New Moon in Scorpio: Transition & Direction

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The NEW MOON occurs on Saturday, November 18th, 2017, at 6:42 AM EST. 

This New Moon in Scorpio officially initiates the transit of Jupiter through Scorpio – we’re now full on in the flow of transformation.  The New Moon occurring at 26 degrees of Scorpio is also triggering August’s Solar eclipse degree by a square, which to me feels like a sense of tangible progress, clarity about next steps, and possibly even some answers.

Since August, we have all been faced with some kind of major shift.  The kinds of shifts that I see people facing are not pithy or even remotely subtle – they are HUGE and life bending.   Big announcements, shocking events, secrets revealed, relationships ending & evolving, careers changing, major decisions about past & present selves, long term plans shifting or coming into greater focus, and new creations of all kinds pulling us from one dimension of reality to a new & completely different space.  The long term implication of these changes is that we are moving in the direction of our highest heart -- for some of us that path might currently be clear and obvious, while others might find themselves mired in situations that for the time, feel extremely difficult.  Ultimately, no matter where you fall on the spectrum of hope and despair in this moment, the message that I feel is that we are all going through a process of shedding something in order to create or become something else that is happier, more pure, and more free.

One of the big themes that I see at this moment is that many are at a point of realizing that what we have chosen to take on is way bigger than we ever imagined – that the steps ahead to get to the ultimate goal of our desires are quite complex and involve a lot of work at many levels.  Some of us have really big and important dreams but there are intermediary processes that must be passed through before those dreams can even begin to take form.  These processes and steps might not feel anything like the end goal and can even seem contrary to it!  For others, the dream might be much closer to physical actualization, but there are emotional processes coming up instead.  The big question that we all face at this time is whether or not we are truly being ourselves and living the life that we want -- and how can we be more attentive to those things that serve our higher goals.  Rather than living the grind for the sake of the grind -- what is the direction of it all?  Where are we going?  Is it what we want -- or are we acting out of social expectation?

On the whole, we are all working with all of the ways we have allowed external influences to shape us, as well as how much is involved to move through and undo these influences to become more true to ourselves. What may have seemed simple at the outset turns out to be a journey into the darkness and muck of our being and lives as they have been.  Our blindspots, our habits, the little things we let slide by that actually irk us deep down.  We realize, suddenly, that we have trapped ourselves in the cage – and that the roots of this obstruction are profound beyond previous consciousness.

The Astrology of now is ALL about this deep, complete, and total change.  This process of change is not something we can avoid – but it does require commitment to the process (made easier if you can at least surrender and try to trust the process).  Under this New Moon, we will find it immensely fruitful to go deep into the change & evaluation that we are facing – to try to understand what it is, exactly (or even approximately) that we are shedding – and what it is, exactly (or even vaguely), that we are attempting to create from the space left behind.

There are a few major things coming up in the Astrology that are relevant to this New Moon's energy, so I will spell these out a little bit below...

First, and most majorly is the transit of Jupiter through Scorpio – As I mentioned already, this transit began back in October, but is being initiated by the New Moon in Scorpio, thus bringing the energy of what this transit is about for us into full consciousness.  Jupiter in Scorpio is about journeying into the depths of our being, heart & soul, and transforming gloriously.  The fact that this energy follows the eclipses (in a sign that is square to the transiting nodes) is showing us how DEEP the work really is to get to our heart’s true desires (Leo's soul aspiration).  For the next year, we will be wading through things that have felt unchangeable, intractable and impossible for many years, and making important choices about the direction of those things…  Transform?  Integrate?  Let go?

It is not light work – it is some serious heavy lifting!  But by the end of this transit, we will all feel we have lightened our load and are clearer in so many ways.  Parts of our lives that have been difficult will have evolved, things that we have been ashamed of will become more integrated and comfortable, and elements of our lives that are truly over will be surrendered.  The deep consideration of all of these different layers is necessary to really get the job done thoroughly – and that is truly what Scorpio transits are for at the end of the day…  COMPLETE and TOTAL transformation, with no loose ends.  Jupiter’s flow will make us more aware of the problems at first, but the benefit is that transformation can be very cathartic and revelatory.  Suddenly we see things we’ve never seen – and it hurts, but it benefits us when we recognize there is a road to change.

(You can read more about the transit of Jupiter in Scorpio in this article – click here!)

Second – The transit of the nodes & the Leo/Aquarius eclipses

The eclipses in August were incredibly profound for many, many reasons.  First, it was the initiating eclipse cycle for the transit of the Leo/Aquarius nodes which began back in May – and thus told us all an important story about what it is our heart really wants to create and what we must do to get there.   In addition to that, for those of us in the USA it went across US soil and was in strong aspect to the USA natal chart – which has profound implications for ALL USA citizens about the direction we are going in as a country, as individuals within the country, and as citizens of the world social order.

On the personal level, we are all realizing that we have individual projects to contribute to the whole of society in a productive and positive way.  Some of these projects involve the evolution or changing of society for the better – but society is inherently discordant at this time – and most of the socialization that we have individually experienced at the hands of society is equally discordant.  This in turn means that the social process is happening for all of us WITHIN at a profound level (to become who we are, and give what we’re meant to give without being held back by conditioning-based restraints) as well as WITHOUT on a profound level as we face the corruption and problems of the external world.

