2020 Sagittarius Total Solar Eclipse New Moon and the Coming Solstice: Phoenix Rising

“Nations like stars, are entitled to eclipse. All is well, provided the light returns and the eclipse does not become endless night. Dawn and resurrection are synonymous. The reappearance of the light is the same as the survival of the soul.”
Victor Hugo - French poet, novelist and dramatist of the Romantic movement (1802-1885)

“We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.”

Albert Einstein - Theoretical Physicist (1879-1955)

Greetings from late Spring and the Western Cape of South Africa. 

For anyone who prefers to listen to an audio version of this update, you can listen on-line here.

I recently entered South Africa thanks to the South African government easing international-travelers border restrictions in November. Nonetheless, strict pandemic protocols remain here for border entry and for social interaction. Despite these hurdles, I’m very happy to return to warmer weather and the beauty of South Africa’s natural world.

Perhaps on the minds of many people is a sentiment about the coming end of 2020 and hope for better days in 2021. While that January 1st cross-over date is a product of western-society’s human imagination and an oddly structured calendar, the heralded date represents a societal event triggering many hopes, dreams, commitments, beginnings and endings and a wide array of other cultural events. Remember last January 1 and your thoughts about 2020? Sure seems like years ago!

Yet on the astrological calendar and other oracle based systems, the coming Solstice represents one of the premier events of an astrological year. For this day signals the energetic shift from one season to another, as well as setting the tone/theme for the ensuing season.

This year, the run up to the Solstice and the new season is quite compelling, and not surprisingly, intense. This is already evident in current events.

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Life Path Astrology Consultations: As 2021 rapidly nears, deepen your understanding of your natal birth chart along with a look ahead to 2021 and how to best navigate the planetary cycles of the new year. I am available for private one-to-one consultation sessions via Skype or Zoom (audio recorded). Gift certificates for family and friends are available too! 

Great changes present life changing opportunities. My personal astrological counseling session helps you create meaningful strategies for adapting and shifting with the current powerful planetary cycles. Schedule TODAY your appointment!]

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We begin with December 14th and the New Moon in the fire sign of Sagittarius the Archer. Timing: occurs in South Africa at 6:16 pm; East Coast US at 11:16 am, 8:16a on the West Coast, and on the 22nd in Western Australia east to the International Date Line. As always, everyone will experience this event in the same moment. This the last New Moon of the current season. It also occurs near the South Lunar Nodal point in Sagittarius, triggering the only total solar eclipse of 2020.  

The eclipse track starts in the eastern part of the South Pacific, passes over parts of Chile and Argentina before ending at sunset near the coasts of Namibia/Southern Africa. This potent visual will be available on line. While having nowhere near the same energetic impact as witnessing this grand spectacle live, seeing it through the medium of the internet does connect you more tangibly to the “as above, so below” mysteries that are an intrinsic mystical glue in the Universe. Here in the western part of South Africa, the sun will be 60% eclipsed at sunset. Of the many sky events I have witnessed, never before have I seen a setting eclipsed Sun. I’ll post a pic on my Instagram account on Tuesday.

A total solar eclipse is a strong harbinger of coming events. It signals an introspective and reflective period over the next few months, as well as placing a strong emphasis on that lunation’s overall theme. Also, it's not uncommon for strong earth changes such as storms, volcanic eruptions, earthquakes etc. to occur during the two weeks after a total solar eclipse. Before I get to specifics about the New Moon and coming Solstice, I want to direct my focus to…

The completion of Mars' retrograde cycle in its home sign of Aries (a rare retrograde placement for Mars). As Mars slowly transits from its station direct point of November 13th (just a month ago, although it sure seems longer!!), it now creates once again strong angular aspects to Jupiter, Saturn and Pluto. This cycle has unsurprisingly proven to be quite the intense period of change and limitation. And equally, it's one of the more profound cycles I have tracked on a global, social and personal level since Pluto entered Capricorn 12 years ago.

