Libra Full Moon: Introspection Before Action

“Integrity is telling myself the truth. And honesty is telling the truth to other people.”
Spencer Johnson - Author (1938-2017)

“Have the courage to say no. Have the courage to face the truth. Do the right thing because it is right. These are the magic keys to living your life with integrity.”
W. Clement Stone - Philanthropist and Author (1902-2002) 

Welcome to the latest edition of my Astrology Update.

Full Moon day has arrived! Here in the Western Cape of South Africa, the Sun was adorned with a huge halo this morning (image to left). This halo-effect occurs when ice particles reside in the upper atmosphere. The dispersion of sunlight through this crystalline field creates a halo. Quite the atmospheric phenomena. Perhaps also the Universe’s way of saying “pay attention” on this Full Moon day.

Today’s Full Moon occurs in Libra, the archetypal sign of relationship. And to be clear, Libra encompasses all types of relationships, not just the intimate ones. Libra is also personified by archetypal Venus. Hence Venus qualities such as inner or outer beauty, love, self esteem, values, balance and harmony feature strongly in this Full Moon's expression and message.

For the record, maximum Full Moon occurs today (28th) at 8:48 pm here in South Africa (SAST), 2:48 pm US East Coast (EDT), 11:48 am in the western US, 8:48 am in Hawaii; 18:48 GMT, and on the 29th from India east to the International Date Line. The Full Moon window spans 72 hours with the midpoint considered actual Full Moon. Hence, the Moon will appear Full over 3 nights.

The astrological dynamics of this Full Moon are intense (no surprise given current events). In addition to the Sun<>Moon opposition of Aries vs Libra, Venus and Chiron also join the Sun at the same Aries degree with Venus being at superior conjunction. Further, a grand air trine geometry is part of the energetic mix along with two strong squares and a quincunx further defining its overall significance.

Inferior and Superior Conjunction of Venus: From Earth’s geocentric perspective, Venus takes approximately 18 months to conjunct the Sun.The term inferior conjunction indicates Venus is between the Earth and Sun, and also retrograde. Same is true for Mercury. By contrast, when Mercury or Venus appear from Earth’s perspective to travel behind the Sun (as occurs near today’s Full Moon), the term Superior conjunction applies. 

Inferior conjunction heralds the coming appearance of Venus or Mercury in the eastern sky before sunrise; superior conjunction announces a western sky appearance in the offing after sunset (May 24 for Venus). Morning sky placement points to something new; evening sky placement is a time of maturation from what has been acquired or learned during the morning phase. So with that as a backdrop, here is the Full Moon chart:

Breaking It Down:

1 - Sun, Chiron, Venus in Aries opposing Moon in Libra:
Aries vs Libra opposition points to an introspection about how one’s integrity (Aries individuation) matches up against creating harmony with others (Libra). Both sides of this equation are important. Add transiting Venus at superior conjunction (love, values/self-esteem) along with Chiron (wounding/healing) to the Aries energetic mix and the question of integrity/harmony further reveals challenges you have experienced during those times when your sense of self along with your values (integrity) have been at odds with the desires, orders or demands of others. 

Venus Star Pentagram: this term has found its way of late into the broader consciousness. Venus’ passage from inferior conjunction (Venus between Earth and the Sun) to superior conjunction (Venus behind the Sun such as today) back to inferior conjunction ( occurs 5 times over an 8-year period or every 18 months or so. These 5 inferior conjunctions to the Sun form a geometric star pentagram pattern that shifts by 1 to 2° at each 8-year mark. Over a very long period of time, this evolving geometry reveals a spiraling motion within this pentagram pattern. Rather remarkable and mystical how Venus’ orbital motion creates such symmetry and beauty. Here's a good video illustration of this spiraling motion.

The last Venus retrograde (inferior conjunction) was May/June of 2020 in engaging, playful, spontaneous Gemini. However, that cycle began in direct square to Neptune in Pisces. Such combination ushered the coming intensity for the 2nd half of 2020 fueled by an intense viral spread (Neptune rules the unseen, including viral and bacterial influences). 

