New Moon in Pisces: Water and Earth Support to Clear the Path

Art by Katia Honour

New Moon in Pisces: Water and Earth Support to Clear the Path

Moon conjunct Sun- 2/23/2020 @ 9:32am CST

The Storm Moon cycle begins just two days before the Pisces Sun-Mercury Interior Conjunction and Capricorn Mars-South Lunar Node Conjunction.  And though New Moons always hold a vibration of seeding your intentions to start the lunar cycle…this one is also working with forces that are working diligently to clear away the past.  In these Dark Moon days before the waxing crescent appears, the call is for thoughtful action as we release what blocks us from taking an unexplored path. 

Supporting each other through harmonious aspects in a pattern known as a Cradle (or a Trapeze), Capricorn Mars-South Node, Pisces Moon-Sun-Mercury, Taurus Uranus, and Cancer North Node are all working with Earth and Water elements.  This is a feminine, receptive cradle…where the action arises from the opposition between the Nodal Axis and Out-of-Bounds, Exalted Mars stirring things up at the South Node.  And though there are easy aspects supporting him, Mars is not likely to go easy on cutting away at what needs to go.  With such a strong and unconventional Mars at the South Node, it is more likely that many of us will be feeling the heightened urge to purge whatever has been gumming up the works on our Soul Path.  This is happening collectively, but it also inclines us to individually say ‘Time’s Up’ to something in our lives.  The releases within this time are necessary for the new ideas to come in. 

With such emphasis on the elements of Water and Earth now, we are working through the emotional realm as well as the material realm.  But with the nodes involved in the action, it is guided by our Collective Soul needs.  Here’s a list of all these forces at play in this New Moon Cradle:

Water:

North Lunar Node in Cancer- What the Collective Soul needs to take in to evolve…a need for compassionate care, emotional bonding, and intuitive response.

Moon-Sun in Pisces- The Collective Intent to bring disparate parts into wholeness.

Mercury Retrograde in Pisces- The Collective Mind releasing past dreams of an old cycle to shift perspective to new neural pathways.

Earth:

Mars-South Lunar Node in Capricorn- the increased desire to release what the Collective Soul no longer needs…a powerful severance from past patriarchal actions of constriction and supremacy over Earth.

Uranus in Taurus- Revelations and innovations in the material realm…bringing the Higher Mind down to Earth to make sudden and revolutionary changes in our relationship with Earth and her resources. 

So all together, the activity of this New Storm Moon may feel a bit unsettling, rebellious, precarious, or even dangerous…there is a safety net from the Pisces-Taurus sextile.  It allows us to be creative and innovative in our approach.  All of the planets involved, after all, currently have an air of going against the grain of what we’re used to.  This is an excellent time to try something new and say goodbye to some old ways of thinking and acting.

The Sabian Symbol highlighted by our luminaries is Pisces 5: ‘a church bazaar’.  The Way of Pisces is one of integration and fusion.  As mentioned above, this mutable water sign inclines the fusing together of seemingly different things to create a rather mystical cohesion.  Like the boundless sea, Pisces is the energy of ‘All is One’.  In this degree the group comes together, in a spirit of support and exchange, to find some meaning in a collection of varied items.  We see in this image the water/earth combination of bonding through the material experience.  There is a social element in this New Moon, as there often is when sextile aspects are predominant.  It is about establishing good rapport with helpful others…and making new associations that you might otherwise not take the opportunity to meet. 

Love and Gratitude,

Felina Lune Kavi

Full Moon in Leo: Awakening Courage

'Lion' by Susan Seddon Boulet

Full Moon in Leo:  Awakening Courage

Moon opposite Sun- 2/9/2020 @ 1:33am CST

Welcome to the Full Quickening Moon!  This Moon is full of dedicated strength to heart-centered expression.  The Aquarius season can get pretty chilly where I live, and this Full Moon in Leo always brings some warmth from her fire.  Moon in Leo can be a very creative influence, often reflecting a boost of courage to fuel our heart’s desire. 

