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Gemini Full Moon

Full Moon 0 Gemini 52′, 23 November, 2018 4.40pm (AEDST)

I’m greeting this Full Moon with a heavy heart as a very close friend has passed away in the last couple of days.

We’ll be travelling interstate to attend the funeral so there are travel bookings that need to be made, work absences to be arranged, and a couple of social engagements to be cancelled. It’s all the minutia of first world life that is insignificant when compared to the massive upheaval that my friend’s family faces as they adapt to their new normal without her.

In a way though, it’s reminded me that that is what the Gemini Full Moon is all about – not life and death, but rather the difference between the detail and the big picture…for want of a better term.

You see, there’s chatter all around us – white noise as I like to call it. It’s the business of our everyday lives, the commutes and small trips we make as part of our usual routine, the meetings and dates that fill up our calendars.

Then there’s what we see when we step back and really look. It’s like those mind-bending pictures that make their way onto Facebook or Instagram every so often – the picture that you don’t see in the maze. Only this past week the socials have gone into meltdown over the 8 that has been sitting in the 8 of diamonds card forever and a day. Now that I’ve seen it, I can’t unsee it.

When the Moon is in Gemini our curiosity is stimulated. There are conversations to be had, ideas to be followed, questions to be asked. Sometimes, though, the chatter is overwhelming and fills your brain in a way that it doesn’t need to be filled. Sometimes you ask questions for the sake of it. Sometimes you over-analyse the data and see links and patterns that aren’t really there – an optical illusion – or that don’t mean anything very much at all.

These everyday connections – this background noise – represent safety and comfort. It’s what we know, what we’re used to. Even as we tell ourselves that we’re following our curiosity or learning a new piece of information we’re doing so from a place that we know and are comfortable in.

Yet, in the routine noise of every day there are times when you don’t see what you really need to see, hear what you need to hear, ask the questions you need the answers to, or have the conversations that you need to have.

At the Gemini Full Moon, the Sun is in Sagittarius – and Sagittarius isn’t interested in the detail. And at this Full Moon – for the first time since 2007 – the ruler of Sagittarius, Jupiter, is not only at home in Sagittarius, but also conjunct the Sun.

Jupiter and Sagittarius want us to learn through experience – away from the everyday and beyond your current boundaries.

Jupiter and Sagittarius want us to stand back, look at the horizon and think something like, ‘seriously, how hard could it be?’

Jupiter and Sagittarius want us to have faith that we can get to that horizon and beyond.

Also active at this Full Moon is a square from Mars. Mars in Pisces is idealistic, inspired, empathetic and intuitive. He is, however, more emotionally vulnerable that Mars tends to be – something that is challenged when squaring Jupiter.

‘But it will be ok,’ says Jupiter. ‘Off you go – down the mountain, one ski, no poles. What a ride!’ Okay, maybe he doesn’t quite say that, but you get the idea…you should also get the idea of what sort of fear could be holding you back at this Full Moon.

Not that you call it fear. You might call it something else. You might say that you don’t have all the information you need to move forward. You might say that you’re waiting for more data or for questions to be answered. You might use this as an excuse.

The thing is, sometimes you’ve already asked everything you need to ask, answered the questions that needed to be answered, and analysed the data that needed to be analysed. The only thing to be gained from asking more, answering more and analysing more is, well, nothing. Sometimes you already know what you need to know and all that you need right now is to trust in that knowledge – and trust the future.

Of course, though, you’re the only person who can truly answer that.

On the other hand, maybe you’ve not been asking enough questions, listening through the white noise to the snippets hidden beneath. You see, quite often we think we know it all. You’ve been there, done that, bought the t-shirt and think that you know it all – and are happy to tell anyone else who’ll listen that you know it all.

Sometimes we’re so stuck on our vision or perception of what the big picture looks like that we make the mistake of not looking for or seeing the detail of what’s really there. Again, only you can honestly answer that.

Wherever this Full Moon falls in your chart is where you need to ask the questions, to listen beyond the white noise. It’s also where you need to know when to stop questioning and when to trust your instincts and flipping do it already.

While it’s important at all Full Moons to sit and reflect, it’s possibly more important at this one.

Why? Because Mercury is retrograde and messages received and communicated during Mercury retrogrades tend to be distorted or misunderstood.

On the other hand, it’s also an amazing opportunity to listen beyond what is said and go within to hear what your heart already knows and wants to tell you. And the only way you can do that is to pull back, sit quietly and reflect.

If you’re into meditating do that, if you’re into sitting and watching the ocean do that, if you’re into grabbing ten deep breaths in between meetings do that. But whatever it is that you do, do it totally and without distraction. And then listen.

Doing it for yourself

Ok, by now you should know the drill, but if not, check out this post.

I’ve popped a solar guide below to keep things simple, but if you know where 0 Gemini 52’ falls in your chart, check that out.

As for what you can expect? By now you should also know what the general themes of each house are about, but if not – or if you’re new to this site (and welcome, it’s lovely to see you here) – you can always check out this post.

As for me?

