This Full Moon in Taurus is the second of five SuperMoons during 2012, which intensifies the impact of this Full Moon.  SuperMoons occur when the Moon’s orbit is closest to the Earth and when the Moon is in line with both the Sun and the Earth.  SuperMoons greatly intensify the gravitational pull on the tides, tectonic plates, and on our psyches.

This Full Moon highlights the need for balance between the down-to-earth energy of Taurus and the watery energy of Scorpio.  This Taurus-Scorpio polarity deals with the balance between (a) all that is mine (Taurus) and all that is yours (Scorpio), (b) collecting (Taurus) and sharing (Scorpio), and (c) what is simple (Taurus) and what is complex (Scorpio).

This Full Moon in Scorpio also emphasizes the concept of material form (Taurus) versus transformation (Scorpio). While Taurus deals with “what is,” matter, material goods, personal values and possessions, and security, Scorpio rules “what might be,” shared possessions, change, transformation, and death and rebirth.  Both Taurus and Scorpio deal with money, but in two very different ways.  Taurus is about personal resources; i.e., what we earn and what we own based on our individual values.  Scorpio is about shared resources; i.e., what we share with others and what we value inside our partnerships. 

The Sun in Taurus urges us to discover what we most require.  The Moon in Scorpio urges us to learn what we most desire.  The Sun in Taurus wants us to be happy with the simple, tangible things in life, while the Scorpio Moon draws our attention to complexities, intangibles, and mysteries.  Neglecting either end of the axis will surely backfire on us.  Ideally, a balance should be found between the two energies, and this is what the Full Moon invites us to do.

On Tuesday, May 8, Mercury shifts into pragmatic Taurus.  During this time, our thinking will slow down.  And after the intensity of the last few weeks, this will likely come as a blessed relief!  It will help us look back at what we’ve created during the past few weeks and constructively see it through to the end.  Although Mercury in Taurus can cause resistance to new or different ideas, it can also provided us with much-needed patience, including an increased ability to think before speaking.

On Tuesday, May 15, Venus begins its retrograde phase, which will continue through June 27.  Venus Retrograde calls us to reassess our values and relationships, our attitudes toward money and possessions, and our desires regarding aesthetics and love.  This is a time when we need to look at what is true for us in our heart and soul, rather than what is true for us based on the influence of parental upbringing and societal influences.  Venus retrograde gives us a chance to return to our essential truths and desires.  We are being called to ask ourselves:  “What really matters to me?”, “What am I undervaluing or overvaluing?”, “Am I making a living or making a life?”, and “Am I walking my talk?”  Because Venus will be backtracking through the sign of Gemini, we may see changes in how we communicate about money, love, and what we value in life.

With (a) the Full Moon in Scorpio, (b) Mercury shifting into Taurus, and (c) Venus moving into her retrograde period, we are all being given a chance to catch our breaths.  It is likely you will find yourself being pulled toward finishing some projects that need your attention.  Finishing things is important now because it clears the way for new things to begin with the New Moon and Full Solar Eclipse on May 20.  Additionally, my may find yourself looking deeply into how you are feeling about all of these changes.  Full Moons in Scorpio are known for bringing to the surface our deepest feelings in order for healing to occur.  During this time, it may be impossible to avoid having intense feelings, but do your best to observe them objectively; this will help make those emotions useful rather than destructive.  Finally, at this time, it may be beneficial to remember the wise words of Maya Angelou:  “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

REMINDER:  New Moons and Full Moons often influence us for the 3 days before and 3 days after the actual event.

FULL MOON
Full Moon at 17° of Scorpio
Friday, May 5, 2012 at 8:36 p.m. PDT
Friday, May 5, 2012 at 11:36 p.m. EST
Friday, May 6, 2012 at 3:36 a.m. GMT

INFORMATION TAKEN FROM
The Mountain Astrologer (magazine)
Various online sources
Anne’s interpretations

This blog post is Part 1 of a multi-part series where I will be sharing how I got started using the Law of Attraction (LOA).  This will include sharing about my early years as a fledgling LOA student, my struggles, my victories, and all the precious nuggets of wisdom that I have earned along this 20-year journey.  For those looking for support in learning how to use and master the Law of Attraction, I invite you to join me on Wednesday, June 6, 2012, for my brand new class Mastering the Law of Attraction Processes.  This will be a weekly, ongoing LOA coaching group from 7-9 pm at the Impart Wisdom and Wellness Center.

How I Stumbled Upon the Law of Attraction

It’s 1987, I’m 27 years old, and after a decade-long struggle with alcohol and drugs, I had finally hit bottom and gotten sober!  Yeah!!  I thought to myself, “I am finally sober, and now my life will magically fall into place, right?”

Well, not so fast girlfriend.  As many of my sober friends and many family members of sober people know, getting sober is one thing; getting and staying (emotionally & spiritually) sober is another.  Once you get physically sober, you find out rather quickly that if you don’t do the self discovery and spiritual healing work necessary to heal the issues that contributed to the need to self medicate (through drinking, drugs, food, work, sex,co-dependency, shopping, etc.), then you will very likely fall back into the pattern of using the substance or the behavior that provided you with comfort when facing painful feelings, even if its side effects make your life a living hell.

