On the Edge: New Moon in Pisces 2018

An Alpine Ibex standing on a rock in Gorndergrat; photo by Simo Räsänen via Wikimedia Commons. 

New Moon @ 26 degrees Pisces 53'

March 17, 2018

6:12 AM Los Angeles

9:12 AM New York

1:12 AM London

5:12 PM Dubai

9:12 PM Beijing

March 18, 2018

12:12 AM Sydney

2:12 AM Auckland

As we begin this new lunar cycle, the Sun, and Moon align in the latter degrees of tropical Pisces. As a mutable, water sign, a Pisces New Moon often correlates with nebulous and mysterious transitions. And just days before Mercury turns retrograde (March 22/23) we might feel ourselves on the edge of a prominent shift, but perhaps uncertain of the form it will ultimately take. Mars’ ingress into Capricorn alongside this New Moon further punctuates these permutable vibes. Pisces is amorphous, mystical, and gentle, but this lunation is anything but easy-going or light.

At the final degree of Sagittarius, Mars makes a hard square aspect to the New Moon, while the centaur object Chiron sits in close conjunction. Some may experience the surfacing of trauma, frustration, or even conflict. With Pisces, the possibilities are seemingly endless, because Pisces contains the memories of all prior zodiac signs, invoking an awareness that the universe is ultimately fractalized and interconnected. For those deeply sensitive, you might feel connected to the rising of collective fear, anger, and rage. You might sense the truth that pain is an inevitable part of living.

And reflected in that pain, is your own piece of it. In its negative face, this New Moon can be emotionally overwhelming and acting out or projecting frustration could easily hit the wrong targets. This New Moon invites us inward, to reflect on the source of our pain, but it offers a way to take the steps needed toward transforming it into gifts for the benefit of others. For this New Moon to manifest positively, we may need to really look beyond ourselves and consider things from a more holistic vantage point. Chiron’s presence at this New Moon juncture suggests a shift of attitude and perception about your faults, wounds, and defects. And Mars’ square, while challenging and aggravating, can just as easily catalyze action toward the manifestation of new healing potentials.

Jupiter makes an auspicious trine aspect to the New Moon as well, which gives access to hope, optimism, and the awareness of new doors opening. While Jupiter can, of course, dramatize or amplify the negative aspects of this New Moon, it stands as a beacon of new possibility and support. Situations which arise under this lunation are not as dire or hopeless as they may at first appear. In fact, this New Moon works to alter our perception of dysfunctional or “broken” elements in our lives so we can see their positive impact, and how they fit into a larger, cosmic scheme. If you could reframe just one thing in your life that stands a source of deep pain, what would it be?

Mars entering Capricorn soon after this New Moon changes the landscape quite a bit. We move from inward contemplation to a highly ambitious and challenging cycle which stimulates productivity, determination, and drive. Mercury’s retrograde cycle occurs in square relationship to both Saturn and Mars, which suggests that the following few weeks may require a patient and careful reworking of strategies, goals, plans, objectives, and projects. Use this New Moon as a dynamic starting point for learning to surrender and connect with your most critical priorities. As we enter this Mars/Saturn/Capricorn season clear through May, procrastination is no longer an option, and neither is carelessness in handling responsibilities. Take your time but remain diligent.

Life feels overwhelming when faced with things outside of your control. Understanding yourself is key to finding your power and place in the world. While you can't control fate or the chaos of life, your destiny belongs to you, something you can always strive for to gain command of your life path. 

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Step Up and Be Helpful: Full Moon in Virgo 2018

Hypholoma fasciculare, Yellow Sulphur Tuft mushrooms; photo by Stu's Images [CC BY-SA 4.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Full Moon @ 11 Virgo 23' 

March 1, 2018

4:52 PM Los Angeles 

7:52 PM New York

March 2, 2018

1:52 AM London

4:52 AM Dubai

6:52 AM Beijing

9:52 AM Sydney

12:52 PM Auckland

As the Full Moon culminates in tropical Virgo, we’re challenged to integrate the Virgo/Pisces polarity. Over the past week, four planets, including the Centaur object, Chiron, have been transiting Pisces. Neptune and Chiron have been here for some time, but the Sun, Mercury, and Venus' recent Piscean ingress further punctuate the collective dissolution of boundaries, awakening the need to unify as a response to a lucid awareness of chaotic forces within the universe. Under this heavy Piscean influx, we’re inundated with waves of compassion, empathy, and potential confusion. As we meet face to face with the abysmal void of mystery and unknowing, we may feel powerless and overwhelmed.

Pisces seeks self-transcendence, and in that process, can impulse the need to move beyond personal concerns for the sake of a larger cause, movement, or purpose. For some, the Piscean depths can lead to a sense of floundering as we struggle to cope with the true enormity of the universe and its myriad shapes, forms, and experiences. While an expansion of consciousness can augment one's personal awareness and perceptions, it can sometimes ignite a crisis as one gains a true perspective of their existence relative to everything else. And in its most extreme, Pisces invokes a realization of the fluidity of all matter, time, and space--that what we see, touch, and feel are nothing more than a dream, passing by like diaphanous clouds.

But as the Full Moon reaches its peak, it brings with it a grounding, pragmatic, and directed vibe into the collective sphere. Virgo, a mutable, earth sign, seeks reason, intelligibility, and precision. If you’ve felt like you’ve been carried away by a tidal wave lately, uncertain or clueless of the direction of flow, this Full Moon in Virgo acts as a helpful, focusing lens of integration. A Full Moon in Virgo can bring your persistent efforts to a culmination, helping to zero in on a practical application for your innate need or desire to be of service to others. And while doubt and criticism are aspects of the Virgoan shadow, Neptune’s opposition (alongside the pile-up of planets in Pisces) serve to remind us that ultimate perfection is not the goal.

Life feels overwhelming when faced with things outside of your control. Understanding yourself is key to finding your power and place in the world. While you can't control fate or the chaos of life, your destiny belongs to you, something you can always strive for to gain command of your life path. 

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We're here for the experience, and in actuality, the ultimate shape or form of those experiences doesn’t really matter. From an esoteric perspective, our karma may be nothing more than an emotional memory or awareness that moves throughout the universe in the form of an amorphous energy. The ego’s attachment to perfection reflects its inability to accept its impermanence and pointlessness. As a vehicle for the soul’s expression in each lifetime, the ego is a temporary cloak that will eventually be discarded. Thus, the shape of your life and your purpose in this lifetime is essentially the same thing, a vehicle for the acquisition of experience.

As the Moon blossoms in Virgo, consider what great service you have to offer the world. Consider that you deserve to feel useful and needed by the communities that you’re a part of--that you deserve to feel connected to something greater than your personal needs and desires. Look out into the world and consider who you might help and how you might overcome the ego’s petty need to “get it right” so that you can just show up and serve. How desperately does the world need those willing to band together and give their gifts, competence, and tools for the sake of being useful? Neptune’s opposition and conjunction with the Sun is a powerful reminder that there's truly no division between you and them, that we’re all in this together. Whatever you ultimately choose as the vehicle for your service, Virgo’s ideal aim of perfection can help you hone your craft and improve it.

During this Full Moon, you may find yourself reaching a new stage of competency and skillfulness, or find that your efforts at self-improvement are bearing some fruit. Mars’ wide square to the Full Moon axis and Mercury/Venus in Pisces can be a source of aggravation, frustration, or conflict leading to the crisis aspect of the Full Moon. For some, this lunation may aggressively bring forth the realization of some aspect of their lives that desperately needs to be worked on. But Mars can also manifest as a catalyst for the mobilization of willpower and relentless determination to better oneself. And Saturn’s trine to the Full Moon is a helpful aspect for narrowing in on a singular objective, offering an ease of access to persistence and self-discipline.  As the Moon reaches this next climax, consider releasing your need to get it perfect and just step up and be helpful. 

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Cerebral Shifts: Solar Eclipse in Aquarius 2018

Photo by Wing-Chi Poon (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

New Moon/Partial Solar Eclipse @ 27 degrees Aquarius 08'

February 15

1:05 PM Los Angeles

4:05 PM New York

10:05 PM London

February 16

1:05 AM Dubai

3:05 AM Beijing

6:05 AM Sydney

9:05 AM Auckland

Following a dynamic total Lunar Eclipse in tropical Leo two weeks ago, this Aquarian Solar Eclipse takes us to the other end of the spectrum. Unlike the fiery and passionate heat of Leo, Aquarius is cool, calm, collected, and sometimes eccentric. As an air sign, the Aquarian archetype highlights thought and social dimensions. Further compounding the mental nature of this eclipse (as opposed to the emotional impact of the Leo Lunar Eclipse), the planet Mercury closely conjoins the eclipsed Sun within some striking distance of the lunar south node. 

This first pair of eclipses in 2018 takes us back to the changes that occurred during the eclipses of August 2017. Hitting the same Leo/Aquarius axis, these eclipses open a portal to the past to accelerate us toward the future. A Solar Eclipse is a magnified New Moon. It represents a powerful new beginning. As a south nodal eclipse, there's an element of release, surrender, and letting go. 

With the involvement of Mercury, this eclipse invites us to take notice of thinking patterns and perceptions that have outlived their usefulness in our lives. The south node emphasizes the shadow dimensions of Aquarius, which can recede into a cold, distant, and dispassionate approach to life. An overemphasis on objectifying everything, such as our actions, the flow of events, or even nature itself, can turn reality into a mechanical and meaningless morass of purposeless activity. 

Life feels overwhelming when faced with things outside of your control. Understanding yourself is key to finding your power and place in the world. While you can't control fate or the chaos of life, your destiny belongs to you, something you can always strive for to gain command of your life path. 

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Saturn's traditional rulership of Aquarius tends to infuse life with drudgery and banality when not kept in check. Jupiter's upper square to this eclipse brings about an inundation of optimism, hope, and positivity. Blessing the eclipse and Mercury, Jupiter symbolizes an affirmative shift in how we view our lives and what's possible for our future. And yet, still, the challenge of passing through any eclipse is the death of something to make space for new life. 

In it's most challenging face, this eclipse could symbolize the painful demise of an antiquated idea about how reality works. Jupiter's square from Scorpio offers a more authentically oriented framework from which to perceive things from here on out. But it can also incite overly optimistic leaps leading to poorly thought out plans of action. Mercury and Aquarius should maintain a more rational grip, but make sure that you're making a realistic assessment of your choices around this eclipse. 

Uranus, the modern ruler of Aquarius, forms a sextile to this eclipse as well--offering an exciting path to liberation and alternative perspectives. The mind has a terrible habit of limiting the scope of the soul's ability to shape its destiny. The lunar north node in Leo suggests an embrace of creative spontaneity. In the days following this eclipse, Mercury is fully engulfed by the Sun via its superior conjunction on Feb. 17/18, symbolizing further transformation of thoughts, perceptions, and theories and the emergence of significant news, data, and information. 

If you've lost touch with the magical and creative face of the universe, trust this eclipse to reawaken it. If you've allowed your mind to take control, overloading your nervous system with doubt, confusion, worry, and stress--let this eclipse and Mercury/Sun conjunction dissolve it and infuse your awareness again with mystery and wonder. A clustering of planets in Pisces the next few weeks promises a playful dance with the numinous. 

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Trust That You Deserve it: Supermoon/Lunar Eclipse in Leo 2018

Total Lunar Eclipse September 28, 2015; photo by Radoslaw Ziomber via Wikimedia Commons.

Supermoon/lunar eclipse @ 11 Leo 37'

January 31, 2018

5:27 AM Los Angeles

8:27 AM New York

2:27 PM London

5:27 PM Dubai 

7:27 PM Beijing

10:27 PM Sydney

February 1, 2018

1:27 AM Auckland 

This month’s Full Moon is a Supermoon and total Lunar Eclipse in tropical Leo. As you may also have heard, it’s a “Blue Moon,” the second of two Full Moons in one calendar month. Astrologically, a Blue Moon is insignificant (and in some parts of New Zealand this Full Moon occurs on Feb. 1), but a Supermoon/Lunar Eclipse is interesting enough on its own. As always with astrology, the impact of this event may or may not correlate with important events for you. Those with placements in Leo (Sun, Moon, or Asc) should take note, and to a lesser degree all other fixed signs of the zodiac (Scorpio, Aquarius, and Taurus). 

