The full moon is January 10 (1:23pm), with a penumbral lunar eclipse occurring shortly beforehand at 19˚ of Cancer (1:09pm).  The sun, earth, and moon align imperfectly during a penumbral eclipse.  The earth blocks some of the sun’s light from reaching the moon’s surface and covers all or part of the moon with the outer part of its shadow, called the penumbra.  Eclipses reveal obstacles.  The truths that come to light during this time help to release blockages and redirect the flow.  A letting go or an ending that precipitates transformation is shown as the moon forms an opposition to Saturn and Pluto.

The sun, Mercury, Saturn and Pluto fuse together in Capricorn, facing off with vulnerable moon in Cancer.  Effects of this eclipse may be more keenly felt if a person has planets or important natal point in a cardinal sign:  Aries, Cancer, Libra, or Capricorn.  Saturn in Capricorn symbolizes structures, rules and tradition.  Pluto influences the decay which breaks down these said structures.  When Saturn and Pluto join forces, there exists the potential for re-birth after a long demolition process.  This could apply to familial, governmental, and cultural structures, as well as “real” structures like homes and buildings. 

January 7 until January 14, Saturn and Pluto in Capricorn meet in the same degree (22˚) to form a conjunction.  The tightest orb, or most exact conjunction, is on January 12.  Some astrologers do not integrate Pluto into practice.  Whether or not this is the case, many astrologers look at this conjunction as demarcating an important turning point.  These conjunctions occur around every 33 years.  The last occurred in Libra in 1982, before that it was in Leo in 1947.  

Also, on the evening of the eclipse on January 10, the planet Uranus goes direct after retrograding since mid- August.  Uranus, currently in Taurus, symbolizes change and revolution.  What ideas that were in the strategizing and planning stages are now ready to break on through to the other side?  The direction changes of the outer planets, such as Uranus, can be a catalyst, especially if a person has planets or natal chart points (around 1˚-8˚) in a fixed sign:  Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius.

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December 25, also known as Christmas, an annular solar eclipse occurs on the new moon in Capricorn (11:17pm). The new moon momentarily blocks the sun’s light, leaving the sun’s visible outer edges to form a “ring of fire” or annulus around the moon.  This ring of fire depicts the maximum stage of an annular solar eclipse. 

Weighted down under a heavy wool blanket of planetary bodies in the element of earth, what Christmas dreams will transpire while perspiring under the warmth of the covers?  An image of an earthy goddess comes to mind.  What wisdom does she have to impart? 

Jupiter has recently entered the sign of Capricorn and forms a conjunction with the eclipse.  Ingenuity is called for as the new moon harmonizes with Uranus in Taurus, enhancing thriftiness and craftiness.  Jupiter in Capricorn is a grounding influence, helping to materialize dreams.  Yet this Jupiter in Capricorn is a sly fox, using unorthodox methods to succeed. 

Eclipses are known for bringing the hidden to light.  They typically occur in pairs, bookending a time frame of 2 weeks.  One is a solar eclipse and one is a lunar eclipse.  This two-week period in-between can be a time of flux and uncertainty, ushering in change. 

Photo credit: icevisions.com

The moon is full in Gemini on December 11 (11:12pm, CT)!  Dreams of the ethers get pulled down to earth.  A practical and ambitious edge sets the tone.  The moon in Gemini helps to verbalize and communicate goals.  Surprises and changes in direction are indicated as the full moon sets the stage for the upcoming eclipses.  The spirited and idealistic part of the psyche makes adjustments to translate inner brilliance into the physical or “real” world!  Moon in Gemini and sun in Sagittarius explore the outer-limits, yet the journey is tethered closer to earth.  What simple steps up the mountain help to reach the peak? 

This particular lunation occurs before Yule (Winter Solstice) on December 21 (10:19pm).  A moment at the crossroads of reflection on the past year glimmers with anticipation of the next.  Looking back once more before jumping forward gleans the knowledge and experiences from the past to lead into the future. 

The moon is new in Sagittarius (9:05am) on November 26. Busting down locked in patterns is a theme, inviting spontaneity and surprises! Dreaming big within practical confines can be stepping-stones to achievement. Previously on November 20, Mercury went direct. During the Mercury Rx, a pot was simmering on the stove. Before eating, the hot meal cools on the plate. The meanings of Mercury Rx are gradually digested and the new moon is a time to move forward.

Jupiter, the planet of luck and abundance, ingresses from Sagittarius into Capricorn December 3! Jupiter in Sagittarius can be compared to a rocket ship flight in outer space, a disco party in the sky. When Jupiter ingresses into Capricorn, it is like a rocket ship descends back down to earth. Will the landing be smooth? What journeys in the outer limits of Jupiter in Sagittarius become useful lessons? Jupiter in Capricorn asks for flights of fancy to be grounded and is associated with prudence regarding financial economics. It asks how wealth may be expanded using forethought. The holidays this year coincide with eclipse season, with a solar eclipse in Capricorn on December 25. More to come on that later . . .

The full moon in Taurus November 12 (7:43am, CT) turns up the 5 senses that bask in earthly delights and also the psychic 6^th sense!!  Exploring the senses in love, music, art and cuisine could be what the doctor ordered.  Desiring more and expanding options may tip the scales toward overindulgence.  It’s a time to play with fantasies, keeping in mind that all is not exactly what it seems.  Discoveries come into view but the meaning of them gets clearer over time.