Thankfully when I was just a few months sober, I took the advice of a drug and alcohol counselor (thank you Spirit!) and attended  a “New Thought” church.   The counselor said it was a really positive place and that it was not like church at all.  She also said it would be good for my healing and recovery because the message of this church was more like a personal growth workshop than a church. It was a combination of spirituality and psychology.  She also mentioned that a lot of people in recovery attended this church.

I immediately felt this would be a safe place to explore my spirituality and begin my healing  and self discovery process.  It turns out that this church’s core philosophy is completely grounded in the Law of Attraction (LOA)!  I didn’t know it at the time, but this counselor had introduced me to the most powerful philosophy that I had ever come across . . . a philosophy that would completely transform my life in every way imaginable!   I had no idea that 10 years after first learning about and using the LOA, not only would I become a completely transformed person, but I would also find my life’s work as a Law of Attraction coach & teacher.

When I first started attending this church, I admit that I was skeptical.  I wondered if the Law of Attraction could really be true.  I asked myself, “Can you really attract what you want with your thoughts and by aligning your energy?  Come on!  This must be wishful thinking!”  I had been raised Catholic, and this church and these “New Thought” teachings were very, very different!

However, there was something about these new ideas and concepts, as well as these caring and compassionate people who were attending the church, that I really resonated with.  I loved being around them, and I wanted what they had.  All I knew was when I went to this “New Thought” church each week I felt really good!  It really inspired me and gave me hope that maybe I really could “co-create” a life that I loved.  When Reverend Peggy, the Senior Minister, spoke, she totally embodied the Law of Attraction philosophy.  I was so inspired by her passion and conviction in teaching us that we all truly could live the lives of our dreams.

As time went on and I continued to study and work with the principles, I began to see how the LOA was working for others at the church.    Then slowly, I began to notice that things were shifting for me, too.  I noticed that the more mindful I was about keeping my focus on what I wanted, the more good would flow into my life.   It was a very exciting time for me when I began to see the LOA actually working for me.  What I really started to “get” on a deeper level was this:  If this law really works, then the sky’s the limit of what I can create in my life!  This realization was like opening a door to an entirely new reality for me.

What lessons did I learn?

1.  Just show up every week:  By continuing to show up each week with an empowerment-oriented group of spiritual, like-minded people, I was continually inspired.  I observed all of the success that the more advanced members were getting.  They were role models for me!  And even though I wasn’t seeing as much success as they were (at first) from using the LOA principles, I was slowly but surely integrating the LOA principles into my mind and my life.  Looking back, I now realize that the beginning is about foundation building.  First you have to build a strong foundation by integrating the LOA principles and processes into your life, and then all the things you want to be, do, or have will show up!

2. There is no such thing as failure, only lessons:  If I had quit when I didn’t see the Law of Attraction working right away, I would have missed this whole amazing journey of becoming a powerful co-creator.  I am proud of myself because I realized, in retrospect, that it took many years to get my state of consciousness to where it was back then and, therefore, it only made sense that it would take time to shift  my level of consciousness to a new and healthier place.  I learned that I needed to be patient and trust the process.  And part of that process was being willing to analyze what worked and what didn’t work, and then make the adjustments necessary to get back on track.

3. Be open to trying new things: Had I not taken the advice of the counselor and checked out this new church, who knows what path I might have taken.  You never know when you are going to meet someone who will make one casual remark that will turn your whole life around.  First, you have to be open to trying something new and then you have to take the action by showing up.

Stay tuned for Part 2 of my journey as I reflect back on how I learned to master the Law of Attraction.

For those of you who would like to improve your ability to use the Law of Attraction, while being supported by an empowering group of like-minded Law of Attraction students, be sure to join me every Wednesday evening for my all new Mastering The Law of Attraction Processes class.  This new group starts on June 6, 2012, and is an ongoing weekly Wednesday evening coaching group from 7-9pm at the Impart Wisdom and Wellness Center.  For more information or to register, please contact Bernie at Bernie@AnneReith.com or call (714) 599-0017.

All New Moons represent a new emotional cycle and a time when we can reset our goals and intentions.  And this New Moon provides a powerful opportunity, if you choose to embrace its energy.  First, let’s talk about Taurus.

Taurus is the sign most involved in developing healthy relationships to the physical plane, which includes our body, our physical resources (including money), and even Mother Earth.  In Taurus, we learn about matter . . . and we also learn about what matters.  With the New Moon in Taurus, we discover that true security and success is not just measured by physical wealth or status.  Rather, we learn that happiness, good health, positive relationships, meaningful work, and personal pleasure are all essential to living a fulfilled life.  Taurus teaches us that there are two ways to be rich:  One is to have what you want, and the other is to want what you have.  Both require a healthy sense of values and self-worth.  But if we don’t know what we really want (or we don’t believe we deserve what we have), then true happiness will elude us.

Taurus energy also orients us to our physical senses – sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell.  At this time, the more attuned we are to our senses, our body, and even to Mother Earth, the more grounded, present, and powerful we will be.  And with Earth Day occurring on Sunday, April 22, it’s a good time to get out into nature and thank Mother Earth for all she provides to us.  Getting out in nature now is an excellent way to reestablish your sense of connectedness to all things.

