Run with it: Aries Full Moon Oct 6

As always, check your local time zone for the timing of the full moon in your area.

When I was tapping into the energy of this upcoming full moon, I was given a picture in my mind of a person with a bright yellow moon crescent under their shoulder, catching it and clutching it (the said moon looks like a football). This person is running for that touchdown, or running like a “run for your life” energy, or a “run with your life,” energy. It’s a wholesale: ‘go all in for it’ kind of feeling. Hold nothing back. You need to claim-your-space-in-order-to survive-this-challenge kind of energy.

So let’s break that down.

In a full moon the Sun always opposes the Moon. It’s symbolic for illumination, realization, the culmination of the previous work. Astronomically, its when the Earth is directly between the Sun and the Moon. They are distant from one another when viewed 2-dimensionally (astrology), and that kind of makes it easier to differentiate. One body, the Sun, is on one side, and the other body, the moon, is on the other side. Human minds are notorious for confusing things. A singularity may become a plurality and overgeneralized or vice versa. This confusion is also a tool that can be worked with, but not the point of this post. The point of this paragraph, however, is to say that a Full Moon (in general) is a developed and packaged, ready-to-deliver message. That message is *your* football, or personal moon in this scenario. It relates to the collective moon, but it is not that.

Here’s a tiny bit more about perspective.

This distant view, one body on the one side and on the other side, the other body : the opposition. It allows for contrast and distinction, like the way subject and object are not confounded with each other. One can “see” “other,” via cognitive contrast. Aries and Libra are actually a continuum (the astrological pairing of opposites). That’s right, the two sides of the same coin are really a continuum. The Aries energy is the “individual” the “self” and the Libra energy is the “other” or “object.” Libra is often expressed as the sign for “balance.” It’s important when talking about the energy of Libra, though, to signal the fact that ‘balance’ is dynamic and not settled. Settled would be done and dead. BalancING is an act of FINDING and maintaining equilibrium against moving forces, pulls, movements in disorienting directions. Therefore, one ‘could’ say, Libra is inherently unbalanced, moving towards balance. That’s the running part of my mental picture. The individual is RUNNING (moving toward) the goal line.

Let’s talk about the “fast” energy in the astrological picture above and why the mental image probably has the character/person running. Pluto forms a trine (120 degree angle)with Uranus and they are both in Air signs: Aquarius and Gemini. That’s a lot of fast moving Air energy. Air energy is associated with mental activities, but it’s also a transitional element. From its origination, this was debated.

Anaximenes, a Pre-Socratic philosopher, identified air as the fundamental principle of the world, transforming into fire when heated and into water, earth, and rock as it cools. Diogenes Apolloniates also associated air with intelligence and soul, although some sources suggest his principle was a substance between air and fire. Aristophanes satirized these ideas in his play The Clouds, featuring Socrates praying to air.1

Let’s return to the fact that air is not as slow as, say, Earth. Earth is much slower and more material–it’s all about the atoms. Air particles are generally smaller and lighter than solid matter. In gases, particles move freely and rapidly, often at higher speeds than particles in solids.

But why, astrologically (besides the elemental part of astrology), are these air planets acting “fast“? It’s the aspects. A trine is the fastest, and the sextile is bit more “productive.” I’d like to you to think of the metaphor of a bicycle gear. When you are going uphill, you want your gear to be on a “work harder” and “productive” setting. (The work *quite hard* gear is the square or 90 degree angle/aspect). A trine is like the “easy” gear. There’s little to no resistance: you can fly…..weeeeee

On top of that, both Uranus and Pluto are both making a sextile (60 degree angle) aspect to Neptune and Saturn. A sextile aspect is slightly more productive, as it’s considered to have less resistance than a square, but more anchoring ability than the trine. When you push the bike pedal down you are gonna have some resistance, but there’s gonna be moderate progress with each push–that’s the sextile.

Enough about the aspects, let’s recall our planetary environment.

Neptune and Saturn have been very busy sussing out “reality” and building “fantasy” and working on those themes (and will continue to) and I have mentioned in this post, and in this post, reaching that pinnacle point of their actual exact conjunction in Februrary 2026. The conjunction works differently than the opposition because it’s confused/merged/fused as to which is which (in the collective consciousness–and for the individual). Reread those posts, and you will see the themes. So, the “objects” in our consciousness dream are difficult to differentiate: are they real or are they false (illusory). Is this dream a pipe dream, or a vision for the future that’s possible with the right kind of focused effort or alignment (no effort)? That’s the kind of thing that happens when Saturn and Neptune co-join and start a new synodic cycle. They create a new project, so to speak. WE are in the process of that. The synodic cycle of Saturn and Neptune is roughly 36 years. This February, 2026 is the exact conjunction, which is its start of the new synodic cycle in Aries (same sign as this full moon!). That is, in approx 36 years, Saturn and Neptune will form another conjunction in another sign. In June 2061, according to my ephemeris, Saturn and Neptune will conjoin in Gemini.

But let’s look now at ‘just this’ full moon in Aries for the individual.

The Aries Full Moon has a lot of “breaking free” energy. It’s a person who is now having their emotions in their hands, their life force, their history’s soul-story: the moon. This person is now in control. They are not in control of anyone else though, nope, not at all. They have to break free from the past (which might include other people, see below addendum). They have to break free from the “losing game.” The stories they have been telling themselves have to change and become more individuated. The stories are no longer going to help them stay idle, stagnant, and keep them from growing and moving into more “unknowns,” aka the future. They must individuate themselves and get very clear on how they are a unique flame who has come to Earth to make their own way. Truly this is the universe’s invitation. I do find that there’s different degrees of “coming with kicking and screaming,” according to the soul, that is. The soul is the one (like the football) that is motivating (the moon) everyone to act according to their own path and trajectory. As we saw from the eclipse, our souls’ growth and development was reconfigured.

