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December 2008
For the New
Moon Cycle in Sagittarius :
November 27/28 to December 27, 2008
Nov.27 �
NEW MOON in SAGITTARIUS (05:49 of Sagittarius)
Pluto went into Capricorn
yesterday. Uranus is stationary
Direct today � 45 miniscule minutes
before the New Moon is exact. Alongside the Sun and Moon, we
have Mercury and Mars also in Sagittarius, and all of them, are
tightly conjunct within less than 3 degrees. Venus is conjunct
Jupiter, Saturn is opposed Uranus, and Jupiter is still tightly
trine Saturn and sextile Uranus.
Who but Sagittarius could put on such
a grand and exciting show! Let's take it scene by scene.
Just when you think the plot will be
pointed toward Capricorn, with Pluto having JUST moved there, we
have about six hundred planets (give or take a dozen) in the
previous sign of Sagittarius. Huh?? What does this
mean? Well, transitions are funny
things. When you take a step through a doorway, only one foot
gets there first. All eyes are on that foot because it's the
cutting edge; it's out front; it's the arrow that points your
way to where you're going. The other foot is still behind you in
the place from whence you came. It may not seem as exciting or
interesting, but it is performing an essential function�it's
pushing you off so that you can continue moving in a forward
direction.
"What the Hades is she talking
about??" you might ask. Think of those Sagittarius planets as
the toes on the foot that is behind, and collectively they are
giving you a push! Mars pushes you through courage,
daring, self-confidence and inspired action. Mars also gives you
the bravado to carry it out and keep moving, even if you're not
completely sure of yourself.
Mercury is not at its happiest
in Sagittarius, being in its Detriment. Nevertheless, it
contributes the meaningful reasoning and understanding that
allows you to put things into a broader context. This quality is
essential to keep you from either getting lost in the details or
getting buried in a lack-luster view of the reality around you.
However, you may have to stretch your mind and imagination
further than usual to accomplish this.
The Sun-Moon conjunction in
Sagittarius sets the imagination loose to envision the
potential that lies ahead. It's possible to foresee a rosy
future that is grand, exciting, hopeful, enriching and
inspiring. However, expansive Jupiter (the planetary ruler of
Sagittarius) is currently feeling a bit
claustrophobic in Capricorn, and is also in a stressful
aspect to the Sun and Moon (semi-square: 45�). That means
there's also the potential to envision the worst through a
cynical, skeptical, understated or bitter lens�and perhaps to
target others with blame for your predicament.
What's compelling is that both
perspectives have some truth in them. The trap is in thinking
that the truth lies in only one side or the other. There is
therefore a risk of getting caught in swings between extreme
optimism and pessimism, trying to figure out which one is the
"real" future. The "real" answer is: a bit of both and more in
between. There's also a danger of seeking refuge in the "worst
case scenario" in order to avoid the disappointment of finding
out that the reality falls a bit short of the "best case
scenario." Sometimes disappointment can be harder to deal with
than outright hopelessness.
Pluto is freshly into Capricorn,
at just one eeny-teeny-weeny minute of arc�that's 1/60th of one
degree in a sign 30 degrees wide. Pluto hasn't even had time to
take his first breath yet in this new sign. After the wide open
skies of Sagittarius, Pluto is waiting for his eyes to adjust to
the more enclosed space of Capricorn. He's not well aspected in
the New Moon chart, suggesting that, although an important
player in the New Moon drama, he's not a very lively one.
Adding to the
strong Capricorn theme is Saturn in Virgo
(Saturn being Capricorn's ruler), which is the "handle" of
the New Moon chart. That means it's over on the other side
of the zodiac, away from all the other planets. Saturn tends to
be a loner at the best of times, and this placement emphasizes
that. It is therefore important to master the Saturn energy if
the rest of the chart is to function well. Saturn in Virgo
requires discipline, commitment to excellence, and the
flexibility to do whatever needs to be done to accomplish your
goal. It doesn't mean you have to be perfect (although neurotic
guilt might tell you otherwise), but it does mean you need to
roll up your sleeves and be prepared to take a serious, grounded
and results-oriented attitude toward whatever you need to get
done.
Saturn's trine to Jupiter has
passed its last exact pass (see
Nov.21) but is still within less than a degree of that final
pass. The faith, confidence and wisdom of Sagittarius, harnessed
by the discipline, responsibility and organized systems of
Capricorn, provide a strong, useful and meaningful resource for
you to see your way through whatever challenges, problems or
projects lie ahead. Saturn is also in quincunx aspect (150�) to
idealistic Neptune right now, so you might find it tricky to
gauge how much optimism and confidence is too much, tipping you
into fantasy and making promises you can't keep.
Saturn is also in opposition to
Uranus, but not just any Uranus�a very
stationary Uranus! When a planet stations (turns and
changes direction along the arc of the zodiac), its energy is
very intense! It's like running your finger through a candle
flame: do it quickly and it's an interesting experience�do it
slowly and you really feel it!
(Read more about stations.)