This Full Moon is an exact sextile to my 2nd house Saturn and is lighting my 4th house. I’m in the process of getting the house ready for Christmas. I have a big picture vision in mind of how I want things to look and be, and am now dealing with the detail. There’s some family stuff in Sydney and Canberra too that needs my attention at present. All 4th house concerns.

There’s money going out that needs to be pulled back somewhat (Saturn in the 2nd) and an eye kept on it as income isn’t keeping up with the spending at the moment.

With a trine from Jupiter/Sun at this Full Moon to natal Saturn, I should be able to balance my longer-term goals while dealing with the business of the everyday. With the Moon shining it’s light there, it’s all quite clear – I just need to take care of the practicalities and do the work to make it happen.

Over to you…

  • If your Sun or Ascendant is in Gemini, this Full Moon falls in your 1st house – look also to the 7th house for balance.
  • If your Sun or Ascendant is in Cancer, this Full Moon falls in your 12th house – look also to the 6th house for balance.
  • If your Sun or Ascendant is in Leo, this Full Moon falls in your 11th house – look also to the 5th house for balance.
  • If your Sun or Ascendant is in Virgo, this Full Moon falls in your 10th house – look also to the 4th house for balance.
  • If your Sun or Ascendant is in Libra, this Full Moon falls in your 9th house – look also to the 3rd house for balance.
  • If your Sun or Ascendant is in Scorpio, this Full Moon falls in your 8th house – look also to the 2nd house for balance.
  • If your Sun or Ascendant is in Sagittarius, this Full Moon falls in your 7th house – look also to the 1st house for balance.
  • If your Sun or Ascendant is in Capricorn, this Full Moon falls in your 6th house – look also to the 12th house for balance.
  • If your Sun or Ascendant is in Aquarius, this Full Moon falls in your 5th house – look also to the 11th house for balance.
  • If your Sun or Ascendant is in Pisces, this Full Moon falls in your 4th house – look also to the 10th house for balance.
  • If your Sun or Ascendant is in Aries, this Full Moon falls in your 3rd house – look also to the 9th house for balance.
  • If your Sun or Ascendant is in Taurus, this Full Moon falls in your 2nd house – look also to the 8th house for balance.
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Sunday 18 November, 2018 – the week ahead

As I write this I’m in a hotel bar in Brisbane, a city about an hour south of where I live, and the capital of our state, Queensland. I’m catching up on some blogging work and sipping on a wine in celebration of the fact that my new novel is now live on Amazon. Yes, Happy Ever After is out now…and no, it has absolutely nothing to do with astrology, but if you are interested, you can get it here.

Ok, what else is happening? By the time this post goes out, I should have also updated my week in review – you’ll find it here.

The week in pictures

As for the skies?

The highlight of this week is a Full Moon on 23/11/18 at 0 Gemini 52′. Jupiter is in the mix for this and still full of exuberance at being home in Sagittarius. Anyways, I’ll pop something up closer to the time.

What else?

Mars squares of against Jupiter on Tuesday. Jupiter is a tad like one of the dogs we see down at the beach who tear up and down chasing balls with unflagging enthusiasm. ‘A walk? My absolute favourite thing in the world. A ball? My absolute favourite thing in the world.’

Everything is bright, new and full of possibility.

Mars, though, is in Pisces and a tad damp around the toes. he’s more interested in feeling his way. (Did anyone else start singing ‘You’re the one that I want’ from Grease then – or was it just me?)

In any case, there is energy to be used – but used wisely and safely. Although this would normally be a good time for leaping into something new, Mercury is retrograde, so bear that in mind and adjust accordingly. Take care not to let frustration lead you into needless conflict and if in doubt, either move through it productively via exercise or creatively.

The Sun moves into Sagittarius on Thursday. We all have Sagittarius somewhere in our chart. It’s this part of life where we’re encouraged to seek and grow through new experiences, where the good stuff really does lie beyond our comfort zone. It’s also where we need to have faith and believe that we can jump those fences and gallop off to the next one…and then jump that one too.

Finally, Neptune turns direct on November 25. I wrote this about Neptune direct a few years ago – and actually still quite like the analogy:

“Neptune’s effect is subtle, barely there- on the surface, anyway. Anyone who has been or is going through a Neptune transit knows that the impact can be huge. A little like how that cupcake looks like it could only have a teeny amount of calories in it- something that beautiful couldn’t possibly cause that much of a movement on the scales, could it?

Most of us have a dream, a vision of the future, an idea of how things could be. The very nature of that dream is often idealistic and couched in terms of if only. That’s ok- that’s what dreams are made of…

In fact, a recipe for a decent dream might look something like:

Take a pinch of illusion, a touch of delusion, a smidgeon of glamour, a dollop of idealism and mix it together with a good whack of fairy dust. Spoon into cupcake tins and bake for as long as it takes.

Sometimes we take our dreams out and turn them into goals.

Sometimes we forget to turn the oven on.

Often we just continue to, well, dream.

Over the last five months, Neptune has been retrograde – our dreams have been directed inwards, happily baking away.

But now the buzzer is going.

