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 21° of Aries
Wednesday, April 10, 2013, 2:36 a.m. PDT
Wednesday, April 10, 2013, 5:36 a.m. EST
Wednesday, April 10, 2013, 9:36 a.m. GMT

Written by Anne Reith, Ph.D. on 08 April 2013

In the Pacific Time Zone, the New Moon will occur at 2:36 a.m. on Wednesday, April 10. This New Moon finds the Moon and Sun in conjunction (0°) at 21° of Aries. To further clarify how this New Moon will impact you on a personal level, locate 21° of Aries in your birth/natal chart. The issues associated with that house are going to be most affected by this New Moon’s presence.

The word “zodiac” means “wheel of life.” For those familiar with the tarot, Aries is often associated with the Fool card. The tarot’s Major Arcana represents the Fool’s journey through the stages of life toward enlightenment (the World card represents enlightenment). The 12 signs of the Zodiac are perceived similarly. Our journey begins with Aries (the Fool card) and proceeds through the stages of life toward enlightenment with Pisces (the World card).

But once we reach enlightenment, the wheel doesn’t stop turning. Wheels are always turning, and we are always beginning anew . . . starting out on a new journey. And as represented by the Fool card of the tarot, this new journey often begins with a feeling of stepping off familiar, solid ground and into the unknown. However, we often find that when we take the risk to take that first step, there is actually new land under our feet . . . or we find that we have wings to fly! The energy of Aries gives us the courage to take that first step into the unknown, when we aren’t sure if there is solid ground underneath us (or wings to support our flight).

For some astrologer’s, the new astrological year doesn’t officially begin until the time of the New Moon in Aries. The new astrological year represents a time when we begin a new phase or cycle in our life. All New Moons represent new beginnings. It is a time when we can set new intentions in the areas of life associated with the sign involved. This year, the New Moon in Aries is particularly powerful because not only are the Sun and Moon located in Aries, but so, too, are Venus, Mars, and Uranus.

As the first sign of the zodiac, Aries is a cardinal fire sign, which means we have more energy and the desire to take action. Keywords for Aries include independent, initiating, enthusiastic, direct, energetic, confident, fun-loving, and innocent. However, there is always the potential for higher and lower-expressions of any sign’s energy. The lower expression of Aries can be competitiveness, impulsivity, and even aggression. The field of astrology represents “possibilities and potentialities,” so it is up to us to use our freewill to choose how we express that sign’s energy.

The New Moon in Aries is a particularly important time to hold a “Beginner’s Mind.” By letting go of any preconceptions or “shoulds,” we may be able to find new solutions to old problems. The Aries energy will support us in seeing endless possibilities. At this time, it’s important to take it one step at a time, to be willing to not know the answer, and to remember that there is no failure, only learning.

Mars is closely conjunct (0°) the New Moon in Aries. Mars is the ruler of the sign of Aries, which adds further “punch” to the Arian qualities at this time. Many of us will be filled with fresh ideas, plans, and projects. We may feel like the race horse in the starting gate, ready to run as soon as the bell sounds. However, it is important to remember that the energy of Aries is raw and can be naïve. Given the New Moon is a time when the “light” of the Moon is being largely blocked by the Earth’s position between the Moon and the Sun, we may have a lot of hope but we may not have as much wisdom and experience to “light” the way.

Mars, though, is closely conjunct Venus in Aries, which will temper the force of Mars in Aries. We may find ourselves more amorous or more aesthetically aware of our surroundings. Venus in Aries is a good time to set aside routine activities, take time for contemplation, reach out to someone new, discover an unknown dream, and/or move your body and your mind.

With both Mars (Divine Masculine) and Venus (Divine Feminine) dancing so closely together, we are being asked to find healthy expressions of both qualities in our relationships and our societies. For example, the Divine Masculine is not the warrior but the wise warrior . . . the one who protects life rather than exploiting or destroying it. The Divine Masculine is about being courageous rather than combative, assertive rather than aggressive. And the Divine Feminine is about nurturing others rather than smothering them or martyrdom.

On Friday, April 12, Pluto begins its annual 5-month retrograde period, which continues through September 20. Due to the slow moving nature of Pluto, this is a subtle but powerful change. Pluto’s retrograde phases are known for either bringing penetrating wisdom, insight, and reflection or supporting us in hiding from our fears. Pluto is located in Capricorn, so we are being asked to review any recent changes to make sure that they are “real” and not just cosmetic. During this time, we may feel motivated to reform or release what is not sustainable and/or what is not in the best interest of all concerned.

