Solstice December 2022: Transitioning from 2022 to 2023

"And one has to understand that braveness is not the absence of fear, but rather the strength to keep on going forward despite the fear." Paulo Coelho, Author (1947 - )

"History doesn't repeat itself, but it often rhymes." Mark Twain

Greetings from the Western Cape of South Africa

Before starting this blog, I had a read of my last two entries here (Dec 2021 and April 2022). I know, it's been awhile. Blame my Aries North Node. 😉

Last December, then again in April, I wrote 2022 would be an intense year, literally building on the very intensity spawned in late 2019 through 2021. Intensity always implies growth, increased heat, and unforeseen challenges. Without tension, nothing grows; nothing evolves. The next three years will add to this intense period, as Pluto and Neptune move through the final degrees of Capricorn and Pisces, respectively.  How that energetically unfolds depends on how humanity responds. Surprises abound in this Universe.

More immediate focus here is the coming Solstice followed 2 days later by the Capricorn New Moon. Ready to dive in?

At the Sun standstill (Solstice), in this case the Sun's most southern point along the horizon, the Sun rises and sets around the same time for 3 days. In an "as above, so below" sense, it's a time to standstill, i.e. reevaluate, renew, and as needed, redirect your creative and/or organizational pursuits for the next steps on your life journey in this coming new season.

And with every change of season, the natal chart for that changeover becomes a helpful guide for navigating what is now a fast moving energy field. In that respect, Gemini, the sign of the playful trickster and spontaneous shifts, will add more unpredictable mojo to this period.
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Life Path Astrology Consultations: As 2023 rapidly nears, deepen your understanding of your natal birth chart along with a look ahead to 2023 and how to best navigate the planetary cycles of the coming year. I am available on a limited basis 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!

__________________________________

Helderberg Mountain Gold by Joseph Mina

Here's the big picture:

Second Solstice of 2022 arrives UT 21:48 on December 21 (Hawaii 11:48 HST, 13:48 PST) east to South Africa/mid/western Europe 23:48 SAST), and on the 22nd from Moscow east to International Date Line.

Capricorn New Moon positions at 2° Capricorn on the 23rd, just 2 days after the Solstice, just 16 minutes past the midnight hour in Hawaii. Then on the US East Coast EST 05:16; W Europe 12:16; UT 10:16. 

In the interlude between these two events, early on the 23rd, the Moon transits across the Galactic Center in late degrees of Sagittarius. This is one way the Universe reminds us through the sky story to employ Sagittarius ideals of courage, determination, and integrity in the coming season as it applies to Capricorn themes of rules, politics, law, business and economic matters.

At this Solstice/New Moon you are reminded in this time of great upheaval and shift:

- "you are not alone".

- there is a "Universal method to this apparent madness" flowing in your and others lives. Yes, we are all affected by the significant changes on Earth, whether we are aware of these changes or not.

- "power in numbers" remains a viable transformative tool for challenging established paradigms of outdated beliefs and social mores (eg young women protests in highly secular Iran).

And here are other details for the Solstice and New Moon:

The New Moon square to Jupiter in Aries and Ceres in Libra (ever-expansive Jupiter reentered the sign of the Ram on December 20th after a short return to Pisces; Ceres entered Libra December 7th). 

This angular combination at the very beginning of these cardinal signs, referred to as a T-square, implies novelty, i.e. surprises. It also encourages using discretion and due diligence as important tools in the coming months. Jupiter in Aries left to itself is quite rambunctious and uncontrollable.The massive reorganization now taking place in the Crypto Markets due to the collapse of one of its major trading hubs is one example of Aries enthusiasm being ultimately affected by a retrograde Mars in Gemini, and subsequently reined by Capricorn diligence. 

By contrast, Ceres at the very beginning degree of Libra, the planetary archetype of nurturing behaviors towards self and others, gives added emphasis toward developing or strengthening connections in your life. That uptick in energy will prove empowering as long as it comes from a nurturing place. The key here is focusing on what brings life to your relationships, while being in alignment with your direction and purpose. Equally, perfect timing for reflecting whether certain relationships continue to feel nurturing to you. Last time Ceres transited Libra was in 2018.