Photo by my husband, Michael Kavi

'Hades and Persephone' by Sandara

Sun is conjunct Persephone while opposing this Moon, so the luminaries are illuminating themes of change (of seasons, of life, of heart) as well as the Heroine’s Journey of empowerment through the Queen of the Underworld.  At this time of year, Persephone is either preparing to leave the Underworld to reunite with her mother for half a year (Northern Hemisphere quickening to Spring) or preparing to leave her mother to reunite with her husband in the Underworld for half a year (Southern Hemisphere quickening to Autumn).  In either case, Persephone prepares her heart for the changes she must make, leaving one life behind for another.  We, too, may be feeling this shifting in our life.  Persephone teaches the courage it takes to make meaningful choices in the turning points of our lives.

Art by Pamela Matthews

At the apex of a T-square to Leo Moon and Aquarius Sun-Persephone is Vesta in Taurus (Priestess of the Sacred Flame, Goddess of Hearth and Home).  This activates the kind of dedication needed to create necessary change and see it through daily, just as the priestess tends to the communal hearth fire.  The apex of a T-square pools a lot of focus…which is a word related to Vesta, as focus is Latin for ‘Hearth’.  This is also a fixed T-square…bringing that focus to the fixed earth of Taurus.  Taurus tends to put great focus into that which is productive and tangible to the senses.  Vesta’s dedication in Taurus is deliberate, dependable, and steady…even under the stress of a Full Moon T-square that demands some necessary action.  Tap into Taurus Vesta’s ability to bring a focus to earthly growth in your life.  What is unfolding in this Full Moon can be quite beautiful.

At this time, there is also an opposition from Eris in Aries to Juno in Libra (which just stationed retrograde before this Full Moon).  This opposition from the Goddess of Discord to the Goddess of Committed Partnership may bring up some opposing feelings within our primary relationships, but the thread that links the two archetypes is one of feminine empowerment (which is a prevalent theme during this time).  Eris is a Warrioress who always has a purpose for what she does, and when her purpose is in any way disrespected…you can bet that chaos will ensue.  In Aries, her purpose has to do with self-reliance and integrity…so it is when we ignore such things that we may feel the heat of her chaotic nature.  Juno is committed to her role as Queen of the Heavens, the Bona Dea (‘Good Goddess’).  She is also committed to her husband…though in their mythic storyline, he is not as committed to her.  Each breach upon that marital commitment inspires her wrath…a quality that she and Eris share (disrespect our best efforts to be who we are meant to be, and there will be retaliation).  You may feel similar feelings if slighted in some way.  Though hopefully you won’t let the spirit of retaliation run amok!

For those of us who grew up watching 'Hocus Pocus'...

So, wrath or chaos may ensue on the world stage when things are out of integrity or balance isn’t maintained in relationships.  However, this is not the full expression of this vibration…only a possible side-effect if we let our hurt feelings turn vengeful.  The beauty of this opposition is highlighted by beneficial aspects (trines and sextiles) to our luminaries now.  Moon, Sun-Persephone, Eris, and Juno Rx create an aspect pattern called a Mystic Rectangle…which provides creative opportunities to balance these oppositions and bring out the best of each energy in mutually beneficial ways.  Again, empowerment is key…and there will be opportunity in this Full Moon to do something empowering and purposeful. 

So, in this time, awaken the courage and strength within your heart.  Express yourself with integrity, purpose, commitment, dedication, and the ability to transform yourself from one state of being to another.  Leo Full Moon light illuminates the spirit of enjoyment and celebration of life.  It is best met with an understanding that your own courage to be yourself encourages others to do the same.  That is the stuff that inspires true leaders to step forth when needed. 

Luna Lovegood (very Aquarian) wearing her Lion hat (very Leo)
in support of Gryffindor from J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series.

Love and Gratitude,

Felina Lune Kavi

New Moon in Aquarius: The Quickening to Imbolc

New Moon in Aquarius: The Quickening to Imbolc

Moon conjunct Sun- 1/24/20 @ 3:42pm CST

Welcome to the Quickening Moon of 2020, the 1^st New Moon of this year. During this lunar cycle, we experience a ‘quickening’ or acceleration which refers to the underground first stirrings of Spring in the Northern Hemisphere (such as the first births of lambs, where the Cross-Quarter Holiday of Imbolc got its name)...or the first acceleration toward Autumn in the Southern Hemisphere. We are still immersed in Winter here (or Summer for our Southern Hemisphere friends), but we are beginning to feel the first signs of the changes soon to come...and we usher them in.