Uranus is at its most intense
(and most stationary) when it is mere
minutes before the New Moon is at its most exact. Although the
New Moon is in Sagittarius, Uranus is likely to dominate the
energy field of this lunar cycle. Uranus is known for its sudden
eruptions, surprises, explosions and liberating release at the
best of times, and is even more-so when stationary. If Uranus is
making major transits to your natal chart, the station can feel
like another pass of the transit. In this case, Uranus is going
Direct, so it can be a time when the essential truth of your
situation is revealed (which has evolved under the transit over
the last 9-10 months). You might be moved to make a crucial
decision. You might receive a revelation. You might feel like
you're being smacked upside the head with the truth and can no
longer ignore it. Whatever it is, it likely will set something
in your life moving in a new direction.
The Saturn-Uranus opposition is
gradually separating after its spectacular debut pass on
Nov.04, when it ushered
in a radically unique US election as well as a global economic
crisis. That crisis, as well as the ripple effects from the
election, will continue to unfold over the next 2 years (during
which this transit makes a total of 5 passes). In the New Moon
chart, Saturn-Uranus provides the parameters of the quest ahead:
the inspired, revolutionary break away from tradition and old
structures, on one hand, versus the need to solidify the
conventional foundation to support all that change and
renovation, on the other.
Balancing these two extremes is the
tricky business at hand, reflected not only in the Saturn-Uranus
opposition but also in the Sagittarius-Capricorn dichotomy. Too
much of one will threaten the health and effectiveness of the
other and risk a reactionary swing to the other extreme, which
will only destabilize the transition. Upheaval is expected and
usually healthy during times of change�polarization for the sake
of reaction isn't.
With Uranus unusually strong right
now, any solution to this problem of balance
must include room and opportunity
for something new to emerge. Yet, with Saturn being the "handle"
of the chart, it is just as crucial
to maintain a stable foundation that can support all that
change. The balance point could be as narrow as the point of a
pin.
Whether you find yourself locked into
impulsive, defensive or protective reactions you can't seem to
control, or whether it just feels like you're trying to juggle
flaming torches together with concrete bricks, it may help to
talk about it with a friend, advisor or consultant. A
personal astrology reading
is an excellent way to get some perspective and coping skills
that are tailored to your individual needs.
Nov.28 � Venus sextile Uranus (18:44
of Capricorn/Pisces)
Relationships, finances, resources and
pleasures could benefit from spontaneously trying a completely
different approach. If these areas of your life have been
getting a little stale or too routine, this transit could shake
things up a little...just enough to make things interesting and
breathe some fresh air into your familiar routine. Unexpected
income could come your way, or you might discover something you
just can't resist buying, or you might have an opportunity to
make new social connections. The upside of this transit is that
it's possible to break free of old habits and enjoy spontaneous
interaction. The downside could come in the form of impulse
purchases that are beyond your budget, or behaving a bit
recklessly or making snap decisions that you can't live with
later. This energy is best used to break free of what restricts
you, without shattering the foundation you're standing on.
Nov.28 � Mercury conjunct Mars (09:13
of Sagittarius) (Nov.29 in UK, AU)
Spontaneous or impulsive words may
come flying out of your mouth under this transit! If you've been
struggling to keep opinions or observations to yourself, you
might find it hard to keep them quiet, especially if you feel
strongly about the situation. You might see things as more "cut
and dried" than usual. Although you might feel frustrated if
things don't happen in a direct, quick, straightforward way, it
can also be a good time to make decisions and move forward with
plans. On one hand, this can have a positive effect because it
can give you courage to speak your mind and assert yourself
candidly and honestly. On the other hand, you might also come
across as abrupt, cranky, argumentative or even downright
hostile, especially if you've been stuffing down anger or
resentment for a while. This transit represents a new beginning
in how you can handle self-assertiveness, communication and
decision-making. By "listening to" your impulses, passions and
urge to speak your truth, you can get an idea how your "inner
voice" wants to emerge -- and how to do that without
annihilating the other person. ;-)
Nov.29 � Venus trine Saturn (20:52 of
Capricorn/Virgo) (Nov.30 in UK, AU)
Stability in relationships and
finances characterises this transit. You have increased ability
to be disciplined about spending and to invest the hard work to
maximise your earnings. Your ability to grasp the solid,
realistic facts will help you choose wisely in your investments
of both money and interaction with others. Commitment and
structure are easier to achieve and embrace than change or
taking risks. Self-worth can benefit now because you are less
inclined to give in to mood swings. However, if you are prone to
depression, you might want to be careful you don't become so
grounded and stable that you lose touch with your sense of hope
and potential. It is a good time to make concrete progress in
matters involving beauty, love, harmony and balance. Keep your
pleasures simple and humble for maximum benefit.
Dec.01 � Venus conjunct Jupiter (09:13
of Sagittarius)
Romance is in the air, harmony is
reflected in everything around you, and love and beauty abound!
This can be a time of sweet mercy, pleasure and peace, both
personally and in relationships. It can also be a time when your
ability to attract money, resources and rewards into your life
are especially strong. You might consider indulging in a lottery
ticket! Or maybe treating yourself to some creature comforts,
like a massage or a double chocolate brownie or anything that
gets the endorphins flowing! Unfortunately, this can also be a
time when you are prone to over-indulge in pleasures or
overestimate your resources. By all means enjoy this lovely
feel-good energy, but it's also wise to keep your "addictions"
in check. Don't entirely disregard your diet, your budget or
your realism in relationships.
