies power plays, it expands all the tension that's been slowly bubbling up to the surface. These energies seek complete freedom and especially the bottom line. That means no more beating around the bush, it isn't going to cut it; these energies demand that you get right to the point and cut all the bull. Jupiter in Cancer opposite Pluto creates an overwhelming desire to break free of past constraints.

August 8th Mercury enters Leo which helps to lighten up the intensity that's currently brewing. Mercury in Leo likes to play with ideas and try out different modes of self-expression. While we may feel challenged this month, the Leonian energy reminds us that life is really just a stage, and we're all just playing our role. As serious as it can appear to be at times, we shouldn't forget to just enjoy the show and go along for the ride. Mercury in Leo infuses the collective with a playful quality that lends well to social gatherings and the development or fine tuning of personal style.

August 16th Venus enters her home sign of Libra. Venus in Libra has impeccable taste and combined with the Leo energies creates the desire for the enjoyment of beauty. This also creates a strong allure that can be bit deceptive, so be discriminating. We're likely to fall for the facade more than we usually would. So before you commit to something, check to make sure there's enough substance beyond appearances. Venus in Libra helps to shape and mold creative projects toward their highest visual expression.

August 20 We encounter the second Full Moon in the sign of Aquarius of the year 2013. Occurring at the 28th degree of Aquarius, this is an "anarectic" Full Moon. A planet or placement is considered anaretic when it occurs at the end of a sign (about 28-29 degrees). It's considered a point of crisis, because the energies are building up to a boiling point and are more than ready to push through to the next layer. An anaretic Full Moon brings events to a critical point of culmination, and it can feel as if things are really blowing up. There can be a strong feeling of anticipation with this lunation. In the sign of Aquarius, we receive the opportunity to gain an objective awareness about something--like suddenly it all makes sense and we can see all the connections that were previously obscured. With the Sun in conjunction with Ceres and Persephone (the hypothetical Transpluto), there's likely going to be some significant connection with this lunation and our food supply. With Aquarius, I'm thinking something involving GMO's and the current battle and debate that's been waging. This should signify an interesting turning point with these matters, and a rapid acceleration of development for either end of the spectrum.

Aquarius rules technological progress as well as scientific methodology. Historically, major breakthroughs within scientific fields emerge whenever Uranus, Jupiter, and Pluto form hard aspects with one another. I'm not sure what that means for the current conflict over genetically modified food exactly. Current technological advances aren't showing any signs of slowing down, despite the massive surge in health related issues. The events that transpire this month will likely involve the emergence of new scientific discoveries, advancements, or paradigms.

August 21st Jupiter makes its first of three squares with Uranus while also in orb of an Opposition with Pluto. Jupiter also forms the first of three Trines with Chiron. With Jupiter and Uranus, any progress made from this developmental process comes only with hard work and patience. There's a strong desire to break loose, cut all ties, and make a run for some uncharted horizon--to "stick it to the man" and just sail away toward whatever symbol of freedom we can conjure. Jupiter in Cancer opens up such sensitive and vulnerable terrain, it can feel like a violating invasion and there's no safe place to go. Any sense of freedom to be derived from this can only come if we're willing to work with what's right in front of us. Through trial and error, we must slowly work out the kinks until we get it right.

These energies produce considerable social unrest, rebelliousness, and revolutionary impulses--but all of this must be tempered with the knowing that any innovation created right now comes from building upon past foundations that, at the root of it, have withstood the test of time. This same principle applies to our own personal loves. Unlike the 1960's, when Uranus and Pluto were in conjunction, we aren't exactly forging an entirely new frontier and completely altering the structure of society. We have to work within the limits of what's already been established, and that pretty much involves many of the elements that were considered "radical" back at that time.

Jupiter Trine Chiron occurring alongside this aspect accelerates healing on a collective scale. It also opens the way for psychic, intuitive, and mystical insights. We must look at everything through a more holistic perspective, and not just focus solely on the signs and symptoms. Fortunately, this rather positive aspect helps to facilitate integration on many different levels of reality. It opens the doorway to a multidimensional awareness, and helps to guide and temper the frustration and potential turmoil inherent to Jupiter square Uranus. We can also come to a place of understanding and awareness of pain and suffering we may have endured, and see it's purpose in helping us to achieve growth. This aspect helps to heal and process trauma and come to terms with painful material in an open and gentle manner. We may also discover new keys and insights which can help facilitate healing for ourselves and for others.

