A NEW YEAR: HOW TO FOLLOW THE MOON PHASES AND WORK WITH LUNAR ENERGY

The holiday season has wound down and this is the time of year we begin to think about what we want our lives to look like moving forward. It gives us a chance to reflect on the previous year and ask some thought-provoking questions. Were we able to accomplish the goals we set for ourselves? Is our life path moving in a direction that feels positive? Are we happy with our lives both professionally and personally? How can we improve our lives overall this year?

Although I am not a believer in making New Year’s resolutions, I do believe in being open to the change and transition that is bound to come in some way as the planets shift and create new energy. It is more about setting intentions. The question comes down to how do you want to handle life’s changes and also have your eyes wide open for life’s opportunities? Giving these things honest thought helps to move us in the right direction with more clear intentions. We are able to act from a place of knowledge after careful consideration, rather than reacting out of stress and anxiety.

One of the best ways to get started on this journey is to follow the Moon phases and work with the lunar energy during this month. Each lunar phase gives off a different energy and if you can deliberately act in accordance with these cycles, it can help guide your daily life. This article is meant to help you develop a practice that can help you to achieve soul guidance and deepen your intentions for a well-balanced life.

I will also provide you with the Moon Void of Course dates and times. The Void of Course times will be calculated for Eastern Standard Time (EST). When we say the Moon is Void of Course, we are referring to when the Moon makes its final major aspect with another planet before changing signs. The Moon stops being Void of Course once it enters a new sign.

During this time period, the Moon is sort of just free-floating, without any influence from any other planets. Usually, we don’t even notice this because it is void sometimes for only a few hours or as long as a whole day. Or it can happen while we are asleep so it doesn’t affect us at all. However, it is important to recognize this time period because when the Moon is void, it is not a good time to initiate plans, usually because it is easy to overlook important information that helps us make sound decisions. It can be challenging to focus on anything that requires concentration or is detail oriented.  It is best to stick to a routine or your everyday tasks. It is not a good time to sign contracts, finalize agreements, or make any major decisions. Our vision is totally cloudy and no good will come of anything we try to push through. Keep all those things for another day or even a few extra hours. It is extremely helpful to mark the days and times of the Void of Course Moons on your calendar to remind yourself to take a step back and not push through on something during those times.

Let me begin by listing the eight moon phases.

* New Moon

* Waxing Crescent Moon

* First Quarter Moon

* Waxing Gibbous Moon

* Full Moon

* Disseminating Moon or Waning Gibbous

* Last Quarter Moon or Waning Third

* Balsamic Moon

When you see the term “Waxing” or “Waning” this is referring to what the Moon is doing. During the waxing phases the Moon is moving from darkness into light. This is the phase starting after the total darkness of the New Moon and continues to show a bit of itself every night until the Moon is at its brightest. A sliver more can be viewed each night, and it appears to be growing, until it reaches the Full Moon phase. The waxing cycle symbolizes growth, development, and creation. It is about letting ideas begin to germinate and blossom until it reaches the peak at the Full Moon when there is total illumination and dreams can be realized.

During the waning phase, the Moon is just passed the Full Moon phase when it was at its brightest and fullest. It continues losing light until the Moon can no longer be easily viewed, moving once again toward the New Moon phase. When the Moon is waning, it appears to shrink each night. This is a cycle of release, forgiveness, and gratitude. It is symbolic of shedding the old and preparing for renewal and transition.

The lunar phases are all about the changing relationship between the Sun and Moon during the Moon’s monthly orbit around the Earth. They describe the kinds of energy generated at each stage of the process. If we can learn to use this energy according to the cycles, we have a better chance of creating the life we want.

I am going to walk you through using this energy through the month of January. Aligning with the Moon cycle can help you to understand how the energy of life flows through you. Working with each phase can bring you closer to abundance in your life through knowing when to set your intentions, how to better understand your emotions, when to do inner work, and when to manifest. If you continue this practice it helps you to connect deeper with your soul and heightens your intuition.

Beginning on Sunday, January 1st, the Moon will be in the sign of Taurus. This is a lovely start to the new year since the Moon in this sign provides a calmness and serenity to our emotional lives. There is a steadiness or a grounded energy with this Moon. The Moon will be in its Waxing Gibbous phase, which is the last phase before the Full Moon. It will be in this phase until Friday, January 6th. During this week, the best course of action is to concentrate on areas of self-development and self-awareness. You can begin to devote time to personal growth and spend this time reflecting on the ways you want to improve your life, your work, and your relationships. Focus on the best ways you can progress and grow.

On January 2nd we have a Void of Course (V/C) from 5:16 pm until 9:44 pm. It will then enter the sign of Gemini. On the 4th, the Moon is V/C again from 7:08 pm until the next day, January 5th, at 9:15 am, after which it enters the sign of Cancer.

On January 6th, we have the first Full Moon of the year in the sign of Cancer. The Moon is in her rulership in this sign and is very sensitive, nurturing, and caring. Be prepared for some emotional ups and downs and a need to be near your home, your comfort zone and security. A Cancer Full Moon reminds us to learn to nurture ourselves and allow our own emotional needs to become illuminated. It can be a time of enlightenment marking a new path in our self-knowledge and emotional maturation. During this time period until the Moon goes V/C on the morning of July 7th (5:23 am – 9:40 pm), just chill a bit. Take time to just do some odds and ends around the house, have family over, pamper yourself.

As the Full Moon moves into the sign of Leo later that evening, the energy of the Moon shifts, and for the next couple of days you may find yourself feeling more self-confident and you radiate a light.  This is the time to release any blockages around your heart’s desires and anything stopping you from expressing your creativity and passions. Move forward with courage and show up for yourself with confidence. Your intentions could include ways to stimulate your creative projects, artistic expression, and innate talents, as well as ways to enhance your aspirations to be recognized.

On January 9th, we enter the Waning Gibbous or Disseminating phase, which takes us through Friday the 13th. This is the time where we begin to see where our knowledge and wisdom can be shared with others. During this week be open to change and transformation. If you have a message to get out, now is the time. You will want to take this time to share and interact not only through information, but also through socializing, charity work, attending or teaching classes or workshops, and making new friends with whom you truly connect with intellectually. The gift of this phase is learning to integrate new insights into your life and share that knowledge.

The Moon is also V/C on this date between 8:52 pm and 10:15 am on January 10th. Remember that during those hours, hold back on beginning anything new. Use the time to gather your thoughts and organize the ideas or information that you want to share. The Moon is V/C again on Thursday, January 12th, but it is only for a very short time between 6:06 pm – 9:56 pm.

On Saturday, January 14th, the Moon enters its Last Quarter phase through Monday, January 16th. The Last Quarter Moon phase is when the Moon is half in light and half in shadow. At this time of the Lunar cycle, we are drawn inward and away from the outside world and influences. This phase is traditionally about releasing and letting go. Use the Last Quarter phase of the Moon to go deep within yourself during meditation. Reflect on where you have been, where you are going, and why you are heading there. There are lessons here about sensing your own truth and shifting perceptions. It is actually a time of looking back AND looking ahead. You will want to take care of things you have been putting off and work on wrapping things up. This is a transitional time. You may have a nagging feeling that there is more to do before a new cycle begins. Often it is about getting real regarding unhelpful relationships or things in your life, misguided dreams or aspirations, or anything that has been holding you back.

During this cycle’s week, the Moon will be V/C on Sunday, January 15th between 3:40 am – 7:08 am, and on Tuesday, January 17th between 9:27 am. – 12:30 pm.

The Balsamic phase begins on Tuesday, January 17th through Friday, January 20th. The Sun also enters the sign of Aquarius on the 20th in preparation for the New Moon on Saturday the 21st.

The Balsamic phase is the final step in the Lunar cycle. This phase is marked by the smallest sliver of light before the Moon’s surface turns to complete darkness just before the New Moon starts the cycle again. The Balsamic Moon Phase helps to integrate all that is and will be in order to prepare for the next Lunar Cycle. One of the best things you can do during this 3 day period is to rest and let your mind, body, and spirit relax. This is an excellent time for creativity and inspiration and to just let your imagination run wild. This is the time when significant ideas can come up for you and you are able to understand what has gone before. It is about replenishing your energy and spirit in anticipation of the New Moon.

On Saturday, January 21st, we have the New Moon in Aquarius. Emotions will tend to be guided by intellect and a sort of detachment. Aquarius is compassionate, but more in a big picture way. This energy will steady your emotions. You may feel more inventive and progressive with the Moon in this sign. With a New Moon in Aquarius, look for ways to be more innovative and unique with your ideas, to become aware of ways to adopt new trends into your life and follow your dreams, to find ways to support humanitarian issues for the good of others, or wish for ways to promote healthy friendships and feelings of comfortability in group situations. The best way to honor the New Moon into your life is to write down your intentions about what you want to create. Set clear intentions for the month ahead, clarify your goals, start new projects, and acknowledge what has transpired since the previous New Moon.

The Moon moves into its Waxing Crescent phase on Sunday, January 22nd through Friday January 27th. Right after the New Moon, this energy is full of enthusiasm and is often described as “energy with focus.” You are ready to go. This is the time when you actually start to focus on your vision and start to move forward toward actualizing your dream. You absolutely need to let go of any fears you have so that your dreams can blossom. Your challenge will be in putting those dreams into action.

There are also three Void of Course Moons this week to be aware of. On Monday the 23rd from 5:19 am until 12:30 pm, on Wednesday, January 25th from 11:12 am until 1:48 pm, and then on Friday the 27th from 4:01 pm until 6:42 pm. You will be in initiating mode, so make sure you take time to slow it down during these times.

On Saturday the 28th the Moon briefly moves into its 1st Quarter phase and quickly moves into the Waxing Gibbous phase on the 29th. However, during this 1st Quarter phase, there is an element of tension or nervous energy. You will be feeling more confident about your future and willing to take risks. This is a turning point, when something in your life that was in its infant stage now springs into action. Begin the process of making things happen in a new way, but make sure you keep your eyes open for more information that could become available at the next phase. Some type of crisis or issue could come up where you need to work a little harder and will need to make a decision or have some type of challenge where you need to step up to situations that are more difficult. Ambition, self-motivation, and determination will be key strengths for you at this time.

The next day, January 29th, the Moon enters its Waxing Gibbous phase, taking us to the end of the month in the air sign of Gemini. This is the phase where we started at the beginning of the month when you once again begin concentrating on your self-development and self-awareness. A time when you see that life is full of potential. It is time to seek new ways of expressing yourself while you also analyze and try to figure out what motivates others. With the Moon phase now in Gemini, it is a great time to put that Gemini energy to use. Your intentions at this time may include ways to enhance learning, promote effective communication, develop and improve your social skills, or improve your relationships with your siblings, family, or neighbors. During these next couple of days, learn as much as you can about yourself as the Moon moves toward that Full Moon phase in Leo occurring on Sunday, February 5th.

In my opinion, the best way to chart or Moon map is to print out a blank calendar for the month and write each phase on the appropriate dates. Use a journal to track your thoughts and intentions and your guiding goals and principles. Remember that during the New Moon you will want to write a list of what you want to attract, and during the Full Moon what you want to let go. I love to buy a pretty journal that I use specifically for this process, or you can find lunar journals online or in book stores which provide reflective prompts timed to phases that are especially helpful. The best thing to keep in mind is to have fun with this process and be creative. Try this for a couple of months and experience the magic that will come with you intentionally incorporating the Moon phases in your thoughts and actions.

