Aries New Moon April 1: New Initiatives & Life Choices

 "Re-examine all you have been told in school or church or in any book, and dismiss whatever insults your own soul, and your very flesh shall be a great poem, and have the richest fluency, not only in words, but in the silent lines of its lips and face and between the lashes of your eyes, and in every motion and joint of your body." - Walt Whitman, Preface to Leaves of Grass

Greetings Seekers and Lovers of the Night Sky...

Plate Development by Joseph Mina

Aries New Moon arrives today portending a two-week period of building intensity in anticipation of the Libra Full Moon on April 16th and its square to Pluto in Capricorn. Seems this Universe is clueless when it comes to taking a vacation break. 😉

Walt Whitman's quoted ode above reminds us this raw, edgy time in which we live is a transformative stepping stone into a new reality. He encourages you to exchange yourself for a new version of you. Free yourself of constraining labels or beliefs. There exists infinite possibilities in a multi-verse of infinite Universes. On this Aries New Moon, invite in a new version of yourself and take steps to actualize it. There's a process of shedding old skin that's part of this exchange inviting the transformative energies of Pluto to assist you. This requires Aries traits of courage and a willingness to explore new ground.

Archetypal Aries is raw, primal, highly creative, always in the present moment, passionate about the inner dance and ready to set the world on fire. Abraham Hicks might have been considering Aries types when this came through the channel medium: "people will love you...people will hate you...and none of it will have anything to do with you." And I'll add "your life won't be boring!"

Fool Child - Voyager Tarot

Pure Aries is fueled by impulsive energy. It is entirely self-focused on individuated growth and experiences. To others, such may seem hyper-energized, uncooperative or self-absorbed. Yet, someone has to take the lead...someone has to get the ball rolling in a particular direction or trend. Oh yes...strong Aries types are rarely around to see things completed, especially anyone with Ascendant (rising sign), Venus, or Mars in this individuated vibration. Fueled by novelty, "on to the next greatest thing" is their fuel and passion, and sometimes their greatest challenge. As such, following impulsive urges can prove to be a two-edged sword at this lunation. Learning the art/balance between discernment and impulsive action is very helpful for the Aries mojo that fills us all in varying degrees of intensity.

This particular Aries New Moon occurs at 11° and conjuncts both Mercury and Chiron. Conjunctions (same degree) add to the overall energy pattern. There is also a sextile (60° angular difference) adding to this theme. These combinations are further detailed below.

In the spirit of Aries desire to always "cut to the chase",
consider these introspections for this New Moon period: 

1 - What new steps am I ready to initiate on my life path?

2 - Am I feeling creative in my expressions and talents?

3 - Are these areas (1 & 2) congruent (in integrity) with what I want to manifest? If not, what needs to change in my life to align my actions with my heart's desire?

4 - Is my sense of self in alignment with my behaviors within my relationships? (intimate, work and/or friendship)

5 - Am I taking the time to stay energetically clear and strong? If not, what has to change to better nurture my body in a more progressive way (Uranus in Taurus theme).

6 - And in that vein, am I taking the time to strengthen my physical body? If no, what needs to change to better help my body align and attune with the ever increasing Earth vibration?

Here's the New Moon Chart with descriptive annotations:

Plate Development by Joseph Mina

What I find intriguing about this New Moon dynamics....

The Sun/Moon joins Chiron and Mercury in Aries. Chiron points to the inner wounding. In Aries, it underscores (especially childhood) challenges around being seen, appreciated, understood and encouraged within the family or any other cultural institution, such as school. Mercury is the messenger accessing memories from the Chiron experience. Sun/Moon in Aries desires something new or novel and immediate. With Chiron in tow, it seeks resolution or healing from the emotional and mental heaviness of the past. Sometimes this means closing doors in order that new doors may open. To further define this dynamic...

...a potent sextile (60°) angle commands attention in this chart.  A sextile is a 60° angle between 2 planetary positions. It's an easy flowing expression of energy. In this case the aforementioned New Moon group and asteroid Ceres at 13° Gemini create this sextile pattern. 