So run with that ball!!!! Run for your life. Get your clarity and your message, and start to see the spark of promise that will be enhanced and advanced in February 2026. There’s a dream that can be realized, that is what I am claiming. You do have the ability to differentiate ‘even more’ from your lineage, from the collective, from the soul’s habituation, and make your dreams cut from a new cloth.

I hope you had some fun reading here. I certainly enjoyed writing it.

Addendum:

There’s another theme (that is not small) that I did not write about that of which I will only make a quick mention. During this Full Moon, Venus will be in Virgo and still conjoining the South Node in the karmic past (this aspect is ‘active’ and current forming)— and this will be loosely opposing Saturn in Pisces. Old relationships are deconstructed, along with the sense of disillusionment around them. It’s part of the puzzle leading up to this newfound freedom for new ways of relating (Libra and Venus) to our values, and with company we keep!

Whatever you face and however you are living right now, may your heart be wrapped in love–becoming more You, every day. This life game is fun. Thanks for being here! Thanks for playing.

Source:

Air_(classical_element). (2025). Chemeurope.com.

https://www.chemeurope.com/en/encyclopedia/Air_%28classical_element%29.html

Saturn ingress Aries

From Farmer’s Almanac

When Will Saturn Be in Aries

  • Saturn enters Aries May 24, 2025.
  • Saturn retrograde in Aries: July 13, 2025.
  • Saturn re-enters Pisces (retrograde): September 1, 2025.
  • Saturn re-enters Aries (direct): February 13, 2026.
  • Saturn leaves Aries: April 12, 2028.

If you are feeling the fires lifting within you, you would be on point with what is happening ethereally. This is a significant planetary influence about to modify our lives in the ways we meet our commitments, consolidate our experiences and rise to new challenges. Our relationship even to “aging” is changing and becoming more “active.” If you look above, Saturn will be in Sextile (harmonious aspect) with Pluto, Sun and Mercury — while in close correspondence with planet Neptune which it will be making its conjunction with close degrees in July 2025, and then formally be in exact conjunction on February 20, 2026. The only square with major planets that Saturn will be making upon its ingress is to Jupiter in Gemini. As the Sun is now in Gemini and Jupiter is considered a benefic planet, its influence is still good and works positively.

Aries is a bit of a trailblazer and pioneer. While its true that Saturn in Aries could lead to frustrations around action and motivation, it can also move very “quickly” after its ending stay in Pisces–giving a renewed sense of energy and a definite re-birth opportunity. You may find yourself doing work or routines that require more energy and the impulse to get started features more dominantly. You may feel the urge to “get out there” more and really make some of the changes that you have been “sitting on” for quite some time while Saturn was in Pisces, and you might have been directionless or in a “holy waiting/pause” pattern. Saturn is also sextile Uranus which is quite a generational influence. This connection between these planetary influencers gives a balancing effect for novelty and tradition. Despite all the radical changes and challenges happening now, this does have a moderating/tempering effect–which is absolutely needed. Truly slow and steady changes lead the mission for sustainable improvements.

Personally, I have been going from conference to conference, very busy this month and the end of last month. I have much work at home to complete and finishing up loose ends on many transformational experiences/classes and trainings that will last me into the new year. I have a lot of curriculum prep to work on creating structure and content and preparing for next years offerings. It is an extremely productive and transformational time for me. It also includes travel, family visits, and lots of schedule adjustments with summer camps and extra curricular actives as a “karate/math and dance/artist mom.” We celebrate my daughter’s 6th birthday this weekend, and to say that I wish I could be organized in the midst of so much business– well, it’s quite funny to think I could get a leg up! However, I do feel that this energy with Saturn will help me continue to propel forward, building connections, strengthening skill sets, and developing deeper as a human and a spirit in a body. It might even lighten my load a bit by helping me burn up used bits of old versions of myself as I consciously and with great dedication take my current class “Reluctant Shaman 2.0” into its final two weeks, and we continue our deep dives, freeing up our resources for growth, courage, and closer more enduring and nourishing connections.

There is no shortage of fun planned!

The weight of the world will not be lifted with Saturns move into Aries, but your role in how you can offer up your own way of creative social action will be illuminated. How you do function as individual in your community/communities? There is a way to live in these times, and each ONE of us holds that key. Let us continue to gather and collect, receiving support and sharing support with one another. Let’s see if some people who have been in a pause will return from their shadows of Piscean “meditative retirement” and come back into the fold more fully, and renewed. What ONE thing would you like to offer to the world or your community as an offering and unique contribution that only you can provide? What your favorite motivational song? I’ll go first:

I can offer my authentic voice every day to my community–and not shy away or collapse when coming under fear–but I can continue to watch myself stretch and go deeper into the awareness and understanding for how my mind works–and how I am continually transcending it.

Favorite NOW motivational song: Dance with me! 🙂

Please share also what your summer plans are! I can’t wait to know! I’m sure you have some, even if it’s just to stare at a wall. I want to know about it!

Affirmation Saturday for your Aries Vibes

I know that greatness begins in the minds of the great. I know that what I believe about myself is what I will become–so I believe in the best for myself.

I am practical and realistic, and I keep my feet on solid ground. But I also give myself the freedom to live up to my fullest expectations.

I never limit myself by the short-sighted beliefs of others–instead I open myself up to the broad horizons of unlimited possibility.

When someone says I “cannot,” I answer “why not?” When someone says, “It’s impossible,” I answer that nothing is more impossible than I believe it to be. And I truly believe with my individual fortress of faith, with me, anything is possible.

I have drive, spirit, stamina, and endurance. I have a good strong winning attitude about myself and about everything I do. I am practical and realistic, but I also believe in the best possible outcome of any situation.

If I ever had any doubts about myself in the past, today is a good day to put them aside. It’s a good day to throw out any disbelief that ever held me back.