All of the above is further emphasized by a mutual reception between Saturn and Pluto (i.e., each planet is located in each other’s signs). This will add impetus to our need to reclaim our power and use that power with integrity to make deep changes in our lives and in the world around us. On the same day as Pluto’s change in direction (Friday, April 12), Saturn is quincunx (150°) Uranus. We are being asked to be flexible and make adjustments between our obligations (Saturn) and our need for freedom (Uranus). Learning how to adeptly shift between order and individualism will reduce our stress level and may reveal more effective ways to transform unconventional ideas and desires into reality.

On Saturday, April 13, Mercury moves into Aries where it will remain until May 17. Mercury in Aries brings in increased mental activity, which will likely help us begin to make sense of all the ideas, plans, and projects that have recently come into our lives. Mercury in Aries, though, can be more interested in making decisions than thinking things through carefully; therefore, some caution is warranted.

Then on Monday, April 15, Venus moves into Taurus for a delightful 3-week stay. Venus is the ruler of Taurus, so it feels right at home in this earthy sign. Relationships will come down to earth, and we may feel ready to make a commitment and settle down. We are likely to feel drawn to seek out experiences of all kinds that feel good to the senses. We may also find ourselves gaining clarity about what we like, and we may instinctively know where to find it. The only downside is that some partnerships may feel bogged down by the earthy energy of Taurus, especially if that partnership is in needing change in order to grow.

On Wednesday, April 17, there is a very powerful conjunction (0°) between the Sun and Mars. If you didn’t take advantage of the energy at the time of the New Moon in Aries a week ago, here is a second chance. These two powerhouses will spark courage, creativity, and independent action. Just be cautious about taking too many risks right now. Because you don’t want to slow down, you may find yourself deciding that you would rather beg for forgiveness than ask for permission, which can have consequences. Rather than act impulsively, which will be more comfortable for some people, it is better to use forethought and recognize that some external constraints may actually be present to help us stay on track. Overall, because of the powerful nature of this conjunction, it is important to find healthy outlets for all of this extra (even excess) energy. Although anger and aggression are possible with this conjunction, they become less likely if you find new forms of activity. When used in a positive way, this powerful Sun-Mars aspect will provide you with both the passion and the energy to cut away any clutter, clear a path, burn through resistance, overcome any obstacles, and plant seeds for new activities or projects.

Luckily, the Sun moves into Taurus on Friday, April 19. Taurus is the sign of resources, responsibility, and personal values. The energy of this down-to-earth sign will help us all “ground” our wonderful new ideas in reality. During the next month, all of our new initiatives will be fertilized with patience, purpose, and the materials we will need to sustain them. We are being given the opportunity to build a firm foundation and gather the resources we need in order to ensure that our bright ideas have the means to grow strong and healthy.

The next day (Saturday, April 20) sees an intellectually active conjunction (0°) between mental Mercury and revolutionary Uranus. Some may experience “information overload,” which can stretch nerves to the breaking point. But if you can approach this energy with a curious mind, you may be the recipient of brilliant new ideas that lead to powerful breakthroughs. And on this same day, Mars follows the Sun and Venus into Taurus for a 6-week stay, prompting many of us to feel an urge to make changes to our physical bodies or our physical surroundings. We may also experience an increase in energy for business ventures, existing projects, and even sexual activities.

Overall, this New Moon in Aries on April 10 is a time when we are being provided with a great deal of energy . . . energy that can be used to come up with many new ideas and start many new projects. Remember, though, that the Aries energy is new energy. Take it one step at a time because our ideas and projects may need to be tinkered with before they are viable. Luckily, the grounding energy of the Sun’s move into Taurus on April 19 will help us sort through all of our ideas and begin taking concrete steps to bring them into “reality.” But before we get there, the New Moon in Aries is an important time to look at what you are passionate about. You may also need to look at where in your life you need to courageously take a stand. As put so beautifully by the actress Lily Tomlin, “I said somebody should do something about that. Then I realized I am somebody.”

INFORMATION TAKEN FROM

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

“MY NAAM HEART”: A Painting by Jordan Denae Macbeth

There’s an ache. There’s always an ache for what’s there and for what’s not there.

Where does it come from? It feels rooted to my core. It feels rooted from another time, another space.

The ache is light and I barely notice it. It’s as if it’s not even there anymore. The ride is smooth. The joys flow easily. Ache? What ache?? I have none.

I understand. The road is clear, the path illuminated. The future’s bright!

Slow it down, Slooow down, WAY DOWN. Time stands still.

