In the Stars July 13-20, 2014…shining light on the astrology of the week: Jupiter into Leo

Rocking and rolling planetary aspects continue to energize an active month of July. This week has important shifts: Jupiter moves into Leo tropically on Wednesday, July 16; the Sun squares the April 15 Eclipse Sun on July 17; Saturn ends its 4-month retrograde on July 20; and Uranus turns retrograde on July 21 for the next five months. The metaphor for this week is turning, shifting, and changing directions. Attend to the signs and omens that show up this week to steer you on your path.

Mars, Ceres, Vesta, and the North Node are all very closely aligned at 23-24 Libra, trine Venus, and close to Saturday’s Full Moon on the 12th. This massive alignment occurred in the light of a SuperMoon–a Full Moon that is perigee, or closest to the earth. This is one of three perigee SuperMoons this year that will occur in three consecutive months: July 12, August 10, and September 9. Check out this story from NASA Science News on July 10, 2014:

http://science.nasa.gov/science-news/science-at-na/2014/10jul_supermoons/

Sunday, the day following the loaded Full Moon, is a light, easy day framed with the carefree detachment of an Aquarius Moon. Sparks of creativity and intuition are provided by a lunar sextile to Uranus. A lovely Mars-Venus trine makes for a passionate and playful day.

Monday morning flows with good energy in the current of a Grand Trine between the Moon, Mars and Venus. Use the morning to make connections. Plan with clarity and precision, and solve problems efficiently and creatively. Employ this energy wisely before the Moon goes Void-of-Course at 12:23 PM Pacific Time. Then it’s time to clean, read, or create—anything not requiring definitive decisions. The Moon moves into Pisces Monday evening, bringing a soft focus. Take a soothing, hot bath and then go to bed early for ample sleep and to invite dreams.

The Moon is in Pisces on Tuesday and Wednesday. Tuesday begins with a Neptune/Moon conjunction that fuels imagination and inspiration. Then the Moon moves into alignments with Pluto and Saturn that can give form and structure to the creative visions and possibilities that have been stirred up earlier in the day. This is a special day that enables us to dream and imagine what we want to manifest…and then actually make it happen.

Wednesday brings the first of this week’s big shifts, with Jupiter moving into the sign of Leo, tropically. Jupiter in Leo (for the next year through August 12, 2015) brings exuberance, generosity, playfulness, and creativity. Leo is the sign that symbolizes children, so children may be a focus in the coming year in many different ways. Jupiter symbolizes expansion, travel, and other cultures. The thousands of immigrant children arriving at the U.S. borders and bringing an international focus to the plight of children is an expression of Jupiter in Leo.

The Moon is in fiery hot Aries and combines in identically incendiary aspects with the Pluto-Uranus square. The Aries Moon harkens adventure and initiative. Mars and Jupiter have now pulled out of the Grand Cross pattern, though the Moon opposes Mars Friday evening following its dance with Pluto and Uranus. These are cosmically very active, heated days. This is especially the case on Friday, when Mars is exactly square the Sun just after its spicy tango with the Moon. A Mercury-Neptune trine sprinkles bits of salve and sensitivity, but the intense aspects symbolizing conflict on this day can ignite tempers and fuel impatience. Friday is one day to be extremely mindful and careful. Drive cautiously, think before you speak, and center yourself before you react.
Also on Friday, Venus moves into Cancer until August 12 (see “Ten Things to Do with Venus in Cancer” at the bottom of this post). Venus joins the Sun in this sign symbolizing home and family—until July 22. Family gatherings and BBQs beckon.

The temperature cools Saturday and Sunday with the Moon in Taurus, where it is exalted. The Moon in Taurus calls on us to bring more beauty into our lives: visual beauty such as colorful decor; auditory beauty such as delightful music; olfactory beauty such as fragrant mists and flowers; and the beauty of taste through scrumptious food. Saturday the Moon makes opportune sextiles to Venus, Neptune, and Mercury. Plan to take it easy on Saturday. You’ll welcome that after the fiery Friday you’ve likely just experienced.

Sunday is punctuated with the dutiful demands of Saturn. Saturn makes a station and turns direct. Stations emphasize the symbolism of the planet, and in addition, the Moon opposes Saturn. This is a day to pause, deliberate, and earnestly plan the weeks and month ahead.

The Week in Short:
Sunday: Carefree, playful, amorous day.
Monday: Morning beauty under grand trine. Then make connections, plan, and solve problems.
Tuesday: Dream and imagine…and start the work to manifest those dreams.
Wednesday: Expansive, playful, dreamy day. Jupiter into Leo for the next year—focus: children, creativity, and generosity.
Thursday: Passionate day that calls for adventure and initiative.
Friday: Extremely fiery day; potentially dangerous. Exercise patience and caution!
Saturday: Time for repose. Enjoy all things sensual.
Sunday: With deliberation, take stock and plan the course ahead.

Ten Things to Do with Venus in Cancer
1. Take a journey through old family photo albums.
2. Call family together for a picnic.
3. Focus on home maintenance.
4. Make your home more comfortable.
5. Pull out your family recipes and make some of your favorite family foods.
6. Read a historical novel.
7. Get together with siblings or relatives and tell some family stories.
8. Gaze at the Moon in the night sky.
9. Honor your feelings.
10. Express care through a card, call, or gift of food.

Moon Void-of-Course: This is the time when the Moon makes its last major angular aspect with a planet and before it moves into the next zodiacal sign tropically. This void time, when the Moon is not aspecting a planet, but rather floating on its own, is a time when things do not come together and it is difficult to make decisions. Purchases made during void Moons often turn out to be unsatisfactory and not work out. Appointments often do not come together and meetings do not result in progress or sound, lasting decisions. You will more easily get lost or meander if you are trying to get somewhere.

The VoC Moon times for the next month are listed below so that you can plan meetings, decisions, and purchases at times when the Moon is not VoC; and use the void times for gardening, reading, and routine task work.