I know that I am headed in the right winning direction, and I look forward and never look back. I have the ability to focus on one thing at a time, so I concentrate my attention on the job at hand–and I get it done!

Today is one of those days when nothing can stand in my way. When I need extra determination, I’ve got it! When I need more energy and drive, I’ve got it! I’ve got the power to get it done and the patience to see it through, no matter what the job or challenge may be.

Right now, even while I am telling myself these truths about me, I know that I can succeed and I am succeeding. At this moment, if I think of any challenge in front of me, I know that I will become even more a winner because of it.

I keep my chin up, my head held high. I look, act, sound, think, and feel like the winner I am! Any-time a problem starts to get me down, I get myself right back up! I tackle problems and I solve them. When frustration or defeat threatens me, I just become that much stronger, more positive, better organized, and more determined than ever!

Right now, today, this very moment, I am capable of giving myself the gift of absolute self-assurance, self-belief, and powerful non-stop confidence in myself.

No matter what it is that requires the very best of me, I can do it and I know I can.

Today is a great day. And I’ve got what it takes. So I choose to do it right, do it well! I choose to live today with joy and love.

I know that it’s all up to me. One hundred percent!–every bit of it. All of it is in how I look at it and what I do about it! That’s what winning is. That’s why I am a winner.

I set my sights. I keep my balance. I don’t hesitate. I don’t hold back! I know that the world is full of opportunities. Look at what I can do; look at where I can go! Look at what I can do just by saying, “Yes!” to myself!

Just look at what I can do today! I am incredible… and today is a great day to show it!

Source: Shad Helmstetter, Ph.D. (1982), from What to Say When You Talk To Your Self.

I want you to know that it doesn’t matter where you start, or where you want to go. What matters is you remove any resistance that you have to reading and believing the above affirmations. You need to see your worthiness, and know that the world needs you. These are the two keys: 1). YOU MATTER 2). The world needs you to be fully in your own power.

If today is the day where you lost all your motivation, then let it drain out of you and commit the first thing in the morning tomorrow. Start making promises to yourself that you keep. Build your rapport with yourself and don’t wait for something ‘outside’ of you to make you feel worthy. No one and nothing can do that for you.

In peace there is confidence. That’s how we rest: we know the good that is on its way because it starts with us.

Rollerskating the Solar Eclipse March 29, 2025

User error had me lose my blog post that I wrote this morning about the upcoming solar eclipse. I selected “yes” to discard my draft. I meant to only discard the picture I posted because I wanted to remove the “location” from the photo for security safety before I posted it. So when I meant to say yes to “discard?,” it was to the photo, and not to the whole post draft (at least to me, but not the computer). Whoops!

That photo will show up later in my post. It’s a good idea, PSA: remove your location from the settings on your pictures before posting them.

So I’m writing (trying) to write the post again. It will be easier to type this on my computer so I will save the draft, now. Before I did that, the issue with updating a photo to my new draft was that the photos screen was no longer working! I deduced that I probably needed to update my jetpack software app on my iphone. This actually worked. Many interruptions, but problem solved. Now, to keep the flow with writing? Haha—

But… Before I could write this post, I also needed to treat a patient in my private practice, and now I want to get this blog post done before my meeting in 40 min. So I will write quickly, but efficiently. (Did I mention that I roller-skated for two hours on Sunday!?) The picture above was from the time I rollerskated before that. I got new skates a few weeks ago! The old Chicago skates were not meant for the serious skater. I went into the store to get a new stopper for the toe tip, and asked about the stability around the plates on the mounting hardware; as a result the woman directed me to buy new skates. I decided since I want to keep my wrists, spine, knees, and all my bones healthy–reduce the chance for falls, I ought to update my skates!

What does this have to do with astrology and the Solar Eclipse in Aries? Well, yes, Aries and mobility: you got that part. But, the first post was more integrated and I helped the reader (YOU!) look back to the following dates:

March 29, 2006

March 29, 1987

These were the last Aries eclipses in the series. This Saturday will be the last in the Aries series until at least 2032. Where is Aries in your chart? You are always welcome to contact me and I can help you look deeper into your personal astrology.

(Honestly the post I wrote before this one was much better) but it was missing the PSA, so I think you know, it’s okay.

For me, the eclipse is going to be taking place in my natal 2nd house of values, earning income and what I claim as mine. For me, it also contains the sign of Pisces, so yes, this aspect of my life has acted like a slippery fish. However, I will say that I am a generous person, very giving and very selfless. In fact this Aries energy has me really eager to meet with my Buddhist class tonight. My Reluctant Shaman group will also be meeting again as I’m starting to get into more and more “group work.” The previous group members all want to do the sessions again, so I will need to pick the date and get started. We have the time figured out that works for us all. Each step at a time.

I’m just gonna move on and share all sorts of stuff from my 5 year old daughter:

She won 2 gold medals this Saturday at her first ever Karate Tournament: She earned it in FORMS and FLAG SPARRING. I’m really proud of her. Also, I can see her personal artist style emerging already! Unlike me (i’ve been an eclectic artist with no real discernible “style,” her style is becoming unmistakeable to me!)

She made this gorgeous mantra box in her meditation class on Sunday–and I photographed it from several angles so you can have a looksie. I see her style in her drawing, coloring, and also in her other artistic media. Her school is really neat and they have a Great Artist event night coming up in April. The student’s grade levels each study an artist who is making social change with their artwork. I’ll share more about her class’s chosen artist to study in the next month or so (hint: She’s Indigenous Australian).

Below is her most recent LEGO creation. She is a genius with following instructions in order to build. This particular set has 3 different things that can be made. Of course the unicorn is the cutest of the 3, so it will probably be showcased for a while before it gets converted into the peacock and the seahorse.

