Shake It Up: New Moon In Libra 2013

Photo by Chad Woodward, Palm Desert, Ca, 2011.

New Moon @ 11 Libra 56'

October 4, 2013

5:34 PM Pacific 

2:34 PM Eastern

This month’s New Moon occurs in Libra, the sign of balance and equilibrium. Libra contains the potential for equanimity—composure and poise amidst the chaos of the universe. It is a unifying sign. Venus, the ruler of Libra, governs our relationship needs and desires as well as our need for peace, healing and rejuvenation. The antithesis of Aries, the cosmic big bang, Libra brings a unifying sense of order, meaning and clarity to disparate elements.

It truly is a work of art to find cohesion within the complexity of individual identities (egos). Such an art can only be mastered through patience and inner peace. So what happens when a Libra New Moon occurs within the current battle field rendered by the Uranus and Pluto square? I would say a critical test and challenge to see whether we have truly mastered this Libran art form.

October’s New Moon sits in a rather precarious t-square with Uranus and Pluto, the current sign of the times. The Uranus and Pluto waxing square is a critical stage of the new Uranus/Pluto cycle which began in the late 1960’s. I’m sure you’ve heard of it. Its cycle appears to bring about a radical reformation of society and culture worldwide. Often its expression is violent and chaotic as it stirs up considerable social unrest and upheaval.

Due to the New Moon’s placement in Libra, it sits in direct opposition to Uranus and square to Pluto. Uranus resonates with the Promethean archetype, giving it a trickster like quality, defiant toward the Gods. Pluto embodies primordial wisdom and power, but also governs a process of entropy, of breakdown and decay. When these two get together, especially in conflict, ubiquitous change is demanded by the cosmos.

So, needless to say, this lunation brings an overwhelming impetus for change, an urge to break free, and a desire to move beyond stagnating environments. There is a catalyzing thrust alongside this New Moon which can be harnessed and directed in our personal lives. We can each ride this wave to free ourselves of oppressive circumstances. But, the challenge arises due to the fact that we must take in to consideration those we are in relationship to. We are guided to see the powerful change created when we band together in cooperation.

Venus, the ruler of the New Moon, is separating from a square aspect with Mars. Venus in Scorpio seeks to find peace and acceptance with uncomfortable realities. Mars in Leo wants to take charge, dominate, and lead the way. Venus is more inclined toward other viewpoints and perspectives, merging on a deeper level. Mars in Leo seeks to defend its territory and express its individual needs and desires directly. This reveals another undercurrent of friction contained in this New Moon—between assertion and receptivity.

We are guided to see that in order for us to truly break free, to change something; we need help to do it. On the flip side, if we’ve been too dependent in certain relationships, we may feel an urge to gain more independence, but to do so in a way that doesn’t necessarily burn bridges or sever connections in the process. It’s a tricky balancing act indeed. Pluto demands that transformation and evolutionary growth be our top priorities.

Libra also teaches about reciprocity, the sacred art of giving and receiving. The square between Venus and Mars ignites the potential for a breakthrough in our ability to share ourselves with others. Whichever end of the spectrum you fall (giving too much or not enough), there is a tipping of the scales taking place this lunar cycle, which invites us to see our relationships from a renewed perspective, and to bring more balance and equanimity into the picture.

This might also require deep and meaningful communication. Mercury’s approach to a conjunction with the North Node and Saturn opens the way for authentic conversations—where speaking the truth is about being vulnerable and learning to trust. It’s also about taking responsibility for our feelings by letting those we are most intimate with share in our own personal process. A sextile to Pluto means that through honesty and clarity we can break up outmoded routines and structures within our relations, if only momentarily.

The dark side of the New Moon creates an inflexible mental rigidity which socially isolates us and leads to depression, hopelessness and futility. An inability to see other viewpoints or perspectives limits our choices and decisions. Confronted with potentially difficult or harsh truths or realities could leave a lasting imprint, paralyzing us in fear or paranoia. On the other end, there’s the risk of losing our own vision or purpose by a more powerful collective goal—getting swept away.

