Astroblogick

Cold Moon Rising

    Midwinter is just a fortnight away with the Sun reaching its annual nadir in the Northern Hemisphere while we watch darkness falling earlier and earlier with each passing sunset. Even as we find ourselves running out the clock on 2019, we see significant signposts ahead, along with a suggestion to begin reeling-in any loose-ends on the other side of Wednesday’s Full Moon in Gemini. The true beginning of the New Year will actually commence with the Solar Eclipse on Christmas Night, marking the beginning of a powerful new cycle, reverberating across the cusp of 2020.

    We have a crowning of sorts this week as the Moon reaches the apex of its monthly cycle, set into motion with the Sagittarius New Moon, two days before Thanksgiving. This Full Moon takes place in the fact-based sign of Gemini with new information surfacing, challenging preconceived notions and false narratives, based largely on uneducated opinion and clumsy reasoning. The question remains: are we willing to change our minds, or will we continue to tread the dumbed-down path of group-think?

    The Gemini Full Moon takes place Wednesday night, becoming exact at 9:12pm PST; 10:12pm MST; 11:12pm CST; 12:12 am EST, illuminating the latter degrees of Gemini and Sagittarius (19Gem/Sag52).

    There are reasons to think this Full Moon will be having a greater impact on the collective than the individual (as discussed below) even though we still can find this an ideal time for studying and writing, reading and engaging in conversation, both meaningful and trivial. Ultimately, this can be a time for expanding one’s horizons. The main takeaway here is in finding a balance between knowing and understanding while discerning the difference between fact and opinion as they aren’t the same thing, nor should they be given equal weight in the realm of the media and public discourse. Anything else is simply insane.

Mercury in Sagittarius

    Speaking of facts and opinions, on Monday Mercury enters Sagittarius after having just left its retrograde shadow on Saturday, completing its extended, 60-day, back-and-forth transit of Scorpio due to retrograde. Considering Mercury retrograde presided over the impeachment investigation, digging deep into secrets while following the money in Scorpio, its emergence from Scorpio with the evidence and into the fires of judicial Sagittarius point to the next phase; the actual impeachment of Donald Trump.

    From here it looks as though an actual impeachment trial in the U.S. Senate is likely to fall very close to the Saturn-Pluto conjunction in mid-January when we’re likely to see whether the Republic will remain a democracy or descend into an authoritarian monarchy that the Founders feared when they drafted the U.S. Constitution.

    We should expect to see legal decisions handed down while Mercury remains in Sagittarius until Dec. 29 as well as considerable noise in the way of debunked, bogus claims that, against all odds, still have a life of their own. Social (Sagittarius) Media (Mercury) will make a bigger splash over the course of the next three weeks before Mercury enters the sober sign of Capricorn just before the New Year breaks.

Mundane Signatures

[Please note:This section is focused on the political reality that confronts us and is heavily-laced with astrological terminology. If you are allergic to either or both, please feel free to skip this part.]

    In the context of the swiftly-moving impeachment process, other key features in the Full Moon chart include the Full Moon directly positioned over Washington, DC (Moon conj Midheaven), which would suggest major developments involving the public-at-large; the U.S. voter, perhaps. Also in the Full Moon chart, we find Mars crossing one of the four, fixed-sign power gates in mid-Scorpio (15 Scorpio), a location of great potency; placing an intense focus on hidden activities and compulsive behaviors. There are also indications of some form of derangement, obliviousness or idealistic notion propelling such activities (Mars trine Neptune).

    In relation to Donald Trump, the Full Moon makes a strong showing in the president’s chart with a direct hit to his Full Moon/Lunar Eclipse natal placement, one of several karmic hot-spots in his chart (Trump Sun in Gemini opp Moon in Sag). Looks like a crossroads here, perhaps damning himself with his own words once again alongside another signature suggests ill-health, or more directly, his obvious cognitive decline (N.Node conj Trump Mercury; Neptune squ Trump Sun-Moon) which is a scary thing to contemplate.

