2020 Sagittarius Total Solar Eclipse New Moon and the Coming Solstice: Phoenix Rising

“Nations like stars, are entitled to eclipse. All is well, provided the light returns and the eclipse does not become endless night. Dawn and resurrection are synonymous. The reappearance of the light is the same as the survival of the soul.”
Victor Hugo - French poet, novelist and dramatist of the Romantic movement (1802-1885)

“We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.”

Albert Einstein - Theoretical Physicist (1879-1955)

Greetings from late Spring and the Western Cape of South Africa. 

For anyone who prefers to listen to an audio version of this update, you can listen on-line here.

I recently entered South Africa thanks to the South African government easing international-travelers border restrictions in November. Nonetheless, strict pandemic protocols remain here for border entry and for social interaction. Despite these hurdles, I’m very happy to return to warmer weather and the beauty of South Africa’s natural world.

Perhaps on the minds of many people is a sentiment about the coming end of 2020 and hope for better days in 2021. While that January 1st cross-over date is a product of western-society’s human imagination and an oddly structured calendar, the heralded date represents a societal event triggering many hopes, dreams, commitments, beginnings and endings and a wide array of other cultural events. Remember last January 1 and your thoughts about 2020? Sure seems like years ago!

Yet on the astrological calendar and other oracle based systems, the coming Solstice represents one of the premier events of an astrological year. For this day signals the energetic shift from one season to another, as well as setting the tone/theme for the ensuing season.

This year, the run up to the Solstice and the new season is quite compelling, and not surprisingly, intense. This is already evident in current events.

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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 for family and friends are available too! 

Great changes present life changing opportunities. My personal astrological counseling session helps you create meaningful strategies for adapting and shifting with the current powerful planetary cycles. Schedule TODAY your appointment!]

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We begin with December 14th and the New Moon in the fire sign of Sagittarius the Archer. Timing: occurs in South Africa at 6:16 pm; East Coast US at 11:16 am, 8:16a on the West Coast, and on the 22nd in Western Australia east to the International Date Line. As always, everyone will experience this event in the same moment. This the last New Moon of the current season. It also occurs near the South Lunar Nodal point in Sagittarius, triggering the only total solar eclipse of 2020.  

The eclipse track starts in the eastern part of the South Pacific, passes over parts of Chile and Argentina before ending at sunset near the coasts of Namibia/Southern Africa. This potent visual will be available on line. While having nowhere near the same energetic impact as witnessing this grand spectacle live, seeing it through the medium of the internet does connect you more tangibly to the “as above, so below” mysteries that are an intrinsic mystical glue in the Universe. Here in the western part of South Africa, the sun will be 60% eclipsed at sunset. Of the many sky events I have witnessed, never before have I seen a setting eclipsed Sun. I’ll post a pic on my Instagram account on Tuesday.

A total solar eclipse is a strong harbinger of coming events. It signals an introspective and reflective period over the next few months, as well as placing a strong emphasis on that lunation’s overall theme. Also, it's not uncommon for strong earth changes such as storms, volcanic eruptions, earthquakes etc. to occur during the two weeks after a total solar eclipse. Before I get to specifics about the New Moon and coming Solstice, I want to direct my focus to…

The completion of Mars' retrograde cycle in its home sign of Aries (a rare retrograde placement for Mars). As Mars slowly transits from its station direct point of November 13th (just a month ago, although it sure seems longer!!), it now creates once again strong angular aspects to Jupiter, Saturn and Pluto. This cycle has unsurprisingly proven to be quite the intense period of change and limitation. And equally, it's one of the more profound cycles I have tracked on a global, social and personal level since Pluto entered Capricorn 12 years ago.

To avoid going over the very same ground about the planetary patterns involving Mars, Jupiter, Saturn and Pluto I covered in earlier blogs, I encourage you to reread my blog of July 21st, especially the part about Mars’ retrograde and the coming together of the outer planets. Much of what I shared there has come to pass. Yet amazingly, the most intense phase of this pent up retrograde energy is about to occur over the next 3 weeks. 

Intense times requires introspection, measured responses, clarity of purpose and courage. It’s a profound time of growth, uneasiness, determination, and a willingness to re-attune/realign with your soul’s calling and your defined life path as set out in your natal chart.

