Sagittarius New Moon: the 2012 Gate Opens

"Most of the change we think we see in life is due to truths being in and out of favor."
Robert Frost, US poet (1874 - 1963)

"...when you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth." Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (1859 - 1930), (Sherlock Holmes)

©AstroActivator by Kathryn Mina

The Moon completes its Scorpio/Taurus cycle on Nov 24/25 when it meets the Sun at 3 degrees in Sagittarius, the mythical archer. Sagittarius seeks out the truth, desiring to elevate the human vibration to the highest possible spiritual place of awareness. Its energy finds interest in the elevated perspective of the mind, philosophy, religion, distant travel, laws, and especially adventure.

This New Moon occurs at 8:10 pm on the 24th in Hawaii, 10:10 on the West Coast, and on the 25th from the Midwest (CST) east to the International Date Line. This represents the last New Moon of the Autumn season. Added significance occurs due to this Moon phase triggering a partial solar eclipse, visible over Antarctica.

Ordinarily, New Moon energy is a time of renewal and initiative. Something
wants to be birthed! Yet, a solar or lunar eclipse is a metaphor for the archetypal shadow, which implies an inward movement. Further, a solar eclipse represents a diminishing of the Sun's light. Astrologically, the Sun in a chart represents your inner fuel, or the energy you burn. In Sagittarius, this diminished fuel becomes "inward" for self-discovery and transformation in the Archer's realm of individuation, integrity, and truth. Good questions to ponder at this New Moon: what does the "inner truth" want me to know? Am I being true to myself in my interactions with others? What aspects of myself is ready to transform into something new? 

On the external, eclipse energy usually ushers in Earth changes 2 weeks prior to or after the eclipse date, such as earthquakes, volcanic activity, intense and/or unusual weather, or extreme water events. A good source for monitoring Earth Changes may be found here.

Eclipses are also theme setters for the ensuing 6 months to a year. Metaphorically, eclipse energy diminishes or depletes whatever no longer serves your life intention, so something new may take its place. In your natal chart, look at the house placement where this New Moon energy falls. That placement points to the area of life most impacted by this current New Moon vibration.

Here's the New Moon Chart 

Significant to this New Moon dynamics is the presence of 5 planetary aspects in very early degrees of their respective signs. This includes, Uranus at 1 Aries, Jupiter at 2 Taurus, Sun/Moon at 3 Sagittarius, and Chiron at 1 Pisces. Early degree placements in a sign indicate a new direction, exploration or initiative. Occurring at a New Moon phase further underscores the "new" as a theme setter for now into 2012.

Additionally, this chart shows a grand Earth trine combining the energies of Jupiter in Taurus (1), Mars in Virgo (2) and Pluto in Capricorn (3). Grand trine energy (120 degrees between each placement) is potent fuel, however, its wide separation requires a conscious use of that energy. Earth signs are associated with a more grounded or pragmatic approach to life. This particular placement points to a new direction, ritual and behavior for relating to the natural world and its beauty.

As with any chart, there exists challenges in the energy signature. On this New Moon, a T-square between the Sun/Moon (3) and Chiron in Pisces (1) and Mars in Virgo (2) occurs. T-square energy is akin to a see-saw; the fulcrum here being the Sun/Moon (3).

Chiron traveling through Pisces is designed to strengthen our body sensitivity field, as well as heal human hurts/wounds impacting the global community. The intensity of war in various parts of the Middle, East, Africa and Asia underscore the wounded aspect of Chiron in Pisces. 

Mars in Virgo and opposite Chiron, brings its focus to issues of your health. If you haven't already done so, it is time to take initiative in this area. On the body level, it's a time for deepening how you nurture and support your body. Mars "takes action". In Virgo, there is renewed focus and attention to the details.

At the fulcrum of this T-square lies the Moon/Sun in Sagittarius. This critical balance point between Chiron and Mars determines how easily the energy moves. Hence, integrity and  honest connection to your inner truth (Sagittarian themes) is required for this energy point to productively balance an otherwise challenging Mars/Chiron opposition. This exchange will be amplified this winter during Mars' retrograde in Virgo.