The higher road leads us to move beyond personal needs and desires and to find that happy balance between giving and receiving love, without losing our own sense of self. Perhaps we glimpse a collective vision or ideal which creates a new perspective or solidifies a collective mission. We are entering a portal that invites us to channel our own personal power into the larger purpose or collective goal, but to do so without losing sight of our own goals.

There is much tension building up here, and there is much need for release. Whatever you’ve been holding back, suppressing or putting aside needs to be dealt with in some way. That might not require some drastic action or maneuver, but simply acknowledgment, awareness and honest communication. This New Moon culminates into an Aries Lunar Eclipse on October 18. As we approach this lucid and revealing time, look around and strengthen the support system around you.

That might mean rekindling connections or sharing your time or energy with people you’ve been neglecting. Whatever you do, intentionally shake something up in your relationships. Bring new life and fresh air where it’s most needed. The more we try to just keep the peace, the more likely something will force us out of our relational rut. There is far more happening than your own self-interest and concerns; and Libra’s perspective helps us to briefly put ourselves in someone else’s position, which can drastically alter our own.

Upcoming Events:

Oct 18: Lunar Eclipse in Aries

Oct 21-Nov 10: Mercury Retrograde In Scorpio

Nov 4: Solar Eclipse in Scorpio

Nov 6: Jupiter Stationary Retrograde

Kosmic Horizon: October 2013

Photo by Chad Woodward, Temecula, Ca, 2013.

October pulls us gradually into the final eclipse season of 2013 with the first Lunar Eclipse on Oct 18. In addition, Mercury turns stationary retrograde in Scorpio on Oct 21. Get ready for a change of course; it’s coming whether we’re ready or not.

This fall is all about deep inner personal change. There will be many mental and emotional adjustments and alterations taking place with things which have been highly resistant to change and movement. That could be really exciting for some of us, and slightly threatening for others. This month offers an opportunity to clean things out and unclutter the mind, soul and psyche.

October begins in the midst of Mercury’s retrograde shadow—which serves as an introduction to the themes and issues which the actual retrograde will address. Gradually, as the month progresses, you may find yourself questioning some key areas of your life, particularly related to the soul’s purpose and the path you currently tread.

This is all natural and healthy; eclipses provide key moments where we must alter and renovate our interior mindscape. Mercury retrograde is a natural cycle where sporadic renovations take place. In Scorpio, that relates to forgotten corners and hidden chambers.

Many undisclosed elements will emerge this month. Depending on how willing we are to integrate this material, this experience will manifest as a small crisis or a sudden yet brief transformational process. But, either way, it’s usually uncomfortable. That’s an inevitable manifestation of these energies; and if there’s any sign that exemplifies rather touchy subject matter it’s Scorpio.  

Mars is also a key focal point this month, since the eclipse occurs in Aries and Mercury retrograde in Scorpio—both signs which fall under its dominion. Mars governs our ability to take action and to implement our soul’s purpose in this life. Mars deals with willpower and self-assertion. Knee-jerk reactions, gut level instincts, primal urges, desires and emotions are central to the expression of Mars. And it is this territory that we’re likely to find ourselves getting more in touch with.

Eclipse season is time for letting go—letting go of the past, and letting go to yourself as you actually are. That means momentarily placing ego needs and desires aside and peering deeply into what lies beyond the veneer of personality. This is a deep and sensitive process. It can guide us to seriously question ourselves, our motives, agendas and intentions. But, if we flow with it, we come out the other side renewed and excited to move ahead.

Here is a forecast of significant collective events this month; use it as a rough guide for what lies ahead: 

Oct 1

While the mind is clear and perceptive of concepts which usually evade common sense and the rational laws of physics, emotional currents are a bit harder to pin down and make sense of. That doesn’t mean that emotional clarity isn’t possible, but that it requires some work in the process of sorting things out.

This is a day where discrimination is necessary to distinguish between real or imagined emotional responses. Fortunately, the mind is a little more useful, and by extension, rather more helpful than usual in dealing with such material.

In the background, the tension is heating up—more on a collective scale as the Sun squares Pluto and approaches an opposition to Uranus. There may be considerable resistance to our efforts to charge forward and assert will power and ego needs. The Sun in Libra is more compromising and seeks equanimity. As a result it isn’t as assertive. But there is power in numbers, so don’t try to fight this alone. ­­

Oct 2

Real healing is possible now—although it’s part of a process that we’ve been in the midst of since last November. Chiron trine Saturn brings us tangible results while transmuting deep emotional, physical and spiritual pain. It reminds us that we aren’t alone in our suffering. If we take the initiative and face the unknown, and the uncomfortable, much progress and integration is possible.