Total Lunar Eclipse and What You Can Expect

This month marks the last Lunar Eclipse of the year. This is a Total Lunar Eclipse occurring on November 8, 2022. The maximum Eclipse will be at 5:59 am EST. Since it is a total eclipse, the Moon will appear to have a reddish or coppery color and is known as the Blood Moon. It is quite breathtaking and I encourage you to step outside to take in this sight.

A Lunar Eclipse occurs only during a Full Moon when the Moon passes into the shadow of the Earth. The Sun, Earth, and the Moon are in perfect alignment with each other, with the Sun and Moon on opposite sides of the Earth.  Eclipses often open up gateways in the part of our lives being triggered by the Full Moon and can signify the end of a particular phase in our life.

A Full Moon is the high point and climax of the lunar cycle, and because this Full Moon is a Total Eclipse, expect to feel the effects of this cycle even more intensely. The Moon is no longer in darkness, it is no longer growing toward illumination, it is completely and astoundingly at her very brightest. She is illuminating all that was hidden before. All the cards are on the table now. We are able to clearly see all of our ideas and plans. It is time to reap the rewards of all that has been leading up to this point in time. Look back on how far you have come and the progress that has been made.

This is also the phase when it is important to practice releasing and forgiving. This phase encourages a meditative discipline and a willingness to practice mindful behavior, compassion and kindness toward others. When we release control of anything toxic and negative on a regular basis, we ourselves are cleansed and able to interact in the world from a place of positivity and understanding. When we can truly forgive, we can truly move on. It is one of the healthiest things we can do for ourselves.

This is the perfect time for inner work, healing and letting go of lower vibrational energies. Once you have acknowledged forgiveness, it is very important to express gratitude. Forgiveness and gratitude go hand in hand. Gratitude is the perfect replacement for all of the anger, resentment, and grudges you were able to let go of, and allows harmony and balance to be welcomed into your life.

The sign that the Moon is in will influence our mood, feelings and activities related to the quality or modality of the sign and the collective tone of the eclipse. Where the eclipse falls in your personal chart will also offer clues about the area of life that will be front and center during this time period. The energy of an eclipse can last up to 6 months or until the next eclipse occurs.

This Lunar Eclipse will be in the sign of Taurus. Taurus is a Fixed Earth sign. This indicates a time to get down to business. This is a practical and realistic energy. You may feel a great need for financial or foundational security. Taurus is rooted in its relationship to money, the material side of life, and all that we want to manifest and grow for our sense of self-worth and security. This eclipse is symbolic of fruitfulness, productivity, practicality, luxuriance, and fertility. It brings an instinctive connection to nature.

To refresh your memory, this is part of the series of eclipses that occur on the Taurus/Scorpio axis ending next year on October 28, 2023. The opposing Sun will be in the sign of Scorpio, which is a passionate and intense water sign. This cycle is encouraging us to use our will power and passion to manifest our dreams. Venus as the ruler of Taurus, brings determination to our creative pursuits and encourages us to live life through our senses. Pluto being the ruler of Scorpio knows how to transform and shed old worn-out beliefs and habits that are no longer working for us.

What are some of the things we may want to ask ourselves during this Lunar Eclipse in Taurus in order to release and forgive and be able to move on?

1.     How do I define my self-worth? Through my possessions, finances, family, relationships, career?

2.     Do I look for my value through materialism or status?

3.     Where have I been feeling insecure in my abilities?

4.     Have I been overindulging in life’s physical pleasures and luxuries? 

5.     How can I appreciate and value my talents and creative potential?

This is the best time to let go of any feelings of unworthiness and be more flexible and open to receiving a newly inspired way of being. Develop a spiritual practice based upon earth-based wisdom such as living in harmony with nature and nature’s cycles, following the moon cycles, or working with plants or essential oils from plants and flowers.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM THIS ECLIPSE ACCORDING TO YOUR SIGN 

ARIES – March 21 – April 19

Find a balance between your personal financial obligations and the financial obligations you have with others. Prepare for a change or transformation surrounding investments, money from clients or business, or shared resources with a partner. This eclipse can help you more fully and deeply understand and value what it takes to feel secure and supported in a foundational way.

TAURUS – April 20 – May 20

This is an important eclipse for you because it is happening in your sign. It is a powerful time to stand up for who you are, shift your persona and style, and be proud of the person you are becoming. The emphasis is completely on self in all ways. However, the Scorpio sun opposition is in the 7th house of relationships, so you still need to take into account your close relationships. This time period will shed light on who you are, who you are within your relationships both personal and business, and who you can ultimately become.

GEMINI – May 21 – June 20

The emphasis is on nurturing your inner most being and spiritual self and bringing change to your mind/body connection. Since this eclipse occurs on the 12th/6th house axis, combine some of this 12th house spiritual work with the daily routines in your life. Your spiritual journey can be integrated with selected portions of your day-to-day activities. Allow your intuition to show you where you most need self-care.

CANCER – JUNE 21 – JULY 22

Since the Moon is your ruling planet, eclipse cycles affect you on a deep level. This eclipse is shining a light on what you have been dreaming of. It is activating your future hopes, wishes and visions. You may feel an emotional need to belong to a group ideal or to receive validation from your social circle. The 5th/11th house axis is emphasized, with the 5th house empowering creative beginnings and the 11th providing a little help from your friends.

LEO – July 23 – August 22

This eclipse shines a light on your life path and direction. These next months will be about focusing your emotional energy on your career and also your home. You’ll be seeking answers to questions about your commitment to your goals, if you are happy in your current role, and where you want to go next. Because this is on the 10th/4th house axis, both career and home are up for transformation. Time to realign your priorities. Change is coming, so now is the time to figure out how to best direct it.

VIRGO – August 23 – September 22

The eclipse is in your 9th house and it is all about growth and development. This is the house of expansion and higher learning. You are being shown that you have outgrown those more narrow and restrictive thoughts and are ready for an adventure in expanding your mind and spirit. If you are involved in communications or writing, now is the time you may reach a wider audience or secure a publishing contract.

LIBRA – September 23 – October 22

This eclipse is all about transformation and examining the deep recesses of all topics considered taboo: sexual intimacy, psychological issues, intimate bonding, and other people’s money or resources. Whatever the topic that rings true in this area of life for you, will certainly bring about a transformation or a rebirth on a deep level. The goal is to gather up your emotional courage and turn your deepest fears into constructive accomplishments.

SCORPIO – October 23 – November 21

This is an important eclipse for you since it is on the Taurus/Scorpio axis. The eclipse is moving through your house of partnerships and relationships, so these next few months will be critical in evaluating your relationships and how you relate to others. Make the most of this time period by practicing the skills of negotiation and compromise. Decide who you are interested in bringing into your life, what you need from others to feel complete, and how you want to structure those relationships to best serve you both on a mutual level.

SAGITTARIUS – November 22 – December 21

Your focus during this eclipse period is all about your daily routines, including service to self and others, and your overall health. Release any problems you have had in breaking habits that are inhibiting the daily rhythm of your life. This lunar eclipse is your chance to hit the reset button when it comes to taking care of yourself. The Moon can illuminate the goals we have been working towards, whether it involves the workplace, a health and fitness goal, or a daily lifestyle habit. Find a balance between your daily responsibilities and some quiet alone time to understand what you need on a spiritual level.

CAPRICORN – December 22 – January 19

The emphasis is going to be on your creativity and personal self-expression. This eclipse is shining a light on what you truly desire and it is activating the areas of your life that bring you the greatest joy. It is about having fun. This is the time to reap the rewards of a creative project you may have been working on by finally releasing it to the public. Expect to feel more passionate and spontaneous during this time, so go out and play, find romance, and embrace your inner child.

AQUARIUS – January 20 – February 18

This eclipse can bring up intense emotions regarding your home and family, and feelings of safety and security. Moving to a new home, renovations, changes in the lives of family members or in family dynamics, or new career opportunities can all develop for you during this eclipse cycle. You may finally come to realize where you truly belong and what connects you to your family and ancestors. It is also a time when you may come to understand the importance of balance between your personal life and professional life.

PISCES – February 19 – March 20

Your 3rd/9th house axis is being stimulated by this eclipse. For the next few months, your attention is focused on the things that are closer to home and not in the wider expanse of the world. With the lunar eclipse in the 3rd house of communication, you may finally have the opportunity to settle unresolved misunderstandings with close family members or neighbors. Let other people know how you really feel in a way that they can understand and that allows you to be heard. Mostly it is a time for a deeper focus on thinking, observing, learning and sharing information that will take place in your local community or region.

Earth, Wind and Fire... and Water; The Elements of Astrology

I always begin an astrological consultation by discussing the elemental balance in a person’s chart and the importance of the elements in determining the personality of that person, or in the case of a Solar Return reading, the importance they will play in the energy for that particular year.

Most people have little awareness of this subject and the part that it plays in our physical and psychological make-up. Astrology is linked to the cycles of nature and the four seasons, and the elements show how this is all interconnected.

The reason I felt compelled to write about this is because I have noticed that in many instances, whenever I start out with the elemental energies, I pick up on an impatient energy with the client that is zoning out and wanting to get to the “good stuff.” But this is part of the “good stuff” and a perfect way to get an overall picture of a person’s personality, energy, and how they move through life. This is one of the building blocks to understanding the signs and our personalities.

In astrology, the elements of Fire, Earth, Air, and Water make up the entire zodiac wheel. Many times, there is an imbalance of the elements in a chart, or a combination of certain elements that can create either compatibility or dissidence.

Elemental imbalances occur when a person has either a limited or excessive element present in their chart. In the case of combinations, a person may have two or even three elements in equal number which creates a unique situation as well. The goal is to be aware of what is going on energetically to create a more equal balance in your life. This is also a very helpful tool when you are looking at the compatibility between two people. 

Each of the 12 zodiac signs are associated with one of the four elements and are grouped as follows:

Fire signs:        Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius

Earth signs:     Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn

Air signs:         Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius

Water signs:   Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces

Even though three signs are grouped under one of the elements, they still present differently within that element according to the personality of the sign. Let me explain further.

The Fire signs all represent a birth of some sort. Their job is to move forward by using their unique inspiration and expression. The main goal is to initiate action. There is no feeling, no pondering, no planning, no thinking of the consequences of action. It is pure “in the moment” expression. Fire signs are the risk-takers, the extroverts, the ones with the energetic zest for life. In Aries, Fire creates a trailblazer. One who needs to initiate and inspire something original in the world. It corresponds with the beginning of spring reflecting a time of new birth. Leo projects Fire with its enthusiasm and confidence. Leo wants to lead in a grand manner or with a sense of drama. There is a pride and desire for recognition with this placement. Sagittarius utilizes the Fire energy to go where no one has gone before. It wants to explore all unknown places and ideas, constantly searching for action and adventure. There is a restlessness in their aspirations.

The Earth signs pick up on what Fire has started. It is the job of Earth energy to put what Fire has inspired into physical form. Its purpose is to find real ways to turn ideas into tangible products. Earth takes the time to do all the actual work that Fire has initiated, to stick to a plan, and be in it for the long-haul. Earth is meant to calm the fire. In Taurus, the focus is on the practical aspects of accumulating a solid foundation for themselves through possessions and resources. Taurus is a natural builder. In Virgo, this energy is all about analyzing, working with routine and structure to make an impact and provide helpful service. Capricorn’s earth energy is about the slow and steady climb to the top through perseverance and an organized plan of action. All of the Earth signs value stability and security in all areas of life. 