Progress is steady. I AM READY.

I don’t want to slow down. I don’t want to stand still.

I’ve been here long enough. I am connected.

Have I though? Am I though??

Conform. CONFORM! It’s easier when you do.

There’s less thinking involved. There’s less problems to solve.

All you have to do is go through the motions.

Like a Zombie, Robotic, addicted to the potions.

NO. NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO my soul screams!!!!!!

It’s soft like a whisper, You weren’t meant for conformity. You weren’t meant for traditional.

Step out of the box! Have faith and be free.

Life is waiting. Here it is. It’s here now.

You are there. You are HERE. Here you are.

Yes, YOU ARE.

I finished my second weekend of Teacher Training, Naam Yoga LA . Is it enough? Is it what I want?

I ask myself as the training begins, Can I conform? Do I have to conform to something? This seems like a group of like minded people who have taken on these beliefs. They seem nice enough. They seem happy.

They laugh, mysteriously it seems, as though they all understand some inside joke that I am not privy to just yet.

Are they laughing at how naïve we are? Maybe they’re just really that happy…..could it be?!

Here we go, DEEP in it…IMMERSED in the Fire.

Naam Simron they call it. I feel it. I see it. I get it. I got it.

And it goes, and it goes, and it goes. I feel the ache coming on. I’ve chanted and chanted I LOVE THIS, don’t get me wrong, but….YAWN.

What is that? OH, it’s my heart I feel. It hurts and it swells and it dwells and I’m compelled. I’m frustrated now! Do you want me to bow??

A terror sets in! DO YOU WANT ME TO CONFORM TO THIS NOW?

“I AM SEPARATE!”, MY EGO YELLS! I don’t conform to the group. I never have.

I do like you. I love you. That’s just not my style.

I need to be left alone. I need some space. I want to connect with all of you but my heart, it ACHES.

I need to be alone to think, to come to a certain place. A place inside me that knows IT CAN BE SAFE.

That’s not what you’re asking. You just want me to be free. Free from the ties that bind us. Free from the pain that finds us.

It’s written and written but, AHHH we can re-write it now!

It’s stored in the body, the psyche, it’s Karma embodied.

I see the fear now. I see it so clear.

The ego, it separates, but the heart has no fear.

I can be myself and still part of the tribe. I can believe in something and not get taken for a ride.

I have no trouble relating, It’s just the fear to follow.

I have to stand independently or my heart feels hollow.

I’m humbled by your ease and your acceptance of all. I’m appreciative of every piece of these teachings and the space you hold for us all.

I feel better. I feel my heart taking flight. This energy is GREAT and ABUNDANT by the very last night.

We’re done for now, this time around. 4 more to go! I’ll get through this somehow.

In the end I am better, a part of me has left. There is deep change taking place and now I MUST REST.

REMINDER

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

Full Moon at 7° of Libra
Wednesday, March 27, 2013 at 2:28 a.m. PDT
Wednesday, March 27, 2013 at 5:28 a.m. EST
Wednesday, March 27, 2013 at 9:28 a.m. GMT

Written by Anne Reith, Ph.D. on 24 March 2013

In the Pacific Time Zone, the Moon will be full at 2:28 a.m. on Wednesday, March 27. With this Full Moon, the Sun in Aries will be in opposition (180°) to the Moon in Libra. To further clarify how this Full Moon in Libra will impact you on a personal level, locate 7° of Aries and 7° of Libra in your birth/natal chart. The issues associated with those two houses are going to be most impacted by this Full Moon’s presence.

WOW . . . what a way to end the month! These last few days of March could be described as one of the most powerful and intense periods astrologically all year. So much is going on that I will need to forego some of the details (e.g., some of the specific aspects involved) and simply do my best to summarize.

When the Sun moved into the sign of Aries on Wednesday, March 20, it ushered in what is believed by many to be the beginning of the new astrological year. During the last 3 months, we’ve moved through the signs of Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces, all of which focus on the collective . . . on “we-ness” and not “one-ness.” Now the Sun is in Aries, and so, too, are Mars, and Venus. Aries is about reclaiming our individual power and unique identity . . . on “one-ness” and not “we-ness.” We want to feel free of any complications related to community concerns. We want to blaze new trails that burn brightly with our own individual, unique energy.

However, the lessons of Aries are multifaceted. Yes, it’s about learning to have the courage to move forward on our paths. In the Tarot, this sign would be the equivalent of the Fool card – having the courage to step into the unknown. And when the Sun moved into Aries on March 20, you may have suddenly felt a need to take a step forward, even if you didn’t fully see what was ahead! However, Aries is also about planning action carefully and choosing our battles wisely.

