WEEK OF AUGUST 19, 2019

He, who every morning plans the transactions of the day, and follows that plan,
carries a thread that will guide him through a labyrinth of the most busy life.
Victor Hugo

The week begins with the Moon in Aires. The Moon enters Taurus Wednesday at 00:38 EDT and will travel though Taurus until Friday morning when the Moon enters Gemini at 10:34am. The last quarter Moon happens at 0º Gemini, officially initiating the mutable Earth season with the Sun having just entered Virgo. The Moon travels through Gemini until late Sunday afternoon when it enters Cancer at 17:05 EDT.

This week, with 3 planets moving from Leo to Virgo we are getting a good glimpse of what the next month has in store for us. Mars left the sign of Leo for Virgo early Sunday morning and Venus follows suit on August 21st, leaving the brazen fires of Leo for the humbling pastures of Virgo. On August 23rd, the Sun leaves its domicile of Leo to enter Virgo, officiating the Mutable Earth season. However, with Mercury (ruling planet of Virgo) still in Leo, we are holding onto the golden rays and royal ways, and not entirely dedicated to the practical applications of our vision until Mercury enters Virgo on August 29th.

Mars →Virgo: August 18 – 1:17am EDT
Venus →Virgo: August 21 – 5:06am EDT
Sun →Virgo: August 23 – 6:01am EDT

THE PROCESS
With the Sun’s ingress into the Earth sign of Virgo, we begin the process of sorting out what needs tending. Virgo season brings our attention and focus on the many task that lays ahead of us, illuminating what needs to be organized, smoothed, resolved and eliminated for us to find proper footing. With the heavy influence of the Earth element in the next few weeks, our attention will be on the practical and tangible ways in which we can establish order in our daily lives and in our bodies. Simplifying, streamlining, and putting back the tools in their proper place, becoming aware of all the little ways in which we are not yet fully efficient, proficient and perfect. Anxiety is a shadow that looms large over Virgoan-type people, for there is always ways in which one can improve themselves, and this process is never done. Quality resides in the critical eye for better or for worst. Perfection is not a burden for the artisan, but a guiding principle informing his repetitive actions which over time becomes the perfect object. Practice makes perfect as they say.

THE MATERIAL
This year, we have a tight alignment of planets in the sign of Virgo which does not happen every year. This should greatly intensify the influence of the sign on our daily lives. Virgo is one of the three Earth signs considered in astrology to be primarily focused on the tangible and the practical necessities of material reality, the other two being Taurus and Capricorn.

Since we already have Uranus transiting in Taurus and Saturn/Pluto/South Node in Capricorn, the ingress of Mars, Venus and the Sun into the sign of Virgo this week will saturate the skies with planets in Earth signs. During the next few weeks, our attention will turn towards our material reality and how to improve it. We could find ourselves busy creating order out of the chaotic and disparate parts of our lives in order to improve it and be more productive. Productivity will be high on the priority list and you could find yourself overwhelmed with the work load while juggling all of your responsibilities. Procrastination will create more anxiety and I have seen many Virgo-type characters driving themselves mad with anxiety and stress while procrastinating. Don’t shy away from the work you have to do as this will surely release some of the inner tension.

This week, the transition of three planets from Leo to Virgo will be quite obvious as we find ourselves moving from the Fixed Fire season to the Mutable Earth season. In the Northern Hemisphere, Virgo season announces the end of Summer and the transition towards Fall. The preparation required for the return of the cold and the waning of the light prompts us to organize ourselves, and it is a time of movement and busy-ness. The structures in our lives will be vitalized and it’s a great time to organize your space and make it more functional. In the next couple of weeks, the emphasis is on our physical reality and tending to the smaller details of our existence like our body and our environment. However, the possibility of scattering ourselves through too many projects/avenues or being overly critical and preoccupied with perfection is a tendency to watch for during the next few weeks. It’s a good idea to temper the critical voice within you, and use this time to get ahead.