See her box: Please ignore the napkin and the other things I had in my hand. Our lives move so fast, it’s tough enough to capture what I captured! She’s always creating and solving problems. I think it’s lovely there’s a precious mantra inside. “Om Mani ____ ” We don’t know. It’s not OM Mani Padme Om. It’s something else. Oh, it’s “OM ah HUM” which means, “Body, Speech, Mind”

Well, I ran out of time!

Yes, this eclipse is part of the bigness of the Neptune move into Aries bit! You know, that transit will last until 2039. So enjoy! We are definitely living in fast-moving and self-starting times.

How can you motivate yourself this Spring to be with the energy of Aries and also let go of the whole part about the future and all the unknowns? Aries is the fire that gets us moving. Have a great day, week, and apologies for the less than awesome post today–at least for what I wanted to write about astrology. I have a lot to share.

Remember to look at those dates I listed above and spend a wee little bit of time recalling what happened back then for insight into this week and the next 6 months of development.

AUM AH HUM

What I don’t have to tell you —astrology Edition.

There is a light

Hello! This is a post for your astrological reflections in an expanded way. For this full moon in Taurus, Jupiter is opposing Mercury, and the thoughts and communications are stirring.

What I don’t have to tell you (the title): Things are changing in pronounced and dramatic ways!

Since before the U.S. election I was thinking about all the major transits taking place in the next couple of years, and I knew that whatever the outcome, it was sure to demonstrate a pronounced reflection of these cosmic on-going changes. This is a deep overhaul.

I’ve been watching astrology for too long (just my life) to see this as a coincidence. I do remain a skeptic astrologer; it’s part of the fun. I always look for the positive and while that makes me biased (I tend to keep the beliefs that are most suitable to my integrity as a speaker coming from my inner authority and authenticity).

While I could ‘just’ write about today’s full moon, a discussion really merits the context of the changes in the next few years. The two biggest changes are Pluto is going for its full time stay in Aquarius, starting on Nov 19, 2024, to January 19, 2044; the other profound change is Neptune ingress into Aries, but I’ll get to that later.

So, as you see this full moon today is merely an “usher” to these bigger and more profound changes. The full moon in Taurus shows the moon conjoining Uranus (the ruler of Aquarius) and surprise! Uranus is associated with all the surprises and disruptions to the norm! This is also living itself out before your very eyes.

Important segue as I share a little bit of my “as I write this…”

…an unusually beautiful sunrise emerged, followed by some light rain, and a rainbow. 🌈 The pictures are included.

The rain was unexpected (and the combo with sun, so pretty, unexpected).

Last week we discovered (and this week) we had to repipe our house. The 87 year old iron pipes were in pieces, had several breaks and leaks and there was root encroachment.

There were times when they dug under the house and the smell of dirt felt lively and enriching to my nose, inside my house, the soil and subterranean influence from underground was being refreshed and turned over anew. Brand new piping was fabricated to supply our vital waterways into our house.

The piping situation was unexpected! (Uranus)

With Pluto we will find ourselves digging deep for transformation around the subjects of the future, our ideals as a collective human species, and the role of technology in how we integrate with the planet. Are we indeed, nature? I would say, yes. My Taoist influences direct me to the nature of my own existence as both mundane and transcendent. I am an animal for the most part. I am not separate from nature. I’ll be tapping into more of my feral ways in the days to come, I’m sure. Hint: Aries is gonna be big soon. Aries is the first sign of the zodiac and the spring into action head-first archetype. Aries is a bit feral.

The next big profound shifts are due in 2025, then quickly followed by and leading up to 2026, where Aries will be discussed more.

Whether we liked the outcome or not of the U.S. elections, the changes are going to be profound (Pluto). We will be digging into our humanity as individuals and as a collective (Aries and Aquarius), excavating our inner and outer resources for survival and for meaning and purpose. It will be a time for grit.

Now for the sentinel change that is Neptune. (yes, I am making a metaphor of our Transpersonal planets as sentinels. They are watchers and ushers.) They lead the changes we will be taking on. How we deal with the changes, though, is up to us.

On March 30, 2025, Neptune will be crossing into Aries. This domain is the home of fire. The reason this is much a big deal is the themes are lasting. Neptune will be in Aries until March 23, 2039.

If that wasn’t enough to showcase the movements of the heavens being a bit dramatic, to say the least, then you would be not surprised to learn that Saturn will conjunct Neptune in Aries on February 20, 2026. Still, if this wasn’t enough to knock your socks off, then it’s important to know that this exact conjunction will take place at 0 degree of Aries. The beginning of all beginnings. Pluto will still be in the early degrees of Aquarius at 4 degrees and the two signs get along. They are aren’t known to be especially inviting though (we will have a nice Jupiter in Cancer transit for that lasting 1 year). The planet of structure, discipline and achievement, delays and traditions (Saturn) will be fusing with Neptune, planet of dissolution, imagination, vision, spirituality and the other worldly. Neptune is all about illusions and art/artifice and Saturn is all about “reality.” It seems like the ultimate “choose your reality, wisely” pair. Let’s go to work on those dreams or bust the illusions and delusions.

Neptune is posing for you with a wink from this full moon today because, it’s in its domicile of Pisces, meanwhile sextile to Pluto.

Pluto is also saluting 🫡 with this full moon as it “prepares” a tour of duty in Aquarius. Pluto is trine to the Uranus/Moon combo which is an agreeable energetic flow.

Mercury in Sagittarius continues to oppose Jupiter. There’s a lot of mental reflection and communication around beliefs and broadcasting on a large scale. Obviously the polls were off in the election run up. There’s much dissatisfaction with a great portion of the electorate, despite that the “people have spoken.” I think the majority are still in shock. That’s how I read this. Shock.

Fact or fiction with all the things we are processing as a collective, the astrology is clear. It’s not a perfect discreet language but the symbols and the themes are fairly consistent. How we choose to act and where we choose to act out remaining power is all about our individual abilities and capacities. Will we rise to these challenges?