August 22nd The Sun enters Virgo shifting the energy from spontaneous creative play to a more refined and ethical mode of operation. The Sun in Virgo is the final passage for the Summer Sun as we slowly make our way toward the Autumnal Equinox. On August 23rd Mercury follows right behind; as the collective energy begins to shift into Virgo we get to pay more attention to all the intricacies. It's the season for fine details, so get intimate with all the elements you might have overlooked.

August 24th Venus squares Pluto, on Augsut 26th Venus makes an opposition to Uranus, and on August 27th Venus makes a square with Jupiter--creating a Grand Cross configuration that's sure to stir up collective as well as personal tension. Compromises are extremely hard to come by because all planets want to go their own way and direction. The only way to reconcile these energies is to consciously and patiently work through it by integrating and considering many different perspectives and positions. Sacrifices and adjustments are inevitable, but common ground is possible, it just won't come easy. Venus is the strongest placement within the configuration, seeking diplomacy and equanimity. Venus in Libra helps to balance arising tension and ensures that conflict and chaos is well contained; we shouldn't fear things getting too out of control here.

Additionally, on August 27th, Mars enters the sign of Leo blowing all hesitation and uncertainty out of the way. While Mars is in Leo there's a collective surge toward overcoming fear, exerting the power of the will, and asserting ourselves in dynamic and creative ways. Mars in Leo knows what it wants, and it usually goes about getting it through dramatic or boastful tactics.

In conclusion, August appears to jump start things into action producing considerable momentum. We need to already be blazing toward something if we wish to harness this energy fully. The Jupiter, Uranus, and Pluto T-Square configuration begins and will carry over until the Summer of 2014. On the collective and social level we can anticipate events to really start heating up during this month, and it will be interesting to see what transpires. This month produces many challenges and potential conflicts, but it also assists in creating much progress, building strength, and the healing of things we never thought were possible. That means if we're willing and ready, this month helps to produce major breakthroughs, especially if you have significant planets or placements occupying the cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn).

Aquarian Influx

Image of the black monolith from the film 2001: A Space Odyssey 

This Summer features two Full Moons in the tropical sign of Aquarius. This creates an influx of that Aquarian double current into the collective psyche. Aquarius is known to correlate with that micro leap in evolution--accelerating and quickening a process of development. Combined with the overpowering presence of the water element, we get the sense of new doorways and dimensions opening up before us, allowing us to glimpse into unimagined territory. This has the effect of creating quantum leaps on the current pathway, or the realization of entirely new and uncharted directions. Feel the clear crispness of these vibrations as the first of these Full Moons peaks today, just as the Sun enters the creative and willful sign of Leo. Through the power of the will, the universe is supportive of bringing it all together: mind, heart, and soul. Ride the wave, and stay focused, because you just might find things really speeding up. Push through the threshold. 

Aquarius is also a very humanitarian and utopian sign. It upholds massive ideals, many of which are usually far ahead of their time. Equality and social justice are important elements of Aquarian idealism. With Jupiter joining in on a Uranus/Pluto T-square in August, we're entering into a period of social and political tension spawned by collective restlessness and revolutionary impulses. With Jupiter in the sign of Cancer, we're cautioned to connect deeply with the root of what impulses us into action--in other words, reflect before jumping on any bandwagon. These energies can stir up collective movements comprised of individuals displacing their own unresolved unconscious contents onto some external symbol. There's also the potential to feel the need to rescue or "save" those less unfortunate, which is certainly a noble desire. In moderation, helping others makes the world go round. Just don't lose all sense of your own boundaries and limitations. You can't save all the stray cats in the world. 

"When an inner situation is not made conscious, it appears outside as fate."

-C.G. Jung

Full Moon In Aquarius July 2013

Full Moon @ 00 degrees Aquarius 06'
July 22, 2013
11:15 AM Pacific
2:15 PM Eastern


This first Aquarian Full Moon (there's another in August) provides a dynamic vantage point from which to observe a subjective inner world. The collective is currently submerged in an abysmal sea--floating, feeling, and reflecting. While in the midst of a powerful experiential process the Full Moon opens the way for an objective awareness which allows for a deeper understanding and processing to take hold. Mercury's retrograde backtrack provided the opportunity to reflect, absorb, take in, and possibly reroute our present course, or at least change the way we feel about it. The big theme right now is security and that opens up questions surrounding trust: Do you trust yourself? Do you trust those closest to you? Are you being too trusting, leaving you open and vulnerable? Where can you strike a balance? How can you remain receptive while maintaining clear and definite boundaries for your protection?

