Jaunuary's Blue Blood Full Moon And Lunar Eclipse

The Sun is in Aquarius, the Full Moon is in Leo, and we also have a full Lunar eclipse occurring at 11 degrees Leo. Because of the Procession of the Equinoxes, though, this Lunar eclipse actually sits between two fixed stars in the Cancer constellation. The result is this is really more of a Cancer eclipse than a Leo. Cancer rules home and family, mothers, housework, and comfort. We can expect to feel more caring and responsible as a result.

Reinforcing that theme is the eclipse's very close conjunction to minor planet Ceres. Ceres rules motherly love, female issues, family bonds, and relationships. Ceres also rules what we refer to as modern motherhood, comprised of working mothers and single parenting whether female or male. Nurturing, multi-tasking, powerfully outspoken, and extremely emotional, this lunation will highlight social discussions and political debate in regard to parenting styles, custody rights, maternity leave, childcare and equal pay. Seems pretty timely, doesn't it?

The discussion we'll be having will be very illuminating, too, due to the fact that the Sun itself is in Aquarius, and Mercury, the planet of communication, will move into the sign at just about the same time as the Moon does. Expect fresh news, and we're advised to pay attention to facts.

The Moon or Ceres or both represent the women, mothers, working women and single parents. The Sun represents the dominating men, politicians and religions. The Sun also represents the role of provider as opposed to nurturer. So finding a balance between work and family will be another issue highlighted by the January 2018 total lunar eclipse. Sun opposite Moon and Ceres means you will need to think about the polarities in your life relating to parenting and the roles of women in families and society. Balance between family and work, children and career, or between looking after yourself and nurturing others. The key to finding the right balance is trust and faith in yourself and in your belief system.

This is also the ideal time to purge and release any old issues you perceive as holding you back from your goals. According to Jamie Partridge, the Astrology King, "Like a regular full moon only stronger, a lunar eclipse focuses your attention on intimate relationships, your home and your family. A total lunar eclipse has an even stronger influence on your private life. Sun opposite Moon qualities of emotions and instincts reach their peak at a lunar eclipse. This lets you take an objective and balanced look at your close relationships. Because you will be in touch with your own needs and intentions, you will clearly see any relationship imbalances causing disharmony." This total Lunar eclipse represents resetting your emotions, and clearing away the baggage of the last six months. It promises a heart-clearing, path-altering and ultimately self-affirming burst of emotions, predominately involving nurturing and relationships.

Rebel Moon - New Moon July 2017

 "You see, war is not the answer / For only love can conquer hate." - Marvin Gaye, What's Going On


July's New Moon enters at O° Leo, and we all pretty much know what the sign of Leo is famous for - creative, passionate, generous, warm-hearted, cheerful, humorous, and brave. Leo can also be arrogant, stubborn, self-centered, lazy, inflexible, and loud. Because this Moon phase is primarily influenced by Mars, we get to mix Leo's brashness with Mars' war-like, aggressive traits. Mars, the God of War, is the ruler of Aries. In astrology, Mars is the planet of energy, action, and desire. It is the survival instinct, and can be thought of as the “leftover” animal nature of man. Mars is the push that gets us out of bed in the morning, our drive and desire nature, and our active energy. When we are “acting out” our Mars, we are assertive, directed, forthright, and adventurous. On the negative side, we can be impulsive, rash, impatient, aggressive, and forceful. The combination of these two aspects of this New Moon cannot be ignored or glossed over - it's going to be messy! This is a new moon about energy, action, sex, sports, anger and war. A secondary influence comes from the planet Uranus. A tense aspect to this planet of change and excitement makes Mars more explosive, unpredictable, violent and dangerous.

With the upheaval going on right now on our American political stage, the influence of this New Moon has been given a spotlight. Whatever your age or political affiliation, I'll bet you've never experienced anything remotely like it, and I think that we'll be able to say that about this Moon phase after the fact. Our friends at Astrology King put it like this: "The July 2017 new moon will test your patience. The annoying little things that people do will be more irritating than usual. You will have to take extra care not to upset already angry and mean people. There will be an increased danger of assassinations, revolutions, military assaults and war." Uh oh, grab a seat and pass the popcorn!

Mars square Uranus gives a strong urge to break free from restriction and rebel against authority. A tendency to act rashly without regard for the consequences can lead to disruption and even violence in your life. Awareness of this dynamic energy can instead lead to inventive and creative breakthroughs and a reinvigorated personal life. One thing that will get us all through this weird phase, and it's your creativity! As dire as the astrological predictions sound, this is a great time for artists to battle pent up negative emotions by immersing themselves in their talents. Whatever it is you do, now's the time to get doing - paint, sculpt, dance, sing, and dance the troubles away. Hard work can be used as another outlet. If you have a home or office that needs deep cleaning, now's your chance!

The July 23 new moon influence lasts for four weeks up to the August 21 Solar Eclipse. The best time for making a fresh start and for beginning new projects is during the first two weeks of this new moon cycle. This waxing phase of the Moon lasts from July 23 to the August 7 partial lunar eclipse. We'll talk about the eclipses in another blog post, but remember, whatever this New Moon stirs is likely to be only half the picture as more energy is going to be revealed in August.