Taurus is a fixed earth sign.  At this time we are dealing with focused, concentrated, practical energy.  And this is reinforced by five planets being located in Earth signs during the time of the New Moon (i.e., Sun, Moon, Mars, Jupiter, Pluto).  Rather than just thinking about your goals and intentions, this is a time when we need to take concrete, practical steps on the physical plane.  Taurus energy tells us to make it real and tangible so we can measure our progress. But we will also find that simpler answers are often the best ones.  Right now, we need to move away from complicated answers or distractions and focus on the fundamentals and our basic needs.

This New Moon is trine (120°) both Mars and Pluto.  This creates a wonderful Grand Earth Trine that provides us with amazing support to take concrete, analytical action (Mars in Virgo) to move past any fears we may have about our ability to take responsible action (Pluto in Capricorn).  If we can do this, we can make amazing progress by moving forward patiently and steadily with concentrated, disciplined energy toward bringing our dreams into reality.   Greater efficiency and the ability to redirect assets will help us to “take care of business.”  And the presence of Mars in this Grand Earth Trine will help us push through any obstacles and provide much needed stamina.

Additionally, at the time of the Full Moon, the Sun and Moon are sextile (60°) the planet Neptune.  This means that the disciplined, hard work of the New Moon in Taurus can be both fun and spiritual.  This harmonious relationship to Neptune in Pisces opens our intuition in amazing and powerful ways.  So as you flow forward toward your goals and intention, be open to and ready for a very powerful intuitive flow.  Some of us, though, may also need to do some “forgiveness work” in order to move forward in a positive direction.  Who do you need to forgive?  Do you need to forgive yourself?

Overall, this New Moon in Taurus is providing us with a wonderful opportunity.  Due to its positive connection to Neptune, our intuitive senses will be available to us.  And because of the New Moon’s involvement in a wonderfully supportive Grand Earth Trine, we are being provided with the ambition to reach our goals, and that ambition is tempered with the reason and the resourcefulness that increases our likelihood of achieving our goals.  At this time, we all have the potential to make our dreams come true through hard, disciplined, and fun work.  So during this productive time, remember . . . “Vision without action is merely a dream. Action without vision just passes the time. Vision with action can change the world!” (Joel Arthur Barker)

REMINDER

• New Moons and Full Moons often influence us for the 3 days before and 3 days after the actual event.

NEW MOON

• New Moon at 2° of Taurus
• Saturday, April 21, 2012 at 12:20 a.m. PDT
• Saturday, April 21, 2012 at 3:20 a.m. EST
• Saturday, April 21, 2012 at 7:20 p.m. GMT

INFORMATION TAKEN FROM

• The Mountain Astrologer (magazine)
• Various online sources
• Anne’s interpretations

All Full Moons bring light to the darkness; they help us to see what we need to change, and that change requires us to strive for balance between two opposing and different signs.  This Full Moon highlights the needs of Aries and Libra.  Aries is ruled by Mars, the masculine principle.  Its focus is independence and assertiveness.  It represents the right to exist, the power of the individual, and the need to risk trying something new.  Libra is ruled by Venus, the feminine principle.  Its focus is finding ways for everyone to work together.  It is the sign of equality, partnership, and justice.  Now is a good time to ask yourself:  Where do I need to be brave?  Where do I need to join forces with others?

Full Moons in Libra have been known to push relationship issues to the forefront.  However, the influence of objective Libra often causes this to be a relatively reasonable examination due to Libra’s desire for fairness, compromise, and cooperation in order to overcome difficulties.  This same emphasis occurs on Saturday, April 7, the day after the Full Moon.  On this day, there is a square (90°) between the rulers of this Full Moon, Venus and Mars.  This could cause bickering over minor matters; however, other favorable aspects will likely help transform anger into constructive action.

This Full Moon in Libra is also the first of five SuperMoons during 2012.  This occurs when the Moon’s orbit is closest to the Earth and when the Moon is in line with both the Sun and the Earth.  SuperMoons greatly intensify the gravitational pull on the tides, tectonic plates, and on our psyches.  And it increased the power of this Full Moon.

Within several days of this Full Moon, Venus changes signs and three planets change direction, all of which emphasizes that this is a time when we will need to shift how we see and do things:

• On Tuesday, April 3, Venus moves into the sign of Gemini.  This is a playful and flirtation placement for the planet of love.  Diverse people and activities attract our attention, but they may not hold our attention for very long.  Our tastes switch quickly, which makes it difficult to rely on our evaluations of people, objects, or experiences.
• On Wednesday, April 4, Mercury ends its first of three retrograde phases during 2012.  As it begins its forward motion again, we are very likely going to see a reduction in miscommunication and technical snafus.  Ideas that have been floating on the periphery of consciousness begin to take form, and connections that have grown fuzzy may come back into focus.  When Mercury enters fiery Aries on Monday, April 16, many will see the pace of communication picking up.  However, we may also see stronger speech that may not be helpful to compromise.
• On Tuesday, April 10, Pluto begins its annual 5-month retrograde phase.  This is a subtle move for most people because Pluto works in the shadows where its influence is less obvious.  It will slowly and subtly turn our attention inward to reexamine our personal desires, our personal resources, and our concepts of power and control.  External sources of fear and manipulation may not disappear, but recognizing and confronting the darkness within is likely to produce transformation.
• On Friday, April 13, Mars ends its once-every-2-years retrograde phase, which began on January 23.  Due to this retrograde phase, Mars has spent an extended time in Virgo, which has caused many people to revamp or release what doesn’t support the optimal functioning of our bodies, our work environment, and/or our ways of serving others.  Mars’ reverse motion has also caused movement in many areas of our lives to be blocked or slowed, especially when it comes to duties, details, and complex systems that inhibit innovation.  As forward motion returns to the red planet, we will find that it is easier to transform ideas into action.  Projects that have been slowed since January 23, when this retrograde phase began, will gain traction during the next few weeks.  For some, there is a great deal of pent-up energy that is waiting to be released.  Given Mars is in Virgo, developing skills, doing things to improve your health, and increasing efficiency are healthy expressions of this energy.