The Zodiac 1925 Ernest Procter 1886-1935

“If death meant just leaving the stage long enough to change costume and come back as a new character… Would you slow down? Or speed up?”
–Chuck Palahniuk

WEEK OF AUGUST 5th, 2019: OUR PRIDE AND AFFECTIONS

 Artwork by Jasper Goodall 

Stand straight, walk proud, have a little faith
-Garth Brooks

The week begins with the Moon in Libra until it enters Scorpio on Tuesday signalling the First Quarter Moon. The Moon enters Sagittarius on Thursday, and remains on the archer’s territory until early Sunday morning when it enters Capricorn. The First Quarter Moon is a time of action and momentum when we are challenged to implement what was seeded at the New Moon and push forward.

SPIRIT
Passion burns hot this week as we move deeper into Leo season and straight into the heart of summer. The Sun in the second decan of Leo is bright indeed and Venus blinded by the rays inches closer and closer to the royal throne. By August 14, Venus will disappear completely into the Sun purifying herself in a baptism of light, rebirthing as an evening ”star”. The Sun and Venus in Leo will set the mood this week with loud and colourful roars and regal displays. Pride and affection for what we have created, what we have become, what we value and love is sure to be a theme. We might be moved to expose the content of our heart’s joys for all to see while other folks might dowse themselves in just-a-little-bit too much perfume.

FAITH
The Sun in Leo is moving towards a trine with Jupiter in Sagittarius (exact on Wednesday) and this should give us the ability to say YES more. This easy going and joyful sky is giving us plenty of reasons to celebrate life and make the difficult things a little bit easier to bare. Jupiter stations direct on August 11 after moving retrograde since April 10, 2019. On the same day, Mercury enters Leo and Uranus stations retrograde in Taurus creating a lot of momentum which culminates on Sunday. The Moon entering Sagittarius on Thursday (Jupiter’s day) gives the signal to launch the fireworks, release the helium balloons, cut the red ribbon, and trust that it will all work out. There is a hopeful quality that permeates the week and it is an excellent time to gain perspective on what remains to be accomplished while elevating your standards. Fill your engine to the brim with the potentiality latent in your dreams and aim higher. This is a time of joy, faith and courage; send your prayers and show gratitude accordingly.

THE SALES PITCH
Mercury re-enters the Lion’s den on Sunday at 15:45 EDT after having turned retrograde here in Leo before moving back into the sign of Cancer for most of July. If there is still a faint tinged of longing permeating our minds this week, it will definitely subside by Sunday. The radio stations which until now played a series of nostalgic and sappy songs will now be showcasing ”The Greatest Hits of all Time”. Mercury can be persuasive in the sign of Leo especially when supported by Jupiter. If you have to sell your salad ( convince someone), now and in the next few weeks is a good time to do so. You can expect however that everyone at the market will also have the best salad to sell; you could find yourself shouting in order to be heard.

The Fixed season of Leo is a time of conviction and this year Jupiter in Sagittarius is boosting the signal. Depending on natal disposition some folks might be totally blinded by their beliefs, their pride, and their ideas. Moderate the enthusiasm with healthy dose of reflection before launching headfirst into a debate or a venture. Measured risk and optimism will be rewarded while hubris and arrogance could alienate others but overall, it’s an excellent week.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GROW• GLOW• SHIMMER: NEW MOON IN LEO

Bruce Pennington, 1973

 

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The month of July ends with a New Moon in Leo which will be exact at 23:12 EDT on July 31st. A few minutes later, Mercury stations direct in Cancer after being retrograde since the 7th of July. The New Moon in Leo and Mercury direct initiates us into the month of August, on the other side of eclipse season and in the bright light of the Sun who is at home in the sign of Leo.

→ Look to where the New Moon in Leo is taking place in your birth chart to understand where the focus is  for this upcoming lunation. The Full Moon in Aquarius on August 14 will see a culmination in the opposite house to where Leo sits and you can expect the next few weeks to highlight both the Leo and Aquarius house topics in your chart.

After a month of gestation, we enter a period of rationality and brilliance which will allow us to study in clear daylight, the pearls of wisdom that were birthed in the eclipses shadows. The intuitive epiphanies regarding certain roadblocks and detours inherited from the past, and the revelations contained in our personal biographies can now be observed with a certain lucid detachment as a fresh chapter emerges on the horizon. The page is blank, the fruits are ripped, and fresh intentions are being initiated with the conviction that we really do deserve the best of the best.