    My attention has also been drawn to the Full Moon's impact on the U.S. Natal Chart as well as the U.S. Constitution Natal Chart, finding some striking transits in both. Most notably, Wednesday’s Full Moon falling on the U.S. Mars placement (also where Trump’s Gemini Moon sits, which is how he can instinctually tap into the anger of his base). Anger, rage and the threat of violence are possible, fueled by emotionally-charged words and tired, debunked conspiracy theories (U.S. Mars squ Neptune).

    Even more interesting is the U.S. Constitution Chart with the Gemini Full Moon involved with the chart’s Virgo Midheaven (its stated purpose), what you could call a walk-the-talk moment. With Venus at the Midheaven of the Constitution chart, the Founders’ clearly-articulated values shine from this document which is why we swear oaths to preserve and protect it. The Full Moon says: “Well?”

    In the days leading up to the Gemini Full Moon, we find Gemini’s ruler, Mercury tracing a path over the Constitution’s Ascendant-Moon in Sagittarius (We The People!); news, information and media reports surge in anticipation of a Full House vote on Articles of Impeachment. Something striking at the heart of the Constitution arises which will determine the future of the Republic as Neptune prepares to move across the foundation point of the chart over the next two years; either elevating it to its rightful place as a shining example to the world or dissolve into a petty, right-wing, totalitarian dictatorship. Our representatives are being put on notice with the whole world watching; it’s time to stand up and be counted.

Lunar Gardening Report

    We have a number of favorable planting and feeding days this week, beginning with the Moon in fertile Taurus Sunday through Tuesday morning, ideal for tubers and other root crops as well as adding compost and other soil amendments. Tuesday afternoon through Thursday’s Full Moon in Gemini are generally considered no-go days for any kind of planting or feeding, so maybe there’s something else you’d rather do, anyway. The very best days for planting fall on Friday and Saturday with the Moon just past full in Cancer. Excellent for sprouting, seeding, transplanting, cutting to encourage growth and fertilizing; take advantage of it as these will be the last primo days for such activities ahead of next week’s Last Quarter Phase.

Daily Forecast (For all signs)
(Times are Eastern Standard/-0500UTC)

Sunday, Dec. 8: We have a Low Gravity Warning in effect for the early morning hours with uncentered, confused or deceptive actions arising out of nowhere, making this a good morning to sleep in (Sun square Neptune). Fortunately, the Moon is waxing in grounded Taurus, keeping us anchored to the material world while also finding solutions and workarounds as the day progresses. Something breaks loose mid-morning in the way of sudden, unpredictable changes disturbing the status quo while we’re encouraged to engage in things of beauty and grace this afternoon (Venus sextile Neptune). Health and money are tightly intertwined later tonight and into tomorrow with money coming out on top, of course (Jupiter square Chiron).

Monday, Dec. 9: The Moon steadily plods its way over the frozen pastures of Taurus, waxing toward Wednesday night’s Full Moon in Gemini and the high point of the cycle we currently find ourselves in. Restless energies in the predawn hours could have some folks up and rolling before everyone else when the Moon opposes Mars. Mercury, having just stepped out of its retrograde shadow in Scorpio on Saturday, crosses the cusp into Sagittarius, placing significant focus on the media’s impact on the hive-mind and all things associated with social media. On a personal scale, Merc in Sag coincides with broadening one’s intellectual and visionary horizons with the potential for breakthroughs and revelations leading to the threshold of 2020. Slow and steady as she goes tonight.

Tuesday, Dec. 10: The Taurus Moon continues to lend a stubborn form of grounding through the morning hours before logging-on to Gemini just before noon. News, information, gossip and incessant chatter are in full download mode, especially this afternoon when the Moon moves opposite Gemini’s ruler, Mercury. This would be a good day to occasionally stop and take a deep, heart-centered breath to remember your calm center in the midst of any turbulence you may encounter.

Wednesday, Dec. 11: We might be experiencing increased emotional gravity this morning, perhaps by way of sad or disappointing news taking the lead when Venus forms her annual conjunction to Saturn. On the other hand, this also suggests a more mature and deliberate approach to matters involving money or relationships. There might be a strange twist in the story with sudden events occurring way outside the usual narrative, rattling cages in the process (Mercury quincunx Uranus). You may want a second opinion late afternoon if the information grows garbled, at least until sober clarity steps in later tonight when the Gemini Moon reaches its Full Phase.