By itself, a Full Moon in Leo correlates with a theatrical or dramatic culmination of events, situations, and projects. During a Lunar Eclipse, these culminations take on a more vigorous and accelerated quality; and during a Supermoon, the subjective impact is notably more intense. Because the Moon is closer to the Earth during a Supermoon, the Moon does appear slightly larger (and brighter) but not much different from other Full Moons. However, the Supermoons closer proximity to Earth changes the ocean’s tides and may correlate with anomalous weather patterns/earth changes. 

During a Lunar Eclipse, the Earth’s shadow crosses the lunar surface. While not enough to entirely block the moonlight, this projection of the Earth gives the Moon a reddish-brown color (it definitely won’t be blue); this is why Lunar Eclipses are also called Blood Moons. Both solar and Lunar Eclipses occur in pairs each year, and Supermoon Lunar Eclipses aren’t that rare. The media and various astronomy websites have gone a little bit overboard with the hype surrounding this eclipse, but it does get the public more engaged with the sky. That’s always a good thing. 

But the attention this particular eclipse is gathering is apt for the sign of Leo known for its ostentatiousness, flamboyance, and gravitas. Leo's ruling planet, the Sun, is the center of everything in the solar system after all. Occurring much closer to the lunar north node than other Lunar Eclipses have in the past two years, this Leo eclipse represents a sensational and accelerated pull towards the future. If you’ve felt stagnant lately, this is a helpful, collective push forward, the most notable since the eclipses of August 2017. 

Eclipses are catalyzing and fast-paced, especially in fire sign Leo. On the days surrounding this eclipse, you might feel compelled to step out a little more, allowing exposure for yourself or your work. Much like this Supermoon/eclipse itself, be mindful of overhyped exaggerations. With Venus in opposition to the Moon, look beyond appearances. The tendency to be fooled by glamorous facades can be one theme and pitfall of this lunar eclipse. But if you believe in whatever you’re putting out there, trust this lunation’s call to confidently step up and gain applause, attention, and recognition from others. 

Venus’ opposition in Aquarius invites us to reach out and embrace increased visibility. Given the polarity of Sun/Moon during a Full Moon, the tension between Leo and Aquarius becomes an underlying theme. The south node in Aquarius speaks of alienation, rejection, and profuse objectification. The Aquarian shadow takes the need for freedom and independence to the extreme edges of social isolation. With Venus’ involvement in the triple conjunction with Sun and south node, the negative face of Venus is also a dominant theme. In the Venusian shadow, there’s an excess focus on compliance and the need for approval to the point of obliviating one’s voice, uniqueness, or viewpoints. The negative face of Venus refuses to stand up for itself, allowing others (or the cultural expectations) to direct one's life, dampening free will. 

If this eclipse speaks more directly to you, it can represent a breakthrough in embracing the confidence to step out and shine. And with both Venus and Jupiter’s connection to this lunation, it supplies auspicious peak energy for parties and celebratory events, especially acknowledging the completion or culmination of something significant. But we also can’t ignore the fact that too much of a good thing can turn sour or ugly. Watch out for over the top displays of egotism. Undeserved pride can lead to humiliating downfalls. Be careful of overestimating what you’re capable of, or even taking a good time too far into mindless overindulgence.

Jupiter’s square is a caution about overspending or overcommitting yourself to things outside of your capability. Quincunxes from Pluto and Saturn via Capricorn suggest pragmatic adjustments. Neptune's quincunx from Pisces is ego deflating. And the Sun, the lunar north node ruler, in Aquarius (plus the dynamic tension of this Full Moon), is an invitation to find balance, compromise, and integration between following your path and the will of the collective. If you’re mindful of those negatives, this Supermoon/Lunar Eclipse is an exciting culmination of creative and playful energy, touched by two benefic planets. It has the power to restore optimism, playfulness, joy, and a willingness to embrace new opportunities. Whether this eclipse is meaningful for you or not, find some way to let yourself be seen or heard. And trust that you deserve it. 

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Unified Willpower: New Moon in Capricorn 2018

Giant Sequoias in Sequoia National Park, 2013; photo by Tuxyso via Wikimedia Commons.

New Moon @ 26 Capricorn 54'

Jan. 16

6:17 PM Los Angeles

9:17 PM New York

Jan. 17

3:17 AM London

6:17 AM Dubai

8:17 AM Beijing

11:17 AM Sydney

2:17 Auckland

This first New Moon of 2018 marks the opening to eclipse season, culminating in a Supermoon/lunar eclipse on Jan. 31/Feb. 1. Occurring in tropical Capricorn, and with four other planets currently in this sign (including Pluto and Saturn), this lunation generates a focused, sobering vibe. On one level, a New Moon in Capricorn is a critical starting point for the execution of projects, tasks, or plans which require enormous amounts of hard work, commitment, and dedication. With such emphasis currently in Capricorn, this New Moon supports sustained effort and discipline channeled toward the accomplishment of long-range goals and objectives.

While a New Moon and the sign of Capricorn naturally stimulate the desire to retreat or withdraw, the planet Venus’ conjunction to this lunation adds a social dimension. Relationships of all kinds get highlighted in addition to artistic outlets. Relational and creative transmutations have been a major theme of the last few weeks with the Sun/Venus superior conjunction accompanied by Pluto. The clustering of these planets has worked to deepen established relationships, revealing unconscious desires, secrets, and emotions.

Alongside the Jupiter/Mars conjunction, the intensity of the past lunar cycle has been a critical step in deepening our awareness of embedded psychic and emotional constructs. But Capricorn is a highly pragmatic sign; themes that emerge around this New Moon direct us to the implementation of concrete strategies and ambitions. Venus’ presence points to collaboration and bridge building, suggesting that wherever you’re trying to go right now might work better if you ask for help, or that you might gain more fulfillment by offering a helping hand.

Collectively, this lunation carries a powerful message that social change is more effective when everyone is working toward similar objectives creating a unifying effect. A dynamic square from Uranus adds an element of unexpected change, breakthrough, or rebellious impulses, pressuring the implementation of adjustment or variation within our social contracts. Until Uranus fully ingresses into Taurus next year, the Uranus/Pluto square is still engendering massive collective upheaval and revolution. While Uranus is ultimately chaotic and unpredictable, its effect on this New Moon helps to catalyze new creative and cooperative directions.

For current relationships, Uranus’ square strongly suggests changing things up and adding something different to the usual routines. For some, this New Moon may mark a major chapter change in the overall structure of a relationship. For new relationships ignited under the auspices of Venus, there’s likely to be elements of spontaneity, impulsiveness, uniqueness, and unpredictability. A sextile from both Mars and Jupiter adds passion, lustiness, and enthusiasm to the moment. Ultimately, the major challenge of this New Moon is finding a healthy way to amicably integrate commitment and follow-through while inclusive of life’s inevitable need for diversification. 

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Feel into it: Supermoon in Cancer 2018

A Supermoon over Queen Valley at Joshua Tree National Park, Ca; photo by NPS/Brad Sutton

Full Moon @ 11 Cancer 38'

Jan. 1

6:24 PM Los Angeles

9:24 PM New York

Jan. 2

3:24 AM London

6:24 AM Dubai

8:24 AM Beijing

11:24 AM Sydney

2:24 AM Auckland

We kick off 2018 with a dynamic Full Moon/Supermoon in tropical Cancer. The Gregorian New Year doesn't' have a connection to nature and thus no real astrological significance, but this Full Moon at the gateway of 2018 is a compelling metaphoric statement about the year ahead. Occurring at the Moon's perigee, this Full Moon is also a Supermoon. The Moon will appear slightly larger (especially near the horizon) and will accentuate the emotional/psychic impact and may correlate with anomalous weather patterns/earth changes.

Cancer, the Moon’s domicile (home sign), does give this Full Moon an auspicious edge. And an opposition from Venus and applying trine to Jupiter further compounds the positive nature of this lunation. A Full Moon is a culmination, breaking point, or completion phase. We might anticipate some positive pinnacles or consummations relating to family and domestic life. A Full Moon in Cancer and opposed by both the Sun and Venus might refer to a collective amplification of empathy, nostalgia, sentimentality, compassion, as well as the need to bond, connect, and belong. 

Nurturing and supportive, the zodiacal sign of Cancer perceives life through the heart lens--extending a healing and nourishing vibe. Some might need extra support or "mothering" with this lunation. Others might feel excessively sensitive or emotional. Whatever your experience with this Full Moon, look to your closest relationships and those that have been developing for some time. You might notice some subtle yet profound shifts happening there, a deepening awareness of your tribal nexus. 

Creating a water grand trine with Neptune and the building conjunction of Mars/Jupiter plus an opposition to the encroaching Venus/Sun inferior conjunction, a lot is developing alongside this Full Moon. The water grand trine places emphasis on the emotional and psychic dimensions, and Neptune and Jupiter’s closed-circuit opens the doorway to spontaneous insight or an awakening of sensitivity. Some of the negative or stressful themes may correlate with finding the right balance between healthy “mothering” vs. smothering. 

The tension inherent to this Full Moon reveals the challenge of offering support but knowing when to set boundaries or when to “let the chicks fly on their own.” If this lunation speaks to you directly, the “auspicious” aspect of the Full Moon suggests that if you reach out and allow yourself to be vulnerable, then you’re likely to find the support and help that you need. Remember that Saturn’s recent Capricorn ingress (in whole sign opposition) demands the acceptance of responsibility, accountability, and a grown-up attitude when tackling any problem. 

And roughly one week from now, in the Moon’s waning shadow, we’ll be slogging around in some intense and profoundly emotional terrain. Jupiter and Mars’ conjunction Jan. 6/7 and the Venus/Sun/Pluto conjunction Jan. 8/9 will dredge up buried secrets and repressed or concealed desires and urges. Given Venus’ Full Moon opposition, many relationships (and creative/artistic projects) are undergoing a powerful renewal and purification process. What you reveal or realize now at this Full Moon will significantly alter your interactions and creations over the coming week. Be wise with your words and insights.

Life feels overwhelming when faced with things outside of your control. Understanding yourself is key to finding your power and place in the world. While you can't control fate or the chaos of life, your destiny belongs to you, something you can always strive for to gain command of your life path. 

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Surrender to the Data Flow: Full Moon in Gemini 2017

Light traces of a chain carousel, Viktorkirmes in Dülmen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany; photo by Dietmar Rabich, via Wikimedia Commons.

Full Moon @ 11 Gemini 40'
Dec. 3
7:47 AM Los Angeles
10:47 AM New York
4:47 PM London
7:47 PM Dubai
9:47 PM Beijing
Dec. 4
12:47 AM Sydney
3:47 AM Auckland

This last Full Moon of 2017 occurs in tropical Gemini and is also a Supermoon. A Supermoon is a Full Moon that occurs at perigee (when the Moon is closest to the Earth) which results in a slightly larger Moon, especially when rising beside buildings, mountains, or trees. 

A Supermoon also seems to correlate with increased psychic upheaval and natural events (like anomalous weather or earthquakes). Collectively and personally, a Full Moon is a dynamic culmination of energy, and alongside Mercury's retrograde station, Mars and Uranus' opposition, and Jupiter trine Neptune, it's a critical breaking point in narratives both public and private. 

A Gemini Full Moon is likely to bring significant information, facts, data, and discussions to the surface. With Gemini ruler Mercury in retrograde, conjunct Saturn, we're looking at some heavy topics requiring careful articulation and analysis. But considering that Mercury is retrograde, fully processing this information is going to take some time. 

It might be best to avoid hasty conclusions. Consider everything purely hypothetically and in need of further testing and evaluation over the next three weeks. If you feel the need to rush into something, really step back and question whether that's an appropriate response. 

And if you feel confused, overwhelmed with options, choices, decisions, or overburdened with info overload, try reflection or meditation instead of a purely rational approach. With Neptune squaring the Full Moon axis, obfuscation of the facts is highly likely. So the truth is hard to come by with this Full Moon. Again, the next few weeks of Mercury's retrograde cycle can help us flesh that out. 

Ultimately, this Full Moon appears to topple some paradigms built upon theories which no longer have validity in the face of reality. Saturn's last breath in Sagittarius, conjunct Mercury retrograde, transitions us into a new understanding of the truth in light of unique insight, information, and perspectives. Open your mind and surrender to the data flow. A new reality is opening up, filled with possibilities. 

Life feels overwhelming when faced with things outside of your control. Understanding yourself is key to finding your power and place in the world. While you can't control fate or the chaos of life, your destiny belongs to you, something you can always strive for to gain command of your life path. 

Loving the Darkness: New Moon in Scorpio 2017

The Cygnus Wall, part of the North America Nebula (NGC 7000); photo by Chuck Ayoub.

