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

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:

Astrology June 2014 Sagittarius Full Moon: Truth and Liberation

"You need to challenge your fear of life becoming unreasonable - because it is already unreasonable. In truth, your life has never been reasonable, it’s just that you keep hoping tomorrow will be different and that you will find a way to bring more control into your world. Recognize that life will always be full of challenges and crisis. The wise way is not to attempt to find one path that promises you will never have to endure the pain of loss and illness, but instead to learn how to endure and transcend when unreasonable events come your way. Learning to defy gravity in your world - to think, perceive, and act at the mystical level of consciousness - is the greatest gift you can give yourself, because it is the gift of truth. And as we are bound to learn again and again in this life, the truth does indeed set us free.” Carolyn Myss, author and spiritual teacher

"Mercury Retrograde" sketch by Joseph Mina

Whenever the Moon comes into New or Full aspect in the sign of the Sagittarian Archer, the notions of "truth" and embracing/attaining a higher spiritual perspective enter our human conversation. This month's Full Moon seeds this theme in unusual and compelling ways. Are you ready to face life's unpredictable ups and downs from a new or more enlightened perspective? If so, I suggest first re-reading Carolyn Myss' quote, then reading on.

Full Moon occurs at 22° Sagittarius (chart below) on June 12 at 6:11 pm in Hawaii, 9:11 on the West Coast, 11:11 in the Midwest USA, and shortly after midnight on the 13th on the East Coast USA, east to the International Dateline. GMT for the Full Moon is June 13th at 8:11 am.

In this lunation, powerful transformational forces continue to dominate the astrological landscape. As I mentioned in my end of May update, Mars in cardinal sign Libra continues its ever-so-slow direct motion as it retraces its retrograde movement of March through mid-May. This "slog" continues

Sagittarius New Moon December 2: Honoring The Inner Teacher

AstroActivators© 2001 Kathryn Andren Mina

Sagittarius New Moon occurs in Hawaii on Dec 2nd at 2:22:22 PM! 
(4:22 Pacific, 7:22 Eastern, and on the 3rd in Western Europe 12:22a UTC, east to the International Date Line)

It is the weekend after Thanksgiving. The good news: things are starting to lighten up from the intensity of November and the Mercury Retrograde. Last month was full of serious Scorpio energy near the north node destiny point. Fortunately, now with Sun in fiery Sagittarius through December 21, there is a more optimistic outlook on the road ahead.  Mercury moves through Sagittarius December 4 - 24 to uplift thought forms and motivate a lighter mood. Enjoy and optimize this time! The first few weeks of December offers an opportunity to get moving on projects before a long series of personal planet retrograde cycles commences on the coming Solstice through May 2014.

December New Moon at 11° Sagittarius is an invitation to explore the question of what is the truth.  What do I believe and what is right?  Sun and Moon in Sagittarius create a tight square to Chiron, the healing point, in Pisces. This square injects a deeper sense of compassion into Sagittarius’ otherwise strong directed energy. It indicates a greater depth of expanding vision to be of service to others. The glyph for Sagittarius is the arrow, a reminder and reflection to aim high. Set your sights higher; focus on a

Sagittarius Penumbral Full Moon May 24: Gemini Party

A Gemini Party: Penumbral Eclipse May 24 Sagittarius Full Moon

©AstroActivator by Kathryn Andren Mina, all rights reserved

Isn’t it time to lighten up? 

The month of May began with four planetary energies in the Zodiac sign of the Bull. Now, we may be getting a much needed Gemini light-hearted break for a few weeks. 

Over the past 10 days Venus, Mercury and Sun moved from the Zodiac sign of Taurus into Gemini, the Twins inviting more levity in the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual realms. Mars will follow into Gemini by month's-end, which will act as impetus for what you envision during this Full Moon energy.