Honour and pride is on the menu in the first half of August. Leo season is a time of courage and conviction, of stepping up to the plate and having the guts of embodying your role with confidence. Now is a time for recognizing your accomplishments, your worth, and to show up with your best face on, trusting that you know exactly how its done.

Shimmering sparkles arising from the light – hypnotizing with a fiery glow – a magnetizing charisma containing the warmth of love and attraction. Thirsty, the seeker extends a hand towards the object of power –  hoping to catch its radiance and become a God.

Jupiter stations direct in Sagittarius on August 11, after being retrograde since mid-April and this should help boost our confidence level. On the same day, Mercury enters Leo setting the ego ablaze as Uranus turn retrograde in Taurus until next eclipse season in January 2020.

Micheal Heizer

 

The Full Moon in Aquarius takes place on August 14, just as Venus in Leo reaches her superior conjunction moving behind the Sun. This marks the time when Venus transition from the morning to evening sky. Venus will be visible as a bright evening “star” in the sky after sunset in September and October 2019.

The Full Moon in Aquarius brings a culmination in regards to our own needs and desires versus the desires of the whole. Certain people might be accused of selfishness during this time as we try to reconcile our values with the values of others. Venusian matters will certainly be on our mind in mid-August and a division could be felt in regards to the practical versus the superfluous. We might feel more indulgent and deserving and this could create some friction with others who are also trying to get their piece of cake. Brash and dramatic displays of superiority are also possible as egos collide; even if you know best, you might not be heard in the cacophony of roars. 

Mars enters Virgo on August 18, followed by Venus on August 21st, and the Sun on August 23rd. The second half of the month will contain a lot more planets in Earth elements bringing pragmatism to our ambitions, and practical steps to reach our goals. The heated passions being felt in the first weeks of August will find proper outlets by the end of the month as we slowly come back down to Earth with the gifts of Fire. The last week of August sees a Mars/Venus conjunction in Virgo supported by a trine to Uranus; you will know exactly what to do and how to do it.

Love and passion, passion and beauty, beauty and lust, lust and novelty, novelty and pleasure, pleasure and discovery, discovery and freedom, freedom and connection, connection and soul.

The New Moon in Virgo takes place early on August 30th at 6 degrees of Virgo signalling fresh momentum in the part of your chart where Virgo is located. This should be a fantastic lunation to organize and take care of details that were ignored in the last few months. Delineating a schedule or a plan for your goals should help relieve some of the anxiety. It could feel like a lot needs to be done and September promises to be a good month to get on track. Organization will be high on the priority list and a clear action-plan will support your efforts towards reaching your objectives. The New Moon in Virgo trining Uranus, carries the promise of self-sufficiency born out of efforts.

 

 

 

This week in Astrology: Sorting out the essential from your heart

Monday opens with the Moon in the last degrees of Taurus on the Fixed star Algol or the Head of Medusa; don’t lose your mind. We are building towards the Jupiter/Uranus opposition that will be exact on the 27/28 of September. This is a revolutionary aspect which is excellent for visionaries and artists and for people who have the ability to see the silver lining in chaotic  circumstances but also have the guts to do things differently. On a mundane level it can feel destabilizing if you are holding to the status quo at all cost or need predictable outcomes. Small and large shifts are happening in our awareness and in the world at large and intuition is at an all time high. Flashes of insights and new bold ideas are available if you adjust your vision. With Uranus in Aries closing in on its opposition to Jupiter in Libra there is an urge to liberate ourselves while also searching for ”the other” to reflect us. It can feel polarizing to oscillate between our need for freedom and liberation versus our need for feedback, fairness and equilibrium.

The Moon enters Gemini at 15:30 EDT on Monday which will accentuate the current Mercury/Mars conjunction building up in Virgo. The next 2 days are excellent for analyzing, editing, and cutting through the superfluous. The mind can have a tendency to race and anxiety will be higher than usual. Finding the right measure of applied diligence and focus is possible as long as we don’t scatter ourselves. Mindfulness and disconnecting from the media, the internet and the constant chatter is one of the best remedies for this kind of astrological weather. Difficulties with communication, getting our message across, misunderstandings and harsh words are possible with the Mercury/Mars conjunction building up and, so are fried phones and electronics.