The Air signs analyze and judge what Earth has formed and produced. Air’s job is to figure out what Fire has initiated and what Earth is doing to shape that idea into physical form. Air takes a new and unbiased look at what has been developed and judges its worthiness. They ask questions and stir things up. Those with Air signs are the communicators, the social butterflies, the problem solvers, the revolutionaries. Air in Gemini is intellectually curious, light and adaptable. They feel like a summer breeze. In Libra, the energy is relationship driven. It wants to cooperate and find balance in what is being presented. The air in Libra seeks truth and beauty. Aquarius uses its air energy in a non-conformist way. They have a unique way of thinking that gives us our great problem solvers in technology and humanitarian issues. Above all, Air must communicate, share information, interact with others, and influence society in some way.

The Water signs experience and feel what has been initiated by Fire, built by Earth, and analyzed by Air. The purpose of Water is to simply experience without changing or judging anything. There is nothing deeper than the element of Water. It is just pure, raw emotions, feeling and intuition. In Cancer, the motivation is to nurture, to provide a safe and comfortable place to land, and to allow people to feel heard and cared for. Water in Scorpio is more intense. Think of the depths of the ocean and the power of that vast space. This element in Scorpio is passionate, psychic, and deeply transformative. In Pisces, water exhibits in a highly empathic and compassionate way. These are the dreamers, artists, and imaginative souls of the zodiac. Water in this sign wants to connect with others on a spiritual level. It is about learning and adapting in the areas of emotion and sensitivity.

When I am reviewing a chart and I notice someone has an emphasis of Air but very little Earth, it can signal that this person may have an overabundance of ideas, but no place to go with them. They can’t get those ideas off the ground. I would then recommend some grounding activities or principles to help them balance this out.

Perhaps someone has low Water in their chart. This could signify a situation where they find themselves emotionally blocked, emotionally unavailable, or uncomfortable around people who express their emotions outwardly in what they may describe as “overly emotional.” On the other hand, if they have too much Water, this could create a situation where they experience an overwhelm in their own feelings, not able to see the reality of life, or lacking a drive to take action.

A person who is deficient in Fire may lack motivation and zest and will need to find ways to connect to their inspiration.

In all situations where balance is needed, I never leave a client hanging. We always discuss various ways to even things out for the greater good of their emotional well-being.

I love seeing certain elemental combinations in a chart. For instance, when I see equal Fire and Water, I immediately sense that the individual is involved in the arts in some way. This is the mark of an artist – pure passion. Water is the receiving or feeling element and Fire brings in the inspiration.

Mixing Air and Water helps to merge your heart and mind, making it easier for you to express your feelings and understand your emotions.

If you happen to have a mix of three elements such as Fire, Air, and Water, you’ve got a balance between your ideas, actions, and emotions. The logical or mental part of you is able to merge with your heart-center to give you the inspiration to move forward with your ideas and actions in an intuitive way.

I hope that this explains the dance of the elements in a way that provides more meaning when you are reading an article about the planets, signs and transits, or during an astrological consultation.

As written for the October issue of Live, Love and Eat Magazine

Let's Talk Polarities

The subject of polarities has been on my mind lately. Life is really all about this principle. There is always a give and take, success and failure, happiness and sadness, good and evil, sickness and health.

I’ve been thinking about how being aware and accepting of the way opposites function could work for us in a positive way psychologically and result in our transcendence to another level. When we look at polarities in astrology, it helps us to achieve personal growth through working through struggles between one extreme and another. The goal is to find the middle ground and reach balance or to learn important lessons for our development. How do we integrate the opposites to achieve higher consciousness?

There are 12 signs in astrology therefore we have 6 polarities. Each sign always has its direct opposite on the zodiac wheel creating a special relationship between the two. The opposite signs are as follows:

Aries and Libra

Taurus and Scorpio

Gemini and Sagittarius

Cancer and Capricorn

Leo and Aquarius

Virgo and Pisces

The same is true of the houses on the wheel and works in the same way. The house polarities are:

First/Seventh:  corresponds to Aries/Libra

Second/Eighth:  corresponds to Taurus/Scorpio

Third/Ninth:  corresponds to Gemini/Sagittarius

Fourth/Tenth:  corresponds to Cancer/Capricorn

Fifth/Eleventh:  corresponds to Leo/Aquarius

Sixth/Twelfth:  corresponds to Virgo/Pisces

Opposites attract even when they seem to have nothing in common. They actually bring out the best in each other. It is a very powerful connection between the two. One looks to the other to help define areas where there may be confusion. Often, in terms of personal issues, the opposite point is where resolution is found.

Aries/Libra (1st/7th) This polarity is about finding balance between self and your relationship with others. It teaches lessons about valuing your independence while keeping in mind your commitments to others. Since Aries is a very reactionary, passionate and assertive sign, learning to pause and listen before reacting is very important. Include some of the Libra qualities of compromise, cooperation and diplomacy in order to have more successful relationships and life experiences. Libra can benefit by learning to be more decisive and trusting in their own viewpoints without the advice of outside sources.

Taurus/Scorpio (2nd/8th) represents the polarity between personal possessions/resources and those you share with others. Taurus is about being grounded and calm while Scorpio is intense and highly spiritual. Taurus is very pragmatic and very much attached to the physical world, finding their self-worth through money and possessions. The intensity and passion of Scorpio needs to find balance within the serene and peaceful personality of Taurus. Taurus can benefit by learning to use and trust the strong intuitive sense of Scorpio and learn to build deeper emotional connections and find a joy in sharing.

Gemini/Sagittarius (3rd/9th) are all about the mind and communication. Gemini is more analytical and uses the lower mind of logic and reasoning to reach understanding. Gemini is in the moment and intellectually curious. Sagittarius represents higher thought processes, higher education, faith in the big picture of life, learning through listening to their intuition and higher self. Both are restless and are interested in other people and the stories they have to tell. Gemini can learn lessons from Sagittarius on how to go beyond facts and logic and embrace intuitive and philosophical insights. Sagittarius can benefit by applying their idealism and faith in the everyday world using some of Gemini’s logic and reasoning.

Cancer/Capricorn (4th/10th) both value security. However, Cancer needs emotional security while Capricorn needs material security. This polarity is the push and pull between home life and career. Private life vs. public life. In astrology, Cancer represents the mother who wants to put all her nurturing skills into home and family, while Capricorn represents the father who wants to use his supportive energy in success, profession and earning a living. For Cancer, when emotions take over, try incorporating earthly embodiment practices to help ground you in the real world. In the opposite, Capricorn would benefit from learning the stability that home and comfort offer.

Leo/Aquarius (5th/11th) both have ego issues but in very different ways. Leo is ruled by the Sun and is personally driven. Leo believes he is the center of the Universe, a natural born leader, an attention seeker, warm and vibrant but at the end of the day it is all about what is good for themselves first. Aquarius is also a leader but in a more humanitarian way. Extremely independent and intelligent, while being more emotionally detached. For Aquarius, it is about the greater good for the collective rather than the greater good for himself. In order to create balance, it would benefit Leo to let go of some of those self-centered qualities and learn to be of service to humanity. Use their leadership qualities to aid society instead of purely supporting their own personal ambitions. Aquarius can learn from Leo how to look at an individual’s needs instead of the big picture all the time. It is important to step into the spotlight from time to time and give themselves credit every now and then.

Virgo/Pisces (6th/12th) reflect the elemental energies of earth and water. These two signs both reflect the desire to be of service to others. However, Virgo wants to serve in an earthy, grounded, and practical way. Virgos often gets lost in the details and get so caught up in achieving goals and manifesting that they forget about a vision. Pisces is more about selfless service in a watery, spiritual way. They can be too dreamy and get lost in their intuition and imagination. Virgo would do well to work on incorporating some of Pisces qualities such as intuition, emotional sensitivity and imagination in order to enlighten themselves about the things that are not always seen. Using a disciplined approach through guided mediations would bring good results to begin moving in this direction. Pisces could do with some reality checks by incorporating more organizational and practical applications to their lives. If Pisces could include these traits with those of their imagination, they could more easily manifest their visions.

Although this is a very basic article introducing polarities in astrology, I find it can be a thought-provoking way to recognize negative behavior patterns and work on changing our thinking and moving our lives in a different direction.

As written for September 2022 issue of Live, Love and Eat Magazine

ASTROLOGY AND CONNECTIONS TO THE MOON

As you have probably figured out, I write a lot about the Moon, the phases, and how each phase affects our lives. Following the cycle of the Moon is a powerful way to connect with our energy, and an invaluable way in which we can organize our life to its fullest advantage. Getting in touch with her cycles helps to remind us that we are all a part of something so much bigger than ourselves.

I use the New Moon and Full Moon phases in my monthly horoscope predictions, usually focusing on the houses or areas of life that the Moon is inhabiting at those times of the month.

The one area I haven’t discussed is what it means when the New and Full Moons are in the different zodiac signs and how amazing it is to work with the energy of each sign that the Moon is in. I am going to take a journey through each sign and share specific ways to word intentions based on the energy of that particular Moon sign. I always find it much more powerful to perform a New or Full Moon meditation before I write down my intentions. When you handwrite your intentions during a New Moon, you are letting the Universe know your desires and you will begin to see the manifestation of your dreams. When you align with the New Moon to put your desires and dreams out there, you are activating the Law of Attraction.

During a Full Moon you will learn the things that you need to release control of, discover where forgiveness is needed and the things you are grateful for, and you may see the results of your intentions begin to manifest. If something hasn’t worked out, release it in love, and be grateful for all the good things in your life.

 The Moon moves so quickly we barely have time to register how we feel. We are very used to her movement. The Moon orbits one full turn around the Earth in 28 days and passes through each of the Zodiac signs for about 2 to 2 1/2 days. The sign of the Moon on any given day will transmit a very subtle emotional feeling. It is sometimes hard to put our finger on why we feel different on certain days, but there is something there. Almost a background vibration. Which is why I will just focus on the New and Full Moons in this article.

First, as a general explanation to describe the collective tone of a Moon phase we can look at the modality of the sign. Is it Cardinal, Fixed or Mutable? The modalities refer to the behavioral style of the sign. The modality of the Moon’s sign will have greater influence over how you process or react to anything emotionally driven.

The Cardinal signs are Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn. We automatically will know these are action moons. These signs like to take charge, show leadership, and are initiating and enterprising. We can expect to feel this energy as part of our behavior for the month.

The Fixed signs are Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius. This suggests the energy will be more serious, focusing on responsibility and practical matters. This is a time to take of business and show our reliability.

The Mutable signs are Gemini, Sagittarius, Virgo, and Pisces. The energy of the Moon in a mutable sign will be all about variety, change, a flurry of thoughts and ideas, spontaneity, and enthusiasm. We will tend to feel more flexible and social.

Now that we know the overall tone of each sign, let’s look deeper at the individual sign and what it means when I write about the Moon in Aries, or Taurus, or any of the other 10 zodiac signs.