As the future has a lot of Aquarius and Aries in it, the spark of life is going to be challenged but not vanquished. Your spark is not small, nor gentle and fragile, your spark is one with humanity. You are many.

How will you carry on in these days of immense change and instability? As you can see, Uranus has been transiting Taurus (the guardian of stability), and we have had so many changes ushered in to break that stability and beg us to look at our values and resources in the face of these disruptions.

The future will belong to the individual (Aries) AND the collective (Aquarius). How will we embrace new values and comforts (Taurus). This full moon in Taurus is a time for assessment but it still might be too soon for the stir-up is still really yet to begin.

I wish you all well as we navigate the questions and answers that arise. May you be healthy. May you be whole. May you survive. ✊🏼

With deepest respect for you and your journey through the cosmos on spaceship Earth! Ka 💗

A reading for you: Creation

As we move towards the Full Moon in Aries coming up this September 29, depending on where you are, I asked Spirit to give me a reading for my blog readers. That reading was completed with the one card, above. Creation.

The card comes from the Chakra Wisdom Oracle, by Tori Hartman

This card is all about the artistic shaman. It leaped from the deck that I shuffled in preparation for this reading. The energy with this one is strong! This card is all about opening to magic and hitching to one’s inner muse.

The following is the meditation from the guidebook:

“Open the notebook to a clean page. Close your eyes and image She Shaman standing in the mist, holding out her hand. Follow her into the mist. As you walk she motions to sit. Ask for her guidance. Pick up your notebook and write. Simply write whatever comes. Do not censor or judge the words. They may mean nothing right now, but they will. Thank She Shaman for her visit.”

Tori Hartman

What have you always wanted to do but always stopped in your tracks? No matter what it is, you have to ask yourself: which is stronger fear or curiosity? This time is all about breaking lose of the confines of the known and starting off as a newbie–without anyone’s permission! Aries is a seed of fire that when planted and fueled with your intention, will bind to matter and create a new thread of connection, which will branch off into a number of unseen ways. The full moon is a cumulation, but my intuition has it that the energy has been growing inside you for some time; and at the full moon, it is ready to be released into a new beginning. A burst of light. Take 5 deep breaths and then make your move!

Vernal Equinox – Springin’ it!

Today as I was drawing up the astrological chart for the Vernal Equinox, I was running into all sorts of snags in terms of saving the chart and technological stuff. So, I had to sit myself down and slow down. I recalled back to all the progress I made with my em-Wave heart coherence the day before, and I was thinking about how I practice astrology and what I can contribute. Often times when we have a Full moon, or a New Moon or another punctuated seasonal event, we often embellish (as a culture) the sign that the Sun is in. Now, the Sun is special to me, sure (as a Leo), but in reality, what we are seeing is a BALANCE of signs and energies at any given moment. I say this because my natal Sun is in Libra’s house. So, balance is incredibly important to me, as we perceive it. I also have a tendency to believe in an inherent and natural balance that happens on its own, the way matter settles under gravity.

We have so many planets in Aries right now, and so it’s easy (understatement) to get carried away. I know I have been ~ so much creativity, there’s the gentle kick-back though and reminder for me, today, to just ‘be receptive’ and settle into some of this exuberance. Or, let the exuberance settle into me. There’s this excitement of what is to come during this time of the year – what has been growing and what might be around the corner waiting to be planted. Nevertheless, there is also this sense of ordinariness that creeps in and reminds me, we faithfully celebrate the turn of the seasons every year. If we didn’t, I don’t believe that we would be upsetting the Gods/Goddess/or Nature itself.

Back to the point about balance: I like to look at signs in “‘2’s.” Like a virtual see-saw, with a central pivot. I do not focus all my energy on the one spotlight sign: Aries!  There’s a natural focus on Aries right now. So, I look to Libra. Do you follow me? Once I spring, there’s gotta be the opposite movement, “the catch.”  I want my virtual see-saw to be nice and chill though, so there’s gotta be a central focus – between the two. But in balancing, just like a bicycle, I have to subtly pivot to both sides, one at a time.

A few years ago I did trapeze with my husband for the very first (and only) time. I’m going to use that as my metaphor. The Aries energy was helping me climb up that pole and reach the heights that I was reaching, but that was only the beginning. I needed the “will to move.” What I also needed was the listening ears for the instructions about how to hold my hands, and what to do when the trapeze bar came my way. I could see the net, yes, but when you are up-high, you don’t really calculate how much spring is in that net that helps catch you if you fall. There’s more.  I didn’t know there was more until I was listening to the directions. I was told how to position my hands so that I would be ready for the catch. That’s right. Not only did I have to catch the bar, and then put up my knees and let go of my hands, my final fete was to open my hands and allow myself to be caught. That part was easy, but it was also tricky; it required one extra moment of acceptance, receptivity.

So, Libra is needed – to balance – the Aries energy.

During this Vernal Equinox, what are you catching? What’s in your net? What are you listening to? How will you bounce if you fall? Will you make ‘the catch’ and allow yourself to ‘be caught’? How can you balance your receptivity to others with your will to live and do and be so freely?

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Astrological Transits: The Beginner’s Guide…by April Elliott Kent

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Ka Malana holding up April Elliot Kent’s book: Astrological Transits.

Some people are just so easy to converse with!

That’s how I feel about April Elliott Kent.

When she and I met, I didn’t realize that I’d be taking my astrology anywhere. As a solo practitioner of astrology, I didn’t really have any astrology friends. I was mostly closeted about it for a while. I was discovering it all on my own, with the help of books, while maintaining and editing my own constant reflections upon the transits. To me, it was my private scientific investigation.

Eventually, I had this blog, and I was meeting with the occasional client. I was still feeling out what exactly I wanted to do with my clients in the astro realm. I kept looking for the “WE,” the co-creating. How could I really be of service in a way that also worked within the flexible framework of my highest values and within my integrity? These were the types of questions that I began asking myself while healing from a major back injury, when I met April two years ago, in my new city.