With the last quarter Moon in Gemini we can feel stimulated, talkative, and curious but there is also the tendency to get lost in chatter instead of being productive. Basically, don’t fry your brain with coffee and stress and find the right balance of intellectual work and simple manual or physical work. We could have the urge to communicate in many directions at once but essentially we can only do one thing at a time. Give your brain the right intellectual food and remember that words and symbols can be very powerful in shaping our experience of reality; use them wisely.

The last quarter Moon in Gemini supports finalizing the details of a project or idea that began at the New Moon/Solar Eclipse in Leo on August 21st.

Venus in Leo trine Saturn in Sagittarius on Tuesday and this is a supportive but also sobering aspect in regards to relationship. We could feel serious and more realistic about our desires. Long-term commitments and maturity could feel more important at the moment and feelings could be reserved and controlled. Venus trine Saturn is beneficial for artist and creators who are looking to structure and give shape to their muse. This can be a productive time for creative work, social engagements, and public relations.

On Wednesday night the Moon enters her own sign of Cancer and this should help ease the mental tension creating a fluid and intuitive rhythm until Friday night.

Even though we are in the darkest of the Moon (before the New Moon in Virgo on September 20th) the weekend will feel quite dynamic with the Moon entering the Fire sign of Leo late on Friday night and Mercury and Mars perfecting their conjunction in Virgo on Saturday, September 16. Conversation around pride, identity, the need for acknowledgement and having  the courage to express oneself truthfully and courageously will all be aroused.

NEW MOON IN LEO: REGAL HEARTS

”Your vision will become clear only when you can look into your own heart.”
-Carl Jung

Meaning & Spirit

August is not just the eighth month of the year; it also describes something esteemed or regal. Although we are not quite done with July, the spirited Leo New Moon on July 23rd opens up the Fixed summer season with a bold thrust.

The meaning of the word August and the symbolism of Leo are pretty much interchangeable. The word August means something or someone who is marked by majestic dignity or grandeur. Leo being ruled by the Sun which is central to our solar system is the sign most often associated with royalty and lofty dispositions. Nothing exists without the Sun, therefore nothing could possibly exist without the strength and brilliance of the Lion.

Grand ambitious, dignified, elevated, eminent, exalted, fine, glorious, gorgeous, grandiose, great, haughty, illustrious, imposing, impressive, large, lofty, lordly, luxurious, magnificent, majestic, monumental, noble, opulent, ostentatious, palatial, pompous, pretentious, princely, regal, splendid, splendiferous, stately, striking, sublime, sumptuous, superb, admirable, awesome, divine, excellent, fine, first-class, first-rate, great, pre-eminent, principal, supreme. 

Children of the Sun

To be a child of the Sun means approaching life with a playful bravery and choosing with the heart. To be a child of the Sun means to acknowledge your worth and claim what is yours. To be a child of the Sun is to believe in your worth and let your spirit speak through your actions. There is no place for hypocrisy here as the light brightens even the darkest corners of the soul; one must have the boldness to align with who he is. When the heart and the mind sings in unison all is pure radiance.

Joy & Power

Mythology is full of stories who guard man from the hubris of pitting oneself against the Gods but in the first decan of Leo we are blinded by the Sun or perhaps our own will. To live one’s truth is a birth right and we cannot tolerate anything which threatens to hold us back. A generous amount of power and passion resides here and not much stands in the way of the Lion’s desires.

“Follow your bliss and the universe will open doors for you where there were only walls.”
– Joseph Campbell

More is more

The New Moon takes place on Sunday July 23rd at 0º Leo as we make way for the royal displays of our hearts longing. The New Moon will also be 1º away from Mars who will land its sparks to the fire and ignite individual will.

Meanwhile, Mercury in Leo will be 2 degrees from the North Node or Head of the Dragon and form a grand fire trine with Uranus in Aries and Saturn in Sagittarius. Like a hot air balloon we could find ourselves benefiting from a certain amount of heat and pressure to propel us forward. Necessary planning along with audacity and conviction will be required for the journey ahead.

The stage is set and the New Moon in Leo is the opening act to a drama that will take us all the way into the first week of September and beyond. The aspects of the coming weeks are like a fire which has the potential to cleanse our inner and outer landscapes.