New Moon @ 26 Scorpio 19'
November 18, 2017
3:42 AM Los Angeles
6:42 AM New York
12:42 PM London
3:42 PM Dubai
5:42 PM Beijing
8:42 PM Sydney
11:42 PM Auckland

This month's New Moon in tropical Scorpio arrives just two weeks before Mercury's retrograde cycle in Sagittarius. Occurring in Mercury's retrograde shadow, this lunation is conducive for laying low, recharging, regeneration, and healing. Scorpio is a zodiac sign with a somewhat negative stigma. It is symbolized by a Scorpion after all. Scorpions and many other arachnids can be deadly creatures. So, naturally, the archetypal resonance of Scorpio is along the lines of danger, darkness, and even death. 

Scorpio's modern ruler, Pluto, symbolizes entropy and regeneration. When confronted with Plutonic realms, horrors, atrocities, and nightmares typically surface. And Mars, the traditional ruler of Scorpio is one of the "lesser malefics," i.e., a "bad" planet that to ancient astrologers caused destruction, violence, and separations. No wonder Scorpio is so feared by the western mind. As a fixed, water sign of yin (or feminine) polarity, Scorpio embodies most strongly the symbol of the abysmal and irrational unconscious, and ditto for Pluto. It's an interesting synchronicity that both rulers of Scorpio, Mars and Pluto, are applying in a square aspect alongside this New Moon (exact the following day). 

With Mars in detriment in Libra, this may not be the most comfortable lunation or the most promising for getting precisely what you want. However, the New Moon makes a trine to Chiron, and both Venus and Jupiter are currently transiting Scorpio, too. So, what is this New Moon good for? First off, it's an auspicious moment that helps us shed light on anything that's been obscured from conscious acknowledgment. Chiron's trine promises the opening of new pathways that could potentially lead to rapid reversals, healings, and breakthroughs. The western world's fear of death reflects its obsession with purity, light, and whiteness.

lf you've lived long enough, you've probably realized that life isn't always "love and light," that often, real healing requires not cleanliness or "good" thoughts, but boldly stepping into the dreaded darkness and facing some shit with a positive attitude. Life is far more interesting (and healthy) when you're inclusive of diversity. This New Moon is all about honesty, and when you're honest with yourself and your real feelings and needs, authentic healing opportunities emerge. Jupiter's transit through Scorpio (until Nov. of 2018) suggests rewards are waiting in the pit of hell. The risk? There's always a risk with Scorpio, Mars, and Pluto. The best advice for this New Moon: don't just listen to your impulses. In fact, if you're uncertain about what you should do, or what direction you should take, respond to reason, competent guidance, and intuition over any emotionally charged reaction. 

Ask people you trust to give you a more objective viewpoint. This is likely to be an intense lunation, extending some moodiness or seething hostility into the collective vibes. It could also be incredibly sexy, passionate, and profound. With Mars/Pluto, you may notice that any accumulation of repressed desires and instincts may come pouring forth here. And the best way to deal with that is to give them a voice and listen to what they have to say. Realize that whatever shows up, it's okay. If it hurts, feel it. If you feel angry, get it out. Sit in your darkness and embrace that everything, even your worst fears, is still a part of your wholeness and deserving of love.

Life feels overwhelming when faced with things outside of your control. Understanding yourself is key to finding your power and place in the world. While you can't control fate or the chaos of life, your destiny belongs to you, something you can always strive for to gain command of your life path. 

Trust the Flow: Full Moon in Taurus 2017

Petroglyphs at Parowan Gap, Utah, August 2017; photo by Chad Woodward. 

Full Moon @ 11 Taurus 59'

November 3, 2017

10:23 PM Los Angeles

November 4, 2017

1:23 AM New York

7:23 AM London

10:23 AM Dubai

12:23 PM Beijing

3:23 PM Sydney

6:23 PM Auckland

This Full Moon in tropical Taurus is a solid grounding point in the collective psyche. It brings stability and closure to several processes we’ve been dealing with over the last month, but it isn’t devoid of tension. The Full Moon ruler, Venus, opposes Uranus, the changemaker, liberator, and revolutionary. That throws some relationship tensity into the current drama, but Venus’ superior position makes for constructive, positive changes and creative/artistic breakthroughs. 

The last two lunations occurred in cardinal signs, each emphasizing dynamic, catalyzing events and actions. If you’re a bit exhausted from the changes, adjustments, and turbulence of the past two lunations, this Full Moon can feel like a welcome relief for many of us. That’s because Taurus is a fixed, earth sign. Its energy is sustaining, underscoring consistency, peace, and repose. A Full Moon by its very nature is inherently tense. The opposition of Sun and Moon represents the reconciliation of opposites and the death/decay of the past. 

The dichotomy of Moon in Taurus and Sun in Scorpio highlights the tension between simplicity and complexity. One good example of this is the human body which reflects all natural products of evolution. At first glance, the needs of the human body are rather simple: eat good, whole food, get some exercise and sunlight, sleep, and engage intimately with others. Simple enough. 

Looking deeper at the biological complexity when all of these things are broken down or put through a microscope astounds the mind. The complexity of the nutrients, minerals, proteins, and amino acids required for our food; the neurotransmitters released during positive/negative social interactions and their impact on our nervous system; the need for acute stressors that challenge our vital organs and nervous system to keep our body fit, etc. Taurus isn’t concerned with what goes on behind the scenes. What you see is what you get. 

There is profound wisdom in that Taurean attitude. When we’re overwhelmed with life as it is, we don’t need to analyze the biological constituents of our dinner salad meticulously. Taurus says: “Eat the salad and go to sleep.” The body takes care of the rest. There are autonomic processes that just do what they do without us thinking about it. Scorpio is aware that sometimes that isn’t true. Sometimes when we just take life at face value, we’re oblivious to unknown factors that could lead to unneeded harm or stress. 

Scorpio wants to know what’s under the hood, what makes things work, and what dangers might lie in the darkness. With this Full Moon, there’s a need to balance both of these desires in our personal lives. Where do we just need to shut up and eat the salad, and where do we need to probe deeper to unveil the blind spots. There can be a healthy balance between the two. Jupiter's Scorpio transit over the next year will help us see under the hood with a lot more clarity. Consider what you’ve been trying to “get to the bottom of” in your own life, and notice how you might be getting closer to the truth. 

Jupiter’s opposition from Scorpio and the Full Moon’s applying trine to Pluto suggests taking it easy, and you’ll be led to the answers and the deeper awareness you seek. Don’t feel the need to plunge in and make anything happen with this Full Moon. Take some time to rest, find your still point, and let nature take care of the rest. The New Moon in Scorpio (Nov. 18) is a natural starting point for beginning to heal, recover, and uncover. Take a more significant risk in just two weeks, but for now, trust the flow and see what happens. 

Life feels overwhelming when faced with things outside of your control. Understanding yourself is key to finding your power and place in the world. While you can't control fate or the chaos of life, your destiny belongs to you, something you can always strive for to gain command of your life path. Evolutionary Astrology can help.

Turning it Around: New Moon in Libra 2017

Somewhere in Utah; photo by Chad Woodward, 2017.

New Moon @ 26 Libra 35'

October 19, 2017

12:12 PM Los Angeles 

3:12 PM New York

6:12 PM London

9:12 PM Dubai

11:12 PM Beijing

Oct. 20, 2017 

2:12 AM Sydney

5:12 AM Auckland

After a hot, volatile Full Moon in Aries just two weeks ago, this tropical Libra New Moon is a time to reset ourselves and settle in for another cycle. While this isn’t the most comfortable or peaceful New Moon, it’s still a natural time to recharge and recalibrate. The sign of Libra places emphasis on our relationships, which covers everything from domestic/marriage partners, intimate, longstanding friendships to anyone you might associate with professionally.

Libra, and its planetary ruler, Venus, symbolize our instinct to relate, find common ground, build bridges between disparate pieces, and see eye to eye. The positive face of Libra is the ability to locate our common humanity in everyone we encounter, no matter how different they appear to be. This most basic of human instincts generates cohesion and social harmony. It is the root of our desire to get along and avoid conflict.

When taken to an extreme, Libra/Venus can put on a happy face even when it doesn’t want to, just to make other people feel comfortable, by hiding its true feelings or nature. With Venus currently transiting Libra, it’s easy to do this right now, no matter what you may be experiencing in your personal life. Venus in Libra, while comfortable and “auspicious” here, can tempt many of us to hide behind an artificial veneer just to “keep the peace.”

The challenge of this New Moon is the amicable nature of Libra and Venus, and the lower energy of the New Moon vibes receiving a hard hit from Uranus in Aries. While the New Moon is a time of rest and rejuvenation, Uranus’ opposition inflames rebellious, individualistic impulses. In whatever situation you find yourself, you’ll have to balance these two polarities, but it’s a natural time to begin this practice.

With this New Moon, look to certain social dimensions in your life, and in what way you can infuse your own personal flair, style, or viewpoints without alienating yourself or causing widespread disruption. How can you rebel or create changes in certain relationships/partnerships without completely burning down bridges? Also, how can you maintain peace, harmony, and common ground in situations that require you to take a stand and stay true to yourself?

No matter what you do with this New Moon, you’ll notice a shifting dynamic in certain relationships. These changes will make an obvious impact over the next two weeks beyond this New Moon threshold. Occurring in cardinal signs and involving Uranus, this is anything but a stable, calming New Moon moment. It’s a time to embrace as well as healthfully create change within your social interactions and step courageously into the future.

Become a member of Kosmic Horizon. Membership includes rising sign forecasts every New and Full Moon, weekly emails, plus exclusive blogs and content. Everything you need to keep up with the planets!

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The Other Side: Full Moon in Aries 2017

A horse looking over a wall; photo by muffinn, UK via Wikimedia Commons. 

Full Moon @ 12 Aries 43'
Oct. 5, 2017
11:40 AM Los Angeles
2:40 PM New York
7:40 PM London
10:40 PM Dubai
Oct. 6
2:40 AM Beijing
5:40 AM Sydney
7:40 AM Auckland 

As the waxing lunar cycle climaxes in tropical Aries, there’s a wave of hot, fierce, fire intensity alongside it. But there are critical lessons to be learned here about the use and expression of force, aggression, and passion. Full Moon’s always correlate with the completion, culmination, or ending of a process. Collectively, they bring psychic forces to a critical mass and amplify the flavor or feel of the general atmosphere.

With this lunation in Aries, a cardinal fire sign ruled by the planet Mars, there’s a notable yang expression/dynamic to this Full Moon which can capacitate impulsiveness, willfulness, courage, and fear.

The positive face of this Full Moon is empowering and mobilizing. It represents immense accessibility to inner strength and audacity. If you’ve been feeling a gradual increase in motivation, the Full Moon’s rising energy is likely to accentuate that. Look around at what’s currently in the process of integration and achievement.

Put your enthusiasm and energy into furthering the end goals of processes already underway, and use the next two weeks to consider the launch of new ventures after the New Moon in Libra Oct. 19/20. For now, feel this surging intensity and use it to step up fearlessly to what scares you in life. Realize your power to take up space and command what you desire.

A Full Moon is always a balancing act. With the Sun and Mercury in Libra opposing the Moon, you must accommodate alien perspectives. Before rushing into battle with this Full Moon, make sure that you’re aware of all sides to the story/issue. In other words, get another opinion. Receptivity is just as important with this lunation as acknowledging your innate, inner power.

Synchronously, Venus conjoins Mars alongside this Full Moon. This Venus/Mars conjunction in Virgo in opposition to Neptune (and trine Pluto) offers insight and lessons about forces that are beyond our control. It’s too easy to respond to impulsive desire, anger, rage, fear, or frustration with this lunation, but before doing so, take a step back.

The mitigating and calming effect of Venus on Mars can help temper and tame uncontrollable reactions. Neptune opposite this conjunction suggests that for now, we surrender to the mystery and allow life to be complicated. With all that we see and experience in the world today, it’s tempting to allow our fear of complexity and uncertainty to simplify critical issues in the world and our own lives.

Neptune’s highest teaching is that we will never fully penetrate the illusions/mysteries of reality. There’s always another question on the other side. We can explore that in our lives in choosing to listen more than we speak, in choosing to see all the parties and opinions before bounding ourselves into a crusade.

Our primal instincts serve us in the heat of the moment by narrowing down a specific threat or target, but when displaced onto more complex personal and social issues, they can fool us into expending our time and energy on the wrong targets. Pluto square this lunation suggests that we be aware of the causes, unconscious motives, and unseen factors.

