Total Lunar Eclipse January 20/21: The Internal Roar

"Always remember, you have within you the strength, patience, and passion to reach for the stars to change the world." Harriet Tubman - American Abolitionist and political activist (1822-1912) 

Astrology is a progressive tool for exploring life potential and possibilities. Discover NOW the power of your talents/abilities set out in your natal chart from a reorganizational and energy-rich perspective. 

"Intuitive, compassionate, direct and to-the-point, eloquent and last but not least, great-humored and fun, Joseph continues to enighten, enrich and expand with the rest of the Universe." CK, Vancouver 

Schedule your 2019 on-line astrology consultation session TODAY!

Greetings from the Western Cape of South Africa

Almost a year has past since my last blog entry! "Best laid plans of mice and men." At various points of 2018 I had great intentions about weighing-in on the very significant transiting cycles of 2018, but Neptune and its fog-like cloak thought otherwise. I'll share much more about my dance of surrender with Neptune in a future blog. Suffice it to say for the moment Neptune has brought me many gifts in my career realms of bodywork, astrology and imagery. And equally, Neptune has been dissolving (on-going) that which no longer serves my soul-journey. So onto the issue at hand: the coming Super Moon total lunar eclipse.

Cut To The Chase Version:

Starting a year with two significant lunar cycles, i.e. a partial solar eclipse in Capricorn (January 6) and Super Moon total eclipse in Leo (January 20/21), portends a year of great change (possibly upheaval), introspection, intensity (perhaps greater than witnessed so far this decade), and significant beginnings. This is a potent time to tap into your inner passion and let it roar. Three significant

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

Capricorn Full Moon July 12: Energy Vise...Are you feeling it?

It takes a lot of courage to release the familiar and seemingly secure, to embrace the new. But there is no real security in what is no longer meaningful. There is more security in the adventurous and exciting, for in movement there is life, and in change there is power.
Alan Cohen, Author and Inspirational Speaker

"Super Full Moon Mauna Kea" by Joseph Mina

Yes, for the moment...energy is building...intensely. Trouble sleeping? Feeling edgy??? The chart below shows the major components of the Capricorn Full Moon. Why the intensity? Aren't we over this already???  Here's the Astro 411:

Where: Capricorn Full Moon at 20°. Laws and rules, structure and organization, finances, business, and politics are the domain of Capricorn and the focus of this lunation.

Type: Super Full Moon (SFM). Full Moon occurs close to perigee with Earth. It is the 1st of 3 consecutive SFM's, with August's Aquarius Full Moon(8/10) the closest of the 3. SFM = heightened lunar influence. Also visually "big Moon" rising at sunset.

When: July 12th: 1:25 am on the 12th in Hawaii; 4:25 PDT, 7:25 am EDT; 3:25 pm GMT

Theme: "Past versus Future"

Significant Players: annotated in chart below: (1) Saturn in Scorpio; (2) Uranus in Aries; (3) Chiron in Pisces, (4) Moon in Capricorn opposite Sun in Cancer

Energy forms created: Cardinal T-Square (in red) and Kite In blue/green) - enough to know this combination represents the building of strong critical tension patterns during this lunation...akin to an "energy vise".

Synopsis: Current dynamic tension represents more intensification for freedom and quest for something new. This is particularly evident now in the emotionally heated and war-torn Middle East, parts of Africa and Asia, as well as along the southern border of the United States (children immigration). Also, the energetic field is quite ripe for conflict, especially on a country level, unless

Capricorn New Moon January 1 2014: Happy New Year!

"To have the kind of year you want to have, something has to happen that you can't explain why it happened. Something has to happen that you can't coach."
Bobby Bowden, former football coach, Florida State (1929 - )

January 1, 2014 New Year's day is also New Moon in Capricorn, It occurs at 1:14 am in Hawaii, 3:14 on the West Coast and 11:14 am GMT. New Moon on the 1st day of the year has only occurred 12x in the past 300 years.

This New Moon occurs near perigee making it the closest New Moon in 2014. Perigee New Moon, also referred to as a Super New Moon, symbolically represents an enhancement or intensification of a lunar cycle. Do you generally make New Years resolutions?  This New Year’s day is a perfect time to do so. The astrology for 2014 suggests an extra special time for empowering thoughts into action!

The planetary patterns on New Years day 2014 hold extra potency to align your intentions for the coming year. Five planets in Capricorn plus other planetary alignments known as the Cardinal Cross are strong indicators for other rhythms occurring through the first half of the year, especially in April and May into June.