Venus now at the midway point (superior conjunction) to its next retrograde come December and inferior conjunction January 9, 2022 sets the energetic stage for reflection about the past 11 months and the significant changes that have occurred in your life and throughout the world. Quite telling too this superior conjunction occurs at the same Aries degree as the March 2001 Venus inferior conjunction. This along with the next two 8-year Aries intervals in 2009 and 2017 represented significant periods of strong and substantial change. 

While I don't usually ascribe much weight to Venus or Mercury's superior conjunction as I do their inferior conjunction retrogrades, today’s triple Aries conjunction is certainly a pay attention moment, especially given the divisive polarity of these times and the social, economic and health challenges now faced by many people. Also, this Full Moon dynamic augurs more uncertainty in the coming months in the realm of meaningful relationships in your life.

Using my astrological interpretation guide (you can download a copy here) along with your natal chart (if you don't have one, you can obtain a free chart here), you can further distill this Full Moon's influence by understanding the symbolic nature and placement of your natal Venus together with the area of your chart influenced by this Aries intensity. Knowledge and awareness is power.

2 - Grand Air Trine - includes Moon in Libra; Saturn in Aquarius, Mars/North Lunar Node in Gemini. Any trine (120° between 2 related elemental signs) requires some sort of conscious action to activate its dynamic. A grand trine involves 3 planetary aspects each 120° from the other 2 members. Today’s grand trine is in the element of air. This implies communication of knowledge, thoughts and ideas. Of its members: Moon carries the emotional message, Saturn the structural or organizational part, and Mars reflects the action required. What complicates this otherwise beneficial geometry are the two squares and quincunx associated with Uranus (unexpected change), Mercury (communication) and Neptune (soul mandate).

3 - 1st square - Saturn vs Uranus: as mentioned in other recent blogs, Saturn in Aquarius in square to Uranus in Taurus is a potent 20-year cycle last triggered in 2000-01. Saturn wants certainty; progressive Uranus thrives on change and chaos. This push/pull energy can be seen in the US social dynamics of progressive ideals and forward movement vs conservative retrenchment and restrictions. Further Uranus in Taurus creates a strong quincunx (think paradox) with the Moon in Libra (annotation #4) implying significant progressive changes can actually create a more harmonious flow. Meanwhile…

3 - In the second square, Mercury/Neptune in Pisces squares Mars/North Node in Gemini - the New Moon earlier this month was strongly Pisces oriented. Now, Mercury moves into the same degree area. Mercury, in general fuels communication and movement of energy through thoughts, ideas and perspectives. In its Piscean passage, it evokes the soul mandate of Neptune, including our connection to the natural world, which stands in stark contrast to free-spirited and action oriented Mars in Gemini. A vivid example of such contrast is the very recent grounding of the world's largest container ship (size of the Empire State Building in New York) by the wind effects (air element) of a sand storm in Egypt's narrow Suez Canal. That blockage of this very busy shipping lane has literally brought shipping commerce in that part of the world to a halt. The global rippling effect will be felt over the next few weeks. Such an event is another potent reminder how the natural world always has the last say when it comes to human evolution and desired action. While astrological cycles do not predict such specific events, they certainly forecast the energetic dynamics that influence choices, behaviors and actions. 

Hence, these two squares and quincunx by earth and water elementals are significant “buts” to the otherwise harmonious flow of a grand air trine. In the context of this Full Moon’s overall introspection, and contrary to Aries’ otherwise full speed ahead mojo, this Full Moon slows down the energy, setting the stage for the next two Full Moons in Scorpio (April 26/27) and Sagittarius (May 26). 

These coming two Full Moons are considered a Super Full Moon (Moon at perigee near the Full Moon timing). Hence the Moon will appear larger than usual in the sky and feel more amplified than usual. The second Full Moon will also be a total lunar eclipse of rather very short duration (14 minutes) visible around the Pacific basin. Lunar or Solar eclipses are pay attention moments and can prove intense. Hence, by the end of May, the energetic buildup initiated at this Libra Full Moon is leading to a very potent Sagittarian introspection around your spiritual connection to your life path, its evolution and opportunities, and its soul-driven quest for meaningful freedom not only for this year, but for the decade ahead.