Exact Void-of-Course Moon times for the month ahead (one lunar cycle) are:
Pacific Daylight Time:
Monday, July 14: 12:23-7:40 PM (Moon into Pisces)
Wednesday, July 16: 5:57-9:07 PM (Moon into Aries)
Friday, July 18 at 7:18 PM through Saturday, July 19 at 1:43 AM ( Moon into Taurus)
Monday, July 21: 7:13-9:36 AM (Moon into Gemini)
Wednesday, July 23: 5:53-7:59 PM (Moon into Cancer)
Friday, July 25 at 6:53 AM through Saturday, July 26 at 7:55 AM (Moon into Leo)
Sunday, July 27 at 5:38 PM through Monday, July 28 at 8:37 PM (Moon into Virgo)
Thursday, July 31: 7:48-9:09 AM (Moon into Libra)
Friday, August 1 at 7:58 PM through Saturday, August 2 at 7:57 PM (Moon into Scorpio)
Monday, August 4 at 10:43 AM through Tuesday, August 5 at 3:19 AM (Moon into Sagittarius)
Wednesday, August 6 at 7:52 AM through Thursday, August 7 at 6:39 AM (Moon into Capricorn)
Saturday, August 9: 1:09-6:52 AM (Moon into Aquarius)
Sunday, August 10 at 3:12 PM through Monday, August 11 at 5:55 AM (Moon into Pisces)
GMT :
Sunday, July 12: 2:56-4:07 (Moon into Aquarius)
Monday, July 14 at 20:23 through Tuesday, July 15 at 3:40 (Moon into Pisces)
Thursday, July 17: 1:57-5:07 (Moon into Aries)
Saturday, July 19: 3:18-9:43 (Moon into Taurus)
Friday, July 18 at 7:18 PM through Saturday, July 19 at 1:43 AM ( Moon into Taurus)
Monday, July 21: 15:13-17:36 (Moon into Gemini)
Thursday, July 23: 1:53-3:59 (Moon into Cancer)
Friday, July 25 at 14:53 through Saturday, July 26 at 15:55 (Moon into Leo)
Monday, July 28 at 1:38 through Tuesday, July 29 at 4:37 (Moon into Virgo)
Thursday, July 31: 15:48-17:09 (Moon into Libra)
Saturday, August 2 at 3:58 through Sunday, August 3 at 3:57 (Moon into Scorpio)
Monday, August 4 at 18:43 through Tuesday, August 5 at 13:19 (Moon into Sagittarius)
Wednesday, August 6 at 15:52 through Thursday, August 7 at 14:39 (Moon into Capricorn)
Saturday, August 9: 9:09-14:52 (Moon into Aquarius)
Sunday, August 10 at 23:12 through Monday, August 11 at 13:55 (Moon into Pisces)
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In the Stars June 8-15, 2014…shining light on the astrology of the week: Full Moon

We are now in a three-week Mercury retrograde period (through July 1—and then a shadow period through July 15). This is an extended time for re-connecting, re-vising, re-thinking, re-organizing, re-doing, and re-imagining. In last week’s blog I suggested a Mercury retrograde exercise: re-connecting (especially given the Sun is in curious, social, Gemini):  With whom would you like to re-connect? Make a short list or otherwise lay a foundation of intention that you will re-connect before June disappears into the void of lost opportunity. Usher warm, interesting, uplifting experiences through re-connecting.

Re-organization is the focus for this week’s Mercury retrograde exercise. Re-organize some aspect of your home or office calling for attention. Re-organize your priorities. Check in with yourself and see if a project, event, or trip on the horizon would benefit from a re-organization.

This is a hot week with another Cardinal Grand Cross heating up. This is the third of three Grand Cross aspects, with one having been from mid-December 2013-mid-January 2014; one being the exact Grand Cross April 22-23 (and the month surrounding); and now another one peaks June 14-25. A friend was just relating all the big changes for the better in her life that had occurred over the April Grand Cross period, the Grand Cross connecting exactly with her Cancer Moon.  She courageously confronted some deep relationship issues, followed a strict dietary regimen to re-establish much better health; and renovated her apartment with beautiful new furniture. She asserted that the dynamic energy of the Grand Cross enabled her to step forward into a much more positive, healthy life.

This week begins with Venus in a benefic aspect to Pluto on Sunday, bringing the opportunity to make deep, meaningful changes in love relationships. Sunday afternoon and evening is overcast with a VoC Moon: time to relax and take it easy. Enjoy social time and conversation.

Monday and Tuesday the Moon is in Scorpio, a time when we want to draw inward for some personal reflection. Neptune makes a station Monday to turn retrograde for 5 months until November 16. When planets station, the associative symbolisms heighten. Neptune represents inspiration and sensitivity, as well as delusion and fogginess. With both Mercury and Neptune just turning retrograde, these are likely not going to be days for clear thinking. Yet, the soft focus can enable the imagination to soar.

Contrasting energies of optimism and pessimism are operative Tuesday…or of expansion and contraction. Harness such combinations to ground big ideas in reality.

From Wednesday through Friday afternoon, the Moon is in Sagittarius, where it radiates boundless warmth and enthusiasm. These lunar energies sponsor expansive, philosophical perspectives. The Moon is Full at 22 Gemini (Sun)-Sagittarius (Moon) at 9:11 PM Pacific Time on the 12th (the 13th in Eastern time zones and beyond). This is an extremely potent Full Moon that contains a number of other strong aspects and themes. Venus and Saturn oppose each other in Taurus and Scorpio respectively; Saturn offers discernment to Venus’ desires. Used wisely, this can be a good time to carefully plan or make purchases of value, to sharpen relationship commitments, or to strengthen finances by trimming unnecessary expenses or re-directing investments. Neptune is exactly opposite asteroid Pallas Athena, the patroness of the arts. This combination calls for boldly expressing more art and creativity.  Paint your world with beauty! Jupiter, Chiron, and Saturn form a Grand Water Trine, offering an outpouring of compassion and sensitivity. These strong feelings can be your guide to balance and healing. Arching over this amazing cornucopia is the Cardinal Grand Cross. As regular readers the last six months know, this cross can move and shake your life. You can choose evolution, progress. This is one magnanimous Full Moon! With Mercury and Neptune retrograde use it for re-thinking, re-vising, and re-doing—at a higher vibration. This Full Moon is also a call to adventure—so get moving and answer the call of the wild within you.

The Moon moves into serious Capricorn on Friday at 10:04 AM Pacific Time, bringing us back down to earth. Ground yourself on Friday in preparation for a bold, aggressive Saturday. Burn off some of the heat of the day with vigorous exercise Saturday morning. Employ the heat and dynamism of work rather than getting entangled through impatience and conflict. You could build a deck or take a bold step forward with your business. This day begs for bold change, so make it happen!

Sunday, Father’s Day, offers calm, intelligence and detachment. The Aquarius Moon is sociable, and likes engaging with a lot of different people. Stroll through a multicultural street fair—or go to a ballgame that is always sure to draw a diverse crowd ethnically, politically, and socioeconomically. Diversity is the theme of the day.

The Week in Short:
Sunday: Good day for relationship issues & passions. Intend to re-connect with people and re-organize your life.
Monday: Draw inward and take time for yourself.
Tuesday: Contrasting energies: ground big ideas into reality.
Wednesday: Vision, optimism, expansion.
Thursday: Magnanimous Full Moon. Revise and re-do and heed the call to bold adventure..
Friday: Work hard at implementing what has been stirred up by the Full Moon. Plan well for the high heat and dynamism of Saturday.
Saturday: High turbulence! Use it for a big accomplishment.
Sunday: Father’s Day: Mellow out with diverse friends. Take in a ballgame or street fair.