Which brings me to the current moment: on November 29th, Mars, ever so slowly coming out of its retrograde, began an expanding closing square with Pluto, Jupiter and Saturn (think of a tightening vice). That building energy now continues to intensity through this New Moon eclipse while increasing more so as the Solstice nears a week later. In short, just as a weather forecast tells you a storm is brewing, expect turbulent times over the next few weeks.

AstroActivator© by Kathryn Andren

On the Solstice, Mars in Aries will reach an exact square with Pluto in Capricorn (it’s third and last square since early August). This intensity continues until Mars leaves its home sign for earthly Taurus on January 7th. Donald Trump’s difficult Saturn/Venus natal conjunction in the sign of Cancer has been heavily aspected by this melt-down effect. His response/actions to this intensity speaks for itself - sort of swinging at shadows in a dimly lit room.

Because the Mars/Pluto focus here is the very awkward exchange between Aries (starting something new, achievement, assertive, aggressive) and Capricorn (politics, law, rules, organization, business), this particular square dynamic further sharpens the contrast or critical tension between these two forces. Add a strong Neptune sextile to Pluto from the realm of Pisces, and confusion about facts and reality itself can abound. For example, the wide array of assertions about the US elections and alleged fraud that now dominate the news cycles are a product of this mix. Remember too, Mercury stationed direct exactly on the US election day. Ergo, never underestimate the Universe's propensity to change the course of plans, organizations, structures and initiatives.

When Pluto entered Capricorn in 2008, it signaled the beginning of a massive shift from the Capricorn-based Industrial Revolution to a more Aquarian-type reality. Yet, that shift doesn’t happen in one moment. There’s a process that unfolds over time.  For example, in 1776, the American Revolution occurred as Pluto positioned at the very end degrees of Capricorn. In 1777, Pluto moved into Aquarius. 12 years later, the French Revolution occurred. As with the birth of any progressive or social movement signaling great change, there exist strong social adjustments in the human element whose combined actions are quite unpredictable. We are in that era of strong unscripted adjustments, which will continue well into the next decade. 

Pluto-type transformative purges begin by demonstrating what exactly will change. In 2008 the great economic collapse occurred. It was also the year Barrack Obama was elected US President. Such events are symbols of the old Capricorn and the new Aquarius rather than the structure itself or even the person exemplifying the new wave. 

The next phase of a Pluto-type transformation is expansion, contraction, expansion etc, much like a bubble growing in size, bursting, then increasing again. We witness that today in the world stock markets. Everyone knows the bubble will eventually pop when it reaches a critical tension point. The bigger and more ambiguous question is “when?”.

Current events on a global scale reflect the continued eventual implosion of all things “old Capricorn”, making way for a very different world. Some call it the coming of the Age of Aquarius. But doing so widely misses the mark. 

Archetypal Pluto’s ingress into Aquarius (in part 2023/fully 2024) brings a lot of power into the water-bearer sign. I think it is a huge fallacy to believe such a period represents the grand merging of the collective into some utopian age (similar to beliefs shared back at December 12, 2012). Rather, the broader Aquarius themes of social justice, social equality, technology, progressive thinking etc. are the hot-button topics that will become more intense because of archetypal Pluto’s influence starting in 2023, Aquarius' rulers Uranus in Taurus through 2025, Saturn in Aquarius through 2023, and Jupiter in Aquarius in 2021. 

Remember, Pluto dynamics fuel a purging and eventual transformation of any individual's life at a personal, social and generational level into something unexpected and upgraded. It's akin to the Phoenix rising from the ashes in a wholly new and unanticipated form. Importantly, younger generations (born after the mid-90’s when Uranus entered its home sign of Aquarius) are energetically wired for these profound unfolding changes. And the expression of their collective energy will be an inherent part of these shifts. This is evident already in the actions of teens and young adults, such as 17 year old climate activist Greta Thunberg in Finland. And there are many more like her in this generational range.