28º of Leo: Truth revealed

The Leo season will be marked by a few dynamic aspects including a Full Moon/Lunar Eclipse at 15º of Aquarius on August 7 and a second New Moon at 28º of Leo on August 21 which will also be a total Solar eclipse. Mercury will be @ 28º Leo on July 24 the day after the first New Moon in Leo. Mercury will again be at 28º Leo on September 3rd as part of its retrograde motion and will go direct at that same 28º on September 5.

This particular part of the zodiac will be very active in August. If you have the Sun, Moon or Ascendant in the last decan of Leo or any of the Fixed signs (Aquarius, Taurus & Scorpio) the upcoming eclipses will have a stronger impact in your life.

Get your selfie game on and stay bold!

”A little flattery will support a man through great fatigue.”
-James Monroe

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NEW MOON IN LEO HOROSCOPES

Sun sign horoscopes cannot replace a proper analysis of your birth chart and transits of the moment. They are meant as a broad insight into certain time signatures. If you want a more detailed forecast, you can book a reading with Elodie here. You can also subscribe to the 9th House monthly horoscopes here.

*The rising sign is essential in understanding our personal dispositions, please read your Sun sign and rising sign for extra clarity.

LEO/LEO RISING ♌︎

This is your time of the year Leo. You have equal part guts and stamina backing you up at the moment. The projects you are working on could have a bigger impact in your life then you might realize and you will be forced to plan accordingly. Now is the time to go for it and trust your intuition. More is more.

VIRGO/VIRGO RISING ♍︎

Much of the action in August will happen behind close door for you dear Virgo.There are powerful currents running through your life and you might not be totally aware of the hold they have on you. Now would be an excellent time to connect to the hidden motives that dictates much of your decisions. Open the curtains and let the light in.

LIBRA/LIBRA RISING ♎︎

Growth and expansion are still the name of the game for you in August. You have many irons in the fire at the moment and you should strike while they are hot. It is not everyday that the opportunity to try new things knock at the door. The more you put yourself out there the more things will flow your way. Say yes to life.

SCORPIO/SCORPIO RISING ♏︎

The New Moon in Leo takes place in the part of your chart that deals with your career and vocation. You are being asked to step up to a particular challenge and you can feel that you might have to give it all of your attention. Technically that’s not a big deal for you but there are other things happening on the home front. Trust the process.

SAGITTARIUS/SAGITTARIUS RISING ♐︎

The New Moon in Leo ignites your desires for adventure in a big way. All the work you have been putting in for the last few years is bearing fruit and you are now ready to find new challenges. August will see you assess new territories and make new connections. Explore your options and let Fortuna take care of the rest!

CAPRICORN/CAPRICORN RISING ♑︎

The New Moon in Leo brings with her commitments and contracts. What binds you to others will be important this month and you will need to find the right balance between your personal goals and what is being asked of you. Partnerships remains on the forefront as you learn the art of compromise. Keep the diamond in your mind.

AQUARIUS/AQUARIUS RISING ♒︎

The New Moon in Leo animates the part of your chart that deals with partnerships of all kind. You will find yourself reflecting on your many relationships and the important role others play in your life. You desire for connection will be at an all time high in the next month. Allow yourself plenty of time to reflect on your heart’s desires; no man is an island.

PISCES/PISCES RISING ♓︎

To benefit fully from this upcoming cycle, I would suggest a reset in regards to your routine. Too much rigidity sinks your boat and not enough sees you floating aimlessly. Re-assess the way you have been spending your time and find the right measure of work and play. The wild fires of August will be treacherous for many but you should manage to escape most of the heat; stay cool.

ARIES/ARIES RISING ♈︎

Aries you are on FIRE! There are a lot of good things going on for you at the moment and you should be able to keep the momentum going in August. A dose of discipline coupled with a bit of work and lots of play is all you need. Remember to take a breather between adventures as to not burn the candle by both ends. Set your sight on the many opportunities knocking at your door and go for it.

TAURUS/TAURUS RISING ♉︎

You are one busy bee Taurus and there are still a lot that needs to be done. Somehow, time seems to be escaping you and you could feel like you are running out of breath. Making the best of your current opportunities is great but you cannot be everything for everyone. Summer is here but vacations will have to be postponed. Re-assess your stance and breath.