Dec.02-20 � T-square aspect
configuration (Mars-Mercury-Sun to Saturn-Uranus)
This long-term
group transit lasts through much of the current lunar cycle
(Nov.27-Dec.27, starting at the New Moon in Sagittarius) and
therefore dominates much of the activity and energy during this
time. This aspect figure acts as a lightning rod for the
struggle that the Saturn-Uranus opposition brings. On a global
level, this could manifest in the world's attempts to stabilize
the current economic crisis, bringing more challenges to solve,
new solutions to try and daring knowledge to be learned and
applied. On a more personal level, it is likely to heat up
problems, conflicts, challenges and ambitions. Your motivation,
faith and knowledge may be tested during this time, but it's not
just about passing or failing the test�it's about what you are
learning while you are doing it.
Strive to make choices and take action based on your best
principles and the highest truth that you know. In other words,
follow your personal integrity.
This energy is especially sharp on
Dec.12 when the Moon aspects the T-square, turning it into a
Grand Cross.
Dec.03 � Mercury sextile Chiron (16:53
of Sagittarius/Aquarius) (Dec.04 in UK,
AU)
Your mental focus and communication
could get an injection of healing energy under this transit, as
long as you are prepared to put some effort into getting it.
Your spirits can become uplifted now, from seeing a light at the
end of the tunnel or from finding a light that guides you along
the path in front of you. It will not, however, make the tunnel
or the path go away; you'll still have to walk the walk. But
your mental perspective can become more accepting of
inconsistencies and frustrations under this transit, which can
alleviate a lot of stress and make the journey a bit smoother.
Mental struggles and critical "self-talk" may find some
reconciliation and acceptance that brings peace of mind. You
have an increased ability to find the right words and
understanding to help others with their problems, by providing
insightful feedback. To get the most out of this transit, aim to
find a mental outlook and communication style that can tolerate
contradiction without having to eradicate one in order to
justify the other.
Dec.05 � Mercury square Uranus (18:46
of Sagittarius/Pisces)
Flashes of insight can show you new
clarity but you might not like the answers you get, since they
could disturb your logical perception of what's what. You might
get some news or learn come information that shakes you up in
some way. This isn't necessarily bad, since this may be
necessary to open your mind to something you've been resisting.
There's a Higher Truth here that wants to be told (by you or to
you), but the way it's phrased can make a big difference in the
reaction. There is a risk of "shooting off your mouth before
your brains are loaded," as the saying goes, and impulsive or
reckless communication and ideas could create more problems than
they solve. It will probably help to listen inside yourself
first to discover what you really need to say, and then figure
out how to say it in a way that doesn't cause unnecessary
damage. Strive to shine a light of truth without blinding anyone
with it.
Dec.05 � Sun conjunct Mars (14:09 of
Sagittarius) (Dec.06 in AU)
This transit gives you energy to burn!
However, that energy could be productive or volatile, or even
both. You are likely to be a lot more motivated and enthusiastic
about whatever you do. But you could also be more impulsive,
distracted and erratic too. Anger can flare quickly, and if you
don't try to control it or hang onto it, it can pass just as
quickly. Sexual energy or desire may be high now, which can be
fun to take advantage of, but could also get you into trouble if
you don't use some good judgment about who, when or where to act
on that desire. This transit represents a new beginning in how
you use and work with your energy � physical, emotional,
spiritual and motivational energy. It can be a great time to
initiate new goals, or to set plans into motion. It may be
easier to stand up for what you believe � to assert yourself, to
confront someone or to express yourself in ways that you had
previously been inhibited. It takes practice and awareness to
learn to tell your genuine impulses (that reflect and express
who you are) from unconscious motives (that may be
passive-aggressive, manipulative or hostile). This transit could
give you an opportunity to observe both sides of this potent
energy.
Dec.06 � Mercury square Saturn (21:12
of Sagittarius/Virgo) (Dec.07 in AU)
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.
Dec.06 � Mercury sextile Neptune
(21:49 of Sagittarius/Aquarius) (Dec.07 in
UK, AU)
Your mind is very open to imagination,
dreams and compassion under this transit, with a little applied
effort and focus. This can be a very creative time, when ideas
flow like a magical river. It can also be easy to get caught up
in yearning and fantasizing about your hidden wishes, although
it is possible to channel this into creative expression. (e.g.,
writing poetry, dancing, wistful music, singing in the shower,
whatever!) The possible disadvantage is that you might want so
much to reach a state of inspired intuition, magical outlook and
effortless communication, that you are willing to be deceived
rather than fall short of what you are hoping for. Listening
sympathetically to others' problems may come easily now, and you
are more likely to get a compassionate response from others
about your own problems. However, it may also be difficult to
draw clear and firm boundaries with others, since you are more
susceptible to the emotional gravity of others. It is ultimately
a time for optimism, hope, creativity and intuition, although
it's wise to keep at least one foot on the ground.