There are several astrological aspects occurring during the waning days of March that urge us to focus on attaining this balance and on realizing the importance of using restraint:

The Full Moon in Libra is all about finding a balance between the bold individualism of the Sun in Aries and the diplomatic social-mindedness of the Moon in Libra. However, the Moon in Libra is opposing (180°) the Sun, Venus, Mars, and Uranus. These opposing energies require a balance between taking action and remaining conscious of how these actions can affect others.
Jupiter and the asteroid Chiron form an exact square (90°) just a few hours before the peak of the Full Moon. This aspect, combined with a yod configuration involving Saturn, Pluto, and Jupiter (the “focal planet”), is calling us to take a hard look at how our values and beliefs will support our individual and collective healing. We need to transform any disempowering beliefs. But rather than making rash or sudden changes, this is often a slow process that requires that we evaluate our actions and make necessary adjustments as we move forward.
Other aspects around the time of the Full Moon and for the week following it support the continued development of our intuition . . . our connection with Divine sources of information and guidance. This connection may provide us with the support we need to more easily trust that something better is waiting on the horizon. But moving forward isn’t all about action. It’s about maintaining a balance between our desire to act and our need to maintain an awareness of our surroundings (e.g., our relationships) so we can adapt accordingly.
All of this astrological activity is also connected to and activating the on-going series of squares (90°) between Uranus and Pluto, which adds energy to our need to take a giant step forward on our evolutionary path. Mars, the ruler of Aries, conjoined (0°) Uranus on Friday, March 22. Whenever a faster moving planet (Mars) links up with a slower moving planet (Uranus), the winds of change intensify. However, reaching our highest potential right now will mean finding a healthy balance between freedom and discipline.

Starting on Saturday, March 23, and continuing through the early part of the week, a series of challenging aspects will likely make many of us feel like the brakes have been applied to our forward motion. This same astrological pattern appeared back in December 22, 2012. Before we move forward, we are being asked to slow down, adjust our ambitions and long-term plans, and carefully consider the impact of our actions before forging ahead. The key to success could come through the elimination of nonessential ideas and activities.

And these strong transformational energies continue through the end of the month when the Sun, Venus, and Uranus will become conjoined (0°) in Aries on Thursday, March 28. Aries is a masculine energy, and the presence of Uranus squaring (90°) Pluto at the same time means that we are all ready to move toward a healthier expression of the Divine masculine (e.g., protecting rather than destroying life, co-creating with rather than dominating the Divine feminine). We may also feel a strong urge toward being more playful right now, which may take the form of sudden romances, radical changes in tastes, and unexpected social activities.

And then on end the month, Sunday, March 31, the Sun and Venus forms a square (90°) to Pluto. The call for freedom and reform is clear now, and new alliances may blossom as old ones fade. Reinventing some of our relationships is possible now, but we are also being reminded that we can’t let go of accountability in relationships. It’s time to change or be changed, but our felt need for change may result in conflict at times. When we look back, though, we will see that the winds of change have been building for a long time. And a square (90°) between the Sun and Pluto late in the day reminds us to clean up any unfinished business and eliminate distractions to make room for new experiences.

The beginning of April is much quieter astrologically than the end of March. It is a good time to catch our breath! A sextile (60°) between the Sun and Jupiter on Monday, April 1, can bring creativity to the forefront. Ideas and aspirations abound, but we can also feel scattered. This is a good time for learning and teaching, as well as taking short trips. Just be a little careful when conversing with others because opinions will be free-flowing under the influence of Jupiter, and you need to consider their impact on others before you speak.

Sunday, April 7, could be a day for memorable romantic and magical events due to a conjunction (0°) between Mars and Venus that evening. They are meeting up in Aries, which can either embolden us to make new connections and/or rekindle desire in an existing relationship. Just remember to stay within the boundaries of your personal ethics.

Overall, this Full Moon is a time of pivotal choices that can lead to monumental and life-altering changes in our lives and in society. Achieving a balance between personal needs (Aries) and the needs of others (Libra) will be key. On a personal level, this is the time when we are likely to act on the insights we received around the previous New Moon in Pisces. On a personal and collective level, we are all being asked to use our individual power to contribute to the collective by choosing love, embodying the truth (as we define it), bless the past, and walk courageously into the future. As Wilfred Peterson said, “Let your light shine. Be a source of strength and courage. Share your wisdom. Radiate love.”

INFORMATION TAKEN FROM

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