Scorpio New Moon: Mars stations direct unleashing the beast

“You must have chaos within you to give birth to a dancing star.”
Friedrich Nietzsche - Philosopher, Composer, Poet, and Philologist (1844-1900)

“It can be a cruel and random world, but the chaos is all so beautiful.”
Hiromu Arakawa - Japanese Manga Artist - (1973 -

"Moving into higher vibrations requires more energy. It is essential in the 21st Century the biofield (physical body) has sufficient energetic resources to serve as a strong foundation for higher energetic thoughts and connection to one's soul essence." 
Donnie Epstein, Founder of Network Spinal (1953 - )

Greetings from the East Coast, United States near Philadelphia

Destination Anywhere and Everywhere
Chicago O'Hare Airport - Terminal 1 passenger tunnel
by Joseph Mina Oct 2020

Perhaps one of the quotes to start this blog should have been "the best laid plans of mice and men....": a theme quite emblematic for 2020. Yet with any small or significant change, chaos or confusion is a prime ingredient and activator for something new; something different; and perhaps something game changing or ground breaking. And that requires energy. A lot of it.

At this Scorpio New Moon the focus shifts to life force, the very fuel we call energy.

New Moon arrives on the 15th shortly after midnight on the East Coast, US; 5:09 UTC. Any time zone to the west of EST to the International Date Line registers the New Moon on the 14th. The New Moon theme set out below is expressed over the coming two weeks.

The water sign of Scorpio focuses on the deepest depths of human interactions. Its qualities includes shared resources, trust, intimacy, and death/rebirth. And not surprisingly, its energy pattern is fueled by life force; that vital vibration that inspires, animates, incites and motivates us. 

This is the 4th and last perigee Moon (Super Moon) of 2020, and hence arrives with added energy (as if we needed more)! However, as this New Moon in Scorpio follows the Taurus Full Moon of late October, it further activates the theme of that Full Moon. But before I explain that part, know the switch from "New Moon preceding Full Moon" to "Full Moon preceding New Moon" began in August and continues now until next August when the bigger lunation cycle switches back to Full follows New.  

At this New Moon, the recent Taurus Full Moon theme emphasizes Uranian-type changes (surprising/unexpected/out-of-the-blue/progressive) in the Earth's vibration along with our connected physical body to this greater paradigm, eg the shock of the Corona Virus. It also points to the importance of integrity in our relationships with others. This theme influence remains in effect until later January. It's then Mars finally leaves Aries for Taurus (6th) leading to a conjunction with Uranus on the 20th in square to Jupiter/Saturn in Aquarius. I'll write about that meeting in January. And speaking of potent Mars....

AstroActivator© by Kathryn Andren

Yesterday, archetypal Mars stationed direct motion after what seemed like an eternal retrograde. At either station retrograde or direct, planetary energy stalls and intensifies (think of a pressure cooker). Then ever so slowly, the motion resumes in the opposite direction e.g. the swinging of a pendulum. 

Most Mars retrogrades (every 30 months or so) are periods of constrained or limited energy, which is the reversal of archetypal Mars' normal energy expression. If you are feeling constrained of late, this Mars cycle may be quite active in your natal chart.  

Typically, a Mars energetic vibe likes to be assertive, bold, courageous, determined etc. in alignment with the qualities of the astrological sign it transits. Yet, Mars' retrograde period is the very antithesis of these typical qualities. Here, its energetic expression becomes an internal pause, a time of reflection and reorganizational period before the big exhale begins anew with forward movement. Yesterday marks the start of that big exhale (rather slowly at first), and as mentioned above will be in play through at least early to mid January. 

This particular Mars retrograde though has been quite unique for a few reasons: 

1. Home Sign: Mars stationed retrograde in its home sign of assertive, bold, courageous, impulsive Aries back in September. Such happens infrequently in Mars' home sign (last cycles in Aries were in 1941 and 1988). Anytime a planet transits its home sign the energy of that sign becomes further amplified. At the Taurus Full Moon, 4 planets (Saturn, Mars, Venus and Mars) were transiting their home sign. It's no wonder late October into early November felt so intense. Further, a retrograde in that sign triggers even greater intensity due to the protracted time of the transit. In Mars case its retrograde period spans June 27, 2020, when it entered Aries to Jan 6 2021, when it leaves Aries for Taurus.
2. Visually Bright: In the sky story, this year's opposition in early October was the second brightest visual of Mars since 2003 (2018's was slightly brighter). Mars won't be this bright again until 2035. It's brilliant ruddy color transiting the night sky was a memorable sight, rivaling only Venus and the Moon in its luminance. 
3. Continuation: The last Mars retrograde in 2018 in late June>August started in progressive Aquarius back into late Capricorn. In the US, this augured the progressive (Aquarius) blue wave evident in the subsequent 2018 November elections and its focus on dismantling/melting down Capricorn's outdated rules, structure, politics and business for a more progressive agenda.
4. Intensity: This Mars Retrograde began in late degrees Aries and began in square to its 2018 station direct position in Capricorn. Events over the past two months fueled by a pandemic that won't let up, a very intense election cycle in the US (future vs past), along with a protracted dispute about election integrity/fraud speak to the strong energetic restraint at the moment around new opportunities, forward progress and initiatives that are progressively envisioned.