This Quickening Moon commences while all planets are in direct motion this year. Since Uranus stationed direct on January 10^th, we have been experiencing more forward momentum in our world...even as some of us are still in the ‘freeze’ of Winter. This All Planets Direct (APD) time lasts until Mercury stations retrograde on February 16^th. So, in this New Moon, we are planting seed-intentions that have an acceleration of this Quickening magic stirring within them.

The New Moon in Aquarius is in a square (dynamic 90 degree aspect which inspires necessary change) with Uranus in Taurus (the planet of sudden changes, surprises, awakening, and innovation). Uranus is the modern ruler of Aquarius, so this square is a prevalent vibration at this time. Aquarius and Taurus are fixed signs of Air (mind) and Earth (matter)...and the two energies can be very set in their own ways, clashing against each other while in a square. Aquarius wants authenticity, while Taurus wants something reliable...but the change needed now has to do with stirring up something that is both of those things. After all, the two ideas are not mutually exclusive. But there may be some initial struggle to understanding what it is that we need now that includes both characteristics. In that case, open yourself up to the possibilities coming through now. Allow for the awakening of your potential as you set forth through this lunar cycle. You may be surprised by what is revealed.

This New Moon is also in a sextile (beneficial aspect of 60 degrees which allows for subtle opportunities for harmony) with Chiron in Aries (the ‘Cosmic Shaman’). The teacher/healer archetype may present itself to you at this time in subtle ways, encouraging you to share your gifts in healing ways. If you pick up on these subtle opportunities, move forward in that direction your are being guided. There is a lot of support from Ancestors in this lunar initiation. They are always with us, but sometimes we forget that we have the opportunity to call on them when we need. They may be sending us signals in this time so that we may better connect with their guidance.

Art by Susan Seddon Boulet

Moon and Sun in Aquarius 5

Sabian Symbol- ‘a council of ancestors’

'Lightworker' by Alex Grey

The ancestral support of this New Moon may at first feel like electricity running through our bodies, needing to ground (the effect from Uranus and Saturn being co-rulers of Aquarius, and Uranus being particularly strong at this time). Chiron, which orbits between Saturn and Uranus, is the bridge between the limits of what we can easily see (Saturn) and breakthroughs into realms of the often unseen (Uranus). So Chiron acts as a conduit (or ‘the hollow bone’ in Shamanic terms) between our physical (ordinary) reality and our metaphysical (extraordinary) reality. Chiron’s key to healing at this time comes from grounding that electric charge we feel in our bodies from our ancestors into our physical reality. When a healer is awakened by their ancestors...there is often an initial discomfort from this charge within the body. It can at first feel like anxiety or dis-ease. The healer often learns to ground by connecting with the ancestors of their blood and bones...grounding that electricity of the call by dancing upon our Earth.

Of course, this story is about the guidance to ground your current ancestral calling...and does not have to be taken so literally. What does ‘dancing that call upon our Earth’ mean to you? Modern as we are in this age, an integral part of who we are is built upon the foundations of those who came before us. What did they do when they felt their own Quickenings? Ask them.

Though everything you are feeling may feel new, it is part of a well-trodden path that those before you remember through you. Some may have been grateful for their own choices, some may have been regretful. The Council of Ancestors that lives in you is guiding you to best possible outcomes...as each descendant holds potential as we continue the ancestral story.

In Aquarius, our Humanity is awakened to inspire our world forward. This energy creates networks of unique individuals inspired toward common goals. Whatever seed you are planting for this lunar cycle, may it be one that honors the past by contributing to our future.

For those of us that celebrate Imbolc (usually on Feb. 1st or Feb. 2nd, although the actual cross-quarter where Sun reaches the mid-point of Aquarius is on Feb. 4th this year), may Brigid's blessings be upon those inspirations stirring within.  Or perhaps it is Groundhog Day you observe in that time...a weather divination holiday that mirrors my own ancestors stories of the Cailleach (the Winter Witch).  As the story goes, the Cailleach comes out of her cave at this time to either do more winter work (if the skies are clear and sunny on Imbolc) or go back to sleep and allow Spring to return without Winter's extension (if the skies are overcast).  Interesting the magic kept alive in new ways these days that is rooted in the practices of those that came before us.  Also interesting that Mars is in Sagittarius 15 for this New Moon...the Sabian Symbol is 'a groundhog looking for its shadow'.  