Moon in Aries:  Brings courage, independence, a time to initiate something new in our lives. This would be the time to put yourself out there in the world and engage in the things that encourage actions regarding who you want to be and how to get there. With a New Moon in Aries, you may want your intentions to include high energy initiatives, intentions that would further self-discovery that would lead to personal growth or wishes that give you courage and strength to use your leadership qualities to pursue your dreams. With a Full Moon in Aries, you are being asked to align with your true self and release any old versions of yourself that may be holding you back from your life’s purpose.

 Moon in Taurus:  Provides a calmness and serenity to our emotional lives. There is a steadiness or a grounded energy with this Moon. This is a time to enjoy the simple pleasures of life, to concentrate on the beauty surrounding you, and to pamper yourself a bit. It is also a good time to re-evaluate how you stand with your finances and possessions and discover what you truly value. With a New Moon in Taurus, your intentions could include ways to appropriately create financial independence or provide clarity in handling your resources, ways to appreciate and feel gratitude for the blessings in your life that bring in more love and joy, or intentions to increase your self-worth, determination, and self-acceptance. A Taurus Full Moon wants you to release any behaviors that may have created self-indulgence. Have you been eating too much, NOT exercising enough, spending too much money? Find a balance and get grounded in a plan to bring beauty and abundance into your life without overdoing it.

Moon in Gemini: Everything is about intellectualizing. There is a need to communicate our feelings and moods. This is a time that brings in more socialization and a desire for lots of mental stimulation. With a New Moon in Gemini, your intentions may include ways to enhance learning, promote effective communication, develop and improve your social skills, or improve your relationships with your siblings, family, or neighbors. A Gemini Full Moon is asking you to slow down and find a balance between wanting to know everything about everything and taking the time to really learn something useful that will help you on your life’s path.

Moon in Cancer: The Moon is in her rulership in this sign and is very sensitive, nurturing and caring. Be prepared for some emotional ups and downs and a need to be near your home, your comfort zone and security. With a New Moon in Cancer, your intentions should include ways to strengthen your personal foundations of home and family, ways to increase feelings of safety and security, ways to increase emotional closeness and caring within personal relationships, and positive ways to nurture and be nurtured. A Cancer Full Moon reminds us to learn to nurture ourselves and allow our own emotional needs to become illuminated. It can be a time of enlightenment marking a new path in our self-knowledge and emotional maturation.

Moon in Leo:  This sign brings out our warm and generous emotions, as well as our passions and creativity. This Moon wants us to shine our light, have fun, be recognized. This is a time when you will have more self-confidence and radiate a strength of purpose. With a New Moon in Leo, if you are looking for love, this is the time to ask for a healthy, happy and fun romantic relationship. Your wishes could also include ways to stimulate your creative projects, artistic expression, and innate talents, as well as ways to enhance your desire to be recognized and take center stage. A Leo Full Moon is the time to release any blockages around your heart’s desires and anything stopping you from expressing your creativity and passions. Move forward with courage and show up for yourself with confidence.

Moon in Virgo:  Virgo brings more caution to our emotional state. It is more difficult to show how we feel, and we may do this through acts of service to others. This is a time when we may show our feelings through being that person in the background keeping everyone on point through organization and routine. With a New Moon in Virgo your intentions could include ways to create a healthier lifestyle through better diet and exercise, ways to begin creating efficiency and order in your home and life, become more aware of ways to use critical thinking, discernment and problem solving efficiently, or consciously be able to feel satisfaction through service to others. A Virgo Full Moon is all about self-forgiveness. To forgive yourself for the ways you perceive your imperfections, the mistakes you felt you made, the areas where you expect too much of yourself, so that you can move forward with self-love and align with your true gifts that you can share with the collective.

Moon in Libra:  This sign has strong emotional attachments to intellectual and artistic activities. Anything too deep and disturbing does not bode well with Libra. They like everything balanced, peaceful and harmonious in their lives. There is a fairness and beauty to everything attached to this sign. With a New Moon in Libra, your wishes could include attracting, creating and having happiness, love, respect and passion in a committed and monogamous relationship. It could also include anything to do with promoting fairness and equality, creating beauty, attracting sociability with others, or attracting more elegance in your life. A Libra Full Moon wants us to find peace and balance within all of our relationships, both personal and business. Reflect on how the people in your life are supporting you and how you are supporting them. Decide on which relationships need some adjustment and which ones need to be released. You’ll want to move forward with those you want in your life to support your growth, encourage your creativity, and help you enjoy life, and vice versa.

Moon in Scorpio:  Scorpio provides powerful feelings of intuition, intense emotions of love bordering on a need to completely merge with another, and deep emotional sensitivities. A Scorpio Moon can bring out your secretive side. With a New Moon in Scorpio your intentions could include asking for positive transformations and empowerment to promote psychological healing, you may want to include right ideas to improve your intimate relationships, or perhaps finding ways to successfully manage financial partnerships, debts, loans, or financial negotiations. A Scorpio Full Moon is all about shadow work. This is the time to look beneath the surface of your psyche, face your deepest fears and blockages, and take control of your life and personal behaviors. This gives you an amazing ability to transform and empower yourself.

Moon in Sagittarius: Such a happy placement. It brings feelings of enthusiasm, the quest for new adventures, the search for higher truths, and the desire to expand our horizons. The feeling is that of the glass being half full instead of half empty. No matter the difficulties of life, there is still hope of a brighter tomorrow. With a New Moon in Sagittarius, your wishes may include your desire to enlist a Higher Power in your life direction, intentions to include spontaneity and freedom to experience positive adventures and exciting travel in your life, ways to enhance higher education or accepting more philosophical points or view, or perhaps finding a mentor to help you on your journey. A Sagittarius Full Moon is a good time to reflect on the times when optimism and faith worked in your favor. Release any attitudes that are blocking your hidden truths and be open to opportunities that will allow you to pursue the things that will uplift your soul.

Moon in Capricorn:  Brings a serious and responsible vibration. This sign likes to have a very stable and drama free emotional life. You may feel more ambitious and goal oriented during a Capricorn Moon. With a New Moon in this sign, you may want to focus your intentions on preparing for the future such as retirement plans, sensible finance decisions and so forth. You also could wish for mature and responsible behavior within your relationships, in achieving professional success and recognition or gaining clarity on your professional goals and career. A Capricorn Full Moon is all about centering your energy and releasing any heaviness you may have been carrying. It is time to balance your outside world with your inside world and bring in the emotional nurturance of home and family that provide a different kind of security and structure.

Moon in Aquarius:  Emotions tend to be guided by intellect and a sort of detachment. Aquarius is compassionate, but more in a big picture way. This energy will steady your emotions. You may feel more inventive and progressive with the Moon in this sign. With a New Moon in Aquarius, you may wish for ways to be more inventive and unique with your ideas, to become aware of ways to adopt new trends into your life and follow your dreams, to find ways to support humanitarian issues for the good of others either on a global or community level, or wish for ways to promote healthy friendships and feelings of comfortability in group situations. An Aquarius Full Moon is the time to reflect on any friendships or groups of people who are no longer vibrating with your soul purpose. Find a way to begin networking with others who share a common goal and provide support to your dreams for the future.

Moon in Pisces:  This is a highly sensitive, intuitive and compassionate energy. Inspiration and creativity will be a driving factor with everything you do. It can inspire strong feelings of faith and spirituality, or some may find ways to escape the intensity of emotions through drugs or alcohol. With a New Moon in Pisces, your intentions could include ways to support your psychic sensitivities at this time and increase your connection to source/spirit, to trust in a High Power to guide your life and enable you to make right choices, to have an easier time focusing on things that bring inner peace such as meditation, journaling, yoga, or nature activities, or to be open to creating artistically with the support and help of spirit/angels. A Pisces Full Moon wants you to release any and all things that are clouding your vision or judgement. Allow your creative visions and ideas to flow and know that your gifts and creations are valuable assets just waiting to be manifested.

When we follow the phases of the Moon, it enables us to understand how best to utilize our energy each month. Each phase brings its own flavor and guidance to our lives. Eclipses bring their own unique perspective for a longer period of time. By just finding out the phase you were born under brings a greater understanding to your purpose for being, then following each phase through a certain time period in your life can show the evolution of your story and its timing. It takes much longer than a month to flesh out a full cycle in your life. And of course, there are the lunar progressions, which is another level of the story. Just know that our lives our divinely guided and be open to the magic.

This month’s Full Moon occurs on July 13th in the sign of Capricorn followed by the New Moon in Leo on July 28th.  You can start thinking about the adjustments you would like to make according to the information you now have available to you.  

As an added bonus, Jupiter goes retrograde in Aries on the same day as the New Moon, so this is a good time to develop any personal talents you have or to work on self-improvement projects. Jupiter retrograde in combination with the New Moon in Leo is a big factor in being able to reassess what inspires and motivates you, what your beliefs and values are, and where you find meaning in your life. It is a time to come to a realization of what your core desires are and work toward manifesting those wishes when Jupiter stations direct again in November. Take the time to fully fine-tune your ideas so that you can finally execute them.

(As appearing in July 2022 edition of Live, Love and Eat Magazine

PLANETARY SERIES PART IV - THE OUTER PLANETS AND SEPTEMBER HOROSCOPE

This article concludes my 4-part series introducing the planets and how they affect us in our lives. This last group of planets to discuss are the “Outer Planets.” They are Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto.

These planets are the farthest away and take the longest to orbit around the Sun. When they transit your chart, they stick around for a good long while.  Not only do they exert a major influence on our individual personal lives, but also on the world and what is happening in society. They speak to all the guiding energy on this planet.

In modern astrology, Uranus is the ruler of Aquarius. This planet spends about 7 years in each sign and takes approximately 84 years to complete one revolution around the zodiac. So, once Uranus has moved through a certain house or area of your chart, you are not likely to experience Uranus’ energy in that area again during your lifetime.

Uranus is known as the rebel of the zodiac. The energy or attitude of this planet is one of, “no matter the consequences, rules are made to be broken.” Everyone has Uranus somewhere in their chart and it shows where you dare to be different and how you exert your independence and personal freedom. It provides you with your uniqueness and the ability to cut through limitations and rigidity to liberate yourself from the mundane and old worn-out patterns.

The house or area of life where Uranus is positioned in your birth chart shows where you can break free from social conventions and march to the tune of your own drummer. This is where your inner rebel lives. Embrace your creativity and your unique nature. Take some risks to express your true individuality.

On a global level, Uranus is the planet of originality, inventions, cutting edge technology, revolutions, innovations, and future events. It also rules environmental disasters such as earthquakes, hurricanes, and tsunamis. Uranus will overturn anything traditional that has outlived its usefulness. Its job is to break down older, archaic structures and create a new inventive paradigm. It works by expanding social consciousness, encouraging free will and an independent state of mind. It is not so much about the individual, but more about the whole of humanity and the best thing for the well-being of society.

While Uranus produces wake-up calls, sudden shake-ups, and flashes of intuitive genius, our next planet, Neptune, represents spirituality, dreams and fantasy, imagination, and our capacity for compassion and sensitivity. Neptune is the ruler of Pisces and is known as the higher octave of Venus. It allows us to perceive beauty in a more spiritual way. It dissolves boundaries and inspires you to escape from the ordinary and go after what your deepest desires are. Neptune opens you up to inspiration and faith and psychic sensitives. It provides the capacity to use your imagination to dream, be inspired and pursue your search for the ideal.