As an experiment for future media endeavors, I created a video about the Taurus Full Moon with the assistance of my friend Cara Reynolds from Vancouver, Canada. Alas, with every intention to release the video in late October, I encountered unanticipated computer  processing problems (no surprise there 😉). Further, a spontaneously planned week in the Sun at the New Jersey shore in early November (it was heavenly) put a big temporary dent in any remaining initiative I had to finish this project (Mars and Mercury retrograde were seeing to it!). Hence, it's only now that I am releasing the video. Nonetheless, its content about the Taurus Full Moon is quite pertinent to current events and what lies ahead in the coming weeks. Have a watch here:

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 are available too! 

Great changes present great opportunities. My personal astrological counseling session is designed to help you create meaningful strategies for adapting and shifting with the current planetary cycles. Schedule your appointment today via this link.

Back to the Scorpio New Moon

The Sensor,
Voyager Tarot
James Wanless, PhD

Other dynamic aspects of this New Moon vibration over the next two weeks include:

1. Venus in Libra in direct square to Jupiter/Pluto and close square to Saturn in Capricorn. This signals a time to reflect on personal, work, and friend relationships (Libra) and whether they are in alignment with your evolving self. This represents one of the Taurus Full Moon themes too.

2. Sun/Moon in Scorpio create a 60 degree sextile with Jupiter/Pluto/Saturn in Capricorn and a trine to Neptune in Pisces further intensifying that on-going trio's influence on melting down/altering all things Capricorn (rules, structure, politics, governance, business), and all things hidden, e.g. viral (Neptune in Pisces).

3. Mercury in Scorpio (soon leaving its retrograde shadow on Nov 19) opposite Uranus in Taurus speaks to more information from the depths (Scorpio) unexpectedly coming to the fore about on-going earth and physical body changes, including virus information.

Reflection suggestions for this New Moon:

1. What does my physical body want me to know?
2. How can I strengthen my physical body?
3. Are there relationships in my life that no longer align with my values and desires? If so, what steps am I ready to take to create meaningful change or even closure?
4. Now is a potent time to reflect on 2021 and what you would like to manifest/create based on your 2020 experiences to date. Vision board is one type of medium. Be creative here. Let your passion be your guide.

Coming personal and business changes: 

Core Activation
design by Joseph Mina
and Alaya Rousseau

I expect to return to South Africa in early December where summer awaits me. And in this moment inTolkien's words "and wither then I cannot say". Much depends on how the bigger societal picture evolves, especially relative to national border policies, social distancing, and economic flow. 

Further, this blog entry represents the last one at this blogger page along with its related archives dating back to 2007. I am beginning a new Starman Astrology blog page under the name of my new web site: Core Activation. In turn, come early 2021 that blog page will switch from Google's Blogger to Word Press to coincide with the debut of my new web site.

Conclusion:

I welcome your comments below.

The coming two United States Senate elections in the state of Georgia occur on

Phoenix Rising

January 5th, just 3 days after Mars leaves its retrograde shadow and a day before it enters Taurus. The theme for that January 5 chart points to an opportunity for significant change. If the Democratic party were to win both races, they would be the majority party in both houses of the US Congress. Such a change would have wide implications that go well beyond the US borders. As with anything, progressive change requires progressive action and more energy than usual. As its counter-point, apathy fuels a continuation of the status quo. The choice is ours and ours alone.

If anything has been learned from the 2020 pandemic, doing nothing is no longer a viable option. Regardless of who you voted for, the record vote turnout in the recent US elections points to a much more engaged country populace than ever seen before. The same holds true for many other countries in the world. And in my opinion, that's a good thing. Power to the people!

As Jupiter (19th) and Saturn (17th) begin moving from Capricorn towards their Aquarius ingress in mid-December, further emphasis on progressive ideas and initiatives will continue to increase and strengthen. In that vein, the traditional world we once knew, the day-to-day social interaction/functions, and traditional global alliances are rapidly changing. In fact, huge social changes being seeded currently will become more and more evident as Pluto completes its epic 15 year transit of Capricorn in 2023. 

Remember, it's been only 28 years since the use of personal computers and cell phones began to spread through the general public. Amazingly, children born at that time (now going through their first Saturn Return!) through the present have little, if any understanding of the world that existed in the 1980's and prior. Their world of social media, progressive ideals, and gender equality and acceptance is what is most important to many now in their teens and twenty's. And in that way, the Universe through the endless march of generations has shown us the potential future for a more progressive, interconnected and viable world society. 