While this Full Moon can also be incredibly hot, sexual, and creative, it can expand consciousness and experiences beyond biological or personal needs. When it comes to sex, consider how incredibly sexy it is when a partner attempts to understand you and see your perspective. As you engage with this Full Moon, don’t just react, try to understand the object of your fear or desires. In doing so, you’ll grow and deepen your awareness of both internal and external realities.

Become a member of Kosmic Horizon. Membership includes rising sign forecasts every New and Full Moon, weekly emails, plus exclusive blogs and content. Everything you need to keep up with the planets!

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

Life feels overwhelming when faced with things outside of your control. Understanding yourself is key to finding your power and place in the world. While you can't control fate or the chaos of life, your destiny belongs to you, something you can always strive for to gain command of your life path. Evolutionary Astrology can help.

The Revelation 12 Sign: Is It Really Astrology?

The Great Red Dragon and the Woman Clothed with the Sun by William Blake. 

As many of my readers are probably well aware, I’m not a Christian. I’m going to assume that most of my readers probably aren’t either. But, to be respectful here, I’m not going to make any attempt to denounce Christianity in this article. My spiritual and philosophical views are rather varied, and my own personal “beliefs” (if you want to call them that) reflect a synthesis of many things that work for me personally, which means that organized religion doesn’t work for me.

Naturally, that conflicts with many of the beliefs of Christianity. I’m also an astrologer, but that doesn’t really conflict with Christianity entirely. Actually, there are Christian astrologers (and they’re good at what they do). I want to make it clear that I don’t believe in a lot of things that Christians believe, but I don’t think that’s a problem in discussing the legitimacy of the popular “Revelation 12 sign” and I think that many rational people within the Christian community will agree with me on many points in this article.

Also, this article isn’t my attempt to make anyone look stupid, or to dissuade anyone from believing in the prophetic context of The Book of Revelation (Revelation) or the spiritual significance of the Bible. However, it is my strong conviction that Revelation and the Bible were never intended to be literally interpreted. With that said, the Revelation 12 sign brings up an interesting discussion about astrology and biblical prophecy that needs to be addressed. Also, the Revelation 12 sign is another opportunity for astrologers to better inform the public about what we astrologers actually do because the debunking of the Revelation 12 sign from the scientific and astronomical communities is going to impact the public’s perception of what astrologers do, unfortunately.

The Revelation 12 sign is a theory proposing that on September 23, 2017, a certain “alignment” of planets and stars occurring over Jerusalem will signify the beginning of Jacob’s Trouble, also known as the Tribulation Period as outlined in Revelation. This “theory” suggests the literal fulfillment of the prophecy of Revelation, i.e. the rapture and the eventual end of the world. Now, “literal fulfillment” is the important point here.

Not all Christians agree on the interpretation of Revelation. For example, historicists look at the book through the broad lens of history. Preterists think that it describes events that happened in the 1st century or during the fall of the Roman empire. And futurist interpretations are really at the root of the Revelation 12 sign theory and suggest that Revelation describes future events. This falls into alignment with a literal or fundamentalist interpretation of biblical passages. However, an idealist or symbolic interpretation (something I would suggest if you take it seriously) looks at Revelation from a metaphoric standpoint.

If you study religion, theology, AND occultism, you soon realize the Bible’s esoteric nature. Basically, you could suggest that the Bible is filled with veiled astrological metaphors, which is true, but not the whole picture. You see, the astrology of the Bible is not really astrology as we understand it today, but rather something called astrotheology. Horoscopic astrology and astrotheology are quite different, as is the difference between alchemy and modern day chemistry. Astrotheology is more congruent with shamanism and mysticism and was an integral aspect of many ancient, religious cults. A rigorous discussion of this subject is beyond the scope of this article. There are many books on this subject and if you’re interested, I’d strongly suggest researching this.

For our purposes here, I’d like to point out that the “theory” of the Revelation 12 sign is not astrology as I would practice it or as many of my colleagues would practice it. The belief or theory of the Revelation 12 sign is more in alignment with astrotheology and prophecy, not western, horoscopic astrology. But before I go further, let’s flesh out this Revelation 12 sign. It all begins with this prophecy from Revelations 12: 1-2:

“A great sign appeared in the sky, a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of 12 stars. She was with child and wailed aloud in pain as she labored to give birth … She gave birth to a son, a male child, destined to rule all the nations with an iron rod.”

An image of "The Revelation 12 Sign" on September 23, 2017 using Starry Night software. 

On September 23, just after the equinox and the New Moon, proponents of the Revelation 12 sign suggest that this prophecy from Revelation will literally happen as an alignment of planets and stars in the sky. As you can see in the image above, the woman is said to represent the constellation of Virgo; the Sun is at her shoulders (“clothed with the Sun”), the Moon is at her feet, three planets in the constellation Leo (Mercury, Venus, and Mars) are visually “aligned” “above her head” along with nine of the most visible stars in this constellation (making 12 “stars”), and the planet Jupiter is stationing direct near her abdominal area.

Jupiter is said to symbolize the male child this woman is giving birth to. The fact that Jupiter is recently stationing direct, which means that it’s shifting from retrograde (an apparent backwards movement through the sky) to direct motion, further reinforces the theory and belief that Jupiter is symbolic of the birth of a child in Virgo’s abdomen, because this retrograde period takes 42 days, which is the approximate period of gestation in the womb.

Now, it’s certainly intriguing and this particular setup of planets is quite rare, but let’s get real here. This isn’t the first time this kind of alignment has occurred since Revelation was written. In an article featured on The Catholic Astronomer, astronomer Christopher M. Graney, pointed out that in the last one thousand years, similar configurations have happened at least four times: September 24, 1827, September 6, 1483, September 5, 1293, and September 14, 1056. I’m very grateful for Mr. Graney’s work in finding these past configurations, because I really didn’t have the time or interest to do this myself.

You can use an astronomy software program (like Starry Night which I use, or Stellarium) to easily verify these dates for yourself, which I did. While these past configurations are not identical, they’re extremely close and are enough to warrant a validation of this prophecy at those times as well. Maybe the rapture already happened in 1483 and we just haven’t realized it yet?

It’s also possible that Revelation, if it has any prophetic or symbolic value, was probably never meant to be taken as a vision of literal future events at all. It’s possible that Revelation, and the Bible itself, are filled with veiled astrological metaphors meant only for those initiates who could decode it and understand the symbolism. It was extremely common for alchemists and initiates of mystery religions and cults to write material coded in esoteric symbolism. This was a way of keeping non-initiates from understanding the true message, cult secrets, and also a way of protecting the secrecy of the cult from persecution. The popularity of the Revelation 12 sign reflects the exoteric understanding of Christianity, and it misses the likely truth that Christianity today is not what it was over two thousand years ago.

The same is true of astrology. In fact, astrologers today are just now uncovering the techniques, beliefs, and practices of astrologers who lived thousands of years ago. We’re just now beginning to understand the origin of western astrology. Even with this newfound material, we still barely understand how these ancient astrologers practiced, how they understood time and space, or how they even thought. In light of these discoveries, it’s obvious that early Greco-Roman astrology and the astrotheology of the Bible are not the same thing, by any means.

In fact, modern astrologers don’t actually use the constellations. The large majority of astrologers today use either the tropical or sidereal zodiacs. The signs of these zodiacs are named after the constellations, but are not the same thing in a technical sense. The tropical zodiac was already in use long before the Bible was written, and was used in tandem with the sidereal zodiac during the height of Hellenistic astrology during the reign of the Roman empire.

When astronomers try to say that your Sun sign is actually the sign before it, they apparently don’t know that western astrologers don’t use the constellations at all, but rather the tropical zodiac, constructed from the Sun’s seasonal cycle. The sidereal zodiac attempts to line up the signs with the constellations, but fails to do so completely because the signs of the sidereal zodiac occur at 30 degree equal increments, while the constellations do not. The constellation of Virgo is 40 degrees wide!

The reason astrologers no longer use the constellations is due to something called precession of the equinoxes. This is the gradual shifting of the constellations relative to seasonal points and planetary alignments over a period of thousands of years. For example, roughly two thousand years ago, during the spring equinox in the northern hemisphere, the Sun was in the constellation of Aries, but today it occurs near the end of the constellation of Pisces.

This is also where the belief in the astrological ages comes from, and the suggestion that we’re moving into the “Age of Aquarius”  since the Sun on the equinox is moving from the constellation Pisces to Aquarius. But, to go back to Revelation 12, I don’t think that this particular passage from the Bible was referring to a specific “alignment” of planets on September 23, 2017. In fact, whenever this configuration occurs, it happens near the Sun, where no one could ever possibly see it! You won’t see any of these planets or stars on Sep. 23. You’ll only see the Sun, and I wouldn’t recommend looking at it (unless you still have some leftover eclipse glasses).

From The Book of Revelation ; a study of the last prophetic book of Holy Scripture by Clarence Larkin, 1919. 

This “great sign” that “appears” in the sky doesn’t actually appear at all. Doesn’t anyone think this is a little suspect? Or did the prophet of Revelation know that two thousand years later we would have the astronomical software to see the “great sign?” I’m thinking probably not. Also, referring to the planets Venus, Mercury, and Mars and the constellation Leo as the “twelve stars” that appear above the woman’s head, is really some serious twisting of the facts to make things fit perfectly.

There are actually more than nine stars in Leo. The nine “stars” in the the Revelation 12 sign are the most visible stars in the constellation, but there are several more, as well as above the Virgin’s head that are technically not in Leo. Also, while we know that ancient people may have referred to planets as stars, they actually knew the difference. The word planet is Greek for wanderer, which refers to a star that moves. While they may have thought of planets as “wandering stars”, they knew there was a difference between stars and “wanderers” because they had a word for it.

The constellation of Virgo also refers to a virgin! Yes, last time I checked, with the exception of the birth of Christ and Mary’s supposed immaculate conception, virgin’s don’t give birth to children. Okay, that’s not a strong point, but I thought it was kind of funny. The Revelation 12 sign is also somehow tied into the belief in “Planet X” (and a whole host of other viral internet ideologies like the “Flat Earth Theory”). The belief in Planet X originates from the work of Zecharia Sitchin and his many books about the fabled planet “Nibiru”, but particularly his most popular, The Twelfth Planet.

According to Sitchin, Nibiru enters the inner solar system periodically, close enough to cause weather changes and massive destruction on Earth. Sitchin primarily made connections between Mesopotamian artifacts to support his thesis that Nibiru is a planet inhabited by a race of extraterrestrial beings called the Annunaki, who descend upon the Earth whenever their planet is in the neighborhood. Sitchin suggested that these aliens actually created the human race, and that the deluge mythologies from Mesopotamia and the bible actually refer to Nibiru.

Now, how Christian conspiracy theorists on YouTube are getting caught up in Sitchin's literal interpretations of mesopotamian mythologies is beyond me (unless you decide that the bible is now an account of aliens creating humans). I do think it’s possible that extraterrestrial beings may have interfered with human evolution. Do I whole-heartedly believe that? No. But I’m not going to dismiss that as a possibility. It’s plausible, and it’s an interesting hypothesis. Also, there is much credence to a Planet X.

In fact, astronomers are still looking for a large planet, known as Planet Nine, that’s creating gravitational anomalies in the Extreme Trans Neptunian Objects, but it still remains hypothetical. Could this planet be Nibiru? Is it coming into its cyclic passage through the solar system creating havoc and destruction on the planet? I doubt it. And if Nibiru actually does exist, is it inhabited by a race of extraterrestrial beings? I’m going to say, probably not. These are all fascinating ideas and speculations, and they make for great works of fiction, but there just isn’t enough evidence to convince me of their actual validity (and I’ve actually read all of Sitchin's books).

The hypothosized orbit of Planet Nine; image via Wikimedia Commons.

So, why would anyone believe in the Revelation 12 sign or the planet Nibiru? Why do people periodically get swept up in paranoid fantasies about the end of the world? If you go back through history, especially since the writing of Revelation, these kinds of predictions and speculations have been going on for a very long time. It’s nothing new. I mean, let’s go back to medieval Europe during the bubonic plague and imagine what they thought was happening as they watched everyone around them dying (with Revelation probably at the forefront of their minds). The Revelation 12 sign is not really that unique. As we have seen, it’s happened before.