To avoid going over the very same ground about the planetary patterns involving Mars, Jupiter, Saturn and Pluto I covered in earlier blogs, I encourage you to reread my blog of July 21st, especially the part about Mars’ retrograde and the coming together of the outer planets. Much of what I shared there has come to pass. Yet amazingly, the most intense phase of this pent up retrograde energy is about to occur over the next 3 weeks. 

Intense times requires introspection, measured responses, clarity of purpose and courage. It’s a profound time of growth, uneasiness, determination, and a willingness to re-attune/realign with your soul’s calling and your defined life path as set out in your natal chart.

Which brings me to the current moment: on November 29th, Mars, ever so slowly coming out of its retrograde, began an expanding closing square with Pluto, Jupiter and Saturn (think of a tightening vice). That building energy now continues to intensity through this New Moon eclipse while increasing more so as the Solstice nears a week later. In short, just as a weather forecast tells you a storm is brewing, expect turbulent times over the next few weeks.

AstroActivator© by Kathryn Andren

On the Solstice, Mars in Aries will reach an exact square with Pluto in Capricorn (it’s third and last square since early August). This intensity continues until Mars leaves its home sign for earthly Taurus on January 7th. Donald Trump’s difficult Saturn/Venus natal conjunction in the sign of Cancer has been heavily aspected by this melt-down effect. His response/actions to this intensity speaks for itself - sort of swinging at shadows in a dimly lit room.

Because the Mars/Pluto focus here is the very awkward exchange between Aries (starting something new, achievement, assertive, aggressive) and Capricorn (politics, law, rules, organization, business), this particular square dynamic further sharpens the contrast or critical tension between these two forces. Add a strong Neptune sextile to Pluto from the realm of Pisces, and confusion about facts and reality itself can abound. For example, the wide array of assertions about the US elections and alleged fraud that now dominate the news cycles are a product of this mix. Remember too, Mercury stationed direct exactly on the US election day. Ergo, never underestimate the Universe's propensity to change the course of plans, organizations, structures and initiatives.

When Pluto entered Capricorn in 2008, it signaled the beginning of a massive shift from the Capricorn-based Industrial Revolution to a more Aquarian-type reality. Yet, that shift doesn’t happen in one moment. There’s a process that unfolds over time.  For example, in 1776, the American Revolution occurred as Pluto positioned at the very end degrees of Capricorn. In 1777, Pluto moved into Aquarius. 12 years later, the French Revolution occurred. As with the birth of any progressive or social movement signaling great change, there exist strong social adjustments in the human element whose combined actions are quite unpredictable. We are in that era of strong unscripted adjustments, which will continue well into the next decade. 

Pluto-type transformative purges begin by demonstrating what exactly will change. In 2008 the great economic collapse occurred. It was also the year Barrack Obama was elected US President. Such events are symbols of the old Capricorn and the new Aquarius rather than the structure itself or even the person exemplifying the new wave. 

The next phase of a Pluto-type transformation is expansion, contraction, expansion etc, much like a bubble growing in size, bursting, then increasing again. We witness that today in the world stock markets. Everyone knows the bubble will eventually pop when it reaches a critical tension point. The bigger and more ambiguous question is “when?”.

Current events on a global scale reflect the continued eventual implosion of all things “old Capricorn”, making way for a very different world. Some call it the coming of the Age of Aquarius. But doing so widely misses the mark. 

Archetypal Pluto’s ingress into Aquarius (in part 2023/fully 2024) brings a lot of power into the water-bearer sign. I think it is a huge fallacy to believe such a period represents the grand merging of the collective into some utopian age (similar to beliefs shared back at December 12, 2012). Rather, the broader Aquarius themes of social justice, social equality, technology, progressive thinking etc. are the hot-button topics that will become more intense because of archetypal Pluto’s influence starting in 2023, Aquarius' rulers Uranus in Taurus through 2025, Saturn in Aquarius through 2023, and Jupiter in Aquarius in 2021. 