At this moment, I think it somewhat speculative to predict how current events will unfold over the coming weeks and into the season ahead. However, if the current US Presidential legal and political challenges, England and the European Union’s Brexit woes, world economic headwinds, an awakening China, global social unrest, spectacular technological achievements, the pandemic resurgence around the globe as well as the rush to provide a vaccine are any indication, these trends and related other events will continue to be a significant focus over at least the next three to six months due to the New Moon’s eclipse influence. More so, these trends will set the stage for Pluto’s final passage in Capricorn in 2023 and what is to unfold during Pluto’s passage in Aquarius through 2043.

Lastly, on January 2nd, Mars leaves the retrograde shadow it entered on July 25th, which should further free up the stagnant/restrained energy that has been part of the retrograde cycle for the past 5 months. How will society utilize this pent up energy remains to be seen. 

On a personal level, what have you learned, or discovered about yourself over that period? For me, it has been a deepening of trust, allowing, and a willingness to move where the energy feels most fluid and engaging.

That Mars will soon enter Taurus indicates its Aries retrograde learning will be best applied to the Taurus qualities of self esteem, what you value, possessions, money and the physical strength of the human body. The 5-month retrograde period represents a foundation for such focus. Yes, 2020 has been stressful, yet it has abruptly stopped the world society in its tracks to ponder what type of future we want to create, especially one in harmony with the planet’s natural forces and environment. And most especially, this stopage poses the question about what are we willing to do as a world society to effect such massive change in our life styles.

With all that said…

1. this coming eclipsed New Moon occurs in fiery Sagittarius, positioning near Galactic Center and Mercury and in square to Neptune in Pisces. Sagittarius quests for the truth. Its shadow influence in square to Neptune creates a stark yet nebulous contrast between what is actually fact as a basis for truth (Sagittarius’ quest) versus what is conspiracy-driven illusions and deceptions (Neptune’s shadow foray). That Mercury positions in the glare of the Sun and in square to Neptune indicates clear communication is strongly challenged in the coming days. Further, this dichotomy occurs against the backdrop of the aforementioned closing square between Mars, Jupiter, Saturn and Pluto. These combinations set the stage for…
2. the Solstice arriving on the 21st at just past noon in South Africa; 5:02 am on the East Coast US, 2:02 am on the US West Coast, and 10:02 GMT. In addition to Mars/Pluto square, both Sun and Mercury position at 0° of Capricorn, and Jupiter and Saturn at 0° of Aquarius. Here, effective communication is challenged in the coming days due to Mercury’s superior conjunction with the Sun. Further, Venus in Sagittarius finds renewed individuated, fearless strength in its trine to Chiron (healing) in Aries. At the New Moon Venus positioned at the very end degrees of Scorpio. She now brings that Plutonian quality into her Sagittarian quest for truth regardless of the consequences. Lastly, the Moon in Pisces at first quarter, creates a direct sextile to Pluto while in square to the previous eclipsed New Moon. These aspects bring a renewed focus to the plight of humanities less fortunate, and an urgent need to find greater compassion through strength with our fellow humans. It also is a portal for connecting with your soul essence (Neptune) through quiet, meditative time. As an overall theme, this Solstice period raises the bar for steps society must take to become more humanistic, compassionate and inclusive in the coming years. And to further clarify this Solstice theme, the “as above, so below visual” of… 
3. 
   Saturn/Jupiter nearly merging visually in the western sky after sunset on the Solstice (as close as they have been (1/10°) since the 1600’s) stands as a moving symbol for the days ahead. Given Saturn’s much dimmer appearance (due to its significantly greater distance beyond Jupiter), you will probably need binoculars to appreciate the apparent closeness of these two planets. Also visually, this will not be a “Star of Bethlehem moment” as some have suggested. Even combined, Jupiter/Saturn’s brightness will not come close to say Venus’ usual brightness. Also look for the waxing crescent Moon to create a tight triangle with this duo on the 17th adding a lot of emotional energy to the day. Energetically, this combination of Saturn/Jupiter...
4. immediately triggers a strong square with out-of-the-blue, lightning-bolt like Uranus (ruler of Aquarius) in Taurus. From an astrological perspective, that square cycle portends strong Earth changes (Taurus) possibly involving climate and/or solar dynamics, and a heightened Aquarius focus (Jupiter expands) towards current social inequities around the globe. In that regard it helps to look back a bit when… 
5. Saturn entered Aquarius for 3 months this past March and created a square dynamic with Uranus without expansive Jupiter in the mix. That period was a time of global social demonstrations unlike anything seen since the mid-to-late 1960’s and the Virgo conjunction of Uranus/Pluto. The unified power of the people brought a defining focus to issues of self-worth, values, social justice and equality as well as a fair degree of mayhem. The coming period of reigniting that flame represents a strong indicator of what to expect in general from Saturn’s Aquarius transit through March 2023. Given Jupiter’s expansive energy joining this cycle in its initial stages, and in square to Uranus, strong shifts and some upheaval in 2021 are strong possibilities. And in all respects remember…
6. specific astrological events, such as Saturn/Jupiter combined ingress into Aquarius on the Solstice, are not islands unto themselves. Astrology is an understanding of the entire picture that involves all the component parts of the astrological realm woven into broad and grand themes whether it is an event such as a lunation or solstice etc., or your own natal chart. Focusing on just one aspect instead of the whole is akin to telling someone you are a Libra because you were born when the Sun was transiting that sign. By saying such, you are literally ignoring the overall essence and life path you were born to experience and share with the world through your gifts and talents. 