I think that these reactions are a natural response to uncertainty and change. We’re living in a world and society that’s becoming increasingly complex and fast paced. Everything is changing, and rapidly. Technological progress and scientific understanding are happening at an increasingly faster rate. We’re living in a period of human evolution that’s probably never happened before, and if it has, we have no record of it. As a result of this increasing complexity and advancement, people get scared. They want to have some sense of control over what’s happening.

It’s possible that what’s happening in the world, for the most part, is beyond our control. For astrologers, we look at a world possessed by mythology. I believe that these myths have power and that they influence people on a very real, psychological dimension. I also think that the Christian mythology is important, and it’s influenced all aspects of our culture, even within the institutions of scientific skepticism. Again, that’s a lengthy conversation, but I point that out because I don’t think anyone is immune to myth even if they don’t believe in a literal battle of “good versus evil”. That battle is still being waged within the unconscious of all people influenced by western culture.

I think that humanity is in a process of awakening. To me, this process is endless, because it is the process of evolution itself. As we awaken, we realize the vast complexity of reality, and at each stage, we have varying reactions to that. Here in the U.S., the current political establishment appeals to a percentage of the population that wants to revert back to a more simplistic period of American history. We’re seeing this trend not just in the United States, but across the world. For an astrologer, this appears to be an archetypal inundation within the collective consciousness, and understanding it objectively helps us keep some distance from being taken over by it.

But the solution to what’s happening in the world lies at the heart of evolution: adaptation. I think that humans have survived some extremely difficult situations throughout our time here. Given the advancements in science and technology, I think we’re more equipped to survive now than we have ever been. I think it’s time that we embraced change and chaos, and do what we can to continue our journey here on earth, whatever that looks like.

In conclusion, many astronomers (including Mr. Graney mentioned above) go on to debunk astrology along with the Revelation 12 sign. This is unfortunate, because their discussion of astrology is always poorly researched. It’s clear that astronomers don’t study astrology, and therefore are not qualified to make any claims about it. They often use the same rhetoric in their discussions, emphasizing poorly written Sun sign horoscopes, as if those represent the entire field of astrology and those who practice it. This is entirely untrue, and forges a very limited perception of astrology in the public eye.

To compare the fanatical beliefs and astrotheological prophecies of the proponents of the Revelation 12 sign with the entire field of horoscopic astrology, is rather absurd. Unfortunately, this is a common trend with astronomers and scientists, who, with their very narrow, ad hoc understanding of astrology, try to “debunk” something they know very little about. To experienced, professional astrologers, who study, research, and practice astrology their entire lives, the Revelation 12 sign is insignificant astrologically speaking, but it’s interesting because it opens a discussion about the Bible and astrotheology as a whole. We could suggest that the believers of the Revelation 12 sign are actually debunking the literal interpretation of the Bible through their unwitting obsession with astrotheology.

The myth of Revelation, however, is definitely significant from a symbolic or archetypal perspective, and I think that it’s playing out within each of us, and in the world, whether we believe that or not. That is an entire discussion by itself, but for now, I’ll leave you with this: the world isn’t literally coming to an end. The Sun will be around another 5 billion years, and the Earth will be habitable for at least another billion. A meteor strike or nearby supernova explosion could always happen, and yet the Earth would likely still be here, though we might not. But our demise isn’t the demise of the Earth. It’ll move on with its evolution, so let’s move on with ours. These myths may actually be part of that evolutionary process, and working through them within our own lives and on the world stage, may be a very crucial piece of our human story and evolution here on Earth.

Getting It Together: New Moon in Virgo 2017

A view from Nebo Canyon Scenic Byway, Utah; photo by Chad Woodward, 2017. 

New Moon @ 27 Virgo 27'

September 19, 2017

10:30 PM Los Angeles

September 20, 2017

1:30 AM New York

6:30 AM London

9:30 AM Dubai

1:30 PM Beijing

3:30 PM Sydney

5:30 PM Auckland

This is a powerful Virgo season. This New Moon in tropical Virgo is joined by Mercury, Venus, and Mars--five planets all clustering in a single sign at the moment of this lunation. While a New Moon is typically our down time, conducive for recharging and rest, there’s just so much to do! The Virgo archetype stimulates our idealism, though not through lofty, ambiguous dreams.

Virgo arouses very practical and concrete expectations about how the real world should operate. With this New Moon, there’s likely to be a certain level of earthy idealism influencing you in one way or another. Virgo’s highest aim is to nudge us in the direction of improvement. You might be feeling that there’s a “higher level” you could strive for no matter what you’ve accomplished.

Naturally, all of these high voltage Virgo vibes aren’t going to let us rest as much as we would like during a typical New Moon. From an evolutionary perspective, it’s “time” for all of us to take an honest assessment of ourselves and our lives and see where we can progress, and how much further we can thrust ourselves closer to those Virgoan ideals.

This Virgo season can help you get a lot done, like anything you’ve set aside but didn’t have the energy to check off your list until now. How wonderful it is to have that feeling of getting things in better order and organized. Virgo can indulge in that sensation of relief once everything is finally cleaned up, inducing a sense of calm and utter tranquility. Another Virgo attribute is the building of competence--becoming better at what we do to serve the world.

So, with this New Moon, there’s something dynamic beginning somewhere in your life that can help you step up and make something more of yourself and augment your life circumstances. The negative end of this New Moon, and something you should definitely watch out for, is expecting too much of yourself or other people.

Virgo’s less-evolved side carries some irrational expectations, and is prone to nit picking, fault finding, and micromanagement to the extreme. Don’t fall into that trap. Set some realistic ideals and expectations for yourself, and do your best. Of course, not changing anything is an option too, but that might lead to insane restlessness or neuroticism because these Virgo energies need to find healthy and productive outlets.

The planetoid Chiron is in opposition to this New Moon. Chiron, the wounded healer facing off with this lunation could definitely direct us to what’s wrong, defective, or ugly about ourselves and our life choices. The positive side is that Chiron can help us recognize our wounds and see them through a more sober and realistic lense. But this New Moon’s ruler, Mercury, also forms an opposition to Neptune, which can seriously cloud our judgement, exaggerating our pain and inadequacies beyond their actual nature.

And Saturn in wide square to Chiron and this lunation, can also engender some depression, or feelings of overwhelm with all that we’re presently dealing with. If you’re actually doing the best that you can right now (and really, only you know that), there’s no need to be too hard on yourself.

In fact, while there’s likely to be plenty of opportunities to look at ourselves and situations with some level of clarity (through an amplification of “what’s wrong”), you have the power to actually change any negative, “can’t do” attitudes and thinking patterns completely around. This is one of Chiron’s main objectives, to create sudden reversals in consciousness that help us get into alignment with our highest potential.

Saturn’s square can be a helpful kick in the ass to get going toward the attainment of realistic ideals. Mercury’s opposition to Neptune can serve to awaken and inspire, and Chiron can help us shift our attitudes and focus to make some significant changes over the next few weeks. Virgo, as a mutable earth sign, indicates that this New Moon is a significant transitional passageway, clearing us of the intensity and drama of eclipse season/Mercury retrograde of the past month or so. So, do take a moment with this New Moon to definitely catch your breath, and then get back to work!

The Virgo New Moon rising sign forecasts are now published. Become a member of Kosmic Horizon to gain access. Membership includes rising sign forecasts every New and Full Moon, weekly emails and exclusive blogs and content.

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Into the Cosmic Womb: Full Moon in Pisces 2017

Moray (Incan ruin) in Peru; photo by Jenine Schirtzer, March 2016. 

Full Moon @ 13 degrees Pisces 53' 

September 6, 2017

12:04 AM Los Angeles 

3:04 AM New York

3:05 PM Hong Kong

8:04 AM London 

5:04 AM Sydney

7:04 PM Auckland 

This Full Moon in Pisces, conjunct Neptune, contributes some highly unusual energy to the current mix (if that hasn’t already been in the air during the past eclipse season). All Full Moon’s symbolize the culmination or completion of things we’ve been developing or working towards. With this Full Moon, the results of our efforts aren’t likely to be so obvious since Neptune is so often amorphous and ambiguous. It’s likely that many things that come to your attention will be difficult to discern or figure out. That’s because any results or completed processes that emerge now are not as concrete as you might want or expect them to be. But Saturn’s wide square to this Full Moon will add some pressure to make our work more tangible and evident. In its positive expression, this Pisces Full Moon can bring you insight and inspiration. It can symbolize the emergence of awareness, realizations, and experiences which can greatly expand consciousness.

While Full Moon’s are typically more energetic, this Full Moon offers us a chance to actually step back and take a look at things from a different vantage point. Depending on its house location in your chart, that might require actually taking some time out to meditate, reflect, or otherwise take it easier than you normally would around a Full Moon. Mercury is still slogging along after its retrograde cycle, and with the accelerated pace of eclipse season behind us, this probably isn’t the best time to jump right into new projects or throw ourselves blindly into things without careful assessment. Especially if anything really enticing is offered to you right now, take your time in figuring out its validity and efficacy for your life. The negative face of this Full Moon is escapism, delusion, and utter confusion. That means that a lot of hype will be floating around all over the place and it would be wise not to get caught up in it.

Neptune and Pisces are archetypes that can blind us but equally liberate us. It all depends on how willing you are to do the necessary work to see beyond the facades presented to you in the moment. The same applies to yourself and what you’re projecting or how you’re representing yourself. Overall, this is an incredibly spiritually focused and creatively inspiring Full Moon. It can bring about massive collective bonding and public displays of selfless giving and compassion. It can also feel incredibly emotional, amplifying empathy and an awareness of the interconnectivity of all beings on this planet. Saturn’s wide square to the Full Moon, however, helps us to bring any numinous or otherworldly insights into a realistic perspective. Saturn challenges us to bring the results of our creative/artistic/spiritual works down to earth.

Collectively, this Full Moon projects the now dissipating Saturn/Neptune square on to the world stage. That generates an atmosphere around the world that feels divisive and disillusioned--with a vagueness and uncertainty about the future. Saturn and Neptune coming into conflict can often pit the rational against the irrational, or blur the lines between the two. That results in the manifestation of events that are seemingly quite preternatural; it can be difficult to understand how the current state of affairs ever happened. Yet, while there is much division going on globally, this Full Moon actually has the power to pull a lot of things together (globally and in our own lives) that previously seemed incompatible. This fusion of disparity can help us find hope where we only saw emptiness and confusion. If you glimpse anything with this lunation, glimpse the truth that something bigger is guiding the show, even if we forget that sometimes. We all come from the same cosmic womb, and we’ll all return to it just the same.

BE SURE TO READ YOUR KOSMIC HORIZON FORECAST FOR THIS FULL MOON. THESE FORECASTS WILL BE FREE UNTIL MID-SEPTEMBER! SIGN UP FOR MY NEWSLETTER BELOW TO RECEIVE NEWS AND UPDATES.

Life feels overwhelming when faced with things outside of your control. Understanding yourself is key to finding your power and place in the world. While you can't control fate or the chaos of life, your destiny belongs to you, something you can always strive for to gain command of your life path. Evolutionary Astrology can help.

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Shine On: Total Solar Eclipse in Leo 2017

Total eclipse of the sun taken in Chita, Russia on March 9, 1997; photo by 名古屋太郎 via Wikimedia Commons. 

Total Solar Eclipse @ 28 tropical Leo 53'

August 21, 2017

11:30 AM Los Angeles

2:30 PM New York

1:30 PM Chicago

7:30 PM London

2:30 AM Hong Kong

4:30 AM Sydney

6:30 AM Aukland

*The U.S. times above are for the precise conjunction of Sun and Moon as measured from the center of the Earth, not the times for the maximum phase of the eclipse if you plan to view it. Also, NEVER watch a solar eclipse without using eclipse glasses or a special filter. For eclipse safety and viewing times, please read this article. 

This much anticipated total solar eclipse in tropical Leo is here (much anticipated for those visiting or living in the United States, especially those on the path of totality). For thousands of years, eclipses were viewed by many cultures as negative omens, often feared and revered by those who witnessed them, and for obvious reasons. Especially with a total solar eclipse, the experience is mesmerizing, visceral, and eerie. In a little over an hour, the Moon passes over the Sun, creating a darkening of the sky, a drastic drop in temperature, and during the few minutes of totality, spectators witness spectacular visual effects such as the appearance of the solar corona, the emergence of stars and planets typically hidden, and sometimes, in rare cases, shadow bands (which appear as shimmering, wavy shadows on white or very lightly colored objects below). 