With this influx of planetary energy into light-hearted Gemini, a potent time unfolds for creating Gemini magic through networking, writing, teaching and

Sagittarius New Moon: 12/12/12 and Solstice 12/21/12: Truth Serum 101

"What the caterpillar calls the end of the world, the master calls a butterfly."
Richard Bach "Illusions".

Joseph Mina Etheric Sketches©2012, all rights reserved

The calendar reads 12/12/12 today. That's the 13th time this century we have reached a numerical date of similar digits (1/11/11 is included too). And, this will be the last time this century these multiple, resonant dates are part of the NOW consciousness.

Rather extraordinary to witness how the significance of these date sequences have snowballed throughout the human consciousness over the past 12 years (since 01/01/01). I wonder if people assigned any similar meaning to the calendar back in the early years of the 19th or 20th centuries when interconnection was perhaps a flicker of possibility in someone's psyche? 

Yet, here we are in the 21st century, more connected than ever, amidst a rapidly expanding world population beyond anything ever imagined. Current

Venus Transit The Sun June 5 2012: Dancing with Destiny

(written in 1878) "We are now on the eve of the second transit of a pair, after which there will be no other till the twenty-first century of our era has dawned upon the Earth, and the June flowers are blooming in 2004. When the last [Venus] transit season occurred the intellectual world was awakening from the slumber of ages, and that wondrous scientific activity which has led to our present advanced knowledge was just beginning. What will be the state of science when the next transit season arrives God only knows. Not even our children's children will live to take part in the astronomy of that day. As for ourselves, we have to do with the present...William Harkness, Astronomer (1837-1903)

On June 5th/6th, a rare astronomical phenomena graces the sky. Venus, sister planet of Earth, transits across the face of the Sun in the changeable, unpredictable sign of Gemini. While some observers may see little or no value watching a tiny black dot very slowly move across the Sun, the metaphor of the “as above, so below” suggests otherwise. 

The day prior to the Venus transit, the Moon is Full and partially eclipsed in Sagittarius. While any Full Moon is noteworthy, especially one eclipsed, this particular Full Moon is more like the appetizer at a meal while we await the much anticipated main course of Venus transiting the Sun. 

The charts of both eclipses are essentially the same vibration. Full Moon chart brings its focus into the realm of inner truth and higher knowledge. Let's use this energy as a springboard for a deeper exploration of the Venus transit and what it portends for our world society over the next 105 years. Also, Neptune moves retrograde this day, adding productive inward fuel for dreaming your vision for 2012 and beyond. Time to reflect on what requires adjustment to better actualize your life path intentions and purpose.

On the practical side of life, this site provides specific timings in your locale for the Venus transit. Further, the transit will be broadcast on-line from around the Globe. Quite a contrast to the transits in the 18th and 19th centuries, which had marginal technology to record and disseminate this momentous event.

Synopsis: This Venus transit across the Sun is the 3rd eclipse in the past two weeks, and the 2nd Venus transit in the past 8 years. Eclipses come in waves, each time inducing strong shifts in human behavior, worldly events, and geological and weather related changes. This Venus transit will not occur again for 105 years. Its overall planetary energy dynamics point to a new world

Sagittarius New Moon: the 2012 Gate Opens

"Most of the change we think we see in life is due to truths being in and out of favor."
Robert Frost, US poet (1874 - 1963)

"...when you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth." Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (1859 - 1930), (Sherlock Holmes)

©AstroActivator by Kathryn Mina

The Moon completes its Scorpio/Taurus cycle on Nov 24/25 when it meets the Sun at 3 degrees in Sagittarius, the mythical archer. Sagittarius seeks out the truth, desiring to elevate the human vibration to the highest possible spiritual place of awareness. Its energy finds interest in the elevated perspective of the mind, philosophy, religion, distant travel, laws, and especially adventure.

This New Moon occurs at 8:10 pm on the 24th in Hawaii, 10:10 on the West Coast, and on the 25th from the Midwest (CST) east to the International Date Line. This represents the last New Moon of the Autumn season. Added significance occurs due to this Moon phase triggering a partial solar eclipse, visible over Antarctica.

