Flowing with Moon in Gemini

The Moon is currently in Gemini and will remain for 2.5 days until 11th May.  

Gemini is an air sign, with a hot and wet temperament.  

When the Moon is in Gemini:

Be chatty but not gossipy

Be flexible but not unpredictably changeable, otherwise, people around you can't keep up!

Be communicative without having verbal diarrhoea

Over the next 2.5 days, the moon will form the following exact aspects with neighbouring planets:

• Trine Pluto at 2 degrees - watch out for deep and intense emotions surfacing, deal with them 'the Gemini way' with simply an acknowledgement ('I see you.  You are merely a part of my memory and has no power in my current life.') and feel if that is enough to let it go.  If not, then it's time to try other methods to make peace with your past.

• Sextile Mars at 6 degrees 45 mins - feeling enthusiastic in what you have to do, flow with it, get as much done as you can.  Being competitive (but not too much!) can help you achieve more than usual.

• Sextile North Node at 13 degrees 59 mins - feeling particularly receptive to the nature of how destiny works, how coincidental events occur, bringing a heightened level of awareness to your psyche.

• Square Saturn at 17 degrees 23 mins - negative emotions may envelope you, making you feel isolated and depressed, flow with it and see what hidden thoughts and feelings crop up, deal with it simply by acknowledging its existence and attempt to move on.  This is a great time to be aware of any unhealthy habits and relationships that need to be changed or ended.

• Sextile Chiron at 21 degrees 13 mins - a chance to work with some wounded feelings from the past

• Sextile Mercury at 24 degrees 21 mins - flow with this aspect by connecting with others through words, you can speak it, write it, or sing it!  The most important thing is you have fun while doing so.

• Square Neptune at 29 degrees 12 mins - flow with the confused nature of this aspect.  Perhaps feelings of emotional insecurity may come up.  Deal with it the Gemini way as before.  Gemini is highly rational and can be at war with the highly emotional nature of Neptune (modern ruler of Pisces).  Reason with whatever inner voice that crop up.  Use rationality.  'What is the probability of that happening?'  'Is that really the end of the world even if it does happen?'

We have accumulated so much emotional junk over the years.  Whenever they see a gap, they squeeze through to reunite with us on a conscious level.  Thank them for being with you all this time, but acknowledge that they no longer serve you in any way.  Let them go and make room for something else for joyous and positive.

Image from pexels.com/designecologist

 

Solar Eclipse in Taurus 2013

This is the second of a series of three eclipses which conjunct the South Node, reinforcing the message that it is a time of release.

This solar eclipse, at 19 degrees Taurus 31 minutes, is an extra powerful new moon.  Its conjunction to the South Node signifies a need to release the old to make room for the new.  However, Taurus can be stubborn and is too lazy to make changes.  Mars and Mercury also conjunct this new moon, so use your energy to patiently research into your new plans.  Pluto trine Mercury and Mars can help us to accept external changes.  The Plutonic force can be a source of motivation instead of a threat.  The ruler of this new moon, Venus, is in mutual reception with Mercury, so relax and think about what it is that you value in life.  

One of the archetypes of Taurus is the Builder.  This new moon provides the fertile ground to build something new.  As the saying goes, 'Rome wasn't built in a day', Taurus is about gradual changes and working steadily, step-by-step, to create a solid foundation.  

The Taurus stellium (Sun, Moon, Mercury, Mars, SN) is in opposition to Saturn and the North Node.  This may manifest as someone who appears to be manipulating you or blocking your progress.  It may well be their way of showing you support or just pointing out your blind spots.  Listen to their words of wisdom then use your own judgement to decide what to do with their opinions.  

Eclipses are like alarm clocks, reminding you to 'wake up' and stop procrastinating - what is it that you have always been meaning to do but never got around to doing it?  Check which house this eclipse falls in your natal chart.  

Solar eclipses have a slightly larger orb (3 degrees) than standard new moons (1 degree).  If you have planets, angles or points in Taurus, Scorpio, Leo or Aquarius between 16 degrees 31 minutes to 22 degrees 31 minutes, then this eclipse is likely to have a significant impact in your life.

Lunar Eclipse in Scorpio 2013

We have a partial lunar eclipse in Scorpio (5 degrees 46 minutes) on 25th April at 21:09 BST.  

The Taurean Sun conjunct Mars, with Venus and the South Node also in Taurus.  Then on the opposite side, we the Scorpionic moon conjunct Saturn, with the North Node also in Scorpio.  On the one hand, you have the drive and passion (Mars - co-ruler of the Scorpionic moon) to move forward in order to build (Taurus) something worthwhile (Venus - ruler of the Taurean Sun) in your life.  However, insecurity (Moon-Saturn conjunction) and/or external opposition are likely to hold you back instead.  This is another opportunity to release inner junk that is holding you back. 

