REMINDER

New Moons and Full Moons often influence us for the 3 days before and 3 days after the actual event.
Full Moon at 26° of Aries
Friday, October 18, 2013, at 4:37 p.m. PDT
Friday, October 18, 2013, at 7:37 p.m. EST
Friday, October 18, 2013, at 11:37 p.m. GMT
In the Pacific Time Zone (PST), the Moon will be full at 4:37 p.m. on Friday, October 18. With this Full Moon, the Sun in Libra will be in opposition (180°) to the Moon in Aries. To further clarify how this Full Moon will impact you on a personal level, locate 26° of Libra and 26° of Aries in your birth/natal chart. The issues associated with those two houses are going tobe most impacted by this Full Moon’s presence.

This Full Moon in Aries is very likely going to “rock our worlds.” As we discussed in the New Moon update two weeks ago, if you are sensitive to energy, you may have been feeling this coming. The winds of change are now upon us, and we will likely feel them for at least 4-6 weeks.

Several factors make this Full Moon in Aries powerful, including the fact that it is a Lunar Eclipse. Every six months, the Sun, Moon, and Earth line up in such a way as to block the usual flow of cosmic light that is shining on those of us on the Earth plane. Even partial eclipses always make for extra powerful New and Full Moons. These special times are opportunities for us to reboot our reality and experience great shifts in consciousness, both individually and as a species.

During eclipses, old patterns and understandings can more easily be released and new ones can be uploaded. For hints about what issues might be in the spotlight now, look back six months ago (April 10, 2013). Major endings, beginnings, crossroads, tipping points, and opportunities to move forward on our spiritual journey are all possibilities. It is important to trust that whatever is falling apart is making way for something better. The more we avoid addressing the “real issues,” the greater the stress and upheaval. And the more willing we are to change, the easier it is to move to the next level with relative ease and grace.

While next month’s New Moon is a Solar Eclipse, this month’s Full Moon is a Lunar Eclipse. Lunar Eclipses call us to look inward at our emotional and unconscious worlds, and they are known for stirring up whatever may have been suppressed. It increases our awareness of hidden motivations and repressed fears.

As is true with any astrological event, we must each choose, through our free will, whether we want to express the higher or lower energies of the signs involved. This Full Moon involves the signs Aries (“I am”) and Libra (“I relate”). The higher expression of Aries is assertive, adventurous, and self-sufficient; the lower expression is aggressive, impulsive, and selfish. With Libra, the higher expression is sociable, cooperative, and considerate; the lower expression is indecisive, pretentious, and codependent.

Good questions to ask yourself during this Aries Full Moon and Lunar Eclipse would be:

Where do I need to be more assertive or self-sufficient?

Where do I need to be more cooperative or accommodating?

Are there any roles that might need to be redefined or released?

Jupiter in Cancer is squaring (90°) both the Sun and Moon, which creates a cardinal t-square configuration and adds further weight to this Full Moon in Aries and Lunar Eclipse. The lower expression of Jupiter’s involvement could be the inflation of differences that result in a widening divide between people and even within ourselves. Cancer is often a sign that looks at the past more than the present, and so we need to be careful not be stuck looking backwards. The higher expression of Jupiter in Cancer can provide us with the emotional wisdom that will help us overcome any feelings of separation. This may involve increasing our awareness of how to give and receive from others.

On Saturday, October 19, Mars in efficient and practical Virgo opposes (180°) Neptune in idealistic and dreamy Pisces. With this pairing, we need to monitor any tendencies (a) to be passive-aggressive or (b) to become stuck in persistent illusions, self-pity, or martyrdom. When used effectively, this opposition can help us to remain sensitive to others (Neptune) when we are ready to move ahead (Mars).

On Monday, October 21, Mercury begins its final retrograde period of 2013, turning direct again on Sunday, November 10. Mercury retrograde periods often receive a bad “rap” because they can (and often do) interfere with clear communication, electronic equipment, the accurate tracking of data, and travel plans. However, when the Messenger Planet appears to move backwards in the sky, it is an excellent time for any of the “re” words. For example, this is a good time to rethink issues, repair misunderstandings, reassess business plans, refine details, reconnect with people, and/or revisit ideas from the past.