GEMINI/GEMINI RISING ♊︎

If running errands was an art, you would surely be a master my dear Gemini. There are so many little details that needs your attention at the moment it’s a wonder you can do it all. Just when you think you are done with your to-do list, something else comes along that needs your attention. Don’t ignore the details but leave some room for play and free time.

CANCER/CANCER RISING ♋︎

This New Moon in Leo sees you starting a fresh financial cycle. You have been busy with some new projects and ideas and now is the time to crunch some numbers. Sacrifices will need to be made and you are ready. Delineate an action plan and stick to your goal. Ease and support is coming your way in August if you steer clear of unnecessary indulgence.

 

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Moon in Leo square Mars in Taurus

The Moon is in Leo for the next 2 days and will be supported by the Sun in Aries, Jupiter in Libra and Saturn in Sagittarius while being square to Mars in Taurus.

The drive to succeed is high and fortune favours the bold but for the next 2 days it is PATIENCE who will favour the bold.

Full Moon in Leo: Hearts Ablaze

”Circe” by Romare Bearden

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Poison is in everything, and no thing is without poison.
The dosage makes it either a poison or a remedy.
-Paracelsus

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The Opening Act

For a brief moment on Friday evening a shadow will pass over the Moon. This is the first hint of what is to come in a series of eclipses on the Leo/Aquarius axis. These eclipses will take us all the way to January 21st, 2019 and this particular Full Moon is the opening act. 10 minutes after the Full Moon peaks on Friday evening so will the penumbral lunar eclipse. The Moon will spend more than 4 hours coasting through Earth’s outer shadow and it will appear darker than normal.

”Like other lunar eclipses, penumbral eclipses occur whenever the Earth passes between the Moon and Sun, such that it obscures the Sun’s light and casts a shadow onto the Moon’s surface. But unlike other kinds of eclipses, they are extremely subtle events to observe. In a penumbral eclipse the Moon passes through an outer region of the Earth’s shadow called the penumbra.   The Moon will first enter Earth’s shadow at 5:32 p.m. EST (2232 GMT), and its moonlight will slowly but surely grow dimmer for a little over 2 hours. After the eclipse peaks at 7:43 p.m. EST, the bright glow of the full moon will take about another 2 hours to return to normal.” -Dave Reneke’s World of Space and Astronomy

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The Lunar Nodes

The Moon’s Nodes are actually the points of intersection of the paths of the Sun and the Moon as they travel in the celestial sphere. The Moon crosses the ecliptic twice each orbit around the Earth – approximately every 13 days – creating the possibility of an eclipse. However, eclipses can only occur when the Moon is new or full: that is when the Earth, Moon and Sun are in perfect alignment.

In the early European and Oriental astronomical texts these Nodes are referred to as the Head of the Dragon (North Node) and the Tail of the Dragon (South Node). It the same tradition, it is generally believed that Caput Draconis (North Node) is more beneficial than its counter part Cauda Draconis (South Node).

In the Vedic tradition these Nodes are called Rahu and Ketu and are ascribed significance equal to that of a planet or more specifically as a ”shadowy planet”. Their function is one of karmic retribution and together they represent the great cyclic law of manifestation which sustains the universe. In fact, the Nodes are said to be so powerful that even the Sun and the Moon obeys them. Eclipses occur when the Sun and Moon are at one of these Lunar Nodes. In most traditions (if not all of them), a celestial monster – a demon- or a serpent- is depicted eating the luminaries and causing the eclipses.

What makes you bold

This first eclipse in the sign of Leo occurs close to the North Node of the Moon, or ”Rahu”.
In the Vedic tradition, Rahu is sometimes compared to a poisonous black serpent. This black serpent is considered both wise as well as deadly and the poison is used for both destructive and regenerative purposes. Rahu is said to bring about opportunities to anchor us deeply into matter so that we can fully take part in the material and physical experience. The Head of the Dragon, with its mouth open, is said to have an insatiable appetite for the things of this world. Symbolically, the changes and opportunities that are brought with eclipses are said to appear and disappear in and out of the void (or darkness) of the eclipse. Eclipses are almost unanimously thought to be linked to changing circumstances. Whether these changes will affect you more directly depends greatly on your natal disposition.