One of the four largest asteroids between Mars and Jupiter, Ceres in mythology is the daughter of Zeus or Jupiter in Roman lore. Ceres is described as the Earth Mother. She is associated with health, nutrition, agriculture and fertility. Her symbol represents transition, motherhood and nurturing. She is that inner/outer archetypal connection to what nourishes or supports you. It's helpful to know the placement of Ceres in your natal chart, as that points to what feeds and sustains you energetically. 

When Ceres transits very changeable Gemini, your mental or thought processes and connections to the higher mind become your focus. Perhaps you are now considering joining a meditation, spiritual group, book club, acting classes etc. to further add depth, fun and/or clarity to your life's spiritual journey. Anything that stimulates progressive discussion or uplifting actions is fertile ground here for new initiatives. 

As Ceres completes its current transit in Gemini over the next 6 weeks (enters Cancer on May 15), energies are favorable for engaging with other like-minded seekers, or even to create new alignments with others of similar values in support of your spiritual quest. And of course there's shadow potential here too. Around May 1, transiting Ceres will create a square (90°) challenge with Jupiter, Venus and Neptune in Pisces. This will be an ideal point to reevaluate any changes you have initiated in April to determine whether other considerations ought to occur before proceeding forward. See the introspections above, especially number 3 for further exploration. And speaking of Jupiter and Neptune...

...this potent archetypal duo meet for the first time since 1856 in their home sign of Pisces around April 12th. While this combination unto itself appears quite uplifting and inspiring, it occurs now under Pluto's strong influence in Capricorn. Given Jupiter's optimistic/expansive vibration and Neptune's penchant for seeing into the unknown and attuning to a more soulful vibration, a stronger tendency exists for misunderstanding and delusional choices. As a remedy for such, grounding-type exercises are essential to discern what feels true to you vs what does not. Anything embraced at first blush without conscious understanding of your choices may create undesirable outcomes. And lastly...

Plate Development by Joseph Mina

...there's Saturn, Venus and Mars in Aquarius. As I wrote in my previous blog, since early February Venus and Mars have been close together by degree, first in Capricorn just as Venus was ending its retrograde and now in Aquarius. Both archetypes have been under very strong Pluto influences too. Externally, the war in the Ukraine has been fought under this potent combination's transit the past two months. Add restrictive/limiting Saturn to the mix and the resulting aggressive tendencies on all levels of culture have been nothing short of off the charts, something I described as a possibility in my last blog. 

This combination is a strong reevaluation/reorganizational point for what's meaningful in your life; what creates freedom; what is progressive and aligned with desires for social justice and equality; what creates greater harmony between the feminine and masculine internally and externally.

We have witnessed the shadow side of this energetic coin all too recently - from massive forced migrations in the Ukraine to a bizarre aggressiveness at the recent Oscar's. Contrast always defines. Other multiple conflicts around the world further underscore this contrast. Yet the very fuel of this intensity can be used for productive and creative expressions. And it all starts within you as you explore how the Venus and Mars components of your natal chart best work synergistically and energetically within yourself and when with others. Which brings my focus back to...

...Venus, now starting to pull away from Mars and Saturn and soon to enter softer, more soulful Pisces on April 5th. In the interim, Mars/Saturn will continue to intensify until Mars enters Pisces 10 days later. The weakening connection between these two personal planetary archetypes may be sufficient to effect a much needed truce between Russia and Ukraine as well as other ongoing conflicts. These initiatives will be on the front burner over the next two weeks as the energy builds to the Libra Full Moon on April 16 mentioned at the beginning of this blog. 

All and all, these New Moon dynamics continue 2022's strong societal patterning of the old falling away, new alliances being created, and a growing determination, especially through the younger generations, to create a more sustainable existence on planet Earth.