However, Neptune can also be a trickster. It delights in illusion and can cause confusion by sometimes not allowing us to see the big picture. It creates a deception of sorts, clouding our perception of things, creating a situation where sometimes things are not what they seem to be. During a Neptune transit, you can sometimes feel like you are in a fog. A little disoriented and confused. However, Neptune has a way washing away what needs to leave your life. It dissolves what it touches. I always think of the old saying, “this too shall pass” during a Neptune transit.

The last of the outer planets is Pluto. In Greek Mythology, Pluto was Hades the Lord of the Underworld. Pluto rules the sign of Scorpio and represents death, rebirth, and transformation, as well as personal power. Pluto is extremely slow moving, taking 248 years to make its way around the zodiac, staying in each sign anywhere from 12-31 years.

Pluto symbolizes the power of shattering and reconstruction. Every time you have been betrayed, lied to, deceived, or had your emotions put through the wringer, Pluto is the planet that gives you the power to go to the depths of hell and come back stronger. Its place in your chart shows where you may experience constant turmoil and change but realize that life goes on no matter what. It forces long-buried issues out into the light for the purpose of self-transformation and soul renewal. You come out more enlightened and clearer having learned powerful lessons. There is always a cleansing or rebirth with Pluto’s transformative energy. You must experience the release of things held secret and underground to be reborn and transform. Pluto provides you with the capacity to renew yourself.

SEPTEMBER 2021 HOROSCOPES

ARIES – March 21 – April 19

Your focus this month is on how best to serve yourself and others in the best possible way. With the New Moon in Virgo in one of your workhouses, making a harmonious connection with Uranus in your financial sector, it’s a great time to work diligently, bring new and original ideas to the workplace, and create a goal-oriented routine. Reflect on ways you may serve others while also taking advantage of new opportunities.

TAURUS – April 20 – May 20

September brings attention to matters of the heart and your creative passions. This month is all about self-gratification and surrendering to the things that bring you joy. You may find yourself dating and flirting more than usual, or just enjoying a new phase of personal creativity. Keep it fun and light-hearted. Play, create, and express yourself in a way that enhances your heart-center. You are being guided with inspiration to incorporate more love and fun in your life.

GEMINI – May 21 – June 20

This month you reflect on your family and the stories that have been passed down over the years. It is a good time to focus your thoughts on where you come from and what family means. It’s going to be very important for you to deepen your knowledge of who you are at your innermost soul, understand and value your roots more fully, focus on your support system and how you support others. Exploring these areas will lead to a better sense of self and how you can improve your home and family life.

CANCER – JUNE 21 – JULY 22

The New Moon in Virgo is in your communication house. This would be a great time to learn new ideas and skills, speak your truth in a clear way, and brush up on the ways in which you use your written and verbal abilities to get your thoughts and opinions across to others. Reflect on the ways in which you can adjust your communication style to reach and touch more people. Explore new concepts, study a subject of interest to you, experiment with new forms of media, and make sure you really listen to others along the way.

LEO – July 23 – August 22

Are you contemplating what your worth is in the world? You are emotionally connected to the things that you value and your need for financial security. Is the way in which you earn money being done to the best of your abilities? This month may bring new projects or endeavors to help increase your income, or perhaps a new investment opportunity. The New Moon is in a positive connection with Uranus in your 10th house of career and reputation, so this is an ideal time to allow your intuition to guide you as you take advantage of new prospects.

VIRGO – August 23 – September 22

This is a powerful New Moon for you. It’s all about a new you and how you intend to embrace your true identity. It’s actually a re-birth for you. You are being asked to reinvent yourself in some personal way. It’s all about the image you present to the world. This is the time for self-improvement and self-development. Change the way you see yourself, let go of limiting beliefs you may have, and transform yourself into the person you want others to see. Focus on what makes you feel personally fulfilled and allow yourself to blossom as the energy unfolds.

LIBRA – September 23 – October 22

Your focus turns inward this month as you feel the need for more solitude. This is not a time for high energy, but a time to reflect on your life, to dream, and to allow your imagination to flow with creative inspiration. With the Moon trine Uranus in your 8th house, your mind and intuition are awakened, enabling you to respond to a higher state of awareness. Use this time to engage with your more spiritual side by doing things like yoga and meditation. This will help not only open your mind, but also calm your mind and enable you to get closer to your core self.

SCORPIO – October 23 – November 21

This month is about fostering new friendships or joining a new group or network that can provide recognition for your work or a project that you are involved with. Align your efforts with those that share your ideals. This can bring a sense of belonging within a group of friends who are all sharing a common goal. It can also help grow your following if you are looking to manifest an independent vocation. Keep your eyes open for opportunities that involve networking, making connections with others, and joining or strengthening ties in a group project/activity possibly tied to humanitarian causes.

SAGITTARIUS – November 22 – December 21

Your career, public reputation or goals for professional progress are highlighted this month. Think about your future and what you really want for yourself. Plan the direction you want to go to achieve your ambitions and goals. The New Moon in your 10th house provides you with a sense of renewal with regards to your career objectives. It is a time to focus on the components of your personality that you are projecting as a professional. You are gifted at this time with great emotional strength and control which will enhance your leadership abilities.

CAPRICORN – December 22 – January 19

With the New Moon in your 9th house, you may feel a desire to expand beyond the ordinary. Create a new awareness in your life by reading or learning about different philosophies or spiritual perspectives. You need an adventure. If you can’t take off for Morocco, choose an adventure that takes you away from the humdrum routines in your life. You can still experience it through voyaging through the exploring the doctrines of different religions, cultures, and exotic places. Learn a new language, do a personal development course, initiate new projects or activities that expand your mind and stretch your imagination. 

AQUARIUS – January 20 – February 18

Your intuition is heightened, providing you the opportunity to begin to step more into your power.  Allow yourself to become deeply introspective and investigative your fears surrounding how much power and balance exist between yourself and your personal relationships. The purpose is for you to bring to the surface anything hidden in your psyche. If there is something you have been avoiding, you must bring it into the light and exert your will to guide your future to one of your choosing. This is also a time of deep reflection regarding issues of intimacy and any power struggles in this area.

PISCES – February 19 – March 20

This month the focus will revolve around relationships and partnerships. It is about the “other” in your life. You may experience a new relationship story getting ready to unfold, or perhaps you will bring a new aspect into an existing relationship, taking things to a new level. Pay attention to how you relate to your partner. Can you improve on your communication style when discussing sensitive subjects? Are you giving more than you are getting, or vice versa? Is there a gap between what you have and what you want in your relationship? Take this time to set intentions to nurture and create a deeper emotional connection with your partner.

PLANETARY SERIES PART III - THE SOCIAL PLANETS AND AUGUST HOROSCOPE

To this point, I have covered the luminaries and the personal planets in this four-part mini-series. These next planets are two of my favorites, Jupiter and Saturn. Whenever I do a chart reading for someone, towards the conclusion of the reading, I always include a look at transiting Jupiter and Saturn in terms of forecasting where their opportunities and challenges may currently be. Let me explain about these very social, but very different planets.

As previously discussed, each planet in the solar system represents a different set of qualities and characteristics, and rule over a different part of our lives with each bringing their own unique energy and direction. I like to think of the planets as characters, each with different personalities, goals, interests, and jobs.

Jupiter and Saturn are known as the “social planets” because they control personal and social relations. They link us to society and have an impact on how we relate to the world. These planets are very important in understanding our role on this earth, the formation of our sense of social purpose and direction, and our search for achievement in the world. They are the planets most concerned with professional development and our pursuit of success.

Jupiter is the largest planet in our solar system and considered the “larger than life” planet or the great Benefactor planet. Jupiter is the planetary ruler of Sagittarius. In Greek mythology, Jupiter was Zeus, King of the Gods. I tend to think of Jupiter as “Santa Claus” because he provides us with abundance and good fortune in our lives. There is a huge generosity to this planet’s energy, bordering on extravagance. It represents luck, fortune, success, and a force for good in world. Due to the freedom associated with this planet, it is easy to over-expand and we can have trouble putting the brakes on too much of a good thing.

This planet symbolizes meaning, truth and growth. It gives us our belief system and where we find the value and purpose in our lives, as well as the ability to grow spiritually. Jupiter enables us to broaden our horizons and provides opportunities for expansion which are available in the area of life where you find it in your birth chart. It helps us find opportunities to expand our personal goals and our pathway toward success regarding the future.

In transit, Jupiter shows where you expand your life in new ways and have new experiences. In a solar return chart, which is a birth chart of a new year in your life that runs from birthday to birthday, Jupiter shows where you will experience it’s expansive and abundant energy and opportunities for that year. It will provide the needed positivity and favorable circumstances creating your “gift” for the year. You may choose to use these gifts for personal purposes or choose to apply the knowledge and opportunities provided by Jupiter for the good of society and share your good fortune with others.

Where Jupiter describes the opportunities experienced in our outer world, Saturn describes the limitations. Where Jupiter expands, Saturn constricts.

In Greek mythology, Saturn was Chronos, the God whose name means time. He was the father of Zeus. He is also known as the “Old Man” or “Father of the Zodiac” and rules old age, maturity and time. Saturn, the planetary ruler of Capricorn, is the ambitious and practical planet of achievement, determination and hard work. I picture Saturn as the strict and authoritative father figure who makes the rules and sets our curfews.

Although many see Saturn as a malefic planet, I view him as the planet that gives us structure and is our moral compass. He reminds us of our boundaries, responsibilities and commitments. Saturn is the planet that teaches us our hardest lessons and forces us to have discipline and order in our lives. It’s because of these rules and limitations that we are able to achieve the most in life. Many times, we are forced to learn things the hard way, but through these painful experiences, we achieve our greatest growth. Saturn represents growth and responsibility, and growth hardly ever comes easily. It is your greatest challenge until you master it, then it becomes your greatest support.

Jupiter’s tendency for over-expansion needs to be curbed by Saturn’s boundary setting. It’s the part of you that really wants to do the right thing even when it is difficult, because Saturn governs “right actions” and motivates us to do the things we don’t feel like doing. Saturn will be a restrictive force, but only until you learn the lessons it has to teach you. Once you have learned this, the restrictions are lifted, and Jupiter is again given the freedom to expand further.

In the birth chart, Saturn shows where we have lessons to learn and responsibilities to manage. We were all born with some sort of blockage, usually related to fear. One of life’s purposes is to break through the blockage by recognizing it and taking responsibility for it and knowing that breaking it requires commitment, self-discipline and time. If we can successfully accomplish this, we achieve a new level of maturity, self-respect and a new level of happiness.

In transit, Saturn spends about 2 ½ years in each sign and can remain for more than 2 years in a house. Transit Saturn shows where you need to become more responsible and mature, where you have work to do, where you can expect to experience blockages and delays, and where you can dedicate your time to overcome these obstacles.

When analyzing Saturn within a solar return chart, it will indicate what your yearly lesson might be and where your challenges during the year are going to occur. It can provide information about additional responsibilities and recognition of any limitations and boundaries. Saturn can be our motivational teacher to push us through.

An example of how Saturn works in our lives can be illustrated by the following:  if Saturn is in the 4th House of a solar return chart, that person will most likely feel more responsibility to their home and family. The 4th House is representative of home, family, security and ancestry. The events that manifest could be anything from having grown children move back in the house with small children from a dissolved marriage, or aging parents who become dependent and need more help and guidance, or maybe this person moves into another home that needs some restoration. The underlying theme is increased responsibility within the family and home during the year.