Since the eclipses there have been many huge events on US soil and in the consciousness of people that have created a collective shift in focus.  Overwhelming natural disasters, outbreaks of violence, and crazy news headlines are all component to what is an increasing understanding among individuals that we need to be more engaged, somehow.  The complacency of times past no longer seems feasible or reasonable – we all feel pressured to do our part, even if those parts are small and subtle, individual and specific.  When times of great pressure or disaster come to people, people have the opportunity to remember what is really important in life and shed the rest.  Even as the world seems to be getting more crazy, there is also a sense that the world is becoming more compassionate and more connected with the real.

Of course, that which is dispassionate, not real, and especially social structures which are long out dated are also showing up really obviously and strongly.  Some people look at this as a negative thing (Oh it is getting so much worse than before!)  But the feeling I have about it still swings on the side of optimism… that when the negative grows obvious it is an opportunity for that energy to begin to change and go in a new, more positive direction.

Just as within an individual, awareness of our own darkness can help us grow toward the light, this also works at a larger scale – albeit more chaotically.

The age old question is always – can darkness be truly extinguished from the world?  Won’t it all go back into hiding again in the end?  There are always new darknesses, perhaps, but there is also evolution.  And now is definitely a time when we have the opportunity and perhaps inevitability for that forward movement.

(Note – I’ve also written quite a bit about this transit & eclipses as well… see these articles if interested: 1, 2 & 3 )

Third – Saturn Leaves Sagittarius – enters Capricorn in December

Saturn is wrapping up its journey in Sagittarius once and for all!  It will enter Capricorn the day after the New Moon in December (December 19), and so this lunar cycle & next will also be wrapping up the stories of the past 3 years as we begin to draw some final conclusions about what we really believe & feel after all that has happened during this crazy time!  Jupiter is the traditional ruler of Sagittarius – so there is an overlap between Jupiter’s ingress into evolutionary Scorpio, and Saturn’s departure from idealistic, world traveling, philosophical Sagittarius.  For the past 3 years we’ve been doing a deep karmic process around our prejudices, ideologies, and philosophies.  What has been believed to be “true” by us personally (and at a larger scale level) has been put to practical test… and now it’s time to evaluate the results of those tests with honesty.

Take off the rose colored glasses!  Because Capricorn Saturn is going to be all about putting our plans and visions into action and tangible form.  What doesn’t work now will definitely not work then.  Saturn’s lessons in the area of TRUTH may have been harsh at times, but the ultimate goal of the process is for us to know the REAL truth – and become more free because of it.

Sagittarius’ ideal is for a more tolerant world, in touch with a sense of independence & individual spiritual actualization – according to one’s own personal belief system, truth, and journey.  In Sag, the specific ideology is not necessarily important, but the concept of benevolence and natural order/natural law (respect for other beings, respect for life, etc) are important and are central to its truth.   Saturn here is about standing strong in the truth that is aligned with something authentic, and releasing truth that is aligned with what is false.  These are truths that ultimately transcend argument and religious association – truths that one has come to know through tangible experience and have stood the test of time & evolution.

Finally, this lunation also marks the final break up of two big aspect patterns active throughout 2017: 1) The Grand Fire Trine between the North Node, Saturn & Uranus which has been active for the past 5 months creating a whirlwind of wild change in all of our lives.  With this shift, we might find ourselves able to slow down some and really focus on the richness of all that is happening.  2) The Saturn-Chiron square (the final -exact- aspect was on November 2) which was very much about the wounding & victimization of our internal authority.  This hyper-sensitive transit brought up issues of blocked healing and could have increased feelings of anxiety, or exacerbated health issues, particularly ones that are mysterious in nature.  With these two moving away from each other, we might start to feel some relief, as the picture of healing starts to become clearer to us after a time of trials.

The image I have for this time, astrologically speaking, is one of a whole person emerging from the sticky muck of life with great determination.  We've got considerable work ahead to be free of it, but the feeling and awareness that we can expand beyond it is definitely there.  With some effort we can shed that heaviness!  Be attentive to the change and brutally honest, understand the bigger picture, and engage both the will power and faith to undo the bindings.

No matter what is going on externally in your world, don’t dismiss the true vision of your heart.  This is your guide to happiness and freedom.

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Full Moon in Scorpio / North Node Enters Leo: Unfolding The Cosmic Purpose

On May 9, 2017, the North Node entered the sign of Leo/the South Node entered Aquarius and on May 10, 2017, we welcome the full moon in Scorpio.

The Scorpio Full Moon is known as the Buddha Moon, as it legend that the Full Moon in Scorpio was the moon under which he was enlightened.  Scorpio is a sign associated with the mystery, and so this moon does carry with it a mystical energy – and Scorpio, the sign of transformation & rebirth – lends itself well to alchemical processes of all kinds.

In some years, the Scorpio moon can feel ominous and foreboding, like sinking into the depths of the abyss – but this year it feels quite transformative, opening, synchronistic and positive.  And this, I believe, has a lot to do with the fact that this full moon is also aligning with the transition of the North Node from service-oriented Virgo into creative & light-hearted Leo.

