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?

The moon is full in Aquarius August 15 (7:29am)!  Spring free and spring forth up into outer space!  Sun, Mercury, Venus and Mars in the sign of Leo pour the glamour, glitter and gold on thickly.  A lioness pounces on goals, taking pride in striving for success.  What victories can be relished then loosed and catapulted into the great beyond to benefit all?  A Leo quality is to shine in uniqueness, but the Aquarius moon asks how special talents contribute to the group?

Bruised egos and perceived slights cook up drama, as a battle ensues to determine who is boss. Words are heated and tempers flare hot. Fuel for self-expression wills strong emotions into creativity! Haughty kings and queens come out of the woodwork to sit upon the throne. Where do we reign as royalty, showering attention upon those we love and getting showered with love by others?

It is the season of sun-drenched summer parties and various forms of entertainment.  How can we celebrate who we are and those we love?  In the theatre of life, one side of the mask is the humorous clown, getting laughs from the audience by playing the fool.  The other side of the mask is weeping, but will the performer convey tragedy and tears to the audience?     

Jupiter in Sagittarius resonates well with the planets in Leo, as a fire is lit in the belly.  What passions are calling to you at this time?

*image found on rubylane.com

The new moon in Leo is July 31 (10:11pm, CDT)!  The gears grind to a near stop before they change direction.  This “in between” time is when insights flash into consciousness as Mercury goes direct the same day in Cancer, fresh out of deep and difficult conversations (10:58pm).  Electric inspiration jolts into an awakening this new moon, opening eyes toward the unforeseen.  Jarring curveballs jostle deeply seated patterns! Bask in the spotlight and dare to shine with ferocity!  What do we take pride in perfecting to show off to the world?  A swift kick pushes a talent out into the open.  How do we wish to be treated like royalty and how do we treat others royally?  The fire element, with a Leo signature, adds vigor to the end of summer!  How do we demand to be paid attention to and admired?   

Game-changer Uranus goes retrograde August 11.  Look back to early January.  Where did unexpected (or desired) change occur?  Restlessness stirs yet again.  What new (uncomfortable) changes showed up, and how do we view them retrospectively?  The same day, expansive Jupiter goes direct.  What opportunities waiting on the back burner can now be acted upon?

July holds the essence of being suspended in time, not moving forward or backward.  Conundrums pop up without immediate explanation or solutions as new realizations about past events become clearer.  Much-needed endings give a sense of peace and closure, yet long-standing issues demand to be dealt with.  July 31 is a cogent time to shift into gear after idling in neutral.  That said, a baby colt walking on rubbery legs falls a few times before gaining sure footing.  Proceed with care.  How can a playful attitude be integrated with discipline?