 Eclipsed New Moon design by
Joseph Mina

Reflection Suggestions for the New Moon and Solstice periods:

- What do I want to create in the coming season that aligns with my deeper soul intentions? 

- What do I most value in life, and how do I want to express those values in the coming days?

- How can I strengthen my body-core energies now into 2021 to better align with the Earth's rapidly changing vibration? 

- And for parents raising children, how can I help my child do the same? 

Conclusion: When I set out to write this blog, I intended to keep it short. Ha! But quickly, I realized that the complexity of the current transits required a more detailed explanation: a shortened version would simply not make sense. And while I would like to write about an expansive, uplifting focus for the coming year, the current planetary cycles, just like a year ago, simply do not support such a perspective. Rather, the coming twelve months are much more of a reorganizational and reevaluation phase as we move further from the intensity of Jupiter/Saturn/Pluto in Capricorn. Nonetheless, important growth, meaningful choices and a call to purposeful service await in the coming year. In that respect, I encourage you to make worthwhile commitments at the Solstice for the coming season and beyond. This is the time for which we have been born. May we serve the highest purpose of all concerned.

And in the spirit of service, patriot and retired Brigadier General Chuck Yeager, who was the first pilot to break the sound barrier in level flight and set a world speed record in flight, died on December 7 at the age of 97. His courage to face adversity in flight is renowned. When confronted with death as his jet shook relentlessly nearing the sound barrier, he increased his speed with the words "throttle up". The rest is history. With his Mars in Aries, and an Aquarian Sun and Moon, he certainly had the energetic right stuff to go beyond the barriers presented by the Earth's physical elements. May this galactic warrior serve in new and creative ways in his next assignment. RIP.

I welcome your comments below.

Many blessings for this holiday season.

Sat Nam

Starman, Joseph Mina

December 13, 2020

Stellenbosch, South Africa

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

Total Solar Eclipse Super New Moon March 8...Pisces Flood

"Infuse your life with  action. Don't wait for it to happen. Make it happen. Make your own  future. Make your own hope. Make your own love. And whatever your  beliefs, honor your creator, not by passively waiting for grace to come  down from upon high, but by doing what you can to make grace happen...  yourself, right now, right down here on Earth." Bradley Whitford, Actor and Political Activist

#supermoon #totaleclipse #PiscesNewMoon

Aloha Everyone

This update is rather out of the blue...in fact, quite Uranian. I haven't created an update here for a year as I have focused on other pursuits instead of astrology writing. Yet thanks to a rather recent and persistent voice in my head, I’ve decided to weigh-in on today’s significant total solar eclipse. That voice was fueled in part by a very recent unexpected last minute astrology consultation for a new client whose significant Piscean natal aspects just happened to be exact to this eclipse position.

As an aside, I'll surprisingly drop-in here once in a while as the spirit moves or nudges me, offering my Aquarius big picture thoughts about certain significant astrological events. If you are looking for the astrological nitty-gritty (usually Virgo types do), there are plenty of other astrologers writing on a much more frequent basis. An internet search will hook you up with them.