“Anything which you have in profusion is poison”
― Amit Kalantri

Luna

The Moon in astrology holds a passive role as she receives and reflects the light of the Sun; she does not create her own light. Here we enter the realm of projection; what is being reflected under her rays remain elusive. In this world of projections, shadows quickly turn into bizarre creatures as the imagination is given free reign. One must wonder if what he sees is real or if it is a mere trick of the light.

The shadow of the Earth crossing the Moon symbolically represents the regenerative process that occurs in the dark. The many projections accumulated overtime are briefly obscured to enable a new type of awareness. In this darkness a truth is revealed helping us move forward and out of these accumulated projections. A skin is shed, a baggage is dropped, an egg is broken, a face emerges from under the mask for a short moment revealing something that had escaped us until now.

Laughter, poison to fear 

The Full Moon takes place in the flamboyant sign of Leo which is ruled by the Sun. Here we find the dramatic urges of the ego who desires acknowledgement for its sovereignty and royal powers. While the Sun will be illuminating the Moon from the perspective of Aquarius, this brief intermission is brought to us by Kings and Queens. The language of Leo is one that directly links us to the heart, which it rules. The heart’s language is commanding and bold and links us to the creative fires. From this starting point everything is born. The Sun is the central heart of our solar system and Leo is closely linked to this archetypal image. For now though, Leo will have to content itself with a mere reflection of the Sun’s rays and will even find itself briefly eclipsed by a passing shadow. A hint of what is to come in the coming months.

The heart knows what it wants and this Full Moon will briefly illuminate its investments which will be hugely magnified by the sextile from Jupiter in Libra. Should those investments be of a more poisonous nature, the need to undergo a purging process will be necessary and this eclipse could trigger the process. However, if the poison is used as medicine, a courageous disposition will be necessary if one is to seize the opportunities offered at this time. This could be further thought of as having the strength of mind and spirit to face adversity with bravery while remaining true to one’s convictions.

This Full Moon will also be locked for a brief moment in a Grand Fire Trine with Uranus in Aries and Saturn in Sagittarius. Revolutionary changes are brewing and whether we are able to perceive the sparks or not, the process is underway. Whatever it is, it might not become obvious until August’s Solar Eclipse in Leo but a story is being weaved and this is the starting point.

Take Note

This first eclipse falls at 22º of Leo. If you have important planets or if your Ascendant is between 17º and 27º of a Fixed sign (Leo-Scorpio-Aquarius-Taurus) this Full Moon/eclipse will be felt more directly, especially if they are in Leo or Aquarius. The fundamental changes being birthed at this time are linked to the next eclipse on the 22nd of August and more extensively to the ones in 2018. Be prepared to let go and be willing to receive the unexpected blessings, difficulties and fundamental changes in the coming months.

“The aim of life is to live, and to live means to be aware joyously, drunkenly, serenely, divinely aware. In this state of god-like awareness one sings; in this realm the world exists as poem.”
Henry Miller

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References

1. Myths & Symbols of Vedic Astrology by Bepin Behari.

2. Avebury Cosmos: The Neolithic World of Avebury henge, Silbury Hill, West Kennet long barrow, the Sanctuary & the Longstones Cove by Nicholas Mann.

3. Star Gods of the Maya: Astronomy in Art, Folklore, and Calendars by Susan Milbrath.

February’s Fire

Hey everyone,

We’re almost done with January which has been a good example of what is to come. We also have entered the Chinese Year of the Fire Rooster. Even if the Chinese Zodiac has nothing to do with the Tropical Zodiac (the one we use) there is one thing in common for 2017 and that is: there is a LOT of planets in FIRE signs all year.

Uranus is in Aries and Saturn in Sagittarius plus we have an upcoming Venus retrograde (beginning March 4) in the sign of Aries.

There is also a series of eclipses on the Leo/Aquarius axis beginning this month with the Full Moon in Leo (a Fire sign) on February 10. Eclipses generally comes in sets of 4 over the course of the year.