Overall, this Full Moon in Libra calls for us to be courageous (Aries) but to also be considerate of others (Libra).  So many that I am speaking with right now are going through MAJOR changes in their lives (e.g., relationships beginning and ending, jobs beginning and ending, health changes, unexpected and expected deaths of loved ones.  How do you know what the right path or action is when there is so much changing around you?  Remember to use your heart as your guidance system:  “The guidance you are getting is to follow your heart.  Listen to your Soul.  Hear your Self.”  (Neale Donald Walsch)

REMINDER:  New Moons and Full Moons often influence us for the 3 days before and 3 days after the actual event.

FULL MOON
Full Moon at 18° of Libra
Friday, April 6, 2012 at 12:19 p.m. PDT
Friday, April 6, 2012 at 3:19 p.m. EST
Friday, April 6, 2012 at 7:19 p.m. GMT

INFORMATION TAKEN FROM
The Mountain Astrologer (magazine)
Various online sources
Anne’s interpretations

New Moons always represent a new emotional cycle and a time when we can reset our goals and intentions.  However, because Aries is the first sign of the zodiac, this means that the Aries New Moon also represents the initiation of a new annual cycle.  And this Aries New Moon occurs just 2 days after the Spring Equinox (Autumnal Equicnox in the Southern Hemisphere), which represent another important shift in energy.

Aries is a cardinal fire sign, which means ENERGY!  Many will find that they have energy to spare right now, but our goal is to effectively channel this energy into new endeavors and new beginnings.  Aries New Moons call for us to take a giant stride forward into a future that may not be fully formed yet.  We probably feel revved up and ready to go!  Our desire is to take action forward, but not just for the sake of action.  All Aries New Moons involve seeking personal empowerment and personal excellence.

But this isn’t your usual New Moon in Aries!  Uranus is conjunct (0°) this New Moon, and Uranus is the planet often described as The Great Awakener.  Its energy can be experienced as unexpected and disruptive, but only if we are unwilling to embrace our ever-evolving and changing worlds.  Given Uranus is conjunct both the Sun and Moon and all of these planets are in Aries, this could be a time when rebellious behavior is more common, both on an individual and societal level.  However, as with all Uranus aspects, we are being given the opportunity to see ourselves and society in a new light.  It is important to remember that liberation comes from within and altering our internal patterns is more useful than striking out against external sources of restraint.

At this time, Mercury, which is still in retrograde (March 12–April 4), is also in Aries, which adds even more power to the predominance of Aries energy.  Particularly when the Sun is conjunct Mercury on Wednesday, March 21, explosively charged words or brash behaviors may become more commonplace.  One way to manage these runaway thoughts/behaviors and to avoid clashes with others is to make a commitment to breathe deeply and cool down before saying or doing anything rash.

Luckily, Mercury quickly backs into Pisces on Friday, March 23, which will help cool things down a bit.  And this return to the sign of the fish may also result in creative inspiration as intellectual limits slip into the Piscean fog.  Unfortunately, retrograde Mercury in Pisces can cause us to get lost in that fog and result in sloppy thinking.  Therefore, it will be particularly important over the next few days to double-check written material and work hard to communicate clearly.

Pluto, the planet of deep transformation forces, is square (90°) the Sun, Moon, and Uranus.  Squares tend to require us to change our paths or our outlook, and this combination of planets means that we may need to apply creativity and break new ground rather than follow a well-defined course of action.  The future may feel scary, but holding onto the past is futile; and the opportunity to invent a better tomorrow is available due to the New Moon in Aries.

The presence of both Uranus and Pluto at the time of this Aries New Moon urges us to work through our limitations in our thinking.  It may be helpful to ask yourself some important questions:  How can I release my personal limitations?  How far can I go if these limitations were not present?  This combination of planets in Aries could result in a time of radical insights and developments in your life, particularly when the Sun is exactly conjunct Uranus (Saturday, March 24) and square to Pluto (Thursday, March 29).

During this time, Mars, which is the ruler of Aries, continues in retrograde (January 23-April 13).  This challenges all of us to skillfully use our power and passion to serve and protect rather than dominate or destroy.  Important questions to ask yourself while Mars is in retrograde include:  Where am I being asked to be bold, take a risk, and say yes?  Where do I need to take a stand and say no?  What is my sacred work?