Will you be opening the oven door, and bringing your dreams out? Icing them, decorating them and consuming them? Or will you be leaving them to bake a little longer…”

On that note, have a great week!

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Jupiter in Scorpio – A Retrospective

I’ve been like a bear with a sore head for the last day or so. You know the mood – spoiling for an argument, feeling tired in my bones, overwhelmed, unable to focus. I’ve felt as though there’s too much my brain is trying to manage so now it’s leaking words, ideas, and whatever else.

Sure, there’s a lot on – but there always is, that’s no excuse. The difference at the moment is that I’m feeling frustrated with myself. As if there are ideas and opportunities out there that I want to rush and grab but have neither the means, the time nor the preparation to do that.

I recall feeling a little like this last year when Jupiter changed signs too – that time from Libra to Scorpio. I couldn’t wait for the energy to change – for it all to get started.

Before I do – get started that is – there’s time for a self-indulgent recap of what Jupiter in Scorpio meant for me.

Last year I wrote this:

Jupiter is about expansion and learning through experience. Jupiter is also associated with abundance, travel, publication, broadcasting, teaching, higher learning and vocational learning, spirituality, gurus…I could go on.

Scorpio is about intensity, hunger, and those deep emotional almost soulful connections. When a planet is in Scorpio there’s no hiding and things can’t be taken at surface value. When a planet is in Scorpio things that relate to that part of life have a habit of being exposed.

If we put this together, we’re looking at experience, but on a deeper level.

Scorpio can also be about fear and holding onto something that needs to be let go of. For this reason, some of us may find the Jupiter in Scorpio transit a tad harder than it was in Libra. It could also mean that unless you’re prepared to face that which you’re afraid of more of you might end this transit without having taken advantage of the opportunities Jupiter has to offer.

When Jupiter was in Scorpio he was in my 9thhouse – travel, experience, publishing, spirituality, higher education. So, how did it pan out?

It’s been a busy 12 months and one in which I published…nothing. I did, however, write 2 novels – one will be out next week, and the other I’m editing at the moment – I also have another ready for publishing in January.

I had intended to package up and tidy up my astro content and put it into ebooks and online courses. I listed out which books needed to be written, their structure and content. And then I did nothing. A million and one very good excuses got in the way.

Ultimately though, it was fear that held me back – fear that no one would pay the small amount that I’d be charging, fear that what I write won’t be what people want to read, fear that my work won’t be worth anything. It’s a sort of fear that I don’t experience with my fiction – even though there is a teeny little bit of me in every character and even though not enough people pay for that either.

With my fiction I’m telling a story – that’s where the value is – with non-fiction, though, I have this feeling that I need to devalue my work in order for there to be a perceived value to someone else. I never said there was any sense or logic in it.

To be honest, I’m still not sure why I’m so afraid of publishing astrology – a subject for another time, perhaps. The fear was so real though that I even pulled back from writing anything astrology related – hence my regular absences from this blog.

As for travel, I did plenty of that. It was real Scorpio 9th house travel too – slowly, getting under the covers, really experiencing. The highlight was 3 memorable weeks driving around a few selected regions in France – eating, exploring, practising my (very bad) French, learning.

New Year was spent in Fraser Island – a world heritage sand island not too far from us – and a place I’d always wanted to experience. There were weekends in Melbourne, the usual work and family trips back to Sydney, a 3000km road trip from Queensland down into the NSW Snowy Mountains, and a mini break exploring another region in South East Queensland while staying under canvas – glamping not camping, and another first-time experience.

I contemplated taking a formal course in…something…before realising that I had enough unfinished projects on the go without impulsively jumping into something else that I probably wouldn’t complete. Probably a wise decision.

The main point of 9th house transits isn’t just to study, travel, publish a heap of books or explore your spirituality. What transits through this part of the chart are really about is learning at what Stephen Arroyo refers to at an “identity level”. More specifically, gaining self-awareness through experience, space and widened horizons.

I might not have achieved everything I would have wanted to achieve over the last 12 months.  But through both what I have done – in particular through the places I’ve visited and the things I’ve done for the first time – and what fear held me back from doing I have certainly learnt and understood more about myself along the way.

One last point – I mentioned hunger before… As anyone on a diet knows, cravings can be strong – and can, if not managed, lead to binges before you know it. Your hunger doesn’t necessarily need to be for food, but through fear, that’s exactly how you might end up trying to assuage it. After all, Jupiter wants to expand you in some way – just take care that it’s not your physical body being expanded.

Okay, so I haven’t actually put on weight this year, but I have, in true Scorpio fashion, held onto what I already had – quite tightly, as a matter of fact. I’ve learnt about myself through that too – both about why I’m reluctant to let go of the extra kilos (fear again) and why I turn to food. I’ve come to realise that I’m not so much a comfort eater, but a boundary eater. I look to food when my boundaries feel too tight, when I feel as though I have no freedom or am being held back or in danger of missing out or, more importantly – when I’m too scared to extend past my boundaries.