Is humanity ready to make such a significant leap? Younger generations have readily said YES! And therein lies the future. There's really no going back. In the courageous words of Chuck Yeager back in 1947, he uttered "throttle up" when facing potential air disaster while attempting to break the sound barrier for the first time. At that critical moment his aircraft shook violently, then passed into silence as he moved through that barrier. Previous attempts by others to exceed the speed of sound all came to the same extreme oscillating moment, and they all pulled back. Death was usually the result. Quite telling. Now retired General Yeager knew in that moment what had not worked (pulling back). His only option was to "throttle up". 

This is such a telling lesson for those taking leaps of faith along the life path. In times of growth and significant change, courage, determination and trust always surpass safety and stability. Throttle Up!

Next update in December: December Solstice and a look at 2021.

Sat Nam

Starman, Joseph Mina
Malvern, Pennsylvania USA
November 14, 2020 

Solstice June 2020: what in the world is going on???

"For my part I know nothing with certainty but the sight of the stars make me dream" 

- Vincent Van Gough

Greetings Fellow Earthlings and Lovers of the Night Sky

Black Lives Matter protest in St. Louis

It’s been quite the chaotic dance since I last wrote in early March. Lockdowns, border restrictions, oodles of information and misinformation, global pandemic spread leading to over 8.5 million infected and near 500,000 related deaths, unprecedented social protests, and a lot of stay-at-home realities triggering massive layoffs, school and business closings and significant social reorganization. And we're not even at the half-way mark of the year!

At the moment I’m residing in the western suburban area of Philadelphia with my younger sister and husband, since South Africa’s borders are temporarily closed to tourist and non-residents alike. This is the longest stretch for me in the USA since 2017. Such a different reality here than South Africa. I had thought I’d be in South Africa by now enjoying its extraordinary star-filled winter night sky. But the Universe had other ideas and plans!

So what in the world is going on for the next six months? I’ll state it up front: based on the coming astrological cycles of 2020’s second half, and further fueled by the chaotic intensity from the first half, amplified events await! Yet generational-changing opportunity becomes more available through renewed group focus and intention. 

We are part of an extraordinary shift in consciousness now underway whose social, economic and political ramifications cannot yet be fully understood. This is more evident today than it was in 2008 when Pluto first entered Capricorn and the world financial structures mightily shook. This is fertile virgin ground for significant global changes over the next 10 years.  What

Coronavirus: Neptune in Pisces and the Coming Virgo Full Moon

“When we quit thinking primarily about ourselves and our own self-preservation, we undergo a truly heroic transformation of consciousness.” Joseph Campbell

Greetings from the Western Cape of South Africa

Western Cape, South Africa
photo by Joseph Mina

It has been a little over a year since I last posted here. I am finally emerging fully from a very strong three- year Neptune-type cycle to my Mercury in Pisces (communication) and Saturn in Virgo (structure), which has altered my communication and empathic abilities, perspectives about life, enhanced my photographic skills, and elevated the astrological and bodywork skills I share with others. It also inspired my transient move to the Western Cape of South Africa. It's affirming to now emerge from Neptune's fog-like influences with a much clearer understanding of my next steps on this life journey.

Neptune transits are challenging for anyone due to their lack of specifics and direction. Archetypal Neptune also rules the realm of the unseen, including bacteria and viruses. Personal Neptune transits convey deep spiritual meanings and guidance that is beyond the realm of rational thought and the seen. Literally it is the messenger revealing our soul-collective mandates for humanity's evolution. And, depending on an individual's circumstances and soul mandate, can be a period of delusion, depression and strong confusion.

Since June of last year, Neptune has been in strong supportive aspect with Saturn and Pluto in Capricorn, and most recently the January Capricorn surge (see Full Moon chart below). 

This potent, trans-generational archetype, rules the mystical sign of Pisces. Its epic, once-in-a-lifetime transit of its home sign that commenced in 2011 and completes in 2027 (occurs every 165 years or so) has strongly amplified Pisces' themes such as compassion and empathy (or lack thereof), spirituality, water (including intense storms/drought and climate shifts), music, imagery, illusion and delusion including drugs, the primal natural-world vibe, and humanity's global evolution. And we still have seven more years to go!

Now just half-way through its Piscean journey, Neptune lines up in direct opposition with the coming Virgo Full Moon on March 9th. Most of the planetary aspects at Full Moon are contained like book ends between the South Node in Capricorn (the coming end of the Industrial Revolution model) and Venus/Uranus in Taurus (the coming Aquarian age (Uranus) and deeper connection to the Earth (Venus/Taurus). In between those end points is a very potent mix of energies spanning just 4 signs. This intensity has been in play since early January. Children born recently under this configuration are here to create epic changes in the coming years.