Before I get to the eclipse, I want to mention I expect 2016 will prove to be more intense than the

Total Solar Eclipse and Equinox: March 20: A hui hou

"The Road goes ever on and on
Down from the door where it began.
Now far ahead the Road has gone,
And I must follow, if I can,
Pursuing it with eager feet,
Until it joins some larger way,
Where many paths and errands meet.
And whither then? I cannot say."

Bilbo's Poem by Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings

We arrive at the total solar eclipse of the Pisces New Moon occurring just 13 hours before the Vernal Equinox.  Quite rare to have a total solar eclipse coincide with the March change of seasons. Only 4 more times will this event occur in this Century.

By contrast, and to underscore the rarity of this cycle, the last series occurred in the 1600 's. Yes...rare indeed. But not as rare as one other facet of this eclipse cycle. This eclipse will end at the North Pole, where the Moon's umbral shadow will be followed by the rising Sun in Aries!  You literally have to go back or forward thousands of years to find a solar eclipse  ending at the North Pole at the Vernal Equinox. Such magical times we live in...magical times!

Adding more energy to the mix, this New Moon is the 3rd of 3 Super New Moons in 2015. Perigee Moons are symbolic of a higher or stronger vibration driving the lunation's theme. So all in one day, we have a Super New Moon eclipse, the start of a new season, the start of the astrological year, and another saros 18 year eclipse cycle beginning. That's a lot of new energy to arrive on your doorstep. Hence, the energetic field is very ripe for starting something new, or enhancing your creativity.

For the eclipse, the Sun/Moon positions at the very end degree of Pisces. In part, Pisces signifies the ending of the Zodiac. It's where the energy from the 11 other astrological vibrations comes together to become one. Hence, see this time symbolically as one of unifying and completing a huge cycle of the past 2,000+ years. This points energetically towards humanity slowly leaving the Piscean Age, moving towards a much more Aquarian futuristic vibration of social equality, justice and technological breakthroughs.

AstroActivators© 2002 by Kathryn Andren

The most important component of this lunation is the recent last square of Uranus and Pluto, which occurred just 4 days ago. This coincided with massive solar flares directed towards Earth, disrupting communications in parts of the Earth  Uranus vibe is the shock to the senses for something new...Pluto is the force that melts down what no longer works. While the effect of these 2 transformative archetypes initiated in 2011 continues into 2018, an opportunity exists NOW to use this dynamic fuel by embracing a new way of expressing and sharing your gifts in the world.

More so, this potent transformative rocket fuel further energizes this solar eclipse vibration taking its imagery, symbolic nature, and potential into a much bigger arena embracing all cultures in the world.

Lastly, Solar eclipse periods take you inward to explore new avenues wanting to be fueled or expressed and activated. This is a powerful time to visualize new beginnings and initiatives while letting go of that which no longer serves your highest intentions for being on this planet NOW!

Conclusion:

Self-Portrait, Kyoto Japan May 2014

As I shared almost a month ago, the Pisces New Moon marks the completion or ending of my Astrological Updates, as well as my actively seeking new work in the astrological realm. I love astrology. It comes so easy to me. And I have felt so grateful to be able to share its magic with others, as well as use its guidance for making choices in my life. And yet, I realize stronger inner voices call me to embrace a new style of creativity. While at least for the foreseeable future I'll continue to offer astrological consultations for anyone who asks, I will no longer advertise or promote my astrological services. Also, I'll continue to talk about the astrological cycles (how can I not???) to groups, but only in concert with other pursuits of mine such as photography and bodywork.

I first started writing Astrology Updates back in 2002. It's been a good run. Over the next few months I will reorganize my life to match my new direction. Possibly, I'll return to this type of forum to share my photographic perspectives of the natural world and their underlying spiritual connection. That's one of a number of possibilities I'm now considering. In all respects "and wither than I cannot say" certainly applies here.

At this moment, I'm in Denver to attend an amazing weekend healing and growth event called AWE through the magical work of Donald Epstein DC. Then, one day after the weekend event, I'm off to the Cape area of South Africa and Zimbabwe to see the massive Mosi-oa-Tunya waterfalls...translated "the smoke that thunders" (also known as Victoria Falls). I'll return to the United States in mid-April, where I'll spend a week in California. There, Stephanie Bridwell, an amazing chiropractor, and I will lead a "Gateway to the Soul Healing Day". It's a powerful time and opportunity to receive bodywork through the feminine and masculine touch in a group setting. If interested, contact Magnolia Wellness Center for more details.