Moon Void-of-Course: This is the time when the Moon makes its last major angular aspect with a planet and before it moves into the next zodiacal sign tropically. This void time, when the Moon is not aspecting a planet, but rather floating on its own, is a time when things do not come together and it is difficult to make decisions. Purchases made during void Moons often turn out to be unsatisfactory and not work out. Appointments often do not come together and meetings do not result in progress or sound, lasting decisions. You will more easily get lost or meander if you are trying to get somewhere.
The VoC Moon times for the next month are listed below so that you can plan meetings, decisions, and purchases at times when the Moon is not VoC; and use the void times for gardening, reading, and routine task work.

Exact Void-of-Course Moon times for the month ahead (one lunar cycle) are:
Pacific Daylight Time:
Sunday, June 8 at 12:47 PM through Monday, June 9 at 3:38 AM (Moon into Scorpio)
Tuesday, June 10 at 7:21 PM through Wednesday, June 10 at 8:23 AM (Moon into Sagittarius)
Thursday, June 12 at 9:11 PM through Friday, June 13 at 10:04 AM (Moon into Capricorn)
Saturday, June 14 at 11:35 PM through Sunday, June 15 at 10:27 AM (Moon into Aquarius)
Tuesday, June 17: 11:07-11:26 AM (Moon into Pisces)
Thursday, June 19: 12:08-2:26 PM (Moon into Aries)
Saturday, June 21: 3:24-8:03 PM (Moon into Taurus)
Monday, June 23 at 6:49 PM through Tuesday, June 24 at 4:16 AM (Moon into Gemini)
Thursday, June 26: 4:56 Am-2:06 PM (Moon into Cancer)
Saturday, June 28 at 6:03 PM through Sunday, June 29 at 1:43 AM (Moon into Leo)
Tuesday, July 1: 3:00 AM-2:24 PM (Moon into Virgo)
Thursday, July 3 at 9:21 PM through Friday, June 4 at 2:43 AM (Moon into Libra)
Sunday, June 6: 8:31 AM-12:34 PM (Moon into Scorpio)
GMT :
Sunday, June 8 at 8:47 PM (20:47) through Monday, June 9 at 11:38 AM (Moon into Scorpio)
Wednesday, June 10:$B!!(B 3:21 AM–4:23 PM (16:23) (Moon into Sagittarius)
Thursday, June 12 at 9:11 PM through Friday, June 13: 5:11 AM–6:04 PM (16:04) (Moon into Capricorn)
Sunday, June 15: 7:35 AM–6:27 PM (18:27) (Moon into Aquarius)
Tuesday, June 17: 19:07-19:26 (Moon into Pisces)
Thursday, June 19: 18:08-20:26 (Moon into Aries)
Saturday, June 21: 23:24 through Sunday, June 22 at 4:03(Moon into Taurus)
Tuesday, June 24 2:49-12:16 (Moon into Gemini)
Thursday, June 26: 12:56-22:06 (Moon into Cancer)
Sunday, June 29: 2:03-9:43 (Moon into Leo)
Tuesday, July 1: 13:00 –22:24 (Moon into Virgo)
Thursday, July 4: 5:21–12:43 (Moon into Libra)
Sunday, June 6: 16:31-20:34 (Moon into Scorpio)
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In the Stars May 11-18, 2014…shining light on the astrology of the week: Full Moon

The Sun still shines in Taurus until May 20, shining light on beauty, sensuality, and fine tangible things. This is the time to plant beautiful flowers and sensual vegetables in your garden, visit an art gallery, get a massage, listen to inspiring music, and to cook sumptuous food. Delight the senses in all ways possible! Still in the final throes of the tight Grand Cross pattern, continue to clean up any debris and push forward with new projects.

Plan the week carefully to your advantage as Monday, Wednesday, and Friday have lots of Void-of-Course Moon time. Plan your meetings, shopping, and all things requiring definitive decisions for Tuesday, Thursday, and the weekend. Jupiter, Mars, and Mercury are visible in the evening sky—so look up at nightfall at these brightest stars.

Sunday, Mother’s Day, is one to navigate carefully as it is absolutely loaded with planetary volatility and challenges. The Libra Moon makes us conflict-averse and inclined to express ourselves gracefully. However, the Moon combines with the volatile Grand Cross pattern making Sunday a potentially turbulent, emotionally edgy day. Be careful about any buttons you or your mom may push with each other. Plan a Mother’s Day that is easy to implement. Prepare to back off and chill if you find yourself in a heated family discussion. It might be best to burn off excess, jittery energies by mutually pursuing something mentioned in the opening paragraph: do a landscaping enhancement as a family or in tandem as mother-child, or go to a museum and walk the grounds or the neighborhood, as well.

Monday and Tuesday the Moon is in profound, dark Scorpio, the fixed water sign that symbolizes the depths. Monday the Moon is Void-of-Course all day until 6:07 PM Pacific time Monday evening. Remember that this day is not one for doing activities that call for decisions, such as meetings or shopping. Mercury and Mars trine, generating animated conversations and many strong ideas. Stay open and receptive to a generous flow of possibilities.

Tuesday’s planetary aspects are benefic, offering imagination, inspiration, vision, and empowerment. Utilize the energetic gap between VoC constraints.

Wednesday brings a Full Moon in Scorpio’s mysteries, punctuated by Saturn close to the Moon: a big dose of somber reality. This Full Moon is in fixed signs, which can make for greater emotional tension. Taurus (the Sun’s sign) symbolizes the material world; Scorpio (the Moon’s sign) symbolizes desire; this axis highlights finances—how we make, spend, and invest money. Use this Full Moon to make sound strides in your financial foundations. On top of that, relationship issues are stirred by a Venus joining with Uranus in the Grand Cross. The exact Full Moon at 12:15 Pacific Time then marks a VoC period for the rest of the day until 10:44 PM Pacific Time, when the Moon moves into Sagittarius. This void Moon time does not favor activity that involves decision making. It’s best to read, ponder, do routine work, and clean. Read this paragraph twice: There is so much happening that limiting the scope of what you undertake on Wednesday may be the best idea of all. Keep an eye on finances without making commitments or decisions after noon. Sleep on them.

Thursday and Friday the Moon is in sunny, optimistic Sagittarius. Thursday bursts with creativity, brilliance, and surprise. Make the most of this exciting, sparkling day. The glow carries over to Friday as well, though the Moon is again VoC all day. So engage in routine work and steer clear of definitive activities and decisions. It can even be hard to decide what to wear when the Moon is void! When the Moon is in Sagittarius, party and fly free. Celebrate TGIF with friends or family who make you laugh and make your spirit soar.

Saturday and Sunday the Moon is in taciturn Capricorn, bringing us back down to practical matters and the work that needs to be done. The Capricorn Moon combines with the volatile energies of the Grand Cross, but the exact most volatile alignments are at night and in the early morning nighttime hours in North America. Capricorn symbolizes ambition and mastery; employ the hard angles of the Grand Cross these two weekend days to get a lot accomplished, but refrain from pushing too hard and inciting conflict.