If January 1 were a hologram for the coming month and coming year, this powerful New Moon adds

Capricorn New Moon January 11: Respect Yourself

January 2013 Astrology Update by Kathryn Andren Mina

Aloha friends and fans of the Sky story

AstroActivators© 2001 Kathryn Andren Mina

This month's Gemini Awakening Astrology Update covers Astrology news you can use for the Capricorn New Moon on January 11, 2013. (9:43 AM Hawaiian time, 11:43 AM Pacific, GMT 7:43 pm), and on the 12th from Nepal east to the International Date Line.

January 2013 Astrology begins with a high concentration of the Capricorn vibration and peaks with five planets in Capricorn on the New Moon January 11.  Wow, that’s plenty of planets in one earth sign!  Sun, Pluto and Mercury are in Capricorn at the turn of the year. Pressure is on to get organized and down to Earth. Then, Venus and the Moon add more to the mix as they enter the sign of Capricorn January 9th.

A grouping of three or more planets conjoined in the same sign is called a stellium. Several stelliums occur early in the year for Astrology 2013. Now, let’s consider the New Moon and concentrated Capricorn vibration.

Capricorn relates to rules, finance, business, structure, law, politics, government, and order.  Work hard and play hard is a theme for Capricorn.  “Make hay while the sun shines” mirrors the Capricorn desire for efficiency. This New Moon may be an opportunity to contemplate your relationship to rules and

Capricorn Full Moon July 3: Priming the Pump

"I find hope in the darkest of days, and focus in the brightest. I do not judge the universe."
His Holiness, The Dalai Lama

"The question is not whether we will be extremists, but what kind of extremists we will be... The nation and the world are in dire need of creative extremists."

Rev. Martin Luther King (1929-68)

Helter Skelter: Image by Joseph Mina

[We welcome your comments below]

Intensity fills the ethers. Nature leads the way with severe storms and drought, and in some areas life changing wild fires. An edginess is palpable. Creative juices bubble in anticipation. We are now in the astrological cardinal zone of new beginnings, transformation and radical change. There is no turning back. Even if we wanted to go in that direction the Universe would prove most uncooperative. In the words of Rumi, "the door is wide and open, don't go back to sleep".

Capricorn Full Moon arrives on July 3rd at 8:52 AM in Hawaii, 11:52 PDT, 6:52 PM UT, and on the 4th from Bangladesh east to the International Date Line. This is the first in a series of lunations through August 2013 where the Full Moon energy seeds the subsequent New Moon.

In short, we are accustomed to the New Moon seeding the Full Moon. When the opposite occurs every 14 to 20 months, greater depth from your Full Moon intentions is brought into

Solstice and Capricorn New Moon December 2011: Stepping Into The Unknown

"Winter Solstice - the longest night of the year - profoundly challenges our psychological tolerance for darkness. It is a visionary time. Like the dark of the Moon each month, Winter Solstice represents not only the pitch black of night, but also a seed of something that will unfold in the coming year. We pray for a future we can only imagine." Vicki Noble, We'Moon Calendar 2009: At the Crossroads

"If not for our system of weights and measures, we would stand in awe of the firefly as we do the Sun." Kahlil Gibran, Philosopher (1883-1931)

I experience immense pleasure observing and experiencing the night sky. This is rich food for my Venus and Jupiter in Aquarius. 

While daytime brings its special gifts of uniquely crafted clouds, magical rainbows, and the occasional sightings of the waxing or waning Moon, the night serves up a regal spread of pure jewels, a sparkling and alluring array of cosmic wonders stretched across unfathomable distances. 

Over the past 10 years, our awareness of this cosmic treasury has exponentially exploded thanks to sophisticated satellites such as Hubble, Spitzer, Chandra etc. Our awareness now attunes to cosmic frequencies heretofore unavailable to human kind. We are being summoned into the vast unknown. Are you ready to take a bigger step than you ever thought possible?

Capricorn Full Moon July 15: Your Inner Authority

"First comes thought; then organization of that thought, into ideas and plans; then transformation of those plans into reality. The beginning, as you will observe, is in your imagination."  Napoleon Hill, Self-Help Author (1883-1970)

AstroActivator©2001 by Kathryn Mina

As June’s intensity and its 3 eclipses fade, we arrive at July's Full Moon in industrious, achievement oriented Capricorn. Full Moon occurs on the 14th at 8:40 pm in Hawaii, just before midnight on the West Coast, and on the 15th for locations further to the east onward to the International Dateline.