I feel so excited about the opening of these new doors. May the same Aries surge bring you new opportunities, insights and renewed passion on whatever path you walk. I wish you all the best life has to offer in this time of massive transformation and significant global shifts.

As we say out here in Hawaii, "a hui hou" (a-hoo-eee hoe). Until we meet again.

Sat Nam

Aloha from Denver Colorado
Starman, Joseph Mina
March 19, 2015
©Gemini Awakening 2015 all rights reserved

Astrology Forecast November 2013: Scorpio Season and a Solar Eclipse

“I was born on the night of Samhain, when the barrier between the worlds is whisper-thin and when magic, old magic, sings its heady and sweet song to anyone who cares to hear it.”
― Carolyn MacCullough, Once a Witch

AstroActivators© 2001 Kathryn Andren Mina

This is the November 2013 Gemini Awakening Astrology Update

The season of Scorpio offers opportunities to see beneath the surface of things, deepen emotional connection and reassess how we value our shared resources.

In the Northern Hemisphere, the leaves fall to the ground this time of the year, sometimes blazing in rich colors. Eventually this earthly gift returns or merges into the soil. And so it is with the vibration of Scorpio. The fading and ending of one form portends a merging and new beginning. The combination of the Sun, Saturn and Mercury Retrograde this month further amplify this process of the old merging into the new. In this vibration, everything becomes amplified...magnified...and issues of trust take center stage. Who can you trust?

Scorpio energy plunges to the depths of any situation. There is nothing boring about Scorpio. It is high octane fuel and full of life force. Yet, its shadow side may be even more potent than what is revealed on the surface. That edgier aspect sometimes is revealed in rather intense ways.

A Totally Taurus Time: Taurus New Moon, Solar Eclipse May 9

AstroActivators© 2001 Kathryn Andren Mina

May is the month for the Zodiac signs of Taurus and Gemini. In 2013, May begins with 4 planets in Taurus and ends with four planets in Gemini. There are two eclipses this month, beautiful pairings of planets, plus on May 20 and 21 is the exact epic cycle of Uranus Pluto Square. Sun and Mars together in Taurus provides fuel for motivation and achievement through mid May. On May 9th Moon meets Mercury and Mars just before conjoining the Sun at the Taurus New Moon.

The Taurus New Moon creates an Annular Solar Eclipse at 20° Taurus (New Moon is 2:28 pm Hawaiian time).  What can we expect with Mars, Mercury, Moon and a Solar Eclipse so close to each other in the Zodiac sign of Taurus? Perhaps there may be more emotional and direct communication about what you truly value this week.

Additional fuel is available to explore the realms of art, beauty and creativity. Taurus is the first Earth sign so it relates to all things sensual and the body.

Since this annular eclipse is near the south node, it illuminates issues from the past. What inside holds me back from experiencing passion, abundance, sensuality or creativity?  The Taurus New Moon Solar eclipse offers an invitation to examine any way you have held onto material objects, thoughts or ideas for the sake of comfort and security.  Patience and practicality are Taurus traits. Perhaps ask

Total Eclipse Scorpio New Moon: Revelations 101

Three things cannot be long hidden: the Sun, the Moon and the truth.
Buddha

I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word.
Martin Luther King 

©AstroActivator by Kathryn Andren Mina
all rights reserved

Aloha from Tokyo, Japan 

Life has moved at a very rapid pace since the Taurus Full Moon. Perhaps the current Mercury Retrograde bridging life force Scorpio and truth driven Sagittarius has something to do with it. Nonetheless, today marks the Scorpio New Moon, one that sends the shadow of the Moon earthbound. Yes, a total eclipse of the Sun greets this day adding another layer of energy to a conundrum of recent news events that seem stranger and stranger.

Eclipse energy induces shifts and changes over the subsequent 6 months. For example, consider the changes that have occurred in your life since the last major eclipse cycle this past May. This one will be no different in its intensity. Its passage will be over the eastern parts of northern Australia and the South Pacific before ending at sunset over southern Argentina. This is a good