Thursday, Dec. 12: The Gemini Full Moon becomes exact at 12:12 am (Eastern Time), illuminating the latter degrees of Gemini and Sagittarius (19Gem/Sag52) where we see a potential clash between the necessity for facts (Gemini Moon) and the willful push of opinion and belief (Sagittarius Sun). Although not mutually exclusive, knowledge and understanding don’t always mean the same thing, just as being clever isn’t often the same as being intelligent. Watch for an extended Moon void-of-course in effect until 6:23 pm, when the Moon enters Cancer, invoking the emotional body and all things pertaining to home and family. Chiron, the Wounded Healer stations direct at the first degree of Aries; the doctor, asking us where it hurts.

Friday, Dec. 13: It isn’t that today is particularly unlucky due to the numbers so much as two rather intense astrological signatures occurring side-by-side with the potential for sleight-of-hands (Mars trine Neptune) and deep dives into dark spaces (Venus conjunct Pluto). On a more positive level of expression, Venus-Pluto can indicate healthy, profound sexual experiences while Mars-Neptune might shine through selfless, compassionate actions as well as the wise use of practical magic.

Saturday, Dec. 14: The Cancer Moon continues to lend itself to matters close to family and home while striking high emotional chords throughout the day. Relationship matters come into clear focus even as we work at being better listeners and supportive partners. One of the more interesting, if not exciting combinations in astrology becomes exact tomorrow (and perhaps already in effect) with Jupiter’s expansive qualities finding fluid resonance with Uranus’s innovative, revolutionary impulses, bringing something entirely new into being.

Copyright 2019 Gary Paul Glynn

 

Jupiter Enters Capricorn

    Here at the outset of this final month of 2019, most of the faster-moving, interplanetary aspects are quiet as the Moon waxes into its First Quarter, suggesting a week geared toward putting projects, plans and initiatives in motion. This isn’t to say things are getting back to “normal,” considering the fact that we’re in the midst of the Saturn-Pluto conjunction growing toward exact over the next six weeks. This is a topic I’ll cover in greater detail in the weeks to come while I now direct your attention to Jupiter, planet of expansion as it enters the conservative, ambitious sign of Capricorn where it will remain until December 2020.

    Jupiter’s general symbolism tends to follow along the lines of expansion, growth, magnification, prosperity, abundance, waste and extravagance as well as matters pertaining to legal instruments and legislation. Jupiter has spent the past year transiting the sign of its rulership, Sagittarius, where we’ve seen politically-motivated behaviors reach beyond the boundaries of established law, leading to the constitutional crisis we find ourselves in today.

    Moving into Capricorn, Jupiter’s power of expansion finds itself in a more structured and restricted space than it has in some time. The earthly sign of Capricorn (not to be confused with your sun sign personality) is all about boundaries, systems, networks and the status quo. Corporations and banking systems are Capricornian in nature, which would suggest that Jupiter’s transit of this sign over the coming year will magnify both the positive and negative sides of national and global economics.

    Considering the fact that the last time Jupiter occupied Capricorn was Dec. 18, 2007 - Jan. 5, 2009, it presided over a perfect storm called the Great Recession of 2008 when the specter of greed and overreach (Jupiter) forced the bail-out of some of the biggest banks (Capricorn) in the country to prevent a global financial meltdown. Not only did it hit corporations, but had a negative effect on real-estate markets while wiping-out many a retirement investment account. Of course, that was 12 years ago and cycles rarely repeat themselves as far as their contents are concerned, not to mention that surely we learned our lesson, right?

    In a mundane context, Jupiter’s aspects and placements tend to show more on a social level than on an individual one, but this isn’t always the case as Jupiter transits to personal planets most definitely find notable expression close to home. Though Jupiter is considered weakened in Capricorn (the sign of Jupiter’s “fall”), its good graces of opportunity and abundance can be applied in a systematic and structured way that actually yields better, more robust results over the long run. The problem often stems from sloppy management, loose ethical boundaries, over-extension and the lure of easy money as we saw with the financial victims of Bernie Madoff during Jupiter’s last visit to Capricorn.