Lunar eclipses are extra-powerful full moons.  Allow an orb of 3 degrees.  If you have natal planets in a fixed sign (Scorpio, Taurus, Leo and Aquarius) between 2 degrees 56 minutes to 8 degrees 56 minutes, then be prepared to get waken up by this eclipse, as eclipses act like alarm clocks - it wakes you up from your slumber.  If there is something that needs to be done for the benefit of your soul's development, then this eclipse is likely to kick you into action.  Of course, you can choose to resist the change - you have free will after all, but it's in your interest to go with the flow and ride on this powerful energy instead of swimming against it.  Change may seem daunting, but it can usher in a breath of fresh air too.

New Moon in Gemini 2012

Another New Moon in Gemini on 19th June (16:02 BST), giving us a second chance to deal with the energy delivered by the cosmic twins.  

In the backdrop, we have the Uranus-Pluto square becoming exact on 24th June.  Some astrologers believe that its effect have already been felt as early as last year, but with it forming an exact square this month, it will be interesting to observe what the 'earthy reflection' of this potent aspect will be.  Could it be rioters elevating their demonstrations ('Occupy Wall Street' style) to a higher level, displaying their anger, hatred and distrust (Uranus in Aries) against those in authoritative roles in the government or financial institutes (Pluto in Capricorn).  We also have the Euro Crisis on the table, with a number of countries begging for a bailout from the EU.  Whatever the outcome, it will have a rippling effect on the rest of the world, so noone escapes this unscathed, though it is a matter of getting a slight bruise, or a stab in the stomach.

On that 'cheerful' note, how can we make the most of the Gemini New Moon this month?

Neptune in Pisces square the nodal axis is urging us to have trust in the Universe and practise the art of surrender.  There is only so much we can do before we admit to ourselves that there are times when the situation is simply beyond our control, so the last thing you can do is just give it all to the Universe and ask for its intervention.  Surrender and release.

On an individual level, with an array of planets in the air sign of Gemini (New Moon at 28 degrees 43 minutes, Venus retrograding in Gemini conjunct the South Node and Jupiter), we are called to give our belief system a big spring clean and ask ourselves what we really value in our lives.  Some of us may get fed up with the global difficulty we are all in and get tempted to look for short-cuts (tapping into the shadow sides of Gemini, e.g. trickery).  Unfortunately, with Mars in Virgo and Saturn in Libra, square and trine the new moon respectively, along with Pluto in retrograde quincunx Venus in retrograde, we are asked to keep our integrity intact and work through our issues by playing fairly.  Why not use the flexibility of Gemini to find alternative routes out of your situation instead?

NB:  I would like to say a special thanks to all of you for taking the time to read my blog and giving me feedback.  Unfortunately, I'm finding it difficult to reply to every single post so I apologise in advance if I don't get to answer your comment.  Feel free to hop in and respond to other posters' astrological questions if you feel inspired to do so.

Image courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net

New Moon in Aries 2012

The Sun and the Moon are due for their monthly rendezvous on 22nd March at 14.38 GMT.  This time, they meet in the sign of bold and dynamic Aries at 2 degrees 22 minutes.

Even though Aries is the first sign of the zodiac, its leadership quality and its tendency to blaze new trails are unlikely to be unleashed in the usual fashion.  This is due to the fact that its ruler, Mars, is still in its retrograde phase. In addition, Mercury is retrograding in the sign of Aries (not to mention Saturn is also in retrograde, but in Libra).  Therefore, the theme of introspection is interwoven into the message of this new moon.  All in all, we have 4 planetary bodies in an Aries stellium:  Sun, Moon, Mercury and Uranus.  You can still act, be courageous and take risks, but only after the careful consideration of all the available facts. Even so, this may be a bit tricky, especially with Mars, retrograding in Virgo, oppose Neptune (and Chiron), so information could be kept from you. With Saturn trine Neptune, ensure your plans are not too idealistic and make them as practical as possible (with Saturn trine Neptune).

This leads to another sub-theme of this new moon - practicality.  With Mercury and Uranus 'sandwiching' the New Moon, we are encouraged to think outside the box, but with the grand earth trine in Mars, Pluto and Jupiter, we are also urged to keep our plans 'real', down-to-earth and feasible.  Having said that, Mercury conjunct Uranus can help us extend our mind and breakdown the 'I can't do it' barrier.  With Jupiter conjunct Venus in Taurus, we are reminded of our own beliefs and values.  So do what you can within your own physical limits and personal beliefs.  The nodal axis square the Mars-Neptune opposition would like us to think and move beyond our comfort zone without stepping into muddy territory.  If in doubt, ask, check, double check, triple check.

Image: pixtawan / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

New Moon in Pisces 2012

It's that time of the month again - wishing time!

On 21st February 22.35pm GMT, we have a New Moon at 2° Pisces 42'.  Neptune, in its ruling sign Pisces, conjunct this New Moon tightly, accentuating the theme of spiritualism.  In addition, we have Chiron conjunct this New Moon, thus the whole package becomes a new beginning on spiritual healing.  

