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The seasons change and shortly after the Autumnal equinox we have a New Moon in Libra, sign of balance, a cardinal air sign. Balance, however, will be elusive as the combination of planets, 5 of them in Libra, opposes Uranus and are squared by Pluto. Remember that square, the one that will be with us until well into 2015! There are five planets in Libra. We have a name for that configuration; a Stellium.
Although not as rare as some would like to believe, a Stellium is formed by 3 or more planets usually in the same sign of the zodiac. Of more significance is when there are 4 or more planets involved and this New Moon finds 5 planets in Libra. This concentration of energy in one sign creates a strong focus on Libra, the New Moon and the conjunctions formed within this configuration. All of the various energies are working together which increases the challenge since it is part of a T Cross as well.
There is a great deal of tension here since this is a very tight T Cross with a focal point from Pluto. If you have planets in the earlier degrees of the cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn) this month is going to offer many challenges for growth and change. Try to let go and allow the energy to open your mind to new ways of seeing your reality. Step back from the turmoil you may be feeling or the turmoil you see around you and attempt to see the larger whole that is operating right now. Jupiter is still making a trine to Pluto so it is possible to explore what might develop in the future. Jupiter is expansive and often operates in a way that sets the stage for future opportunity. With a trine to Pluto that opportunity could be intensely transformational.
Meanwhile Mars has moved into the fixed fire sign of Leo and is now making a trine to Uranus. Maybe some calculated, well thought out risk taking is in order but be aware that with Venus conjunct Saturn, some of those relationship limitations you might be feeling are actually potentially grounding. New Moons are new beginnings but the full moon always brings the possibility for more awareness so waiting 2 weeks will clarify issues more. Be careful not to react to situations now and to think them through. Mercury, representing thinking and communicating is conjunct the new moon and demands that we think first and then act. The square from Pluto will make this an intense time and the opposition from Uranus will create restlessness and possibly the unexpected. Be as aware as possible and pay attention to the world around you. Acting on emotions will be very problematic.
Outlets to this energy are important and they do exist. Look to trines for those avenues to express the pent up frustrations and lack of clarity you are experiencing. Some may believe they know what is best for others. Only you know what is best for you but putting off major decisions if conflict persists is better than reacting to circumstances. Learn to respond after careful consideration. If ever meditation were called for, this is the time for it.
Isolation from the problems of the world is also not advised. We are all living through some difficult times even if your own personal reality seems solid. The ground is moving now, if not literally, figuratively. Everyone is impacted by the external conditions so reach out and assist others if you can.
With the Mars trine Uranus aspect, try to be open to new ways of expressing yourself. Give yourself permission to explore creatively, even if you have never done anything like it before. Now is a good time for that as it is an outlet for some of the tension most are experiencing. Dance, sing, paint, write and find a way to enjoy who you are becoming. Mars squaring Jupiter warns us to not take on more than we are able to handle. So use good judgment but certainly open up to what is possible now.
All of this is the energy of the solar system and it is available to the planet now. We can not control anyone but ourselves so spend the time you need to know yourself a little better and do something positive to contribute to another’s life. Libra is the sign of relating/relationship/balancing self with others.
Plant the seeds for growth as this new moon begins and be open to learning something new about yourself and the world at large. In a couple of weeks, the new moon will become full and the opportunity to experience more awareness of these circumstances will present itself. We ebb and flow as do all living things and the lunation cycle is a cosmic reminder of that fact.
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Full Moon/Harvest Moon: Sept. 12 2011: 5:27 AM EST. 2:27 AM PST
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The most compelling relationships we can have are with those who are our opposites. That is why when I see a Cancer/Capricorn combination I know there is great challenge but also great hope for partners to gain in awareness and grow. Likewise, if you are born during the full moon phase of the lunar cycle, you will often feel like you are on a see saw, trying to balance the two opposites within you. Keep in mind that the Sun sign represents what you are growing toward, its light pulling you to become more vibrant and alive with your fullest potential while the moon pulls on you to remember the past and integrate that into your life for more balance and awareness. The Sun is the expressive, the moon the deep rooted feelings coming from the past. The moon is habitual and so it often implies a comfort not often felt by following through to the fullness of the present. Full moon people are asked to seek the balance of integration and ultimately individuation.
The Mercury opposition to Neptune is completing now. Mercury is now past the point at which it retrograded in August. It is time to move forward on plans and projects that may have gotten delayed or shelved. Reexamine the potential as the full moon brings awareness and the waning opposition from Mercury/Neptune helps to bring clarity from the confusion or illusions of the latest retrograde period. With Mercury still in Virgo until September 25th be sure to analyze your options and pay attention to details that may have been overlooked.
Along with the full moon and other lunar aspects, this month finds us all still dealing with that pesky square from Uranus to Pluto. Those unnerving and disruptive energies continue to impact the planet and our personal lives, depending on where that energy manifests for each of us. I don’t know that we ever get used to this kind of energy but it is going to be with us for quite a while. We will feel its effects well into the year 2015 when Uranus will finally move past the square to Pluto. It’s a long one as the outer planets move so slowly.