Dec.07 � Venus enters Aquarius (until
Jan.03)
Relationships, material abundance and
values take a step back to gain perspective, detachment and room
to breathe in freedom. You may find that you want to use your
finances and resources to benefit those who are disadvantaged or
to support the greater good of society in some way. It can be a
good time to experiment or try new things, to network with
groups of people, and to take an objective view about intimacy
and interaction. Relationships can take on an idealistic edge,
seeking a state of equality and rebelling against imbalances
that give one person advantage over the other. Having a strong
element of friendship in your intimate relationships may become
very important during this time, and friendships themselves
could take a central place in your life. Detachment without
disconnection is the ideal here. You may not be in a position to
foresee future possibilities and translate desires into wishes
and new hope.
Dec.08 � Sun sextile Chiron (17:05 of
Sagittarius/Aquarius) (Dec.09 in AU)
This is a time when you have an
opportunity to mend and heal the chronic struggles in your life.
You may find new inspiration, motivation or confidence that can
help rejuvenate waning enthusiasm or reconcile persistent
problems, although you'll still have to apply effort to bring it
all together. You might get the chance to demonstrate your
ability to walk your own path in a new way. Or, you might get a
peek inside the hidden shadow of your worries and
discouragement, giving you new insight into how you might be
unconsciously sabotaging your conscious efforts. You may have to
face a bit of your own fear of failure or low self-esteem before
you can get beyond these feelings and tap into the benefits of
this transit � not because you are failing but because these
concerns may arise in response to the new potential now
available to you. By tapping into this potential for creative
problem solving, you can bring some healing to whatever your
situation is.
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Dec.09 � Mars sextile Chiron (17:09 of
Sagittarius/Aquarius) (Dec.10 in AU)
This transit gives you the opportunity
to take action that can bring some healing resolution to some
ongoing problems you've been having. For example, if you've been
suffering from weakened energy or chronic health problems, this
transit could bring a bit of relief, especially if you're
willing to invest some effort to move yourself forward. Or you
might find that you have extra self-confidence to deal with a
dilemma that has not wanted to go away. You might also find
yourself in a position where you can help others find some
relief or empowerment related to their suffering and chronic
struggles. Problem solving of all kinds can benefit by taking an
attitude of proactively doing what you can do, and then let go
of what you can't.
Dec.10 � Sun square Uranus (18:49 of
Sagittarius/Pisces)
Your world may experience a bit of a
shake-up right now, as the Universe decides it's time to make
things "interesting." This is a wake-up call, designed to loosen
you up from the ways you have become too habitual, stuck or
inhibited. The "radical rascal" in you may be itching to come
out and stir up trouble, which on one hand might be necessary
but also very disruptive and possibly even destructive. Be alert
to new insights and opportunities disguised as accidents or
crises. Your usual sense of self and purpose may become somewhat
unsettled right now, but a space is likely being cleared to make
room for new growth and possibilities. If you're looking to
break old habits or break free of old restrictions, this may be
the time � but it could create a mess that you'll have to clean
up later. Resist the urge to rebel just for the sake of doing
something different, and aim instead to break free of old forms
of self-expression and ideals that don�t work for you anymore.
Expect the unexpected and then surf the shock-wave.
Dec.12 � Mars square Uranus (18:50 of
Sagittarius/Pisces)
Erratic action and unpredictable
impulses can surface under this transit. Active energy is more
available now, but it can be very hard to control its direction,
speed, intensity or predictability. Under this volatile
atmosphere, unconscious or suppressed emotions (like anger,
frustration, fear or desire) can jump out when you least expect
them. Being accident prone is not uncommon. This can be great if
you're trying to release inhibitions, find courage to sprint
forward or break out of an old habit. Unfortunately, there's no
guarantee that your actions won't turn out to be destructive,
counter-productive or too much of a good thing. You might be
tempted to take greater risks than is wise, but this risk-taking
impulse can also break you out of a rut too. It's important to
use your best judgment when faced with this kind of potent yet
volatile energy.
Dec.12 � Mercury enters Capricorn
(until Jan.01)
Cheerful, adaptable Mercury travels
through conventional, structured Capricorn, bringing out his
analytical, focused side. This is a good time to plan your
projects and map out a game plan to reach your goals. It is
probably best to choose discipline over distraction.
Communication, ideas and awareness may become serious,
structured, grounded and manifest now. Just don�t let them
become suppressed or censored. This is a great time to do some
serious planning and organizing for future projects and goals.
It is also a good time for analyzing and evaluating what you
have been involved with during the past year or so. What have
you learned? What information has come to you that has led you
into new directions? What goals have you achieved, and what
goals do you want to pursue now? What plan of action is required
to get you from here to there? It may be a time when you can
face some hard reality and tough decisions better than you
normally do. Because Mercury in Capricorn tends to be serious
and factual, it may also be a time when you are more prone to
depression or discouragement. It will help to schedule regular
breaks in your routine to get away and plug your head into a
different perspective for a while.
Note: Mercury goes retrograde on
Jan.11. Although it makes the Retrograde station while in
Aquarius, it moves backwards into Capricorn for much of the
retrograde cycle. Therefore, be alert to issues, events and
themes coming up while Mercury makes its way through Capricorn
now, since some of these may come back for further attention or
reconsideration in January or February.