With the Sun, Moon, Neptune, Chiron and Mercury all in compassionate Pisces, this gentle New Moon in Pisces provides the perfect nurturing ground to plant your seeds relating to issues of forgiveness, acceptance and tolerance.  Is there someone you have been harbouring bitterness, anger or grudges towards?  This is the perfect time to let go and allow the Universe to infuse and cleanse you with some unconditional love.  Forgiving the other person is about releasing yourself from the grip of the situation - you are forgiving the person involved, not the action committed (paraphrasing Doreen Virtue's spiritual teaching).  If you can take one step further and forgive their actions too, then even better.

However, with Mercury in Pisces oppose Mars retrograding in Mars and Mercury in a T-Square with the nodal axis, it might be easier to think rather than act.  Your mind is likely to be full of spiritual thoughts but not have the motivation to do anything about them, thus this is also a good time to do internal work, e.g. meditation, introspection, retreats.  On the other hand, the Piscean energy can either bring confusion or inspiration to the mind, clouding your thinking processes or imbuing you with plenty of imagination and creativity.

This New Moon trine Saturn and sextile Jupiter, bringing plenty of opportunities to manifest any realistic and practical goals set under this New Moon.  With Jupiter oppose Saturn though, as optimistic as you may feel, the process of letting go and releasing your problems to the Universe can open up cans of worms in your relationships with others, and you may find it a struggle to forgive and forget.

I have this New Moon tightly conjunct my Mars and sextile my MC - time to plan for my next step in my career....

Where is this New Moon in your chart?  How is it interacting with your own chart?

Image: Just2shutter / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Living Astrologically - Emotional Roller-Coaster

I don't normally keep a close check on how each transiting planet affects my own chart.  However, having experienced elation, frustration, offensiveness, sadness and shock, all within 24 hours, I thought I should take a look at what the planets were doing to my own chart.

I was surprised to find that yesterday (17th January 2012), all the transiting planets were in tight/exact aspect to many of my personal planets:

- transiting Sun trine my natal Moon

- transiting Moon trine my natal Sun

- transiting Mercury sextile my Sun

- transiting Venus conjunct my Mars

- transiting Jupiter conjunct my MC

- transiting Saturn square my Jupiter and quincunx my Mercury

- transiting Uranus conjunct my Mercury

- transiting Neptune quincunx my Jupiter

- transiting Pluto trine my Chiron

- transiting NN square my Sun

- transiting Chiron conjunct my Mars and sextile my MC

- transiting Mars sextile Uranus and square my Neptune (separating)

Do you ever get days like this?

Image: anat_tikker / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Nodal Problem

The North Node (aka Dragon's Head) symbolises the life experiences which can help us grow spiritually, i.e. what we need to develop in this lifetime.  The South Node (aka Dragon's Tail) symbolises the path of least resistance, i.e.the traits we have over-developed and tend to fall back on during challenging times, which can prevent us from reaching our full potential.

FAS Summer School 2008

To illustrate, I have my North Node in Virgo and South Node in Pisces.  Therefore, I need to develop Virgo qualities and avoid falling back on my Pisces tendencies.  In reality, procrastination affects me greatly so I need to have more self-discipline and focus more on my goals.  This laziness can, at times, encourage me to adopt a 'I can't be bothered' attitude, allowing me to excuse myself from participating in social events, so I need to put myself out there more as 'participation' is part of the Virgo North Node lesson.  

The houses your nodal axis straddles across will add another layer to your interpretation.  For example, my North Node is in the 2nd house and South Node in the 8th house so I need to develop my own self-worth and not put others' needs before mine at the expense of my own self-development.

I found other FAS students near me

The ruling planets of your nodal axis should also be considered.  For example, my Virgo North Node is ruled by Mercury, where my natal Mercury is in Aries in 8th.  Virgo North Node tells me that I need to have clear goals in my life and that I need to put myself out there more.  Its ruling planet, Mercury, can tell me how I can go about achieving that.  In this case, by communicating boldly and not being afraid to speak my mind on topics which may be considered taboo, I can reach my potential denoted in my Virgo North Node.  In reality, I'm attempting to achieve this  through astrology (and other forms of New Age healing methods). I have attended astrology classes, joined an astrology club and through this blog, I'm in connection with fantastic astrologers from all over the world.  I'm motivated to reach out and share my passion with other like-minded people.  However, I need to watch out for the ruling planets of my Pisces South Node - Neptune and Jupiter.  With my Neptune in Sagittarius and Jupiter in Cancer, I tend to avoid participation by hiding away into the safety of my shell and become unfocused on my future plans, especially the finer details.  I tend to get blindly optimistic and assume that everything will just work out in the end, but not doing anything in a concrete way to bring about the change.

I have one problem with my nodal axis - if the South Node denotes what I need to move away from, then what should I do, with a Pisces Sun, when your Sun sign is what you need to work towards in your lifetime?  I guess my Pisces South Node is related to the negative Piscean traits (e.g. escapism, procrastination) and I need to develop the more positive Piscean qualities (e.g. compassion, creativity) as part of my Sun's lesson.

What are your life missions?  What's preventing/hindering you from reaching them?

I strongly recommend Jan Spiller's Astrology for the Soul for those who want to gain further insights on this topic.