Remember, Pluto dynamics fuel a purging and eventual transformation of any individual's life at a personal, social and generational level into something unexpected and upgraded. It's akin to the Phoenix rising from the ashes in a wholly new and unanticipated form. Importantly, younger generations (born after the mid-90’s when Uranus entered its home sign of Aquarius) are energetically wired for these profound unfolding changes. And the expression of their collective energy will be an inherent part of these shifts. This is evident already in the actions of teens and young adults, such as 17 year old climate activist Greta Thunberg in Finland. And there are many more like her in this generational range.

At this moment, I think it somewhat speculative to predict how current events will unfold over the coming weeks and into the season ahead. However, if the current US Presidential legal and political challenges, England and the European Union’s Brexit woes, world economic headwinds, an awakening China, global social unrest, spectacular technological achievements, the pandemic resurgence around the globe as well as the rush to provide a vaccine are any indication, these trends and related other events will continue to be a significant focus over at least the next three to six months due to the New Moon’s eclipse influence. More so, these trends will set the stage for Pluto’s final passage in Capricorn in 2023 and what is to unfold during Pluto’s passage in Aquarius through 2043.

Lastly, on January 2nd, Mars leaves the retrograde shadow it entered on July 25th, which should further free up the stagnant/restrained energy that has been part of the retrograde cycle for the past 5 months. How will society utilize this pent up energy remains to be seen. 

On a personal level, what have you learned, or discovered about yourself over that period? For me, it has been a deepening of trust, allowing, and a willingness to move where the energy feels most fluid and engaging.

That Mars will soon enter Taurus indicates its Aries retrograde learning will be best applied to the Taurus qualities of self esteem, what you value, possessions, money and the physical strength of the human body. The 5-month retrograde period represents a foundation for such focus. Yes, 2020 has been stressful, yet it has abruptly stopped the world society in its tracks to ponder what type of future we want to create, especially one in harmony with the planet’s natural forces and environment. And most especially, this stopage poses the question about what are we willing to do as a world society to effect such massive change in our life styles.

With all that said…

1. this coming eclipsed New Moon occurs in fiery Sagittarius, positioning near Galactic Center and Mercury and in square to Neptune in Pisces. Sagittarius quests for the truth. Its shadow influence in square to Neptune creates a stark yet nebulous contrast between what is actually fact as a basis for truth (Sagittarius’ quest) versus what is conspiracy-driven illusions and deceptions (Neptune’s shadow foray). That Mercury positions in the glare of the Sun and in square to Neptune indicates clear communication is strongly challenged in the coming days. Further, this dichotomy occurs against the backdrop of the aforementioned closing square between Mars, Jupiter, Saturn and Pluto. These combinations set the stage for…
2. the Solstice arriving on the 21st at just past noon in South Africa; 5:02 am on the East Coast US, 2:02 am on the US West Coast, and 10:02 GMT. In addition to Mars/Pluto square, both Sun and Mercury position at 0° of Capricorn, and Jupiter and Saturn at 0° of Aquarius. Here, effective communication is challenged in the coming days due to Mercury’s superior conjunction with the Sun. Further, Venus in Sagittarius finds renewed individuated, fearless strength in its trine to Chiron (healing) in Aries. At the New Moon Venus positioned at the very end degrees of Scorpio. She now brings that Plutonian quality into her Sagittarian quest for truth regardless of the consequences. Lastly, the Moon in Pisces at first quarter, creates a direct sextile to Pluto while in square to the previous eclipsed New Moon. These aspects bring a renewed focus to the plight of humanities less fortunate, and an urgent need to find greater compassion through strength with our fellow humans. It also is a portal for connecting with your soul essence (Neptune) through quiet, meditative time. As an overall theme, this Solstice period raises the bar for steps society must take to become more humanistic, compassionate and inclusive in the coming years. And to further clarify this Solstice theme, the “as above, so below visual” of… 
3. 
   Saturn/Jupiter nearly merging visually in the western sky after sunset on the Solstice (as close as they have been (1/10°) since the 1600’s) stands as a moving symbol for the days ahead. Given Saturn’s much dimmer appearance (due to its significantly greater distance beyond Jupiter), you will probably need binoculars to appreciate the apparent closeness of these two planets. Also visually, this will not be a “Star of Bethlehem moment” as some have suggested. Even combined, Jupiter/Saturn’s brightness will not come close to say Venus’ usual brightness. Also look for the waxing crescent Moon to create a tight triangle with this duo on the 17th adding a lot of emotional energy to the day. Energetically, this combination of Saturn/Jupiter...
4. immediately triggers a strong square with out-of-the-blue, lightning-bolt like Uranus (ruler of Aquarius) in Taurus. From an astrological perspective, that square cycle portends strong Earth changes (Taurus) possibly involving climate and/or solar dynamics, and a heightened Aquarius focus (Jupiter expands) towards current social inequities around the globe. In that regard it helps to look back a bit when… 
5. Saturn entered Aquarius for 3 months this past March and created a square dynamic with Uranus without expansive Jupiter in the mix. That period was a time of global social demonstrations unlike anything seen since the mid-to-late 1960’s and the Virgo conjunction of Uranus/Pluto. The unified power of the people brought a defining focus to issues of self-worth, values, social justice and equality as well as a fair degree of mayhem. The coming period of reigniting that flame represents a strong indicator of what to expect in general from Saturn’s Aquarius transit through March 2023. Given Jupiter’s expansive energy joining this cycle in its initial stages, and in square to Uranus, strong shifts and some upheaval in 2021 are strong possibilities. And in all respects remember…
6. specific astrological events, such as Saturn/Jupiter combined ingress into Aquarius on the Solstice, are not islands unto themselves. Astrology is an understanding of the entire picture that involves all the component parts of the astrological realm woven into broad and grand themes whether it is an event such as a lunation or solstice etc., or your own natal chart. Focusing on just one aspect instead of the whole is akin to telling someone you are a Libra because you were born when the Sun was transiting that sign. By saying such, you are literally ignoring the overall essence and life path you were born to experience and share with the world through your gifts and talents. 