Love and Gratitude,

Felina Lune Kavi

Full Moon/Lunar Eclipse in Cancer: Into the Watery Womb

Full Moon/Penumbral Lunar Eclipse in Cancer: Into the Watery Womb

Moon opposite Sun- 1/10/2020 @ 1:21pm CST

There are so many dynamics thrown into this Eclipse Cauldron that’s been brewing since Dec. 25^th...and the contents, worldwide, have been so volatile that the water has been bubbling over the edge. The larger scene is of unrest, aggressive destruction, emotional turbulence...and whole countries are ‘fired up’ (unfortunately, even literally). How can we possibly transmute this raging brew of energies into a medicinal elixir for our world?

'Womb of Universe' (Artist Unknown)

Enter the watery womb. This Full Moon in her home sign of Cancer is a powerful reflection of Creatrix energy, strongly linked to the lunar cycles of the Feminine Mysteries. This Cardinal Water sign holds the wisdom of generation and regeneration...the way of carrying a seed into life with loving care. It is protective, as our women’s wombs are...and acts on the emotional instinct to nourish those in need. She is water, and she can take any form of water that is necessary to protect life. She is the global intention ceremonies shared as prayers for Australia...where we transform tears for the lives lost into rainfall. She is the calls for compassion and peace in response to the inflammation of war-mongering behavior. She is even the loving bonds shared between one understanding person and another. She is everywhere, guiding us toward cooling the contents of this Eclipse Cauldron to extract the medicine within.

Not everyone will be so attuned to the Divine Mother’s guidance...but the opportunity is there for anyone. There is an almost imperceptible shadow from our Earth upon this Moon...but even the hint of our shadow can incline some fear-based reaction. While we are tuning into the wisdom of the womb, others will still be drumming up the shadows of this Eclipse Season. However, the more we respond with love...the more the fear dissipates.

We know this. It is not new information. It is as ancient as the Divine Creatrix herself. Yet this call to compassionate response resonates as the strongest medicine in these changing times.

Reflections on the Capricorn Confluence of the Current Kairos

'Capricorn' by Kirk Reinert

I was born in 1982, the last time Saturn was conjunct Pluto (in Libra). Now as Saturn and Pluto approach their conjunction in Capricorn, my generation is definitely feeling the call to respond in ways that will alleviate the tension we feel inside and the tension we see outside. Our Saturn-Pluto in Libra inclinations are to transform the way we relate with each other with balance and fairness.  And now we are relating that inclination to the structural changes currently necessary in the world. We’re not the only Pluto generation at work here (we’re all feeling a transformative call in some way), but it’s not one this Libra generation can ignore. It speaks within us loudly, saying ‘the time is now’.

And what it is time for is also particular to each of us...but it is all for the same purpose: transforming the structures that are not working into more sustainable structures for our lives. That’s essentially the point of what we’re all feeling...no matter when you were born or where you live.

The International Council of 13 Indigenous Grandmothers
www.grandmotherscouncil.org

Capricorn Medicine finds what works from what hasn’t worked. It’s why this sign holds so much energy of tradition and history to it. Understanding precedents allows us to better model our future actions, as my high school history teacher would say. This is Capricorn, wise about the roots of our past so we can provide something enduring for future generations. This is Cardinal Earth, Grandmother energy. The Council of Grandmothers has been the most resonant, collective voice of our time...sung like a sacred chant by the spheres in our Sky. Can you hear their call, set to rhythmic drumming? I distinctly hear the song of our next generations in the voices of our elders. There are lyrics of caution, as well as lyrics of triumph.

Just hours before this Full Moon, Sun and Mercury meet in Capricorn for their Exterior Conjunction (9:18am CST). This means the idea that grew from a thought-seed on 11/11 last year is in full bloom. It began in the watery depths of Scorpio and has grown through the visionary fires of Sagittarius into the tangible earth of Capricorn. In this, we have the power to manifest what this Capricorn message needs to be. Each of us responds to this energy in our own ways, with our own ideas, but there is also a Collective message we will share together. It is one of great importance to our next generations of life on Earth.