The system works; there’s an intention within the fabric of nature; there’s a grand intelligent design. If you work with it, if you play by the rules, things have a way of working more in your favor.

Oct 3

There’s a strong rebellious streak in the air, a powerful urge to defy authority, control and structure. All those suffocating routines may feel unbearable. Demands and expectations from other people are likely to set off some nerves and trigger aggravation. Personal freedom needs to be addressed, but so do the needs of others. Working it out takes patience, but it’s possible.

Oct 4

There is a fresh new start emerging today with the New Moon in Libra. But, it emerges under a considerable amount of pressure. Where the ego has been challenged the past few days, a strong emotional impetus adds more fuel to the fire that’s waging in the background. The challenge: to seek peace, diplomacy, and common ground within uncertain and unstable territory. Collectively this is a significant day. Violence is the dark side. Greater strength and fortitude grace the higher road.

Oct 6

An ability to articulate deeply buried emotional material is highlighted today. The mind is less focused on logical and analytical methods of perceiving reality; today is about feeling our way to the very root of the matter at hand, and dealing with it the way it is, without censorship. The insights and perspectives we uncover are likely to excite powerful transformative processes leading to a deeper sense of meaning, purpose and direction.

This is a day of true authentic communication through an open discussion of feelings, fears, desires, and previously undisclosed material. Conversations are likely to be a lot more serious and focused on the bare essential information. Express rather than oppress that which you find bubbling up and vying for acknowledgement. It might be heavy, it may be deep, but whatever it is, it’s necessary.

Oct 7

Venus entering Sagittarius today lightens up the ambience quite a bit, adding an inclination and desire for more breathing space and fresh air. While the “seriousness” and heaviness shrouding communication continues, there is the prospect of greater perspective, clarity and truth. It also takes some of the focus away from intimate or inner personal issues, directing the mind toward new social vistas.

Oct 8

Today presents a prelude to some themes and issues which will be heavily dealt with during Mercury’s retrograde cycle (beginning Oct 21). Mercury’s initial conjunction with Saturn serves as a starting point for the creation of strategies which require some serious reworking. Pay attention to that critical goal you’re pondering today and release your attachment to making it happen right away.

As Mercury turns retrograde towards the end of the month, we’ll have an opportunity to revise, restructure, reevaluate, renovate and reconfigure in many shapes and forms. You don’t need to nail it all down and start putting it into action. Trust that this is a beginning step that will naturally unfold and take form all in due time. Patience, persistence, discipline, and a penetrating mental focus will be your allies. By the end of November, once the kinks are worked out, it will be time to practically integrate your strategy into the world.

This is also a good time to make sure that a system or structure is well supported and strong—whatever we don’t address now may force us to at the end of the month.

Oct 10

The truth seems to evade our grasp today. Desires may lead us to dead ends as they reveal themselves to be mere mirages or pure deceptions. Don’t be fooled by what may initially appear enticing, salacious or glamorous. Really pause and reflect before you act or commit. In fact, meditate deeply and you will eventually realize the truth—but you must make the effort to see past the façade. Spontaneous and effortless revelations won’t come easy. If they do, they’re not likely to have much basis in reality.

Don’t waste your time and resources chasing after a mirage today, you’ll feel pretty stupid in a few days. Healthy skepticism needs to be applied diligently. However, a concentrated focus using a sober outlook will be quite productive. Today is more about receiving than doing. Be like a magnet and calmly reflect on what you attract. Real truth and beauty hides in the deep, beyond several layers. Only fools rush in; don’t be one of them.

Oct 15

A drive for creative self-expression gets reverted toward much larger issues and concerns as Mars enters Virgo. Collectively, intense self-focus and promotion fades into the backdrop. Mars in Virgo demands that we put talents to good use, to serve a purpose. The problem is adjusting to the change of pace. It may be interpreted as a loss of passion and enthusiasm, because we suddenly have deeper and more meaningful concerns. The best way to work with this transit is to find the passion to help and serve others. There’s nothing to “prove” while Mars is in Virgo, remember that.