    If we can rise above these pitfalls and instead rely on the time-tested and conservatively-oriented approach to success, Jupiter will aid us in reaching our goals and aspirations. Clearly defining what one desires would be the first step while also looking to traditional approaches or techniques in which to help you call your future desires to yourself. At best, liberal Jupiter’s influence on conservative Capricorn and vice versa could lead to breakthroughs that go beyond limited belief systems and the things that divide instead of unite.

    Take advantage of the coming year by setting your sights on a step-by-step process that will provide concrete, long lasting results, greater levels of personal creativity, satisfaction and abundance.

Lunar Gardening Report

    It looks as though poor planting and fertilizing conditions will prevail both Sunday and Monday with the Moon in agriculturally-barren Aquarius; good days to avoid doing much of anything in the garden. The very best days for all forms of sprouting, seeding, transplanting, fertilizing or cutting to encourage growth takes place Tuesday through Thursday morning with the Moon waxing in Pisces. Thursday afternoon through Saturday are good days to cut, clear, rake, weed and compost under the Aries Moon, but a lousy day to plant or feed. Better to wait until the Moon occupies Taurus Sunday and Monday.

Daily Forecast (For all signs)
(Times are Eastern Standard/-0500UTC)

Sunday, Dec. 1: The potential for a sharp energy spike in the early morning is strong when the Aquarius Moon aspects Mars with things leveling-out as the day progresses. Cool, clear and emotionally detached observations should be seen as a necessary approach to matters we tend to take too personally.

Monday, Dec. 2: With the Moon void-of-course (VOC) in Aquarius from 7:27 am through the remainder of the day, you might want to keep it as simple and routine as possible while looking to tomorrow to get the ball rolling. Perhaps the biggest news of the entire week takes place this afternoon when Jupiter, the planet of expansion and growth crosses into the conservative earth sign of Capricorn for a one-year visit. There are numerous ways in which Jupiter in Capricorn can manifest but the most significant impact will be seen on socio-political or anything involving the status quo. On an individual scale of expression, the coming year may present us with opportunities, hidden within long-established traditions while optimism is tempered with an element of caution. Penetrating conversations, research or a deep dive into a mystery are indicated later tonight (Mercury sextile Pluto).

Tuesday, Dec. 3: The Moon enters Pisces during the overnight hours, opening us to the quantum realm of visions and dreams even as the Moon makes first contact with Jupiter since yesterday’s Capricorn ingress. Bright ideas and unusual pursuits can lead to morning breakthroughs along with the sense to allow our better angels to prevail in matters that extend beyond our personal self-interests. Sexuality and intimacy are emphasized today which may or may not be a good thing, depending on your situation (Venus sextile Uranus). This aspect can also be used for creative projects or anything requiring a combination of inspiration and passion.

Wednesday, Dec. 4: We reach the Pisces Moon’s First Quarter Phase in the wee hours, signaling a day of adjustments as we recalibrate our trajectories ahead of the Full Moon, one week from today. A lighter-than-air contact between the Moon and Neptune in Pisces could mean a number of things, but confusion and deception tend to be the most common default setting. We land back on solid ground midafternoon while a more probing state of mind is likely to emerge later tonight.

Thursday, Dec. 5: The Moon continues to wax in Pisces, lending itself to some very unusual encounters or states of mind, at least until it crosses the cusp of Aries at 2:45 pm and we are more prone to acting or reacting to input. There is some potential of overdoing things in the late afternoon with greater focus being placed on the subject of health a little bit later.

Friday, Dec. 6: A very active day in store with the Aries Moon rubbing Mars the wrong way in the early afternoon, followed by differences in tastes and values somewhat later. The Moon enters into its Gibbous Phase later tonight, signaling a strong surge toward next week’s Full Moon.

Saturday, Dec. 7: General conditions appear relatively calm despite the Moon in fiery Aries and the fact that the Moon will be VOC beginning at 10:00 am and will remain void for the remainder of the day. Today would be a good day to simply chill out and enjoy a little downtime with family and friends.