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Sabian Symbol for the
Full Moon in Gemini
Gemini 22
"A barn dance" or "Dancing couples in a harvest
festival."
They say it takes two to tango�and Gemini (the Twins)
is just the sign to provide both of them!
This Sabian Symbol
("What's a Sabian Symbol?")
describes a social setting in
which people gather together to have fun. Says Marc Edmund Jones: "Richness
of living comes from an uninhibited sharing of everyday potentialities,
together with a maximum of happy give-and-take between [individuals]." (The Sabian Symbols in Astrology )
Dane Rudhyar describes a dance between the mind
and the emotions, as they join together in a rhythmical process. (An Astrological Mandala )
Lynda Hill points out that the harvest alludes to
seasonal rhythms. The heart and mind can take a break and enjoy life. (360 Degrees of Wisdom )
This symbol seems to remind us to celebrate life by
tuning into the natural cycles around us. We are approaching the December
Solstice, part of the
Wheel of the Year
. And we are
approaching the end of the calendar year and the beginning of a new one. If
life is less than stellar right now, remember that this too will pass. If
life is joyous, fulfilling, exciting or fun, then enjoy it while it's here!
Find out more about the Sabian Symbols in these
recommended books:
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Dec.12 � FULL MOON in GEMINI (21:02 of Gemini)
Pick your battles! But make sure (a)
you've got your facts straight and (b) you're doing it for the
right reasons. That seems to be the message of this Full Moon in
Gemini. When you see a battle that seems worth fighting for, how
do you do that without resorting to oppression or bullying? And
how do you keep from becoming so reactive that you forget what
you were fighting for in the first place? Keep it honourable,
but not so virtuous that you can't live up to your own ideals.
When it all comes down to it, it will
be your frame of mind that steers you through this time. Your
conscious thoughts, ideas and perceptions form the lens you peer
through to gather your information. Be careful that your lens
isn't focused too far ahead � too far into the future, on such a
big a picture that you lose sight of the next step, or on a
principle so bright that everything else looks like a lump of
coal by comparison. At the same time, be careful your lens isn't
focused too close to you � so subjective that you can't see the
situation objectively, so detailed that you can't see the bigger
picture, or reacting so automatically in the moment that you
miss other options you have available to you.
At the end of the day (or, more
accurately, the end of this lunar cycle), you will be left with
the task of processing your experience, finding the right words
to describe it, exploring answers to lingering questions, and
integrating your experience into your current understanding and
knowledge.
So, if you feel like something or
someone is holding you back from being completely spontaneous,
that might not be a bad thing. Otherwise you might go overboard
and wind up (over)reacting for the sake of impulses, curiosity
or short-sightedness. On the other hand, you might also feel
like something or someone is determined to push you�kicking and
screaming, if necessary�out of your comfort zone. This, too, may
not be a bad thing, since it can keep you from getting so locked
into the same perceptions, expectations and awareness about
things that you wind up sounding like a broken
record.
All of this you can blame on the Grand Cross in Mutable
signs at the Full Moon! This is a continuation of the T-square
from Dec.02-20, which the Moon with
to form a Grand Cross. The Sun-Moon opposition is square to the
Saturn-Uranus opposition. And if that weren't enough, Mars joins
in the scuffle through its conjunction to the Sun. They all
bring different agendas to the battlefield. The Sun part of you
wants to aim for the best outcome that will be consistent with
your principles. The Mars part of you wants to take action in a
direction that is righteous and has far-reaching implications
(nothing ordinary here, thank you). The Saturn part of you wants
to slow things down enough for you to notice, understand and
attend to the finer points of fact. The Uranus part of you wants
to break away from a mundane existence by imagining the best of
all possible worlds (nothing ordinary here either).
That leaves the Gemini Full Moon part
of you to sit back and wonder how the heck to put it all
together. Curiosity is helpful (exploring the situation) because
it can open your mind to new possibilities and insights, but
it's not enough to bring it all into a cohesive whole.
Information is helpful too (reading, talking to others, surfing
the Internet) because it can give your mind the building blocks
that can be put together like a puzzle, but data is not enough
to give you the wisdom of how to use it.
However, the Gemini Full Moon has a
number of allies to call on. First of all, the ruling planet of
Gemini, Mercury, is exactly
conjunct Pluto (a mere 8 minutes of arc apart) in the first
degree of Capricorn. The Capricorn can help with organizing and
prioritizing what is happening. Pluto helps by bestowing x-ray
vision on perceptive Mercury, giving you the ability to see
through the surface of what's going on and to see the deeper
implications. In other words, this makes it easier to see that
there's more to your situation than just a jumble of facts,
events, feelings and ideas � there is a deeper purpose and
meaning.
What you have to figure out is: Is
that deeper meaning that (you think) you're seeing objectively
true, or is it coloured by your own unconscious expectations, or
is it coming from the other person's unconscious projections?
This may not be as easy as you think. The Mercury-Pluto
conjunction is virtually unaspected to the rest of the New Moon
chart. This can make those deeper insights come and go like
ghostly images in a nighttime lightning storm. Watch your dreams
for clues. And be sure you do a reality check before just
assuming that what you're picking up really is true in the way
you think it is. If your perceptions seem to stall just when
they're starting, don't worry; just wait for it to come around
again.