Ordinarily, New Moon energy is a time of renewal and initiative. Something

Sagittarius Full Moon June 15: The Courageous Quest

"All truths are easy to understand once they are discovered; the point is to discover them.” Galileo Galilei (1564 - 1642)

“Before God we are equally wise and equally foolish.”
Albert Einstein

"Based on the laws of physics, the effect on temperature of man's contribution to atmospheric CO2 levels is minuscule and indiscernible from the natural variability caused in large part by changes in solar energy output."

Robert Scotto, Atmospheric Scientist
  

Breaking News!!!! Just yesterday, astrophysicist revealed potential life changing information (how timely for the eclipse) about the current and next Solar cycle. In true out of the blue Uranian fashion, the anticipated increase in Sunspot activity in the coming Solar 25 cycle is now considered incorrect. Solar data now shows the Sun's internal activity moving in the opposite direction, towards hibernation. This has come as quite a surprise (and significant at that) to the astronomical community.

A very similar scenario played out in the mid 17th Century. Then, a very quiet Sun (less energy output) led to a "Little Ice Age" during the period 1645 - 1715. During those 70 years, planet Earth experienced very harsh and longer winters. Uncertain in this newly unfolding solar scenario is whether excessive carbon dioxide in the atmosphere (global warming) is sufficient to temporarily offset any potential global temperature drop over the coming decades. Given the Uranian nature of the announcement, I'd say there are a number of wild cards yet to be revealed.

June 2011 Eclipses: Dancing with the Shadows

"Oh dark, dark, dark, amid the blaze of noon,
Irrecoverably dark, total Eclipse
Without all hope of day!"
John Milton, English poet (1608-74)

"Roses have thorns, and silver fountains mud.
Clouds and eclipses stain both moon and sun,
And loathsome canker lives in sweetest bud.
All men make faults, and even I in this."
William Shakespeare, English poet and playwright (1564-1616)

This Astrology blog looks at the potent Eclipse dynamics unfolding in the month of June into July. With the Gemini New Moon behind us, and a total lunar eclipse in Sagittarius less than a week away, I examine in broad detail how these celestial events point to events of the past, present and future, and how this may influence the life choices you make in the coming 6 months.

Our human relationship with Eclipses: the above quotes underscore how solar or lunar eclipses once evoked great fear, depressing thoughts, or dread in people.The “unexpected” and misunderstood darkening of the Sun or Moon was seen as a sign of great trouble, or some ominous omen of heavenly wrath. By contrast, today’s astronomers understand the physical mechanics of these extraordinary celestial movements, and mark their future occurrences with uncanny precision.

Yet, there remains the unmeasurable quality of an eclipse; one that evokes awe, wonder, and a connection to something much bigger than ourselves. Herein lies the mystical, archetypal

Sagittarius Full Moon - Spirit Awakens the Heart

"Your work is to discover your world and then with all your heart give yourself to it." Buddha

"Every time you don't follow your inner guidance, you feel a loss of energy, loss of power, a sense of spiritual deadness." Shakti Gawain Spiritual Author and Teacher

Image by  Karnamrita

Today, May 27th, the Moon reaches full potency at 1:07 pm in Hawaii. Other locations: West Coast 4:07 p, East Coast 7:07 p; Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) 11:07 p; Japan 8:07 am on the 28th. Full Moon position is at 6 degrees Sagittarius. This is the 3rd and last Full Moon of the current season.

"Cutting to the Chase" Sagittarius quests for the truth through inner knowingness and pure instinct. It carries a high spiritual vibration and loves to travel to exotic places! By contrast, Gemini explores the realm of networking, playful activity, communication and spontaneity. Bringing together these two dynamics expands the potential for focusing on what brings you heartfelt enthusiasm, inspiration and joy, especially in your journeys.