Copyright 2019 Gary Paul Glynn

The Holidaze

    Here in this final week of November, we have several high-profile astrological signatures roiling the psychic atmosphere with abrupt and potentially shocking developments on Sunday into Monday. On Tuesday the Sagittarius New Moon kicks-off the final solar-lunar cycle of 2019, a celebratory round that ends with a solar eclipse on Dec. 26. Illusion, confusion, delusion, deception, idealism, inebriation and altered states of consciousness may be apparent the entire week, coincidental to Neptune stationing direct Wednesday while the communication and media giant, Mercury hooks up with Neptune on Thanksgiving Day for an added dose of familial weirdness.

Abrupt Release

    Expansive energies or perhaps too much of a good thing may be in evidence on Sunday morning (Venus conjunct Jupiter) while another, far more powerful aspect cuts loose when Mars (actions, behaviors, violence) opposes (polarizes) Uranus (disruptions, explosions, surprises), with strong aftershocks reverberating through the collective. With these action-oriented planets facing-off in the fixed, unmoving signs of Taurus and Scorpio, their dynamic energy is compressed and rigidly-bound, waiting for someone or something to set it off. Watch for a sudden and potentially dramatic release of energy, anger or weirdness while bearing in mind that whatever transpires Sunday and Monday will carry major, long-term ramifications.

Sagittarius New Moon

    The expansive holiday season finds its clearest expression through the coming solar-lunar cycle commencing on Tuesday at 10:06 am (Eastern) with the New Moon opening the show in early Sagittarius (04Sag03) - a cycle which will remain in force until Christmas. Of course, there are numerous ways in which this cycle can reveal itself on both personal and collective levels of experience. Its most positive manifestations can be found through opportunities and advances through an optimistic out-picturing of one’s desires with the default being a more cynical and judgmental attitude that stops or slows the flow of energy. In the bigger picture, we should expect to see more in the way of legislation, matters pertaining to the ongoing impeachment proceedings as well as the all-important holiday retail sales. In a more general sense, we might think of the New Moon in Sagittarius as a Santa-figure, handing-out the splendid gifts of happiness, joy, generosity and compassion; positive emotions that make life truly worth living.

    On a more practical and immediate scale, the days leading up to Tuesday’s New Moon lend themselves to completions and endings while we wait for a more auspicious launch window. Long-term projects and plans can be powerfully initiated during the fleeting Cazimi Window, opening in the 30-minutes before and after the exact time of the New Moon. If you miss it, you’re encouraged to wait until Thanksgiving Day or later when the Moon takes on light in Capricorn before setting off. Those of you planning to enjoy an extended holiday, choosing to wait until next week to get things moving, you’ll want to set your sights on Tuesday, Dec. 3 to pull the trigger.

Neptune Stations Direct

    The excruciatingly slow-moving planet, Neptune doesn’t noticeably express retrogrades the same way faster moving planets such as Mercury and Venus do; instead we see its nebulous symbolism amplified when it remains motionless (stationary) while changing apparent direction twice a year. Such is the case this entire week as Neptune stations in the days before and after it ends retrograde on Wednesday.

    This would suggest odd, hazy or obscure developments in the way of visions or illusions; delusion and deception, oversights, idealism, insanity, illness, epidemics, inebriation and peak experiences. The potential for this stuff surfacing in plain view lies with Mercury as it forms a flowing (trine) aspect to Neptune on Thanksgiving Day, lending itself to novel mental states as well as the potential for travel delays. Otherwise, Neptune encourages us to consciously enter into a flow state, tapping into the deep well-spring of meaning, compassion and gratitude.

Lunar Gardening Report

    We’re in a holding pattern for planting and feeding while we wait to be on the far side of Tuesday’s New Moon. Sprouting, seeding, transplanting, repotting, fertilizing and cutting to encourage growth get the go-ahead on Thursday through mid-afternoon Saturday when the Moon takes on light in Capricorn.

Daily Forecast (For all signs)
(Times are Eastern Standard/-0500UTC)

Sunday, Nov. 24: We may be seeing greater levels of volatility today with two major planetary aspects sending two very different messages, depending on the context in which they unfold. The first of these involves the annual Venus-Jupiter conjunction, this time in Sagittarius which is, on a personal level of expression, a combination denoting opportunity and good fortune; favorable relationship themes, particularly where new beginnings are involved. Money is also a hot topic with Venus-Jupiter joining in Sagittarius, perhaps suggesting the legal scrutiny of gifts, bribes and other forms of easy money changing hands. Following this aspect we have one of the more unpredictable, hair-trigger aspects as Mars in Scorpio moves opposite Uranus in Taurus. Sudden, unexpected releases of apoplectic rage are entirely possible as well as uprisings, rebellions, discoveries and other, more impersonal releases of energy (earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and accidents). Stimulating conversation dominates the evening hours when the darkened Scorpio Moon joins Mercury with recaps and a special focus on secrets from the past.