There is a powerful willpower to make improvements where needed, and a drive to obtain an ideal. Channeling enthusiasm into a specific point of interest takes dedication to avert wasteful expenditure of energy. That also means you need to know what you’re doing. If you don’t, it’s time to brush up and freshen up. Practice makes perfect.

Oct 16

Today is a little bitter sweet. While there’s an amplification of bountiful desire and an enthusiasm for new and unexpected experiences, there’s some apprehensiveness in regards to opening up and embracing it all. Some of this may derive from deeply rooted insecurities and fears which stem from past traumas or difficulties. It might feel as if it’s just too good to be true while you look for the silver lining.

The challenge is to align with your hearts true desires and intentions today. To connect with a fountain of authentic as opposed to artificial joy. If it really has meaning and value for you, then open up and embrace the spontaneous. Working past your resistance and releasing the past will be a part of today’s activities, but you’ll have a sense of accomplishment and some self-respect. Push through the barriers to truth; something new and exciting waits on the other end.

Oct 18

The Full Moon in Aries today is also a Lunar Eclipse. There’s an overwhelming sense of culmination permeating the collective. Emotional releases focus on letting out the steam and relieving tension and pressure. While Aries and its ruler Mars are action oriented, the eclipse today invites us to merely remain conscious of our impressions, urges and anxieties and to do nothing about them. There may be a change of pace, of heart and of desire. But change is the whole point.

Certain goals, intentions, directions, and plans of action are coming to a head. If they’ve been successful you have to merely receive the bounty. If they no longer serve you, your loss of interest is simply an indication of the need to let them go. If anything, today serves to grab and direct our attention. Focus on the quality of your attention and nothing else. The less outwardly focused you are, the more insightful and beneficial the moment will be.

Oct 19

Today is a bit shifty and difficult to pin down—and preceding a lunar eclipse it merely amplifies the sense of uncertainty that pervades the atmosphere. The more you attempt to charge forward to face certain obstacles and goals, the further away they appear. With each step they back away, in complete unison with your maneuvers, until they vanish completely as if they were merely holograms.

Certain fears and insecurities may paralyze and keep one from moving; but this might not be such a bad thing. Remember, there’s nothing to prove here. There’s only an ideal which must be carefully evaluated. The more you push today, the more you are likely to burn out and implode. The day is best served seeking inspiration which will later motivate you toward seeking its obtainment when the fog clears.

And speaking of clarity, this is equally possible today. There is an opportunity to see very clearly the best possible direction. That may accompany a complete change of direction—but at least you’re clear about what path wasn’t working for you anyhow. In the midst of eclipse season, we tread on shifting sands. Remain open to the higher guidance that you would normally disregard as impractical or insignificant. Who knows where it will lead you, but that’s all part of the adventure.

Oct 21

Mercury turns stationary retrograde today, setting off a three week period of backward motion in our daily affairs and personal projects. This is an ideal time to rework, review, revisit, restructure, reconsider, reflect, etc. The more time and energy spent on backtracking for the next three weeks the more beneficial our retrograde experience will be. Sometimes we come up against nagging or incessant irritations, setbacks or technical issues. So remain flexible and prepared to deal with potential problems. Each retrograde we’re given the opportunity to see things from a completely different perspective, so keep your mind open and receptive.

The sign of Scorpio deals with hidden, disclosed, and highly unconscious material; this retrograde could bring to light those relics we thought were long gone or had forgotten about entirely. This is an opportunity to connect deeply with our more primal nature and to reconsider things from a raw uncensored perspective.

If you feel a little uncertain about where you’re going or what actions to take right now don’t fret. It’s in the air. It may be a challenge to move forward with confidence today. Psychic and intuitive impressions are strong, but the mind appears to be telling us otherwise. Don’t analyze your feelings too much, it will likely make things more confusing.

A barrage of conflicting data or information could possibly paralyze one with a bout of uncertainty. Do your best to discern what’s relevant and simply let go of what isn’t. With Mercury retrograde we have plenty of time to fact check and to do some deeper research. Don’t feel pressured or rushed to make sense of it all right now, it’s probably not the right time as critical pieces are still missing.

