The Low-Down on the Far-Out

Full Moon in Cancer, Planetary Transits

Jan.23 – NEW MOON in AQUARIUS (02:41 of Aquarius)

Here Be Dragons!
~ Early European map makers' warning

Happy New Year! Gung Hey Fat Choi! Welcome in the Year of the Dragon!

In Chinese astrology, dragons symbolize power and success, and therefore luck. They are free spirited, non-conformist and boldly creative.

Mythological creatures typically reflect certain qualities, beliefs and values of the culture that embraces it. The dragon is a classic example of how different cultures may interpret the same symbol in very different ways. In the West, dragons have been fearsome, evil creatures to be slayed. In the East, they are revered as powerful, colourful and magical!

Each year is associated with one of the 12 signs in the Chinese zodiac. If you are a Dragon in the Chinese zodiac, then this could be a momentous and successful year for you—or at least a busy and lively one. How this year will affect you depends on your Chinese zodiac sign.

The Chinese New Year is based on their lunar calendar (measured by the Moon) and is always aligned with (what we in the West call) the New Moon in Aquarius. Each year the Aquarius New Moon is combined with the energy of a different Chinese zodiac sign. This year it happens to be a Dragon. This year's New Moon chart makes an intriguing statement when spoken from the Dragon's mouth.

It does not do to leave a live dragon out of your calculations, if you live near him.
~ J. R. R. Tolkien

Aquarius shares many traits in common with the Dragon – they're both unconventional, they both value freedom, and neither suffers gladly the restrictions of having to follow rules.

The Sun-Moon conjunction (the New Moon) is at the apex of a T-square aspect pattern with Jupiter and Saturn in opposition. Jupiter and Saturn are natural "enemies" at the best of times. Jupiter wants to expand; Saturn wants to prune back. Jupiter is inspired by possibilities; Saturn is focused on the here-and-now reality.

And yet, Jupiter and Saturn are two sides of the same coin, and as such they also share much in common. For example, both have to do with leadership – Jupiter as the visionary, charismatic side and Saturn as the organizational, results-oriented side. Both have a penchant for truth – Jupiter reaches for philosophical knowledge and moral truth, while Saturn zeroes in on facts and evidence.

When these two planets face off, we can become very divided and pulled between opposite extremes. Jupiter and Saturn were in opposition during the Cardinal Cross of 2010-2011. And from mid-November 2011 through to the end of February 2012, Jupiter and Saturn are opposing each other within an 8° orb, even though they don't perfect (reach exact) until they come around to the next one in 2029. Although Uranus and Pluto are not aspecting Jupiter and Saturn now, as they were in the Cardinal Cross, their combined opposition energy is still influencing our lives now.

“What do you know about dragons?"
"They're big, scaly, four-legged creatures with wings who terrorized small villages until a virgin was offered up as a sacrifice."
His grinned again. "I do miss the virgins.”
~ You Slay Me, Katie MacAlister

So our Aquarian Dragon mediates between conflicting forces. What's likely to make this less extreme and more easily resolved is that Jupiter and Saturn are in dissociate opposition – they're within opposition orb, but not in signs that are naturally opposite.

Saturn is at the last degree of Libra (and will station there on Feb.07). Although Saturn wants discipline, conservation and order, it is softened by Libra that seeks to achieve these things through harmony, balance and negotiation. Saturn's trine (120°) to Neptune (which won't reach exact until this coming October) also has a softening effect, which add compassion and imagination to Saturn's vocabulary.

Jupiter is in the second degree of Taurus (having stationed in the first degree of Taurus on Dec.25). Although Jupiter wants freedom, expansion and adventure, Taurus modifies this by slowing down the rate of change, ensuring it is based on actual need and purpose, not simply a curious whim.

Since Saturn is the traditional ruler of Aquarius (before Uranus was invented), he is likely to have a stronger vote in the conflict than Jupiter, at least for the duration of the Aquarius lunar cycle.