This Full Moon brings to sharp focus intentions you created/initiated at the last New Moon on July 1. New Moon energy enhances visualizing and dreaming your desires into reality. Now, Capricorn Full Moon provides you with the structure, direction and organization to actualize those New Moon intentions. It also provides clear indications of what is on the front-burner of change over the next 6 months (typical eclipse window).

Archetypal Saturn is the ruling energy of Earth sign Capricorn. On the external, Saturn's rings serve as a reminder that life is framed with structure. In a 3d reality, structure is essential. Like draperies in a room, the personal and societal rules we create give shape to our lives

Capricorn New Moon - Energizing 2011 and Beyond

"The future depends on what we do in the present."

Mahatma Gandhi

"The only way to discover the limits of the possible is to go beyond them into the impossible."

Arthur C. Clarke, Astrophysicist & Science Fiction Author

Aloha and Happy New Year!

2011 starts off with a New Moon and partial solar eclipse in Capricorn at 14 degrees. New Moon occurs in Hawaii on Jan 3 at 11:02 pm HST; and January 4th from Far Western Canada (12:02 am), east to the International Date Line (9:00 UT). Fresh on the heals of the Lunar Eclipse and Gemini Full Moon near the Solstice, this New Moon opens the door for structure, organization, long term planning, new direction and career goals and initiatives.

New Moon eclipse energy signifies a time to seed intentions for the coming 6 months. This dove-tails well with the beginning of the year rituals of resolutions and commitments. The above quotes underscore one approach for framing your 2011 intentions. 

As the Aquarian vibration continues to increase in our global consciousness, technology expands in a myriad of ways to support communication and the rapid dissemination of ideas

Saturn and Pluto: The Dance of Death and Transformation

"It is better to know some of the questions than all of the answers" James Thurber

Introduction: Saturn and Pluto and the 2010 Cardinal Climax

On January 31st, Saturn and Pluto trigger the 2nd of 3 very intense squares. This blog examines the dynamics of this potent combo, and their role as part of this summer's potent Cardinal Climax.

What is the Cardinal Climax?? Astrologically, "Cardinal" refers to the 1st signs of the 4 seasons (Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn). "Climax" is the pinnacle, crest, culmination or apex of critical tension generated by a powerful phenomena. Visualize a building wave ready to break.

The Cardinal Climax aka the "Twenty-Ten Turning Point" is comprised of the simultaneous interactions between the planetary energies of Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Pluto during June and July 2010 in Cardinal signs of Capricorn, Aries and Libra. Five distinct critical tension points make up this very rare super cycle. They are:

Annular Solar Eclipse - The Next Big Step

A significant  Annular Solar Eclipse occurs over Africa and Asia on January 15th. At greatest eclipse, annularity totals 11 minutes and 8 seconds. This is the longest solar eclipse until December 23, 3043.

This particular event is quite complex. Hence, I have provided additional background content for anyone wanting more information. For those wanting to "cut to the chase", I've provided a synopsis a few sections down titled The 411 - Reader's Digest Version

Eclipse dynamics:

As with every total or annular solar eclipse, and total lunar eclipse, the Sun, Moon and Earth are in direct alignment at the maximum eclipse moment. This is called "syzygy" (pronounced sizz-a-gee) - a gravitational alignment of 3 or more celestial bodies. Incidentally, this was my oldest daughter's favorite word when she was in grade school, due to its lack of a vowel and spelling difficulty.

Adding to this alignment, the Earth reached recently its closest orbital point to the Sun (perigee was Jan 5), while the Moon at the eclipse will be close to its farthest point from Earth (apogee). Combined, these dynamics produce a Moon only 92% of the Sun's disk. This means the Moon takes longer to travel across the face of the Sun resulting in a very long annular eclipse.

Long duration eclipses symbolically represent a deepening of vibration and intent. Occurring in late degree Capricorn, this eclipse points its laser-like intensity toward Capricorn themes of finance, industry, rules, authority, politics and self-sufficiency.

Cancer Full Moon lights up New Year's Eve

As the final astrological chapter for 2009 is written, a partially eclipsed Full Moon graces the sky on December 31. Quite a year it's been, yet we're just getting warmed up for 2010.