Oct 22

The Sun’s ingress into Scorpio today further solidifies our collective desire to dig deep and connect on a more authentic level. This is the season to take things much further than you normally would. It also illuminates certain hidden caverns and dark corners where we usually fear to look. This solar Scorpio season is all about the bare essentials. That means letting go of irrelevant material and sticking to the basics.

This is a season of considerable change and transformation, highlighted by a Scorpio solar eclipse in early November. Shed the skin you have outgrown. It may be an uncomfortable process, but the rewards will be long lasting and will develop in due time.

Oct 29

Today marks the second stage of a process that began around Oct 8. It’s time to rework a strategy, tighten some screws, and make sure the overall structure is well supported. There may be a breakdown within the system which will require considerable attention to detail. If you put in the extra effort and sort things out now, it will be more solid and stable next month.

Today also signifies a second chance to articulate uncomfortable yet highly relevant material. Be clear and direct, in fact, make the effort to reiterate clearly so that there aren’t any misunderstandings which could lead to a conflict. The mind is sharp today, but in its precision it might miss the forest for the trees. Focus your gaze on those elements that you would normally overlook; you may uncover some highly critical missing pieces.

Responsibilities, commitments, or contractual agreements from the past may come back to haunt us. Today is ideal for renegotiation, but not entering into new alliances. Read the fine print very carefully! Whatever you commit to will have long lasting consequences. There is a strong desire for freedom beneath it all. That means there could be a considerable amount of resentment toward restrictions that weigh us down.

The only way to effectively break free and spread your wings will be to ensure that everything is lined up and in order. That means taking responsibility. Be yourself today, and remain completely authentic to who you are and what you’re capable of. Any attempts to conform, suppress or censor yourself will likely lead to a build-up of anger or frustration which will be difficult to let out.

Oct 30

There is the potential to directly face and deal with something painful today. A strong enthusiastic drive and motivation is channeled toward deep healing and integration. There may also be a powerful impetus to confront and deal with issues that have remained quite ambiguous for some time. It’s not about fixing or solving a “problem”, but rather boldly stepping up to face the unknown before you. It’s about surrendering to transformation. And that takes bravery.

Equally, there may be a sense of feeling overwhelmed by the complexity of something. We may feel unable to take charge and complete what needs to be done. Honor your fears and limitations, and don’t attempt to take on too much if you’re unable to handle it all. Today may present a minor stumbling block, but it carries great lessons.

Oct 31

There’s a clear, sharp, and directed sense of focus and ambition today. Use this energy willingly and wisely toward a specific task, goal, or intention. Any apprehensiveness or hesitation that may have emerged yesterday is likely to dissipate now alongside a renewed sense of purpose. The energy today is quite conducive for anything that requires long sustained attention to detail and enthusiasm.

Oct 1-Mercury trine Neptune, Moon opposition Neptune

Oct 2-Saturn trine Chiron

Oct 3-Sun opposition Uranus

Oct 4-New Moon 11 Libra 56’; Moon opposition Uranus and square Pluto

Oct 6-Mercury, Moon and Saturn sextile Pluto

Oct 7-Venus enters Sagittarius; Mercury conjunct Saturn trine Chiron

Oct 8-Mercury conjunct Saturn (direct, first pass); Venus square Transpluto

Oct 10-Venus square Neptune

Oct 11-Firsr Qtr Moon 18 Cap, Venus sextile Juno

Oct 15-Mars enters Virgo

Oct 16-Venus trine Uranus; Mars conjunct Transpluto; Venus square Chiron

Oct 18-Lunar Eclipse/Full Moon 25 Aries 45’

Oct 19-Mars opposition Neptune

Oct 21-Mercury Stationary Retrograde 18 Scorpio; Moon, Mars and Neptune T-square

Oct 22-Sun enters Scorpio

Oct 29-Mercury conjunct Saturn (retrograde, second pass); Yod formation: Moon conjunct Mars and sextile Sun (conjunct North Node) quincunx Uranus.

Oct 28-Pluto sextile Chiron

Oct 30-Mars opposition Chiron

Oct 31-Mars trine Pluto

Darkness and Light: The Scorpionic Conjunction and the Full Moon in Pisces

Sedona Buddha, by Chad Woodward, 2011. 