Do not meddle in the affairs of wizards, for they are subtle and quick to anger.
~ J. R. R. Tolkien

Do not meddle in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy and taste good with ketchup.
~ Dilbert by Scott Adams

Speaking of Uranus, he is a singleton in Fire (the only planet in a Fire sign at the time of the New Moon). Fire motivates, enthuses and consumes any obstacles in its path. If any kind of radical change is to occur during this cycle, it will have to be initiated in an extreme way that shocks and scatters any obstacles in your path. This is usually unwise except in equally extreme situations, so be careful how you bring out this beast. He may be best left to roam in the background.

Uranus is also in very wide opposition to Mars, who is likely to upstage them all, since Mars stations Retrograde TODAY! ("What's a station?"  "What does retrograde mean?"  "What is Mars Retrograde about?") That makes Mars probably the strongest energy at the New Moon. Although Mars is in Virgo (an Earth sign), he is naturally a volatile, impulsive and independent fellow, and contributes more Fire-y energy to an otherwise low-Fire chart. So, while there is a moderating, balancing force that softens and calms the Jupiter-Saturn conflict, there are other forces that want to keep stirring the pot and keeping the conflict alive.

The question is always the same with a dragon: will he talk with you or will he eat you? If you can count on his doing the former, and not doing the latter, why then you're a dragonlord.
~ The Tombs of Atuan, Ursula LeGuin

As he reaches a dead stop, Mars is in exact trine to Mercury within a mere quarter-degree. Normally this combination could push Mercury to run off at the mouth, saying whatever comes to mind in a rather impulsive and belligerent way. However, Mercury is in Capricorn, so its outspokenness is more likely to be slowed down a little (with a bit of room for some sober second thought before the mouth opens).

Alternatively, we could potentially channel that Mercury-Mars energy through a strong purpose that has a long-term goal in mind (rather than merely blurting out things in the moment). If you are writing, speaking or otherwise communicating, this energy can be very helpful. If you're in a delicate situation that calls for diplomacy and sensitivity, it might be a bit too volatile so use it wisely.

At the very least, you might get some exciting new ideas or perceptions that will take time before they are fully understood or ready to implement.

Young Einon: The peasants are revolting!
Brok: They've always been revolting, Prince.
Now they're rebelling.
~ Dragonheart, the movie

As a (Western) zodiac sign, Aquarius is one of the stranger ones – in more ways than one! We tend to associate it with being rebellious, visionary and valuing freedom and individuality above all else. These qualities are usually associated with Uranus, which is usually seen as its modern planetary ruler, so it seems like a good natural fit. And yet, before 1781 Saturn held that position. We tend to see Saturn's Capricorn qualities most easily: disciplined, ordered and slow to change, with a deep respect for rules – hardly qualities that Aquarius is usually comfortable with!

The surprising Saturn side of Aquarius is that it can be just as unyielding, focused on expectations and willing to delay gratification as Capricorn is—but in a different direction and for different reasons. Aquarius usually seeks change, but mostly in the direction of its choosing. It isn't necessarily open to ideas that stray too far outside the intended plan, since too much diversity could derail that change. It's too important – nothing less than our future is at stake! So with Saturn so squarely involved with the New Moon, we could see a lot of posturing and steadfastness in the name of steering things in a new but specifically chosen direction.

Aquarius is a passionately visionary sign. Aquarius probably invented the concept of thinking outside the box, and loves to challenge traditional reasoning and conclusions. With his love of adventure, exploration and new horizons, it seems like Jupiter would be the more fitting alliance in the T-square for the Sun and Moon in Aquarius.

However, Jupiter and the Sun-Moon are in square aspect (90°) and therefore in a conflict of interest. As a result, the Aquarius New Moon could be blocked from venturing too far outside the conventional box to do its thinking. With Jupiter in slow, methodical, pleasure-oriented Taurus, it's possible that change, progress and conflict resolution will need to be done in a more structured, sensible and gradual manner – great leaps of inspiration are either unlikely or need to be bound by the rules of logic before they can be applied.