Jupiter and Saturn seem so opposite, yet they need each other. When they combine their energies, they create a perfect stop and go combination. When Jupiter wants to head off on an adventure and impulsively fly to Vegas for the weekend, Saturn shows up to make sure we don’t gamble away our life savings or end up in jail. Jupiter is the gas; Saturn is the brakes.

AUGUST 2021 HOROSCOPES

 ARIES – March 21 – April 19

This month sparks your creativity and gets your juices flowing. There is a strong connection between your inner thoughts and ideas and creative self-expression. Focus on what you love and where you find your passion so that you can shine your light in a more artistic and inventive way. You feel more magnetic, wanting to present your creative work and receive appreciation for it. This is a time to nurture your individuality and pursue the development of a unique talent. The New Moon squaring Uranus in your 2nd house suggests that any creative activity started can have a positive outcome financially as well.

TAURUS – April 20 – May 20

August is all about home, family and your emotional needs. Listen to your intuitive self and figure out what will make you feel comfortable and secure. It is likely that you take steps to change your living situation either through beginning the search for a new house or initiating the process of home remodeling or renovation. Feeling at home and a sense of comfort is important and creating a place of retreat that reflects your personality is emphasized. Bring in new energy by clearing things out, moving things around or bringing in new additions. Focusing on your emotional needs will help make these adjustments easier.

GEMINI – May 21 – June 20

You will be feeling more socially active and looking for variety in your life. In fact, the storyteller in you is front and center, making for great conversations and the give and take of ideas and opinions. You will want to make sure you are getting your messages across in an easy-to-understand way, so this would also be a good time to read up on communication skills or begin writing projects that enhance your self-expression or help you to organize your thoughts. The goal is to integrate your feelings with your thoughts and thereby communicate in a more effective manner.

CANCER – JUNE 21 – JULY 22

Are you inspired to begin evaluating your finances and deciding how secure you feel within that area of life? Begin by assessing what is of real value to you and where your self-worth resides. This is a time of new beginnings in terms of how you arrange your life in order to feel financially stable and secure. Look at your spending practices, savings and investments. Do you have a budget plan? Are there new opportunities to increase your income? Make sure you feel comfortable with how much you think you are worth and how you are being compensated for your services.

LEO – July 23 – August 22

With the New Moon in your sign this month, this is your opportunity to shine your light on the self-image you are projecting to the world. It is time to turn a new page in the chapter of your life. Reflect on how you want to present yourself both physically and professionally. It is a great time to set new intentions to recreate yourself; review your appearance, work on your personal development, and decide on how to make the most of your assets. With the Moon making a square aspect to Uranus in the career sector, this is your chance to change the way others perceive you.

VIRGO – August 23 – September 22

This is a very mystical time as you feel connected to spirit and your subconscious mind. These next few weeks are a time to heal and to reflect on everything that has happened this year so far. Eliminate and release all of those things that are stopping you from finding your joy and purpose in the world. The New Moon in your 12th house brings into the light all of the things you weren’t able to see before and allows you to make room for new energy to move in. Paying attention to your night-time dreams is important now. They can provide insight and messages not available to your consciousness. Journal your dreams for insight, begin a consistent meditation practice, or discover new spiritual work to illuminate the answers you are looking for.

LIBRA – September 23 – October 22

You want to discover and solidify your “tribe” this month. Finding those friendships and group associations that are in tune with your wishes and aspirations can help you to plant your seeds and grow an opportunity you have been contemplating. The New Moon squaring Uranus in the 8th house, heightens your intuition and increases your ability to transform yourself and motivate you to begin something unique and truly your own. Keep your eyes open for opportunities that begin within a new group or organization that can help grow your ideas or possibly bring a benefactor who will help you out.

SCORPIO – October 23 – November 21

The New Moon is moving through your house of career, life path and public reputation. Your soul is longing for more recognition, more responsibility, or simply more meaning and purpose in life. This is the time for a new beginning and the time to start laying the foundation for the changes you want to make in this area, whether it means deciding if you are in the right career or following the right path in life. Focus on how you are projecting yourself to society and as a professional. With this New Moon in Leo, it carries powerful energy for you to shine and make yourself noticed in your professional and life path.

SAGITTARIUS – November 22 – December 21

Where and how can you expand on your beliefs and faith? Have you been questioning your philosophies and ideals? This New Moon has you on a mission to open your mind to new possibilities of what you have always claimed to be your truth. This time period is about expanding the mind and your horizons through spiritual exploration, realizing that something greater than ourselves exist. Perhaps you will be interested in philosophical subjects through higher education and higher thought, or in expanding your perspectives through cultural travel. This time period is about looking at life from a broader perspective, being less judgmental and inviting in a more positive and uplifting phase in your life.

CAPRICORN – December 22 – January 19

The New Moon is moving through your 8th house, bringing up feelings that run deep and powerful. This time period can bring up psychological and emotional issues within close personal relationships. You may ask yourself if you have been giving away your power to another or carrying around someone else’s baggage. It will be important to communicate with your partner in a deep and meaningful way, as well as to intimately bond on a sexual level. This can truly be a time of empowerment for you, providing you with insight into not only your own, but into other’s motivations and issues of power and control. Trust your intuition, investigate and become more aware of the psychological influences affecting you and your close relationships.

AQUARIUS – January 20 – February 18

Be prepared for a new relationship story to develop. Your love relationship is taken to a new and more committed level. If you are moving in together or getting married, decisions will have to be made with regard to your domestic situation. The New Moon is in square to Uranus in the 4th house, so issues surrounding family and home will develop. Are you thinking of merging your 2 homes together, signing a contract on a brand-new home, or perhaps making changes to your current residence to accommodate more than one family? In making decisions, keep in mind not only your personal needs, but the needs of your partner as well, making sure you both are on the same page regarding your desires.

PISCES – February 19 – March 20

Your well-being is the focus this month. If your life has been out of balance, it is time to restore order and organize your life in a positive way. Set your intentions to develop a new and improved lifestyle. This is a good time to make gradual changes to your daily routines, the things you’re in service to, stress management, and above all else, your overall health. Develop a health consciousness toward your meal planning and exercise habits, being mindful that it is something you can realistically keep up with. Make changes to your routine gradually and incorporate them permanently.

PLANETARY SERIES PART II - THE PERSONAL PLANETS AND JULY HOROSCOPE

As we move on through the cosmos and beyond the Sun and Moon, the next planets to explore are the personal planets: Mercury, Venus and Mars. The Sun and Moon are sometimes considered personal planets as well. However, I wanted to discuss them separately as “The Luminaries” in my previous article. These planets are called personal planets because they affect you on an individualized basis related to your own personal development and provide you with the greatest degree of freedom of action, free-will, and determination.

We know that planets represent personality functions and urges – the different parts of who we are. They are the activating energies in our birth chart. It is sometimes fun to assign roles to each of our personal planets and imagine how they would get along inside of us. Let’s learn a little about each of these players beginning with Mercury.

Mercury is the fastest planet in the solar system, zooming around the Sun in 88 days. He is the planetary ruler of both Gemini and Virgo. Mercury is the planet of the mind and rules all things related to communication and our intellect. In Greek mythology, Mercury was portrayed as Hermes, the winged messenger of the Gods, delivering messages throughout the land with amazing speed and enthusiasm. He gives us our ability to speak, think, learn and reason.

Not only is Mercury the planet of the mind, but he also represents the planet of youth, since it is in our early childhood that we learn to speak and understand information. He is representative of early education, not higher education, and is important in our growth and how we develop our style of communication.

Mercury governs everything we do to communicate both verbally and in the written word, how we go about gathering information and the way we share that information with others. Mercury helps us understand life and make sense of our daily experiences. His position in our charts shows how we think, reason and express ourselves. This planet is very influential in our interaction with others, especially through technology, computers, telecommunications, software, electronics, the media, and all forms of transportation.

I picture Mercury as a slightly mischievous and possibly a bit hyperactive young male, exhibiting curiosity and a victim of “shiny bright object” syndrome.  Mercury does all of our talking for us. Think about how you communicate since this is the first impression people will have of you. Are you direct and to the point, or polite and friendly?

Venus is the planetary ruler of both Taurus and Libra. Venus represents the core essence of the feminine. The Goddess of Love and Beauty. In her earlier origins, she was worshipped as a nature goddess and mother of all on-going creation. She is the embodiment of grace, harmony and beauty, cultivating these attributes through the arts and through her diplomacy and charm. She symbolizes how we attract the things that we love and value, and through her energy, we determine the things we appreciate.

The human impulse is to connect with others, and Venus is the planet that helps us form relationships. Her primary function is love in all its forms. But make no mistake, she is also a rejecting planet, having no problem discriminating with whom she forms attachments and who she doesn’t. This is the goddess who taught the lessons of sexuality, desire, and the affections we arouse in others, as well as sorrow, loss, and rejection in love.

Venus expresses what makes us feel good and is inspired when we are in partnership and romantic situations. My vision is that of a gorgeous Greek goddess in a beautiful Grecian gown, lying on a settee eating grapes and asking Mars to go out and bring her all things she desires. Which leads me to our last personal planet – Mars.

Mars is the planetary ruler of Aries. This energy is action-oriented and assertive based upon our personal desires. He represents the qualities of courage and survival, giving us our energy, drive and motivation. Mars helps us deal with pressure and gives us the ability to face our fears. Through Mars we learn to act independently, to project ourselves into the world, to stand up for our rights and to assert ourselves and express anger when necessary. Where Mars falls in your chart shows how you use this energy and what motivates you to act. It brings drive to the area of life it’s touching.

I picture Mars as a handsome and muscular warrior, with a breastplate, spear and all. Mars and Venus always work together and share a special relationship. The Venus in us projects our needs and wants, and the Mars in us finds a way to assert ourselves to fulfill and satisfy those demands. Venus describes what you want, and Mars describes how you move out into life to get it. Sometimes this works in our favor and sometimes not so much. The best possible scenario is for us to achieve balance between the masculine and feminine energies that reside in all of us.

JULY 2021 NEW MOON/FULL MOON HOROSCOPES

The New Moon will occur on July 9, 2021, and the Full Moon arrives on July 23, 2021. Let’s see what this month has in store for us based on these two phases.

ARIES – March 21 – April 19

You will be feeling extra sensitive and extra emotional, especially concerning matters centered around family and home. During the first part of the month, your desire to nest is heightened, and you may find yourself reflecting on the types of changes you would like to make in your home. Take some time to explore what gives you an inner sense of security, and then make long-range plans for the future by deciding how you want to reorganize or remodel your home environment so that you can fully enjoy family related activities and feel safe and secure. By month’s end, you’ll find yourself ready to extend yourself to include friends and acquaintances inside your circle.

TAURUS – April 20 – May 20

The New Moon at the beginning of July has you reflecting on the ways you have been communicating your ideas and messages. This is the beginning of a new way to express yourself. Your mind is being re-wired to learn new ways of getting yourself out there. Perhaps take a class to develop your speaking or writing skills, or maybe develop new ways to promote your truth through social media, podcasts or videos. By the time the Full Moon appears toward month’s end, your ideas should be well-lit, and you will be ready to go public with new career ventures. Promoting yourself at this time will be good for your career, so put yourself out there and let others know of your endeavors.