Mercury Retrograde: Just 23 hours before New Moon, meteoric Mercury begins its retrograde motion. Since October, Mercury has been moving in lock step with Venus, first in Scorpio and now Sagittarius. Now Mercury sends the essence of that connection with Venus deep inside.

Over the next 3 weeks, "Mercury Retrograde" adds additional depth to the vibration of this New Moon. This introspective period focuses more intently on the questions posed above for the New Moon day. 

Here are the timings and degree positions for this last Mercury Retrograde of 2011.

- entered Retrograde Shadow at 4 degrees Sagittarius - Nov 5

- stations "retrograde at 20 degrees Sagittarius - Nov 23

- stations direct at 4 degrees Sagittarius - December 13

- leaves retrograde shadow at 20 degrees Sagittarius - December 31

(note: when Mercury enters the retrograde shadow, Mercury Retrograde type events (see below) begin to occur. After Mercury moves direct, an "echo" effect takes place, reenacting events occurring during the actual Retrograde.

Mercury rules the realms of communication, thoughts/ideas and anything associated with movement, such as transportation, machinery etc. During a retrograde period, including the building and waning shadow periods, spontaneity, the antithesis of logic, becomes the new norm. Hence, anything associated with logic/planning takes a back-seat to this new vibration. The intent of spontaneity is to allow something new to be revealed in our human endeavors and associations. Due to the eclipse vibration present at the New Moon, this revelation more than likely comes from your inner journey.

As a precaution, make sure the "mechanical side of life" is addressed during this cycle. That means, backup your computer system, pay attention to shifts in weather phenomena (not unusual for strong storms to upset the norm), and make sure auto, truck, airplane etc. maintenance is up-to-date.

Because transportation is heavily dependent on schedules, if you are traveling during this holiday time, be prepared for a sudden change of plans. The gift here is unexpected events lead to unexpected or "chance" meetings with people you otherwise would have never met. "Go with the flow" is a really helpful strategy during what could otherwise be a stressful change. And be prepared for the unexpected by bringing a change of clothes in your carry-on bag.

The Bigger Picture: 
Beyond this New Moon and Mercury Retrograde, significant astrological cycles are in the offing between now and the end of 2012. This list includes:

- Total Lunar Eclipse in Gemini on December 10th (last total lunar eclipse until 2014).

- Mars Retrograde in Virgo, beginning January 23 (it's already in the shadow window); 

- Venus Retrograde in Gemini, including its rare transit across the face of the Sun in early June. This transit occurs very close to the degree of this December's Gemini Eclipsed Full Moon. This is huge on many levels of consciousness!

- very strong Cardinal sign energy in the Summer as Uranus in Aries and Pluto in Capricorn square each other twice. In July, Mars in Libra will briefly join this energy field.
- Neptune returns to Pisces in February for a 16 year period of renewed spirituality, heightened sensitivity, purification by water, and extraordinary leaps in the realms of imagery, art, and beauty. This Neptunian influence may turn out to be grace from heaven, appearing as an alternative path to an otherwise period of strife and struggle.

Yes, 2012 is right around the cosmic corner. The above cycles portend a period of great transformation and change for everyone. No one is immune from these potent waves, yet some will surf them more adroitly than others. 

We will cover these major trends in more detail later in December in our "2012 Blog". For now, these once in a lifetime shifts call for upgraded strategies for surfing such powerful cycles. Consider having a professional review of your natal chart to highlight those personal areas ripe for change in 2012, such as relationship, career, home and resources. "Fortune favors the prepared". More information about our professional astrological consultation services may be found here.

Next Blog - December 10, total Lunar Eclipse in Gemini.

Happy Day of Gratitude
Aloha from Big Island, Hawaii
Starman, Joseph Mina
November 23, 2011
©Gemini Awakening 2011 all rights reserved

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