 Eclipsed New Moon design by
Joseph Mina

Reflection Suggestions for the New Moon and Solstice periods:

- What do I want to create in the coming season that aligns with my deeper soul intentions? 

- What do I most value in life, and how do I want to express those values in the coming days?

- How can I strengthen my body-core energies now into 2021 to better align with the Earth's rapidly changing vibration? 

- And for parents raising children, how can I help my child do the same? 

Conclusion: When I set out to write this blog, I intended to keep it short. Ha! But quickly, I realized that the complexity of the current transits required a more detailed explanation: a shortened version would simply not make sense. And while I would like to write about an expansive, uplifting focus for the coming year, the current planetary cycles, just like a year ago, simply do not support such a perspective. Rather, the coming twelve months are much more of a reorganizational and reevaluation phase as we move further from the intensity of Jupiter/Saturn/Pluto in Capricorn. Nonetheless, important growth, meaningful choices and a call to purposeful service await in the coming year. In that respect, I encourage you to make worthwhile commitments at the Solstice for the coming season and beyond. This is the time for which we have been born. May we serve the highest purpose of all concerned.

And in the spirit of service, patriot and retired Brigadier General Chuck Yeager, who was the first pilot to break the sound barrier in level flight and set a world speed record in flight, died on December 7 at the age of 97. His courage to face adversity in flight is renowned. When confronted with death as his jet shook relentlessly nearing the sound barrier, he increased his speed with the words "throttle up". The rest is history. With his Mars in Aries, and an Aquarian Sun and Moon, he certainly had the energetic right stuff to go beyond the barriers presented by the Earth's physical elements. May this galactic warrior serve in new and creative ways in his next assignment. RIP.

I welcome your comments below.

Many blessings for this holiday season.