Sometimes We Need A Little Magic

According to Gostica.com, "The last eclipse was in September 2016 and February’s Eclipse is going to bring an end to whatever energy was brewing at this time. This ending is to pave the way for a new beginning, which will come at the end of the month on the New Moon Solar Eclipse." So, this is big news - we have a Full Snow Moon (in the sign as well as the Constellation of Leo) along with a Lunar Eclipse and the New Year Comet! We're looking at this event as a gateway into new energy paths that have the potential to change the direction of your life, and as the "final purge of 2016".

What does that signify for you? For one thing, it signals a clean(er) internal slate. As a final purge of leftover energies from 2016, you'll experience an end to things that have attached themselves to you and are unwanted. As Jamie Partridge, the Astrology King, has said, "with a Lunar Eclipse, the blotting out of the moon represents a resetting of emotions, clearing away the emotional baggage of the previous six months". Together with the February 26th Solar Eclipse, this Lunar Eclipse will remain active until the August 2017 Lunar Eclipse. A Lunar Eclipse. "Lunar Eclipses are always viewed in astrology as being deeply transformative times that can bring abrupt and sudden change. - Gostica.com" On the other hand, Eclipses are like the hand of cosmic forces pushing you along to wherever you need to be. You might not like where you're pushed, or it might not be where you thought you'd be, but it's definitely where you need to be.

There is also this awesomely portentous pattern to the planets around this Full Moon. A couple months ago, we described what is called the "Mystic Rectangle". This month, we have a beautiful Pentagram formation, crowned at the top by the planet Saturn. This is pure serendipity, the icing on the cake, the luck of the draw - it signifies that empathetic vibrations are increasing, and you can rely on your instinct and common sense. Saturn is the god of time (Cronus is his Greek counterpart), of wealth, of agriculture, and of liberation. As such, consider this an auspicious time to make some positive changes, as well as bringing people together in a cause. I think we're starting to see this play out on our political stage as we speak. Not since the explosive 1960s have we seen so many people working for positive change!

Speaking of the political arena, we have seen how the challenging astrological forecasts of the past year that played out. There has been so much dissention surrounding the recent election, one can not find it difficult to attribute this unforeseen negative energy to the last inauspicious Lunar Eclipse, and its effect on the dreaded Saturn/Neptune Square. Gladly, this Full Moon, along with the Lunar Eclipse, and Comet will give us the fortitude we need to recognize the source of our inner tensions, and the tools with which to resolve them. Perseverance along with a strong work ethic will equal success!

Shine On, Harvest Moon

""Harvest Moon"

Come a little bit closer
Hear what I have to say
Just like children sleepin'
We could dream this night away.

But there's a full moon risin'
Let's go dancin' in the light
We know where the music's playin'
Let's go out and feel the night.

Because I'm still in love with you
I want to see you dance again
Because I'm still in love with you
On this harvest moon.

 ------Neil Young



Happy September, everyone, and welcome to what we refer to as the "dog days" of summer. Those hot, hot days before it finally cools off, when we all wish it were October, already! That said, we just might wish this part of September away, due to the intense, and somewhat intimidating, astrological forecast for this Full Moon / Penumbral Lunar Eclipse cycle. A Penumbral Lunar Eclipse is the most subtle of the eclipses (the others are termed "full" or "partial"), because the Moon is passing only through the outer edge of the Earth's shadow, and if you're not looking for it, can be easily missed. If you're interested in the special attributes of this month's Moon, here's a lovely article about it from Treehugger about it, and an audio recording of the song by Neil Young, the lyrics of which are posted above.

So, we can be assured that the West Coast won't be able to see this particular Penumbral Eclipse on September 16th (only Europe, Australia, Africa, and parts of South America will be able to view it), but that doesn't mean we won't feel it. If you read our last post, you'll know that Mercury is in retrograde. Add to that the fact that this Moon's eclipse happens in the sign of Virgo, and that we're still dealing with the Saturn square Neptune aspect from earlier this year. Toss in the fact that this Eclipse is squaring Mars, and we've got quite a tempest on our hands.

While feelings of depression, loss, and belligerent anger are part and parcel of where we're at astrologically now, there are bright spots of hope we can grasp onto, until this period is over in the next couple of months. It's advised to still rely on the basics - start new projects or state intentions on the New Moon, finish and/or harvest those intentions on the Full Moon. Also, remember to formally let go of what doesn't serve at the Full Moon, as well. Mercury conjunct Jupiter is favorable, and will help you overcome fears and insecurities (feelings most prevalent during Mercury Retrogrades). A little later,  there will be another boon for those of us sick of this morass that the Saturn square Neptune has gotten us into. From Mystic Mama,  "But in the midst of all this challenging pattern, the eclipse is conjunct the North Node. There is an opening here, to use this potent energetic pattern to its highest frequency." That means using your creativity well this month - make art, make love, make some positive energy! If you're feeling angry, channel that into fueling hard physical work (training? Pilates?) or a creative project (writing? painting? decorating?). Similarly, if you're feeling angsty, use that as fodder for internal work - look inward and work toward any type of metaphysical work you're interested in.

It will be interesting to see how we all do during this period. Feel free to leave a message about it in the comments, and be assured, we will make it through! Hope to see you at Hoopla's Autumnal Equinox Celebration, on Sat., Sept. 24, from 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm, where we'll be hosting Shaman Carol Woodliff, who will be leading an Earth-based blessing ceremony, and a special prayer circle for the protectors at the Sacred Stones site at Standing Rock.