So what does it mean? Well, If you have important planets in the late degrees of the Fixed signs (Scorpio, Taurus, Aquarius, Leo) this year eclipses will highlight that part of your chart.
Eclipses in astrology are considered triggers that brings fundamental changes. These changes can be sudden or they can be more of a gradual shift towards something completely new over a period of time. Of course it’s easier to pinpoint the area affected by studying the natal chart.

The New Moon in Pisces at the end of February is also a Solar eclipse and it is the last one in the Pisces/Virgo series that has happened over the course of the last 2 years. There was a lot of changes for these guys (Virgo and Pisces) and an evolution towards something that is either being born now or on the last stretch of its journey.

The Sun is in Aquarius and will move into the water sign of Pisces on February 18.

Saturn in Sagittarius (a fire sign) continues to fuel dogmatic beliefs and wars on ideologies and Jupiter goes retrograde later this month which will bring the second Jupiter/Uranus opposition.

Mars in Aries (fire sign) all month is excellent for pushing ahead with your own ideas and
projects. If you feel tense, go sweat it out.

Stay noble, stay bold.

 

Warming up by the fire

The Moon just entered the sign of Leo and will be there until December 29

With the Sun in ambitious and earthy Capricorn, we see our goals and we are willing to work to succeed.  The Moon in Leo can help fuel the creative fires with the supportive trines from Saturn and Uranus. This can add an overall inspiring and beneficial influence. The Moon will also square Venus in Scorpio showing that we might be ruled by unconscious desires at the moment.  If we can tame our spirits and connect to our deeper motivations we can discriminate between the genuine need to surpass ourselves and the more superficial ambitions that are driving us. Overall the next 2 days are very creative and exciting. We can fuel on the passionate and innovative fires and design new structures and new ways of doing things. We can also expect a few philosophical or religious debates around the fireplace since some of us are still in the midst of family reunions and holiday gatherings.

Horitomo- State of Grace

The Moon in Leo person is usually warm-hearted and expressive with their emotions. They can go to great length to spoil the ones they love showering them with gifts and attention.  Leo is a Fixed Fire sign which gives these natives lasting powers and an overall courageous disposition. They are bold, generous and faithful in their passions. It can be difficult for the Moon in Leo people to put down the more brazen persona and show their vulnerable side. They can benefit in learning to discriminate between their social mask and the more private self.

Ashley White aka AshThePainter

Self-Worth, Values & Venus in Virgo

Today, Mercury in Libra goes direct. It can mean many things but there is certainly a forward motion and perhaps incoming messages. Projects, thoughts, communiques that were halted are now revitalised and infused with new momentum. We have been working backstage and we are now ready to bring forth some ideas/projects/dialogues.

Because the retrograde happened in Libra, the revision or internal dialogues of the last few weeks were coloured by the Libran themes. Partnerships, fairness and equality, beauty and maybe even establishing a better rapport with what we value and need within our relationships and re-evaluating our existing love patterns.

Christina’s world by Andrew Wyeth, 1948

Venus also happened to change sign yesterday after having spent all of summer in fiery Leo. Venus in Leo is warm, exuberant and loud. When the Goddess Aphrodite finds herself in a fire sign, her expression is quite dramatic. This summer was branded with the hot iron of our egoic needs. Venus spent a considerable amount of the summer going backward and so re-evaluating what our needs are, has been an ongoing process.

Venus is now in the sign of Virgo and in mutual reception with Mercury bringing much humility to the stage we have set for ourselves. The Goddess of Love doesn’t have the best seat in the earth sign of Virgo. Which brings her to kneel humbly in front of Love.

With Venus in Virgo until November 8, we might find ourselves looking for order while tolerating disorder. Virgo can be overly concerned with diligent mindfulness and there is an emphasis (and maybe some worries) on getting things right. *Watch for feelings of self-worth and worries around love and not feeling lovable.

Venus in Virgo will help artists and artisan humbly work away at their masterpiece. But she might also focus on the imperfection as she detects the smallest of flaws. No details are ignored and we get pleasure out of scratching off one more item on our to-do list, and there is a LOT to do!

So lets keep in mind that perfection is closely related to our acceptance of imperfection. And that our flaws (or the flaws of others) are an opportunity to get better but more importantly they are what makes the landscape of our soul so rich.

There is a New Moon in Libra on the 12th of October and I am hoping to write more about it in the next few days.

Peace