GEMINI – May 21 – June 20

You are being called to take a good look at what you value and where you find your self-worth. July begins with you reflecting on your financial status in terms of how and where you’ve been spending your money. If you don’t already have a budget plan, now is the time to create one. This area of life will be undergoing a much-needed reboot. Be on the look-out for new opportunities to increase your income or be open for a new investment opportunity. By the time the Full Moon rolls around, the path to what you want becomes clearer and your perspective shifts, shedding light on how your spiritual and personal belief systems affect your goals for the future.

CANCER – JUNE 21 – JULY 22

Your planetary ruler is the Moon and with this New Moon in your own sign and in the 1st house, this makes for a very strong transit. You are used to nurturing others and putting their emotions and needs first. This is a month to put yourself first and reflect upon how you want to nurture yourself. Where would you like to initiate personal changes? This is the time to recognize your own rhythms and to acknowledge exactly what you need and when. Focus on your sense of self and become more aware of what helps you feel personally fulfilled in life. The Full Moon at month’s end will illuminate where these transformations will occur on a deeper level. It will shed light on whatever needs to be released that is holding you back from restarting your life in a more positive and innovative manner.

LEO – July 23 – August 22

Normally dynamic and accustomed to being in the spotlight as the center of attention, the beginning of July finds you shining your light behind the scenes and enjoying your connection to the collective unconscious. The part of yourself being triggered is that secret side that you don’t reveal to others. Do some soul-searching and take time alone to recharge your emotional and spiritual energy. This is a good time to tap into your imagination and creativity, as well as a time to clear your mind to embrace any healing modalities such meditation or personal therapy that could be beneficial. This will be important as the Full Moon transits your 7th house at month’s end when you will be focusing on relationships of all kinds. Your inner reflections at the beginning of the month will be helpful as the Full Moon sheds light on the culmination of important one-on-one relationships. This could signal an ending of some sort in the partnership area, or perhaps a transitioning of one phase to another.

VIRGO – August 23 – September 22

Your focus is on your friendships and social groups. You’ll feel the need to connect and align yourself with those whom you share a common goal or cause. Create a network to strengthen and nurture your vision for the future. Evaluate your present and future dreams and wishes and make sure they are what you truly need and desire. Toward the end of the month, you will be feeling that familiar urge to be of service. This is a good time to implement your plan on how you can best work with a team of individuals to benefit those in need. Make positive changes in your life by working to perfect your daily goals through routine and hard effort.

LIBRA – September 23 – October 22

This month has you focusing on your professional goals and public recognition. With the New Moon transiting your house of career and life path, your soul will be asking how you can leave your mark on the world. You find yourself longing for more recognition, more responsibility, or simply more meaning and purpose in your life. It is a good time for planning and reflecting on the changes you want to make in this area, whether it means deciding if you are in the right career or following the right path in life. By the time the Full Moon arrives, you will need to take a break from all of this serious pondering. Incorporate some time to have fun and play. Do something using your creative self-expression or spend time with your children. This is when you get those “light-bulb” moments and what you truly desire will be illuminated.

SCORPIO – October 23 – November 21

This is a great time to learn something new that will stretch your belief systems and philosophies about how you view the world. The focus is on exploring the bigger questions in life and to seek out where you find truth and meaning in your existence. Venture outside your normal thoughts and perceptions. Expand your horizons by reading books that explore different theologies and perspectives. Perhaps travel to distant places and view different cultures and beliefs. Listen to others who may inspire you to take up a new special interest or further your education. The goal is for your spirit to grow and expand beyond the regular experiences in your life. The end of the month could present you with a feeling of destiny or karma and illuminate how your home and family factor into finding your true sense of security.

SAGITTARIUS – November 22 – December 21

The New Moon transiting through your 8th house will have you approaching this month in a more powerful manner. You may find yourself investigating how to merge your finances or property with a significant other or possibly a business partner. Are you perhaps considering taking out a loan or signing some sort of financial agreement? The way you deal with joint finances this month will be changing. Now is the time to dive deep into your intentions revolving around joint finances, investments, and financial agreements of all types. The end of the month could find you becoming more visible in your community, which could include something being completed or improved in your local environment.

CAPRICORN – December 22 – January 19

Your focus this month is all about relationships, both personal and business. The emphasis is on new beginnings in this area, which could be taking the next step in a personal relationship, such as moving in together, getting engaged or married, or entering into a new business partnership. Now is a good time to set your intentions around the relationships you have and the ones you want. Resolve to work on connections that are mutually supportive. This is an opportunity to improve your partnership and plan for the future with another in mind. Your challenge will be being able to incorporate your powerful and strong independent presence with another’s needs and opinions.

AQUARIUS – January 20 – February 18

Your focus for this month will be around healthy habits and healthy work routines. Reflect on the areas of your day-to-day routine that need to be reset and rejuvenated. Reevaluate how you serve others and how they serve you. Make a commitment to self-care, set healthy boundaries, add some new diet and fitness regimens to your schedule, and make sure your work and life are in balance. It would be a good idea to follow a calendar listing your goals and intentions until you get into a nice, even flow. The end of the month should bring more self-awareness as the Full Moon helps you to see yourself in a whole new light, giving you more understanding into your life's direction. This will be the time you will start to see the results of your intentions.

PISCES – February 19 – March 20

This month emphasizes new beginnings with regard to children or the child within you, creative self-expression and all of the things that make life fun. Think of the seeds you would like to plant this month. Is it a new venture? Do you want to try your hand at an artistic endeavor? What is it that brings you joy? The act of creation requires some courage and risk. Focus on the things you put your heart, soul and emotions into. You will also want to connect with others through fun and recreation. Go outside your comfort zone and try new and creative possibilities. The end of the month brings more introspection. It is time to balance your life, take a breather and get in touch with what is beneath the surface.

A JOURNEY AROUND THE PLANETS - THE LUMINARIES

A JOURNEY AROUND THE PLANETS - PART I

Let’s take a break from all of the monthly planetary aspects and transits that I normally write about and get a real feel for the planets. The Sun and Moon, which are the two luminaries, as well as the eight planets in our solar system, are the most important components when it comes to understanding how astrology works. The planets represent personality functions and urges – the different parts of who we are. Without the planets, we could not act on the needs of our zodiac signs or experience the activities described by the houses.

I’m going to walk you through a 4-part series explaining who the planets are and how they affect us in our daily lives. This first article will focus on the Sun and Moon.

The Sun and the Moon are the two brightest and most prominent bodies in the sky. Together they regulate our day and night cycles, and in astrology, are the two primary symbols of our personality. The Sun represents our conscious life purpose, and the Moon shows how we act out our purpose in our daily activities.

The Sun and Moon operate together creating a flow of energy where the Moon distributes the light of the Sun in varying amounts every night which is reflected as the phases of the Moon.

THE SUN:

The Sun, our masculine force, is the center of our solar system and is the giver of life. It rules our conscious day. The Sun shows our identity, our individuality, our pride and self-confidence. The Sun is who we strive to be and shows how and where we shine our light in the world. Without the Sun, we would have no drive, no direction, and no sense of self. The Sun’s placement in our chart describes where we find our sense of purpose and what we need to do to feel important and develop our life to the fullest. By developing our Sun’s potential, we gain a sense of our core values and soul-intentions to which we must be true.

The sign that your Sun is in is how you express your identity. Even though it is one of the most important parts of your being, it shouldn’t be viewed as an entity of its own. It is your core identity, but not the total sum of who you are. It is always blended with other planets and placements in your birth chart. A complete understanding of your Sun sign helps you to comprehend how you show up in the world.

For example, if your Sun is in the sign of Aries, your energy is independent and enthusiastic. Your soul is that of a leader. You are great at coming up with original ideas, taking the initiative in getting projects started, and utilizing your energy and strength to blaze new trails. You’ll never back away from a challenge and will often take risks that others will not.

If your Aries Sun happens to be in the 10th House, you will flourish as a natural born leader in your chosen career. You will need to have a job that provides you with plenty of diversity, challenges and competitiveness so that you can shine and not become bored. Your self-image is rooted in your public and professional role and the actions you take there.

THE MOON:

While the Sun represents the masculine, the Moon represents the feminine, ruling the emotional function of our personality. The Moon is the instinctive and intuitive part of our character. It gives us a sense of safety, nurturance and acceptance. The Moon is our heart and soul and represents our most private self. Our emotions set the tone for our daily lives and the Moon’s influence tells us how we are affected by past memories and how we process those memories. She represents where you have come from, your upbringing, your relationship with your mother and how you feel about the world around you.

I talk a lot about the Moon phases or lunation cycle in my articles as a way of guiding us in our daily decision-making processes.

There are eight phases of a lunation cycle. The New Moon and the Full Moon are the cycle’s high points with six phases in between. The Moon circles the earth every 29 ½ days. The lunation cycle begins with the New Moon. This is when the sun, moon and earth are in alignment, almost in a straight line with each other, with the moon in-between the sun and earth.

During the New Moon, we see none of the moon’s reflected light, so we don’t see the moon at all. This is probably the most exciting part of the lunar cycle. Symbolically, this represents coming out of the dark and into the light. This is the time where we plant the seeds for how we want our future dreams to manifest. It is symbolic of the second chances we are given over and over. Whatever mistakes we have made, the New Moon gifts us with the chance to start over.

Ancient civilizations through the present time, have used these moon cycles as a way to tell the story of birth, growth, fullness, decay, disappearance, with rebirth and growth again (Ref: Finding Our Way Through the Dark, Demetra George). All of life resonates to the rhythm of this cycle, tapping out how we instinctively follow and move to the beat of her music.

On June the 10th, we will experience the first solar eclipse of this year. A solar eclipse occurs at the New Moon when the Moon passes between Earth and the Sun. A solar eclipse is a very powerful New Moon that is known to bring intense beginnings and endings. Major growth can happen during this time. The energy of a solar eclipse sets the tone for 6 months or longer, as opposed to a month in relation to a New Moon.

YOUR JUNE 2021 HOROSCOPE
BASED ON THE NEW MOON SOLAR ECLIPSE

Let’s get an idea of how this eclipse will affect you by taking a look at your horoscope for June.

ARIES – March 21 – April 19
Communication is high on your list for the next several months. You will see an increase in your interactions with others, so brush up on how you are getting your messages across. It will be very important to express yourself and your desires in a clear and concise way. Concentrate on what you need to convey and how it makes you feel. This is the time to take advantage of your increased powers of communication by taking an on-line class in public speaking, writing, or engaging in other types of learning experiences which will have you mixing it up with other individuals in an exciting and thought-provoking way.

TAURUS – April 20 – May 20
This time period signals an opportunity that is beneficial for increasing your income. This eclipse can help you with new beginnings in your financial sector, supporting you as you evaluate what is of value and offering a mental picture of your self-worth. The Moon is making a positive connection to Saturn in your career house providing a balance between your professional and personal parts of life which makes it easier to move forward towards your financial goals. The Moon/Saturn connection makes it possible to objectively make good decisions for your future and to reorganize your finances to your best benefit.

GEMINI – May 21 – June 20
Because this eclipse falls in your own sign of Gemini, you can expect a period of great change in the area of life that is personal to you. This change will involve new methods in the way you present yourself to the world. It is all about self-improvement and self-development in the areas of your appearance, your image, your attitude, and overall approach to life. Reinvent yourself with a new haircut, a new wardrobe, a mani/pedi, or an all-out total makeover. Make sure you indulge in some self-love. When you look your best, you will feel your best.