It’s no wonder that our ancestors viewed eclipses with terror and came up with various superstitions about them. Science has done much to dispel this superstition, and has given us a more precise technical understanding of why eclipses happen, but science has also stripped the magic and archetypal reality away from the modern mind. Those who witness a total solar eclipse cannot deny their own experience which is profound and unforgettable. In that moment, a beauty and power that’s hard to describe overtakes you. Even the most staunch materialist will be consumed with awe by the sheer magnificence and mystery of the experience, even sometimes drawn to tears. Something primal inside of us responds to this, even if it’s just a mechanical fluke of nature. As an astrologer, I avoid making outlandish claims and speculations when it comes to astrology, but I also study the subject and observe its relevance in my life and the life of friends, family, clients, and notable figures.

And because of that, I can say with much certainty that eclipses, like any other astronomical event, have a direct correlation with human life. There is convincing evidence that throughout history, eclipses that occur over a specific region perceptibly impact that place in significant and notable ways. Aside from their historical implications, they can accelerate interpersonal changes, life transitions, and amplify emotional and psychological constructs within us. And collectively, a rapid series of events begins to unfold. What will happen with this particular eclipse? I don’t know concretely, and I won’t pretend that I do. Eclipses are hard to understand while they happen, and because they tend to develop weeks, months, and even years after the event itself, they’re more discernible in hindsight. But, especially with a total solar eclipse, the symbolism speaks volumes. The Moon, a symbol of the irrational, unconscious, and hidden dimensions of life experience, momentarily overtakes the light of the Sun. 

The Sun symbolizes the rational, apollonian archetype related to the visible world we see and interact with. A solar eclipse is a powerful New Moon, which is a symbolic death and rebirth of the lunar cycle. Thus, what I can say with confidence is that a large shadow will be cast across the United States and a powerful, unconscious narrative/mythos will overtake the collective mind of this country. Many people will be swept up in a collective drama with origins lying deep within the collective psyche, or what psychologist Carl Jung called the collective unconscious (the repository of repressed psychic content within a given culture). We will also witness some very drastic external changes happening in this nation from here on out, especially since the U.S. is nearing its first Pluto return alongside a conjunction of Saturn and Pluto in 2020, and will also witness another total solar eclipse in 2024. What that will all look like, I don’t know exactly, but I think we are already seeing it emerge on the world stage as I write these words. It is a dynamic process of death, rebirth, and an upwelling of contraction.

A viewer of the Solar Eclipse on Aug 11, 1999 in Paris, France; photo by Arnaudh via Wikimedia Commons. 

I’d suggest looking into the work of scholars who specialize in studying historical and economic trends, as well as mundane astrologers with that kind of analytical expertise for a better understanding the unfolding historical narrative. My focus is more so on the personal dimensions of astrological application. For a more mundane perspective on this eclipse, do read my article here. This New Moon/total solar eclipse occurs at the final degrees of Leo. Leo is a fire sign of yang polarity. The solar eclipse also creates a fire grand trine between Saturn in Sagittarius and Uranus in Aries. The trine to Uranus is particularly significant in its precision, and can empower the rebellious, revolutionary, and unstable elements surrounding this eclipse. Personally, it can feel like a dramatic, passionate, and creative uprising within each of us (as well as collectively). This solar eclipse seeks to awaken within us a renewed desire for life, vitality, and self-expression which serves to liberate and free us from limitations and past constraints.

As always with Uranus, previous barriers and obstacles are suddenly and unexpectedly cleared, making way for new avenues of experience and opportunities to express individuality. For good or ill, this eclipse is empowering individuals to step out and gain more visibility in the world. The wider trine to Saturn can help us gain more traction, as well as bring forth the fruits of hard work, discipline, and sacrifice. If you’re feeling motivated to bring forth your creative energy now, you should feel a sense of greater confidence and courage to do so. If you’re unclear of what you want to create or express exactly, this eclipse can help catalyze movement by igniting inspiration and motivation to make some drastic changes within yourself and within your personal life. These changes will unfold and develop in the coming weeks and months. 

With the south nodal lunar eclipse in Aquarius just two weeks ago, we crossed a threshold of accelerated release and dissipation of past patterns, attitudes, and behaviors that have been limiting the flow of life force, creativity, passion, and vitality in our lives. This north nodal solar eclipse in Leo is like a great awakening of excitement and zeal. While certainly we can take some positive steps, and gradually begin expressing our talents and willpower, there’s a negative side to these symbols too. Leo can indicate a blindness as a result of overt subjectivity and egocentricity. It can also incite an over dramatization of the ego (or false self) which can empower others to overstep boundaries and impose themselves tactlessly and harshly. Be mindful that what you’re expressing now is actually in alignment with your authentic self, not something imposed on you externally. Eclipses can also relate to a difficult transition or even a sudden fading away of the past, which can be painful for some.

The positive side of Leo is the ability to bring forth our creative, child-like self in healthy ways which helps to inspire and enliven others. Tantrums and misguided revolts are an expression of the fear based components of the inner child and will work to harm or otherwise keep us from fulfilling our true potential during this eclipse. Remember, that the greatest of all revolutions are within. Uranus’ close trine to this eclipse encourages us to liberate ourselves and gain more autonomy and independence to be who we are. If you’re feeling the need to step into this fire, do so. This eclipse will express both the positive and negative faces of these energies. Seeing that western culture is rather unconscious of its own myths and demons, the demons are likely to run amok here. But you have the power to face your own, and by doing that, you’ll be creating not only the life you want and deserve, but also helping to bring us all back to wholeness.  

BE SURE TO READ YOUR KOSMIC HORIZON FORECAST FOR THIS SOLAR ECLIPSE. THESE FORECASTS WILL BE FREE UNTIL MID-SEPTEMBER! SIGN UP FOR MY NEWSLETTER BELOW TO RECEIVE NEWS AND UPDATES.

Life feels overwhelming when faced with things outside of your control. Understanding yourself is key to finding your power and place in the world. While you can't control fate or the chaos of life, your destiny belongs to you, something you can always strive for to gain command of your life path. Evolutionary Astrology can help.

Follow me on Instagram for weekly astrological updates.

Stepping into the Light: Lunar Eclipse in Aquarius 2017

Light beams into an Arizona "slot canyon" near Page, Arizona; photo by Carol M. Highsmith.

Full Moon/Lunar Eclipse @ 15 Aquarius 25'

August 7, 2017

11:11 AM Pacific

2:11 PM Eastern

My experience of eclipse season is always different, but suffused with mystery each time. Eclipses can generate an awareness of something larger, more powerful running the show. Since so much seems to be happening due to a mysterious “acceleration” effect (of which eclipses tend to correlate with), eclipse season can feel overwhelming and we can easily get caught up in dramas and events that feel beyond our control. That’s why it’s important to be mindful. Keep your focus on your thoughts, emotions, and reactions. Find your center. I’m not suggesting that you suppress or avoid anything that arises, but do keep yourself in check. Eclipses have the power to poke holes in our ego/identity, revealing things deep within us that we’ve been avoiding or totally unaware of. Syncing up with Mercury’s retrograde cycle, this eclipse season is powerful and dynamic in terms of changing our focus, direction, priorities, and perceptions.

Eclipses also reverberate through time. They connect us to the past and future in deep, encompassing ways. Whatever we’re currently dealing with has its origins long before this moment and will have consequences for months in the future. Eclipses are not isolated events, but a long process of change and reversal of circumstances. Since this is a south nodal, lunar eclipse in tropical Aquarius, we are working on releasing, moving on, and then stepping more fully into the future after the solar eclipse on Aug 21. That means that the themes you’ll be dealing with during this lunar eclipse will be issues from the past: moving beyond stagnant attitudes, habits, and perceptions that are no longer useful. In the two weeks between this lunar eclipse and the following Aug 21 solar eclipse, we’re in a deep process of archetypal death.

With Mercury’s retrograde cycle beginning in between the lunar and solar eclipses, and with the usual nature of eclipses in general, keep in mind that whatever begins within this two week time may not go in the direction of your intentions, and may in fact represent a series of “dying” circumstances. That’s because the Moon is waning from Full to New, and thus in a process of decay. And since eclipses are simply more powerful New or Full Moons, after this Full Moon, we’re heading for a more pronounced death/rebirth at the New Moon/solar eclipse. The shadow of Aquarius contains feelings of alienation, social rejection, or perpetually working against society/culture out of fear or even righteousness. It can reveal a victim consciousness due to social exclusion, an attitude that is essentially antisocial (against maintaining or creating cohesion and peace) or unconsciously rebellious (rebel without a cause).

Look to see how this has shown up in your life, and how these patterns have been in the background somewhere. This lunar eclipse/Full Moon is a culminating release of energy. It helps to shift us forward into the north nodal Leo solar eclipse on Aug 21. That will relate to the need to overcome fear of rejection and step into our creative and expressive power. Or it can relate to the need to overcome intentional isolation and righteousness into a more active participation in the life drama. Where have you been a spectator in your life? Have you withheld your gifts out of fear that others would judge, persecute, or seek to devalue them? Or have you been mindlessly rebelling due to an inability to accept your uniqueness thereby suppressing your true individuality? Obviously not every eclipse will impact everyone the same (or much at all) but if these questions strongly resonate with you, then you’re more likely impacted (check planets or angles in the horoscope touched by 14 degrees of Aquarius and 28 degrees of Leo).

With Jupiter making a helpful and dominating trine, it blesses this lunar eclipse and offers help, assistance, and support when we need it most. This trine from Jupiter in Libra suggests looking beyond your own preconceived notions of what’s happening in your life, or intentionally reaching beyond yourself to contribute, offer assistance, or even guidance to others. However this eclipse shows up for you, this Jupiter trine helps us to make constructive use of these changes and to find compromise, common ground, and peace with others. These themes will not only show up in your own life, but will appear on the world stage in some way. These external events reflect a collective process of change and evolution, revealing the inter connectivity of all beings and things. Take a moment with this eclipse to see how you can transcend any tendencies of working against the social current and instead see where you can jump in and make peace where it’s needed most.

Be sure to read your Kosmic HorIzon Forecast for this lunar eclipse. These bi-weekly forecasts will be FREE until mid-September! Sign up for my newsletter below to receive news and updates.

Life feels overwhelming when faced with things outside of your control. Understanding yourself is key to finding your power and place in the world. While you can't control fate or the chaos of life, your destiny belongs to you, something you can always strive for to gain command of your life path. Evolutionary Astrology can help.

Follow me on Instagram for weekly astrological updates.

Insights into "The Great American Eclipse"

Total solar eclipse on July 22, 2009; photo by kubotake via Wikimedia Commons. 

As usual with rare astronomical/astrological events, a lot of speculation, rumor, hype and superstition surround it. The unfortunate part of this is that it spreads a lot of fear, anxiety, and then, when some momentous event doesn’t in fact happen, it reinforces a perception among the general public that astrology again failed and got a lot of people worked up over nothing. As you probably now know, next week’s lunar eclipse leads into a total solar eclipse in Leo just two weeks later on Aug 21. It will only appear as a total solar eclipse for those residing in Oregon, Idaho, Wyoming, Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, south eastern Georgia, and South Carolina. For everyone else in the U.S., it will appear as a partial eclipse (still a pretty cool experience).

As you may or may not know, as an astrologer I stay away from making radical predictions and claims. While I’m not completely against the idea that there are many predetermined events in life, I think that for the most part, consciousness can alter and change our experiences. I think that life is a mixture of fate and free-will. So often, our predictions fail to manifest as we expect them to. That could be partially a result of faulty technique, but I think it more often has to do with the fact that astrological symbolism is multivalent. Each sign and planet has an array of possible expressions. Even with a finely tuned, time-tested technique, astrologers will never be 100 percent accurate in predicting the future. One thing that I’ve learned about astrology, especially the more I engage with it consciously, is that it’s so often hundreds of steps ahead of me.

I’m more often completely surprised by how things actually turn out. In hindsight, I look back and the event certainly fit the symbolism, but never could I have imagined the end result. I think most of us experience life like that. Astrology shouldn’t be used to control your choices or dread the future, but rather to help you make more conscious and informed choices. Rarely do the worse-case scenarios ever manifest as we feared. With that said, and considering where the U.S. currently is politically, this event is pretty interesting. The first thing to consider is that eclipses are not isolated events. Eclipses open a portal in the zodiac that becomes an active hot zone. Planets that cross over or aspect the degree of the eclipse can trigger its manifestations for weeks, months, or even years into the future. The first step in analyzing this eclipse is to consider that it’s emphasizing the United States because it will be visible here and cross from coast to coast, which means that it’s making a statement about this country. The next step is to look at what kind of eclipse it is. Since it’s a solar eclipse, it’s basically a supercharged New Moon. It symbolizes a dramatic end and beginning of something.