And two days from this Full Moon, on the 12^th, is the exaction of this Saturn-Pluto conjunction in Capricorn that we have been feeling for months now. We will continue to feel it throughout most of this year because this is a long-lasting transit. It’s not just a day of influence...though we’re in the thick of it this month...it’s a process that takes some time. The lesson here is a thorough one, because we have a lot of buried history to unearth, transform, and release.

It is not just Sun, Mercury, Saturn, and Pluto in this Capricorn Council this weekend. They are also joined by Ceres (Earth Mother, Goddess of Agriculture) and Chariklo (Chiron’s wife, who holds loving space for the healing process of old wounds). All of these forces combining in the last decan of Capricorn communicate an important message from our ancestors and descendants about the necessary transformations we are here for in this time.

Saturn, the strongest influence in this Capricorn Council, teaches what we need to scale down or stop altogether and the hard work we need to put in for sturdy foundations. Pluto, who has been transforming Capricorn energy out of its patriarchal hold and into its feminine root wisdom since 2008, brings to the surface our subconscious fixations of the darker side of Capricorn that are being forced into a death/rebirth process. Sun illuminates this all in our consciousness and fuels the large-scale changes this season. Mercury gives voice to the underlying message of these changing times. Ceres responds with what is needed to nurture our next generations, even if that means withholding abundance in the present. And Chariklo is dedicated to helping us through this long, painful healing process we’ve been going through.

'La Discordia' bronze inkwell from Italy

It is important to note that this Capricorn Confluence is being squared by Eris in Aries (Warrior Goddess of Strife, Discord, and Chaos), and so she is at the apex of a T-square with our luminaries during this eclipse. The square is a dynamic aspect of 90 degrees which stresses the need for change. All of this tension pools at the apex right now (Eris) to demand that change through some discord. These necessary changes that Eris pitches into the party (like the ‘Apple of Discord’ in her mythic storyline) at first appear to be chaos, but they are very purposeful. The purpose is to protect those who are not being seen, heard, or appreciated.

Though we’ve been in it for a while, this is very much the turning point this week. It is a large part of why there is so much discontent, so much unrest, and so many crises all over the world now. We’re in that phase within the Chrysalis of Transformation where the imaginal cells begin to take over and dissolve what was once the Collective Caterpillar to form something unrecognizable and new. It is not an easy process...our former existence has been fighting this inevitable change all along. But in the turning point, we shift toward re-building and re-birthing something drastically new from the old. Bringing things to birth is the way of the Cancer Full Moon. And because of the eclipse, what we are birthing now will have a lasting effect.

Uranus Stations Direct

Throughout the day, Uranus will be stationed and have a potent influence on us too. Several hours after the Full Moon, Uranus’s retrograde will end (7:49pm CST) and direct motion will gradually commence. When any planet stations, the themes of that planet are more prevalent. And since Uranus is an outer planet, the themes carry out for a few days before and a few days after.

Uranus Stations bring up shocks, surprises, and disruptions to the status quo. The energy is electric and means to make some innovative changes in the world. Underlying this energy is a need for freedom and liberation...so any tight constraints or set backs tend to be met with a force that breaks through barriers. It is an interesting combination...considering Saturn (the planet of traditions and restriction, and the constructs of time) is potent right now too. I see this as a catalyst for breaking through the limiting karma of our collective past, and innovating for the future.

'Gaia' by Minjae Lee

Since Uranus is in the earth sign of Taurus, much of this is focused on sudden changes with Mother Earth herself, and our response to her. With so much energy in Taurus and Capricorn earth signs right now, there is no doubt about the root that needs addressed. At the very root of all these energies and these large-scale changes that are happening globally as well as individually, is the need to re-connect with our Mother Earth. For far too long, humanity has been a collective force of destruction upon her. And yet, she holds the key to the sustainability of our next generations. All of these planets in earth signs are calling for a more nurturing, healing, and sustainable way of life...and so the planetary change-agents (Uranus, Pluto, and Eris) are amplifying the call to make some drastic changes. We are here at this time to address the chaos by breaking from what was previously about comfort and convenience.