Because Mercury is turning retrograde in the sign of Scorpio, this means that it extends its usual time in this sign (September 29-December 4). When Mercury is in Scorpio, we are being encouraged to be completely honest with ourselves and resolve any unfinished business. The areas to be addressed are often emotional or financial, particularly when others are involved. And because our unconscious is usually very active in Scorpio, it may seem like things can “pop out of our mouths out of nowhere.” Therefore, it will be very important to think carefully before speaking. This can also be a time when if we listen carefully, we can unearth valuable pieces of information that lead to important self-awareness.

The next day (Tuesday, October 22), the Sun moves into the sign of Scorpio, which reinforces our need to perceive more deeply than usual and pay attention to hidden messages. This marks a shift into the depth and power of this fixed water sign. It is not uncommon now to purge principles and relationships that have outlived their usefulness, which will make way for individuals and activities that offer greater long-term returns. We may also feel a need to carefully evaluate our finances to make sure all our “ducks are in a row.”

On Friday, October 25, we will enter an approximately 72-hour oasis of tenderness (beginning the day before and lingering the day after). This will be provided by a sweet trine (120°) between the Sun and Neptune. This highly imaginative connection is excellent for exploring new concepts and expressing them in appealing ways. You may also find that you are in the right place at the right time, which is likely due to very accurate intuitive insights. This is a good time to start a self-improvement program (but only if your heightened intuition says it’s the right time).

Then on Tuesday, October 29, retrograde Mercury conjoins (0°) Saturn. The lower expression of this meeting could be negative thinking, depression, doubt, and delay. The higher expression is sharper thinking that helps to clarify muddy issues. Take time now to study deeply and reflect carefully because we may find clarity that helps us focus on key issues. At this time, it is important to make sure that everything you share with others is coming from a place of truth and integrity. If you cannot do this, then remaining silent is probably your best choice.

This Aries Full Moon and Lunar Eclipse is asking all of us to deliberately move to new levels of consciousness. Given this Full Moon involves Aries and Libra, the focus will very likely be on relationships issues. Specifically, we each need to become aware of where we need to be more independent and where we need to be more interdependent. This examination in all types of partnerships is meant to create a healthier balance between pleasing ourselves and pleasing others.

As stated by Neale Donald Walsch, “The purpose of relationship is not to have another who might complete you, but to have another with whom you might share your completeness.”

INFORMATION TAKEN FROM

The Mountain Astrologer (magazine)
Various online sources
Anne’s interpretations

REMINDER

New Moons and Full Moons often influence us for the 3 days before and 3 days after the actual event.
Full Moon at 27° of Pisces
Thursday, September 19, 2013, at 4:13 a.m. PDT
Thursday, September 19, 2013, at 7:13 a.m. EST
Thursday, September 19, 2013, at 11:13 a.m. GMT
In the Pacific Time Zone (PST), the Moon will be full at 4:13 a.m. on Thursday, September 19. With this Full Moon, the Sun in Virgo will be in opposition (180°) to the Moon in Pisces. To further clarify how this Full Moon will impact you on a personal level, locate 27° of Virgo and 27° of Pisces in your birth/natal chart. The issues associated with those two houses are going to be most impacted by this Full Moon’s presence.

During Full Moons, it often feels like your emotions are amplified. This is particularly true with the Pisces Full Moon. The emotions could go either way. We may find that we shed tears of despair, but they could just as likely be tears of joy. But as with all Full Moons, this Full Moon in Pisces is best navigated by finding balance between the two signs involved. Virgo is the sign of analysis and logic. It corresponds to the physical world that we live in. Pisces is the sign of intuition and mysticism. It corresponds to spiritual transcendence. Although the presence of Virgo can sometimes feel like a damper on your emotional party, its presence during this time will help you understand the emotions that come to the surface. Don’t overanalyze, but don’t ignore the help that Virgo can bring. Virgo is also the sign of healing, and its presence can help you heal whatever emotional issues may need to be dealt with at this time.