Further, to emphasize how its influence highlights Neptune's dance with the illusion of time, this Full Moon connection occurs the day after the switch to daylight time in the US and Canada.

In short, such a strong Full Moon on March 9th will further amplify world-wide concerns now surfacing about the Coronavirus. Here, the Moon in Virgo, which focuses on matters of health, occurs just as Mercury stations at direct motion at the very end degrees of Aquarius. This has been quite the Mercury Retrograde (Feb 17-Mar10)! Mercury's Aquarius placement at Full Moon serves as a communication standard bearer and indicator for the coming Aquarian age and its very different Earth/societal dynamics.

A Virus Cell

And as an aside here and germane to the Coronavirus, the actual news beyond China of this mysterious virus and its potential effects occurred as Saturn and Pluto neared exact conjunction in rule-driven Capricorn on December 31 while the Moon transited Pisces. To further underscore this dynamic, a very strong surge of Capricorn energy including a strong Solar eclipse were further energizing the field. Such timing mirrors the serendipity and timing of the Universe...right there!!

Two-years ago I wrote the emerging energetic world script pointed to greater intensity in 2019 and even more in 2020. The 2020 part has occurred just as limiting/structured Saturn has comes into close or exact aspect with transformative Pluto in Capricorn. Intensity on all levels has now become the norm for the time being (they were in opposition on 9/11/2001). These two archetypal dynamos remain in orb until March 22 (just past the equinox), then come close together again in Capricorn between early July and December 17. Yes, we are in for quite the energetic ride over the coming months. 

In all respect, awareness is power. In that vein it is helpful to know certain astrological frequencies are now mirroring an amplification of Earth energies through changing climate and strong Aquarian based societal changes. What lies beyond 2020? I’ll write more about 2021 and beyond potentials in a coming article.

Specific to viruses, recent information about the Coronavirus has been elevated rapidly to world-wide awareness (Pisces) during the Pisces part of the current Mercury retrograde. This has triggered deep fears, which has seen powerful rippling/adverse effects in the world's financial markets (Capricorn). In Neptunian fashion, this dream has become a nightmare for governments (Capricorn) attempting to control/contain/deal with a viral outbreak.

So who do you believe? What do you believe? Stay informed and use reputable news sources. The illusion of Facebook, Twitter, Instagram memes would not necessarily fall under the reputable category. 

And most importantly, are you at danger of contracting the virus? Well, yes and no. Depends on circumstances and your state of health. Recently, I wrote an article about the important role viruses and bacteria play in the Earth's circle of life including their transformative effects.

On The March: Zimbabwe 2019
photo by Joseph Mina

A Brief Look Down The Energetic Hallway

As transformative Pluto and rule-driven Saturn complete their final passages through Capricorn (Pluto first entered Capricorn during the financial disruptions of 2008), all things Capricorn such as politics, rules, law, business, corporate structures and organizations will undergo further amplification and strong transformative changes over the coming months through 2023. 

In that year, Pluto will move into the sign of Aquarius, working its energetic transformative effects in the realm of future events and technology (including robotics), and most importantly social justice and equality. Saturn by contrast moves into Aquarius this coming March 22, just after the equinox; staying in early degrees Aquarius until July 2 when it returns for one-last Capricorn pass and Pluto interaction. 

Saturn's Aquarian passage over the next two-and-a-half years will literally set the energetic stage for Pluto's 20-year transit in 2023-2043 in Aquarius, as it redefines the societal rules and structures that will prevail in the coming years.

Now is the time to energetically prepare for this huge energetic surge by strengthening your body and attuning to your spirit and its life-mandates. The last time Pluto transited Aquarius was just after the American Revolution of 1776. History is a great reminder, teacher and guide. In the 21st Century, that guidance becomes all the more important for the continued health and well-being of all people.

Lastly, strong cycles will unfold later this year as Venus retrogrades Gemini in May/June (replaying its epic Sun transit vibration of 2004 and 2012), and Mars will retrograde in Aries in Sept/Nov, including the US Presidential elections, which occurs during Mercury Retrograde in Libra. Stay tuned!!!

Exciting Coming Event:

Power Of Presence Hawaii Retreat - September 2020

South Kona Coast and City of Refuge
photo by Joseph Mina

My partner Charissa Rousseau and I are offering a 10-day Hawaii Retreat this coming September on Hawaii's Kona Coast on Big Island. This Retreat occurs during a potent Mars retrograde in Aries. Mars is about taking action and starting new endeavors. Its retrograde period is the perfect time to go within to seed those very energies.

To assist you, we have planned five group bodywork sessions, guided interactions with Hawaii's dolphins, guided meditations attuning to the light-bridge connecting Africa massive and wise elephants and animals with Hawaii's cetaceans, and yoga and movement. There will be insightful astrological and spiritual discussions, night sky tours, and a deeper connection to Hawaii's culture and temples through the eyes and hearts of local Hawaiian elders. You will also take a transformative day journey to Pele's mystical home at Volcanoes National Park. And in the nurturing department, organically-based catered meals and powerful camaraderie with like-minded souls will provide immense support in your growth and Hawai'i transformation.