Mars Retrograde

Mars Retrograde: Back in late August, Mars first transited into the sign of Gemini. Approximately every 2-1/2 years, Earth moves in between the Sun and Mars. That positioning is referred to as a Mars opposition. As seen in the image to the right, whenever Mars moves into opposition from speedier Earth's perspective, it appears to be moving backwards against the sky background. That effect, in an "as above, so below" context, denotes a retrograde period. 

It is at opposition that Mars rises and sets opposite to the Sun. 

Mars, as the ruling energy of both Aries (modern) and Scorpio (ancient - i.e. before the discovery of Uranus, Neptune and Pluto) is bold, quick to anger, loves to play, has a short attention span at times, triggers deeper desires of passion and achievement, and likes to move on a spur-of-the-moments notice. When Mars turns retrograde, this active Aries/Scorpio mojo becomes much more internal, introspective and intense. Also, deadlines, engagements, work assignments, creative endeavors become fodder for changeable events. 

chart design by Joseph Mina

To better understand how this significant cycle plays against the background of your natal chart, note the astrological house where Mars transits in your chart. That's step one, For me, that would be the 10th house of career and the 11th house of groups and associations, one of my strongest interests. In step two, note where the signs of Scorpio ♏️ and Aries ♈️ appear at the opening degree of two specific houses. For me that's the 4th house of my private life, home, family and community, and the 9th house of travel, higher education, higher mind, philosophy and a spiritual quest. Such placements have mirrored my internal processes and external efforts, as I continue to reorganize from significant changes in my career approach since late 2019. More on that later.

In the sign of Gemini, the above chart analysis applies to matters of communication, networking, spontaneity (changeable), acting, music and a mix of sorrow and humor. As Gemini is a mutable (changeable) sign, which also includes Virgo/Sagittarius/Pisces, anyone with significant mutable placements in their natal chart will feel this Mars/Gemini vibration even more strongly than others.

When Mars approaches its opposition with the Sun, it remains in the same sign, or sometimes tracks between 2 signs for around 7 months!. That's a long time to be in an energy pattern, especially in this case: unpredictable-like Gemini. And to make it even more unpredictable, this Mars retrograde back on October 30th commenced by creating a square with nebulous Neptune in its home sign of Pisces. That combination has spawned an increase in misinformation during the retrograde cycle, as well as darker secrets being revealed in unpredictable ways. The sudden collapse of the crypto exchange FXT, where billions of investor funds vanished, is one example of a Gemini Mars and Pisces Neptune working in combination (eg bursting the delusional bubble). 

Other recent examples include Elon Musk's Twitter purchase having a significant negative impact on the shares of his Tesla electric car company; England's Prime Minister Liz Truss lasting in office for just 44 days due to economic upheaval triggered by her economic policies; massive social protests in the unlikeliest of places (China, Iran, and Russia); unexpected USA midterm election results and drawn-out vote tabulation; and Peru's President being quickly ousted from office, then arrested for attempting to ignore the Constitution. These are just a few of the many examples appearing recently in the news. Quick, unexpected changes and reversals are the common thread here.

Mars will end its retrograde movement on January 12th when it stations direct at 8° Gemini. The entire retrograde cycle will come to a close on March 16th. As lessons from this cycle are reviewed in the direct motion period, I suspect more political and economic upheaval around the world will mark the headlines into March. There's simply a lot of angst in the ethers, and its being vented in many ways.  

And finally…

...Mercury Retrograde is upon us. This cycle began on December 12th, when Mercury passed its station direct point at 8° Capricorn. Between the 12th and 29th, Mercury builds a tension pattern (finding communication challenging these days?) to bring the conversation to all things Capricorn (rules, politics, business, organizational matters, efficiency and even high achievement tendencies). As Mercury rules Gemini, this Capricorn reset/review brings Mars and its ongoing Gemini/Pisces themes into the conversation. The overall effect is to amplify both of these cycles. Confusion and reversals may prove to be the dominant January themes. Also, unexpected opportunity will be there too as you discover a new sense of inner power that rises from a place of internal grace, rather than stress.