Naturally, though, knowing and understanding something and actually doing anything about it are 2 very different things. Transits through the 10th house are, however, more about action than learning – and that’s what the next 12 months will be about…

How was Jupiter in Scorpio for you? Did you learn anything? Experience anything new? How have you grown in the last 12 months?

I’ve updated the Jupiter page for the ingress into Sagittarius. We’ll talk more about what this might mean next time.

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Gemini New Moon

Gemini New Moon 22 Gemini 44′

June 14 5.44am (AEST), 7.44am (NZ), 3.44am (WA, SE Asia), and June 13 in the US and UK…or thereabouts…

In my lunch break from the day job today I went looking for inspiration – something to write about the upcoming Gemini New Moon.

What did I write for last year’s Gemini New Moon? The answer was nothing.

The Gemini New Moon in 2016? Nope. Nothing there either. Mind you, this time two years ago I was in a whole world of stress-induced pain – but we’re not going there.

The thing is, Gemini season is one I have problems with – there seems to be too much noise, too much conversation, too many people wanting to “talk about it.” As someone with no planets in air signs, when there’s this much noise around my head feels as though it can explode – there aren’t enough compartments in my brain to keep it all in. I love catching up, but for some reason, at this time of the year, I tend to search for more quiet. As for “talking about it?” No, thank you very much.

I have to be in Sydney for work and family reasons next week and I’m dreading it – not just because I especially love my little piece of Queensland paradise in the winter, but also because I have to be social and I’m just not feeling it. Of course, I’ll be fine once I’m there and in the middle of the (overdue) catch-ups – it’s just the thought of it I’m having problems with.

Gemini is fourth house for me and at this time of the year I want to hibernate a tad – okay, possibly more than a tad. That’s not to say that I don’t pay homage to my inner Gemini at this time of the year – I absolutely do but in my way.

My journal is currently full of reminders, thought prompters, story ideas, post subjects, tv shows that I’ve been recommended, books I should read, music I need to find time to listen to. I’m playing podcasts while I’m tapping away in the day job and every one of them is giving me another snippet of curiosity to follow. There is so much information around, and something interesting around every corner. And I’m following it all – without leaving my space…how very Gemini in the 4thhouse of me.

We all have Gemini somewhere in our chart and that’s the part of life that at this New Moon is calling for you to follow your curiosity. It’s also about looking at that part of your chart and asking yourself how you can do it better or differently.

This isn’t just about your message or communication, but the effectiveness of that. You might be listening, but is it just words you’re listening to? What about non-verbal communication – are you listening to that too? The spaces in the words, the gaps in the conversation, the silences – are you listening to that? While I’m on the subject when was the last time you turned everything off? Stood in the line for the bus without looking at your phone? Took in a scene – no, really took it in – without taking a photo for Instagram and moving on? Yeah, me neither.

Try it and see (no pun intended) what you’re missing.

Communication is about more than you being heard – it’s also about giving others a fair hearing, about understanding that others learn and comprehend in a different way to you, that you might need to adjust your method of communication and the words you use in order to properly understand what others are trying to say. It’s about asking the questions you need to ask and admitting that (heaven forbid) you might not actually know it all and there is more to learn from people that you might have closed yourself off from.

This New Moon, the Gemini New Moon, will bring a new approach, new information, and possibly a new perspective to an existing situation that has been, well, going around in circles or blocking you from seeing what you need to see. Your challenge is to perceive that.

It’s a bit like taking a selfie and having a good hard look at yourself and the message you’re sending yourself.

You might want to ask yourself questions like:

  • How can you nurture your ideas and dreams?
  • Are you being heard?
  • What is it you’re not seeing or understanding?
  • Are you actively listening to and learning from others?
  • What is it that’s blocking your ability to express yourself right now?
 What are you prepared to do about it?
  • Do you have a chip on your shoulder that you’re projecting outwards?
  • What ideas, perceptions or viewpoints are you resisting that need to be explored?
  • Are there new skills or concepts that you can study? What’s stopping you?
  • Is there a part of you that believes that you’re not smart enough? What fears are driving this? What small steps can you take now to begin to overcome this?

The answers to these questions won’t be gained from noise – especially not from the white noise that invades our heads. This sort of understanding comes from stillness and listening, really listening to the absence of noise, to what your heart is telling you.

Give it a try, and make your wishes and intentions. Write them down. What are you waiting for?

Doing it for yourself…

If you’ve been reading along, you should know how to find where the New Moon is happening in your chart. If you’re new to this site (welcome), duck across and check out this post before you go any further.

The position you’re looking for is 22 Gemini 44’…or thereabouts.

Now, let’s set our intentions. Think about the area of life you’re focusing on and set small achievable targets that will inspire you. Make sure that you do at least one thing towards this goal this month. If you’re unsure where to start, check out this post.

  • How do the concerns of this house make you feel?
  • How would you like to feel about them?
  • What positive steps can you take over the next four weeks to minimise the gap between how you feel about this are and how you’d like to feel?