Neptune and Chiron form a Wedge
aspect configuration to the Mars/Sun-Moon opposition. This can
provide an optimistic and healing perspective despite the
struggle, conflict or intensity of the Grand Cross. Neptune
knows that most things will pass eventually, and Chiron knows
that whatever lingers can be dealt with. Just be careful not to
get so relaxed and blissful that you wind up ignoring and
neglecting the more demanding issues that need tending to.
With Mars square Saturn right
now, you could feel a bit like you're all ready for a big
adventure, only to be grounded by bad weather. While you might
feel frustrated, disappointed or perplexed by this, you just
might find that there is some advantage in this (e.g. keeping
you from getting stuck in the mud somewhere) or that there is
something that still needs your attention "back home." In other
words, if you feel held back, blocked or weighed down by
responsibility, at a time when you long to be free, passionate
and uplifted, check to see if it might actually put you in a
better position to gain an advantage, prevent a worse situation,
or deal with a problem that is interfering with your life.
On Dec.18, the Moon catches up to
Saturn, which could bring the Full Moon energy and themes back
into vivid focus. By the time the Moon reaches the next point of
the Grand Cross, the Sun and Mars will have moved on, breaking
the T-square circuit of energy. When the Moon arrives there, it
will once again form a T-square aspect figure with Saturn and
Uranus on Dec.25/26. This can be a time to process and integrate
what you've gained and learned throughout December. If there is
something left over that remains unresolved, it could make
itself known at that time.
A final thought: December tends
to be a high stress time for a lot of us. High expectations of
the holidays combine with old family/childhood dynamics during a
time of feeling pressured to spend money, perhaps beyond your
financial limits. If you're feeling the fallout of the current
economic upheaval, that pressure could sometimes feel like a
lead weight on your back. The message of this Full Moon can be
to scale down your expectations and enjoy the moments. Let your
passion and drive focus on the intangible joys and rewards of
the season, be that friendship, socializing and fun, or feeling
connected to the Earth and enjoying the seasonal weather in your
corner of the world. If you tend to be "Bah, humbug!" about the holidays, find
ways to redefine what the holiday times mean and allow your
curiosity and sense of humour to entertain you. And if your
philosophy of life is more agnostic, atheist or undefined, find
something to celebrate that is special to you and makes your
life meaningful.
I wish you all a very Merry
Christmas
(Dec.25), a Happy Hanukkah
(sundown Dec.21-31), a Happy
Eid
al-Adha (Dec.08), a Joyful Yule (Dec.21), a bright
Solstice
(Dec.21), a Happy Kwanzaa (Dec.26-Jan.01) and a delightful
December!
Dec.12 �
Mercury conjunct Pluto (00:33 of Capricorn)
(Dec.13 in AU)
Deep insights and passionate
communication are possible under this transit ...although, so is
speaking more forcefully than you intend to about things that
require a bit of delicacy or discretion. This can be a new
beginning in understanding the deeper motives and dynamics of
what is happening in your life, although this could happen with
great intensity or obsession. The light can finally start to go
on in the darker corners that have eluded you. Although what you
see there might be both illuminating and disturbing, it is
ultimately something you can grow from, which can transform your
mental outlook into something more meaningful and resilient.
This is a time when you can start to shed and leave behind old
worn out perceptions or ineffective forms of communication. You
also have an increased ability to take thoughts, ideas and
information and transform them into something healing ...or
wounding. Choose your words carefully and mindfully. Writing
down your thoughts and ideas to capture the energy of this
transit can help you gather the deeper qualities.
Dec.12 �
Sun square Saturn (21:27 of Sagittarius/Virgo)
(Dec.13 in UK, AU)
It is necessary for you to come to
grips with limitations, boundaries or expectations. If you have
been avoiding some task or obligation, this transit might bring
consequences from that avoidance or a warning of consequences to
come. You might also encounter a situation that requires you to
accept unwanted responsibility or restricts your freedom in some
way. You might be faced with some part of your life being pruned
back, either to rein in something that is out of control or to
make room for new growth. This is likely to be more or less
stressful depending on how comfortable you are dealing with
responsibility, authority, limits and hard work. If you have a
hard time with authority issues, you might find yourself in
conflict with someone in authority under this transit � perhaps
in part because your buttons are getting pushed. On the other
hand, this could also be a time when you are challenged to take
action or make a decision that involves taking on more
responsibility. It is also a time when you may have to find
better ways to deal with personal boundaries � accepting others'
or learning to assert your own. You're bumping up against
reality, so try to work constructively with it, not hurl
yourself against it.