Overall, this New Moon in Aries and the influence of Uranus, Pluto, and Mars in retrograde are all helping us tap into inspired (= in spirit) energy, which can enable us to enthusiastically grow into our next level.  It is a good time to look for role models of excellence.  It is a marvelous energy for self-improvement.  Courageously start those new beginnings and have faith that with each step, the path will become clearer.  As so beautifully spoken by Kathy Rose, “Take action courageously, believe in yourself, and be willing to take risks and even fall on your face perhaps, because that is how we grow and learn what we are made of.”

REMINDER

• New Moons and Full Moons often influence us for the 3 days before and 3 days after the actual event.

NEW MOON

• New Moon at 3° of Aries
• Thursday, March 22, 2012 at 7:38 a.m. PDT
• Thursday, March 22, 2012 at 10:38 a.m. EST
• Thursday, March 22, 2012 at 2:38 p.m. GMT

NFORMATION TAKEN FROM

• The Mountain Astrologer (magazine)
• Various online sources
• Anne’s interpretations

All Full Moons virtually demand that we find balance in our lives between the issues associated with the opposing signs.  With this Full Moon, the Sun is in Pisces and the Moon is in Virgo.  We are being asked to find a balance between our imagination, our spiritual health, our connection with the Divine, and being compassionate (Pisces) and our day-to-day routines, our physical health, our need for order, and being practical (Virgo).

The Pisces Sun makes us conscious of a higher purpose while the Virgo Moon provides a willingness to work hard to achieve our goals.  But again, balance is essential.  Enterprise without inspiration is exhausting (too much Virgo), but it is equally detrimental to live a life of impossible dreams (too much Pisces).

This opposition between Virgo and Pisces also highlights humanity’s evolutionary challenge – the integration of head and heart, body and soul, logic and intuition.  Virgo is the sign of analysis and logic.  Pisces is the sign of metaphysical realities beyond our five senses.  As with any Full Moon, solutions are found in finding balance between these two extremes.  We all need to find new ways to blend the analytical awareness of the mind (Virgo) with the compassionate wisdom of the heart (Pisces).

On Monday, March 12, Mercury begins its second of three retrograde phases during 2012.  It will remain in retrograde until Wednesday, April 4.  All Mercury retrograde periods turn our attention inward . . . toward reviewing, revising, redesigning, releasing, and/or completing old projects or contracts before beginning new ones.  We may even need to let go of unrealizable goals.  Additionally, we may be asked to reassess our way of thinking, which includes looking carefully at the questions we ask, because we can’t get correct answers unless we ask the right questions.  Mercury retrograde pushes us to probe the root causes of disagreement, equipment breakdowns, and any glitches in our lives.

Mercury begins its retrograde phase while in bold Aries.  And because Mercury is located close to Uranus at this time, our thoughts and nervous systems may feel like they are in overdrive.  However, Mercury quickly backtracks into the calmer waters of Pisces.  Mercury will be spending a lot more time than usual in the sign of Pisces, emphasizing the need to trust our inner guidance and go with what feels right.  However, because it began its retrograde motion in active Aries, we may revisit some bold and imaginative ideas, and some of these ideas may be valuable enough to pursue.

However, in spite of the cerebral softness of retrograde Mercury in Pisces and the Sun in dreamy Pisces, a very uncommon configuration of planets will begin to impact us around the time of the Full Moon.  Our life is about to shift into high gear when a period of incredible productivity arrives in the form of a grand earth trine between Mars in Virgo, Pluto in Capricorn, and Jupiter in Taurus.  Although this configuration is exact on Wednesday, March 14, it will impact us for several days before and after that.

This equilateral triangle provides a harmonious combination of the enterprising power of Mars and expansive Jupiter with the potency and persistence of Pluto.  Many of us will be more willing now to take professional risks, battle for beliefs, and be more physically active.  There’s a sense that anything can be accomplished now as long as one is willing to work hard.  Many of us will find that a great deal can be accomplished in a relatively short period of time due to efficient use of time and energy.

Within this grand earth trine, the trine (120°) between Jupiter and Pluto is exact on Monday, March 12.  We will find that our visions of material opportunities are empowered now, but keep in mind that a deeper commitment (Pluto) to beliefs (Jupiter) comes from looking past minor, immediate issues to take a more philosophical view of any situation.

A few days before the Full Moon (Monday, March 5), Venus moved into her home sign of Taurus where pleasure, sensuality, and common sense all converge.  But Venus plays a role in the grand earth trine by being conjunct (0°) Jupiter and trine (120°) Pluto.  Her presence can help uncover hidden resources (Pluto) and support relationships, particularly if those relationships are based on shared values (Jupiter).  The influence of Taurus means that being realistic and patient will reap rewards now.

Overall, this Full Moon in Virgo asks us to find a balance between our head and our heart . . . between our logic and our intuition.  Right after this Full Moon, Mercury turns retrograde, and we are all encouraged to be vigilant for the typical errors so commonly associated with Mercury retrograde periods, such as making errors when speaking and/or writing, when making travel plans, or when forming contracts.  However, a configuration called a grand earth trine will make this a very productive time indeed!  Take advantage of this time to do what is needed to manifest your dreams (Pisces) in a realistic way (Virgo).  And always remember, “Do what needs to be done, and check to see if it was impossible only after you are done” (Paul Hawkins). 