Questions for this Full Moon:

What does relationship mean to me in my life?

In what areas can I strengthen my integrity relating to others?

How can I strengthen my relationship with the natural world?

What parts of my psyche are ready to reveal new aspects of my inner self?

Conclusion: the strong Aries vibe at this lunation is atypical. Aries is usually quite action/achievement oriented and quite the initiator. However, given this lunation’s strong squares and quincunx, plus the movement of Venus and the Sun over the coming few weeks across the very ground of the recent 2020 Mars retrograde in Aries, a slow down of momentum seems to be in the offing in preparation for powerful shifts and changes in the latter part of April into June.

When I set out my perspective of 2021 in this blog, I wrote the first half of 2021 would be a strong indicator for how the 2nd half of the year would unfold. As we near that halfway point, you are offered at this lunation an opportunity to reevaluate actions you want to take in the coming months to create clarity, enhance your inner and outer resources, strengthen your physical body, and decide the various steps you are ready to take to help you further embrace meaningful change. As always, your natal chart is a powerful guide at this introspection point. May we all choose wisely in the days ahead.

Comments are welcomed below. 

Next blog: a bigger perspective - some of my favorite aerial photos.

Sat Nam

Joseph Mina

March 28, 2021

Stellenbosch, South Africa

Pisces New Moon March 2021: Amplifying the Dreamtime

“You see things; and you say, ‘Why?' But I dream things that never were; and I say, ‘Why not?" George Bernard Shaw - Irish playwright (1856-1950)

“There are some people who live in a dream world, and there are some who face reality; and then there are those who turn one into the other.” 
Douglas H. Everett - British Chemist/Academic Author (1916-2002)

We arrive near mid-month, a potent junction of time and space, to briefly step beyond the bounds of reality before the change of season arrives a week from now. Yes, we stand at the doorstep of the Pisces New Moon and its energetic merging not only with the Sun, but Venus and its higher octave Neptune too. Welcome to the dreamtime on steroids.

Before I get to the primary focus (you’ll see why that’s an unintended pun in a moment), I wanted to briefly mention this very potent New Moon dynamic. Pisces, the last sign of the zodiac represents the end point or conclusion of the zodiac. In that sense, its all encompassing theme of oneness implies an archetypal merging of the eleven other zodiacal members. It’s the culmination of life’s journey, a turn of the wheel, an end before a beginning.

New Moon arrives today (13th and my Solar Return day). Only other time a New Moon occurred on my birthday was in 2002. Also, I have had two Full-Moon birthdays, one in 1960 and the other 1979. Each of these lunar events on my Solar Return day proved significant in my growth and evolution in the year that followed.

At this New Moon, especially as a new season awaits at the coming Equinox (20th for most of the world (near midnight on 19th in Hawaii)), we are encouraged to dream big, especially over the next 2 weeks; to embrace the mysteries of life through our connection to the natural world, to be compassionate to self and others, and to heighten our awareness and expand our purpose for being on this earthly plane. 

Yet, important to remember that Neptunian energy, especially as it transits its Piscean home sign can cast spells too over one’s perspective. This can lead to delusion, addiction patterns and over-sensitivity. Neptune also rules the unseen, which includes the microbial world. 

Uranus in Taurus, especially in its square now to Saturn reminds us to stay grounded, receive meaningful bodywork/energy work to stay strong and clear, and to set aside down time to avoid overload. It also reminds us the evolution of humanity depends on forward thinking. The past is past. Building bridges leads us to a new Earth reality.

For my birthday, I’m headed to the mountains north of here to drink in the magnificent, spellbinding Southern Hemisphere night sky. There I’ll meet up with some dedicated amateur astronomers who spend hours photographing various celestial wonders. Being washed over by starlight is the ultimate birthday gift for me! And to be able to see such grandeur through large telescopes is simply cosmic icing on the galactic cake!