Monday, Nov. 25: Compared to yesterday, today looks like a walk in the park, but that probably isn’t going to happen as we’re still dealing with fallout from yesterday’s Mars-Uranus opposition. Ahead of tomorrow’s New Moon in Sagittarius, any last-minute touches, completions or finalizations need to be taken care of before 12:30 pm when the Scorpio Moon goes VOC for the remainder of the day. After spending the past 24 days in Sagittarius, Venus changes out her hiking boots for sensible dress shoes in Capricorn where relationship matters take on a more sober, mature expression with an emphasis on responsibility and traditional forms until the Solstice. Uneasy, edgy or eccentric energies might be in evidence tonight, perhaps as a reaction or response to yesterday’s developments (Sun quincunx Uranus).

Tuesday, Nov. 26: The Moon crosses the cusp into Sagittarius during the overnight hours before joining the Sun to form the Sagittarius New Moon at the front-end of Sagittarius (04Sag03), exact at 10:06 a.m.; birthing a new solar-lunar cycle focused on larger social issues and matters involving truth and justice until Christmas. Depending on one’s approach, the coming month could be a time of optimistic growth and personal excellence or it can default into cynical opinions and self-limiting beliefs. The Cazimi Window for new beginnings takes place between 9:36 and 10:36 am; if you miss this fleeting moment, you’ll want to wait until after the Moon takes on light Thanksgiving Day.

Wednesday, Nov. 27: The psychic fog we’ve been blanketed with this past week reaches maximum density with all manner of weirdness coming to our attention, particularly with regard to deceptive influences or a complete disregard of boundaries as Neptune stations direct in mid-Pisces (15Pis05). With Mercury moving into a strong aspect to stationary Neptune, we’re likely to see the specter of casual lies and attempts to create confusion and doubt in lieu of a strong, contrary argument. The more magical side to this combination finds expression through the divinatory arts, channeling, story-telling, poetry and creative writing projects.

Thursday, Nov. 28: Thanksgiving Day. The Mercury-Neptune trine I discussed yesterday takes place during the predawn hours but lends itself to potential weirdness as the day progresses. With the Moon entering Capricorn this morning, you should expect attitudes to lean conservative at most family gatherings although it would be good to be braced for a potential surprise surfacing sometime during the day (Venus trine Uranus). With the Capricorn Moon explicitly involved with this Venus-Uranus hub-bub, we might expect hackles to be raised and the sound of tutting in the kitchen. Whatever unfolds, remain unflappable and certain in your truth, standing your ground without feeling a need to change anyone’s thinking; it would be better to use the time to count your many blessings while laying a few silent blessings on your contrary family as well. Happy Thanksgiving, wherever you are!

Friday, Nov 29: Unless you’re camped in line in front of a big box store to score a deal on a 60” plasma television, the Capricorn Moon would encourage you to go the conservative route and celebrate Buy Nothing Day instead. Now that the Moon is freshly waxing and Mercury is no longer retrograde, we have a green light for all new business pursuits. Considerable activity in the early afternoon gives us a running start before encountering a delay or impasse later in the day; perhaps a pause to enable us to pay closer attention to some area of our lives. Late night soul-searching may lead to an important decision or a more detailed plan about how we wish to proceed (Mercury sextile Saturn).

Saturday, Nov. 30: If you did in fact decide on a course of action last night, you’ll want to wait until after 3:15 pm to implement it due to the Capricorn Moon VOC until it enters clear-visioned Aquarius at that time. Unexpected developments later tonight might be just what we need to break out of any feelings of stagnation or ennui. Time to open some perceptual windows, allowing fresh air and new insights to circulate through our mental-emotional bodies while Jupiter hovers at threshold of Capricorn.

Copyright 2019 Gary Paul Glynn