All in all, this framework will form a very strong template for this transformative retreat. I'll post more in the coming days about how you can join us for this powerful life-altering experience.

My Life’s Focus of Service

Over the past 28 years, in addition to understanding and working with astrological cycles, I have practiced a body-centered therapy called Quantum Alignment Bodywork. This modality, which continues to evolve in concert with the Earth’s rapid changes, works with the various energetic fields of the body (picture a large bubble surrounding the body). As with my own personal life choices, and the bodywork I receive on a frequent basis, my intention behind my work is to add strength and depth to the body’s energetic field, rather than stopping body’s symptoms. Quality of life is paramount to me rather than a focus on longevity.

Sunset Group Bodywork Session - Hawaii
photo by Joseph Mina

Further, upgrading the body’s various energetic strategies has now become paramount to match and become in tune to this rapidly changing 21st century vibration. It logically follows: the stronger and more energized the body functions, the greater the opportunity to make healthier and more creative life-giving/receiving choices for everyone. Healthy people always make healthy choices.

In my bodywork sessions, I work specifically with a person’s overall energetic field and related body’s innate intelligences accessing and activating specific combinations of energy meridians and other places of passive tension ready to shift/change. My intention is always to use the least amount of input to create the greatest amount of change, trusting in the body’s innate wisdom to reorganize the energetic fields accordingly. Further, I find working with groups of people, instead of the common one-to-one, much more energetically powerful than anyone could possibly experience by themselves. This mirrors the emerging Aquarian mandate of creating a healthy society through group interaction and collaboration. As such, anytime a healthy energy field is occupied by a like-minded group of people, the potential for a more enriched exchange increases significantly and exponentially.

Service To The World:

Recent Selfie 😎

As I near the ripe young age of 70, I find my love for traveling and sharing both astrological perspectives of this revolutionary time, as well as bodywork sessions with groups of people more and more exciting. Today I feel more energized, more alive and more connected than I did just 20 years ago. The power of frequently receiving powerful bodywork modalities, eating organically, exercise etc. is a lifestyle I passionately embrace.

Since I began offering sessions back in 1992, I have served over 20,000 people. That very thought is quite humbling. Likewise, i am ever grateful to local promoters who contact me for purposes of visiting their community to offer programs, or to work with their retreat group. This type of exchange is always an energy stimulating one for all concerned.

If you are interested in my working with your community or retreat group, or would like an insightful astrological consultation during a very transformative time, please contact me at geminiawakening@mac.com.

Lastly, the name Gemini Awakening, something I created a long time ago with my former partner Kathryn Andren, is finally fading away as Neptune's influence in my chart also wanes. That name will soon be replaced by Core Activation, which best expresses the current energetic pace and higher intention behind the modalities I practice in this emerging Aquarian age. 

I look forward to serving you in new and exciting ways.

Sat Nam

Joseph Mina

Stellenbosch, South Africa

March 5, 2020

Solar Eclipse and Leo New Moon: the Lion Roars

“As if you were on fire from within. The moon lives in the lining of your skin.” 
Pablo Neruda (1904-73) Poet

Aloha Fellow Cosmic Journeyers

Yes, eclipse day draws nigh. So much hype and excitement, especially in the United States as the Moon moves ever closer to its fated meeting with the Sun. While solar and lunar eclipses of varying types are not rare (4 to 7 per year), this particular solar eclipse is the 1st to sweep across the United States in 99 years: hence, a heightened awareness for the coming event...and rightfully so!

This will be my 6th solar event in the direct path of totality or annularity. Standing directly in the path of totality to be touched by the Moon's sweeping dark curtain alters one's very core. There are no adequate words to describe its cosmic effect on the human psyche; no pictures that can possibly come close to matching the actual visuals of the Sun's coronal streamers (resist the urge to become preoccupied with camera equipment); no predicting the potent level of emotional surge from deep within. This cosmic

Venus Retrograde 2017: the Snake Bites Its Tail

“When you reach the end of what you should know, you will be at the beginning of what you should sense.”
― Kahlil Gibran, author, poet & philosopher 
[from Sand & Foam]

"Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgment that something else is more important than fear. The brave may not live forever, but the cautious do not live at all. From now on you'll be traveling the road between who you think you are and who you can be. The key is to allow yourself to make the journey."
Princess Diaries

Illustration designed by Joseph Mina

Strong change permeates the ethers. Each day more people take notice of this cosmic wind. Now,  Venus Retrograde takes center stage for the next 5 weeks, adding to this ever-changing cosmic mix.. This astrological update examines this significant archetypal cycle, offering you suggestions for how to attune with this major planetary  shift over the next two months.