Mercury is still retrograde in Scorpio- revisiting the past is a part of the story.   A mystery with a question mark hanging over its head returns for revision.  Reconnection occurs through different forms, such as a phone call or e-mail.  Or the missing pieces of the puzzle appear in an alternative manner, such as a dream or an uncovered memory.  Deep and passionate feelings resurface during Scorpio season and get openly expressed as Venus and Jupiter reside in fiery Sagittarius.  Secrets become revealed indirectly.

Embracing the stillness of a slower pace gives space for reflection.  Debacles and snafus that get in the way can redirect energies to where they need to go, though they may deter from the original plan.  What appears to be imagination and daydreams now eventually opens up new avenues. 

The moon is new in Scorpio October 27 (10:38pm). The screw turns another rotation down the thread, reiterating a theme that occurred in early August. A break in the pattern or a change in rhythm is indicated by this new moon. Rebel archetypes don’t care to follow standard traditions with Venus in Scorpio and Mars in Libra. Venus embodies the attraction principal, but when she’s in Scorpio it goes deeper than surface beauty and social niceties. A curious magnetism gravitating toward mystery depicts Venus in Scorpio, such as a ghost wife or zombie bride! Mars is the fighter and warrior archetype. When he’s in Libra, he isn’t hotly direct and forceful but instead dispassionately responsive. A transformative edge runs beneath the undercurrents of this new moon, as relationship dynamics come up to the surface for review.

The mood is highly celebratory October 31 yet hibernation mode begins shortly after! Samhain and Halloween mark Mercury beginning it’s retrograde in Scorpio (10:42am) that lasts until November 20. As per usual this time of year, the veil between worlds gets thinner and gets even thinner yet when Mercury appears to rewind. Introspection leads to reflections that reveal buried treasures. Occult mysteries become glamorized! Spectres might pay a visit, what is it they have to say?

The moon is full in Aries on October 13(4:07pm)!!  A hot-temper seeks balance coolly with sun in Libra.  Icy politeness and diplomacy mitigate tough situations.  Transformation is hinted at, but does an explosive power struggle become a part of the equation?  Out of the blue dynamics are called to attention as a rebellious and daring edge reflects the need to break out of patterns in terms relationships, values and money.  Residual twists and turns echo after what was started on the new moon September 28.  Pros and cons are weighed, as feelings of discomfort arise at the threat of change.  A purging of old baggage is apt.

The motivation to get up and go is fierce, trailblazing unmapped terrain!  And yet taking time and following rules keeps this vim and vigor in check.  Horses forget they are bound by reins, but the reins tighten as they forge ahead.  How can structure and discipline be useful at this time? 

Looking at what is unfair or out of balance motivates toward action, evening out the scales of justice.  Deep intuitions point toward a vision.  Optimism softens the hard edges in visioning what could be better.

  Photo source: adigitaldreamer.com 

The new moon is in Libra on September 28 (1:26 pm) following the Fall Equinox on September 23 (2:50 am).

Night and day are of equal length on the Fall Equinox as the sun enters Libra and emphasizes equality, fairness and justice.  Libra is represented by the scales.  What is out of balance and needs evening out?  The goodies of fall harvest are being collected and stored to give sustenance through the coming winter.  A bittersweet sadness adds a touch of gray to the darkening skies as the spoils of the autumn are relished over October. 

It’s time to start projects that can be completed over the long winter months.  What are new ventures that can be delved into which take time, effort and dedication over a long period?  In what context can teamwork be a helpful ingredient?  The dreaming wheels are turning, showing visions of what salve needs to be placed on what wound.  Make a fix-it plan based on where it hurts. 

Yearnings to connect romantically and socially are stirred.  A hard look at love could reveal the root of loneliness or isolation.  Issues or blockages in relationships also make themselves known so they may be addressed.   Relationships could take on a serious or committed tone, and some might be due for an ending.  A surprise detour is in the mix. 

The new moon August 30 (5:37am) starts with 5 planets in Virgo!  The art of organization and categorization is thematic of this new moon.  What could stand to be improved by tidying up?  What foods and habits, when assimilated, assist health and wellbeing?  As summer harvest is reaped, using discernment helps to cut the wheat from the chaff.  It may be a time to nerd out to trivia or categorize the junk drawer.  Yet, as the moon waxes over the next 2 weeks, a changeable mercurialness trickles in, asking for adjustability and adaptability.  Creative juices flow at high levels!

8 planets reside in earth as Mercury, Sun, Moon, Mars, and Venus move quickly through the sign of Virgo.  The practical and measurable aspects of life are of focus.  How can innovation be used with a rule-bound approach and infused with new systems of organization?  Developments in technology, such as in farming, green energy and healthcare are highlighted.  How can designs be improved and transferred from the mind into the physical world?  What genius ideas are ready to be made real?  What design flaws need correcting?

Inferiority complexes and insecurities about measuring up may arise.  Anxious nerves can be channeled toward productivity.  How can finicky worry be directed toward perfecting that art project, new work endeavor or health regime?  The inner critic, directed toward the self or the outside world, gets louder.  How can criticisms be useful in fixing problems and making it work more smoothly?