Dec.13 �
Sun sextile Neptune (21:57 of Sagittarius/Aquarius)
(Dec.14 in AU)
Faith in the bountiful blessings of
the Universe is within reach under this transit...but then, so
is the fantasy that you will be magically granted anything you
wish for. Although this is mostly a very positive energy, you
could become so immersed in your longing for the ideal that you
have trouble dealing with the less-than-ideal realities that
still must be dealt with. Gaining the benefit from this transit
will still require some effort. Hope, optimism and imagination
are in the air, which could bring some relief from any
depression or discouragement you might be feeling. Your
creativity and imagination can be very inspired under this
transit. Your sense of self could also get an infusion of
uplifting vision, and you may experience a sense of mission,
feeling that you are truly a Child of the Universe. There is
potential now to lift you out of the ordinary and into the
sublime � spiritually, creatively, romantically or
compassionately � although this will require your cooperation to
take advantage of it. Enjoy it while it lasts, but before you
make changes based on what might feel like a permanent
condition, remember that this is mostly a temporary influence
and you will still have to live within the bounds of the
physical world after it passes. Don't make overly optimistic
promises now, that you will have to fulfil later when the
euphoria wears off.
Dec.15 �
Mars square Saturn (21:32 of Sagittarius/Virgo)
(Dec.16 in AU)
The impulsive forward action of Mars
meets the serious structure of Saturn. The resulting friction
can often generate considerable heat in the form of frustration,
argument, conflict and stress � but also productivity and
results for hard work. Your efforts may seem thwarted and your
actions blocked at every turn. Your sensitivity to problems with
authority figures can be especially high, as well as your
sensitivity to others not cooperating with your own role as an
authority figure. The youthful, free spirit in you is somehow
required to deal with the serious, responsible, cautious side of
you, and a power struggle between the two energies can easily
result. If one side wins out over the other, either depression
and guilt or rebellion and obsession may result. However, you
are not without power or ability! This friction can also be put
to use in very productive ways. Your energy, desire and goals
can be made manifest and concrete � even if possibly forced by
circumstance. Obstacles can strengthen us, if we work with them
instead of just fighting against them. To minimise interpersonal
problems, remember that assertiveness is important, but
aggression or rigidity will usually only get the other person's
back up. You may find yourself in a situation where you must
defend or assert your personal boundaries. Or, you might find it
difficult to comply with someone else's boundaries. If the heat
from this transit starts to overwhelm you, take some time out,
find a safe (perhaps creative?) outlet to vent your feelings,
and then find a new way to approach the problem.
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Dec.16 �
Mars sextile Neptune (22:01 Sagittarius/Aquarius)
(Dec.17 in AU)
There is potential for inspired action
now. You could achieve a softening or soothing of the blunt
force of anger, frustration, confrontation and conflict, without
this resulting in powerlessness or passivity. It may be easier
to move forward with your plans and intentions based on the
power of faith or ideals. It's important to not get lost in
those ideals to the point where you lose sight of what's
realistic, but this is a time when you may be more inclined to
take a leap of faith and say "Oh what the heck!" Your emotional
impact on others (or their impact on you) could be greater than
is intended or expected, so use this expanded energy wisely.
Dec.21 �
DECEMBER SOLSTICE � Sun enters Capricorn (until Jan.19.2009)
Happy Solar Return to all Capricorns!
And Happy Solstice and Happy Yule to all of us! When the Sun
enters Capricorn each year, it marks the Winter Solstice in the
northern hemisphere (longest night) and the Summer Solstice in
the southern hemisphere (longest day). Yule is the traditional
celebration of the December solstice in European-derived
cultures, welcoming the start of the increasing light. While the
Sun is in Capricorn, we have the opportunity to explore our
connection to the earth (Capricorn being an Earth sign) in a
physical way. Whether you are bundling up to survive a cold
winter, or unwinding after the summer heat, or getting down to
business as the landscape blooms in "downunder" summer
splendour, there is something very manifest and substantial
about the experience of Capricorn. This energy calls on us to
get real in whatever we are doing � to bring structure,
responsibility and discipline to whatever we do. It is a time to
work on our "containment." Not in the sense of suppression, but
in terms of defining the boundaries within which our growth can
flourish down the road, and keeping our impulses from
inconveniently spilling over the edges of those boundaries.
Sometimes that means cutting back in certain areas in order to
focus your energy and make room for new growth. Sometimes it
means having to delay gratification and reward until you reach a
certain point of progress. The Capricorn rule of thumb is: if
you do whatever is necessary, the rewards will come.
Dec.22 �
Sun conjunct Pluto (00:54 of Capricorn)
Your sense of purpose is potentially
very strong right now, as you are able to tap into a deeper
level of energy and determination. Your personality is likely to
be more forceful now, which can be great if you need to make a
strong impression but perhaps not so great in situations
requiring delicacy, subtlety or diplomacy. You have increased
ability to see below the surface of things, although it may not
be as easy to articulate it in a way that is received
comfortably by others. What you pick up from others can also
become mixed up with your own personal issues, making it hard to
tell where one stops and the other begins. Paranoia and
suspicion can be strong. It is possible to unearth secrets or
get at the core of unconscious patterns (yours and others'), but
it is important to be prudent in how you respond to this
awareness. You have the ability to wound as well as heal right
now, so probe into the depths (yours and others') as you would
into an egg shell that you don't want to break � gently,
mindfully and respectfully.