And now on to the blog….

Archetypal Neptune in part rules imagery, including video, movies etc. A movie is a stitching of many images: each frame an illusion of a moment. It also expresses its vibration through music. In this blog, I am sharing four images I photographed during my Japan journeys over the past 3 years with commentary about each image. This was not an easy selection, as I have a lot of memorable images. However in the spirit of the Pisces Moon I’ve selected the following as representation of what this Moon offers:

First up - Messages To The Beyond (click or tap on an image to enlarge it)

Photographed at a temple in the mountains near Japan’s ancient capital of Kyoto, these wooden placards, common in Japan, are placed by Shinto and Buddhist worshippers after writing prayers or wishes. And there they artfully hang in gratitude to the kami (spirits or gods) for receiving their messages. In Pisces, we reach beyond the veil of reality to embrace the realm of the soul and its poignant mysteries.

This is a wide-angle perspective to give the viewer an on-going feeling of continuation for many prayers and wishes found here.

Next - Mystical Ontake (own-ta-kay)

High in the central mountains of Japan are some memorable peaks, including Mt. Fuji. And while Fuji is the quintessential symbol of Japan, the peak pictured here is also quite revered. This is Ontake in the early morning autumn light, the day after Full Moon in Nagano Prefecture. Snow capped throughout most of the year, its 10,000+ ft (3067m) summit watches over this bountiful area of Nagano, Japan. 

Ontake is an active volcano, which last erupted unexpectedly with a methane explosion in 2014, killing 63 people who had ventured to the summit. Nonetheless, a shrine is found at the summit, and visited by many people each year. Close up or from afar, Mt. Ontake is such a stirring sight throughout the day. I chose to portray this scene in mostly black and white with the slightest hint of color to further bring focus to these mountains in the distance. Telephoto lens slightly compressed the scene for added effect. The Moon was part of this amazing early morning delight.

Torii Gates

Found at many shrines in Japan (did you know Japan has over 85,000 shrines throughout the country!), these red gates symbolize the boundary between the shrine’s sacred mystical space and ordinary space. As I walked through the gates I had the feeling I’m was stepping back through time, or entering a land beyond time and space. Getting this shot was not easy. Popular shrines are usually crowded. So to be able to photograph the ongoing flow of the red gates without anyone blocking the long path was a sign the shrine watchers were fully supportive of my creative touch, or I was just plain lucky (I think it’s the former).

This is another wide-angle capture to emphasize the elongation of the path and accentuate the on-going red gates, leading to a mysterious place. Also, the image was taken from a very low angle. In photography, seeing life from a different perspective heightens the mood and energy exchange of the scene. By the way, that low angle is essential when photographing young children to capture vividly how they see life. 

And lastly, Chaos and Stability

I love experiencing the rapid, icy streams coming from the high glacier passes of Japan’s central mountains. This very cold water is energized as it rushes over boulders and rocks on its way to the main rivers and ultimately the Pacific Ocean or Sea of Japan. I refer to this area of Japan's Honshu island as Chi Heaven. In this scene I wanted to emphasize the contrast between the rushing, fluid water and the solid rock. The illusion of stability right there. Over time, the continuous surge of water will melt away the rock. And so too such is the mysterious transformative nature of Neptune. Where Pluto energy melts down anything in its path, equally powerful Neptune dissolves that which stands fast. That includes one's understanding of reality imbued by family, tradition and culture. 

As an aside, Neptune and Pluto are now in a building sextile aspect, coming to an exact sextile in 2026. Because of Pluto's eccentric orbit, the energetic dance between these two archetypes will weave magic into the consciousness over a 6-year period and 13 exact meetings. This portends the dispelling of unnatural restrictions and delusional beliefs to usher a new wave of power. I'll write more in coming blogs.

This is a slow-shuttered image using a tripod. Using a slower speed smoothes out the water imparting a sense of rapid movement (great paradox!). It was photographed in the late afternoon.

Also, I will be posting more of my images in future blogs. Next time I'll share some of my favorite aerial images taken during my many travels. Meanwhile, I’m exploring various ways to show my images to a wider audience.