The Week in Short:
Sunday: Turbulence! Navigate carefully and consciously.
Monday: VoC Moon all day, so stick to routine.
Tuesday: Empowered by imagination and vision. Scorpio Moon calls for time alone.
Wednesday: Full Moon in Scorpio! Focus on finances, but without decisions after 12:15 PDT.
Thursday: Sparkling day that pops with brilliant possibilities.
Friday: Glows with the sunny Sag Moon, but Moon void all day. Party in the evening—TGIF!
Saturday: Ambitious day for lots of hard work.
Sunday: Another grounded, good working day. Tasks and goals can be accomplished.

Moon Void-of-Course: This is the time when the Moon makes its last major angular aspect with a planet and before it moves into the next zodiacal sign tropically. This void time, when the Moon is not aspecting a planet, but rather floating on its own, is a time when things don’t come together and it’s difficult to make decisions. Purchases made during void Moons often turn out to be unsatisfactory and not work out. Appointments often don’t come together and meetings don’t result in progress or sound, lasting decisions. You will more easily get lost or meander if you’re trying to get somewhere.

The VoC Moon times for the next month are listed below so that you can plan meetings, decisions, and purchases at times when the Moon is not VoC; and use the void times for gardening, reading, and routine task work.
Exact Void-of-Course Moon times for the month ahead (one lunar cycle) are:
Pacific Daylight Time:
Sunday, May 11 at 5:51 PM through Monday, May 12 at 6:07 PM (Moon into Scorpio)
Wednesday, May 14: 12:16-10:44 PM (Moon into Sagittarius)
Friday, May 16 at 12:43 AM through Saturday, May 17 at 1:12 AM (Moon into Capricorn)
Monday, May 19: 12:02-2:58 AM (Moon into Aquarius)
Tuesday, May 20 at 3:21 PM through Wednesday. May 21 at 5:18 AM (Moon into Pisces)
Thursday, May 22 at 11:26 PM through Friday, May 23 at 9:01 AM (Moon into Aries)
Sunday, May 25: 8:58 AM-2:28 PM (Moon into Taurus)
Tuesday, May 27: 2:10 AM-9:48 PM (Moon into Gemini)
Thursday, May 29 at 2:59 AM through Friday, May 30 at 7:13 AM (Moon into Cancer)
Saturday, May 31 at 11:32 PM through Sunday, June 1 at 6:43 PM (Moon into Leo)
Tuesday, June 3 at 7:42 AM through Wednesday, June 4 at 7:20 AM (Moon into Virgo)
Friday, June 6: 2:13 AM-7:01 PM (Moon into Libra)
Sunday, May 8 at 12:47 PM through Monday, June 9 at 3:38 AM (Moon into Scorpio)

GMT :
Monday, May 12 at 1:51 AM through Tuesday, May 13 at 2:07 AM (Moon into Scorpio)
Wednesday, May 14: 8:16 through Thursday, May 15 at 6:44 AM (Moon into Sagittarius)
Friday, May 16 at 8:43 AM through Saturday, May 17 at 9:12 AM (Moon into Capricorn)
Monday, May 19: 8:02-10:58 AM (Moon into Aquarius)
Wednesday, May 20 at 1:21 AM–1:18 PM (13:18) (Moon into Pisces)
Friday, May 22 at 7:26 AM—5:01 PM (17:01) (Moon into Aries)
Sunday, May 25: 4:58 PM-10:28 PM ( 16:58-22:28) (Moon into Taurus)
Tuesday, May 27 at 10:10 AM through Wednesday, May 28 at 5:48 AM (Moon into Gemini)
Thursday, May 29 at 10:59 AM through Friday, May 30 at 3:13 PM (15:13) (Moon into Cancer)
Sunday, June1 at 7:32 AM through Monday, June 1 at 2:43 AM (Moon into Leo)
Tuesday, June 3 at 3:42 PM (15:42) through Wednesday, June 4 at 3:20 PM (15:20) (Moon into Virgo)
Friday, June 6: 10:13 AM through Saturday, June 7 at 3:01 AM (Moon into Libra)
Sunday, May 8 at 8:47 PM (20:47) through Monday, June 9 at 11:38 AM (Moon into Scorpio)

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In the Stars April 13-20, 2014…shining light on the astrology of the week: Total Lunar Eclipse

The extremely powerful planetary energy that occurs over the next two weeks is about to burst forth. The cardinal grand cross we have been watching form will be sandwiched between a lunar and a solar eclipse. This week features the Pluto station on Monday, the Total Lunar Eclipse on Tuesday, and the last week of the Sun in Aries before it moves into Taurus on Saturday. Breakthroughs abound, alongside crises and opportunities. There have been more earthquakes, mass shootings, and the tragic crash of the Fed-Ex truck into a bus of high school kids on California’s I-5: all examples of the blazing, accident-prone energy that abounds.

Sunday could be a calm day before the storm. The Moon is in Libra, a perfect backdrop for chilling with my husband at the Arlo Guthrie concert we’ll attend (the Libra Moon wants to be relating and loves languorous Venus pleasures like music). Infuse your day with expressions of love and beauty. This is a lovely day with some ease and no exact aspects—but note that the next two days are extremely volatile, with the Lunar Eclipse on Tuesday. So cherish the placid ease of this Palm Sunday.

Monday, April 14, is one big, powerful, complex day with a lot of energy to manage and to use wisely. Pluto stations retrograde–stands still–and begins its retrograde journey for the next five months before it turns direct again. When planets station, their symbolic energies are magnified. Pluto represents the deep, the dark, and the destructive, as well as power, resurrection, and transformation. Often things have to be destroyed before they can be changed and rebuilt in an entirely new way. Death and rebirth are part of the cycle of transformation. The Pluto station may illuminate aspects of your life that absolutely must change. It also could deliver changes that you are not able to consciously control. The ultimate positive expression of Pluto’s “gifts” is to more fully express your potential. Mercury joins the tightening cardinal Grand Cross, exactly squaring Jupiter and conjuncting Uranus. These additional aspects highlight brainstorming, innovative conversations, and expansive new ideas. This is no “ho-hum Monday.” Put Mercury’s bold, creative energy to work by being inquisitive in new ways. Engage in conversations that are likely to shake and renew your thoughts.