Full Moon @ 26 Pisces
September 19, 2013

The dance of duality permeates every aspect of third density experience. We are creatures of contradiction. There is no light without the dark. Within each of us there is truth and beauty, and yet there is an equal amount of deception and ugliness to boot. The sign of Pisces, the final stop of the zodiac, brings cohesion to this universal disparity.

Pisces seeks unity. It carries the message that we are all oneness striving to know and love itself--and yet, most of the time, from our earthbound perspective, that remains a lofty ideal. It doesn’t seem to fit with our perception. I am me and you are you. There’s a perceivable difference. That perception has a purpose in that it keeps us alive while we walk around in our fleshy sack of bones. Boundaries are necessary and healthy.

One frightening truth about life is that we are completely vulnerable. There are no ultimate safety nets which will save us from suffering, pain or complete physical annihilation. Another frightening and yet liberating truth: all is impermanent; nothing stays the same. In the moment we are cast into the illusion of separation, but one day we will dissolve again; we will become one with the void.

I could go on, but I think you get the point. The reason I bring up these uncomfortable universal truths is because this Piscean Full Moon carries this message profoundly. While Pisces is often perceived as dreamy, spacy, ethereal, full of awe and wonder, there is a considerable amount of heaviness and seriousness alongside this Full Moon.

For several days leading up to this lunation a powerful and poignant conjunction of Saturn, Venus, and the North Node becomes exact in the sign of Scorpio. This conjunction comes into sharp focus on the days of Sept 16th to 18th—taking us directly into the culmination of the current lunar cycle. This is powerful psychic and emotional terrain. While Pisces may tempt us to “check-out” for a moment, to seek comfort in enticing illusions, this conjunction demands our full focus and awareness of reality as it actually is. Pisces equally helps us to clear the mind of distortions so that we feel this truth as it permeates all of existence.

Saturn in Scorpio (Oct 2012- 2015) is a rather lengthy transit which churns around in the background of consciousness. When highlighted by other transits it comes sharply into our awareness, and lets us know that it means business and what it’s up to. In Scorpio there’s inevitably that sense of concealment and secrecy.

We’re all feeling this in one way or another. There’s some seriously deep and heavy work going on within our lives….somewhere. Pinning it down to some recognizable construct is probably a challenge. While everything in astrology could be recognized as “unconscious”--that is, aspects of our psyche we don’t visibly perceive, the sign of Scorpio truly exemplifies those hidden trenches of the mind and soul.

Scorpio embodies uncomfortable truths and realities: death, impermanence, sexual lusts, unconscious fears, trauma, etc. It is a reservoir of primal rage, vulnerability and desire. While most of us would like to think of ourselves as “good” and socially polite persons—deep down, somewhere, there’s a blood thirsty beast. We’re all capable of doing some terrible and downright nasty things. No one is exempt.

When taken to the edge, past our ability to cope or deal with something painful, this reality gets exposed. It all hangs out. Things get real. That’s what we’re invited to do here—to get totally raw, honest, and real. Cut away all the B.S., and get straight to that bottom line. If we do it willingly and consciously, it needn’t surprise us. Any attempts to avoid what you don’t want to deal with will likely backfire. 

Full Moon @ 26 Pisces--September 19, 2013

With Venus’s involvement, this could bring relationships into the picture. That might mean intimate relationships, or that could mean relationships where we are somehow extremely vulnerable with that person. There’s a strong dependency factor with Scorpio, and a sense of enmeshment where our identity is bound up with someone else. This is some touchy and sensitive terrain.

The core message is this: bring it out into the open, take responsibility and deal with it consciously. Projecting, blaming or backstabbing would be the less desirable route to take. Saturn’s transit through Scorpio has the side effect of causing us to stagnate and bottle up emotions and sexual expression. In times like this, there is a universal breaking point: a collective cathartic moment.

This Full Moon could illuminate certain fears and challenges within our relationships--even deep, dark and uncomfortable secrets; it invites us to deal with and process some unsavory material. Doing the work consciously and intentionally could lead to unexpected emotional or karmic breakthroughs. This is a good time to find acceptance for your fears and vulnerabilities, and to realize that we all have them; it’s all a part of being human.