He who fights too long against dragons becomes a dragon himself; and if you gaze too long into the abyss, the abyss will gaze into you.
~ Friedrich Nietzsche

This is the last lunation (New or Full Moon) that takes place before Neptune moves into Pisces for good on Feb.03. Neptune has been in Aquarius since 1998, and won't be there again until 2161. As Neptune is taking its last breath in Aquarius, the New Moon is taking its first breath in Aquarius. This momentarily rejuvenates and illuminates Neptune's dying Aquarian energy, like a beautiful sunset after the Sun has gone below the horizon for the night.

Take a moment and think about how the world has changed since 1998. We've had the explosion of the Internet, which is now embedded in our lives as fundamentally as the telephone. Not only has the Internet brought us together in innovative and unprecedented ways, it has also brought together people who otherwise would never have crossed each other's paths. Creativity in technology has brought the simple telephone far beyond Dick Tracy's wrist radio to being a true multi-media innovation that continues to reinvent itself.

To attract good fortune, spend a new penny on an old friend, share an old pleasure with a new friend,
and lift up the heart of a true friend by writing his name on the wings of a dragon.
~ Chinese proverb

How has your own life changed since the late 1990s? Fourteen years is a long time in the lifespan of a person. Your age has passed one, possibly two decades since then. Neptune in Aquarius, on a personal level, brings imagination and merging to the Aquarian cerebral mindset. If you have natal planets or points in Aquarius, you may have been challenged to shed a detached, rational approach to that planet or point and surrender to allowing another part of your awareness to have an equal say in your decisions.

Has your involvement with your circle of friends, your greater community and other groups changed during that time? How does your vision of the future – your own and the world's in general – changed since that time?

Before Neptune melts into Pisces, take one last look at Neptune in Aquarius. You won't see it again in your lifetime.

Bowen: And now, Draco, without you, what do we do? Where do we turn?
Draco: To the stars, Bowen. To the stars.
~ Dragonheart, the movie

Jan.23 – Mercury trine Mars (23:05 of Capricorn/Virgo)

It may be easy to find the courage to speak your mind and say what needs to be said under this transit. In fact, your ideas and words may come so quickly and easily that it's hard to stop them from tumbling out of your mouth before you've had a chance to evaluate the best way to say them. Your communication is likely to be direct, concise and right on the mark, even if it might also be a bit blunt or pointed. If you need to confront someone about a difficult situation, this transit can provide courage and clear words to help you do that – although perhaps not as good for a situation requiring a more delicate, sensitive touch. It is a time when you could potentially find the nerve to take risks, or to defend yourself if the need arises (especially verbally). Overall, this is a wonderful transit for anything involving direct communication (e.g., public speaking, writing, debating), as well as mental agility (e.g., generating ideas, finding solutions, making decisions).

Jan.23 – Mars stationary Retrograde (23:05 of Virgo; until Apr.13)  (Jan.24 in UK, AU)  ("What's a Station?"  "What does Retrograde mean?"  Read my article about Mars Retrograde.  Read more about Mars Retrograde.  Read more about Retrograde planets.)

He's baaaaaack!! Mars now turns retrograde for the next 10 weeks or so, creating a need to reconsider the direction and use of our energy. For a week or more before and after today, your physical energy may be a bit erratic or wonky—here one minute and gone the next; active one minute and lethargic the next. Forward progress that was made over the last couple of months may seem like it has hit a roadblock or forced into an annoying detour. Tempers can flare easily from frustration and trying to push through the obstacles that don't want to budge. This can also trigger old unresolved anger, which might need to be worked through over the coming retrograde period. This might also be a time when you feel a bit depressed or lethargic due to repressed anger, particularly if you find it difficult to own, express or accept anger as a natural emotion.