This Virgo-Pisces polarity is sometimes referred to as “the service axis.” It deals with the balance between (a)physical health, our day-to-day functions and routines, and the need for order (Virgo), and (b) spiritual health, transcendence, and the infinite (Pisces). Virgo rules the personal set of tools and techniques that we use to deal with our day-to-day life, while Pisces rules the tools that we use to deal with our spirituality. The key to balance lies in identifying and expressing our spiritual needs, while maintaining order in our everyday lives. Neglecting either end of the axis will surely backfire . . . we would either be living in utter chaos or in excessive order.

So we are now being asked to infuse logic with empathy, discernment with compassion, and physical reality with divine perception. This Full Moon helps us to see the big picture . . . that we are far more than our physical bodies. And yet, it also reminds us that we are souls who chose to come here to use our physical bodies to learn, grow, and experience.

The power of this Full Moon is greatly amplified by several factors:

The day before the Full Moon (Wednesday, September 18), both Venus and Saturn are sextile (60°) Pluto and conjunct (0°) the North Node (and therefore are in opposition to the South Node). We may become astutely aware of our limitations, even in the face of huge accomplishments. But through deep analysis, we may become aware that we are in some way judging ourselves and others too harshly. We may have to hit bottom, but that always means that we are on our way up. We are being offered an opportunity to change our perceptions regarding self-worth, relationships, finances, and power. During this time, we need to continually remind ourselves that the power of love is always greater than the love of power.
On the same day as the Full Moon (Thursday, September 19), there is a challenging square (90°) between Mercury and Jupiter. Staying calm is essential now. We may feel that minor worries have become major concerns. However, for those willing to listen and tune in, there will be a plethora of information available to you that will help you sort through anything that needs your attention.
Saturn makes its third of three sextiles (60) to Pluto on Friday, September 20, with the previous sextiles occurring on December 26, 2012 and March 8, 2013. As we have discussed before, this is a time when issues related to responsibility, leadership, and ambition will be in the forefront of our lives. And because Saturn and Pluto are in mutual reception (i.e., each located in the sign that the other rules), the impact of this positive pairing is amplified. The power of Pluto is now combined with the discipline of Saturn to harmoniously support us in using this final sextile to transform ourselves and the world around us in responsible ways.
Our readiness to let go of old patterns and limitations is further stimulated when Pluto stops its retrograde motion and begins moving direct again on the same day (Friday, September 20). Pluto has been in retrograde for seven months, and it’s forward motion often signals a time when we will gradually but decidedly take a big step forward. While in retrograde, we were being encouraged (even forced) to acknowledge what really was motivating us (e.g., love?, fear?). Now, as Pluto begins moving forward again, we need to confront any remaining fears so we can discover the hidden gifts and strengths that we didn’t know we had. We will likely find that we are being asked to invest more deeply in both personal pleasure and public authority.
Sunday, September 22, signals the Sun’s movement into Libra, which marks the autumnal equinox in the Northern Hemisphere and the spring equinox in the Southern Hemisphere. Equinox and solstice points are super potent times when setting intentions can be very powerful. For millennia, these special moments in the orbit of celestial bodies have been considered energy gateways, where we experience the interrelationship between inner and outer, light and dark, spirit and matter. So to have this shift occur so close to the Full Moon in Pisces and Pluto’s change in direction . . . well . . . we may find that it is futile to resist meaningful movement forward. In fact, we may discover that we are irresistibly drawn to initiate new contracts or projects.

Then on Sunday, September 29, Mercury moves into Scorpio for a 3-week stay. During this time, all our thoughts and communication are likely to take on a probing and intense quality. We look for the motivations behind actions, and we may even find that our thoughts are more profound. We prefer deep conversations over superficial ones, and our thinking may become more focused (even obsessive?) at times. And given all the winds of change blowing, many of our thoughts and conversations will be intense!