I didn’t realize that April was such a popular and well-established astrologer!

She was just such a great friend to me from ‘go,’ and I noticed that we linked up nicely when comparing our charts, but I really only looked ‘after the fact’ for any astrological connection. Then, after a while, I started to read her blog posts on the New and Full moon (just like I had been writing about on my blog!) and I kept getting more and more of this sense about her as a WISE woman, with a delightful conveyance of the astrological archetypes. Truly her writings are highly accessible, and contribute to anyone’s monthly astrological undertakings.

To say that I have developed a deep respect for this woman as a person far surpasses even my own understanding for what she knows about astrology! That being said, I want to move onto a review of her book. Yes, I will basically be doing that from the perspective of being a friend and a fan.

A Beginner’s Book is a beginner’s book; it is something that you can understand if you don’t have a lot of background knowledge. The full title of her book is Astrological Transits: The Beginner’s Guide to Using Planetary Cycles to Plan and Predict Your Day, Week, Year (or Destiny). Side note, I can admire a woman who uses parentheticals. It’s one of my favorite features for writing in TODAY’s complex world. I applaud her use of parentheses in the title of this book.

If you notice the way I photographed the book, it appears as though it is as big as my heart–no, even bigger. It takes up the entire space of my chest. Why did I photograph it that way? Although this book is a “beginner’s book,” I see the value in all things “beginner,” and recognize that this book is for me. ☺

I commend this text for its concise organization, while containing a lot of solid “How To” information. April writes to TODAY’s astrologer: Astrological Transits makes what is classic, accessible.  I am also referring to her writings, here, where her style really shines.

For the non-astrologer: Other books like it (Beginner’s Guides: sure there are some exceptions but…) rarely do they include a tiny little box of helpful tips specifically like, “how long this transit lasts,” and the approximate age that you may experience a particular transit.  You do not have to be an astrologer to learn from this book!!! Whether you are an astrologer or not, consulting with another astrologer can be very helpful, as it helps to guide your understanding of what you are learning, experiencing, and evaluating.

Here’s an excerpt: I like April’s advice here about the Sun transiting the 10th house of a natal chart; it’s good advice for anyone, at any time!

The trick to enjoying the Sun in the tenth house is to imagine not that you’re in an inferior position that must be escaped at all costs, but rather that you’re in the perfect position to get where you’re going. Part of that journey begins with a plan—for your career or even for your whole life. If you already have a plan, revisit and revise it. If you don’t know where you are going, you won’t recognize it when you arrive. Also, since you probably work plenty hard already, work smarter—and learn to delegate. Even if you can do anything, you don’t have to do everything. Partner with others who like to do things you don’t care for, and vice versa. You’ll go much further with help from others than you can alone.”

Please visit her here  @ BigSkyAstrology.com, where she’s been publishing for 15 years! Astrological Transits: The Beginner’s Guide to Using Planetary Cycles to Plan and Predict your Day, Week, Year (OR DESTINY) is her newest book!

In Astrological Transits, astrologer April Elliott Kent teaches you:

  • How Today’s astrological weather affects your birth chart and what is going on in your life
  • Ways to make the most of good transits and harness and transform the energy of challenging ones
  • The roles recurring planetary cycles play in your life and how to anticipate important transits

Astrological Transits Full Book Image

June 12th Full Moon in Sagittarius, 2:11PM, PDT

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This full moon will be conjunct my natal Neptune, within a 2 degree orb, so there’s a good possibility that Neptune will influence how I read this full moon’s chart.  Neptune will be making some ‘friendly’ aspects to Pluto (sextile, 60 degrees) and the retrograde planet Mercury (trine, 120 degrees).  So, I anticipate that what I have to write will be relevant to at least some of you.

The Sun part of the (Sun opposite Moon = Full Moon) equation will be occurring right on the cusp of my natal 11th house. This is the 5/11 house axis that relates to the individual’s creative output (5th) and the groups, friendships and associations (11th), with whom the individual is participating. With the full moon on my 11th house, it’s about these groups and friendships, community hopes and ideals, coming to fruition in some way. Sure. I can see that. Also, Gemini and Sagittarius are natural rulers of the 3rd/9th houses of the mentality, neighbors, local networks (3rd) and higher learning, educational institution, and publication (9th).

With Full Moon square Chiron, it’s also about healing wounds that arose from previous attempts with groups, friendships, and associations, and thus culminating into new fields of learning and associations. I AM really experiencing a lot of new growth showing up in that area of my life, as the moon deals with the public and Chiron with healing.

A full moon will bring something visible to your awareness in the area/house placement in your natal chart where it occurs. If you are looking at your own chart, see where 22 degrees of Gemini/Sagittarius are housed. See what planets are aspecting the full moon in your nativity; and then, look at those aspects by transit and progression.

General themes

The Full Moon in Sagittarius is squaring Chiron in Pisces.  Sagittarius is about seeing the “bigger picture,” it relates to optimism and faith. Sagittarius is ruled by the planet Jupiter (ancient ruler of the sign Pisces) and represents grand portions and big plans. Sagittarius is also the natural ruler of the 9th house, in any nativity. Pisces is about spirituality and psychic experiences (Jupiter is the ancient ruler of Pisces). All in all, there’s a call to faith here that will take some effort for going the long distance (square aspect 90 degrees).

Gemini/Sagittarius: Anatomy & Function

According to Max Heindel in his book called, The Message of the Stars, “Sagittarius rules the hips and thighs, the femur, ilium, the coccygeal and sacral regions of the spine, the iliac arteries and veins, [and] sciatic nerves.” (p.543) According to Robert Carl Jansky in his book, Astrology, Nutrition, and Health, “the physiological functions of this [Gemini/Sagittarius] sign pair are distributive and locomotive.” (p.24). Gemini rules the lungs and trachea, and commonly known to astrologers is that Gemini is the ruler of the 3rd house of communication and short distance travel.