These may be some key questions floating around right now and this Full Moon creates a momentary window of immense emotional clarity where we can feel and understand simultaneously. These clear and crisp Aquarian vibrations remove some of that third eye window smudge, allowing for more vision and extrasensory awareness. In fact, with Mercury now direct and leaving a square with Uranus, this lunation permeates the collective with potential breakthroughs and deep insights. Some of us may feel more intuitive and psychic than usual, while others may feel more emotional, sensitive, and empathetic. This energy could incite some defensiveness as well, especially if you’re hiding anything that you would rather keep private. It can also drive others into escapism or patterns of avoidance to divert uncomfortable material that's now seemingly out in the open.

This Full Moon doesn't seem to leave much out and there's a lot that could get potentially exposed with this, especially for those taking advantage of the "extrasensory" potential that's currently activated. With so many planets in water signs, our attention is drawn toward subtle dimensions of reality; there may be more curiosity about what lies beyond the veil of third density. Take advantage of this because we're in the midst of a rare moment of collective lucidity. That means deliberately looking beyond the obvious facades we encounter in our everyday lives as well as the events in the media. If we look closely we're likely to see intelligence behind the patterns of events surrounding us. Such awareness may lead some to feel divinely guided by an omnipotent benevolent force or helplessly beleaguered by pernicious conspirators. I feel our reality is underwritten by both, and it serves us to be conscious of these two ends of the archetypal spectrum.

That means we can't just "pull the plug" on what we don't like by surrounding ourselves in a bubble of love and light optimism--that will only imprison us more. We also shouldn't allow our minds to get flooded and overloaded by paralyzing paranoia where nothing can be trusted and no hope lies before us. Ideally, we trust in life enough to let it guide us, but remain skeptical always of what we're guided to and the reasons or agenda behind it. I think that it's really critical to understand these days, because it's as if the rules of the game keep changing and morphing right in front of us and while it's happening we're left dumbfounded and confused about what's really going on because we weren't expecting it. The Grand Trine energy culminating at the end of July is pulling us deeper, much deeper into some very vulnerable territory. For some this is very healing and integrating, while for others it's potentially frightening because of just how deep that rabbit hole really is. I guess you could say we're being led to expand our expectations which ultimately change our assumptions. Reality is only what we all collectively agree upon anyway. Let's see how we can change it, but let's also reflect on what we're being led to change and whether that's really in our best interest or not.

Additionally, we’re in a very fertile time for creativity where we can bridge the dream world with the real world via the Saturn, Neptune, and Jupiter/Mars Grand Trine. This will be a consistent theme throughout the Summer, so if you’re feeling it, go for it. If you read a lot of astrology blogs or articles, you’re likely aware of the “making your dreams come true” energy surrounding all this. While this is certainly an inherent possibility let’s also be conscious of just how subtle it really is and also be aware of the fact that this is a very internalized process impacting us on a more subjective level. That means we can more closely align with who we really want to be, that is, our higher potential. This is a time where we can create a bridge between the ideal and the actual in many different ways, not just in a material sense. An opposition to Neptune from Venus in Virgo is a focal point that drives us toward that lofty peak of higher expectations. Also be wary of extreme criticism, fault finding, and perfectionist tendencies. 

The Chariot Tarot card from 

Aliester Crowley's Thoth Tarot Deck

The opposition of Sun and Moon forms a T-square with Saturn in Scorpio. Saturn turned Stationary Direct on July 7th and in some ways we're back on track and ready for new lessons. How fun is that? Saturn's lessons are pretty tough, let's be honest, especially while transgressing the sometimes lurid depths of Scorpio and the "burning way". While Saturn was retrograde we had a chance to process a lot of deep and likely uncomfortable material. This Full Moon sheds light on new challenges and opportunities for lasting transformation. During this transit we're finding ourselves having to accept death as an inherent aspect of reality, and to embrace and even engage ourselves in the process of allowing things to die when they need to. Saturn's Scorpionic lessons can be painful but the growth it promotes in the long run are what make for strong and wise souls.