This Mercury Retrograde begins in trusty Capricorn with a conjunction to Venus and Pluto lurking nearby. Back at the end of 2021, a similar setup of these very same planetary actors occurred toward the end of the year to herald the Venus Retrograde. That retrograde brought heightened focus to values, money, possessions and self-esteem, which proved to be significant themes in 2022. Venus in Capricorn is energetically akin to the Queen Bee. The hive is her domain. This Mercury Retrograde will focus on how you communicate your values, self-worth, money, and possessions (Venus themes) from an empowered place (Pluto). See below for suggested themes for reflection.

Mercury turns direct on January 18th at 8° Capricorn, and at the same degree marker as Mars in Gemini, which turned direct 6 days earlier. So essentially, both planets are going to move forward (that's progress) in an odd tandem connection (quincunx) until the end of January. By then, Mercury's greater speed starts to create separation from Mars. Quite a unique combination, especially as this dynamic serves as a strong indicator at the Solstice for what to expect in the energetic flow for at least the first month of the new season. Again, focus on communications in the context of unpredictable shifts and changes of fortune occurring in your life.

On my next blog (sometime in January), I'll present the various cycles of 2023, including Pluto's first ingress into Aquarius in over 250 years!, a significant nodal change from Taurus/Scorpio to Aries/Libra, a late July Venus Leo retrograde, Saturn's entrance into Pisces (last time was in 1993-95), four solar/lunar eclipses, and Jupiter's entry into Taurus (last passage was late 2011-2012). Powerful year of transition ahead.

Looking a little further ahead, from indicators marking the planetary movements in the solar system relative to Earth's perspective, the next three years will be profound: empowerment, Earth changes, financial freedom, and social justice and equality will be on the front burner around the globe. This is especially true while Pluto and Neptune cover the final degrees of Capricorn (through early 2025) and Pisces (through 2026), respectively. A transit or natal placement in the late degrees of a sign gives added significance to the archetypal themes of that sign. What makes this energetic ground so transformative and intense is the energetic shift beginning in August 2025 in elemental energy. I'll save that part for the next update.

For now, here are suggestions for the coming Solstice:

-What do I want to expansively create and manifest in the coming season? (Jupiter/Aries)
-How effectively do I communicate what I value? (Mercury retrograde)
-What changes can I now employ to strengthen my ability to manifest (Mars/Gemini)
-How do I envision being of meaningful service to others in 2023 (Saturn/Aquarius)
-What structural parts of my life am I ready to end in the coming season? (Pluto/Capricorn)
-How can I add more value to my career aspirations? (Venus/Capricorn)
-What steps am I ready to take to deepen my connection to my soul path? (Neptune/Pisces)
-What is required on my part now to strengthen myself for a new season? (Uranus/Taurus)

Conclusion: The significant increase in polarity during 2022 points to an increase in tension for 2023. On a personal level, I sure have felt it. Since late 2019, a building and sometimes brooding, sometimes depressing, and even ecstatic vibration has filled my being. 

I have had amazing interactions with the wild spinner dolphins while visiting Hawaii, have stood under jaw-dropping star-filled night skies in South Africa's Cederberg and Karoo mountain valleys while bathed in starlight, and have taken my photography interest to another level. Yet, simply attempting to write at times about the planetary transits has proven quite intensely activating and challenging. Last year for an entire week, every planetary position in my natal chart was aspected by one or more planetary transit. Others I speak with share similar tales of intensity, confusion, creativity, new beginnings and chaos flowing through their lives. With an Aries North Node that likes to move, having to surrender at times to a stronger flow has been humbling, yet strengthening too. I feel like the horse ready to run a race. With the north lunar node shifting into Aries next July, I sense a lot of forward momentum in the offing for many, especially those with strong placements in Cardinal Signs (Aries/Cancer/Libra/Capricorn. Last time the North Node moved through Aries was 2004-06.

Despite this planetary assault by all the outer planets in my natal chart (my interpretation 🤣), I have witnessed my intuitive and sentient abilities expanding (Rudolf Steiner refers to this emergence as the activation of one's super sensibilities),  I have become even more discerning about my choices, and significant changes have occurred in my approach to bodywork (more efficient and expansive, while focusing more so on the frequency at which various forms of life vibrate and how it's exponentially increasing. Feels like an inner rewiring has been taking place.