Each New Moon provides us with a chance for a new emotional cycle.  It’s a time to reset our goals and intentions within the sign and house that are involved.  Pisces is about compassion, emotions, spirituality, intuition, faith, and healing, especially healing any tendencies to take a victim role in our lives.  The downside of Pisces is that if we look outside ourselves for the “cause” rather than looking inward, then we can fall prey to addictions, illusions, obsessions, and distractions of all kinds.  We need to recognize that it is our beliefs, choices, and consciousness that create our experience of reality.

As the last sign of the zodiac, Pisces represents a return to Source/Oneness.  As we traveled through the other 11 signs, we have seen the world through everyone’s eyes.  We are now being asked to see the world through the eyes of compassion and to understand that everything that happens is either love or a call for love.

A New Moon in Pisces is all about learning how to flow with and be connected to Spirit, however we define it.  This is a time when our energy systems become incredibly sensitive.  It’s a good time to either have an energy healer cleanse your aura/chakras or learn how to do it yourself.  It is also recommended that you limit our exposure to toxic environments/people, while also engaging in activities that raise your vibrational rates, such as meditation or taking intuitive or healing arts classes.  Our auras filter out energetic toxins that surround us, and our chakras are storehouses of energy.  “Energetic hygiene” helps keep all of these systems functioning effectively.

We all have a wonderful opportunity at this time to develop our psychic senses.  Our five earthly senses only perceive about 97% of the electromagnetic spectrum.  Piscean energy asks us to look beyond what our physical senses can perceive.  We are being asked to transcend our physical experience.  The root “trans” means to “go across,” “pass through,” and “reach the other side.”  So we are being called to connect with other dimensions in profound ways!

We are entering a time in humanity’s history when we need to learn how to not just recognize our ability to perceive what exists in other dimensions but also to learn how to manage these skills.  Yes, we want to learn how to use these abilities “on demand” rather than not having access to them.  But we also need to learn how to turn them off when we need to in order to avoid being overwhelmed or distracted by Source energy/information at unexpected moments.  If you are reading this message, then your soul has chosen to be here in this dimensional state called “Earth.”  Therefore, being connected with Source energy 100% of the time isn’t part of your life script; additionally, spending the majority of your time connected to Source energy could poses a variety of problems (e.g., going to work, paying bills, and doing the laundry are all part of living on the Earth plane).  We need to find the “on & off switch” of our intuitive abilities, and become the “master” of positions will help us live more effectively on the Earth plane.

And unlike other New Moons in Pisces, this one occurs when the Sun is conjunct (0°) Neptune (exact on Sunday, February 19), which is the ruler of Pisces.  This conjunction hasn’t happened in more than 150 years!  When the Sun and Neptune come together like this at the same time of a New Moon, it magnifies the mystical and magical qualities of the New Moon.  We are being invited to connect with otherworldly dimensions.  Spiritual awakening and creativity will flow freely from Divine sources during this time.  Intuition and imagination are heightened, and some people can achieve deep meditative states.  Additionally, the Moon forms a sextile (60°) to Jupiter in Taurus, which provides a valuable dose of strategic thinking that enables us to turn our dreams into reality.

On Thursday, February 23, Mercury opposes (180°) Mars.  This aspect requires that we find a balance between the mind and action, and this can actually help sharpen minds and enliven discussion.  But just be forewarned that it can also result in arguments.  This is a particular concern when the Moon moves into Aries hours later.  This Moon in Aries means that many of us will need to control our impulses for the remainder of the day.  However, it may also be a time when we see fresh starts, innovation involving new ideas, and increased self-reliance.

On Friday, February 24, the Sun starts off the day with a visionary sextile (60°) to Jupiter.  This can help lift us above the fray of immediate issues, increase our self-confidence, and reduce stress.  Later in the day, the Sun conjoins (0°) Chiron, which offers us a special opportunity to resolve long-standing issues.  It reminds us that healing often involves acceptance, forgiveness, and gratitude, both for ourselves and for others.

Finally, on Monday, February 27, a sextile (60°) between the Sun and Pluto helps us cut through any clutter and get to the heart of the matter.  This favorable aspect between the compassion of the Piscean Sun and the precision and depth of Pluto can also help us address complex emotional issues.

Overall, the 28 days (February 19-March 19) when the Sun travels through the watery sign of Pisces is often the most spiritual month of the year.  First, having the Sun conjunct (0°) Neptune and then having the New Moon in Pisces several days later emphasizes that this is a very magical and mystical time when we can all connect with Spirit in new and exciting ways.  Profound insights are possible, as is the potential for healing deep wounds.  Seek out new ways to connect with Spirit and with your intuitive senses because we are all being asked to “Live your life like a prayer” (David R. Hawkins).

REMINDER

• New Moons and Full Moons often influence us for the 3 days before and 3 days after the actual event.