In looking at the charts for these two events, there is a feeling of peaceful surrender as well as powerful manifesting potential, inspiration, and focus that is currently being felt, and will continue to define the next 18 months for the duration of the North Node's transit in the sign of Leo.  The energies of this full moon are highlighting the process that we are about to undergo.  There is a sense of freedom from past emotional & spiritual dramas.  It seems as if these things are suddenly falling away naturally and effortlessly – allowing for the potential of the Leo North Node – the TRUE WILL – to begin to emerge like the lotus from the mud.  The fact that these two events are aligning bodes well for the transformative potential of this next 18 months.  In fact, it may just be that there is a light at the end of the long, dark tunnel.

The North Node in transit represents the direction we are headed collectively.  The South Node represents the shadow elements we must strive to overcome.  As the North Node crosses into Leo, it brings a pleasant buoyancy after what has been an arduous transit of the nodes through Virgo/Pisces.  Leo is all about living from the heart, self expression, play and creative will.  Immediately, I have found the energy to be focusing and very much assisting an intuitive push to shape life around fulfillment, happiness, and creativity.

The past few years working with the Virgo/Pisces nodes, we should have clarified a lot about what wasn't working for us and needed to be surrendered -- now the energy is propelling us into the next phase -- that is, to live more embodied in our true purpose and embrace the mission of our natal Sun.  The sun sign, the one we all pretty much know, is the one that represents what it is we have chosen to be and embody in this lifetime.  When we are fully inhabiting our sun sign, we express ourselves freely and utilize our natural creative resources in a fulfilling manner.

The sign of Leo teaches us that when we live from the heart in the truest sense, whatever that means specifically for us, we are able to shine in a pure way that inspires other people to live from their heart.  The highest vibration of Leo is one of heartfelt connection, joyfulness, and wholeness in self expression -- creative acceptance and perfection.  And that, pretty much, is what the transit of the North Node through Leo for the next 18 months, is all about.  What does it take to be ourselves truly and fully?

The greatest barrier to the process, of course, would be the other side of the nodal polarity, the South Node which represents tendencies that we are to leave behind, overcome, and transform throughout this time period in order to garner the positive results we are desiring.  In this case, the Leo North Node’s counterpart is the South Node in Aquarius.  A sign that’s all about rebellion, revolutionary ideas, and being in your head about stuff.  While Leo encourages sustained, creative action – Aquarius is about coming up with the way society should be from the long view, in an impartial manner.  But life is never completely devoid of partialities and the encouragement at this time, very much, is to evolve through the HEART first and foremost.

I suspect there will be some challenges with this, because the fact is we live in a very Aquarian world.  In particular, American Life is very Aquarian. We're all about individuality, freedom, and "justice for all." In this day and age, we still fight for the ideals of freedom and equality in our culture -- and this is often by pointing out that freedom and equality have never existed in this culture. It is truly a strange conundrum... a society that cares a lot about equality, but never practices it?  It’s the perfect picture of Aquarian ideals vs. Aquarian realities.

What strikes me about this also, is that astrologically we are at the very beginning stages of approaching what is referred to as the "Age of Aquarius." An Age is a 2,150 year period determined by the precession of the equinoxes -- e.g. the slow cycle of the earth's "true north" over time through the zodiac. The actual transition from Pisces to Aquarius is not for another couple hundred years, but we are close enough that the rumblings of change have already begun. In the past century we have become: more technological, more intellectual, more logical, more inclusive & tolerant of different humans, yet more detached from each other simultaneously. We are ruled by our ideas and ideals, and can even fall into identifying with ideas as who we are. All of these things are Aquarian in nature.

But despite the fact that many of these things have been overall positive towards the evolution of humanity… Aquarius definitely has a shadow side.  Think 2001: Space Odyssey when the computer takes over the ship.  Viewing everything in life as fundamentally mechanistic and becoming dependent on manmade systems to solve our human needs, no matter how useful and smart, has its own way of backfiring.

Of course, every social media post about the Top 10 Ways to Know if You're in a Relationship with a Sociopathic Monster Hater, is most likely well meaning. We are basically in a cultural rebellion against the messed up ways of a bygone age -- a time when people were even deeper in darkness and living under social conditions which encouraged division and war -- and at the same time we are still dealing with & recovering from those wounds in an immensely visceral way. While this is a necessary, important process to endure, at the end of the day -- all of the information, logic, pathologizing and debate over how humans should behave if they were good people who followed the rules of good peoplehood are not going to fundamentally address the true desire... which is CONNECTION.

We've lived in a world divided. We've wanted to create one where all kinds of people are appreciated and respected. And yet, most of the time we just end up arguing on the internet over verbiage and projecting our worldview with even greater persistence. We see an archetype and presume to understand the whole without any nuance -- even when the archetype that we see and project upon is the archetype of the person who doesn't see the archetypes. We value ideas so heavily that it clouds our perception of the authentic truth, which can only be found through the heart. The irony, of course, is that we've conditioned ourselves to trust logic over everything, so we can't even see that we've erred. By the standards of this time and place, adamantly clinging to your opinion is basically as good as being "right." And being "right"... or at least unrelenting in your perspective... is seen as a form of integrity or moral high ground.