Golden Days by Joseph Mina

Conclusion: A recent consultation with a client revealed strong family challenges involving her two year old. Children born over the last ten years or so have powerful sensitivities to everything around them. In utero, they recognize this current fast vibration intimately. And they are now here to shift this challenging juggernaut into a more sustainable reality. Hence, environmental and cultural intensity can easily be magnified in their actions and emotional behaviors, literally expressing what is being repressed around them. It is for this reason I consider it a matter of necessity more than than choice to introduce children to energetic bodywork whether they are new born or in their teenage years. Their advanced nervous systems and energetic fields are primed for such higher vibrational work.

Receiving such care can fine tune their energetic systems to be more entrained and aligned with the current acceleration of solar system and galactic frequencies. It's a powerful example of  the value of self-nurturing care and its importance in navigating life. It also strengthens their body's core foundations for the more massive societal changes in the offing over the next 10 years.

Aries energy is attuned to the inner child. In its highest expression, it is playful and engaging. No matter what your age, this Aries New Moon vibration over the next two weeks can be used to initiate a wellness protocol that enhances your quality of life and those of your family members. Such action inspires you to stretch into new ground, which is fundamental to the changes we now witness.

The coming planetary cycles over the remainder of 2022 are a continuation of life changing and transformative choices and decisions. For example, in May, a very potent total lunar eclipse will grace the sky in Scorpio visible from North and South America, Western Europe and Africa. Also, that month will feature a Mercury Retrograde in Gemini/Taurus. These celestial markers, as well as those that follow, are the very energetic building blocks leading you to a new reality, one whose structure is unfolding moment by moment. We are the answers to our prayers. 

As we have discovered over the past two years, the fragile energetic web of society is intertwined and interdependent on levels heretofore unrecognized or fully understood. At this New Moon window I encourage you to examine your current life course and choices, making adjustments in alignment with your deepest desires. The introspection questions above will be a helpful aid in that respect.

I welcome comments below. 

Perfect time to explore your natal chart or better understand current energetic influences in your life? Sign up today for a Life Path Astrology Consultation appointment. Expanded awareness creates power , intention and direction.

Blessings and Sat Nam

Starman, Joseph Mina
April 1, 2022
Stellenbosch, South Africa 

Aries New Moon: Surfing The Creativity Wave

 “In order to carry a positive action we must develop here a positive vision.” 
Dalai Lama

“There are risks and costs to action. But they are far less than the long range risks of comfortable inaction.”
John Fitzgerald Kennedy

Greeting Cosmic Seekers and Lovers of the Sky Story

 Aries Plate by Joseph Mina

Another New Moon, another dose of 2021 intensity. This is the 4th consecutive New Moon that places a laser-like multi-planetary focus upon the astrological sign for the Sun/Moon connection. And while this lunation marks the peak of this on going intensity, nonetheless this concentration of planetary archetypes in one sign continues to strongly ripple throughout the remainder of this season. That includes the combination June's annular solar eclipse (visible over eastern Canada, Greenland and northern Russia) and Mercury Retrograde in Gemini.

And for further coming attraction purposes, the next two Full Moons are supermoons (the second being a total lunar eclipse in late May (visible over the Pacific basin and in various stages over North America). Given the world's continuing chaotic and uncertain state, these lunation’s are akin to strong exclamation marks in this year of rapid transition and change. And that transitional emphasis is strongly underscored at this Aries New Moon.

Such portends a surge of life force filling the energetic field surrounding you. Also, eclipse periods are always potent and timely for deeper understanding and substantive change.

And for the record, this Aries New Moon arrives on the 11th (today) at 4:31p in Hawaii, 7:31p West Coast, 10:31p on the East Coast, and on the 12th at 2:31a GMT, 4:31a in South Africa and early afternoon in New Zealand.

Last week, while waiting in line at a Farmer's Market (common reality in South Africa), I overheard someone say to a friend “I just want things to return to normal”. And that’s a very strong sentiment it seems. Yet, there really is no return to that reality. The celestial tides are all pointed in a very different direction: a significantly faster planetary vibration evolving over the the next 10 years. 