Finally, 2021 is proving to be as intense as 2020, except there’s positive movement underway. What has been learned from such a massive reset? What’s ahead? These and other questions serve as a foundation for an astrological consultation. Times of immense change require new strategies, perspective and creativity. My astrological consultations are transformative, offering guidance for navigating the current rapid changes and reorganizing your approach to life. 

As always, I am available for a professional astrological consultation session to help you better understand these profound shifts in the context of your birth chart. 

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

As the shift occurs between seasons, remember the energetic field is quite fluid and unpredictable. Moving your energy, communing with nature, staying focused are strategies that will make the seasonal transition more meaningful and grounded.

Sat Nam

Starman, Joseph Mina
Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa
March 13, 2021

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

Sagittarius New Moon Nov 22: Optimistism vs Realism

"Optimism means better than reality; pessimism means worse than reality. I am a realist."
Margaret Atwood, poet, novelist and environmental activist (1939 - )

"If I advocate cautious optimism it is not because I do not have faith in the future but because I do not want to encourage blind faith."
Aung San Suu Kyil Political/social activist, head of Burma's National League for Democracy (1945 - )

AstroActivator 2002©by Kathryn Andren

"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times" pens Charles Dickens in his famous novel A Tale of Two Cities. And such is the current state of planet Earth. Technological breakthroughs and a more connected world society share news headlines with reports of social, environmental and economic strife or havoc around the globe. These are extraordinary times...and equally, perhaps the most challenging period of time ever faced by humanity.

Usually, a Sagittarius New Moon infuses a strong surge of optimism into the cultural psyche. Occurring near the end of the calendar year when the Sun transits Sagittarius, the most optimistic of signs, we look to the coming year with high expectations, hopes and dreams for something more meaningful or perhaps more enriched. Yet, at this particular New Moon, a theme emerges filled with strong challenges and astrological headwinds overriding any sense of blind optimism for what is emerging in our global consciousness.

For anyone desiring the wide-perspective for this lunation, here's the Cosmic 411:

Neptune in Pisces and Leo Full Moon Feb 7: I See You

"...there is a moving palace that floats in the air 

with balconies and clear water flowing through, 

infinity everywhere, yet contained under a single tent."

excerpt from Rumi's "Moving Water"

"The beauty of the heart is the lasting beauty:

its lips give to drink of the water of life....that oneness you can't know

by reasoning." excerpt from Rumi's "The Beauty of the Heart". 

AstroActivator©2001 Kathryn Andren Mina

"Mysterious", "nebulous", "the Oneness", "feeling my way", "dreaming the dream", and many more similar expressions underscore a significant turning of the page at this Full Moon lunation, one that guides us into the realm of the unknown...the eternal fog...the bigger vision. Time for a reality check, you are about to embark on a 15 year journey into Pisces land, the sea of everything.

The Leo Full Moon on February 7/8th shines its fiery, illuminative light on this Piscean water realm, and in turn, its potent ruler Neptune. How appropriate we begin this journey into the realm of "the All" with the blazing heart of Leo lighting the way.

Leo Full Moon occurs on the 7th at 11:54 am in Hawaii, 1:54 p on the West Coast, 9:54 p GMT, and on the 8th from the Middle East, (AST) east to the International

Virgo New Moon 2011: Renewal and Reconnection

Virgo New Moon - Make it Fine with a Grand Earth Trine
5:04 PM HST August 28, 2011

"I want to know all things under the Sun and the Moon too. For all things are beautiful in themselves and become more beautiful when known to man. Knowledge is life with wings." Kahlil Gibran 

AstroActivator©2002 K Mina

Sunday August 28, 2011 (Mon 8/29 for South America, east to the International Date Line) celebrates the Virgo New Moon.  Moon conjoins Sun at 5 degrees Virgo, with Venus close by at 8 Virgo.  Virgo evokes patterns, organization and order. Add Venus to the mix and you have a strong element of artistry and beauty in these grand designs. 