The Piscean age which we are concluding now, is called the Dark Age, or the "Age of Confusion." This is because the Archetype of Pisces basically represents the dissolution of things, and in these millennia Piscean-type ideological struggles have defined the overall ethos of humanity. Humanity has, for as far back as we can remember, been an emotionally fickle and irrational beast with no moral compass whatsoever, except those ascribed to it by the prevailing current. The world was ruled unequally and brutally, with endless battles for dominance. So now as we approach the Aquarian age we are beginning the process of purging these ways of being in favor of the Aquarian desire for a more equal and just world. The logic-ing, the analysis, the desire to understand where we've went wrong is absolutely all important, necessary, and a natural part of the process. As we move further into the Aquarian age, the world will continue to move in a more and more democratic direction. From my perspective, it is the natural flow of things. But it is not a process without pitfalls.

In light of the Astrology of these times, the greatest strain on humanity today, as I see it, is our unsustainably active minds & egos. We're constantly thinking, nervous, analyzing... and rarely are we really living fully and completely in our own hearts. We are concerned with wanting to fit in with society, yet also strive stand out in our uniqueness, but never too much, because being too weird is also uncool – and as such we don’t always LIVE in the wholeness of who we really are and could be.  Curiously, as we've become more interested in human equality and more exposed to the myriad of cultures and ideas, we've also become more homogenized in our mentality.  In striving for unity, we resist it at the same time.  Everything is happening on this brain level of what to do, what to say, what not to do, what not to say, but we still struggle with the goal of the whole thing, which is true sharing, generosity of spirit, and wholeness of being for all people TOGETHER.  What is simple has become complex – and so in turn we must take what is complex and bring it back to what is most simple, most fundamental, and most honest.

The work of this time, for the next 18 months, is going to really strike us in the place of wanting to understand who we are and how to live our lives from our truest and highest form of will and self expression. It will remind us of the power of our influence when we are truly creative and take real action.  Leo’s inspiration will help GROUND the Aquarian thinky thoughts, if you allow yourself to feel it.  Leo is not about what that person over there is doing, it’s about what I can do.  What I can contribute.  What is within MY power and authority?  What can I create to better the life situation?  How can I shine… in a positive, PRODUCTIVE, manner.

With Saturn, Uranus, and the Nodes all in fire signs, it's about finally learning to walk the walk, not just talk or think about what's good. It's all about initiative, leadership, personal responsibility, and integrity -- the REAL kind of integrity -- which is flowing in accord with something more true, the flow of our inner being.

It's very interesting to me that the past year and a half we've been culturally purging the issues of Pisces and now we are going to be working through Aquarius. The shifting of the tides here certainly feels relevant to the big zoomed out picture of humanity's evolution of consciousness overall. This is a major time of karmic release for humanity and for our planet. On the surface it definitely doesn't always look pretty -- but I still have the feeling that, despite all appearances, it is actually evolving towards something more integrated.

With that, it is time to sign off for today.  I hope this was helpful & if it resonates please share with your friends.  Peace on your journey.

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The New Moon in Taurus 2017 ... Quick Guide :)

The New Moon occurs this morning, April 26th at 8:18AM EDT at 6 degrees Taurus.  The New Moon in Taurus is one of the most excellent moons for abundance, fertility, and growth as Taurus is the sign that pertains to the most lush part of the spring season.  Taurus is a sign associated with practical matters, money, luxury and sensual pleasure.  It is an excellent time to create a financial action plan for the year, to determine how you are going to direct your energy in terms of creating or maintaining stability in your life.

Taurus is an energy that also relates to what we value in life and in ourselves, and so if you tend to undervalue yourself, this is a good new moon under which you can sow seeds for better self worth.  Self worth in the Taurean sense is basically stability within one’s being and peace with who you are as you are.

This year the Taurus New Moon is occurring during a time where there are many energies shifting – either planets changing signs or changing directions (or both).  So in a sense I feel we are approaching this new moon with a sense that our deck has been shuffled – which is a really good place to be if your intention is to really set some new, grounded goals.  Taurus energy is very enduring, so if you are serious about the changes, then it is under this type of energy that things will tend to stick.  I think with all of the retrograde energy this April, we have really had a chance to evaluate our life from many different angles, and so in a way it gives us an excellent vantage point from which to assess what it is we truly envision and desire.

One of the major points of this particular new moon is that Taurus’ ruler, Venus, is exalted in the sign of Pisces after just coming out of retrograde –and- making a slow departure from two very sensitive points, Chiron & Saturn.  Because Saturn & Venus both stationed very close to each other, this aspect has been prolonged for the majority of the month, giving us a chance to really deal with grating and uncomfortable relationship issues.  Saturn & Chiron in combination are an energy that addresses extreme vulnerability vs. wanting to be invulnerable.  So basically Venus has been having us work through our standard response patterns in relationships – What is the real root of the wounds?  How do we unconsciously act out regarding them?  Where do we put up walls when we need to be open?  What relationship stories are we finished with?  What choices do we need to make with regards to our various relationships to have more overall positivity?  Are there relationships in your life that just don’t fulfill you as they once had?  Do you sometimes dwell too much on the negative?  Do you run when you should stay?  Stay when you should run?  Most of all – do you treat yourself fairly?