*****Write it down!!!!!!!!!!******

If you don’t have any idea about your birth time, or can’t be faffed working it out, you can follow the solar guide below. Of course, if you do know where Gemini is in your chart, you won’t need this:

  • If your Sun or Ascendant is in Gemini, This New Moon will be in your 1st house.
  • If your Sun or Ascendant is in Cancer, This New Moon will be in your 12th house.
  • If your Sun or Ascendant is in Leo, This New Moon will be in your 11th house.
  • If your Sun or Ascendant is in Virgo, This New Moon will be in your 10th house.
  • If your Sun or Ascendant is in Libra, This New Moon will be in your 9th house.
  • If your Sun or Ascendant is in Scorpio, This New Moon will be in your 8th house.
  • If your Sun or Ascendant is in Sagittarius, This New Moon will be in your 7th house.
  • If your Sun or Ascendant is in Capricorn, This New Moon will be in your 6th house.
  • If your Sun or Ascendant is in Aquarius, This New Moon will be in your 5th house.
  • If your Sun or Ascendant is in Pisces, This New Moon will be in your 4th house.
  • If your Sun or Ascendant is in Aries, This New Moon will be in your 3rd house.
  • If your Sun or Ascendant is in Taurus, This New Moon will be in your 2nd house.

Remember…

Often times absolutely nothing will happen…or seem to happen…even if you are receiving a direct contact. When it comes to the moon, the effects are usually quite subtle.

If you haven’t been doing so, why not try journaling your lunar journey – you’ll be surprised how, in hindsight, more has been going on than you might have thought.

 

 

 

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Pisces New Moon

New Moon  26 Pisces 53′, 18 March 2018 12.11am (Brisbane)

 

“One must still have chaos in oneself to be able to give birth to a dancing star.” – Friedrich Nietzsche

As I do each month at the New Moon I revisit my journal from the previous year. This time last year a dream was about to come true – one that had been born out of the chaos of the previous year – including the previous year’s eclipse.

I wrote how that family of eclipses had been associated with separations and endings, but from that pain came new situations with positive outcomes. Last year’s post is here.

The eclipse didn’t make any of what happened happen, but it created an environment within which we could choose to make the decisions and take the actions that we took – none of which were easy. It was real, scary, painful, and ultimately supremely positive.

If you follow my Instagram, you’d have gathered that I love my new life. It’s not perfect – nor would you ever expect it to be – but aside from missing friends and family, I pinch myself daily. At times, even twelve months on, it really does feel as though we’re living in a dream.

For the past few years, it’s felt very much as though chaos has been pushing me forward. We made the decisions we did because we saw an opportunity to not only protect the lifestyle and assets we’d worked so hard for but also to improve the quality of it. With just one income coming in we literally couldn’t have afforded to continue living in Sydney without going backwards. Through the hardship of that reality, a dream was born.

Per aspera ad astra – through difficulties (hardship) you will get to the stars.

 

That’s no longer how it is. We still only have the one income, but our life is much simpler – and the quality of it is exponentially higher.

My creativity now is coming from a completely different place. It’s coming from a more spiritual, more emotional place. It’s coming less from the chaos of experience, and more from my imagination and a place of pure fantasy. I’m seeing the possibility of story everywhere.

At times though, it still feels as though I’m on holiday – or should be – even though I’m spending the same number of hours as I did back in Sydney in my day job. I’m finding though, that I have to work harder to create the boundaries in order to find meaning, definition and direction for my creative work – my dreams.

That’s one of the great contradictions with Pisces – we find it difficult to operate within boundaries so seek to escape them in order to recognise the possibility of our dreams, yet without those same boundaries, everything within us is a swirling mass of disorder.

My friend Clementine Atkins described it well in a post a couple of years ago:

Within its boundless state, we have chaos, panic, fear.  Nothing is clear or precise – all is just a merging of images, dreams, ideals, memories, experiences, yearnings.  It is from this swirling mass that Pisces needs to find meaning, definition and direction.  It was also from a swirling mass of everything and nothing that the big bang was meant to have happened and we had the beginning of a new universe.

Without boundaries, I’m finding myself more fearful, and more anxious. I’m standing still and I’m putting on weight. I’m writing, but I’m not actively marketing, actively networking, actively doing anything to sell more books. In a way I’m scared that the dream I’m chasing to be a full-time author won’t come true – and then what? By not doing the things that I know I need to do in order to create success, I don’t need to discover if I can be successful. It probably makes no sense to you, but to me it does.

Weirdly I was more courageous when everything was unsafe and unsettled. I’m inspired, but I’m not inspired. I suspect that in order to make sense of all that I need to go further into myself – and this New Moon is the right time for that.

The Pisces New Moon is spiritual, creative and immensely emotive. It’s the point where the other world meets the real world – where that which is hidden becomes exposed.

It’s that point where boundaries are beautifully blurred between what you know and what you know.

If you have a creative project you have been delaying on, or making excuses for, now is the time to listen to what you know in your heart, what you know intuitively. Leave the head stuff for later – much later.

With this much energy, there is no ignoring the fact that one part of your life requires a dream, is asking for inspiration, needs to, well, trust.