Back at the September Equinox, I wrote a three-part article on 21st Century Frequency. You can read it here: Part I - Part II - Part III.

And in the realm of frequency, the Sun is now waking from its Solar Minimum state. Increased sunspots and solar activity are strong signs of our day star building towards its expected 2025 Solar Maximum. Of late I have been watching Suspicious Observer's YouTube channel. Short, informative daily updates are provided about the current solar activity along with information about vibrational shifts from beyond the solar system influencing weather patterns, ocean currents, plus a lot more. Have a look.

Lastly, no matter one's lot in life, an extraordinary vibrational shift is now underway affecting all aspects of life on planet Earth. What this energetic sea change looks like on the other side continues to remain speculative. Shining and expanding your unique light, sharing your talents, being of compassionate service, and creating synergy with others represents a powerful life strategy for navigating these highly changeable times.

Once again, the saying "we are the answer to our prayers" comes to mind. We are here to serve a higher purpose in humanity's evolution. Old ways and rigid traditions are falling apart. A new world awaits that functions quite differently than the one to which we are accustomed. I see the period of 2019-2032 as significant bridge years, opening new doors of opportunity and grace for us and future generations. Crossing that bridge with awareness, purpose and determination requires courage and a resolve to participate in this paradigm shift.

And for those in northern climes, stay warm. Six months from now I'll be preparing for the winter here (much like San Diego's sunny and stormy cool days). It's such an inward time in many ways.

The weather here in the Western Cape of South Africa is almost at its summer peak. I love the early mornings, late afternoons and amazing sunsets this time of the year. Yet, the temperature range so far has been cooler than usual. We even had a winter like storm (in terms of its intensity) last weekend, that caused quite a bit of flooding in vulnerable areas in South Africa. The planet is sure alive and evolving too.

I'll post back here in January with a look at the aforementioned 2023 powerful planetary cycles. Optimum time now to dive deeper into your natal chart and transits with the assistance of a professional astrologer.  Schedule TODAY your appointment! I am honored to serve you while I have the available time. 

Comments are welcomed below (subject to moderation).

Wishing everyone many blessings during a meaningful holiday or festive season.

Sat Nam

Starman, Joseph Mina
December 20, 2022
Stellenbosch, South Africa

Gemini Full Moon and Solstice December 2021 - A Look Ahead

“Certainty is a closing of the mind. To create something new you must have uncertainty.” 
Milton Glaser - prominent 20th Century Graphic Designer (1929-2020)

"One cannot be prepared for something while secretly believing it will not happen."
Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela - former President of South Africa (1918-2013)

Summer musings on a Saturday from Stellenbosch, South Africa

It's been nearly 8 months since I last posted here. As I had already set out in earlier blogs my perspective for 2021's unfolding, I did not feel inspired to essentially write about the same themes over and over. However, more recently, the Gemini Full Moon and Solstice charts caught my attention. 

When I looked at these charts a few weeks ago I realized here was a new and significant wrinkle in this ever shifting fabric we call life. In short, these two charts are potent mirrors for how energy will flow in 2022.  Ready to dive in?

From my cosmic perch, 2021 has been quite a tumultuous year to date. And events sure mirror the strength of the related planetary cycles. On the last December Solstice, Jupiter and Saturn met at the very beginning degrees of Aquarius, which portended a renewed emphasis on the future, progressive ideals, expanding social media influences and societal change. Well...we're not quite there. While Pluto remains in Capricorn, it seems the requisite tension pattern necessary for a Plutonian meltdown is causing the progressive shifts to slow down. Nonetheless, Pluto's entrance into Aquarius in 2023 for a few months, then mostly in 2024, and fully in 2025 through 2043, will facilitate significant changes in this evolving Aquarius vibe.

But back to 2021...this year has proven to be much more socially challenging than 2020, something I saw as a strong potential back in January. That potential was dependent on social and generational actions during the first 6 months of the year. While 2020 became the year of the "great reset", 2021 has built on that reset with increased polarity, division and clamour for meaningful progressive change, or even fueled a strong uptick of rebelliousness. Ironically, these shifts have been stimulated by something unseen, namely a persistent virus that continues to adapt/mutate. In short, critical tension has continued to become stronger in the ethers. Ultimately such increased tension patterns may activate an energetic shift throughout the world whose very nature is simply beyond our current ability to grasp at this present moment in time.