CANCER – JUNE 21 – JULY 22
Your focus is on the inner or hidden parts of yourself. You’ll feel an overwhelming need to be in solitude and to reflect on your emotions, dreams and the things that make you feel inspired. This is a great time to go on a spiritual retreat, enter therapy, take up meditation or just rest more and recharge your batteries. With the Moon making a challenging aspect to Neptune, you will be experiencing all kinds of emotions that may have you questioning what is real and what is illusion. Just allow yourself to find a place to retreat and get involved with quieter beginnings such as writing or journaling, painting, reading, watching movies or anything where you can use your imagination.

LEO – July 23 – August 22
This is a time of new beginnings in the area of friendships and group affiliations. Reach out to other like-minded individuals who share your dreams of a better tomorrow. Turn your inner restlessness into rewarding contact with others by find a worthy project to get involved with. Broadening your network of friends and associates at this time can lead to new relationships and a boost to your humanitarian and social ideals.

VIRGO – August 23 – September 22
This is an important time as you plan for the future regarding your career and professional goals. You are able to understand your personal needs combined with your career ambitions. With the Moon making a harmonious aspect to Saturn in your 6th House, it’s easier to discipline yourself and work hard in developing opportunities for advancement and recognition. Being able to work hard now will be beneficial for you down the road. Your professional goals are now more realistic, achievable, and will help get you further in your job and life.

LIBRA – September 23 – October 22
With summer upon us and things beginning to lighten up, you will find yourself feeling more adventurous and looking for a way to expand your horizons. If long-distance travel is still out of the question, develop your inner philosophies and beliefs by going on a spiritual retreat, experience other cultures by trying out a new exotic restaurant, or initiate new activities that expand your mind and provide a new way of seeing the world. The goal is to feel transformed by incorporating new perspectives that take you away from the same old routines of life.

SCORPIO – October 23 – November 21
This is a period of empowerment for you. It’s a great time to focus on areas of intimacy and looking deep within yourself to acknowledge what your needs are. Issues from your past may arise that cause confusion and emotional turmoil. Try to have an awareness of your own internal motivations while being open to the things that make your partner tick. There is an intensity with this New Moon, especially within your intimate life and your search for finding who you really are beneath the surface.

SAGITTARIUS – November 22 – December 21
Relationships and partnerships of all types are at the forefront during this eclipse. You will feel a deeper emotional connection to your partner, wanting to strengthen the relationship and be able to share your thoughts and ideas. This is actually a good time to work on all types of relationships that are mutually supportive. Business partnerships may also begin or develop in some way. With the Moon making a challenging aspect to Neptune in your house and home sector, be aware that you may need to objectively and realistically assess your responsibilities to family members or loved ones who call for your attention at this time.

CAPRICORN – December 22 – January 19
This is a great time to use your sensible and determined nature to change your day-to-day practices that have gone astray during this past year or have just not been working for you. This includes your health routines, work routines, job duties, and personal habits. You have the skills and self-discipline to do what you must to create a healthier mind, body and spirit. Renew your commitment to self-care, set healthy boundaries, and make sure you have a good balance between your work and personal life.

AQUARIUS – January 20 – February 18
This solar eclipse wants you to let your creative juices flow and also embrace all the things that make life fun. Take time to envision what types of new creative projects you would like to initiate and how best to manifest them in an exciting and entertaining way. Give yourself permission to pursue what brings you joy and fulfillment. Incorporate some social time, romance and activities that bring new possibilities into your life.

PISCES – February 19 – March 20
Your home and family life are taking priority during this solar eclipse. What is it that makes you feel safe and secure? Make long-range plans for the future by envisioning how you want your home environment to be, both physically and emotionally. Re-organize, declutter, and open up space for new energy to flow. Take advantage of this phase by making improvements to your home, as it will be important for you to feel comfortable and cozy in your home environment. This is also a wonderful period to spend more time bonding with and renewing your family relationships.

IT’S JUST A PHASE! BEYOND THE NEW AND FULL MOON

To mark the ending of this summer’s Eclipse season, I thought I’d write about the phases of the Moon and how to work with her energy for your greatest good.

Following the cycle of the Moon is a powerful way to connect with our energy, and an invaluable way in which we can organize our life to its fullest advantage. In addition, we are all born during one of the particular lunation phases and we reflect the characteristics that one of those phases represent. It is quite interesting how it describes the core of our personality and the nature of our life purpose. 

Much attention is given to the Full Moon and New Moon phases because they are the peaks and the most talked about. However, it is just as important to become aware of where the lunation cycle is at different times of the month when it moves through its 8 phases since each phase has something different to bring to the table. There are many wonderful books that explain this subject in detail, but a couple that are excellent sources are, The Lunation Cycle by Dane Rudhyar (this is classic), or one of my favorites, Finding Our Way Through the Dark by Demetra George.

To help you get started on experimenting with getting in sync with the lunar cycle, let’s look at an abbreviated version of each phase and how to best utilize your energy during these time periods.

 The lunation cycle begins with the New Moon Phase. At this phase, we see none of the Moon’s reflected light and her dark side is facing us here on Earth. This is the time to plant your seed for future dreams. At this phase, we don’t exactly have any past experiences to draw on and are very much in the present. It is when we envision the future or what we desire. Make your wishes and visualize what you want to create in your life. Be courageous at this time in taking a leap of faith. Those of us born under this phase are here to begin a new cycle of activity, and emerge, creating new possibilities and potentials.

Phase 2 – Crescent Moon Phase. This phase begins about 3 ½ days after the New Moon. Here we begin to feel the need to break away from whatever has been holding us back. This is the time when we actually start to focus on our vision and start to move forward toward actualizing our dream. This is when we absolutely need to let go of any fears we have so that our dreams can blossom. People born under this phase are here to break with the past, develop new talents and skills, and learn to build confidence.

Phase 3 – First Quarter Phase. At the 1st Quarter Phase the Moon is half full, on its way from New to Full. This is when you start to maybe question yourself or your ideas. Some type of crisis or issue could come up where you need to work a little harder and will need to make a decision. Those born under a 1st Quarter Phase are here to learn how to deal with challenges or differences and step up to situations that are more difficult. 

Phase 4 – Gibbous Moon Phase. At this phase the Moon is quickly approaching the Full Moon phase. Your soul is evolving and your interests are more about self-development and self-awareness. Life feels ripe with potential. This is when you will analyze, adjust and perfect the plans you started in the previous phases. People born under the Gibbous Phase are here to perfect themselves in order to contribute something of value to society or their tribe.=

Phase 5 – Full Moon Phase. This is the high point and climax of the lunar cycle. This is the time to reap the rewards and celebrate all of your planning leading up the Full Moon. Take note of the progress you have made and look back on how far you have come. It is total illumination and being able to see everything leading up to this moment. Basically, you are releasing, giving back and moving on. Those born during a Full Moon Phase are here to objectively realize their life’s purpose through relationships. 

Phase 6 – Disseminating Moon Phase. During the disseminating period, the Moon starts to move into its Waning phase. She will appear to grow smaller each night until the time of the New Moon again. This is the time where we begin to see where our knowledge and wisdom can be shared with others. Everything we have learned leading up to this point is to be communicated with other people. Those born under this phase are here to spread out and communicate their knowledge. Theirs is a life of teaching in some way of the things they believe are of value.=

Phase 7 – Last Quarter Moon Phase. Half-light and half-dark, this is the halfway point between the Full Moon and the New Moon. Post Full Moon, we have already realized what is important. We now want to reevaluate and reorganize our philosophies and belief system. It is time to again make room for the new, which is rapidly approaching with the New Moon right around the corner. People born under this phase are here to turn away from old, limiting belief systems and structures and live by their own rules.

Phase 8 – Balsamic Moon Phase. The 8th and final phase of the lunation cycle is the closure phase. This is the time to rest and heal. To surrender to the Divine. This phase bridges the ending of the old and the birth of the new. During this quiet time is when your soul processes everything learned from the past and intuitively envisions the future. Those born under the Balsamic Moon Phase are highly intuitive and are known as visionaries who can sense what is ahead. They often feel a special sense of their life’s purpose and an urgency that there is something they must accomplish.

To summarize all of this, the first 4 phases from the New Moon to the Gibbous Moon is the Waxing stage. This is when you will want to plant ideas, set intentions, start new projects, and follow your brilliant visions. You will find that you feel motivated, courageous, proactive and excited about getting things accomplished. This is when you may be learning new skill sets, building relationships, starting a new business. It’s all about the building process. 

The last 4 phases from the Full Moon to the Balsamic Moon is the Waning stage. This is the time to release, forgive, and let go of things no longer serving us for our greater good. This is such an important process because it allows space for new and fresh ideas and experiences to enter our lives and releases any negative or toxic energy that has been holding us back. It is the time to rest, recover and reflect. This may be a time when you do things like clearing clutter in your home, get caught up on daily chores, get a message or treat yourself to a haircut or pedicure. It’s all about releasing, regrouping, balancing and healing.

The best way to start is to go online and find out which phase the Moon is in by looking at a monthly calendar. I have provided a calendar for August to give you an idea of what you should be looking for.

This month the NEW MOON occurs on August 18th. This is when you want to envision something new. Tune into your inner self by meditating on your wishes or write a list/journal about what you want to create.

On August 20-25, the Moon turns Waxing Crescent. This is when you begin to communicate your intention to move forward. Return to your wish list and re-visualize your thoughts during the New Moon period. This is when you need to stay true to yourself and continue your forward momentum. Bring in new energy and add some preliminary action to help develop your skills needed to build your future.

On August 26th the Moon turns First Quarter. This is when you begin to have doubts. Are you doing the right thing? Is this a good idea? Watch out for stumbling blocks, but persist in your goal visions. At this time, start to have conversations with others about your intentions and get the ball rolling. Getting feedback can turn your doubts around.

From August 28-31 the Moon is in the Gibbous phase. Now is the time to edit, refine and make any adjustments needed to accomplish your goals. It’s about all the self-development necessary in order to reap the rewards. This would be a good time to brush-up on skills or knowledge that have gotten a bit rusty. Those things will have a tendency to come back to you much easier.

On September 1st  we get the Big Kahuna – The Full Moon. At this point, the building portion of your vision should be accomplished. You should be able to look back and see everything leading up to this moment, release anything negative and give back. Take some time to practice forgiveness and gratitude. You are getting to see all of the things you need to, but it is definitely NOT a time to begin anything new. It is the time to end, to culminate, to release. You can also use this time for breaking old habits or routines.

The Disseminating Moon occurs on September 4-8. This is a time you want to be open to change and transformation. If you have a message to get out, now is the time. You will want to take this time to share and interact not only through information, but it is also a great time for socializing, charity work, attending or teaching classes or workshops, and make new friends with who you truly connect with intellectually.

From September 9-11, you will feel the Last Quarter Moon. During this phase, you may feel the energy diminishing. It is a time of looking back AND looking ahead. You will want to take care of things you have been putting off and work on wrapping things up. What things need to be eliminated in your life? When I talked earlier about cleaning up clutter, finishing paperwork, catching up on daily chores during the Waning phase, this is the time to do that.

From September 12-15 comes the final Balsamic Moon Phase. The New Moon is right around the corner and you need to prepare. We are on the border of a brand new lunar cycle. One of the best things you can do during this 3 day period is to rest and let your mind, body and spirit relax. This is an excellent time for creativity and inspiration and to just let your imagination run wild.