Although this might sound like a totally negative experience, it doesn't have to be. All that energy can also fuel a time of great productivity and determination. The retrograde period could also be a time of respite from anger, conflict or high stress, as you pull back for a while to coast, regroup and rethink how you want to deal with a stressful situation. It is a time to take stock of what you are investing your energy and ambition in and consider if you are spending your energy wisely. It is a time to evaluate whether your plans and actions are working for you, or whether you need to make some adjustments in your direction, or whether you need to consider a complete change of direction. It is also a time to work hard in preparation for plans that can be put into action after Mars goes direct. Think of it as taking inventory, revising your goals and adjusting your plans for the next two years (until the next Mars retrograde).

When Mars makes its station, it is in a partile trine (meaning same degree, 120° apart) to Mercury. This is very significant and beneficial, since Mercury is Mars' dispositor (Mercury rules Virgo, where Mars is). This aspect should help us to see things realistically, clearly and optimistically. The Mars retrograde period is full of potential, even though its backward motion can be somewhat awkward at times.

Mars makes several repeated aspects to other planets during its retrograde cycle, starting in 2011 and continuing into 2012. Venus square Mars: Oct.26, Apr.07 and Jun.04. Mars opposite Chiron: Nov.12, Mar.22 and May.17.

Probably most interesting (and most welcome) is the Grand Trine aspect pattern Mars made with Jupiter and Pluto back in November 2011. Mars trines both Jupiter (Nov.16, Mar.14 and Jul.17) and Pluto (Nov.23, Mar.14 and May.16).This repeats again in March 2012. Unfortunately, by the time Mars reaches the final aspect to Pluto (May.16) and Jupiter (Jul.17), they are too far out of orb to for a 3rd Grand Trine. However, there are other aspect figures formed from those trine aspects during the final pass. I'll talk more about then as the time approaches.

Jan.27 – Mercury square Saturn (29:23 of Capricorn/Libra)

Your thoughts, ideas and communication need to become structured, rational and discreet, although this may not be easy to achieve. You may have to work extra hard to get your point across now, since others might be resistant to your ideas or may not be familiar with the basic concepts. It is a time to be clear, objective and down-to-earth in your communication and thinking, but equally important to do this without going overboard and becoming rigid, autocratic or over-cautious. If you find yourself stuck in a "glass half empty" frame of mind, you might be sagging under the weight of melancholy ...Or, it might mean you are coming to terms with some hard realities and decisions and feeling the gravity of the implications. But also check to be sure you're not taking yourself and your situation too seriously. By applying your best efforts, this can be a very productive time, especially with anything involving communication, writing, organising or logic.

Jan.27 – Mercury enters Aquarius (until Feb.13)  (Jan.28 in UK, AU)

Mercury in Aquarius brings objectivity, detached mental focus, and communication that strives for unprecedented breadth and height – even to the point of adopting an "ivory tower" mentality. This is a good transit for anything requiring a scientific or analytical approach, as well as anything that calls for you to "think outside of the box." This can be a time when you start to see old familiar situations in new ways, giving you a fresh perspective on things. This planetary energy is not likely to be supportive if you need to take a gentle or sensitive approach to personal interaction, however, since you may be more tempted to just say what needs to be said and let the chips fall where they may. Your mental outlook may be focused on upcoming possibilities, and it can be a good time to map out future plans and try on new ideas, since you are likely to be more open-minded to things you had previously dismissed as unrealistic or too "out there." This can be a time when you suffer from "cabin fever" and need to get out of the house more, especially if you've been cooped up for a long time due to bad weather, hard work or just lack of motivation to do something different. Breaking free of old routines can be a good thing – just remember you have to live with whatever mess you make in the process.