Aloha Everyone

I now near the end of a major Neptune cycle in my life, one which redefined/reoriented my natal Mercury in Pisces in rather powerful, yet diffused  (aka "confusing") ways over the past 2 years. The result...new insights, inspiration and a renewed focus about how I intend to communicate (Mercury) to others through the synergy of my sacred work in astrology, bodywork and photography/imagery. The logo below reflects this synergy. I mentioned this shift in my last post back in November. Now, my new web site is evolving and will make its debut in the coming months as expressed in the name coreactivation.net.

Illustration designed by Joseph Mina

I'm feeling quite excited about this emergence as clarity during a Neptune cycle can be quite fleeting. Sort of like sitting in a rowboat, no oars, and in the middle of a lake on a very foggy morning. Oh yes...also absolutely clueless about which direction to move. Ultimately, surrender takes hold as there is no where to go but the "here/now".

I'm posting today because of the next significant cycle that just began in earnest yesterday: Venus Retrograde and its emerging Aries theme for the next 18 months.

Venus has been a brilliant beacon in the evening sky for the past 8 months or so. From our Earthly perspective, she is soon to move closer to  the Sun, setting earlier each day until lost in the glare of the Sun. It's during this orbital phase that Venus is closest to Earth. This orbital movement mirrors the heightened strength of this inner cycle for women and men alike. Then, in a matter of days, Venus

Top 10 reasons current planetary cycles are saying "Pay Attention"

“In the midst of movement and chaos, keep stillness inside of you.” Deepak Chopra (1947 - )

Taurus New Moon occurs on May 6 or 7th depending on your locale. But I’m not surfacing to write about that lunation…there are other astrologers doing so. Rather, I’m here to weigh-in on the more significant astrological cycles now very strongly in play through early July and rippling outward through the end of August.

The other day en route to Japan I was pondering the tumultuous state of the world’s current affairs. As an astrologer, I instinctively compare events with the influences of the current planetary cycles. Recently, friends, acquaintances and clients have been asking or telling me "What is going on?", "I feel so unproductive",  "Is Mercury Retrograde?".

Well yes, a lot is going on energetically, however its triggers are much more than Mercury Retrograde, or even the bigger generational cycle of Uranus square Pluto or Neptune in Pisces. An unusual spate of mystically connected astrological cycles and influences have recently come together in related signs, accentuating and directing the energetic flow inward...inward...inward.

On this astrological stage you’ll find all the personal planets, namely Mercury, Venus, and Mars, moving decidedly inward in unusually  strong and interconnected ways. More so, personal planet cycles have an amplified influence on…you guessed it...You!!! Scorpio, Taurus, Sagittarian and Gemini types pay particular attention!!!

And while personal planetary cycles are usually quick passages due to their relatively fast

Aquarius New Moon Feb 18: Freedom Calls

"When you come to the end of all the light you know, and it's time to step into the darkness of the unknown, faith is knowing that one of two things shall happen: either you will be given something solid to stand on or you will be taught to fly."
Edward Teller , Theoretical Physicist (1908-2003)

"You need chaos in your soul to give birth to a dancing star."

Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche, German Author (1844-1900)

"Creativity requires the courage to let go of certainties."
Erich Fromm, Philosopher and Psychologist (1900-1980)

Namibia "Quiver Tree Milky Way"
by Trey Radcliff

Substantial change is in the air...Mercury Retrograde in Aquarius told me so.... This realization came a few days ago as I slowly emerged from my dream state. Of course, Mercury Retrograde brought an unexpected message. An inner voice said quite clearly to me "you're done". It was an emphatic, non-negotiable message from something deep within me..perhaps my soul. "You're done".

The "done" points to sharing my talents/gifts in the Aquarian realm of Astrology. Yes, one full lunar cycle from now, when the Pisces New Moon takes center stage, I'll follow that very strong Piscean-ending vibration and close the door on Astrology.

Astrology comes very easily to me; perhaps too easily. It's a place of stability and certainty, and ironically little personal risk. Venus and Jupiter in Aquarius in the 6th astrological house of service is the primary fuel for my astrological talents and abilities. These cosmic Aquarian vibrations are woven into the threads of my soul. I can look at a chart and know within 2 or 3 minutes its dynamics, intentions, tendencies, strengths, and influences. It's nothing I have

Leo Full Moon Feb 3: The Circle of Life

"What I know...if you do work that you love, and the work fulfills you, the rest will come."
Oprah Winfrey

"Enlightened leadership is spiritual if we understand spirituality not as some kind of religious dogma or ideology, but as the domain of awareness where we experience values like truth, goodness, beauty, love and compassion...intuition, creativity, insight and focused attention."
Deepak Chopra 

The following information pertains to the lunation period beginning on Feb 3 and ending Feb 17.