Sat Nam

Starman, Joseph Mina

December 13, 2020

Stellenbosch, South Africa

2015 Year Ahead & Cancer Full Moon Jan 4: Turning the Page

"If you think you are too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito."
Dalai Lama

Aloha and Happy New Year,
or as we say in Hawai'i: Hau'oli makahiki hou!
(how-o-lee  ma-ka-hee-key  hoe)

I begin this update with one of my recent creations: an overview of the coming planetary transits for 2015. In this video I cover Mercury Retrogrades, Uranus square Pluto, Saturn's dance with fire, Venus in the Lion's den, and Super Moons & Eclipses. Enjoy. (Note: for anyone with a high-speed Internet connection, click on the YouTube gear icon along the bottom of the video, then select either 720 or 1080p before watching in full screen mode).



We turn the page...another chapter in the history of human evolution begins. Intense 2014 has given way to 2015's mysteries and a continuation of significant change and closure across the spectrum of human reality. Are you ready???

Hard to fathom 14 years have passed since the 21st Century began. And what a 14 years it has been. In our current reality, the accelerated pace of life has become palpable. From the widest possible

Solstice and Capricorn New Moon Dec 21: Stepping into the Unknown

"The Universe is under no obligation to make sense to you."
Neil deGrasse Tyson, Director Hayden Planetarium, astrophysicist, cosmologist, author, speaker

Image illustration courtesy of NASA

Well said NDT! Anyone attempting to logically understand the current state of world affairs would be best served by writing the above quote 100x on the cosmic blackboard.

This past year has proven to be the year of intensity, breakthroughs, social unrest, and new beginnings around the globe...all accompanied with many surprising twists and turns. And let me say this up front: the same will hold true for 2015. The astrological headwinds say so.

Back in 2010, when the 2012/Mayan Calendar vibe was starting to build, I looked ahead at the coming astrological cycles. I readily noticed the years 2014 and 2015 as being much more significant than what was anticipated by many for 2012. Further, I referred to this coming 2 year period as "pay attention years", i.e. strong theme setting periods for what would eventually unfold

Aquarius New Moon Feb 9: Heavenly Grace

"In one drop of water are found all the secrets of all the oceans; in one aspect of You are found all the aspects of existence. Kahlil Gilbran

http://teresaespaniola.com

The various members of our solar system are in a constant dance with the passage of time and each other. Some members move quite quickly around the Sun; others cover similar ground over decades. Yet, all move in synchronicity with grander rhythms, following the Sun on its epic 240 million year journey around the Galaxy. Astrology in part interprets these grand sky patterns to reveal the workings of your inner Universe. We call it the "cosmic weather forecast".

Once in a while, these seemingly endless planetary movements offer us a more compelling look into this synchronistic realm. This month's Aquarius New Moon  opens that very cosmic door into the watery, dreamy, fantasy realm of Pisces and its connection to grace. 

Over the next 30 days, up to seven planetary energies dwell in this watery realm. This unusual surge culminates on the Pisces New Moon, reflecting to you a dynamic theme pervading the bigger field of conscious awareness...the oneness of life and your connection to everything. 

At this current New Moon, Aquarius encourages you to think big. I mean "really big". The sign of the water bearer attunes to the widest possible perspective of life, literally perceiving the vast perspective of the cosmos. It also shine its

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

Virgo Full Moon March 2012: Mercury Retrograde arrives

"The great successful people of the world have used their imaginations, they think ahead and create their mental picture, and then go to work materializing that picture in all its details, filling in here, adding a little there, altering this a bit and that bit, but steadily building, steadily building."

Robert Collier, Author (1885-1950)

“Our whole life is an attempt to discover when our spontaneity is whimsical, sentimental irresponsibility and when it is a valid expression of our deepest desires and values.”  

Helen Merrell Lynd, Sociologist and Philosopher (1896–1982).

We reach the culmination of the current lunation as the Moon reaches its fullness at 11:40 pm on the 7th in Hawaii, and on the 8th for the rest of the world. Virgo Full Moon focuses on life's details, your health and how you choose to be of service in the world.

Behind this focused intent lies tremendous spontaneity, uncertainty, and infinite possibilities...and therein lies the conundrum of this current lunation.

