Leo New Moon August 17: Love Life and Let's Play

AstroActivators© 2001 Kathryn Andren Mina

Leo New Moon by Kathryn Andren Mina

Astrology for August 2012 offers potent planetary patterns supportive of renewing creativity and turning a corner in the area of relationship.

Leo New Moon is August 17, 2012. New Moons are a time to reflect and reset your energy for the coming lunar cycle. Leo, as a fire sign, relates to inner spirit, gut instinct and the warmth of the heart. Leo rules the Sun, symbolic how we radiate the light of the heart.

July 22 - August 21 Sun moves through the zodiac sign of Leo the Lion. This time of year, creativity, playfulness and charismatic leadership are illuminated.  Leo qualities may sometimes be mistaken as being selfish, however, when Leo expresses itself in its highest vibration, heartfelt enthusiastic expression shines through.

Aries Engine Revs Up - Mercury, Mars & New Moon activations

"You are not here merely to make a living. You are here to enable the world to live more amply, with greater vision, and with a finer spirit of hope and achievement. You are here to enrich the world. You impoverish yourself if you forget this errand." Woodrow Wilson, 28th US President, (1856-1924) 

"A hundred years ago, the electric telegraph made possible - indeed, inevitable - the United States of America. The communications satellite will make equally inevitable a United Nations of Earth; let us hope that the transition period will not be equally bloody."
Arthur C. Clarke, Author (1917 - )

Three items of note:
Kathryn and I are in Colorado, near Boulder, attending the first of two back-to-back healing weekends with 50 amazing souls. We consider the current astrological cycles as a "prime time" moment to deepen our healing path, enhance our body strategies, and expand our ability to assist others through service in times of great transition.

Secondly, on the day-to-day level, a very busy Retreat schedule in Hawaii, travel to Colorado a week later, and current windy weather in the Rockies have conspired to create unfavorable conditions for creating a video for this Blog - alas, Mercury Retrograde at work. ;) Our astrological video to these blogs returns later in April.

Lastly, this blog is longer than usual (Kathryn rolls her eyes ;) ). The confluence of many concurrent astrological factors requires a more in-depth look at what is going on. If the blog seems "too long", then the short message is "buckle your seat belts". You are in for a surprising, creative and somewhat unpredictable, unsettling ride over the next 40 days. For the longer version detailing the current cycles...read on.

Saturn and Pluto: The Dance of Death and Transformation

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

Introduction: Saturn and Pluto and the 2010 Cardinal Climax

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

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

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

Mercury Retrograde has arrived!

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

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

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

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

Two Mercury Retrograde examples -

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

aloha from the islands,
Starman, Joseph Mina

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

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.

Saturn in Libra

Saturn moves into the sign of Libra on October 29th where it remains (except for a brief return to Virgo) through 2012. This is a shift from the Earth vibration of Virgo to an Air vibration of communication and thought. In Virgo, Saturn has brought our focus on issues of health and service, as well as a greater attention to life's details. By contrast, the Libra focus will be on relationship with others, especially in the realm of work relationships and alliances and personal, intimate relationships.

Saturn was last in Libra in the early 1980's, as the world shifted from the struggles of the late 1970's to a focus on world alliances and international interest of cooperation and power.

We view the planetary archetype of Saturn as the "task master" of the astrology chart. Saturn in your natal chart requires attention to life's details, specific to the sign where Saturn is placed. For example, if Saturn in your chart is in the sign of Gemini, you'll experience challenges in life around being playful versus acting seriously/responsibly. 

Saturn also reorganizes, upgrades and realigns energy. So challenges Saturn poses usually deal with inefficiency or incongruent situations. Saturn's focus in Libra, in part, will highlight these types of issues involving relationships in your life. 

Libra is ruled by the planetary energy of Venus. Venus includes areas of beauty, the arts, relationships, alliances, and the creation and development of wealth. Saturn will bring its focus to these areas posing aforementioned challenges and tests. Self-integrity with others in these areas will be ripe for upgrade. 

Libra energy also enters into the realm of diplomacy and negotiations, seeking harmony and balance. In this rapidly changing world, interaction between nations and how they co-exist or not, will be put under the Saturn microscope.

Look for more Saturn dynamics and potent Libra interactions in coming blogs. For now, here's the dates of Saturn's transits in and out of Libra through 2012

• Enters Libra Oct 29

• Saturn begins its 1st of 3 retrogrades in Libra at 5 Libra on January 13, 2010

• Saturn reenters Virgo April 7, 2010
• Saturn moves direct at 28 Virgo on May 30, 2010

• Saturn reenters Libra July 21 2010
• Saturn enters Scorpio October 5, 2012 

This morning the Boston Globe published their "Big Picture" portfolio. "Saturn at Equinox" is featured and may be found here. Universal timing has a way of stimulating conscious thought, creativity and awareness, whether or not one is aware of astrological cycles. Saturn's Equinox energy of balance aligns with Saturn's Libra theme. Enjoy.

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.