Death is a natural part of life. That’s an obvious statement, but so often we choose to forget it for good reasons. We’re here to live our lives; there’s no sense in dwelling on death while in the thick of life. But I think every nation, or anything that gains considerable power in the world, creates an illusion that it’s somehow omnipotent and immortal. As an American myself, I grew up with this belief pounded into my head that my country was the “greatest” and would never end. I obviously didn’t grow up to believe that. All empires meet their end. Everything dies. While we might not have the capacity to comprehend it, the Sun will die too. The entire Universe will cease to exist. These unsettling thoughts threaten the ego, that dominating part of our consciousness that has gained such power over the western mind.

Empires come and go, just as people do. As the Buddhists would say, “all is impermanent.” I think eclipses are fascinating because they generate this very real sense that there’s something more powerful than we are. Like an earthquake or severe storm, we’re suddenly minimal in comparison. Our existence is instantly put into perspective. It would seem that this eclipse kind of sends that message to America: “you’re not the center of the universe and there are greater powers than you.” You can interpret that in many ways. I’m certainly not predicting the fall of the American Empire over this eclipse, but it may well signify the beginning of an end in terms of how we’ve perceived ourselves as a nation. Consider the tropical sign of Leo, and consider how this eclipse occurs at the end, the anaretic degrees of this sign.

Leo is a fixed, fire sign of yang polarity. It’s ruled by the Sun. It carries this symbolism of gravitas, presence, and a sense of permanent ruler ship and power. The Sun is the center of our solar system. The Sun forces all planets to orbit around it, but as I just said, the Sun will not have rule forever. It too will die. I think this illusion in the American psyche of being the dominating and fixed power center of the world needs a serious reality check. It has mobilized a movement of people who seriously lack perspective, and I think that’s a dangerous thing. I think the United States needs some humility and respect of other perspectives. And I think it’s highly possible that this eclipse signifies the beginning of the end of this illusion. Many would say that began long ago, but I’m not sure it’s reached the collective consciousness of the United States just yet. Perhaps it soon will.

Life feels overwhelming when faced with things outside of your control. Understanding yourself is key to finding your power and place in the world. While you can't control fate or the chaos of life, your destiny belongs to you, something you can always strive for to gain command of your life path. Evolutionary Astrology can help. Click here for personal readings. 

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President Donald Trump and the U.S. Horoscope

As you may be aware, this “Great American Eclipse” touches the horoscope of President Donald Trump. You’ve probably heard of him. I’m going to steer clear of expressing any personal bias or opinions about him here. The eclipse touches on Donald Trump’s Ascendant. This is the sign that was rising on the eastern horizon at the time he came screaming into the world (I imagine he was probably pretty vocal with a 10th house Gemini Sun, but maybe not). In modern astrology, the Ascendant is the cusp of the first house, and in ancient, Hellenistic astrology (which tended to favor whole sign places over houses), the first house was known as the Helm. In simple words, this place originally signified where we steer the ship, that is to say, how we direct our lives. In modern, evolutionary astrology, the Ascendant is a symbol of our persona or outward mask. This is separate from our public mask. It’s more personal and one on one. It’s what my teacher, Steven Forrest, calls the mask we wear at a cocktail party.

I would argue that the mask we see of Donald Trump is more described by his 10th house and the sign that falls on his Midheaven because it’s what he shows to the public (though you’ll soon see that his Ascendant and Midheaven are interchangeable). Using equal houses, Trump has his Sun conjunct Uranus and the North Node in Gemini in his 10th house. We see a statement about a person who has greatly emphasized public and career matters (10th house) and that he’s using radical and rebellious vocal expression as a means of getting ahead in life (Uranus conjunct Sun). With a strong 10th house statement, Donald Trump is deeply concerned with status, reputation, and making a stamp on the world. With Uranus making such a statement here as well, Donald Trump is a rebel and has an eccentric public persona. With Taurus on his Midheaven, immediately we see a fixed, stubborn, and determined edge to this. Taurus is an immovable sign, and it symbolizes energy that stands tall and firmly entrenched.

The ruler of his Midheaven is Venus which is separating from a conjunction with Saturn in Cancer in the 11th house. This reveals that a big part of his public image depicts him networking and schmoozing, but also gives a traditional, conservative side (Saturn in Cancer) to his otherwise eccentric and radical Uranus vibes. The 11th house is known traditionally as the house of dreams, hopes, and friends. With Saturn placed in Cancer and conjunct Venus, this placement also shows a person who is fated to have a history of separations and challenges in his friendships and relationships (which will be very much public knowledge). Also, from a modern perspective, this Venus/Saturn conjunction in Cancer paints a person whose public image is predicated upon laying out nostalgic dreams and visions of the “good old days”, promising security, safety, and practical goals. Do we see his, “Make America Great Again” slogan emerging from these symbols?

Donald Trump's chart (inner chart) with transits (outer wheel) during the total solar eclipse on August 21, 2017. Note the eclipse to the left of the chart on his Ascendant. Equal houses and tropical zodiac.

President Donald Trump’s Saturn/Venus conjoins Mercury in the U.S. Sibley horoscope. These nostalgic dreams and visions hit a powerful chord in the American mind. Donald Trump’s Ascendant falls in the last degrees of Leo, and is ruled by the Sun. This brings us back to his equal 10th house Gemini placement conjunct Uranus. Thus, there is a strong synergy between his personal persona and public image. With a Leo Ascendant, Donald Trump’s personal style is one that is showy, dramatic, attention getting, and loud. With Mars close to his Ascendant, there is an element of assertiveness, aggressiveness, and a “warrior” like quality to this. Mars, the planet of war, reveals a highly combative and forceful persona which amplifies the fire element in his mask.

This eclipse represents on one level a death of that image and style, and the way he makes decisions, choices, and asserts himself in the world. Hitting an angle of the chart (the Ascendant) is also very significant as the beginning of a critical shift in his consciousness and personal life. On another level, the solar eclipse requires a rebirth of his personal and public image, one that is likely to be dramatic in its change and transformation. Thus, what we could expect here is to witness a major shift in how Donald Trump represents himself, which may come as a result of a crisis or challenge to his reputation. This will utterly change the freedom he has to make decisions and lead others. Since the first house and Ascendant are tied into themes involving leadership as well, we see the death and rebirth of a leader in one way or another. How exactly that manifests is partly up to fate, and partly up to Donald Trump’s own free will.

Also, the first house and Ascendant represent the physical body, and it’s possible we may see some health related issues arise from this. From these symbols we can ascertain that Donald Trump is going to be “eclipsed” in the coming weeks and months. What that actually looks like, we’ll soon see. The eclipse occurs in the ninth equal house/place in the U.S. Sibley chart. This chart is the most commonly used by astrologers, and really proved its validity during the events of Sept 11, 2011. In traditional astrology, the ninth house was known as the house of the “king” or “God” and governed issues dealing with foreign travel/relations, divination, religion, and even astrology. Since we live in different times (though technically not much different), we can conclude that this “Great American Eclipse” will change much of our national ideology/beliefs, foreign relations (policies) as well as our “king”, which we could say symbolically represents the President of the United States.

The U.S. Sibley horoscope (center chart) with transits during the solar eclipse on Aug 21, 2017 (outer wheel). Note the eclipse making an opposition to the Moon in Aquarius in the third house. Equal Houses and tropical zodiac. 

In evolutionary astrology, the ninth house deals with encountering shocking perspectives and the formation of personal ethics, philosophy, or worldview. Its shadow exhibits dogmatism and defensiveness against foreign views and perspectives. So for the country as a whole, there’s a dramatic shift in our perspective as a nation, and a change in our national ideology. The eclipse also makes a challenging opposition to the natal Moon in Aquarius in the third house. This Aquarian Moon, looked at through a modern lens, symbolizes the “revolutionary” soul of America and our need to be a “progressive” and rebellious nation via the Aquarian association with Uranus. The third house came to be known as a house dealing with communication in a broad sense, though traditionally it was called “Goddess”, and dealt topically with issues surrounding travel, relatives, and siblings.

I believe that the third house association with communication is an important modern shift in its symbolism. It can indicate the transmission of news and gossip. American culture is so highly influenced by the media which now expresses itself mostly through the internet. We see here an eclipsing of our media, and also the revolutionary spirit of America. This is being directly challenged by the “King” as well as a foreign influence or through foreign relations. It will stimulate much gossip and theorizing to take place surrounding these issues, or will utterly change how Americans communicate over time. I’m sure that given the nature of recent events and speculations, we could imagine all kinds of scenarios here.

From the evolutionary view, the third house deals with the ability to form unbiased perceptions. Opposite the ninth, the third house supports the asking of questions as opposed espousing a definitive underlying truth. In it’s shadow, similar to the ninth, it seeks to defend a given perception of reality and limit the flow of information, leading to a scattered pursuit of useless facts and ideas. It’s interesting that the themes of these two houses are rather hot topics with the current presidency. It’s presented us with a lot of questions about what the truth really is, who to actually trust, and whether the facts are really what we think they are.

I think theses symbols also speak to the reality of the times we currently live in. We are at a point in this country where we need to be very careful of simplifying and polarizing the issues on the table. I don’t think it’s as simple as making one side “good” and another side “bad”. There isn’t much of anything in life that’s that simplistic. Life is complicated and messy. The truth isn’t so clean cut and dry. I think that as we approach this eclipse, Americans need to be really careful of taking any particular side, no matter how hard that is. If you really want the truth, these symbols suggest moving beyond any rigid assumptions you might have about reality, and choosing to look beyond your usual sources of information to find it. I think that’s important advice, and something we might find to be a necessity in the very near future.

One last observation here. The Moon rules the eighth house in the U.S. horoscope, which is traditionally called the house of death. That's always sounds a little ominous, but it also deals with issues pertaining to shared resources and debt. There are several critical placements in this sign and house, including the Sun and Mercury, and if using whole sign houses, both Jupiter and Venus as well. This was not seen as a favorable house for placements in earlier traditions, though even in modern astrology the eighth house is not a particularly comfortable place. It invokes a sense of having to face uncomfortable realities, usually pertaining to ones mortality. It's possible this eclipse will dredge up some unsettling truths which will deeply effect our national security and may well impact America's shared resources. 

Consider that currently, America's only major economic export is war. This sad truth is what led many to believe that Donald Trump could restore our self-sufficiency as a nation. I think the reality of whether or not this is possible is going to very quickly sink in here. And on a basic symbolic level, the Moon is a statement about our nation's heart, hearth, and safety. This eclipse brings into the collective consciousness of the nation an awakening realization to the threat that not all is as safe and secure as we might imagine. The synchronicity of that correlating with the eclipse hitting Donald Trump's Ascendant reveals that as President, he must alter his image somehow, to get the public to earn his trust as a leader. In looking at his current ratings, that may be a very difficult challenge. 

Life feels overwhelming when faced with things outside of your control. Understanding yourself is key to finding your power and place in the world. While you can't control fate or the chaos of life, your destiny belongs to you, something you can always strive for to gain command of your life path. Evolutionary Astrology can help.

Follow me on Instagram for weekly astrological updates.

Reaching the Mars Zone: Sun/Mars Conjunction 2017

Dan Steele on an Eastern Illinois University Relay team, via Wikimedia Commons.

We're reaching a conjunction of Sun and Mars (exact July 26). If you looked down at the solar system while hovering above it from space, you would see a direct alignment of Earth, Sun, and Mars. The last conjunction, when Mars was on the far side of the Sun (where we can’t see it), was June 14, 2015 (this will be important to consider, so bear with me here). The last opposition (when Mars was behind the Earth opposing the Sun), was last year during Mars’ retrograde cycle on May 22, 2016. Thus, a Sun/Mars conjunction or opposition alternates roughly each year. You don’t need to understand the technical details, but check out the images below for a visual. The main point is that the last conjunction was in June of 2015, so what’s shifting now relates to what began or shifted at that time.

        The Sun/Mars conjunction July 26, 2017 as seen                 from a heliocentric (Sun centered) perspective

The Sun/Mars retrograde opposition May 22, 2016 as viewed from a heliocentric (Sun centered) perspective

Mars is the archetypal warrior of the solar system. It relates to our need and desire to actively get what we want from life (claim what we desire), to defend ourselves, and take up some space in the world. This Earth/Mars synodic cycle (the technical term for the Sun/Mars/Earth alignments), relates to shifting themes connected to the archetypal nature of Mars. Look to the house or place that holds 4 degrees of tropical Leo for insight into the next two year cycle. Mars has many faces, and they shift alongside these conjunctions/oppositions.