NEW MOON

• New Moon at 3° of Pisces
• Tuesday, February 21, 2012 at 2:35 p.m. PDT
• Tuesday, February 21, 2012 at 5:35 p.m. EST
• Tuesday, February 21, 2012 at 10:35 p.m. GMT

INFORMATION TAKEN FROM

• The Mountain Astrologer (magazine)
• Various online sources
• Anne’s interpretations

This Full Moon in Leo, as do all Full Moons, illuminates how far we have come and what we have to do next.  The Moon in Leo seeks the discovery and expression of one’s authentic self.  Leo is the sign most associated with the heart . . . representing what we do from love, for love, and with love.  The Sun in Aquarius deals with progress and the power of the group mind.  This Full Moon reminds us that we must align our heads with our hearts in order to be truly effective.  For example, something new and powerful can emerge when we combine the creativity of Leo with the Aquarian ideals of equality and solidarity.  The group energy of Aquarius combined with the loving energy of Leo can result in amazingly creative and forward-thinking solutions.

The possible downside of a Leo Full Moon can be disappointment and displeasure if we don’t receive the recognition that we feel we deserve.  However, the directive of this lunation is to give more rather than asking for more.  If we allow the positive energy of this Full Moon to touch our hearts, this can be a time when our hearts awaken and expand. But it will required that we each find a balance between what our heads and hearts are telling us.

There are many additional astrological events that demand our attention on the same day of the Full Moon and on the days before and after this Full Moon:

• One of those significant events occurs a few days before the Full Moon, on Friday, February 3, when Neptune moves into its own sign of Pisces.  Neptune made a short visit to Pisces last year from April 4 to August 4.  After a brief return to Aquarius, Neptune will now be moving through Pisces for the next 14 years (until 2025).  Although this change will be subtle it will be profound.  We will see an increased interest in topics such as art, compassion, and spirituality.  We will all feel a longing for transcendence and a desire to connect with the Divine, although how each of us explores this will be unique.  All planets (and signs) have a higher and lower expression of that planet’s (or sign’s) energy.  The higher expression of Neptune is compassion, spirituality, and unity consciousness.  Its lower expression involves illusion, escapism, and having a hard time seeing clearly due to the “fog” of Neptune’s watery energy.  As Neptune moves through Pisces, it will support all of us in seeing our inner connectedness and our infinite potential.  However, during this time, we can also be more susceptible to charismatic leaders or gurus who convince you that they know the “true path” to transcendence.  We all need to do our research and discern who has our best interests at heart.  Are they helping you discover and explore our own truths, or are they demanding that we adhere to theirs?  Checking in with our inner knowingness will help us know the difference . . . as well exploring what others say about this person or group.
• On the day of the Full Moon, Mercury closely conjoins (0°) the Sun.  This highlights the power of shared intentions.  Because what we think we manifest.  And because the Sun is in Aquarius, we will be supported in pooling our ideas and vision with others, which will exponentially increase the power of the Sun and Mercury in the collaborative, group-oriented energy of Aquarius.  Due to several related aspects, it is important now to welcome new information, contribute our talents, and remain open to radical change.
• Again, the same day as the Full Moon, Saturn turns retrograde in Libra.  Saturn’s backward motion often softens the energy of this sometimes challenging planet.  We may need to pull back and revamp or reorganize structures in our life, and society may need to do the same things.  We may also need to do the internal changes necessary for us to take a different type of leadership role in our lives or in our communities.
• And once again, on the same day as the Full Moon, Venus moves out of Pisces and into Aries.  For several weeks, we may find that we have an increased interest in meeting new people, a desire for new experiences, and an increased awareness of the importance of self-love.  When it comes to going after whatever we desire, we may find ourselves being bold and perhaps a bit impatient.
• On Monday, February 13, Mercury first trines (120°) Saturn, then moves into Pisces several hours later, and then within a few conjoins (0°) Neptune in Pisces.  The energy of watery Pisces tends to blur the intellectual boundaries of Mercury and can cause communication to become foggy and unclear.  However, the higher expression of Mercury in Pisces is an increase in compassionate ideas and the ability to communicate in tender ways.  We may even find that we make a leap that defies logic and provides a spiritual vision that touches the soul.

With all this intellectual, airy Aquarian energy and all of this spiritual, watery Piscean energy swirling around us right now, we are all in conceptually rich territory.  We can expand our consciousness during this time and rise above the mundane matters of daily life to catch a glimpse of a larger view of reality.  This may require a degree of detachment as we allow minor issues to fade in the bright light of more universal pictures of our place and purpose in the world.  This year is when our species will see shifts that illuminate cultural and societal patterns.  This can results in waves of idealism, but it is likely to continue to require much needed social changes to support the new social structures that are emerging.

We were born for these times.  We came to help create a shift and to make a difference.  We are all agents of change, and each one of us holds a unique piece of the cosmic puzzle.  We have a singular job that only we can fill.  We are all becoming cosmic creators.  This Full Moon urges us to be resilient and focused as big waves of change continue to wash over us.  Use this Full Moon to take the next step on your path.  Use the subtle but incredibly important energy of Neptune in its home sign of Pisces to explore new and powerful ways to connect with Spirit.  And remember, “No road is too long for him who advances slowly and does not hurry, and no attainment is beyond his reach who equips himself with patience to achieve it” (Jean de La Bruyère).

REMINDER:  New Moons and Full Moons often influence us for the 3 days before and 3 days after the actual event.