The Individual Call

Art by Susan Seddon Boulet

What changes are happening in your life right now? Some of them will be beyond your control, but with a purpose for your soul’s journey. Some of them will be of your own choosing, but likely backed with a feeling of necessity. Saturn-Pluto is a powerful combination of forces which has been breaking down worn-out patterns and structures in our lives for months now...making us look to what fixations are damaging and need to go.

It is important to remember that while each of us feels the collective pulse of what these transits signify for our world...we also have different natal energies interacting with this energy. Which natal houses these planets are transiting through, and what aspects they make with our own planets, has a lot to do with how it shows up in your own life. If you would like to know more about what all of it means for you...you can always research these things for yourself or you can ask an Astrologer (there are many of us all over the world and we’re always happy to help as many people as we can)!

Wishing you all a happy Full Moon and many blessings throughout 2020!

Love and Gratitude,

Felina Lune Kavi

New Moon/Solar Eclipse in Capricorn: The War Dance Eclipse

Covering 97% of the Sun, this Annular Eclipse can be seen in Saudi Arabia, Qatar,
the UAE, and Oman, across southern India and Sri Lanka, to Indonesia and Malaysia

New Moon/Solar Eclipse in Capricorn: The War Dance Eclipse

Moon conjunct Sun- 12/25/2019 @ 11:16pm CST

The Wolf Moon cycle begins with something to howl about. Leading up to this time, Sun square Chiron may have inflamed some old wounds...while Sun trine Uranus is bringing some surprises into our awareness. Just one degree away from Jupiter, this New Moon is linked to abundance. However, it is also a South Node eclipse...so we’ll also be seeing an abundance of shadows. With Venus inconjunct the Lunar Nodes, ‘love and light’ may seem like a distant whisper to what’s coming up across the world. It’s time to address the elephant in the room.

Moon and Sun in Capricorn 5

Sabian Symbol: ‘Indians rowing a canoe and dancing a war dance’

'Birch Bark Canoe' by Alfred Jacob Miller

The image for this New Moon symbol brings up the necessity for preventative action toward a threat. The Cardinal Earth of Capricorn in this degree activates the mobilization of resources and synchronized values with a purpose to protect the generations to come. In each of our individual lives, our awareness is growing about what it is we need to take action against. Something destructive needs to face our own power to destroy it. And since this New Moon is conjunct both Jupiter and the South Node, those shadows from our karmic past are growing too big to ignore...it’s time to sever our ties to something we don’t want infecting our well-being in this next decade. It could be anything...you’ll know it as a blatant threat at this point. With Jupiter in the mix, it may be a belief you’ve been carrying that is showing you its lie. It’s time to stand up to it and give it your battle cry.

Saros Series 132

Almost 450 years ago, the eclipses in this series started being Annular Solar Eclipses. This was at the time of the Battle of Jarnac between Catholic forces and the Huguenots in the French Wars of Religion (the second deadliest religious war in European history). The most recent of these Annular Eclipses was in 2001 after the ‘War on Terror’ was launched as an international military campaign by the U.S. government, focused on Islamic extremists throughout the Muslim world. Yes, the shadows of war...especially wars of beliefs...are returning in this eclipse. How we address these shadows during the course of this eclipsed lunar cycle will have a lasting effect, as it did last time too.

Peaceful as many of us want to be, there is no denying that war is still tearing us apart...not just from each other but also from the Earth herself whom we wage our countless battles on. Even those of us who are Peaceful Warriors combining our efforts to protect our planet and all life...we are Sacred Activists at war against war.

In the midst of so many other armed conflicts across the world, there are growing threats for more conflict...more destructive use of power...as we approach the Saturn-Pluto conjunction in Capricorn on January 12^th. Even as I write this, news of North Korea’s taunt of a ‘Christmas Gift’ for the U.S. is coming forth...as if on cue.

All this discussion of war is not to fan the flames of fear, but to address them with our awareness...and, if necessary, with our power to act. At the very least, we will be facing our shadows from this eclipse for the next 6 months. Whatever comes of it, Capricorn energy urges us to look at it with an objective view and take measured steps to deal with it.

So yes, what’s happening on the world stage is alarming. It’s also mirroring something happening personally for each one of us. There is shadow work to address within, and this is the lunar cycle to call it out and see it for what it is...then do something about it.