AstroActivator 2002© by Kathryn Andren

The second Full Moon of the season arrives on February 3...this one an elemental fire Moon bringing intense emotions, high creativity, both individually and collectively, inspiration, and a desire to be seen, appreciated, acknowledged and loved. Yes...the field will be full of the Leo vibe this lunation.

This Full Moon also marks a shift in the normal "Full Moon follows New Moon" sequence. Every 18 months or so, either the New or Full Moon crosses the degree threshold between the end and beginning of an astrological sign, 29° and 0°, respectively. This New Moon moves across this 29<>0 threshold shifting the overall focus for the next 16 months.

When such a shift in degree occurs, the New and Full Moon dynamics switch. In this case, we now switch to a "Full Moon precedes New Moon" scenario, where the Full Moon rather than the New Moon becomes the theme setter for the entire lunar cycle. As such, the next New Moon will position again in the same sign as last month...Aquarius. This unusual vibe continues until the next switch in June 2016. Hence, for the next 16 months the Full Moon sets the tone for the ensuing 28 1/2 day lunar cycle. That ought to get our collective heads spinning in a different direction. Also, this oddity mirrors a persistent and unique Yod geometry in play through mid March (see "significant challenges" below).

Ruled by the Sun, the Leo Archetype points to children, creativity, passion, magnetism and romance. It fuels the heart's desire for acceptance, acknowledgment, leadership and command. This Full Moon shines its light on these vibrations. Many actors in the realm of cinema and stage have more than one

Aquarius New Moon & Mercury Retrograde Jan 20: Planetary Vision 101

“Many people, especially ignorant people, want to punish you for speaking the truth, for being correct, for being you. Never apologize for being correct, or for being years ahead of your time. If you’re right and you know it, speak your mind. Speak your mind. Even if you are a minority of one, the truth is still the truth.”  Gandhi

"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter."
Martin Luther King

"Hawai'i Day's End" by Joseph Mina

Sometimes creating these astrology updates takes on a rather surreal vibe. Poet Robert Burns once wrote "the best laid plans of mice and men" alluding to life's unexpected changes. Perhaps he wrote it during a Mercury Retrograde? Fast forward>>>Yesterday, I set out to prepare this update. My intention was to complete it unscathed by that thing called "Mercury Retrograde" and its rep for communication and travel snafus. Ha!! Well, right on time, the electrical power to the house cut out near sunset...instant computer shutdown...bye-bye plans...power finally restored 11 hours later. Turns out a driver, allegedly inebriated from football partying, decided his pick-up truck and a nearby utility pole needed to talk to each other. But I digress. Mercury Retrograde...unexpected changes in plans. The gift...amazing night sky full of stars across the sweep of the Milky Way, and early to bed for a longer than usual night's sleep (my body was happy). Mercury Retrograde indeed!

And in the spirit of "indeed"...we are coming to the end of quite an intense lunation begun at the Cancer Full Moon 2 weeks ago. And take heed...more strong headwinds are in the offing as we enter an enhanced Aquarian/Pisces vibration over the coming weeks.

Aquarius points to social justice and equality. Pisces underscores the global consciousness and our interconnection within the field of oneness. This combination strongly reflects current events making headlines, as well as shifts and changes flowing through many people's lives right now. As with any

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

Partial Solar Eclipse Scorpio New Moon Oct 23: Diving Deep

"Nations, like stars, are entitled to eclipse. All is well, provided the light returns and the eclipse does not become an endless night. Dawn and resurrection are synonymous. The reappearance of the light is the same as the survival of the soul. 
Victor Hugo, French novelist and poet (1802-85)

"I was born during an eclipse. I believe very much in astrology. If you were born on an eclipse it indicates your destiny is chaotic."
Gloria Vanderbilt, (1924 - )  Artist, Author, Actress, Socialite and Fashion Designer

"Elephant Power" ©Joseph Mina 2014, all rights reserved

Chaos indeed, Gloria! Solar Eclipse energy fuels the shadow. It reveals an inner world of mystery and intrigue. In the "as above, so below" it brings our gaze inward to reexamine priorities and fuel and deepen our inner journey. It's the reflective pause before moving forward. It connects us to our primal juice...the very fuel that enriches life.

At this New Moon, the 4th and last eclipse of 2014 arrives. Like its April counterpart at the Taurus New Moon, it is a partial solar eclipse. This eclipse follows the same energetic theme/path as the other 3 eclipses of 2014, ushering in a period of chaos, introspection and uncertainty. Additionally, the Scorpio vibe adds drama and intensity to the mix!

At 0° Scorpio, the partial solar eclipse activation signals a dramatic shift in energy from Libra and its typical more light-hearted approach to life, to a deep, dark, mysterious Scorpio. For North America, this partial eclipse will be visible and noticeable, particularly for those living in the western part of the continent. For those in the Eastern US and Canada, be prepared for a partially blackened Sun at sunset.