Jan.28 – Mercury sextile Uranus (01:39 of Aquarius/Aries)  (Jan.29 in AU)

There is potential for brilliance and excitement under this transit. You may be more spontaneous, upbeat and eccentric than usual. If you are used to a fairly predictable lifestyle, it is a time when you may be inspired to experiment with something out of character. If you are used to being whacky, zany and impulsive, this transit can provide opportunities to express this. You may have an increased ability to "think outside the box" if you stretch your mind a little, and there is the possibility of having an "ah-ha!" experience, when answers and realisations fall into place. There is also the possibility of being mentally restless, so that it's hard to slow down your thoughts or apply yourself seriously to your responsibilities. Your attention span may be a bit short for a couple of days. This energy can be used to consider new ideas that seemed outlandish or impossible before, and see new potential in them.

Jan.28 – Mercury square Jupiter (02:19 of Aquarius/Taurus)  (Jan.29 in UK, AU)

You may be seeing the weak links in your knowledge, understanding or beliefs right now. Your ideas and words might seem to fall short of what your mind envisions, or you might be unable to convince others of your point of view. As a result, it can be tempting to over-compensate with more self-confidence, faith or optimism than you actually have. Or, you might give out "too much information" by over-explaining or through nervous rambling. Alternatively, you might encounter someone else who does this and perhaps have a blaming or judgmental reaction to them. This is an opportunity to learn something about how you might jump to conclusions or blame, possibly triggered by a situation that challenges your beliefs, opinions or perspective. To learn more about this part of yourself, try taking some time to think about what is really bothering you or what you really need to say in that situation. There may be a higher truth to be found if you open your mind to something you're reluctant to acknowledge, rather than looking for a "final truth" around which to close it.

Feb.01 – Venus opposite Mars Retrograde (22:34 of Pisces/Virgo)

Your receptive, diplomatic side is arguing with your assertive, upfront side. The result can be either a battle of wills between Yin and Yang (yours or others'), or a new creative dynamic that brings both into a new balance. This could manifest in the form of relationship issues, financial struggles, or arguments about control. Or, you might feel it is time to take action with plans that have been percolating for a while, especially related to beauty, love, relationships, money, spending and negotiation. If you're usually more comfortable with Yin energy (receptive, diplomatic, beauty oriented), you might feel unusually sensitive to aggressive or forceful energy from others. At worst, you might feel backed into a corner or even bullied by someone who comes across as angry, pushy or (over)enthusiastic. If you're more at home with Yang energy (assertive, action-oriented, direct), you may feel pressured or manipulated to tone down your energy level to make it more socially acceptable. Either way, this is about finding a new cooperative balance that works for both sides, through compromise, negotiation and conflict resolution.

Feb.03 – Neptune enters Pisces (until Mar.30.2025)

It is rare that Neptune changes signs. Neptune was last in Pisces from 1847-1861, and is there from 2011-2026, with a temporary return from Aug.04.2011 until today. It won't be in Pisces again until 2175-2190. Since it takes 12-14 years for Neptune to move through a sign, its effect on us evolves slowly, subtly and gradually. Neptune is considered by the modern western astrology system to be the planetary ruler of Pisces, so for Neptune to be in Pisces is a double-whammy of Pisces energy! Or perhaps more like a very loud whisper.

This energy is likely to bring us into contact with a very strong, raw or archetypal experience of spiritual, artistic, creative, empathic, intuitive or psychic energy. Collectively we could see the resurgence of artistic, imaginative and creative activity in the world that places a higher value on the arts than we've seen for a while. It could also inspire us to explore a more in-depth experience of mysticism and psychic energy. Compassion as a spiritual value could become an increasing focus, as we sense a deep collective connection with each other on Planet Earth.