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

August 2011 Aquarius Full Moon

Aquarius Full Moon flash:

Interactive Astrology Workshops with Gemini Awakening now scheduled for: Big Island, Hawaii 8/21, Denver 9/7, NYC 10/2 & Chicago 11/5.  Astrology workshops & presentations detail here:

AstroActivator©2002 Kathryn MIna

Insight for the Aquarius Full Moon today comes directly from our Gemini Awakening Astrology E-book: Manifesting by the Light of the Moon, A Journey Through the Zodiac: 

“Aquarius Full Moon is a time of reflecting confidence. Bring your creativity and leadership skills to the group.  This is an opportunity to release self-centeredness and detachment.  Illuminate your desire to be of humanitarian service and share this higher vision with others.” 

The Full Moon in Aquarius is exact on August 13, 2011 at 11:57am PDT or 8:57am in Hawaii. Here are Aquarius Full Moon themes for contemplation and support in setting intentions for this August full moon cycle: 

Sun exactly conjoined Venus near Mercury Retrograde in Leo:
This is an opportunity for communication from the heart.  Mercury is still retrograde until Aug 26th, so it may be an opportunity to reflect on the past where your communication has been less than heart-felt.  Sun in Leo season generally relates to radiating your passionate, playful, spontaneity.  However, this month, with Venus and retrograde Mercury so close to the Sun, suggests a more inward time of exploring creativity of the heart. 

Leo Full Moon: February 18 Aquarius Express

"Wheresoever you go, go with all your heart."
Confucius (551 BC - 479 BC)

"Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life...most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition...[you] already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary." Steve Jobs, co-founder, Apple Computer (1955 - )

Redwood Sunrise Stretch by Joseph Mina

Leo Full Moon occurs late on the 17th in Hawaii at 10:35 pm, and on the 18th from the West Coast US (12:35 am) east to the International Date line (GMT 8:35 am). This potent Full Moon, along with the March and April Full Moons are the closest Full Moons of 2011, occurring near perigee (closest point to Earth).In other words "think big".

Full Moon at or near perigee brings an intensification of energy on many levels, including emotional expression and reactions. Also, this is the 4th of 5 consecutive Full Moons positioning at the end degree of an astrological sign.These "Master Full Moons" carry an added emphasis all their own. Combine perigee position and mastery influence, and you have in short a "pay attention Moon". Visually, the Moon will seem larger than usual.

Readers Digest Version - this Full Moon further amplifies this past month's on-going Aquarius themes of freedom and social equality from oppression, heavy handed governmental rule, and economic struggles. At this Full Moon, Sun (fuel), Neptune (vision), Mars (assertivness), and Mercury (communication) in Aquarius position opposite the Moon (see chart below).

This Aquarian dynamic points to catalytic like vibrations surging through Middle East countries such as Tunisia, Egypt, Liberia, Libya, Bahrain, and Algeria, creating social upheaval and in some instances quick, unexpected change of long standing governmental oppressive rule. In my estimation, this is the opening wave of similar waves to come in other areas of the world.

Full Moon in fire sign Leo promotes expression of courage, access to heart's desires and support for expressing creative passion. Add the aforementioned Aquarius line-up,and Moon's perigee and Master vibrations to the mix, and the potential occurs for more quick

Aquarius New Moon 2011: The Freedom Express

"Everything that is really great and inspiring is created by the individual who can labor in freedom." Albert Einstein (1879-1955)

"For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others." Nelson Mandela (1918 - )

New Moon cycle begins on Wednesday, February 2nd in Hawaii at 4:41 pm (6:41 PST, 9:41 EST, Feb 3, 2:41 am GMT, 11:41 am JST). The Moon conjoins the Sun at 14 degrees Aquarius signaling an intense two week Aquarian journey into the realms of freedom, social justice and activism, and revolutionary fervor. Aquarius says "think big", which in the current vibration translates into "intensely big".