So in light of ALL of that intense processing, questioning, and experiencing that we’ve been having with Venus retrograde, this Taurus New Moon has us pretty much primed to set our new vision alight.

How can we cultivate more love in our lives?  What changes will bring us more steadiness, more peace?  What is our goal for financial security in 2017?  Make it real and tangible.

Taurus is also an extremely stubborn sign with a secret love for junk food, so I feel this is a good time (supported by the retrograde vibes as well) to really work on those difficult to break habits and addictions, and start to develop new ones.  We all know that those things are no good for us anyway… heh.

We’re about to move into a time that is all about (re)learning to live life truly and wholly from the heart – and in a way this New Moon is also all about that.  It’s the peace and satisfaction within that allows the heart to shine forth.  So whatever it is you do for the New Moon (I find intention writing one of the best ways to work with New Moon energy) – consider it all from that place of: What is it that I need to feel closer to peace?  Strengthen the foundation of peace first and foremost.

On that note, enjoy the beautiful, sensuous flow of the spring time energy... and have a wonderful New Moon day :D

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2017 Year of the Fire Rooster // Lunar New Year & New Moon Report

2017 Year of the Fire Rooster / Fire Phoenix

Hello Everyone!  Welcome to my Astrological outlook for the 2017 Lunar New Year which occurs on the New Moon in Aquarius Friday, January 27, 2017 @ 7:07PM EST.

Though it is not super common, as a practitioner of the Chinese arts and Western Tropical Astrology, I like to observe the thematic elements of the Lunar years from both the Western and Eastern perspective.  I find they both reflect each other, and the container of the Lunar year is an effective one for analyzing the overall themes of a given year.  Though I consider myself more of a dabbler in Chinese Astrology than an expert, I have spent enough time with it to make observations about the character of the energies.  I hope that my readers find this perspective useful, as I do.  To keep it organized, I’ve broken this article into sections to make it a little easier to digest the breadth of information.

The Fire Rooster, in brief:

2017 is the year of the Fire Rooster, in Chinese Astrology.  The Fire Rooster is a proud, courageous, opinionated and noble creature.  This energy’s pitfalls are being overly-critical, intolerant, impatient and arrogant.  Expect a year of opposition, ego clashes, and frustration over the details.  A lot will get done.  There will be loads of unexpected surprises (Fire element), and plenty of arguments, explosions, and uproars.  Stay grounded.  Remind yourself of what’s REALLY IMPORTANT at every turn, not just what your ego is getting all emotional about.

Fueled by what is showing up in the planetary movements from the Western perspective, this may be a year where we can feel like we’re running around like a “chicken with its head cut off.”  Pad your schedule and expect rapid shifts in plans.

The political upheaval USA society is experiencing will continue to accelerate and intensify as the year progresses.  It is not likely that there will be a lot of people seeing eye-to-eye because the Rooster will prefer to stick to its agenda and perspective in the face of adversity rather than show any kind of humility or admission of guilt.  EVERYONE will feel like fighting and the energy favors it.   Try to seek positive outlets for the energy of Fire – such as creativity & inspiration.

This is a good year for taking action and for manifesting new structures from creative new ideas.  The biggest challenge that we face will be how to work from the HEART and not just the mind… but being heartfelt will be rewarding in the long run.  The appropriate motion of the energy at this time is to be heart-based (North Node in Leo for the majority of the year), even though it will be very easy to fall into rational-argumentative mode.

We have to learn that pain is sometimes a part of growth.  We can’t reason our way out of everything – and being reasonable often doesn’t actually address suffering.  Love is what helps and heals.  Authentic, brave, fearless love.

Utilize Rooster’s courage for positive ends.  Do not fall victim to false bravery – which is a product of the divisive mind.  Pay attention to the ideology you subscribe to and ask yourself, “Is this in full alignment with my heart?”  Don’t be afraid to stray from the flock, but keep the larger perspective of connection.  This is a naturally independent energy, but we run into trouble if we are TOO headstrong, or TOO mob-oriented.  Show tolerance, flexibility and authenticity with self.

Rooster is a very resourceful creature.  Typically this is a sign that is good with money, and gathering resources.  The Fire element may challenge this for 2017… possibly making spending a bit more reckless and resources a bit more uncertain than they usually might be under the Rooster’s attention – but with inspiring causes, I sense that people are willing to financially invest now more than ever.  Like most things under this energy -- money will come fast and go as quickly as it arrived.

The Fire Rooster from the Western Perspective, Themes According to the Aspects:

So, naturally I feel there is already a lot of synergy to the planetary flow that is contained within the above explanation – but I would like to cover certain aspect patterns more specifically – both that are thematic throughout the year (e.g. they are in the sky for a long period of time), and also that show up strongly in the chart specifically for the chart of this New Moon/Lunar New Year.  For ease of organization, I will break those down one-by-one.