Pisces Correlations: Host of transiting Chiron (Wounded-healer)

In Jeffrey Wolf Green’s Evolutionary Astrology book called, Medical Astrology: Astrological correlations to anatomy, physiology, and the chakra system, he makes the following associations for Pisces with regard to the Chakra system as well as other processes. Neptune/Pisces/12th house: crown chakra, sacral chakra with co-ruler Jupiter, and the astral body. “Neptune also correlates with the phenomena of consciousness, the consciousness of the Soul. It correlates with sleep/being awake, dreams, visions, and hallucinations that occur within consciousness.” (p.23)

Finally, this Sagittarius Full Moon forms a trine (120 degree) aspect with Uranus in Aries. This is more fuel for fire in the ‘change and inspiration’ aka “newness” department of our lives. Aries rules the 1st house in the natural astrological chart. It deals with beginnings. The awakening involved with Uranus in Aries really is bringing in the ‘Age of Aquarius.’ It is fitting for Uranus to be cast in this role, as Uranus is the archetypal ruler of Aquarius in the form of Prometheus – one who stole fire from the gods and gave it to man!

References:

Green, J.W. (2014).  Medical astrology: Astrological correlations to anatomy, physiology and the chakra system. San Bernardino, CA: School of Evolutionary Astrology.

Heindl, M. (1976). The Message of the Stars.  Pasadena, CA: Wood & Jones.

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A photograph of my yogi tea message for today.

 

 

I Believe in Bravery: Astrology for April 2014

This month’s Lunar Eclipse will occur on April 15, 2014. In California, it will happen at 12:42am. The month is filled with challenges and opportunities, and the feminine energy returns.

Challenges & Opportunities

This month we have a lot of “heavy duty” transits. The Grand Cross pattern that the heavens have been cultivating is known to bring challenging experiences. These experiences, however, can be very constructive.  Often, they ARE constructive, but we don’t realize that until the pressure is turned down, way down. The Grand Cross is simply a pressure valve, and it can be expressed in many different ways, each unique to one’s own chart and behavior pattern. We can even see this pressure valve trying to release itself in the land with the earthquakes in Chile.

Any challenge has the potential to bring out the best of those working toward a goal by transforming challenges into opportunities. The Grand Cross pattern provides an opportunity for maintaining one’s focus, and specifically in a Cardinal Grand Cross, using that focus as a trajectory.

Unfortunately, the Grand Cross pattern/configuration does not lend itself really well to teamwork. The energy is so very centralized, and it’s a good idea to watch any area of your life where you may be overdoing it, or any area that is demanding too much of your time where your energies are too scattered. You want to make the best of the energies that are supporting you!

Feminine Return

This Lunar Eclipse in Libra certainly calls for some peace and some grace. It’s best to take your time when you can; the pace of interaction can be swift and jarring for those who are sensitive.

Now is the time to find/create the quiet, safe place within yourself; or, it can be any place you designate. Let the receptive, feminine energy (also known as the yin shadow) ‘cool down’ some of the fiery masculine energy of Aries, the yang excitement. In other words, find the Libran balance, the fulcrum point, and rest in stillness for a while. 

Both of the eclipses this month call upon the Goddess energy, the White Tara of Compassion. The Lunar Eclipse on April 15th  is in Libra, a masculine sign ruled by a feminine planet; and, the Solar Eclipse is in the feminine sign of Taurus, on April 28.

Finally, the most satisfying and pleasant feature of this month’s planetary configuration is the grand trine of Saturn, Jupiter, and Chiron. Venus (ruler of Libra) will be transiting conjunct Chiron (applying aspect), and by month’s end, Venus will be forming a harmonious trine with Saturn. Venus rules both Libra and Taurus, making Venus a prime motif for us all month.

Personal note: I shall be taking a break from my blog writing/sharing for most of the month, and will be focusing on my clients, my schoolwork, and travel.  We live in exciting times, and I’m delighted that we’ve been able to share so much through the blog-space!

May Peace Be With You,

Ka Malana

Vernal Equinox, Part II: A Profound Start

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Title Unknown. Painted by Andrew Salgado

As the Sun enters Aries 0.00, it trines retrograde Saturn in Scorpio. Some conventional astrology will have us working on our experience with father and fatherhood. Other Saturn-style manifestations could be teachers, people in positions of authority with the ability to guide or restrict our movements.

All this Vernal Equinox energy of initiation in Aries-ruled Mars can find anchoring in the Saturn/Moon conjunction in Scorpio. Saturn stabilizes (stills), Moon emotes (moves), and the trine to the fiery Martian Sun pierces the veil of shallowness. In Scorpio, we dive deeply into experiences, and dwell for as long as necessary to bring about transformation (Scorpio).

Do we dedicate (Saturn) ourselves to such a task? Do we have the support and leadership?

The joining of Fire and Water can heat up the water, or make it boil over. The choice is always yours in this version of astrology. I think that’s a good platform for an Aries beginning. Grow in the direction you want, and find the supports/structure (Saturn) to help you, expect your experiences to be deep (Scorpio) and long lasting (Saturn).

This new energy is exciting, and… we can sense how it’s deeper than we may have originally saw or thought.

~Ka Malana ©2014

 

Credit: Painting by Andrew Salgado

retrieved from, http://www.mymodernmet.com/profiles/blogs/aggressively-charged-brush-strokes, http://www.andrewsalgado.com

also see, http://www.andrewsalgado.com/

 

 

Nodal axis moved from Sco-Tau to N.Node in Libra and S. Node in Aries

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In honor of this switching of the tides, I thought I’d write a little something about it. According to my trusty ephemeris, the nodes changed into Aries/Libra on February 20, 2014.  While some of the new energies and themes may seem to have really changed the tone of our surrounding relationship themes, the new Libra/Aries nodal positions will be in effect up to October of 2015.