This New Moon also signals the beginning of the Chinese Year of the Metal Rabbit, and

Aquarius Full Moon - Seeding a New Planetary Vision

"Whenever you become empowered, you will be tested."
Caroline Myss, Author, Mystic and Medical Intuitive

"All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us."

Gandalf, Fellowship of the Ring - J.R.R. Tolkien, Author (1892-1973)

"Either you decide to stay in the shallow end of the pool, or you go out in the ocean."
Christopher Reeve, Actor (1952-2004)

New Horizons by Joseph Mina

Aquarius Full Moon arrives on Sunday, July 25th at 3:36 PM in Hawaii, 6:36 pm on the West Coast. Meanwhile, Europe east to the International Date Line witnesses the Full Moon on the 26th. 

The 25th is  the Mayan Calendar "Day Out of Time"; a day of contemplation, forgiveness and celebration of artistic freedom and creativity. Artists...start up your brushes! The 26th corresponds with the Mayan New Year and rising of the brilliant star Sirius - a wonderful time to tune into higher Galactic frequencies.

The Full Moon positions at 3 Degrees Aquarius. This places the Moon vibration in the same degree realm as the potent planetary members grouping now in early degree Cardinal signs, better known as the "Cardinal Climax". We view this timing as a potential seeding point, strongly infusing Aquarius intentions and influences into this dynamic, once-in-a-lifetime Cardinal mix. Sort of like "priming the pump" (as if it needed any more energy!).

What's being infused? The Aquarius archetype embraces the widest possible perspective, the future, technology, social groups and humanitarian, philanthropic pursuits. Hence, this higher vibration aspires to make the world a healthier place for everyone through altruistic and philanthropic means

Virgo Full Moon - Awakening the Dreamtime

"The longer I have lived and the more knowledge I have got from the achievements of people, the narrower and smaller the world of knowledge have appeared to me. And it has become more clear to me that even we are ruled by the forces beyond our knowledge."

Toivo Pekkanen, Finnish writer

"I always wondered why somebody doesn't do something about that. Then I realized I was somebody."  Lily Tomlin, humorist

On February 28th, the Moon comes into direct opposition with the Sun at 6:38 am, Hawaiian Standard Time (8:38 am PST; 11:38 EST; 4:38 pm GMT). This is the last Full Moon of the winter season in the Northern Hemisphere.

The actual Full Moon window begins some 16 hours earlier on February 27th as the Moon enters Virgo, and continues 16 hours beyond Full Moon, when the Moon reaches 20 degrees Virgo. This 20 degree span represents the orb influence the Full Moon exerts on our psyches and body vibration during the Full Moon Window. It also explains why the Moon appears "full" for more than one night.

This is the 2nd of 5 consecutive Super Full Moons, as the Moon reaches its direct opposition with the Sun just 19 hours past its perigee point, or closest point to the Earth. This "syzygy" effect puts the Sun/Earth/Moon in direct alignment with each other. This tight line-up, amplifies the Full Moon's pull on the Earth's fluid tides, which incidentally includes the body fluids of all living organisms, including us!

Also, as with all Full Moons, the solar wind effect on the Earth's magnetic field creates a magnetic "tail" sweeping away from the Earth. The Full Moon passes through the tail's field of highly charged particles about 3 days before Full Moon and exits 3 days later. Having a highly charged Moon surface explains in part why Full Moon's can feel intense. That "syzygy" occurs at the same time adds an additional jolt to a very potent lunation. "Lunatics" start your cosmic engines.

Aquarius New Moon - the Paradox of Enlightenment

"The significant problems we have cannot be solved at the same level of thinking with which we created them." Albert Einstein

"If knowledge can create problems, it is not through ignorance that we can solve them." Issac Asimov

Greetings from Denver, Colorado. I'm here for two weeks sharing private astrology sessions and preparing to experience the Network Transformational Gate and the work of Dr. Donald Epstein on New Moon weekend.

While Colorado is certainly not the warm, tropical weather of Hawaii, it's nonetheless refreshing to experience the vibe of the Rockies. Good energy for this New Moon.