The light of the Full Moon illuminates the path for sharing and activating these deeper desires with others.

Of course, there's more to this theme than just a Sun/Moon opposition. 4 potent oppositions and 3 outer planet retrograde or direct activations occur during this Full Moon phase, affecting your choice and direction over the next two weeks. Especially influenced by this lunation is anyone with significant planetary aspects between 0 and 10° in the mutable signs of Gemini, Sagittarius, Pisces and Virgo.

In short, let instinct and spontaneity (Sagittarius/Gemini) be your guide as you explore what "feels" like a "yes" or "no".  Let your deeper desire for peace and ease be the doorway for how you direct your energy towards yourself and others.

Sagittarius New Moon - Quest for Truth

Wednesday, Dec 16th 2:02 am HST; 4:02 PST

(image & description from our Astroactivator Series)

This New Moon 2 week period represents a time to contemplate the truth. Expand your idea of what is true for you. Build enthusiasm and deepen your vision for the meaning of Life. As a fire sign, Sagittarius values action arising from innate wisdom and instinct. Remember the teacher in you. Meditate, pray, or deepen a spiritual path. Sagittarius is a time of adventure, travel, and wisdom. (from our eBook Manifesting by the Light of the Moon, available here.

This New Moon ushers in a 2 week period of renewed optimism and greater focus for the task at hand. As a prelude to the Mars and Mercury Retrogrades on the 20th and 26th, respectively, this is a potent time for clarifying relationship issues (Saturn in Libra), especially in the areas of honesty, dependability, integrity and mutual cooperation. Moving into these retrograde cycles with greater clarity and connection with those close to you provides a smoother inner journey. By contrast, unspoken or unresolved issues in the areas mentioned above will be magnified during the retrogrades.

Finally, Uranus in Pisces, and Jupiter, Chiron and Neptune in Aquarius create a square and sextile, respectively to this New Moon dynamic, which heightens the desire for change (Uranus) and freedom (Aquarius trio). Time to spread your cosmic wings.

Coming Blogs: Solstice on December 21, Mars/Mercury Retrogrades, and December 31 Blue Full Moon.

Remember you can follow us on Facebook and Twitter too! Links are in the upper right.

Aloha, Kathryn and Joseph

Gemini Full Moon December 2

Gemini Full Moon Timings

Dec 2nd 2:31 am East Coast; 7:31 am England or
Dec 1st 11:31 pm West Coast and 9:31 pm in Hawaii

Full Moon is an opportunity for action, to release and expand in in the world. Our closest planetary body, the Moon symbolizes where we feel most at home and emotional connection.

Gemini Full Moon is about networking and communication - potent Gemini astrology themes. This Full Moon shines light on these areas through your writing, teaching, and talking abilities. Here's a great time to network and multitask. Opposite the Sun in questing Sagittarius, this Gemini Full Moon window poses the question: "How do I use my Gemini gifts of communication on my spiritual path?" "What information can I gather to support my quest for the deeper meanings of life?"

Other planetary patterns occurring on this Full Moon suggest clarity of spiritual content and getting the word out in creative and inventive ways. Here, critical tension builds for new forms of expression (Mercury in Saggitarius square Uranus in Pisces).

On a personal and professional note, our recent experiences at the Network Transformational Gate weekend  in Como, Italy and San Francisco served as a springboard to inspire action in how we share our life, love and our work. Look for new forms of astrological updates coming soon from Gemini Awakening.

Gemini is the sign of the twins and the lovers.  Together, we serve as healing catalysts to awaken ancient wisdom for the modern age. Gemini Awakening -  Mahalo & a hui hou !

Kathryn Andren, LMT and Starman, Joseph Mina are professional counseling astrologers, teachers and healers. Discover yourself through our unique healing arts sessions, consultations and classes. 

Gemini Awakening
"Empowering Lives Through the Mystery of the Sky." 

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.