On the other hand, Neptune and Pisces are also associated with illusion, deception, fraud, fantasy and superstition. Beliefs are very fluid things which can be assumed to be real, yet could be based on misconceptions, biases and false assumptions. In Pisces, it is very tricky to tell the difference between what's real and what's fantasy. The realm of belief can be mutually exclusive from that of fact, and the line between them murky and confusing. With Neptune in Pisces, entire collective groups of people could be overcome by beliefs that are based on assumptions that have more to do with defence against fear and panic than with reality or truth. Neptune in Pisces could indeed be where we discover how, as the saying goes, the road to Hell becomes paved with the best of intentions.

On a personal level, Neptune in Pisces could bring you to an overall exploration of these areas or a deeply personal experience of these issues, depending on the transits you get from Neptune while it is in Pisces. You could discover a new expression of higher purpose in your life, perhaps inspired by a renewed sense of connection to something greater than yourself. This "something greater" could be a sense of the ultimate reality of existence (which some might call God), or it might be a sense of closer connection to the whole of Humanity, as well as other life, systems and rhythms on our home planet.

Neptune in Pisces could also challenge you to probe deeper into your personal beliefs and test out whether these still fit your experience of life and whether they continue to serve your best interests. You might find you have to reassess what you believed to be true about yourself or about others, and this could lead you into an experience of disappointment or disillusionment which must be reassembled into a new vision of what is real. You might have to confront some deep personal fears so that you can learn how to believe in yourself and in life without having to rely on misconceptions, fantasies or blind faith.

For an intriguing discussion of Neptune experiences and issues by a non-astrologer (as far as I know), listen to Ahnahn Brahm, especially starting around 38:30.

I'm available for private readings which can give you some clarity within the process of the Neptunian fog. I can help you understand the nature of what you're going through and how to get the most benefit from it.

Feb.07 – Sun conjunct Mercury (17:59 of Aquarius)

During this transit, your sense of self and purpose can become merged with what you think, perceive and say. On one hand, this can make for an easy flow of ideas and communication from inside your brain to the external world. It can also increase your perceptions and observations of the world, as you file it all away in your internal database. On the other hand, you may find yourself a bit tongue-tied, as it could be hard to separate your sense of self from your perceptions and ideas enough to find the words to adequately express them. In that case, just observe and go with the flow; the words will come later. It can also be a time when it's not easy to be objective, especially about yourself and how you bring yourself to the world around you. It's like your Being automatically expresses and sets into motion the things you think, perceive and want to say. This can help you to feel like your sense of self is shining effortlessly, but if your thoughts and perceptions are in conflict with other parts of you (e.g., emotions, needs, objectivity) then it might become a time when you act a little too quickly with blinders on. Strive for balance and self-honesty before you act.

Feb.07 – Saturn stationary Retrograde (29:30 of Libra)  (Feb.08 in AU)   ("What's a Station?"  "What does Retrograde mean?"  Read more about Retrograde planets.)

For up to a week before and after this date, your physical and emotional energy may feel a bit heavy, stuck, serious or sad. You might feel held back by circumstances or pressured by people or situations involving structure, rules, authority figures, expectations and responsibilities. For about the next four months, your ambitions and goals can benefit from planning and development at a deeper level. It is a time to rework and refine your goals to figure out how you are going to achieve them. You may also need to examine your motives for wanting to achieve these goals, as well as how feasible they are. You may therefore look at how your goals, or your method of achieving them, ought to be changed. This can also be a time of improving how you deal with authority, expectations, obligations or discipline. Toward that end, today's station could trigger these issues through events, conflicts, challenges or additional "homework." If you've been having problems or are uncomfortable with these areas, especially during the last 3 months, this retrograde period can allow you to gradually build a new way of dealing with them or problem-solving the difficulties. After Saturn turns Direct in 4 months, you will be in a better position to apply what you've learned and developed more fully. A personal reading can give you a clearer understanding of how to work productively and successfully with Saturn energy.

Next Update:  FULL MOON in LEO, available by February 7, 2012.

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© 2012 Wendy Guy. All rights reserved. This material may not be copied without the author's written permission. Photo of ship by bigal101 from Morguefile.com