The Moon closes its current lunation, beginning a new cycle on February 13 at 4:51 pm in Hawaii (6:51 pm on the West Coast; 2:51 am on the 14th Greenwich Mean Time). As this is the second New Moon since the Winter Solstice, it also signals the start of the Chinese New Year and its Metal Tiger theme.

Briefly, the Metal Tiger is quite the energy form. Much more alive, energized and assertive than the stabilizing, steady force of 2009's Ox theme. As such, 2010 will be a year of impact, movement and significant shift. The quality of this energy and how it is expressed throughout the world will mirror whether people individually or collectively move forward with courage (as a healthy Tiger would), or hesitate out of fear and doubt. The choice is up to each of us.

On to the New Moon....

Hubble's New Eyes

Through the "as above, so below" mysteries, we look outside of ourselves for indicators of inner change and opportunity. Today, the Hubble telescope shows us the way.


Over the past year, Jupiter, Chiron and Neptune have travelled together in the sign of Aquarius. At this time, they are essentially at the same degree (22-24) in Aquarius. They will continue moving as a group through early January when Jupiter moves on to the sign of Pisces. Another few hundred years will pass before this trio is together again in Aquarius.


Jupiter vibration carries the quality of expansion and optimism. Chiron represents the healing dynamic of energy. While, Neptune, in part the ruler of photography and imaging, offers us the gift of vision and the dreamtime. Their trek together in the cosmic sign of Aquarius has been showering us with grace for healing humanities vision for how we co-exist and prosper together.


This past May, the Hubble telescope underwent a significant upgrade (healing) in its optics (Neptune) and other scientific instruments. This was akin to getting a cosmic (Aquarius) makeover. The improvement in optics has been astounding (Jupiter). At the time of the repair, Jupiter, Chiron and Neptune were closely together, as they are once again.


Today, the Hubble Imaging Team demonstrated the fruits of this upgrade. In September, Hubble was pointed toward a relatively "empty" area of the sky (it had imaged this area about 5 years ago with less sensitive optics). What returned is an image filled with even more galaxies than the initial image, each an island of innumerable stars. Note, every point of light in this image is a galaxy, like our own Milky Way Galaxy. Now that's what I call a "Jupiter effect"!


As Hubble looks deep in the cosmos, we are given the same opportunity to look deeply within ourselves. Using the collective energy of the Aquarius trio this month, the time is ripe to enhance and heal our inner vision for a healthier quality of life for all.


in light,
Starman, Joseph Mina

Planetary Cycles - October 19 - 25

Astrology Planetary Cycles

October 19 - 25

Moon begins the week in the life force dynamics of Scorpio. By week's end, it is immersed in the Aquarius grouping of Jupiter, Neptune and Chiron. In between, the Moon revisits Sagittarius' quest for the truth and Capricorn's desire to be organized and down-to-earth.

Meanwhile, Mars (visible as a ruddy point of light high in the eastern pre-dawn sky) moves now in the heart-driven sign of Leo. Because of its coming December retrograde, Mars remains in Leo through next May. This 5 month inner journey's theme is "your heart passion and how you express it in your life". Venus remains in Libra this week, now moving away from its intense square with Pluto. What did you learn last week about relationships in your life?

Soon, Saturn moves into the sign of Libra. The Venus relationship lesson of last week provides content for this coming 2 1/2 year reevaluation period in the realm of equal conscious partnerships.

Lastly, Sun moves into life-force driven Scorpio on Oct 22 at 8:43 p HST. The first 4 days may prove intense as the early Sun degrees squares Mars in Leo. On the big stage, intense aggression may be prevalent between nations.

For the bigger picture, more on our recent free astrology podcast " Relationship Activation"


Holistic Strategy - On the 22nd Moon in Sagittarius squares both Saturn and Uranus. This dynamic asks "what is the truth for me in this time of rapidly changeable events?" At week's end, Scorpio Sun and Leo Mars dynamic creates critical tension around emotional heart issues. Time to reflect and be inward, accessing your place of inner peace.