Love and Gratitude,

Felina Lune Kavi

Full Moon in Gemini: Pandora's Gifts

Full Moon in Gemini: Pandora’s Gifts

Moon opposite Sun- 12/11/2019 @ 11:12pm CST

This Long Nights Moon brings many fascinating gifts to pique our curiosity in true Gemini fashion. Information is coming in from all sides. There may even be a feeling of too many choices, which can create some confusion. Coming in soon after the Venus-Saturn conjunction in Capricorn, this information overload is likely to feel more restrictive than expansive. Venus-Saturn is asking us to commit to something we love.  This energy wants to reign in a lot of the mutable energy surrounding this time and make solid plans.  And yet...Moon conjunct the asteroid Pandora in Gemini may be bringing in more feelings and ideas than we know what to do with. The two energies, in quincunx (150 degrees), don’t exactly mesh well.  But integrating both brings growth, however uncomfortable.

With Neptune square our luminaries, ‘not knowing’ is part of the activation taking place. The Neptunian fog sets in and all those many choices we’re presented with have a lot less definition. When Neptune is square the luminaries, there is often a strong pull toward escapism. However, the higher vibration of this Neptunian T-Square pattern is to use that tension we’d rather escape from and channel it into actions that are either creative or spiritual.

Seven of Cups, Rider-Waite Tarot

A theme this whole month, where the Capricorn energies are beginning to heighten in preparation for what is coming in January, is about decisiveness. It’s also about objective awareness of the goal and reigning in our energy so that it’s not unnecessarily dispersed through too many avenues. And yet, this Full Moon highlights an energy that opposes that preparatory feeling...and there may be a feeling of overwhelm (heightened for those of us trying to prepare for the holiday season). Neptune’s square reminds us that we actually have no idea what is coming...and that it’s okay to not know right now. This is a time where adaptability to whatever arises now is key. There will be plenty of opportunity to get back into the measured steps of Capricorn’s Cosmic Council soon enough. Right now, why not celebrate that we have more choices than answers? For some, that’s a big leap...definitive answers being a comfort zone. For others, that’s life.

Chiron, the Cosmic Shaman, is stationed now in Aries and will once again return to a direct path soon after this Full Moon. During stationary shifts, the themes of that celestial archetype are more prevalent. So, Chiron’s mythic storyline of the wounded healer may pervade this Full Moon time. While in Aries, Chiron teaches us about integrity and self-reliance while we find the healing path from the wound of ‘Who am I?’ The wound of the individuated self is often the hardest to process, which is why Chiron spends much more time in Aries.  But the Sabian Symbol that Chiron's been pausing on lately is 'a comedian reveals human nature'.  He teaches the medicine of the Sacred Clown...often through humor and opposites...so that we may see ourselves more objectively, maybe even having a laugh at how much self-involvement our healing path has taken lately.  

'Pandora's Box' by Wisnu Tan

Perhaps the strongest unseen element in this Full Moon is coming from the conjunction to the asteroid Pandora. Pandora is an interesting figure in myth. Before Hesiod transformed her story into an anti-feminist fable which was later mixed with the storyline of Eve (the ‘first woman’ in Christian myth), Pandora was an ancient Goddess similar to Gaia or Demeter. Her name (Pan meaning ‘all’ and Dora meaning ‘gift’) was originally a reflection of her ‘all-giving’ nature. Hesiod’s version was a twist on her gifts.  He painted her as ‘all-gifted’ from the blessings of the Gods, created by Zeus as a punishment to man for Prometheus’s theft of fire. Coming in with so many god-given gifts, she was irresistible to Epimetheus...who took this ‘first woman’ as his wife, despite his brother’s warnings. Along with her, she carried a vessel which she was told to never open. However, Hermes also gave her his own trickster gift of curiosity...so she just couldn’t resist finding out what was in the vessel (which was similar to a storage jar, though it later became known as ‘Pandora’s Box’). From it, she unwittingly released all the evils of the world...only able to hold onto Hope (or, more specifically in translation ‘Anticipation’).  Or so the story goes, however socio-political the agenda.

