Aquarius New Moon, Mars Retrograde Jan 22, 2012

"The outward freedom that we shall attain will only be in exact proportion to the inward freedom to which we may have grown at a given moment. And if this is a correct view of freedom, our chief energy must be concentrated on achieving reform from within.  Mahatma Gandhi (1869 - 1948)
 

"Consider what you need to tidy up, then take action." Sharon O'Hara, The Growing Place

The Aquarian New Moon encourages us to "get out of the box". Starman visits Chicago, Denver and Los Angeles in February for Astrology Presentations, Classes and private sessions (leaving the Hawaiian warmth for the mainland cold is definitely out of my comfort zone). Schedule, registration, and information found here.

An intense 2 week cycle of energy comes to a close as the Full Moon in Cancer now shifts its frequency to the Aquarius/Leo axis. While Cancer/Capricorn focuses on how we are nurtured and produce, the Aquarius/Leo axis points to a more futuristic, expanded perspective, one which is fueled by social
justice and equality, technological savvy, and a passionate expression for life.

New Moon occurs on the 22nd at 9:39 pm in Hawaii, 11:39 on the West Coast US, and on the 23rd from the Rocky Mountain States east to the International Date Line. This is another in the series of potent New Moons.

Here is the New Moon Chart

 

New Moon energy usually brings promise and opportunity. The energy is fresh and alive, ready to express itself in new and innovative ways. However, just hours after the New Moon, Mars in Virgo stations retrograde (see below) adding a more inward tone to this New Moon energy.

At 3 degrees Aquarius, the (1) Sun/Moon create a strong energy connection with (2) Chiron in early Pisces, (3) Uranus/Ceres in early Aries, and a challenge with (4) Jupiter in early Taurus. 

As such, this New Moon window over the next two weeks will generally be filled with Uranian type surprises, some which may prove unsettling, environmental consequences revealed from past actions (Taurus), new health related initiatives (Ceres), health concerns (Chiron) and advances in technology and space exploration (Aquarius). Anyone with early degree significant planetary aspects in the fixed signs of Taurus, Leo, Scorpio and Aquarius will experience a more intense or deeper influence from this New Moon dynamic.

Further, on a personal level, this window offers you an opportunity to reconnect in a grounded fashion with the Earth, explore new initiatives, especially in the realm of social causes, and/or using technology (eg video, social media), and create for yourself quiet, nurturing reflection time to explore the realm of your inner achiever.

This New Moon also signals the beginning of the Chinese New Year.  As we say adieu to the Rabbit, we welcome the innovative, creative, passionate, and sensitive Water Dragon. In Chinese mythology, the dragon is a creature of great fortune, risk, power and creative intensity. These coming 12 months brings that vibration into conscious form for you to access within your creative pursuits and career aspirations.  

Mars Retrograde - The Inner Achiever 

AstroActivator ©2001 Kathryn Andren Mina

The beginning of Mars retrograde marks the conclusion of the Mars in Leo theme set in motion in late 2009. This theme brought Leo's heart expansive vibe into any career or achievement conversation during the past 2 years, such as "I have to follow my heart". Now, with Mars in Virgo it's time to pay attention to the details and your health. Mars last retrograded in Virgo in 1980 (think Reagan Revolution). Also Mars moved retrograde in Virgo in 1933 and 1965, both significant years for ushering in profound social changes.

Earth element Virgo is attentive to life’s specifics, conscious of self and others health, and quite the analyst and task master. Being attentive to life’s rituals and passages of time are also typical of a Virgo vibration.

Important to note here...archetypal Mars does not flow easily in Virgo. Aries driven Mars is typically rather brash, impetuous, imaginative, assertive and achievement oriented. These external traits become somewhat diminished (pulled inward) during Mars’ bi-annual 9 week journey through Virgo. However, this time around, Mars is further slowed by this approximate 2½ month retrograde, which reins in further Mars’ typical “go, go, go” characteristics.

Here’s the Mars timings for the retrograde:

• Entered Virgo Nov 10, 2011
• Initial pass over its direct station point (3 Virgo) Nov 18
• Stations retrograde at 23 Virgo - Jan 23, 2012
• Passes its retrograde point (23 Virgo) - June 19
• Leaves Virgo and enters Libra - July 3, 2012

During a Mars retrograde period, the expression of your natal Mars energy comes under close examination and scrutiny (can you hear your inner Mars already kicking and screaming?). During a Virgo influenced Mars retrograde, how you generally fuel/energize your inner Mars becomes an important focus, especially in the areas of your and others health, and how you serve others. This retrograde period of reevaluation and possible adjustment prepares your inner Mars for a Virgo influenced journey over the next 2 years, especially in your gift of service to others. 

As noted above, this Mars’ transit in Virgo covers a span of almost 8 months! Hence, this retrograde period provides for most people the impetus to reevaluate the specifics of how you promote, create, and assert your energies in this world. Does it come from your core, or is it induced more on the mental realm and fueled by food stimulants like sugar, coffee etc? 

AstroActivator ©2001 Kathryn Andren Mina

Further, in the past, this “inner Mars” time was usually relegated to men. However, given the significant role shifts in our culture over the past 50 years, women today are influenced just as much by these assertive, male-like tendencies. Hence, this is a time for both men and women alike to explore inwardly the energetic foundation of what motivates you to achieve and create.

Exception: If your natal Mars resides in Virgo, know this retrograde works a bit differently for you. Here, your usual measured, step-by-step, planned approach to life now becomes unleashed. Where you are typically cautious and discerning, you may experience impetuous urges, anger, and a great deal of restlessness as you strive to better understand your inner desires and needs. One example: President Obama has his Mars in Virgo at almost the same degree as the Mars retrograde point. Look for him to display a more assertive, intense approach in his actions as President, as well as his interactions with the United States Congress and world affairs. We may see a surprisingly “impatient” President emerge from his Virgo cave. 

Conclusion 

This New Moon ushers in a series of significant planetary cycles for 2012. The start of Mars Retrograde is soon followed in early February by Neptune's return to Pisces (2/3), and Saturn turning retrograde (2/7) for its last pass in Libra. More so, Mars retrograde prepares you for the epic Venus Retrograde in playful Gemini this coming May and June. The short message: "turn inward". Explore, clear, strengthen and prepare for what is to come.

We live in an extraordinary period of time. Aquarius encourages you to think and dream BIG, connect with others of equal or greater conscious depth, and expand your heart to possibilities beyond the grasp of your imagination. Mars energy is now your inner guide. May your journey enrich you and those in your life.

Starman Travels

10 years of Interactive Astrology, Flashback to 2002

This past weekend, Kathryn and I offered our Interactive Astrology Class on Hawaii Island. This marks 10 years since we first started offering these unique Astrology Classes both here and in various locations around the world.

Come February, I offer Astrology Presentations on Neptune in Pisces and Venus Retrograde along with Private Sessions in Chicago (2/11) and Denver (2/15). In Denver, I'm attending the Network Transformational Gate weekend as I focus on my inner wellness journey.

On the 21st I visit Los Angeles for a week offering an Interactive Astrology Class and private sessions. Reply directly to us via e-mail or for more information about my travel schedule and local contacts found here.

Next Update - Neptune in Pisces - a new spirituality.

Aloha from Hawaii Island
Starman, Joseph Mina
January 22, 2012
©Gemini Awakening 2012, all rights reserved

Astrology Chart Illustrations
- chart generating software - Time Cycles Research Software
- chart annotations - ScreenSteps by Blue Mango Learning Systems