I was listening to an episode of Desert Island Discs (a BBC podcast) the other day with George Michael. In it, he said (something like) as much as he’d subconsciously tried to sabotage himself he never doubted his talent. That it was something that would get him to where he needed to be – no matter what was going on inside and around him. His MC was in Pisces.

Wherever Pisces is in your chart is where this blurring will be in your life. It’s also where you need to trust yourself. Escape from your every day into it, take sanctuary in it, go with it. Let your imagination roam free. Float into the beyond. Follow your dream – even if it means coming face to face with your biggest fears in the process.

Doing it for yourself…

If you’ve been reading along, you should know how to find where the New Moon is happening in your chart. If you’re new to this site (welcome), duck across and check out this post before you go any further.

The position you’re looking for is 26 Pisces 53’…or thereabouts. This is wher you need both inspiration and trust.

Now, let’s set our intentions. Think about the area of life you’re focusing on and set small achievable targets that will inspire you. Make sure that you do at least one thing towards this goal this month. If you’re unsure where to start, check out this post.

  • How do the concerns of this house make you feel?
  • How would you like to feel about them?
  • What positive steps can you take over the next four weeks to minimise the gap between how you feel about this are and how you’d like to feel?

*****Write it down!!!!!!!!!!******

Make like Pisces and surrender to the dream – even if it does seem impossible. What can you do over the next 28 days to change this situation? Are there any quick wins to be had? Pay extra attention to your nightly dreams, and if you need to, find some quiet space to meditate.

For me?

This New Moon and eclipse falls conjunct my Moon and therefore hooks into the grand water trine in my chart.

If you don’t have any idea about your birth time, or can’t be faffed working it out, you can follow the solar guide below. Of course, if you do know where Pisces is in your chart, you won’t need this:

  • If your Sun or Ascendant is in Pisces, This New Moon will be in your 1st house.
  • If your Sun or Ascendant is in Aries, This New Moon will be in your 12th house.
  • If your Sun or Ascendant is in Taurus, This New Moon will be in your 11th house.
  • If your Sun or Ascendant is in Gemini, This New Moon will be in your 10th house.
  • If your Sun or Ascendant is in Cancer, This New Moon will be in your 9th house.
  • If your Sun or Ascendant is in Leo, This New Moon will be in your 8th house.
  • If your Sun or Ascendant is in Virgo, This New Moon will be in your 7th house.
  • If your Sun or Ascendant is in Libra, This New Moon will be in your 6th house.
  • If your Sun or Ascendant is in Scorpio, This New Moon will be in your 5th house.
  • If your Sun or Ascendant is in Sagittarius, This New Moon will be in your 4th house.
  • If your Sun or Ascendant is in Capricorn, This New Moon will be in your 3rd house.
  • If your Sun or Ascendant is in Aquarius, This New Moon will be in your 2nd house.

Remember…

Often times absolutely nothing will happen…or seem to happen…even if you are receiving a direct contact. When it comes to the moon, the effects are usually quite subtle.

If you haven’t been doing so, why not try journaling your lunar journey- you’ll be surprised how, in hindsight, more has been going on than you might have thought.

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Happy Birthday to me…

Warning – long and technical post ahead…

It’s my birthday tomorrow, and a birthday means that it’s time to look back at last years Solar Return, and look forward to the next one.

The Solar Return (SR) Ascendant tells a lot about your approach to life in that year- and mine was very definitely an Aries year – full of new starts and projects.

Last year was a profected 3rd house Venus year (for more on this concept, check out this post) and Venus years tend to be a lot more about pleasure and appreciation. It was a third house year in that I was actively (Aries) exploring my new neighbourhood (3rd house) and making new connections (3rd) house).

Mars, the ruler of my solar return chart was in Taurus, and while I wouldn’t say that I was inactive as such, I certainly didn’t have the getup and go that I would have liked. In a way that was fine – after the previous year and the energy involved with moving in the first quarter of 2017, I definitely needed some time to relax and physically take it a little easier.

With Uranus on the ASC my entire world was changed last year with the move. Pluto was conjunct the MC and I kicked a massive career goal when I spoke at last years RWA Conference. Other than this, on the whole, last year, with the SR Sun in the 12th house, it felt very much a year of background work, preparing the pastures, sowing the seeds…so to speak.

Now, onto this year. First up, you’ll notice that I use a whole house chart. I’m finding that this system really works for me – especially when looking at solar returns but feel free to use the house system you’re used to.

First Impressions…

For the first time ever I’m using a location other than my natal location for the chart. As for whether you should use birthplace or current location? Most astrologers you ask will have an opinion. I tend to think both are valid and have cast both. Not that it matters a huge amount in my case – it changes the degree of the Ascendant marginally.

Cancer has been brought to the Ascendant. 

The other things I’ve noticed first up is that this chart is very top-heavy. This year will be very much about “me out there”. In particular, the 9th and 10th houses are emphasised.

On that subject, the MC point itself is in the last degree of Aries and conjunct Uranus. There will be changes in the areas of career or public profile this year. With Mars trine this point, those changes – whether they be good or bad – will happen easily.