For more information on how to obtain a personal chart go to www.starrystarrysky.com.
As always, comments and questions are welcome.
*An out of element aspect occurs when one planet is at the end of one sign making an angular relationship to a planet at the beginning of another sign. Example: Virgo opposes Pisces but a planet at the beginning of Virgo can oppose a planet at the end of Aquarius because it is within the so called orb of influence. Thus, Mercury at 5 Virgo is still considered in opposition to Neptune at 29 Aquarius.
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New Moon Cycle: 5 degrees of Virgo 27 minutes
August 28, 2011 at 5:04 PM EDT, 6:04 PM CDT, 7:04 PM MDT. 8:04 PM PDT.
Any time the new moon is also conjunct another planet (in the same degree of the zodiac/ within 6 degrees), the lunation takes on the qualities of the planet in conjunction as well. This doesn't happen each month; however this next lunation cycle begins with a conjunction to the planet Venus in Virgo. Therefore, the Sun, the Moon and Venus form a grand trine (major configuration) to Jupiter in Taurus and Pluto in Capricorn. Meanwhile, Mars in Cancer is squaring Saturn in Libra; Uranus in Aries is continuing a long term square to Pluto in Capricorn and Mercury has just gone direct in Leo. Add an opposition of Neptune to the New Moon for a little less clarity and a real need to let go and let God and this New Moon chart becomes more complex and full of energy that needs sorting out and grounding. Think of this next month in this way and you can make sense of what is happening in the world at large.
The earth signs are predominant with this grand trine so there can be clarity and vision for those willing to rise above the conflicts that seem to be everywhere right now.
Remember that we are looking at the energy of the planet in general with each lunation cycle as the focus and we can apply this to any other chart, whether it is one's natal chart or the chart of the USA. The personal interpretation is very different from the mundane but the energy remains the same.
In general, the square from Uranus to Pluto, a long standing transiting square which tends to define these difficult times, predominates over the faster moving lunation cycle which is in effect for the month. That long acting square was even more challenging while Saturn was in the earlier degrees of Libra forming a T Cross. Anyone with planets in the first decanate (1 degree through 10 degrees) of the cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn) has been and is still experiencing this energy on a very personal level. Mars is finishing a waning square to Saturn so the energy of deep frustration should begin to lift.
With the grand trine in earth signs it is time to focus on what can be done from a practical perspective. Take some of those ideas, separate the illusion (Neptune) from the reality (Earth) and get to work on making things happen in your life. There really isn't much anyone can do about the structural blocks that keep the big games going.
With Uranus squaring Pluto, we are all in for some challenging times as power structures (Pluto in Capricorn) get challenged by the unexpected (Uranus in Aries). People and forces are taking action now which will transform society. Let's hope it is for the better though it may not seem so as the chaos persists. Change is never easy.
For the cardinal signs Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn, conjunctions from Uranus and Pluto as well as squares and oppositions are usually very challenging and force people to re-evaluate life either through severe external difficulties or deeper internal challenges. With Uranus there is always a need for change which can manifest like sudden and unexpected occurrences that leave us transformed. Pluto often brings a deeper process of death and rebirth while most often it is not literal; it is painful and feels powerful, beyond our control at an ego level. If we look deeper we can see how our path has been leading us to this point in the process. This is not a time to isolate and try to do it all on your own. Reach out and seek help wherever you can find it. The grand trine in earth, influenced by Venus, planet of love and relationship, softens the challenges for a while.
Both Uranus and Pluto are slow moving planets which symbolize psycho-spiritual evolution on an individual level and require those who experience this to look deeply within their psyches or fall into a sense of lack of control. The choice is always ours but it often doesn't feel like that. Sometimes we want to blame the world and other people. The energy demands that we each take responsibility for our self. When we come to the next lunation this energy will still be active. There is time to do this so be patient with all that is happening and try to understand at a deeper level, a more spiritual level.
Mercury has just gone direct after being retrograde for most of August. It is time to get things moving forward again after what might have been delays. Give it all some time to get in gear since Mercury will not be covering new ground until September 10th.
From the mundane to the personal/psychological/spiritual, the background energy of this lunation is the cardinal square of the Uranus/Pluto transit with some respite coming from the grand trine of the new lunation conjunct Venus, trine Jupiter and Pluto. Pluto, being a part of both configurations is the key to unlocking the deeper dimensions of the soul's journey. Allowing the death of the old and whatever rebirth one glimpses will serve a deeper purpose even if one is not fully conscious of what is happening as yet. With Jupiter completing the grand trine, the future can be glimpsed and more uplifting goals can be accessed. It is all hard work but it will pay off in the long run.
Monthly lunar cycles are important to explore but always with the understanding that there is much complexity from slower moving planets, particularly at this time in history. The planet is experiencing major transformation which we will explore further in the coming weeks/months.
We are also moving into an election cycle which should prove very challenging for those running for office. We will take a look at the major presidential candidates as well as President Obama as the next year unfolds.
Questions and comments are always welcome. For more information on the basics of astrology please visit http://www.starrystarrysky.com.
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