Archetypal Scorpio brings us into the depths of our being, our soul, our reality. It shows us the shadow. "Intense" is a common description of Scorpio types. They play hard...and with

Mercury Retrograde Oct 4 - 25: a survival guide

To effectively communicate, we must realize we are all different in the way we perceive the world and use this understanding as a guide to our communication with others.

Tony Robbins, Motivational Speaker and Teacher

"A word to the wise is enough. The old proverb is, forewarned, forearmed."

©AstroActivator by Kathryn Andren 2001

Now that the recent Lunar Eclipse day has had its day in, or really "out of the Sun", I want to move on to Mercury Retrograde. I'm sharing this information because this particular Mercury Retrograde carries a stronger intensity than usual. Yes...MR can be more intense than its usual craziness!. That intensity mirrors Mercury Retro occurring amidst two eclipses in October.

I must laugh too. Visiting Sri Lanka during Mercury Retrograde has amplified the quintessential  "lost in translation" experience. The nuances of communication here exist in a world unto themselves. Head nods of varying angles say more than words. Thus...I've readily learned to be alert, pay attention to what feels easy or hard, and more than anything else, laugh and go with the flow. For example...my daughter and I are traveling north tomorrow to visit the ancient temple sites of Anuradhapura. Yesterday we learned the trains are not operating in the North due to a train strike. So now we're driving north. Going with the flow. And, I ask myself (good Mercury Retro strategy) "what wonderful spontaneous adventures await us?"

With that out of the way...please read on:

Eclipsed Aries Full Moon Oct 8: Awakening The Shadow

"Shadow is the obstruction of light. Shadows appear to me to be of supreme importance in perspective, because, without them opaque and solid bodies will be ill defined; that which is contained within their outlines and their boundaries themselves will be ill-understood unless they are shown against a background of a different tone from themselves." Leonardo da Vinci

"There is no easy walk to freedom anywhere, and many of us will have to pass through the valley of the shadow of death again and again before we reach the mountaintop of our desires." Nelson Mandela

For the second time this year, the Full Moon will glow blood red. Just 6 months since the last eclipse in Libra, this eclipse will grace the night sky as the Moon transits Libra's opposite sign of Aries. Breathe in...breathe out.

I'm in Sri Lanka now. Africa adventures fade...Japan adventures await. Near Colombo, I'll see the waning moments of this eclipse. The rising Full Moon will be emerging from its shadow journey through the Earth's Umbra.  And just like the counterpart eclipsed Full Moon of last April, this Full Moon comes with very strong planetary aspects portending further continuation of

Libra New Moon Sept 23: Resetting the Balance

"If you're interested in 'balancing' work and pleasure, stop trying to balance them. Instead make your work more pleasurable."  Donald Trump

 

Fish River Canyon Sunrise

Those who intimately know me would be absolutely surprised to find me quoting Donald Trump. Yet forgetting the messenger while focusing on a message in resonance with the Libra New Moon, speaks to the shifts and changes unfolding around the globe in cultural practices and rules, and human opportunity and new beginnings. 

 

I am now in Namibia in Southwest Africa. This is a land of extreme beauty and silence, stark deserts, majestic dunes, deep canyons, desert Elephants, brilliant starry nights, and compassionate, loving people. I am here on a 14 day Landscape Photography Workshop with Trey Radcliff and his team from Stuck in Customs. And yes...pleasure and work have become

Cancer New Moon June 27: The Evolving World Community

"It is in our hands -- yours and mine, each person here today -- to make a decision to work, to work together, and to work with others around the whole world, to build friendship, and love, and understanding among all people."  Alice Bartow Hobensack, Author

Aloha Friends of the Night Sky

New Oxford Dictionary's definition of "Community":
• a group of people living in the same place or having a particular characteristic in common
• a particular area or place considered together with its inhabitants, eg. a rural community.
• a body of nations or states unified by common interests
• a feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals

AstroActivator© 2001 by Kathryn Andren

Over the past 10 years, the very concept of community has rapidly evolved into an extraordinary awareness of the human family. In the on-going building Aquarian vibration of the 21st century, the circle of connection around the Globe has become greater and smaller simultaneously. Technology, and its child "social media" has stretched the parameters of our connections to every habitable corner of the Earth.

Today, it is quite easy to have a video chat with someone living on the other side of the Globe, or to collaborate with a team of people from a variety of locations. Yes...we are embracing a new concept of Community...the global human family. In turn, this is preparing us for a much bigger step...one that embraces our connection to other civilizations in the cosmos.

This Cancer New Moon provides the opportunity to reflect and celebrate the growing web of human connection, diversity, and inter-relationships. It is also a time to honor the traditions and gifts of the past, as well as embrace the new wave of co-existence and inter-dependency beginning to unite the human family. Peter Russel's description of the Global Brain and this unfolding unification is more relatable  and revealing