Aquarius Full Moon August 1: Lighting the Torch

"The hope of a secure and livable world lies with disciplined nonconformists who are dedicated to justice, peace and brotherhood."  Martin Luther King (1929-68)

“The only bond worth anything between human beings is their humanness.” Jesse Owens, Olympic Champion, Berlin 1936

Moon reaches the culmination of its light on August 1 or 2 in the humanitarian and socially conscious sign of Aquarius. Full Moon occurs on the 1st at 5:27 pm in Hawaii, 8:27 PDT, and on the 2nd, shortly after midnight in Nova Scotia, then east to the International Date Line. UT = 7:27/Aug 2.

This Aquarian Moon shines its silver spotlight toward the realm of humanity and social equality, interconnection and cooperation. The Olympic games, currently taking place in London, hold the intention of these ideals.

Martin Luther King tirelessly walked this Earth in selfless service, embracing these Aquarian values. With his natal Mercury in Aquarius, almost exact to the degree of this Full
Moon, Dr. King's eloquence and heart-felt words from the early to late 60's, when Uranus and Pluto were last in strong aspect to each other, seem especially crafted for these intense times of transformation, heightened social awareness, and increasing critical tension.

Here's the Full Moon chart

Aquarius invokes our deeper sense of justice and philanthropic endeavors. Ruled by unpredictable Uranus, it points to the future, technological innovation and the Cosmos itself in revolutionary, ground-breaking ways. It also serves as higher vibrational fuel for astrological insights and understanding. An inherent desire for "freedom" stimulates this Aquarian paradigm, desiring  to see humanity reach its highest potential of love and compassionate service for the greater good of all. Martin Luther King's "I had a dream" is a classic example. In a more current version of this ideal, here's an excellent example of this Aquarian mythos, expressed through the youthful exuberance and passion of today's teens and young adults:

Quan Yin, revered Goddess of Indian, Chinese and Japanese lore, embodies the Aquarian archetype of compassion for humanity thru revolutionary ideals and intention. As an Ascended Master from other galactic realms, she opens hearts to cosmic awareness, infusing those who seek her help with an expanded conscious presence, and a deeper desire to be of healing service to others.

Six signs away, Aquarius' astrological counterpart is fiery, courageous Leo. Sun driven Leo focuses on the self and the expression of all things heart and ego related. These opposing signs complete each other. For example, social groups provide a forum for Leo to express its leadership qualities and strong sense of confidence. Equally, social groups require a leader (Leo) to provide direction, motivation and inspiration. Such is the polarity and connection of this Fire/Air astrological combination.

The timing of this Full Moon also occurs exactly at the mid-point between the Summer solstice and Autumnal equinox. Known in Celtic/Pagan lore as Lammas, this day is the first of 3 harvest celebrations for the bounty provided by planet Earth as Summer reaches the culmination of its energy. This is an ideal time to reflect on the many gifts of your life.

Adding more substance to this Full Moon energy, the brilliant alpha dog star Sirius in Canus Major makes its helical rise near the rising Sun this time of the year. Ancient Egyptians revered Sirius as their spiritual Sun. Lost in the Sun's glare, the metaphor points to our day star absorbing a higher spiritual essence during this time of the year, directing greater intensity and heat earthward. Hence the name "dog days of August".  During the reign of the Pharaohs, Sirius' return to the morning sky coincided with the flooding of the Nile. Hence, this celestial timing pointed to a transformative cycle of death and rebirth. How appropriate for current times.

Significant chart associations and details:

The Sun and Moon position at 10° creates a number of strong geometric angles with other planetary elements. The combination of these geometries point to a 2 week period of inspired communication (once Mercury moves direct on August 7th), socially inspired justice, and continued uncertainty about the future and what it holds for humanity.

The continuing Uranus/Pluto intensity continues to run the show in the realms of politics, finance, rules, innovation and overall chaotic tension. Meanwhile, Neptune in Pisces in part opens our awareness to a new vision and ways of embracing the higher essence of life. As I have shared in other updates, these potent cyclical catalysts are setting the stage for 2015 and beyond. That said, other aspects on this lunation further defining these higher octave cycles include:

1. Sun in Leo through August 22nd: the Sun has been very active the past month with significant sun spot activity, solar flares and coronal mass ejections. This intensity is on the up-swing as we continue our movement to Solar maximum in 2013. Leo is ruled by the Sun. Look for strong solar activity over the next 2 weeks as the following planetary cycles unfold:

2. Mercury's retrograde in Leo has been one of the dominant themes the past month. Yes, the news has been filled with typical Mercury Retrograde oddities in the realms of miscommunication, equipment failures and misplaced ideas and delays. However, its higher intention has been to help you "think differently" about your place in the world, how you view yourself in relation to others, and how you communicate that awareness from your heart. As it nears the end of its reverse direction, turning direct on August 7th, these questions seem particularly important: Have you felt inspired during the past 3 weeks? If yes, by what? If no, why not? What do you desire to passionately create over the next 3 months? How do you wish to communicate and actualize your vision for serving others in the world community?