The nodal positions in our birth chart show our soul’s past and future trajectories. While this may sound like fate/destiny, it’s really only so in the sense that we are working with archetypes. There’s so much room for movement and interpretation in this expression of the archetype—such as is with astrology.

What the changing nodal positions indicate is theme for all relationships and outcomes. In essence, the nodes express the focal point for the One’s evolution, and therefore consciousness taken as a whole.

Libra/Aries changes the tone quite a bit from Scorpio/Taurus. Perhaps we’ve taken things as far as they can go “on our own.” We’ve may have even triumphed with the energy of individuality and with Uranus currently sitting in Aries, there’s been a lot of electricity and inspiration in self-motivation—but it’s also been a lot more erratic. Where’s the balancing point? What’s the unifying piece, the “key-stone” in togetherness?

This is what it means to have the North nodal position in the sign of Libra.  It means that we are working on making things more pleasant for ourselves and for those around us. We are more interested in developing social graces and tactfulness. The idea and the goal is for the expression of the individual, Aries, energy to find ‘peace’ within the Libra framework of beauty. This, in essence, is the balancing of the masculine ‘within’ the feminine.

Mars as ruler of Aries has been in Libra for an extended stay. The energy of Mars has been bubbling to the surface in little spits and fits. Underlying is the need for expression in a socially acceptable way. The planet is healing this anger and the boundaries put in place by Scorpio/Taurus arrangements.

Aries New Moon, April 3, 2011

Aries New Moon and the First Law of Thermodynamics

This picture represent “heat” taken from a physics site, http://www.splung.com/content/sid/6/

The new moon will take place in the new moon chart’s 11th house, so the emphasis will be on starting projects, working in the community and with groups or associations, and finding a new orientation toward the desires and wishes of communities. The Ascendant is at Gemini sextile Jupiter in 11th, so there will be many opportunities with collective projects to discuss and communicate the vision for the future.

Saturn will be oriented in the 5th house in opposition to the new moon in the 11th, indicating that individuals will be challenged by obligations and other restrictions held by the domain of Saturn in Libra—restrictions are with authority.  Saturn in the 5th house also indicates major fear around taking risks because of the profound change that will come to relationships (Saturn square Pluto in 7th).

How this transit is dealt with will have a lot to do with the current maturity and development of the emotions of those involved (11th house moon trine N. Node). We may also be influenced by the feelings and suggestions of friends with regards to risk-taking, either with romance, art projects, children, or gambling and investments (5th house). In some cases, our responsibility to our children (5th house Saturn) or their issues will highlight the challenges we experience with our hopes and dreams.

Pluto in the 7th house sextiles, Neptune, Venus, and Chiron in the 9/10 houses of the new moon chart indicating that our future direction is unclear (Neptune) and we want to see more diplomacy and beauty (Venus). Nevertheless, while Pluto squares the Mars/Uranus conjunction during this new moon, plus or minus 2.5 days, there will be more unexpected uprisings with the pursuit to extricate individuals from powerful and oppressive governance and establishments (Pluto in Capricorn). Current societal power-constructs are very much under duress.

Sabian Symbol, from Elsie Wheeler for the new moon (Sun, Moon conjunction) is Aries 14: “A Serpent Coiling Near A Man And A Woman.” This symbol connotes the presence of temptation. It’s also the symbol of a powerful, healing energy presence.  Opposite this moon Saturn at Libra 14, Sabian symbol: Libra 14: “In The Heat Of The Noon, A Man Takes A Siesta.” Here’s the balancing point: Using one’s energy with wisdom. Preserve power, use it only when the environment supports that it will be most effective. Also, the snake can coil for many reasons, sometimes protection, sometimes to prepare to attack, sometimes to keep warm. But the basic symbols are consistent with the same principle. A man sleeping during noon is conserving his energy at a time when expending it would be most exhausting (when it’s most hot); and, a snake maneuvers itself into a coil or spring to increase its potential energy and position itself most effectively for attack.  One is reminded of “the metabolic cost of growth.” Be careful not to overdo, or waste potential energy. Use the conditions of your environment, consider the level of “heat” when deciding if it’s best to keep it cool and rest up.

Mercury Retrograde Aries, March 30, 2011

Mercury Retrograde in Aries

On March 30, 2011, Mercury goes retrograde (Rx) in Aries during the planetary hour of Saturn. Mercury will retrograde at the Aries point of 24 degrees 21 minutes.  Traditional Aries associations tied with Mercury are impatience, impulsivity, and overall fast and full-force action. During a retrograde phase, the apparent view of Mercury’s motion is backward.  Mercury’s apparent motion will turn direct on April 23, 2011. During the retrograde period the process is finding new solutions to old problems. Mercury retrograde is associated with delays in communication, travel, and scheduling. It’s a period allowing for re-thinking and re-doing. Mercury retrograde does not lend itself well to making new commitments (such as signing contracts) or starting new projects. It is simply a period for re-view.

At the point and time Mercury retrogrades, it will septile (51 degrees) Venus, Chiron, and Ceres in the sign of Pisces, sexile (60 degrees) Neptune in Pisces, and trine (120 degrees) the transiting N.Node. A septile aspect suggests the numinous, being 1/7 of 360 degrees, and expressing the 7th harmonic.

What all that means is the following:

We will review our artistic talents and concepts of healing and spirituality by reconnecting with areas in our lives where we experience a deep sense of purpose. Parent/child relations involve over-attachment, separation, or letting-go issues and we might receive or be seeking divine intervention with this. On a more mundane level, we need to be watching what we say and using our heads very pointedly to push through delays and stay on task. We may have moved too fast to begin with and need re-direct our energies into the most purposeful end result.