Curious about what's unfolding in your life? Times of immense change require new strategies, perspective and creativity. My astrological consultations are transformative, offering guidance for better understanding the current rapid changes and reorganizing your approach to life. 

Schedule today! Scheduling is quite easy. Sessions are recorded (audio) via Zoom or Skype for your later listening/integration.

Recent client feedback:
"Thank you for your thoroughness with me during my session. Your expertise is truly amazing." MC, Brookline, Ma

"The session has given me momentum for my ideas, put ease to some of my doubts and reminded me that there are never too many colors in the crayon box." CA, Seattle, Wa

"Today was absolutely enlightening. So very, very, much to think about..ponder. I haven't felt this recognized in a long time. The noticeable significant shift in my field since the consultation is worth sharing a huge THANK YOU from my heart". YC, Ca

Here’s the New Moon chart (tap or click on the chart to see a larger version)

Essentially, a substantial concentration of fiery Aries energy comes together for this lunation. With no planetary archetypes in retrograde until Pluto moves retrograde at the end of April, all signs point now forward. Yet, this momentum comes with some caveats.

Aries is akin to the impetuous, impatient child who loves to start projects, but easily becomes disinterested. Their fuel is pure novelty, impulse and short bursts of speed. Highly creative and very individuated too! Their challenges are hesitation, uniformity, reluctant cooperation and boredom. 

As the first sign of the zodiac, this individuated fire sign says “just do it”. And in that spirit, now is the prime time to start something new that fuels creativity, novelty and action. It's akin to a surfer ready to surf the next wave. Yet, here's one of those aforementioned caveats: at this lunation Sun/Moon/Venus in Aries creates a 90° square angle with Pluto in Capricorn. That challenging contrast reminds us there is a Plutonian life-changing processes melting away old Capricorn-type energies (politics, rules, laws, judicial matters, corporations) to make way for a potentially more progressive expression in the coming years. Hence, any Aries-like initiatory energy on a personal, social or generational level must align with that flow. Best focus and intention would be progressive and forward thinking type initiatives. Otherwise, any new creative effort aligned with old conventional ways may prove to be short-lived. It's the contrast that defines safety vs risk. 

And important to note, starting with Venus's movement into Taurus on the 14th, Mercury and the Sun will follow on the 19th. That's a lot of Earth-related energy adding fuel to Saturn/Uranus combination mentioned at #5 below. This period is akin to a charged up mini-Mercury Retrograde in Taurus as Mercury will be on the other side of the Sun from Earth's perspective (superior conjunction). "Staying grounded and focused" are good strategies for the next 10 days. Also, receiving nurturing body care ought to be high on your list!

Energetic Grid by Joseph Mina

(numbered annotations found on above chart)

1 - The Aries tribe includes (circled area in the above chart):

Chiron - embracing your uniqueness. Resolving hesitation, doubt, uncertainty through action.

Mercury - speaking with integrity; forward thinking

Ceres - being comfortable in your own skin

Sun/Moon - emotionally fueled action with determination and passion

Venus - acting up-front, determined and courageous (most masculine leaning of the feminine archetypes)

That’s quite a lineup of fire-fueled energy for you to access. Expectant parents take note and beware: any child born around this New Moon period is going to be unstoppable in their quest for creating change!

Supporting cast to help you navigate the next two weeks of this lunation include:

2 - Jupiter in Aquarius - optimistic, progressive, expansive, big picture in trine (120°) to Mars in Gemini and sextile (60°) to Sun/Moon/Venus in Aries. The beneficial trine requires action on your part to effect meaningful change in your life. The sextile further fuels this Aries surge with a determined, expansive desire to rebalance the scales of social inequality and justice. By contrast...

3 - Mars in Gemini is pure spontaneity and unpredictable. Mars rules Aries. In its Gemini skin Mars can be quite imaginative if the energy is channeled in an uplifting way. Yet...