'Seven of Cups', an oil painting by Lacey Bryant
for 'The Slow Tarot' at Modern Eden Gallery in San Francisco.
Notice the apple and snake suspended from the tree?

Sound similar to Eve’s bite of the apple? Yeah, there was a definite shift happening in Hesiod’s time from matriarchy to patriarchy...and who better to blame for all of our troubles than the ‘first woman’? And even though Pandora’s somewhat splintered mythic storyline begins with the gifts of the nurturing ‘Great Goddess’ and ends with a more patriarchal undertone...both parts are infused into this one archetype. So, the Moon with Pandora does bring many gifts...but the many gifts may be more than we were hoping for. Curiosity, which is strong with Gemini energy, is heightened now with Pandora’s influence. We may be more inclined to follow our fascinations down a rabbit hole, not knowing where it may lead, than to make more reserved (Capricorn) choices in what we do with this energy.

However, Chiron’s influence suggests that what we find may show us the gift within the wound. Instead of fighting it, which can lead to that confusion and overwhelm...perhaps we would do better to accept that, right now, our decision-making processes may be slightly skewed in this Neptunian fog. Even Mercury (our Collective Mind) quincunx Uranus (the Awakener), exact several hours before this Full Moon, suggests that we aren’t quite in the headspace to see what’s coming. Oh, it will all get much clearer, even seriously so, as we head into Capricorn season soon enough. The Stellium we’re building to now between our Capricorn planets (Saturn-Pluto with Ceres, Mercury, and Sun a month from now) will have some very specific lessons to teach us. But, in THIS time, you may just want to celebrate feeling a bit more distracted from some of the weight that awareness has been building. Tap into the creative curiosity of this time, or the mystical and dreamy elements that Neptune is bringing up. It may bring something magical to the table that could be just as useful later as a prioritized 'to do' list.

Moon in Gemini 20

Sabian Symbol: ‘a modern cafeteria displays an abundance of food, products of various regions’

A friend who passed away this summer often used the quote ‘moderation in all things, including moderation’. The memory came up while considering this Moon’s Sabian Symbol, and made me smile...as both of us were often trying to moderate our food intake in healthier ways than what we grew up with. This cafeteria symbol shows us the abundance of choices before us, some of which are fascinating as they aren’t things we usually have the opportunity to try. In the Full Moon’s light, the many choices can appear as an overabundance, which often leads to waste. In this symbol, it is the community that comes together to ensure that all have what they need, just as it is the community that must ensure nothing goes to waste. The Gemini-Sagittarius axis, currently being highlighted by our luminaries, is apt to share generously when a surplus of information (or food) is more than just one person can digest. With Pandora’s pre-patriarchy influence, this is a time of expressing humanity's giving nature. You have more than you know what to do with? Share with someone who’s feeling less than blessed. ‘Tis the season, as they say.

Sun in Sagittarius 20

Sabian Symbol: ‘in an old-fashioned northern village, men cut the ice of a frozen pond for use during the summer’

Opposite the cafeteria symbol, we have another image that suggests what can be done with a surplus. In this case, the image shows a scene from the cold months, where ice is most abundant. The symbol involves some foresight...an understanding of this community that what is in abundance now will likely be very necessary months from now. Cutting ice is hard work, but the rewards for this symbolic village are that they may have a means to keep their food cold when the days are longer and the temperature is much hotter. This is the Sagittarian way of seeing the bigger picture, even as the Gemini Moon is taking in the smorgasbord of curious details immediately before us. There is something in this time which will sustain us through our journey ahead. With Pallas Athene conjunct the Sun, even with that Neptune square, if we tap into the patterns arising in this time (such as knowledge of the seasonal cycles helps these men cutting ice) we will be better prepared for the big changes coming.

Like bookends to this Full Moon, Venus conjuncts Saturn before and she conjuncts Pluto after. So, ahead of time, we are feeling the need to commit to something solid, taking measured steps toward something of value. Then, we have this Full Moon where an abundance of information might confuse the goal for a time. And after, Venus meets with Pluto...which may even dramatically shift our values through a transformation of the heart. So, try not to get too down on yourself (or others) when what you thought should be solid isn’t appearing so. Big shifts are happening just beyond our awareness right now, but clarity will return.

Love and Gratitude,

Felina Lune Kavi