This is the first Full Moon of the Winter Season. By a quirk of the calendar, it's the second Full Moon in December, which the press heralds as a "Blue Moon".

Blue Moon origin - back in 1948, the Farmer's Almanac definition of a Blue Moon was misinterpreted to be the 2nd Full Moon of the month. Unfortunate or otherwise, this mischaracterization of a Blue Moon has stuck. The correct interpretation: a season with 4 Full Moons (usually there are 3). The second one in the same astrological sign is the "blue one" - something that next occurs in Autumn 2010 with 2 Aries Full Moons. If you're looking for more details, look no further than here.

Blue or otherwise, this eclipsed Full Moon in the sign of Cancer is one of those "unseen" eclipses. Any shadow effect from the Moon's passage through the Earth's outer shadow (penumbra) will be barely noticeable, if at all.  A very good visual of the eclipse passage over Europe, Africa and Asia may be found here, courtesy of Shadow and Substance.

A partial eclipse effect usually diminishes the event's intensity. However, what the eclipse may lack in visual stimulation, is more than made up by its potent and challenging associations with planetary energies in Capricorn and Libra.

Mercury Retrograde has arrived!

Fresh on the heels of Mars going retrograde, another of the personal planetary energies joins the party. Nothing like Mercury to add some juice to the festivities.

Even those not attuned to the nuances of Astrology have probably heard about "Mercury Retrograde". Usually, association with this cycle comes from first-hand communication, transportation or mechanical breakdown experiences. While the vibration of Mercury gets a bum rap, it does put us on notice the ensuing 3 weeks will be an "interesting" time of changing plans and unexpected redirected energy. Mercury moves retrograde 3 or 4 times a year. As this retrograde starts near the end of the year, its effect carries over into 2010.

Mercury is associated with themes of movement and all types of communication. When its apparent motion moves in reverse, its energy takes those vibrations and spins them around. The result is a topsy-turvy energy requiring different strategies than our usual "logical" approach to life. Effective alternative strategies include actions born out of spontaneity and synchronicity. Make space for serendipitous occurrences.

This Mercury cycle is in the Earth and Cardinal sign of Capricorn. Themes of this sign include finances, rules (natural and man-made), structure, (how we organize ourselves) and politics. Each of these areas points to how we relate to our physical world. That Mercury will spin its counter-logic energy in the sign of logic and life's practicalities makes this a rather challenging period for anyone who depends on logic in their day-to-day life (Lawyers and Bankers, take note).

Two Mercury Retrograde examples -

• Just yesterday, a terrorist attack was aborted on an airplane flying from Europe to the United States. This event has triggered a review of security procedures and rules with the possibility of airport delays in Europe due to heightened security concerns. Security issues and regulations are in the realm of Capricorn.

• The recently released movie Avatar focuses on the struggle between man-made rules and force versus Nature's rules.

Whose affected - As we live in a very Capricorn society, this retrograde will be particularly noticeable.  Anyone with significant planetary aspects (Sun, Moon, Mars, Venus etc.) in the Cardinal signs of Capricorn, Aries, Cancer or Libra are impacted by this retrograde. This time will be a potent indicator for bigger changes occurring or set to occur in your life. Also, if you were born while Mercury was retrograde, this cycle is usually a more familiar and easier time for you. 

Here's the astrological timings for this cycle - see video:
Dec 9 - crosses 5 degrees Capricorn initiating the Mercury Retrograde cycle.
Dec 26 - begins to move in reverse at 21 degrees Capricorn - most intense phase
Jan 15 - begins to move forward again at 5 degree Capricorn (where it past on Dec 9) - energy begins to ease up
Feb 3 - crosses 21 degrees Capricorn - retrograde cycle complete.

Significant connections with other planetary energies and related events:
This will be a significant retrograde period with continuous interactions with potent archetypal energies of passion (Mars/Leo), relationships (Saturn/Libra) and rules and structure (Pluto/Sun/Capricorn).
Dec 7 - 12 - Mercury same degree as Pluto in Capricorn and square Saturn in Libra: note - the Senate health care debate was reaching full steam at this time. Politics and rules were twisted almost daily. Renewed financial concerns surfaced in the housing and debt markets. Also, the climate control conference was held in Europe. Essentially, strong Capricorn forces (industrialized nations) were pitted against (Libra/relationship) poorer nations quest for equality and fairness.
December 26 - January 5. Mercury connects with the Mars Retrograde in Leo for the next 10 days. Excellent time to explore new avenues for following heart's desire and areas of passion. May also trigger deeper emotions of sadness around growing up too quickly in childhood (Capricorn influence).
January 4 - 6 - Mercury and Sun in Capricorn. Sun provides added fuel to the Mars interaction.
January 14 - again same degree as Pluto/Saturn. Eclipsed New Moon today joined by Venus. This is one, huge Capricorn get together. An eclipsed New Moon offers the opportunity to go inward to explore how you would like to reinvent yourself in 2010, especially in matters of finance, rules and structure.
January 14 - February 3 - the remainder of the retrograde period through early February is a repeat of the earlier cycles with Pluto, Saturn and Mars. May offer a sense of completion or new direction.