The total Lunar Eclipse forms Monday night and early Tuesday morning, April 15 (Tax Deadline Day) at 25 degrees Libra/Aries (Moon in Libra/Sun in Aries). The Moon joins the North Node, and the Sun conjuncts the South Node. This eclipse is visible in North America and Western South America. The eclipse begins at 9:54 PM Monday evening and ends at 3:38 AM Pacific Time (12:54 AM Tuesday to 6:38 AM Eastern Time, or 5:54-11:38 GMT). The eclipse maximum occurs at 12: 46 AM Pacific Time, four minutes past the Full Moon. This Full Moon reportedly will be red, called a “Blood Moon.” Eclipse specialist Bernadette Brady categorizes eclipses in cycles–or families–with different characteristics. This one may contain inspiration, but it can easily express as a wasted effort in the wrong direction. This alignment calls for us to be intuitive and adaptable, but not to chase unfounded dreams or compromise values. Aries symbolizes getting things started, but not all seeds thrown in the wind become thriving plants. The Moon is in fixed water sign Scorpio from Tuesday morning until Thursday afternoon. Given the volatility of the planetary energy of the week, take care to manage the strong feelings that may be stirred by the Scorpio Moon.

Mercury opposes Mars Wednesday, which could spark arguments and conflicts. Take care not to get too agitated; instead, use this sharp energy for mental focus. This is great for writing, especially for a paper or letter that utilizes dialectic to establish a point or state your position about an issue. The Scorpio Moon forms a grand water trine with Venus and Jupiter: feel good aspects to counter the agitation.

Thursday afternoon through Saturday, the Moon is in sunny Sagittarius. With the heat of the early part of the week, this is a welcome shift. The sweet trine between benefic planets Venus and Jupiter favors pleasure and good fortune. Thursday would be a good day to be expansive and set some things in motion.

The Moon makes a number of aspects with other planets Friday, both challenging and flowing. Venus sextiles Pluto, filling us with desire. It’s an auspicious day for business affairs and money matters. Investments of time, energy and resources have the blessings of the planetary deities.

Saturday is another yummy day, with the Moon in bright and happy Sagittarius and trining the Sun. Sag loves adventure and explorations. Take a trip—or plan your next one—to explore new vistas and culture. This is the last day of the Sun in tropical Aries.

Sunday, which is Easter Sunday, is another day loaded with complex planetary energies. The Moon is in Capricorn and shines its light on the cardinal Grand Cross, highlighting the rumbling and quaking of the very tight angular energy that will be exact in the next few days. Easter is the Christian holiday symbolizing resurrection. This holy day holds astrological opportunities for personal resurrection. Go easy on this day and take some time to contemplate the new callings and configurations that are shaking out in your life.

We’re coming up to the exact Grand Cross April 22-23 that aligns with Jupiter and Mars at 13 degrees of each cardinal sign (Uranus in Aries, Jupiter in Cancer, Mars in Libra, and Pluto in Capricorn). The Grand Cross contains at least 4 planets all in opposition or square to each other. Such a configuration involves planetary energies competing for attention and calling for action. The planetary energy/alignments don’t get any more potent than this, so continue to think about how you want to put all this dynamic energy to work.

The Grand Cross: A grand cross is when four sets of planets make a great cross in the chart: two oppositions and many square aspects, bringing challenges, contradictory messages that compete with each other for priority, and since it involves Pluto, Jupiter and Mars, it could be very extreme in fluctuating money matters, radical political events that could easily become violent, and on a more personal level, inner turmoil that will be unsettling no matter how secure you might think you are.

The Week in Short:
Sunday: Chill under Venus before the coming planetary storms.
Monday: Dynamic day for expansive thinking.
Tuesday: Total Lunar Eclipse: Deep feelings inform desired—or unplanned–changes.
Wednesday: Sharp focus, but steer clear of conflict.
Thursday: Pursue pleasure! Life is good and full.
Friday: Auspicious day for business and money!
Saturday: Sunny! Explore. Take a trip or plan one.
Sunday: Easter Sunday: Resurrection! High turbulence! Contemplate the changes quaking in and around you.

I’d love to know how these dynamic planetary energies are playing out in your life. Post a comment!

Moon Void-of-Course: This is the time when the Moon makes its last major angular aspect with a planet and before it moves into the next zodiacal sign tropically. This void time, when the Moon is not aspecting a planet, but rather floating on its own, is a time when things don’t come together and it’s difficult to make decisions. Purchases made during void Moons often turn out to be unsatisfactory and not work out. Appointments often don’t come together and meetings don’t result in progress or sound, lasting decisions. You will more easily get lost or meander if you’re trying to get somewhere.

The VoC Moon times for the next month are listed below so that you can plan meetings, decisions, and purchases at times when the Moon is not VoC; and use the void times for gardening, reading, and routine task work. Dates when the Moon is VoC for long daytime periods are in bold.

Exact Void-of-Course Moon times for the month ahead (one lunar cycle) are:
Pacific Daylight Time:
Tuesday, April 15: 12:42-9:20 AM (Moon into Scorpio)
Thursday, April 17: 12:09 AM-2:44 PM (Moon into Sagittarius)
Saturday, April 19: 6:17-6:28 PM (Moon into Capricorn)
Monday, April 21: 4:21-9:18 PM (Moon into Aquarius)
Wednesday, April 23: 9:10 AM-11:55 PM (Moon into Pisces)
Friday, April 25 at 1:03 PM through Saturday at 3:01 AM (Moon into Aries)
Sunday, April 27 at 4:02 AM through Monday, April 28 at 7:23 AM (Moon into Taurus)
Wednesday, April 30: 8:53 AM-1:56 PM (Moon into Gemini)
Thursday, May 1 at 4:32 PM through Friday, May 2 at 11:13 PM (Moon in Cancer)
Monday, May 5: 1:46 -10:58 AM (Moon into Leo)
Wednesday, May 7: 3:51 AM-11:24 PM (Moon into Virgo)
Friday, May 9 at 3:08 PM through Saturday, May 10 at 10:19 AM (Moon into Libra)
Sunday, May 11 at 5:51 PM through Monday, May 12 at 6:07 PM (Moon into Scorpio)

GMT :
Tuesday, April 15: 8:42 AM-5:20 PM (Moon into Scorpio)
Thursday, April 17: 8:09 AM-10:44 PM (22:44) (Moon into Sagittarius)
Sunday, April 20: 2:17-2:28 AM (Moon into Capricorn)
Monday, April 21 at 12:21 through Tuesday at 5:18 AM (Moon into Aquarius)
Wednesday, April 23 at 5:10 PM (17:10) through Thursday at 7:55 AM (Moon into Pisces)
Friday, April 25 at 9:03 PM (21:03) through Saturday at 11:01 AM (Moon into Aries)
Sunday, April 27 at 12:02 PM through Monday, April 28 at 3:23 PM (15:23) (Moon into Taurus)
Wednesday, April 30: 4:53-9:56 (16:53-21:58) PM (Moon into Gemini)
Friday, May 2 at 0:32 AM through Saturday, May 3 at 7:13 AM (Moon in Cancer)
Monday, May 5: 9:46 AM -6:58 PM (18:58) (Moon into Leo)
Wednesday, May 7: 11:51 AM through Thursday, May 8 at 7:24 AM (Moon into Virgo)
Friday, May 9 at 11:08 PM (23:08) through Saturday, May 10 at 6:19 PM (18:19) (Moon into Libra)
Monday, May 12 at 1:51 AM through Tuesday, May 13 at 2:07 AM (Moon into Scorpio)

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Contact for astrological readings/consultations at:
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707-334-3284Cathy Coleman

In the Stars March 9-16, 2014…shining light on the astrology of the week: Full Moon March 16

Daylight Savings Time has begun in the United States, for better and worse. The Moon has moved into Cancer Sunday, framing the day as one for home and family.  Cozy up with loved ones and stir up some comfort food.  Cancer, ruled by the Moon, can be a time for fluctuating moods—so allow yourself to go where your feelings lead. As you know from last week, we have had a number of major planetary changes in direction the past week.