Given that my SR MC is natally in my 2nd house, there will be changes to finances as well. Wth Uranus involved it is likely those changes will be sudden.

What sign is the Ascendant in?

 

This year my SR Ascendant is 14 Cancer.

It’s a year where my heart will be even more prominently on my sleeve and where I will be even more emotionally sensitive than usual. Family will be on my mind, as will issues of security – and protection and maintenance of that security.

Check out the ruler of the Ascendant

The Moon is the ruler of my Ascendant this year.

  • At 9 Capricorn the Moon is in the sign of her detriment ie not comfortable.
  • The solar return Moon is conjunct Saturn, so reputation and ambition is something that is important this year. This is echoed by the dominance of the 10th house in my SR chart and the presence of Uranus at that point. It’s likely that there’ll be a change in this area.
  • The Moon in Capricorn in the SR chart can also mean a focus on work – a theme also carried by the Moon-Saturn conjunction.
  • Moon-Saturn can be a difficult and lonely aspect – but that could also be due to work and family responsibilities.
  • The Moon in angular houses sends to react more emotionally and impulsively to outside influences. With my Moon in the 1st house natally, that’s pretty much situation normal for me anyway.
  • The Moon in the 7th in the SR chart also indicates that relationships will very much be of concern, focus and interest this year. This is where my heart is invested – and also the area of life where I’ll be most concerned with matters of security.

What House is the SR Sun in?


This is the area of life that is most in focus for the next 12 months. Mine is in the 9th along with Neptune.

the 9th is associated with expansion and exploration beyond boundaries, travel and publication – and I have plenty of those things planned.

The 9th is also a house of learning and belief. This year will be about believing in myself and pushing my faith beyond the fear. It’s a time of proving that I can do what I say that I can. It’s also about recognising the opportunities the Universe provides and trusting them.

What part of life is being brought to the Ascendant?

Cancer is natally in my 5th house, so this brings 5th house themes to the solar return chart. It’s not just about play, children and creativity, it’s also about self-expression and emotional security…and the risks associated with this.

What aspects are made by the Sun?

The Sun is sextile Pluto (exact), conjunct Neptune (wide) and trine Jupiter.

Although security is a feature and both the Cancer Ascendant and Saturn-Moon can bring with them a fearful attitude, the Sun in the 9th trine Jupiter in the 5th speaks of a more optimistic and hopeful year. The 9th house is associated with Jupiter and Sagittarius and a generally more positive outlook.

This will be a year where I can seek out new places, experiences, and connections. It’s not so much that it will be an easy year, but relatively speaking there should be positive outcomes.

The SR Sun is also sextile Pluto – and this year it’s exact. Thi is a year where I can transform myself – in a positive way – and achieve goals that will help me live with more freedom in the future. As with all things Pluto, there will be work involved – and internal, confronting work requiring inner strength – but the outcome of this is one of renewal.

Where is the SR Moon?

This year it’s in Capricorn. I looked at the condition of that above.

Are there any planets on the angles of the SR chart?

Yes – Uranus…on the MC. There are changes coming regarding career.

Next Steps

Much as you would a normal chart, are the planets scattered or concentrated in one hemisphere of the chart.

This is very much a bowl-shaped chart with an emphasis on the 9th, 10th and 7th houses. The right-hand side of the chart is more “us” than “me”, and the top of the chart is about being “out there”.  I suspect this year will be more about connections and being out and about in the world than it has been in previous years.

Much as you would a natal chart check out the position and condition of planets ruling your money house or relationship houses.

Even though this is essentially a transit chart, it is still interesting to see. The Sun rules the 2nd and is in the 9th house and is trine Jupiter and sextile Pluto. There are opportunities for positive financial outcomes.

Saturn rules the 8th house and is in the 7th. We’re still on one income and security is important – as is fiscal restraint. This is playing on my mind and I am, perhaps, worrying more about it than the astrology tells me that I should.

In the same vein, check out the ruler of the Midheaven.

Mars is the ruler of the MC. It’s in the 6th house in Sagittarius trine the MC and (exactly) trine Uranus. Mars adds energy to the changes and the nature of the trine is that it will happen relatively easily – although work and routine (6th house effort) will be required.

I also need to put effort into health and fitness this year (6th house). That will be necessary to sustain my work and see me through the busy times.

Are any planets or points in the natal chart brought to angles in the SR Chart?

Not within a few degrees.

Are any planets or points in the degree of the nodes?

No.

Are any planets or points in the critical degrees of a sign? Ie 0 or 29?

Yes- the MC.

A Different Sort of Time Lord- Annual Profections & the Solar Return

(For a recap, check out the link to last years post.)

So this year, on my (gulp) 51st birthday, I have moved into a 4th house or Gemini profected year. This means that Mercury, as the ruler of Gemini, is my “Time Lord” for the year. This planet will be sensitive to giving and receiving transits and progressions over the coming 12 months. The concerns of this planet will be important this year.