On the other end, Venus seeks to find balance, peace, rejuvenation, diplomacy and equanimity within the chaos and uncertainty that surrounds us. This Full Moon could symbolize a culminating point where something once in chaos and shambles comes back together again. It could symbolize a point of equilibrium within a long arduous process that required a lot of hard work and commitment. On the higher end, there is the prospect of restoring faith, trust and sanity.

The day proceeding the Full Moon (Sept. 20) Pluto turns stationary direct and makes an exact sextile to Saturn in Scorpio. Saturn and Pluto are currently in mutual reception; they occupy the sign the other rules. This brings commonality and accord between these constructs. This is a sobering connection; it helps us to see things as they really are, and this sextile is even more helpful; it motivates a committed response to transformation and the pursuit of our individual or collective purpose.

Additionally, Chiron makes a trine to this heavy conjunction, and along with Pluto offers a helping hand to pull us out of the sinkhole. Seize any help or support that gets offered, it would be foolish to ignore it. Pluto and Chiron cast a ray of light toward this intense conjunction. There’s a way out if we take the initiative to activate it. If we consciously make changes and deal with situations realistically, we will ignite a powerful and deep healing process.

The dark side of this Full Moon is that it ignites a sense of existential despair or hopelessness, and the perception that one is a helpless victim to the demands or nefarious agendas of those around them. Paralyzed by real or exaggerated fears-- one sinks deeper into stagnation and suffering. The Piscean temptation to numb out is strong, and we are offered rose colored glasses which momentarily blind us to the truth. But those glasses won’t hold the flood gates for very long. Eventually, something gives way and we wake up the hard way.

A square between Jupiter in Cancer and Mercury in Libra also highlights this lunation. There is a potential conflict between nostalgic ideals motivated by subjective feelings--and the ideas, facts and perceptions of alternate points of view. What we hope or long for may differ quite considerably from other people.

We’re all in this together; no one is an island unto themselves. That unifying Piscean vision directs us toward this fact of life. Humans are social creatures.  Compromise and an open mind are necessary to function in harmony with the reality around us, and to survive within social systems. Absolute self-sufficiency is an illusion. Finding that happy medium between independence and mutual dependency requires a lot of hard work. 

Pisces is about consciously surrendering and letting go. Again, we’re not alone. That island is a figment of our imagination. We are all connected, all sentient life forms. Personally and collectively we need to wake up and get real. It’s time.  That “frog-in-the-well” mentality isn’t going to serve us. The well is getting filled with dirt. Seize the opportunity and climb your way out! 

Find peace, silence and acceptance within that still point between light and darkness. Sink deep into that place of stasis that transcends time and space. It is only with a clear mind can we truly perceive the futility of our judgments, assumptions and self-delusions. Light and dark, beauty and macabre; they dance in unity for all eternity. We embody both ends of the spectrum. Embrace the ubiquitous contradictions.

Candy Coated Macabre: Venus in Scorpio

Venus In Scorpio square Lilith/Athena, trine Neptune. 

Venus enters Scorpio tonight after her brief and eloquent dance through her home sign of Libra.  As she gently hops off the Librian precipice (with poise) into the uncertain trenches of Scorpio, she makes a square to Pallas Athena and Lilith in Cancer, and approaches a trine with Neptune in Pisces. Venus in Scorpio becomes goddess of the underworld. She takes on the mask of Persephone and momentarily becomes the consort to Pluto, and equally Mars.

Scorpio is a different country as far as Venus is concerned. Depth, intensity and the macabre prevail. Polite social veneers get left at the door. Scorpio prefers an all-night rave or heavy metal concert to Venus’s more preferable cotillion parties. It’s far too loud and boisterous for lovely lady Venus. But, she handles it well and with dignity.

Venus’s square to Athena, at her ingress into Scorpio, seems to challenge us to feel deep and powerful truths. It also brings out a conflict between stereotypical feminine roles and true feminine energy. Her trine to Neptune (exact on Sept. 13th) can enhance the imagination creating powerful creative or artistic expression. And yet, it can also lead to a candy-coating of those unsavory elements that Venus discovers as she enters this Scorpionic terrain. Sometimes a spoon full of sugar helps the medicine go down—and other times it just unnecessarily spikes your blood sugar, pissing off your pancreas, and ends up feeding that nasty fungal infection that you didn't know about.