We are now in the throes of strong archetypal planetary placements covering the range from Sagittarius to Gemini. Such placements are symbolic of a rapidly shifting and intensifying energetic landscape. Now more than ever, the only certainty is uncertainty. And that applies not only to 2022, but the next 10 years.
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Life Path Astrology Consultations: As 2022 rapidly nears, deepen your understanding of your natal birth chart along with a look ahead to 2022 and how to best navigate the planetary cycles of the coming 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!]

__________________________________

These are no ordinary times. I realize that's obvious to many, but it nonetheless warrants repeating. An ongoing and relentless global pandemic, intense weather phenomena and a disruption in the world's commerce and economic models mirror a volatile and highly changeable time. Where just three years ago change was not prominent on one's priority list, it now occupies most conversations and fuels many life-changing choices.

Behind this volatility lies major transformative astrological cycles. Such are akin to heralds portending huge shifts in consciousness and human interaction. 

These cycles include Saturn vs Uranus (old ways vs progressive ideals), which began in early 2021 and continues until the end of 2022; transformative Pluto in its last two years transiting what was once reliable Capricorn (now becoming a meltdown of structures and the reorganization of the functional, political and business worlds); and very nebulous Neptune continuing to transit its equally nebulous home sign of Pisces through 2026 (imagery, delusion, increasing uncertainty, compassion, sensitivity, deception (fake news), unseen forces such as viruses, and a desire for oneness). Any one of the above cycles would prove challenging. To have all three in play and in various levels of reception makes for an unprecedented transformative engine.

So what in the world is going on? 

In short...a lot! It's not until the end of 2022 that Saturn/Uranus move out of aspect; 2025 until Pluto moves fully into Aquarius; and 2025-26 until Neptune leaves Pisces for Aries.These three cycles are steering this transformative engine into unchartered waters. And in that vein I'll state right here: 2022 will prove more intense and transformative than 2020 and 2021. The 2022 cycles indicate such. 

These cycles point to immense changes affecting all aspects of life. Further, a shift in the lunar nodes from Gemini/Sagittarius to Taurus/Scorpio on January 18th of 2022 vividly underscores how this coming year will be driven by Taurus/Scorpio themes such as the Earth and her changes, our bodies, the very life force that sustains us and all the inherent challenges these themes can conjure. The big question: how do you re-organize your life in the coming days to attune and align with these on-going massive cycles at physical, emotional and mental levels?

Which brings me to the Gemini Full Moon and Solstice charts, and their interrelated themes.

First the Full Moon: 

Full Moon occurs on the 19th at 04:35 Universal Time (the window is 36 hours before and after exact). From central/eastern South America and far eastern Canada east to the International Date Line the Full Moon occurs on the 19th. From evening/late night on the 18th, the East Coast United States/Canada west to the International Date Line will herald the Full Moon. At that lunation, the Sun will be positioned in front of Galactic Center in late degree Sagittarius. By contrast, the Moon will be in opposite Gemini pointing in the opposite direction of galactic center. This placement is known in ancient lore as the "Gate of Man" or the "Silver Gate", a place marking the portal where new creative energies emerge; where souls enter the physical world. That's a potent vibration influencing your dreamtime as well as the Earth's ethers. 

Also, this Full Moon is just 2 days before the Solstice. It won't be until December 2040 such a close timing occurs again. 

Gemini is the shape shifter adapting readily to a changing landscape. Ruled by Mercury, Gemini also is the communicator, actor and transporter of information. Its mutable nature encourages us to be nimble and flow with change rather than getting stuck on what was. When Uranus ultimately transits Gemini in 2025, a new wave of communication will sweep through the consciousness. Perhaps such time will signal the emergence of telepathic abilities in children being born!