There is a Grand Earth Trine this New Moon (see below), with 5 planets represented in the Earth signs of Virgo, Capricorn and Taurus. Pluto(1) lingers near 4 Capricorn and Jupiter (2) is its expansive self at 10 Taurus. Meanwhile, Sun, Moon and Venus (3) in Virgo complete the triangle.

Beauty & Fury - the Pisces Wave

As the current Pisces wave of Jupiter and Uranus continues to build to their June 8th meeting at 0 degrees Aries, I'm using the initiating energy of Mercury and Venus in Aries to embed a video I created titled Beauty & Fury.

Neptune, ruler of Pisces, also rules imagery, photography etc. With Neptune at the very end degrees of Aquarius (technology), this video uses the medium of social networking (Aquarius) to distribute the content out into the world community (Pisces).

Behind the content: this past January, a strong winter storm to the north of Hawaii, brought significant ocean swells to the islands, amplifying the size and intensity of the waves. In the early AM, I spent 4 hours at Honomalino Beach in South Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii photographing these strong impulses arriving every 15 minutes or so. This video incorporates that energy interspersed with other images I have taken of Big Island over the past 2 1/2 years (photography has been a passion of mine for the past 35 years). The accompanying music by Telku is appropriately called "Life Force".

Next Blog March 28 - Libra Full Moon - the amplification of the Moon energy meets the transformative force of Pluto and the restructuring dynamic of Saturn.

Enjoy!

Aloha from Big Island, Hawaii
Starman, Joseph Mina
March 22, 2010
©Gemini Awakening 2010 all rights reserved

Hubble's New Eyes

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


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


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


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


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


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


in light,
Starman, Joseph Mina

The intensity of Mars in Leo

What in the world is going on????? Sure seems intense around the globe.

One look at the current  transit chart dynamics explains it: Sun and Mercury in Scorpio square Mars in Leo. Scorpio's life force meets the radiance of the Leo heart, or in certain quarters, the full force of the Leo ego. Sun represents the fuel of the mix; Mercury how it is imparted or communicated; Mars is where the action lies. Nothing boring in this trio.
 
Squares are always an edgy type of energy. Think of two forces just not seeing eye-to-eye on anything. Yet, squares in a natal chart can also be a "stop sign" of sorts, indicating "that's not the way to go", or "buyer beware". Particularly affected by this dynamic is anyone with significant planetary aspects in your natal chart in early to mid degree Scorpio, Taurus, Aquarius or Leo.


Back to the world stage. This square dynamic has been rather intense across the board. Here's a few examples of intensity in the realm of Scorpio's life force meeting the ego side of Leo.

Violent acts of aggressive force (shadow Mars) have occurred over the past week in Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iraq. Bombs, war, etc. etc. No need to go into the details. Enough to simply say "intense".

Israel and Palestine have resumed aggressive acts towards each other, this time in the holy city of Jerusalem.

Intensity can also reveal itself in the infrastructure. For example, just yesterday, the Bay Bridge in California was shut down indefinitely to traffic after one of its cables snapped at rush hour. This is the commuter route for over 300,000 cars a day! Think of the inconvenience and intensity that creates.

On a much more positive note, President Obama today signed the first gay civil rights legislation, protecting gays, lesbian, bi-sexual and trans-gender individuals from acts of violence (think Sun/Mercury square Mars). These aggressive acts are now included and treated as acts of hate carrying with it significant federal punishments. Further, this legislation has been 10 years in the making.

This intense Scorpio/Leo vibration continues through the 18th of November. Remember too, Saturn moves into Libra on Oct 30th and begins its 5 month square with Pluto. Powerful cycles for a powerful time of transition and change 

After the 18th, the Sun and Mercury move far away from Mars energy to complete the square, however, they begin a square to the Aquarius energy of Neptune, Jupiter and Chiron. Sort of like jumping out of the frying pan into the fire. That dynamic is for a future blog.

In the meantime, stay clear, breathe, receive nurturing bodycare, and physically exercise to allow this strong energy to easily circulate within your body.

Feel free to share how you have been personally affected by this current vibe.