·      “Hammer of Thor” pattern between Pluto, Uranus and the North Node / Notes on the North Node’s 2016 Transit in Virgo:

This is a pattern that is active during the month of January, primarily, but stands out to me because it is such a powerful energetic formation, with the North Node (point of fate, the direction of the soul’s work) of the chart sitting very near to the ascendant set to Washington D.C. time.  The North Node is nearing the end of its transit in Virgo, which has been riddled with trials challenges.  A “Thor’s Hammer” pattern in astrology indicates a “do or die” situation of great consequence and fate.  We NEED to work on the North Node lessons, or we will be struck, unpleasantly, by Uranus (rude awakenings) and Pluto (destructive change).  Basically, we are being forced to focus on how to create FUNCTIONAL, CONSTRUCTIVE evolutionary change – or else.

This is a difficult pattern, but one that I believe can be the saving grace of this chart – as it shows the karmic need to SEEK SOLUTIONS AT ALL COSTS to the on-going crisis created by Uranus & Pluto for nearly a decade… and also is functioning to pick up the pieces where last year’s astrological conditions were unfavorable for this growth to occur in real time.

Why is this important?

Last year, in the year of the Fire Monkey, the biggest astrological theme was oriented in a mutable T-Square – a stressful configuration involving Jupiter, Saturn, the North/South Node & Neptune – all in Mutable (change-oriented) signs.  This energy was EXTREMELY CHAOTIC, especially because of the influence of Neptune in Pisces very near to the South Node, also in Pisces – the illusions, fears, and subconscious stuff was UP big time, and all systems were eroding under this force.  This was fitting for the Monkey year, because Monkey is a creature known for its unpredictable, trickstery ways.  We were basically all collectively caught in a stream of consciousness spiraling out of control.  There was no telling where things would go next, and from a certain perspective almost everything just seemed to go from bad – to worse – to even worse than that.

But it also served a very important purpose – and that is to reveal what is hidden, to dissolve what is broken, and to witness the extent of demagoguery (very much ‘Up’ for correction under the transit of Saturn in Sagittarius).  If nothing else, it has been an extraordinarily revelatory time – inwardly and outwardly – that has called many of us to deeper action, discernment, contemplation, and as a result – unprecedented evolution and transformation.  The Fire Monkey was not so much an energy of pressure, per se, but one where things moved so strangely, so unpredictably, we had to practice being nimble on our feet, flexible, and yielding.  If we did not move with what happened (no matter whether we wanted to or not), we were forced to through the sheer instability caused by all involved factors.

In a way – it was a year where everything fell apart.

In a way – it was a year where we got a LOT of transformation done in a short period of time … BECAUSE it was all falling apart.

What we were dealing with, really, was a wild, maddening, dissolution of a paradigm.  Saturn (the structure & belief system) was overtaken by the influence of Neptune & the South Node in Pisces (illusions, deceptions, and an oceanic force that tends to make it hard to “see”) – and this process was empowered by the expansive qualities of Jupiter, making it all the more intense.  But the beauty of it is that it was also a time of great VISIONING – and when things fall apart we have the great opportunity to rebuild something better in its stead.

The Virgo North Node, so powerfully placed in the USA chart at the time of the Lunar New Year, is like the guiding force of how to best orient ourselves in the wake of the disaster.  Simplification, structure, routine, organization, planning, staying grounded, and tending wisely to daily life are all virtues that will assist us TREMENDOUSLY during this year.  While last year this message got largely overshadowed by Neptune’s overpowering pull over the South Node in Pisces (leading us collectively more to a place of disillusionment and confusion than to solutions) – this year we have a chance – and an obligation – to correct the situation and to implement these skills for the betterment & health of our basic daily lives, and also the face of society as a whole.  Not saying it will be easy (it won’t) – but I am saying that persistence is key.

·      Uranus/Pluto/Jupiter T-Square

Building upon that point, one of the major aspect patterns for the first 10 months of 2017 is a challenging T-Square formation between Jupiter, Pluto and Uranus.  At the time of the Lunar New Year, Mercury is also involved in mix, making it a year where our thoughts tend to be more intense and serious than usual.

Jupiter being involved in the mix here will have a tendency to accentuate and increase volatility & unrest for the majority of the year.  It will also keep us on the move and accentuate the unpredictability of our overall schedule and responsibilities.  Jupiter-Uranus tends to make things VERY extreme and extra busy and Jupiter-Pluto can make us overly ambitious.  With all of the “fire in the sky” Jupiter may serve to exacerbate the issue and create a lot of over-doing, over-active, over-stressed energy.  With Mercury involved we’ll feel that it’s all VERY IMPORTANT and NEEDS TO BE DONE IMMEDIATELY – but it may or may not be so.  Pick your battles, and definitely make sure you account for the mishaps, accidents, and annoyances due to having a poorer than usual attention for detail.  It can be an overwhelming time, give yourself permission to step back when necessary.

·      Saturn Trine Uranus (& Nodes) / Grand Trine in Fire

Another aspect pattern which will be active for the majority of 2017 is a trine (flowing) pattern between Saturn in Sagittarius and Uranus in Aries.  Once the North Node moves into Leo in May, there will be a full GRAND TRINE IN FIRE.  What does that mean?

Basically, this is a fast manifesting energy.  Saturn creates things, Uranus awakens, invents and evolves.  Saturn in Sagittarius is all about ideals and philosophy, Uranus in Aries is all about independence and absolute freedom – so it’s definitely a feisty energy.  The nature of a trine is one that flows easily, so we may find that we speak and act before we think.  Once the Leo node joins the mix, incorporating the influence of pure stamina & will power, this Fire trine will be an unstoppable force.