While you may not realize it, you go through a roughly two year cycle craving or pursuing a particular theme which takes up much of your physical and psychic energy. That particular craving will be shifting again, and you'll be in pursuit of something else entirely which you can actualize over the next two years. I feel that the emergence of these cravings/desires are more closely related to the conjunctions, because Mars is symbolically engulfed by the Sun (it literally disappears behind it) and is renewed, thus Mars receives a new mission to actualize in the world.

The conjunctions of Sun and Mars deal with the emergence or start and activation of new paths. The oppositions relate to critical turning points in which we change the direction or flow of these actualizing impulses (because Mars is retrograde at these times). From the evolutionary astrological perspective, it is believed that Mars is a lower octave of Pluto. While Pluto is a symbolic reference for the desires existing within the soul, Mars is the means through which they’re carried through and actualized in the physical world. Thus, these conjunctions are significant markers in time and space for which we can better understand and work with to initiate (during the conjunction) or revise and redirect (during the retrograde opposition) desires of a metaphysical origin.

If we entertain the hypothetical suggestion that Mars somehow relates to the actualization of the soul’s pre-existing desires, then these cycles help us burn off our karma, or maybe even acquire more of it. So, we must bring more consciousness to this process to direct these energies to our evolutionary advantage. Check in with yourself (or your chart) to see what the next chapter holds and where much energy and passion will be directed. You're probably feeling it now with a change in the flow of your vitality and life force. On a purely collective level, this conjunction is heating up our drive, enthusiasm, and passion, or even revealing pent up frustration or anger. This may be a time to check in with yourself to see what's in the way of you attaining what you want or taking up some space in the world.

While the psychologist Sigmund Freud was probably off with many of his ideas, he did suggest that depression results from internalized anger and rage (but perhaps excluding clinical forms). I think that’s deeply insightful. To elaborate, if we repress our creativity, passion, and even sexual desires, then such feelings turn destructive and debilitating within the psyche. Also, if we favor one desire over another, then we tend to experience a polarization and the repressed desire manifests more strongly (even taking over our willpower for a period of time). If you're feeling moody, irritable, angry, frustrated, or depressed around this conjunction (unless of course you have obvious reasons to be), it's likely due to a blocked Eros, an inability to express your willpower or sexual and creative drive. You may want to get proactive now about ways you can direct this energy toward healthy and productive outlets.

Following a powerful New Moon with an applying conjunction to Mars (which occurred on July 23), this Sun/Mars conjunction is a significant starting point, and it’s been building up for some time. Mars has been in very close proximity to the Sun since mid-June of 2017, and so you’ve been feeling this transition ripple since then. This exact conjunction on July 26 may not manifest as a significant event, but so often the days surrounding the conjunction are accompanied by new beginnings of different flavors.

Whether you experience this energy positively or negatively has largely to do, hypothetically speaking, with how aligned you are with your soul’s true desires. Are you actively engaged with your life force, creativity, and passion? Are you listening to Eros? If not, then this can be a good time to connect with that reality, and begin taking those steps toward making changes that can better align you with what you’ve come here to do. If you are, then ride this wave confidently toward the actualization of what you really want. As we’re in the midst of eclipse season for the next month, expect to be on an accelerated path for change and personal transformation.

Upcoming Earth/Mars Synodic Periods

July 27, 2018 opposition @ 04 Aquarius

September 2, 2019 conjunction @ 09 Virgo

October 13, 2010 opposition @ 21 Aries

October 07, 2021 conjunction @ 15 Libra

December 07, 2022 opposition @ 16 Gemini

November 17, 2023 conjunction @ 25 Scorpio

January 15, 2025 opposition @ 26 Cancer

Life feels overwhelming when faced with things outside of your control. Understanding yourself is key to finding your power and place in the world. While you can't control fate or the chaos of life, your destiny belongs to you, something you can always strive for to gain command of your life path. Evolutionary Astrology can help. Click here for personal readings. 

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Engage Your Passion: New Moon in Leo 2017

Fire breathing "Jaipur Maharaja Brass Band", Chassepierre, Belgium; photo by Luc Viatour via Wikimedia Commons. 

New Moon @ 0 degrees Leo 44’

July 23, 2017

2:46 AM Pacific

5:46 AM Eastern

July’s New Moon in tropical Leo is anything but subtle, though as usual, you should expect a winding down of external drama after a dynamic and heavy Full Moon just two weeks ago. The New Moon phase is a natural time of inward attunement and rejuvenation, but this particular lunation conjoins the planet Mars in the fire sign of Leo. While this is a moment imbued with some uncertainty, even hesitation about what’s emerging, it carries a powerful edge that has some serious prowess. If you’re in need of a creative boost and some extra tenacity, then this New Moon can certainly help you.

Each New Moon signifies a beginning point in time and space, and with such flamboyant archetypes involved, you should anticipate this beginning to embody immense enthusiasm and even some rebellion. Before we dive in, let’s gain some perspective. This month’s New Moon is our on-ramp for the final eclipse season of 2017. With its alignment to Mars, the warrior of the solar system, this New Moon indicates that some gusto and courage are required. Both Mars and the Sun have been traveling in close proximity since the latter end of June. It’s likely stirred up some anger, assertiveness, violence, sexual lustiness, and possibly an awareness of inner strength in many of us the past several weeks.

Consider situations that have erupted recently, especially those that synched up with the Full Moon on July 8. This New Moon signifies a dramatic shift in those situations and a powerful transition into new themes and realities over the next full lunation cycle (approximately one month). Consider the fixed nature of Leo and its archetypal inner fire. This helps to breathe new life into creative projects and goals, but it also insures that what we put into motion has some stability and sense of permanence about it. Choose wisely about what you're presently devoting your time and energy to, and also be exceptionally mindful of what you commit to at this point. With the power of Mars and its square to Uranus, take into consideration any rebellious and individualistic impulses.

Make sure that your choices leave room for freedom of self-expression. That’s incredibly important, because in the coming two weeks the New Moon will culminate in a partial eclipse of the Moon in Aquarius, which will greatly amplify rebellious impulses and test our strength once we have a clearer perspective. Eclipses always accelerate what’s been going in our lives, so if you’re already overwhelmed, then use this time to strengthen your support base and better arm yourself for upcoming challenges. However, if you feel confident in your present course of action, then these upcoming eclipses (Aug 7 & Aug 21) will help to move you much further along than you presently think is possible. Remember, we have two New Moons this year in Leo. Aug 21 is a total solar eclipse in Leo, which will be visible for the entire United States.

Use this New Moon to greatly strengthen your boundaries and determination. This is a powerful launching pad for things you wish to set into motion. Step into this dark of the Moon confidently with valor. Use this moment wisely, as Mercury’s retrograde cycle begins Aug 12, which will help us rework and re-strategize what we’re presently dealing with. This lunation can help you better align with your inner reservoir of strength, vitality, passion, and power. Direct this energy consciously toward things that best align with your authentic, spiritual path. Use just enough force to get things going, but be mindful of the power you actually have. The warrior archetype is a necessary function for self-defense and taking action in the world, but can so easily turn destructive if we aren’t conscious of our true motivations. If you’re really assured, then step up and make it happen!

Life feels overwhelming when faced with things outside of your control. Understanding yourself is key to finding your power and place in the world. While you can't control fate or the chaos of life, your destiny belongs to you, something you can always strive for to gain command of your life path. Evolutionary Astrology can help. Click here for personal readings. 

Follow me on Instagram for weekly astrological updates.

Do you enjoy my lunation readings? Would you like more detailed readings tailored just for you? I’m excited to announce the pre-launch of Kosmic Horizon Forecasts. These bi-weekly forecasts are published every New and Full Moon, additionally covering the weeks in between. Somewhat like Sun sign horoscopes but far more accurate, Kosmic Horizon Forecasts use your personal rising (or Ascendant) sign to more precisely render your experience of each lunation and the weeks ahead. 

I’m currently in the stages of developing this new service, and would like you to participate in my trial run that will be FREE for you in the coming weeks. You don’t need to do anything if you’re already subscribed to my free newsletter as most of the content will be featured in there. If you have any feedback, please let me know! This will either be a subscription email service or a membership attached to my website (I’m still working on some technical logistics). If you like the forecasts, you’ll have an opportunity to purchase a subscription by the upcoming equinox. Thanks for your ongoing support of my work and services.

If you haven’t already, subscribe to my FREE newsletter below to get a preview of Kosmic Horizon Forecasts….

Acknowledging Your Darkness: Full Moon in Capricorn 2017

A high resolution photo of Pluto captured by NASA's New Horizons Spacecraft on July 14, 2015; NASA/John Hopkins Applied Physics Labratory/Southwest Research Institute. 

Full Moon @ 17 Capricorn 09'

July 8, 2017

9:07 PM Pacific

July 9, 2017

12:07 AM Eastern

This month’s Full Moon in tropical Capricorn generates some pretty dramatic and dynamic astrology. We’re likely to see the intensity of this lunation emerge on the world stage in one way or another, especially in the U.S. since it aligns with the Sun in the U.S. horoscope. The Full Moon is not naturally comfortable in Capricorn, especially given the fact that it conjoins Pluto. It’s likely to feel edgy and awkward for many of us. The Full Moon also creates a t-square configuration with the Sun widely conjunct Mars in Cancer and Jupiter squaring from the sign of Libra. On one level, this Full Moon culmination may correlate with very strong feelings, perceptions, paranoia, and possibly an eruption of anger in those not fully conscious of what they’re experiencing.

On the day of and the days surrounding this Full Moon, be mindful of not only how you’re responding to this complex dynamic, but also other people around you. While Pluto is certainly powerful, it's also sneaky. In combination with Jupiter, this Full Moon could bring about dramatic and possibly over exaggerated reactions to situations without fully understanding the source. Those reactions could be partially justified, but most likely, they are an unconscious, fearful reaction to the unknown. As an autonomous being with free will, you have the choice to step away from situations that may trigger upset, rage, or hostility in other people. With that said, this is a powerful lunation because it can bring about tremendous insight regarding realities that you’ve likely been incredibly unconscious of.

Both the Moon and Pluto are archetypes we associate with the hidden dimensions of the psyche. Every Full Moon brings events, projects, and developing situations to a head. This dramatic culmination will bring to light many things that have been concealed from view, ultimately so those realities can reach conscious awareness. This process has been underway the past week or so with several planets making oppositions to Pluto from Cancer. Pluto has been moving through Capricorn since 2008, and during this time we’ve collectively gained powerful insights about the dark edges of authoritarian power structures, either corporate, political, or governmental. This trend will continue for some time until Pluto enters Aquarius in 2024.

Capricorn is said to be a conservative sign, in that it helps us to prioritize and plan ahead practically and strategically. Use this Full Moon to take a good, hard look at your life and the choices you’ve been making up until this point. Distance and solitude may be your best tactic in dealing with these energies. In fact, this is a good time to step away from any developing, external drama to assess your own life position to gain insight into the changes that need to be made at this time. I think that Pluto’s ultimate teaching is that the more complex civilization becomes (and by extension, our own lives), the more it tends to reflect or mirror the unconscious state of the collective. This mirroring will probably show up for you in some way.

Since an opposition is naturally related to relationships, this heavy Full Moon will offer you the opportunity to see that external events are merely mirrors of your own unresolved issues. Pluto is not an easy archetype to integrate; it can often confront us with terrifying realities and realizations. That’s because, as much as we don’t like to admit it, it is a reality composed of the illusion of “good” and “evil”. Beyond this duality, is the ability to see ourselves as containing both of those polarities, and when we move beyond denying the unsettling and darker aspects within ourselves, we find tremendous power to rise above it and make lasting changes in the world. This Full Moon can also be a powerful creative catalyst, inspiring within us the ability to take decisive action to make sweeping changes in our own lives and the external world. Bottom line: look beyond appearances at this time; there is far more going on than you can visibly see. Instead of reacting to fear or anxiety, use this energy to get proactive and take initiative to take yourself to higher ground.

Life feels overwhelming when faced with things outside of your control. Understanding yourself is key to finding your power and place in the world. While you can't control fate or the chaos of life, your destiny belongs to you, something you can always strive for to gain command of your life path. Evolutionary Astrology can help. Click here for personal readings. 

Follow me on Instagram for weekly astrological updates.