This Full Moon is reminding us that we are spiritual beings having a physical experience, but we are also physical beings that benefit from remembering our spiritual essence. Both perceptions are important now. Given all the planetary activity at the time of the Full Moon, our Piscean nature (emotions!) may be more dominant, and we need to consciously use the earthy energy of Virgo to provide us with outlets for our feelings and organizations in our physical environments. And if you are beginning to feel the earth move underneath you (metaphorically speaking), stay calm! Change is coming, and we all need to remember that change is essential to growth. In the meantime, remember that, “Only in growth, reform, and change, paradoxically enough, is true security to be found” (Anne Morrow Lindbergh).

A FINAL NOTE: Without going into a lot of detail here, there are some astrological events coming up in early October and continuing through early November that are very likely going to “rock our worlds.” For those sensitive to energy, you may already be feeling the energies shifting . . . a feeling of anticipation . . . of something coming but you can’t quite put your finger on it yet. But even those who aren’t as sensitive to energy, you may begin to feel the winds of change ruffling the curtains on the windows of your psyches (and your homes/offices) toward the end of September. The Sun may be in Libra, but maintaining our balance now may be challenging.

INFORMATION TAKEN FROM

The Mountain Astrologer (magazine)
Various online sources
Anne’s interpretations
http://www.annereith.com

REMINDER

New Moons and Full Moons often influence us for the 3 days before and 3 days after the actual event.

NEW MOON

New Moon at 14° of Virgo
Thursday, September 5, 2013, 4:38 a.m. PDT
Thursday, September 5, 2013, 7:38 a.m. EST
Thursday, September 5, 2013, 11:38 a.m. GMT

In the Pacific Time Zone, the New Moon will occur at 4:38 a.m. on Thursday, September 5. This New Moon finds the Moon and Sun in conjunction (0°) at 14° of Virgo. To further clarify how this New Moon will impact you on a personal level, locate 14° of Virgo in your birth/natal chart. The issues associated with that house are going to be most influenced by this New Moon’s presence.

New Moons are always a time of new beginnings in the sign in which they occur. This time, the New Moon is in the sign of Virgo, which is a mutable earth sign. Although those who were born with their Sun sign in Virgo (or those with Virgo as their rising sign/ascendant) are often teased for being perfectionistic, the key phrase for Virgo is actually “to serve.” Their quest in life is to serve as an expression and instrument of the Divine preferably for the purpose of healing, and we will all feel that pull or calling now. Virgo is about the quest for refinement, integration, and wholeness. It represents our ability to “separate the wheat from the chaff” and, thereby, retain what is useful and release what has served its purpose.

At the time of this New Moon in Virgo, Jupiter in Cancer is sextile (60°) both the Sun and the Moon, which will assist us in utilizing the New Moon to take inventory of our lives. Jupiter will add a sense of optimism and hope, and perhaps even a dose of wisdom. This expansive combination of specificity (Virgo) and broad thinking (Jupiter) is excellent for tightening up our daily routines in the service of a larger goal.

At this time, it is helpful to look at how we can harvest our talents and remove anything from our lives that is not in alignment with our soul’s intentions. Questions you might want to ask yourself now include: What is my sacred work? What needs healing? What has to change so I can be of greater service? But also remember that New Moons signify the beginning of a new cycle. Therefore, don’t set your expectations too high. Make a commitment, but allow “wiggle room” for adjustments as you gather more information and determine what is non-essential.

Additionally, the asteroid Chiron is in opposition (180°) to the Sun and the Moon. Chiron is a comet with a unique orbit that travels between Saturn and Uranus. It is believed to symbolize “the wounded healer.” Psychologists, like myself, love Chiron. It represents our deepest wounds and our efforts to heal those wounds. Its placement in our natal/birth chart (i.e., house) points to where we have healing powers but only after we are able to heal our own spiritual wounds.