The positive of a grand fire trine are the qualities of leadership, inspiration, illumination, etc…  but the negative is reckless action, aggression, etc.  All of the intensity I have already spoken of will only be fueled by this energy – for better OR worse!  This also adds to the lightning-fast flow of events that we will undoubtedly observe throughout the Rooster year.

·      Saturn Square Chiron

Active on and off throughout 2017, this combination of energies will cause us to remain feeling sensitive and vulnerable to situations, regardless of all other factors.  There will be a tendency to be defensive and act out / feel easily triggered.

Chiron shows where we are wounded and feel weak, and is in the sign of sensitive Pisces.  Saturn represents AUTHORITY inner and outer.  A blatant metaphor for this is that authority figures will attempt to prey upon weaker, more vulnerable individuals.  But there is also another important meaning and it is that we must recognize tendencies to feel victimized and reclaim the INNER AUTHORITY to overcome martyrdom complexes.

Dialogue around victimization is one of the major thematic currents of our time, and is actually one of the root causes for the situation that the USA has found itself in today.  There are people on one end of the spectrum that believe strongly in holding everyone and everything delicately – using the correct acronyms, hearing everyone out, and just generally CARING A LOT and people on the complete opposite end that seem to have no interest in acknowledging the evolution of social issues what-so-ever and find the afore-mentioned movement distasteful.

For me, the square between Saturn & Chiron illustrate this issue perfectly.  On one hand we have Saturn, the side that feels the past beliefs were fine and we all need to stop being so soft and on the other side we have Chiron, the side that feels EVERYONE must be saved, converted, and showered with unconditional love.  The thing is that both Saturn & Chiron represent a need for refinement.  They are aspects of life that have become a little too extreme in their expression.  There is a place in between that can open up the possibility of more tolerance on the whole, but it requires us all to really overcome our addiction to victim mentality.

The solve here seems to be in taking real time action.  Chiron in Pisces will find the most healing through active service to those in need, and Saturn will feel motivated by putting ideals into real time action.  If you walk your talk, and aspire to take control of your destiny -- then you’ll find out the truth of the matter sooner.  “Healing reality checks” is what this aspect seems to suggest.

Venus in Mars are also both in Pisces, very near to Chiron & square to Saturn at the time of the Lunar New Year, which to me implies that this is going to be a very real struggle in our daily lives, not just in our abstract thoughts.  We will meet with situations that make us feel victimized and out of control through people we interact with daily, and will be given the opportunity to choose whether we become frustrated and reactionary – or whether we can gather the inner strength to take a stand, and claim our position wisely and tactfully.

·      New Moon in the 6th House in Aquarius

The Lunar New Year often (if not always) seems to fall in the sign of Aquarius which relates to hopes, dreams, friends, community, shared purpose & humanitarian ideals.  Perhaps this in itself represents the energy of the lunar new year’s influence as one that reflects the overall social & emotional (moon) flow of a year.

Since the New Moon is falling in the USA’s 6th house for 2017 issues surrounding work, our environment, health, routine, etc. are going to be very important.  Structural change is a given – and so with it also happening to be a “1” year numerologically – the feeling is that this is a year to establish a new structure, routine, and perspective for the health of all.  Since the 6th house can refer to mentors & students… we might also be learning some important lessons in the process.  It’s all about learning by doing and constructive development.

I’ll also note that the New Moon falls exactly on the 4th house cusp for the Universal Chart… which indicates a new cycle around the deep inner identity of the planet.  So this year may mark a significant new beginning worldwide, as the power paradigm in the USA shifts.

Working with the Energy – Understanding the Flow of  Chinese Astrology and How to work with the element of FIRE:

In Chinese astrology, there are twelve animal signs and five elements.  Each year we go through one animal sign paired with an element (and yes, like Western astrology, this does also break down more specifically into the month, day and hour as well).  The animal signs have elements attached to them innately (e.g. Rooster is naturally a Metal sign) in addition the element of the particular year (in this case, Fire).  The interaction of these elements indicates a lot about whether or not it can be considered an auspicious or troublesome year.

Each element runs for two years – first with a yang version and then a yin.  This year is the YIN Fire Rooster, while last year was the YANG Fire Monkey.  Both Monkey and Rooster are metal element which is unfavorably effected by Fire (Fire controls Metal).  This year, being a Yin year, means the energy is more inwardly projected.  Last year, being a Yang year, means the energy is more outwardly projected.  But although the Yang Fire of last year was extremely intense (unpredictable and uncontrollable, as both Fire and the Monkey can be), we should definitely not underestimate the Yin Fire – since, as I have mentioned, the dominant energy themes in the Tropical charts are also very FIERY!  Yin fire is symbolized by the illuminating light of a candle.  But how easy it can be to knock that candle over and set the whole house ablaze.  Fire is an element that requires extreme care.

What is useful about the Chinese system is that the same principles function the same across disciplines.  So what you can understand from astrology can also be practically applied to things like Chinese medicine, feng shui, philosophy (Book of Changes), and all other Chinese arts.