There are significant aspects in this Gemini Full Moon chart that warrant mentioning:

Venus Retrograde: on Full Moon day, Venus stations retrograde at 26°Capricorn and conjuncts transformative Pluto. That's quite an intense pairing. Here, this feminine archetype will begin a 40-day inward journey, ultimately appearing in the dawn sky on January 15th (heliacal rise), which signals a new Venus theme (Capricorn) for the ensuing 584 day Venus cycle. There will also be 2 conjunctions with Pluto: one during retrograde (Dec 25th) and during direct movement on March 3rd. The last one will also include Mars. That's quite the potent threesome.

Heretofore the Venus theme has been Gemini, due to its previous retrograde in that sign during 2020. Venus softens Capricorn and its hard-edge ways. One archetypal example would be the wisdom of the elder Grandmother/Grandfather present inside of each of us. This voice wants to be heard; wants to make a difference. Pluto helps by melting away resistance and obstacles.This exchange will pose quite the vivid contrast in styles. One example is the global attack on women's rights. Another, procedural steps being taken in the United States to make voting much more difficult, especially for less fortunate people. 

On January 29th, Venus stations direct motion at 11°Capricorn. On that date, the Moon will position at 27° Sagittarius - the exact degree of the Sun at this Full Moon. The Moon also positions at that same degree on January 1, 2022. Intentions seeded at this Full Moon may reveal their gifts and opportunities to you around those dates.

Venus themes include beauty, artistry, self-esteem and self-worth, our core values, money, possessions and 1:1 relationships. It is a feminine/yin/nurturing vibe, and so sorely needed in this tumultuous, patriarchal infused world. This western to eastern sky transit of Venus symbolizes the end and beginning; a death and rebirth. That it begins with Pluto in the conversation puts a strong, transformative exclamation mark on that theme. The world we once knew is disappearing/falling apart. What awaits us on the other side is yet to be revealed. The inner journey will lead the way. 

During this retrograde we have an opportunity to examine our core values about how we structure our world on a personal level. Are we congruent/authentic with those principles? With Pluto part of the mix, we are encouraged to go deep, perhaps down the rabbit hole, to examine what we truly value. This may prove to be quite a cathartic process, yet nonetheless essential as we move forward in a rapidly changing and somewhat compromised world society.

Also, on Full Moon day, Chiron whose focus is old wounding and its ultimate resolution, stations direct at 8° Aries. Chiron in Aries underscores the dilemma of individuation embraced/activated from a wounding experience(s). Such yields a false sense of self/survival yang tendencies. Venus, more a yin energy of varying degrees depending on its natal placement, wants to reclaim that ground, triggering an introspection about trust, intimacy, nurturing and safety: not only how these themes have challenged you in your life, but offering the opportunity to heal any wounding experiences, especially from your youth (Aries theme). This Chironic outer planetary energy points to generational and genetic themes inherent in all families and underscores patterns of abuse, control and survival. 

Venus retrograde will create a square with Chiron in Aries as it nears its station direct placement at the end of January. Given the Plutonian start to the retrograde, I would not be surprised to see protests on a large scale given the troubling abridgment of human rights occurring around the globe in 2020-21. When Mars catches up to add stronger emphasis to this square, a combustible combination will reveal itself for all to see.

On a broader scale, such social upheaval we now witness and experience across all walks of life represent the initial stages of reorganizing the energetic field into a much more trusting, inclusive vibration, while maintaining one's sense of self worth and related core values. Given the world's response to the ongoing viral surge, enacting such a shift will require a significant change in how individuals view their placement in the grander scheme of life. We are here to grow, risk and live passionately in authentic ways. While protecting self may seem like the best strategy at any given moment, such a choice runs counter to the Universal principles of entropy and growth. 

One specific suggestion related to the virus: start to see this virus as a creation of nature, whose primary role is to purge the energetic field of its human imposed disruptive energies (in the initial lockdown phases of March/April 2020, the Earth showed remarkable change in its waters and atmosphere as human activity came to a halt). Some say the virus was humanly created. While that may be ostensibly true, remember the Earth's elemental/natural forces work through our body and psyches whether we are conscious of it or not. And the Earth will have the last say about the human component on this planet regardless of our human interpretations and actions towards Nature itself.