With Chiron in opposition to this New Moon, we may experience healing of long-standing issues, develop new competencies, or initiate healthier habits. This will require that we shift from a black-and-white or either-or perspective to a more unifying awareness. Chiron often serves as a bridge because it orbits between Saturn, which represents the limits of the physical plane, and Uranus, the gateway to the metaphysical and spiritual realms. Due to the presence of Chiron, we need to understand that healing happens through acceptance and integration.

Because Chiron is currently moving through Pisces, this will widen our access to our intuition, increase our capacity for compassion, and enhance our awareness of higher-dimensional realms. Chiron has been and will be very active in all of our lives for about 2 years. It forms five harmonious trines (120°) to Saturn between November 2012 and August 2014. And it also forms three trines (120°) to Jupiter between August 2012 and May 2014. Trines represent free-flowing energy, so we are being supported during this time to change our relationship to time and money, partnership and power, nature and spirituality.

On Monday, September 9, Mercury moves into friendly, diplomatic Libra, where it will stay until September 30. This placement can open minds to new options, and our diplomacy and negotiation skills will likely improve. However, in our efforts to see all sides of a situation, we may have a difficult time making decisions. During this time, we would prefer to never be seen as “the bad guy,” and our goal should be to come to decisions that take into account other’s points of view and our own.

Later that same day (Monday, September 9), we may experience some frustration due to a challenging square (90°) between “let’s get going” Mars and “let’s wait and make sure the foundation is secure” Saturn. Squares always represent a turning point, and after some forward momentum, we may feel like we are facing obstacles or blocks to our freedom and ambitions. This square is best navigated by those who can cultivate the qualities of patience, discipline, focus, conscientiousness, and purpose. Although it can be irritating, this aspect is helping you learn the importance of being cautious and living in moderation.

The next day, Tuesday, September 10, Venus moves into mysterious Scorpio for a 3.5 week visit. The recognition of unfulfilled desires and feelings of jealousy or resentment are the possible lower expressions of this placement. It is healthier to use any of these as the motivation to address the underlying issues. This transit, though, also will increase our desire to make deep connections with others. Anything superficial will not feel very satisfying while Venus is in Scorpio.

On Saturday, September 14, Mars trines (120°) Uranus. This easy flow of energy between the planet of action (Mars) and the planet of change (Uranus) will impact us for several days before and after the actual event. We will have ample energy now, and you will want to be free to express yourself in original ways. You do need to remember that at certain times and in certain situations patience and moderation are important. But if you take the time to think about how you want to use this energy, this could be a very productive time!

The next day, Sunday, September 15, Mercury opposes (180°) Uranus. There is the potential for truly brilliant ideas now, but it will likely require us to think WAY outside the box and FAR beyond our comfort zone. We will mentally be “a-twitter” with this high-calibration mental energy! The only warning is to watch what we say because this aspect can lead us to not censor our words.

And one final but important note: Mercury is the ruler of Virgo, which represents our mental energy, learning, and communication patterns. Between Saturday, September 14 and Thursday, September 19, Mercury joins the on-going T-Square between Uranus, Jupiter, and Pluto when it squares (90°) the latter two planets. This forms a dynamic cardinal grand cross (i.e., 2 planets in opposition at 180° and all 4 corners 90° apart). Mercury’s presence in this mix will help us more easily grasp the big picture, brainstorm new ideas, and get to the bottom of what is really going on. Mercury will also heighten our awareness of and our access to other sources of information and intelligence, which may lead to game-changing information.

Overall, this New Moon in Virgo is asking us to simplify our life and dedicate ourselves anew to what is truly important. This will likely require that we let some things go in our lives in order to focus on what is truly aligned with our life’s purpose. And because Virgo is ruled by Mercury and forms the cardinal grand cross with Jupiter, Uranus, and Pluto, it is imperative that we be mindful of our thoughts now. What we think is what we create. It is a good time to look at yourself and the world differently. Albert Einstein knew this when he said, “The world we have created is a product of our thinking. It cannot be changed without changing our thinking.”

INFORMATION TAKEN FROM

The Mountain Astrologer (magazine)
Various online sources
Anne’s interpretations