FULL MOON
Full Moon at 19° of Leo
Tuesday, February 7, 2012 at 1:54 p.m. PDT
Tuesday, February 7, 2012 at 4:54 p.m. EST
Tuesday, February 7, 2012 at 9:54 p.m. GMT

INFORMATION TAKEN FROM
The Mountain Astrologer (magazine)
Various online sources
Anne’s interpretations

Each New Moon provides us with a chance for a new emotional start . . . a time when we can reset our goals and intentions.  This New Moon is in Aquarius, which is the sign most associated with the dawning of a new age . . . a new beginning for each of us individually and for society as a whole.  Aquarius is a fixed air sign.  As such, its strengths include the use of focused mental energy, particularly when it has a purpose.  Aquarius also focuses on group energy . . . on seeing humanity as a brotherhood and sisterhood.  It seeks to experience unity in diversity and to realize that each of us is a unique individual that is an important part of a larger whole.

The ruling planet of Aquarius is Uranus, both of which represent the need for freedom and progress.  Uranus is often referred to as the Great Awakener.  Its action can be experienced as unexpected and even chaotic.  Chaos can feel unsettling, but it is the space from which creation emerges.  It is “the unpredictability inherent in all systems, where small shifts can produce momentous changes” (Stephanie Austin).  This New Moon is sextile (60°) Uranus, which can provide beneficial support as we go through another wave of major breakdowns and breakthroughs.  It provides us with energy and enthusiasm.  Innovation and fresh ideas may flow more easily, experimentation is rewarded, and an open-minded attitude is enhanced.

This New Moon forms an astrological configuration called a T-Square; specifically, the New Moon is squaring (90°) both Jupiter and Saturn, which are in opposition (180°) to each other, forming a right triangle with the New Moon as its focal point.  This T-Square configuration greatly intensifies the power of this New Moon.  We are being called to initiate and utilize powerful group energy that is for the good of our community and for humanity as a whole.  With Jupiter in Taurus, we are being urged to look at limitations imposed by materialistic beliefs; however, Jupiter in Taurus can also provide resourcefulness that flows from a generous spirit.  In fact, this may mean that going too far is the only way to go.

On the same day as the New Moon, Mars changes direction and begins a retrograde phase that will last until April 13.  Because of its retrograde period, Mars will remain in the sign of Virgo for almost eight months (i.e., November 10, 2011 to July 3, 2012), instead of its normal 2-month stay.  This provides us with extra time to analyze and fix what’s not working in our lives.  When retrograde in Virgo, Mars directs us to resolve issues related to self-esteem, martyrdom, and passive-aggressiveness.  We may find that issues related to anger versus assertion and conflict versus courage come to the foreground.  Systems, skills, and methods will need to be re-evaluated.  We are being asked to determine what is essential and to analyze and improve things, rather than criticize and complain.  This is an excellent time to explore our fears and underlying motivations.  We may also be asked to learn how to communicate more assertively and deal with chronic health issues.

Given Mars begins its retrograde period on the same day as the New Moon, this adds even more power to the New Moon.  It adds further emphasis to the need to look at how we handle community energy and how we respond in groups.  Groups that are focused on creating a common vision that is for the highest good of all involved can be a wonderful thing; however, research in group dynamics also show that people, when banded together, feel safer in projecting their fears or judgments onto others.  It is vital that all groups focus on what they want to achieve and create together and to not focus on what they are against.  The groups that will move into the future will serve their community with a generous spirit that respects diversity, is non-judgmental, and focuses on the incredible, loving connections that bond all people together.

Some people may find that Mars moving in retrograde causes problems with bureaucracy or they may experience the slowing down of the machinery of change.  However, due to Mercury’s shift into Aquarius on Friday, January 27, many of us may still continue to come up with bright ideas that help us work around these obstacles.  This can help us see situations from unexpected angles and to come up with brilliant solutions to tricky problems.  Many of us may also find that old worries suddenly evaporate as Mercury moves into the sign of Aquarius, which is typically optimistic and future-focused.

Overall, this New Moon provides all of us with a chance to become passionately involved in a group or community.  It is important to focus your communal energy on moving toward something and not away from something.  Ask yourself, what is worth fighting for?  Where do you need to refuse to compromise your values?  Where are you ready to take a quantum leap?  It shows us that it’s time for something completely different.  However, with the presence of Saturn and Jupiter in opposition to each other in the T-Square formed with the New Moon, it is essential that we find real-world ways to apply the fresh ideas that are currently being conceived.  As Terrence McKenna so beautifully stated, “Nature loves courage.  You make the commitment and nature will respond to that commitment by removing impossible obstacles.  Dream the impossible dream and the world will not grind you under, it will lift you up.  This is the trick . . . this is how magic is done.  By hurling yourself into the abyss and discovering it’s a feather bed.”

REMINDER

• New Moons and Full Moons often influence us for the 3 days before and 3 days after the actual event.

NEW MOON

• New Moon at 3° of Aquarius
• Sunday, January 22, 2012 at 11:41 p.m. PDT
• Monday, January 23, 2012 at 2:41 a.m. EST
• Monday, January 23, 2012 at 7:41 a.m. GMT

INFORMATION TAKEN FROM

• The Mountain Astrologer (magazine)
• Various online sources
• Anne’s interpretations