Time Lord: Mercury

Profected House: 4th, reinforcing the themes of family and security that come from the SR Cancer Ascendant

Houses ruled by the Time Lord in the natal chart: 4th and 7th

House Time Lord occupies in the natal chart: 1st

  • Condition of the Time Lord in the natal chart:  Mercury in Pisces – in the 1st house, aspecting Mars. Mercury natally, is not in great shape.
  • Examine the condition of the Time Lord in the Solar Return Chart: Mercury is in Aries conjunct Venus in the 10th house.  Overall, he’s in reasonable shape – conjunct Venus and, being in the 10th, accidentally dignified.
  • Which house in the natal chart does 7 Aries (the position of the Time Lord in the SR chart) fall? This is the natal 2nd
  • Does the position of the Time Lord in the SR chart form an aspect to the natal position of the Time Lord? By sign is enough. No.

Look at the strength of the Time Lord in the SR chart. The better the condition, the more ability the planet has to act on your side in the coming year – even if it is a malefic like Saturn.

  • Is it in a sign where it has dignity through rulership or exaltation (see the table in last years post). No.
  • Does it have accidental dignity ie does it have more strength by being close to the angles or the cusps of the 1st, 4th, 7th or 10th houses? Yes, in the 10th
  • Is it retrograde? No
  • Is it combust ie does it fall within 8.5 degrees of the Sun? There is no greater affliction as the planet is said to be blinded & unable to see clearly. No.
  • Is it cazimi ie with 17’ from being exactly conjunct the Sun? This is, in contrast, as really good thing as the planet is considered to be in the heart of the king. Note, to be either combust or cazimi, it must be in the same sign as the Sun. No.
  • Is the Time Lord aspected by either of the malefics (Mars or Saturn) or the benefics (Venus or Jupiter)? By sign is enough. Conjunct Venus.
  • Aspects to the Nodes. Any time the SR Time Lord conjoins the natal nodal axis is a big year. Not this year.

What else?

Check out any repetition of themes. For me, there are many 9th and 10th house themes. This year is about putting myself out there and believing in my talents.

Finally….

Remember, the Solar Return builds on the previous years solar returns and can only deliver to the promise of the natal chart. The interpretation of a SR chart must be done with knowledge of the condition of the planets and how they operate for you natally.

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Astroweather: March 1 2018

Ok, to kick March off (how are we in March already?) we have a trifecta of aspects. I’ll deal with each of them one-by-one and let you join the dots. The forecast is pretty much for possible storms, but fining up later.

Mercury square Mars

Ok, this one comes with a storm warning. Do you know those days where you wake up on the wrong side of the bed and are irritable with everyone? Yeah, I’m looking at you. What about it? Seriously? You want to have a go? Who said you have to be right all the time?

Those days.

The best way to get through this?

  • Count to 10 before speaking
  • Don’t read everything as a challenge
  • Don’t react to everything as a challenge
  • Count to 10 before posting on Facebook
  • Don’t look for a battle where none exists
  • Count to 10 again

It’s a quick transit and before you know it the sun will be peeking through those clouds and you can think more clearly again.

Mercury sextile Pluto

I’m not the puzzle sort of type. Jigsaws bore me (although I can appreciate the picture they make at the end) and things like sudoku have my brain screaming ‘enough already.’ I’m the one who tends to trust what she’s told and won’t muse about what does and doesn’t add up.

I am, however, intrigued by mystery.

What does any of this have to do with today’s astro weather? Quite simply, Mercury sextile Pluto can provide an environment for going deeper today and solving puzzles – not necessarily the sudoku type (besides, someone else has probably already completed that in the in-flight magazine) – but of the ‘I wonder why’ variety.

Given that Mercury is in Pisces, you won’t necessarily solve the previously unsolveable by asking probing questions, but you will solve it by also feeling below the surface for the answers.

Venus trine Jupiter

Venus and Jupiter were known by traditional astrologers as the lesser and greater benefics. Yeah, don’t worry so much about the correct technical term- the benefic part is what’s important and relevant here. Essentially this means that by nature, they’re both good guys.

Sure, good guys can behave badly from time to time, but Venus in Pisces is feeling about as pretty as she’s ever likely to be.

So, when Venus and Jupiter meet up, can we expect sweetness, grace, light, rainbows and unicorns? Probably not unicorns. All other things being equal though if you’ve been having bad days – or good days – today could be better…relatively speaking. If you’re lucky enough to be on holiday, it’s a great day to do faff all – and to do it very well indeed.

The thing is when Venus and Jupiter get together – although briefly – there’s usually fun to be had…if you’re in the mood to have some.

 

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Astroweather: February 27 2018

Venus sextile Pluto

Venus in Pisces knows all about feelings. She mightn’t be able to talk about them, but she just knows…you know? The problem with Pisces, though, is that her boundaries are so…non-existent that it mightn’t occur to her that everyone else doesn’t have the sensitivity she has or feels the way she does. Enter Pluto. Pluto adds intensity, depth, fate and meaning. So if you wanted to not only understand your own emotions but also how they impact others, today there are opportunities to do so. Your task is to recognise them as such.