Saturn and Mars are now retrograde, offering the opportunity to re-vision patterns of relating.  Jupiter is now direct, so perhaps you’re beginning to move a few projects forward.  However, with Saturn and Mars in retrograde motion, the going will be slow.  Take the time to plan carefully. Move forward with projects diligently and patiently.

From Sunday through Tuesday, the Moon is in Cancer. Monday should start with “wake up” dynamism—carrying the weekly turbulence of the Jupiter-Uranus-Pluto T-square.  This unstable energy can dislodge stuck patterns and produce breakthroughs. Adding to the mix is Saturn-square-Mercury that can deliver frustration and negative thinking. Combat such tendencies with focus, mental clarity and determination.

Tuesday carries a lot of tension as well, with Mars aspecting the Moon, and the Moon squaring the nodes.  Watch for a tendency to get emotionally overheated: stay cool and calm. A water trine between the Moon and Saturn carries sympathetic, healing energy.  The Moon is void in the afternoon and evening, so set things in motion in the morning and putter, read, or clean up after 12:50 PM Pacific Time.

Wednesday and Thursday the Moon is in playful Leo.  Uranus combines favorably with the Moon to enable creative endeavors to lead to discoveries—or to simply notice opportunities that appear.  Productivity abounds Thursday through the Sun-Saturn trine. 

Friday through Sunday the Moon is in Virgo, that time of the month that helps us put order in our lives and get a lot of things checked off our “to do” list.  A positive Mercury-Mars aspect makes for active minds, bold ideas, and sharp exchanges.  Friday evening is softened by a dreamy Moon-Neptune opposition.  Enjoy a romantic evening after a busy, productive day.  Saturday should also be a day that favors accomplishment.

We dwell under the signs of service on Sunday: a Full Moon (10:06 PDT) in Virgo and the Sun in Pisces. This Full Moon squares the galactic center at 27 Sagittarius. I think of the galactic center as being that magical place where we can envision one beautiful, interconnected world. Let’s imagine this Full Moon lighting a possible peaceful, compassionate planet home. The Full Moon marks the beginning of a long Void-of-Course Moon period until the Moon moves into Libra Sunday evening.  Use this end-of-the weekend to put your life in order and do one deed to serve the suffering in the world. 

It’s just a little over a month away before the exact cardinal Grand Cross at 13 degrees of all four cardinal signs that is sandwiched between two eclipses.  This is a very rare and extremely action-packed alignment. Imagine how you want to take your life to a higher vibration at that time when the sky lights with this brilliant dynamic alignment.

The Week in Short:
Sunday:  Home and family day.  Cozy up!

Monday: Unstable, tense day that can produce breakthroughs.

Tuesday:  Stay cool and calm in the face of tension.

Wednesday:  Discovery!

Thursday:  Productivity!

Friday: Productive day; romantic evening.

Saturday:  Good day for getting a lot checked off your “to do” list.

Sunday:  Full Moon!  Put your life in order.

Moon Void-of-Course:
This is the time when the Moon makes its last major angular aspect with a planet and before it moves into the next zodiacal sign tropically. This void time, when the Moon is not aspecting a planet, but rather floating on its own, is a time when things don’t come together and it’s difficult to make decisions. Purchases made during void Moons often turn out to be unsatisfactory and not work out. Appointments often don’t come together and meetings don’t result in progress or sound, lasting decisions. You will more easily get lost or meander if you’re trying to get somewhere.

The VoC Moon times for the next month are listed below so that you can plan meetings, decisions, and purchases at times when the Moon is not VoC; and use the void times for gardening, reading, and routine task work. Dates when the Moon is VoC for long daytime periods are in bold.

Exact Void-of-Course Moon times for the month ahead (one lunar cycle) are:
Pacific Daylight Time (dates in bold are ones in which there is a substantial amount of Void Moon time in daytime hours):
Saturday, March 8 at 11:53 PM through Sunday, March 9 at 6:33 AM (Moon into Cancer)
Tuesday, March 11: 12:50-7:09 PM (Moon into Leo)
Friday, March 14: 12:24-7:17 AM (Moon into Virgo)
Sunday, March 16: 10:08 AM-5:46 PM (Moon into Libra
Tuesday, March 18 at 6:07 PM through Wednesday, March 19 at 2:13 AM (Moon into Scorpio)
Thursday, February 20 at 8:11 PM through Friday, March 21 at 8:39 AM (Moon into Sagittarius)
Sunday, March 23: 3:40AM-1:03 PM (Moon into Capricorn)           

Tuesday, March 25: 5:35AM–3:39 PM (Moon into Aquarius)        

Thursday, March 27: 6:13 AM—5:10 PM (Moon into Pisces)          

Saturday, March 29: 6:44 AM—6:54 PM (Moon into Aries)

Monday, March 31: 1:07-10:20 PM (Moon into Taurus)

Wednesday, April 2, at 11:43 PM through Thursday, April 3, at 4:48 AM (Moon into Gemini)

Saturday, April 5: 7:55 AM-2:40 PM (Moon into Cancer)

 

GMT(dates in bold are ones in which there is a substantial amount of Void Moon time in daytime hours) :
Sunday, March 9: 7:53 AM-2:33 PM (14:33) (Moon into Cancer)
Tuesday, March 11 at 8:50 PM (20:50) through Wednesday, March 12 at 3:09 AM (Moon into Leo)
Friday, March 14: 8:24 AM–3:17 PM (15:17) (Moon into Virgo)
Sunday, March 16 at 6:08 PM (18:08) through Monday, March 17 at 1:46 AM (Moon into Libra)
Wednesday, March 19: 2:07–8:13 AM (Moon into Scorpio)
Friday, March 21: 4:11 AM–4:39 PM (Moon into Sagittarius)
Sunday, March 23: 11:40AM–9:03 PM (21:03) (Moon into Capricorn)

Tuesday, March 25: 1:35 PM–11:39 PM (13:35-23:39) (Moon into Aquarius)

Thursday, March 27: 2:13 PM through Friday, March 28 at 1:10 AM (Moon into Pisces)                                                                                                   

Saturday, March 29: 2:44 PM through Sunday, March 20 at 2: 54 AM (Moon into Aries)