Dec.23 �
Venus conjunct Chiron (17:51 of Aquarius) (Dec.24 in AU)
Unresolved problems and old wounds in
relationships and finances may be in the foreground now, with
potential for a new beginning and healing. However, in order to
heal something, it is first necessary to become more aware of
what is out of balance, which can make a situation seem to get
worse before it gets better. You have the ability to wound those
close to you, as well as to bring healing, as you explore what
is and isn't working in your relationships. It is also a time
when your approach to finances and resources may require that
you face some hard realities that may not be easily or quickly
resolved, but dealing with any problems will give you the chance
to achieve a new balance. This is especially true when it comes
to the ways that you see your physical resources as a reflection
of your self-worth, and the relationships in your life as a
reflection of your lovability. These issues may become
aggravated under this transit, but ultimately this is meant to
increase your awareness of these issues so that you can start to
heal them in new ways.
Dec.24 �
Mercury sextile Uranus (19:03 of Capricorn/Pisces)
(Dec.25 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.
Dec.26 �
Mercury trine Saturn (21:44 of Capricorn/Virgo)
It can be easier to take a logical,
practical approach to problem-solving and pursuit of your goals
now. Your mental outlook is likely to be calm and grounded. This
is a good time to make plans and work out the logistics of how
you're going to get from "here" to "there" in pursuing your
goals. You may find it's time to bring closure to finished goals
by distilling and systemizing what you've learned in the process
of pursuing those past goals. Or, you might find you are able to
draw on past achievements to assist and support your current
goals and plans. It is a good transit to bring structure to your
thoughts and communication. You may find it's a little easier to
accept authority � yours or someone else's � and that you are
able to speak authoritatively about things about which you have
knowledge or experience.
Mercury now enters the area of Zodiac
where it will later go retrograde (Jan.11 to Feb.01, 2009).
During its retrograde cycle, Mercury travels through the same
span of the Zodiac three times (called the Shadow). The first
time through, it is going in direct motion (moving forward),
then retrograde (looks like it's going backwards), and then
direct again. This means there is a more involved process of
development and change involved with things that Mercury
influences�ideas, thoughts, frame of mind and mental focus. It
also concerns the collection, exchange, analysis and
organisation of information. All forms of communication are also
affected�email and snail mail, the Internet, the media in
general, books and magazines, as well as public transit (buses,
trains, etc.) and neighbourhoods. The situations developing over
the next 2 weeks (leading up to when Mercury actually goes
retrograde) will likely require further research, deeper
consideration and adjustments to unexpected discoveries over the
next couple of months. Expect changes in your plans,
increasingly disrupted communication, and new information coming
to light that may not fit conveniently into your plans. It's
wise to leave lots of extra time to do things, plan future
projects and get to wherever you're going. If you must make
important decisions during this time, try to build some
flexibility into your plans to allow for later changes�or if
possible, you may want to delay final or irrevocable decisions
until well after Mercury goes direct (Feb.01).
Mercury makes 3 passes to two major
aspects during this retrograde cycle: conjunction to Mars and
conjunction to Jupiter. The conjunction to Mars (Nov.28.2008, Jan.27.2009, Mar.01.2009) is spread
out over 3 signs: Sagittarius, Capricorn and Aquarius. You will
have the opportunity to mouth off in 3 different astrological
languages! In Sagittarius (Nov.2008), you may have been
compelled to speak your truth with passion. In Capricorn
(Jan.2009), you might feel it necessary to grab hold of the
facts that will give you the greatest practical advantage, or be
able to be unusually productive by sharply focusing your
intentions in one direction. In Aquarius (Mar.2009), you could
be ready to break away from all that intense concentration and
free your mind (and mouth) to see (and express) your situation
from a very different perspective. It's not just about fighting
for the higher truth, or working toward a practical goal. You
may feel it's important to apply these things toward the good of
everyone involved, or use it to free yourself from old
misconceptions that have held you back.
The conjunction to Jupiter is
initially in Capricorn (Dec.31.2008), which perhaps shows a
determination to look on the bright side at the end of a
difficult, exhausting or challenging year. The next two passes
are in Aquarius (Jan.18.2009, Feb.24, 2009), which are likely to
make optimism easier to attain through unusual, unconventional
or just different opportunities.
Dec.27 �
Mars enters Capricorn (until Feb.04)
Mars works very well in Capricorn � in
fact, Mars can be quite the little workhorse! Action that
pursues your ambitions, goals, projects or objectives can make
serious progress under this transit. It may be easier to pace
yourself and be disciplined in how you use your energy and
effort now. Taking a serious, responsible attitude in your
actions is likely to produce positive results, even more-so than
usual. On the other hand, if you have difficulty with these
qualities, and tend to rebel or fight to preserve your freedom,
you might feel more like you're being strapped into a yoke and
harness and ordered to plough the fields. However, the amount of
serious, authentic work you're willing to put your energy into
will likely pay off in kind. It can be a good time to show
leadership or to make independent decisions that lead by
example. Taking risks will make more sense if you prepare your
strategy and map out your plan of action.
Next Update: NEW MOON in CAPRICORN - December 27,
2008. Available by Dec.27.
� 2008
Wendy Guy. All rights reserved. This material may not be copied without
the author's written permission. Image of dancing couple:
painting by Pierre-August Renoir, from
Wikimedia Commons. |