During the most intense phase (Dec 26 - Jan 15) allow the grace of spontaneity and change to be your guide. As travel is in the realm of movement, unexpected delays may bring unexpected fortune or gifts. Hence, fighting or struggling with a change in plans would not be productive response. Also, avoid fear and hesitation. Move with the energy (good Mercury strategy), much as you would move with the current of a river.

In the realm of mechanical devices, such as computer, car, etc. take the necessary, precautionary steps to ensure machines are operational and maintained. Legally, avoid signing contracts  or agreements. Pay particular attention to what is being communicated by others, as misunderstanding can occur easily.

Lastly, take time to reflect about what you want to create differently in 2010, especially in matters of the heart and passion.

aloha from the islands,
Starman, Joseph Mina

Next Blog - New Year's Eve Full Moon and Venus in Capricorn

Mars Retrograde and the Sounding Bell

Energy builds in intense ways over recent days. Major winter storms sweep across Europe and North America. Transportation and logistical snafus give new meaning to "holiday travel". Biggest surf since 1969 appears in Hawaii. Sun spots 7 times larger than Earth appear on an awakening Sun. Blackberry users in North America hit with 2 days of outages, etc. Critical tension and metaphors abound as we begin the run-up to 2010 and beyond.

On the 20th of this month, Mars began its retrograde in the sign of Leo. This energy has been building since mid October when Mars entered the "retrograde window" at 0 Leo.

Energetically, Mars represents action and achievement. It's how you move your energy externally. Retrograde means "backward".  As with all retrogrades, Mars retrograde is an introspective period of discovery and integration; gathering new information and strategies for the post retrograde period.

Have a look at this short video to better understand how the movement of a Mars retrograde works from an observer's perspective on Earth.

The energy of Leo relates to the heart (think lion-hearted). This Mars retrograde focuses on heart intention and what you desire in the realm of achievement, success and progressive action. Retrograde symptoms in this realm include inaction, delays and false starts. For example, the aforementioned weather events have put quite an energetic stranglehold on those affected.

If you are following your heart's desire, this retrograde is a potent period for upping the vibration in your work through introspection, integration and initiation of new strategies. By contrast, if you are applying your energy to pursuits not resonating with your heart's desire, this retrograde cycle may prove difficult, non-productive and constrictive.

The timing for the Mars Retrograde:
Oct 16 - Passes 0 degrees Leo and enters the retrograde window or shadow - note 0 degrees Leo is one of the significant eclipse points triggered during the Solar eclipse this past July.
Dec 20 - Slows down at 20 degrees Leo and begins moving in reverse (retrograde) - intense phase begins
Jan 29 - Earth directly in between Mars and Sun (opposition), and the most intense point - throughout January, the strength of this retrograde will build, like a wave in the ocean.
Mar 10 - Mars returns to 0 Leo and begins to move direct once again - energy begins to ease
May 17 - Mars reaches 20 degrees Leo again, ending the retrograde cycle

As you can see, this retrograde is spread out over a 5 month period, with the most intense phase between December 20 and March 10. We suggest using this period to discover what now makes your heart sing; what you would like to create during the next 2 1/2 years in this Mars Leo cycle; and creative, passionate steps to take over the next 2 1/2 months to put that energy into motion come March.

Remember, there are a number of significant astrological cycles occurring in synchronicity or rapid succession in 2010. Mars retrograde represents the "sounding bell" for what is shaping up to be a very significant year for intense shifts and transformation in the consciousness.

Coming Blogs - Late December's Mercury Retrograde, New Year's Eve Eclipsed Full Moon (note: Blue Moon references have no basis in astrology); and January astro highlights.

Many blessings in this season of the building light
Aloha, Kathryn and Joseph

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.