Monday, March 31: 9:07 PM (21:07) through Tuesday, April 1 at 6:20 AM (Moon into Taurus)

Thursday, April 3: 7:43 AM–12:48 PM (Moon into Gemini)

Saturday, April 5: 1:55—10:40 PM (13:55-22:40) (Moon into Cancer)

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Cathy Coleman, Ph.D.
ccoleman829@gmail.com

 

In the Stars February 9-16, 2014…shining light on the astrology of the week: Full Moon

Note to subscribers/readers: If you ever find that you don’t receive the blog in your inbox on Sundays, please go to the website (www.cathycoleman.co) and re-subscribe. A few subscribers have suddenly found that they do not receive the blog, for reasons unknown. I’ve been producing the blog for three years; and if I ever decide to stop, I’ll give you fair warning. So please simply re-subscribe if you find that delivery has mysteriously halted.
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Mercury has just gone retrograde in the last few days, which continues through the end of February. Remember to pursue actions with the prefix “re:” re-think, re-evaluate, renovate, review, and re-do. This is the last full week of the Sun in Aquarius, highlighting friendships and groups. There’s still time to join that group you’ve been thinking about.

Sunday, February 9, is a magnificent day sporting a grand trine in Air: Sun in Aquarius, Moon in Gemini, and Mars in Libra! Stimulate your mind and engage with interesting people and ideas! Mix with friends and family, and participate in stimulating conversations.

Monday and Tuesday the Moon is in Cancer, the cardinal water sign symbolizing home and family. In itself it is a nurturing, caring energy. However, these days there’s a lot of turbulence when the Moon is in Cancer as it shines its light on the ongoing Uranus-Pluto-Jupiter T-square. The wildly fluctuating stock market is one symbol of this turbulence. Monday morning starts out softly with lunar trines to Mercury and Neptune. However, as the day wears on the Moon moves into hard angular relationships that could stir up conflict, rebellion, and discomfort, though the Moon/Jupiter conjunction will bring some grace. Use this edgy energy to expand your reach and create change in your life.

Tuesday sports a serious dose of Saturn which can show up as tests, obstacles, and demands for hard work and productivity. Pedal to the metal! Self-discipline and hard work will deliver rewards.

Wednesday mid-day through Friday evening, the Moon in Leo fosters courage, drama, and playfulness. Mercury moves retrograde back into Aquarius on Wednesday (until May 18), where it gives detachment, mental creativity, and inventiveness. Wednesday, February 12, is my son Eli’s 29th birthday (ushering in the Saturn return) and also that of my nephew Marc Metzner. It is also the birthday of Abraham Lincoln and Charles Darwin—a mighty day in our history. Happy Aquarian Birthday!

Thursday sparkles with a Moon-Uranus trine, encouraging independence and rebellion. Wear something a little more daring and colorful than usual to express your individuality.

Friday, Valentine’s Day, features a Full Moon (Sun in Aquarius and Moon in Leo). There are a lot of demanding, high energy aspects on Friday with this Full Moon. Saturn making a tense square to the luminaries (Sun and Moon) will bring restraint and calls us to use the energies wisely, and to balance the needs of self and others.

Saturday and Sunday the Moon is in Virgo—heralding that time of the lunar month to get organized, clean house, and get things checked off of your “to do” list. There are a lot of beneficial aspects both days that will help us whistle while we work productively.

The Week in Short:

Sunday: Magnificent, interesting day. Expand your mind and engage with stimulating people.
Monday: Turbulence: Expand; break free; change.
Tuesday: Apply self-discipline and hard work and reap the rewards!
Wednesday: Work and play hard!
Thursday: Independence and rebellion. Be a little more daring. Wear colorful clothing as one expression.
Friday: Full Moon: Expand–and balance the needs of self and others. Use the energies of restraint to accomplish practical goals.
Saturday: Get organized! A day for errands and getting a lot of things checked off your “to do” list.
Sunday: Another day for cleaning and organizing. Give your life the works this weekend and you’ll be set for the week and month ahead.

Moon Void-of-Course:

This is the time when the Moon makes its last major angular aspect with a planet and before it moves into the next zodiacal sign tropically. This void time, when the Moon is not aspecting a planet, but rather floating on its own, is a time when things don’t come together and it’s difficult to make decisions. Purchases made during void Moons often turn out to be unsatisfactory and not work out. Appointments often don’t come together and meetings don’t result in progress or sound, lasting decisions. You will more easily get lost or meander if you’re trying to get somewhere.

The VoC Moon times for the next month are listed below so that you can plan meetings, decisions, and purchases at times when the Moon is not VoC; and use the void times for gardening, reading, and routine task work. Dates when the Moon is VoC for long daytime periods are in bold.

Exact Void-of-Course Moon times for the month ahead (one lunar cycle) are:
Pacific Daylight Time (dates in bold are ones in which there is a substantial amount of Void Moon time in daytime hours):

Sunday, February 9: 1:08-10:33 PM (Moon into Cancer)

Wednesday, February 12: 2:51-11:15 AM (Moon into Leo)

Friday, February 14: 7:13-11:26 PM (Moon into Virgo)
Sunday, February 16 at 9:04 PM through Monday, February 17 at 10:23 AM (Moon into Libra)
Wednesday, February 19: 1:52-7:33 PM (Moon into Scorpio)
Friday, February 21 at 2:10 PM through Saturday, February 22 at 2:12 AM (Moon into Sagittarius)
Monday, February 24: 1:25-5:50 AM (Moon into Capricorn)
Wednesday, February 26: 2:51-6:55 AM (Moon into Aquarius)
Friday, February 28: 2:55-6:53 AM (Moon into Pisces)
Sunday, March 3: 3:04-7:40 AM (Moon into Aries)
Tuesday, March 4: 9:31-11:12 AM (Moon into Taurus)
Thursday, March 6: 5:55 AM—6:37 PM (Moon into Gemini)

Saturday, March 8 at 11:53 PM through Sunday, March 9 at 6:33 AM (Moon into Cancer)

GMT(dates in bold are ones in which there is a substantial amount of Void Moon time in daytime hours) :

Sunday, February 9: 9:08 PM (21:08) through Monday, February 10 at 6:33 AM (Moon into Cancer)
Wednesday, February 12: 10:51 AM–7:15 PM (Moon into Leo)

Saturday, February 15: 3:13 AM-7:26 AM (Moon into Virgo)
Monday, February 16 at 5:04 AM–6:23 PM (18:23) (Moon into Libra)

Wednesday, February 19 at 9:52 PM through Thursday, February 20 at 3:33 AM (Moon into Scorpio)
Friday, February 21 at 10:10 PM (22”10) through Saturday, February 22 at 10:12 AM (Moon into Sagittarius)
Most of the following periods are approximately 4 hours in length mid-day:

Monday, February 24: 9:25 AM–1:50 PM (13:50) (Moon into Capricorn)
Wednesday, February 26: 10:51 AM–2:55 PM (14:55) (Moon into Aquarius)
Friday, February 28: 10:55 AM–2:53 PM (14:53) (Moon into Pisces)
Sunday, March 3: 1:04-3:40 PM (13:04-15:40) (Moon into Aries)
Tuesday, March 4: 5:31-7:12 PM (Moon into Taurus)
Thursday, March 6 at 1:55 PM (13:55) through Friday, March 7 at 2:37 AM (Moon into Gemini)
Sunday, March 9: 7:53 AM-2:33 PM (14:33) (Moon into Cancer)

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Cathy Coleman, Ph.D.
ccoleman829@gmail.com
707-334-3284 cell

In the Stars December 15-22, 2013…shining light on the astrology of the week: Full Moon & Winter Solstice

This is the last full week of the holiday season before Christmas, a week that will be full of parties and gatherings, shopping, and the bustle of holiday preparations.  This week offers a Full Moon, the shift from the Sun in Sagittarius to Capricorn marked by the Winter Solstice, and Uranus and Venus changing direction.

The Moon is in curious and chatty Gemini on Sunday and Monday.  Sunday is a day for good conversations at holiday open houses, meeting new neighbors, and calling relatives to say a holiday “hello.”  It is also a light and carefree day, so we can relax in all we do!

Monday could be a jittery day of information overload and dangling conversations, or it could be full of innovative and useful ideas.  This should afford good energies for my book club to choose its 2014 selections from a vast array of nominations and pertinent information about the books.

The Full Moon (25:36 degrees of Gemini/Sagittarius) on Tuesday, the 17th (exact at 1:28 AM PST or 9:28 GMT), is full of optimism and exuberance, with the Moon in curious Gemini and the Sun in sunny Sagittarius.  Uranus also turns direct in motion after a 5-month retrograde spin.  When a planet makes a station and turns direction, the few days surrounding it are punctuated with that energy.  Uranus promotes innovation, rebellion, reversals, and surprise.  Breakthroughs may be possible, and new pathways can be forged in the coming days. Open to changes knocking at your door. This Full Moon chart contains a cardinal grand cross that is composed of two oppositions:  Capricorn symbolizes work and opposes Cancer, symbolizing home; in turn, opposing Aries and Libra symbolize individuality and relationships. These are the four cornerstones of life, and each of these signs have a planet occupying them in angular relationship to each other. Thus the grand cross brings double energies for breaking down old patterns and then creating new ones that vibrate at a higher level.

The Full Moon lights up very close to the galactic center (28 Sagittarius). With all the frost and cold weather around the country at this time, it’s interesting that the Sabian symbol for the Full Moon in Gemini at degree 26 is “Winter Frost In The Woods.”  The “frost” slows things down as the temperature drops and drives things toward dormancy, or rest.  The body then uses the extra rest and warmth to re-charge. The effect of the frigid weather has been evident in my usual early morning exercise classes this week where attendance has been down by half.

The Moon moves into Cancer tropically on Tuesday morning (10:17 AM PST), where it resides through Thursday evening.  Early Wednesday it comes into exact aspect with the ongoing Uranus-Pluto square, heralding the weekly turbulence.  Jupiter is conjunct the Moon, which could exaggerate emotions.  Stay calm; these jittery emotions may cause upset and clashes. Thursday the Moon trines Saturn, bringing greater stability to whatever turbulence has emerged. The Moon’s opposition to Venus fosters romance and sweet pleasures.

Friday through mid-day Sunday the Moon is in playful Leo. The Moon makes a benefic trine to Uranus Friday evening.  Holiday parties Friday evening will be extra fun and sprinkled with a few surprises.

Saturday is the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year, when there is the least light.  It’s a day of extremes, a turning to be followed by days of increasing light. The solstice chart, just as in the Full Moon chart, is highlighted with the very dynamic cardinal grand cross which may correspond with a tightening economic and political tension. On the solstice the Sun moves tropically from Sagittarius to Capricorn, bringing us down from the Sagittarius high of reaching for the stars, to the earthbound practicality of Capricorn. The Sun enters Capricorn in the tropical zodiac, where it is hard working, responsible, and masterful. Venus turns retrograde, and the Moon squares Saturn, both putting some restraint on indulgence. This energy will rein in our spending and enable us to get to the business of putting things in order for the end of the year.

From Sunday mid-day through Christmas eve the Moon is in energetic, efficient Virgo.  This particular Sunday is a day for work…cleaning…organizing. This, combined with the Sun in Cardinal Earth (action-oriented) Capricorn will be helpful with all the last minute holiday preparations.  My family and I will be going to the East Coast.  This Virgo Moon blessing will really help with the “to do” list for getting ready to go!

The Week in Short:
Sunday: Make calls and enjoy conversations at holiday parties.
Monday: Perhaps a jittery day with information overload, and yet a day where a lot of creative ideas emerge.
Tuesday:  Full Moon in Gemini/Sagittarius: Breakthrough ideas and optimism take old patterns to a higher level of evolution.
Wednesday:  Turbulence and opportunity.  Stay calm.
Thursday:  Sweetness and romance in the evening.
Friday:  Surprise and innovation emerge from connections at fun holiday gatherings.
Saturday:  Life becomes more serious and disciplined, but still the Moon is in playful Leo so holiday gatherings can be enjoyed.
Sunday:  Moon into Virgo:  a day of hard work, checking your list, and getting ready for Santa’s coming to town.

Moon Void-of-Course:
This is the time when the Moon makes its last major angular aspect with a planet and before it moves into the next zodiacal sign tropically. This void time, when the Moon is not aspecting a planet, but rather floating on its own, is a time when things don’t come together and it’s difficult to make decisions. Purchases made during Void Moons often turn out to be unsatisfactory and not work out. Appointments often don’t come together and meetings don’t result in progress or sound, lasting decisions. You will more easily get lost or meander if you’re trying to get somewhere.  There’s not too much Void Moon time this week in the daytime in the Western Hemisphere—just a little early Tuesday and Sunday mornings.  In Europe near GMT all day Tuesday is void, and the afternoon and early evening on Sunday.

Exact Void-of-Course Moon times are:
Pacific Daylight Time:
Tuesday, December 17:  1:28-10:17 AM (when the Moon moves into Cancer)
Thursday, December 19: 8:37-10:48 PM (Moon into Leo)
Sunday, December 22:  5:25-11:19 AM (Moon into Virgo)

GMT:
Tuesday, December 17:  9:28 AM–6:17 PM (18:17) (when the Moon moves into Cancer)
Friday, December 20: 4:37-6:48 AM (Moon into Leo)
Sunday, December 22:  1:25-7:19 PM (Moon into Virgo)

Feel free to forward this blog!

Sign up for the newsletter (free) at: http://www.cathycoleman.co (not com)
Cathy Coleman, Ph.D.
ccoleman829@gmail.com
707-334-3284 cell