4- Mars’ square (90°) to Neptune in Pisces at this lunation reminds you to make choices from a grounded place. Otherwise, Neptune’s shadow penchant for delusion and deep-seated fears may prove challenging. 

Equally, Neptune’s building sextile (60°) to Pluto at this lunation is the underlying fuel for anything hidden, such as viruses. This is a potent connection that is just getting started. These two transformative archetypes came into orb back in 2019 just as the first vestiges of the pandemic were appearing. This energy crests, but not until 2026-2032 when 13 direct sextiles are engaged. Aside from Pluto’s completion in Capricorn over the next 2 years, this combined cycle has far reaching implications for how the natural world will respond to changes in climate and human-related environmental actions. Both Neptune and Pluto are transformative. Their close aspect to each other expands the combined dissolving energy exponentially. This particular combination will not occur again for 300 years! And last, but certainly not least...

5 - Saturn in Aquarius in square (90°) to Uranus in Taurus remains one of the major drivers for this year. While not aspected to the lunation, this current building square is part of a bigger 20-year cycle that now brings to light the push-pull challenges being revealed between conformity (Saturn) and rapid societal and Earth changes (Uranus). In part, this combination points to the critical tension building between conservative and progressive choices and direction. This arena will be super charged starting with the late May lunar and early June solar eclipses when these two archetypes come into their 2nd of 3 direct squares this year. 

Reflections for this lunation:

1 - What am I ready to initiate in my life?

2 - Are my actions congruent with what I want to create? If not, what needs to change in my life to support my desires?

3 - Is my sense of self congruent with my actions within my relationships?

4 - Am I taking the time to be nurtured?

5 - Am I taking the time to strengthen my physical body? If no, what needs to change to better help my body align with the increasing Earth vibration?

Conclusion: There is an abundance of Aries-like creative energy in the energetic field at the moment. How you access and utilize this well of power depends on your clarity and willingness to explore the unknown. Such expressions is best used for expansive purposes. Yet, in this strong polarity, it can also fuel denser desires and troubling behaviors as has been evident since December's solstice. Looking a little bit ahead, the next two to three months will be a good indicator for how the remainder of 2021 unfolds. 

In that respect, staying present (very Aries like) is a powerful strategy. In today’s climate, dwelling on the past, projecting too far ahead, or even struggling to initiate something can prove draining, and result in a weakening of the body's immunity levels.

Autumn's Message by Joseph Mina

A little over a month ago (my birthday weekend) I stood under the most spellbinding night skies in the mountains of the Western Cape. The light of the Milky Way was profound. From an upside down Orion in the west back to the Southern Cross near the zenith, the Milky Way's star fields seemed to pulsate. 

Near dawn, the center of the galaxy between Scorpio and Sagittarius was high overhead (in the northern hemisphere this view is much lower to the horizon and hence less dramatic). I was fortunate to be with a group of astronomers who had quite a collection of telescopes. Viewing star fields through a telescope takes the experience to a whole other level. So many stars, nebula and galaxies too…each carrying information within the photons of their starlight. Messages from the beyond the beyond. I felt altered by the time I returned home. This was the perfect Starman gift: a deeply soul-satisfying experience. My Aquarian aspects were quite happy for days afterward.

Lastly, and somewhat strangely, Autumn is now well underway here. I captured the picture on the right at a local farmer’s market the other day. I call it Autumn’s Message. Rather a strange notion for my northern hemisphere readers who now feel the surge of springtime. Yet, regardless of the season, it's a good reminder that art transcends time, we exist in the same moment of time, enjoy beauty regardless of its source and time, and each contribute in our own unique way and timing towards creating a healthier world and human society. May your creative efforts continue to be your resounding answer to life’s challenges and opportunities. 

At this Aries New Moon I wish you new insights and creative joy.

Comments welcomed below!

Sat Nam

Joseph Mina

Stellenbosch, South Africa

April 11, 2021