Venus’s transit through Scorpio is rather deep and serious this round, because it coincides with a critical conjunction of Saturn and the North Node (Venus joins in on on Sept. 18th). The upside of this transit is that it assists us in going deeper into a creative process or within intimate relationships; its downside tempts us to beat around the bush and fluff up some uncomfortable truths.

However Venus's square with Pallas and Lilith is a good kick in the rear. Let those truths permeate you from higher dimensional planes. There is the potential influx of insight and mystical connection, and Venus in Scorpio is all about depth now; she’s in the underworld. As Venus reluctantly hangs up her party dress and throws on a more revealing outfit (possibly showing some skin and perhaps made of leather); she’s ready for the raw experience.

Venus in Scorpio can help us find peace and tranquility with intensity or chaos. She can also help us find acceptance with difficult, painful or repulsive realities. It is a delicate dance, but it can be done. Don’t think about it, just allow yourself to feel it naturally. Those primal and unconscious currents are gaining momentum; they will be the focal point this next season. Go deep or go home.

Venus in Scorpio: Sept. 11-Oct. 7

A Cathartic Moment: Mars Square Saturn

Schrei der Natur by Edvard Munch, 1893.

I was walking along the road with two friends – the sun was setting – suddenly the sky turned blood red – I paused, feeling exhausted, and leaned on the fence – there was blood and tongues of fire above the blue-black fjord and the city – my friends walked on, and I stood there trembling with anxiety – and I sensed an infinite scream passing through nature.[1]

On Sept. 9^th Mars in Leo squares off with Saturn in Scorpio. Saturn in Scorpio exemplifies a frozen statuesque formation. It conjures the feeling of numb sensory deprivation. Mars in Leo is action packed and ready to go; it has a mobile IV drip of testosterone. How will these two ever get along? Squares don’t suggest harmonious interactions. To top things off, the Moon conjoins Saturn on the same day—bringing an emotional element into the situation. Mercury additionally enters Libra striking an opposition to the Aries Point which has a significant global impact. 

Saturn in Scorpio has been freezing and hardening the primal emotional currents: sexuality, fight or flight reactions, intense anger, fear or paranoia. It’s sort of like a collective anesthetic most of the time. But when Mars enters the picture, it heats things up and starts generating steam, and all that bottled up garbage starts spewing out all over the place. It could get messy.

So for those operating from the lower chakras, this could lead to inappropriate or misdirected outbursts. Just tuck that possibility to the back of your mind, and deal with it the best you can if it shows up. Mars in Leo wants to go its own way, and it doesn't have any intention of backing off. Saturn is a little more indifferent but probably isn't going to budge either.

If you feel like “sticking it to the man” be careful how you express this frustration. The higher road urges us to step up and consciously develop a leadership capacity. If you’re feeling a little oppressed, or maybe a little numb from all that fluoride in your tap water, now is a good time to look for a way to take charge of your own life. Let some of the steam out in healthy and mature ways. There’s no sense in throwing a tantrum; or worse, exerting a primal and violent rage.

This aspect is indefinitely a challenge. It invites us to confidently step into our own creative power, and to equally temper egocentricity in the face of alternate opinions. Saturn’s conjunction with the North Node suggests opening up and embracing help, assistance and other agendas. The friction provides us the opportunity to strengthen and develop the will in a focused and directed manner. If you loosely follow the rules of the game, you’ll find yourself in a more ideal position.

That brings to mind the notion that the rules of the game were (most of the time) designed to challenge and assist in growth. So bring all of your talents and abilities to the table and give it all you've got. This is an ideal time for focused creative energy. It takes all that wild and untamed potential and directs it toward some tangible end result. If you've been feeling a little sexually, creatively or emotionally frozen or frustrated; this is the cathartic moment. Be mindful.

Screaming in an open field is highly recommended. Conscious travels. 

Notes & References

[1] A poem by Edvard Munch rendered from a journal entry dated January 22, 1892. Source: Peter Aspden (21 April 2012). So what does 'The Scream' mean? Financial Times.