3. Grand Air Trine (see diagram below) - Moon in Aquarius, Mars in Libra and Jupiter/Ceres in Gemini form a triangle of elemental air energy, each 120 degrees apart from the other 2 members. This dynamic represents fertile ground for successful group endeavors over the next few weeks in the area of social causes and humanitarian efforts.

A grand trine requires conscious action to utilize the benefits offered. In addition to the Aquarian Moon's vibe, Mars in Libra points to action thru conscious relationship. Jupiter in Gemini provides an expansive quality to the realm of networking and connection with others, while Ceres in Gemini offers a sense of feeling nurtured by others acceptance of collaborative ideas and pursuits.

4. A tale of two yods: Known as the "finger of fate", a Yod's triangular configuration exclusively works through paradox. By its quirky nature, it acts as a catalyst for revelation and surprising twists and turns. Here, 2 mutually beneficial energies (sextile) somehow have to connect and align with a disparate 3rd element.

This lunation creates two interdependent Yods; one primary, the other secondary. Pluto and Sun are part of both yods (circled areas). Also, as highlighted in yellow, the Full Moon's opposition energy bisects the primary Yod and crosses the secondary Yod. In short, this lunation's strong Aquarian theme is fueled and supported by this geometry.

Primary Yod: Pluto in Capricorn (1) and Chiron in Pisces (2) pairing underscores the planetary healing (Chiron) required to rectify environmental wrongs and related oppressive societal practices conducted to further industrial and political agendas (Pluto in Capricorn). This sextile energy is directed to the Leo Sun (3), which serves as a potent conduit for following your heart, stripping away the constructs of what you should or should not do to succeed as a human being.

Secondary Yod: Sun in Leo (3) and Jupiter/Ceres in Gemini (4) join their radiant spontaneous natures, directing their fuel to Pluto in Capricorn. "As above, so below". In its higher vibration, this combo says "Living authentically creates an empowered structure in which you can co-create with others." The square between Chiron and Jupiter (5) represents the potential emergence of an archetypal spontaneous child, guided by their natural instinct to manifest their dreams.

Questions: Are you ready to take a bigger step in your life? What does living authentically mean to you? What are you ready to transform in your life? What are you ready to further empower in your daily expression through your service to others?

5. Mars conjoin Saturn: This conjunction of the young, brash warrior and the elder sage (Luke Skywalker and Yoda come to mind) has been long in the making due to Mars' retrograde in Virgo earlier this year. Their meeting around the 15th, and just before the New Moon, signals a changing of the guard, and the final catalyst for Saturn's departure from Libra in early October.

The potency of this connection starts building around August 7 when the Aries Moon opposes this duo, and just as Mercury is moving direct. Perfect timing for a new expression from the heart. This energy culminates on the 15th, with strong forward momentum through the 22nd.

An inward, contemplative period is on tap at the culmination, especially for anyone with late-degree planetary aspects in the Cardinal signs of Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn. "Look within" says the elder master to the young upstart..."look within".

Conclusion: We live in a world of paradox. Lofty, Olympian ideals filling the news alongside unsettling or tragic events underscores the current paradoxical dilemma facing humanity. What do we embrace and follow? In the past, national allegiances served as the underpinnings of one's beliefs and cultural practices and traditions. Today, this nationalistic barrier is dissolving into a chaotic soup of enormous possibilities. The world is rapidly shrinking. What has been previously hidden, and or tolerated, is no longer socially supportable. This Aquarian Full Moon further stimulates with revolutionary fervor these many levels of changing consciousness and awareness. As expressed in the referenced video, the youthful citizens of the world sense this emerging turnover. Soon they will realize it is their charge to see this initiative through to the end.

May this day serve as a shining light for your life choices, continued growth, personal integrity, and connection to all humanity. Above all, remember in these changing times, "you are the answer to your prayers."

Coming Events: Using the fuel of Mars/Saturn's conjunction, we host on Hawaii Island August 18/19th BLOOM, A Healing Retreat at the Paleaku Peace Gardens with Network Spinal Care teacher and practitioner Brian T. Lumb DC and NIA Dance Instructor Jenny Lumb. Kathryn and I will offer astrological illuminations for deeper context. This healing weekend is a potent catalyst for creating a deeper connection and integration between your body and soul in this new emerging paradigm. Join us for a life changing experience in the vibration of Hawaii-nei.

Starman Coming Travels (8/24 - 9/12): I visit Chicago in late August, and Denver and Ashland Oregon in early September for Astrological Consultations, Quantum Alignment Bodywork, and attendance at the Network Transformational Gate in Denver. Specific details to be announced soon.

This Sunday, 8/5: For our friends here on Hawaii Island, we offer an Interactive Astrology Workshop at the New Thought Center of Hawaii on August 5th between 1 and 3 pm. Come and discover personal insights relative to your natal chart.  Earlier that day, we offer an overview of the current astrological cycles at New Thought's 10 am Sunday service. Please join us.

Next update: Leo New Moon on August 17th.

Aloha from Big Island, Hawaii
Starman, Joseph Mina
August 1, 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