One of the things I have been speaking about quite a bit in my Qigong classes since the time of the Winter Solstice has been about the nature of the Five Elements in the Chinese Cosmology.  The Fire element is the most difficult element to manage – it is the element of the heart and of passion – and in doing spiritual work it is so important to learn to CONTROL OUR FIRE by gaining control over our emotions and our more extreme traits.  This how one develops wisdom and balance in their life – learning how to take action accurately and intelligently.

People born during fire years can have boundless energy – and also can exhaust themselves with their unrelenting movement.  The beautiful thing about Chinese cosmology, is that we can work with the other elements to create balance when one element is very strong.  Because FIRE is so dominant this year, I thought it might be helpful to provide this guide to utilizing some of the other elements to balance Fire.

Strengthen EARTH – The Stabilizing Element

In Chinese medicine theory, EARTH is seen as the central element – the one which connects all of the other elements, and absorbs excesses.  Connected to the spleen & stomach, the element of earth must be in balance before other areas of imbalance can truly be addressed.  During a year where one element is very strong, it is especially important to tend to our earth in order to keep balanced.

Earth energy in Chinese Cosmology is nurturing, grounded and compassionate.  It is connected to the planet of Saturn.  Saturn can be understood as the STRUCTURE of our being and of our lives.  Knowing that earth is the central element, and that Saturn is the structure – we can basically understand that the health of our entire lives depends on the health of this structure.  The health of our body depends on remaining grounded and keeping natural rhythms and flow throughout our body with appropriate diet, exercise, and time spent alone, in nature, digesting our emotions and life experiences.  The health of our lives depends on Saturn, our inner authority, remaining strong and firm, but never too rigid.  Weakness in our inner authority causes most of our energetic leaks.  Rigidity here basically just causes us to make more effort than is necessary – from the perspective of the body, we can see this as over-thinking, over-doing, worrying, excessive mind function.  Thus, the basic advice is that in order to be STRONG in life, and anything within it, we must strengthen our foundation of self.  This means DEEPLY connecting to, understanding, and respecting the needs of self.  When we have our energetic form in good working order, we can DIRECT our will as necessary with less wear.   It is helpful then to practice grounding exercises – to spend time in stillness, or simply walking outside – in order to INTEGRATE.

Earth is also the element of RECEPTIVITY.  The action of earth is to STABILIZE.  Stability is ESTABLISHED through RECEPTIVITY – being in a receptive state vs. a doing state, at least once a day, is a way to strengthen earth, the inner authority, and correct imbalances throughout the energetic and physical system.

Cultivate WATER – Water CONTROLS Fire

Water is the element associated with will power – this is precisely what is needed to manage the emotional fire at times when we feel we are on the brink.  It is stated in some Taoist books that “One moment of anger can destroy 3 years of practice” -- rage and anger can be destructive, and it is so easy for these emotions to become habitual if we do not consciously employ our will power to redirect ourselves before a spill over begins. 

Water energy is associated with the Kidneys – this organ is the source of our essence (jing) and is associated with the dantien (lower energy center), or sacral center in the body.  We can think of water energy in the body like a water wheel – we want it to be flowing steadily – not dried up, frozen, or torrential.  The emotions associated with the Kidney are fear and anxiety – but when in balance we can be courageous, persevering and overcome obstacles.  To maintain the health of the KIDNEYS it is important to REST adequately, keep the creative flow going evenly, and be aware of not over-exerting ourselves & our creative juices.  Work when inspired, take a break when not.  Quiet introspection is very helpful to cultivate water energy, as this helps return our spirit to our being, and strengthens our essence.

If water energy is weak then the propensity for emotional outbursts is much higher, because anxiety can easily trigger the fiery energies.  I am sure we have all experienced feeling totally upset about something – but all we really needed was a good night’s sleep.

Water is also connected with the planet of Mercury – using flexibility, wisdom, and yielding energy, we can regulate and strengthen this element – utilizing a soft, flexible approach can be helpful.  There is power in yielding.

Cultivate Metal – Metal SUPPRESSES Fire

Metal is an element of structure, ethics, and discipline.  Metal is an element of great inner strength and integrity of being.  During the Fire year Metal can become more fluid and become too lax or weak… so it is important to maintain its strength without being too rigid.  Metal is associated with the Lungs and the emotions connected to the lungs are grief & sadness or conversely – openness and the ability to relax, let go, and be happy.

It’s important to maintain a positive attitude and create a sense of order.  This should help mitigate depressed emotions and insecurity that might arise if too much fire has created an excess of activity & exhaustion.  Metal reminds us to remain INTEGRAL in all that we do… so if we believe in being givers of light and bringers of positive change, we must make the conscious concerted effort to maintain OURSELVES accordingly – to keep ourselves in a place of balance and lightness through self honesty and character.  We need to DO the work that keeps us healthy, and develop routines that encourage a greater sense of well-being.

Breathe in the fresh air and work towards creating a life that cultivates inner harmony.

Conclusion:

It is safe to say that it is going to be a very intense year.  This is one of the longest articles I have put out on my website, but I hope that it serves as a useful guide for the whole year of 2017.  Definitely take the time this New Moon to set intentions for the 2017 Lunar Year – and what shifts you would like to make in your life in order to live a life of more balance, happiness, and peace overall.

Many blessings to all and Happy New Year!

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