The heaviness of this Square gets tempered by the Grand Trine with Saturn, Jupiter/Mars, and Neptune, which can be positive or negative depending on your response. Positive in the sense that this Full Moon isn't going to bring a huge weight of enormous responsibility, but negative in the sense that we may be tempted to numb out rather than deal with what's real, or as I stated above, to avoid things you don't want to accept or have to admit to. Grand trines don't ignite much motivation in general, but this lunation seems to promote an even balance of ease and friction which can be harnessed and directed creatively. Again, we're dealing with material that's usually beyond our conscious perception, stuff that lurks in the shadows. As long as we actively engage with this and choose to take ownership or responsibility for it, we can really make some progress. 

As the month draws to a close we’re going to find ourselves in the midst of a powerful harmonic
energy field which will peak on July 29th. Again, this is a moment that’s imbued with powerful creative momentum, which invites us to really challenge ourselves to work outside the mold we've been dealing with. A new template awaits, and if we’re conscious of this moment we can use it to create an entirely new design, something really unique and original, but also, possibly, a radical alternation of things we've already established. So, in a way, we’re not really reinventing the wheel here, but it just might feel that way while we’re riding this wave. So keep that in mind, and don’t get too carried away or let it go to your head. In fact, while we’re experiencing this watery tidal wave we can really tune out from the mental process for a while and just feel our way through it. This is really far more kinesthetic than it is intellectual. Allow yourself to feel whatever comes up, go there, and see how you can transmute those feelings into something extraordinary. 

Sabian Symbol: An old adobe mission

*Note: This is the first of two Full Moons in the sign of Aquarius this year; this places the spotlight on humanitarian ideals, collective objectivity, and an accelerated process of growth, development, and culmination. This also further ignites the "revolutionary" impulse within the collective psyche to an extreme degree. As August approaches this will become exceedingly more apparent. 

New Moon in Cancer 2013

A depiction of the constellation "Cancer" as painted
on the ceiling of Grand Central Station. Not the same
as tropical Cancer, of course, but a crab nonetheless.

New Moon @ 16 degrees Cancer
July 8, 2013
12:14 AM Pacific
3:14 AM Eastern

In Cancer, we sink into our most intimate and vulnerable epicenter. Conjunct Mercury Retrograde, we glimpse into the past to resurrect pieces we've left behind. Introspective and reflective, we find ourselves peering deeper into our inner most nature and sense of self. The New Moon stands in the midst of a rough T-square with Uranus and Pluto--we look deep into ourselves for the source of transformation. With this lunation we must realize that change begins with us; what's happening out there is happening within. When we change, the world changes too. Take this opportunity to stop for a moment; step aside from the stress and heightened activity. Take off the blinders, and get real with what's within you.

New Moon @ 16 degrees Cancer--July 8, 2013

Don't think about it, just feel what's really there. This New Moon asks us to recharge our batteries so that we're ready for what lies ahead. As the month comes to an end there's going to be plenty of time for action. For now, allow yourself to open up and embrace these yin receptive vibrations. Pushing too much, or trying to force an issue will likely make this a rather difficult and needlessly stressful time. The reality is that many of us are not too clear about where we stand, or what we really need. To demand too much right now without certainty will only make things more complicated. This New Moon opens a portal for observation and deep reflection. If we flow with it we'll be gifted all the awareness we desire. Pablo Picasso's famous adage: "I do not seek, I find", is the guiding statement. Allow yourself to wander freely with your heart and mind wide open. If it's out there, and it's meant to be, you'll simply stumble upon it.

The New Moon trines Chiron in Pisces, opening up visionary, psychic, and intuitive channels. While there may be a lot of tension and inner turmoil stirring up a sense of restlessness, trust that a higher force is guiding you toward wholeness--all in the right time. This trine is very supportive, nurturing, and integrating. It allows us to look at or deal with intense or painful material from an expanded perception, and potentially gifts us with effective pathways of healing and integration. Venus in Leo trines Uranus in Aries, igniting passion and creativity. The more we closely align ourselves with our inner and higher selves, the more we'll be gifted with creative solutions from transcendent levels of reality. This New Moon reminds us that we're never alone; there's always help and support whenever we need it. Trust that you'll find it--put it out there and see what shows up.

Sabian Symbol: The germ grows into knowledge and life.

This symbol points to an unfolding process of development. Moving from potential to actualization; from something seemingly inert, to a thriving living organism.

Additional Articles:
Kosmic Horizon: July 2013 (Forecast for July)
Mercury Retrograde In Cancer 2013