Shifting to the Solstice chart

Sun moves to 0° Capricorn on December 21st at 15:59 UTC. Most of the world welcomes the Solstice on that date from 5:59 am in Hawaii to Central Asia just before midnight, or early on the 22nd from Eastern Asia to the International Date Line. On this day, Mercury positions at 12°Capricorn (just a degree from the eventual Venus station direct degree) while the Moon in Cancer creates an opposition to Venus/Pluto. Hence the overall emphasis for the ensuing season is Cancer: creating a healthy community, family and most especially new ways to nurture yourself and create a more nurturing reality. The contrast with Venus/Pluto may prove startling. Contrast always defines!

And again, given the current uptick in viral spread (this will continue throughout 2022), now more than ever it is paramount to take steps to strengthen your physical body's core energies through bodywork, pilates, yoga, physical exercise etc. Otherwise, attuning on a physical level to the emerging higher frequencies will prove more and more problematic and conflicted especially in 2023-2025.

Jupiter: on January 1, expansive Jupiter returns to its ancient home sign of Pisces (made a brief incursion during May/July) and will remain in Pisces until May 11, 2022. Jupiter expands all it touches. While usually very optimistic in its vibration, its overall effect has to be considered in the context of other interacting planetary energies. In this case, Jupiter meets Neptune on April 12th at 24°Pisces. Both archetypes rule Pisces. The last time Jupiter/Neptune met in Pisces was in 1856. Then, Florence Nightingale was emerging as a compassionate force amidst the horrors of on-going wars in eastern Europe. She was quite the Piscean archetype of compassion, mercy and forgiveness. 

Pisces in part mirrors such compassion and the plight imposed by suffering. Renewed focus from a Piscean lens will occur in the realm of forced immigrations and the related hardships imposed on those vulnerable souls living under tyranny and oppressive conditions, or who have been traumatized by war. It will also further amplify the conversation about the viral spread (Neptune rules the unseen, including viruses) now sweeping the globe. Back in March 2020, I wrote about the emerging COVID virus. I encourage you to have a read.

Mercury Retrograde:  On January 14th, Mercury will station retrograde at 10° Aquarius in conjunction with Saturn and square to Uranus in Taurus. And just 4 days later, Mercury's higher octave Uranus will station direct at 11° Taurus. Such shifts will raise the emotional temperature created by those clamoring for freedom, progressives wanting to move forward, and traditionalists who want to return to the "good old days". It will be quite the wild energetic ride during this period. Be very clear in your communications with others! Also, since Venus will also be in retrograde, signing of contracts, purchasing expensive items etc. are best delayed until March.

Mercury's retrograde over the ensuing 3 weeks will return to Capricorn (Jan 26th) to station direct on February 4th conjunct Pluto. This is where Venus began its retrograde journey and where the Sun was positioned at the beginning of Mercury's retrograde in Aquarius. That's a profound synchronicity. 

This cosmic meeting occurs just 6 days after Venus stations direct near Mars. When Mercury stations direct on February 4th, Sun in Aquarius will be at the exact degree of Saturn and square to Uranus. And again, that's quite a bit of intensity and will strongly mirror in the ensuing days political upheaval vs progressive initiatives around the world. There's no putting the genie back into the bottle. We can only work with a vibration if it's active. And that requires being pro-active in our quality of life choices. Growth or safety? Always a choice. They can't exist together.

Reflections for the Full Moon/Solstice:

- Do I value myself and the inner gifts I have brought into the world? 
- What needs to change in my life to deepen my appreciation of all that I am?
- What am I ready to change in my practical world to embrace a greater sense of self?
- What possessions am I ready to purge in order to ready myself for something new and uplifting?
- How do I want to be of compassionate greater service to others in the coming days?
- How can I create a more sustainable existence through my internal and external actions?

Conclusion:
It's always in the darkest hour that we are able to discover and embrace the light both within our psyches and externally. We are all connected in ways that transcend conscious thought. And therein lies the conundrum. As a global society, how do we create meaningful stability out of instability? How do we embrace the future with conviction and strength? How do we align with the tumultuous natural forces of this planet? How do we create a more sustainable world? 

The answer to these questions is paradoxical. The answers lie within but are revealed through the synergistic actions of the collective. This emerging Venus retrograde will underscore the power of meaningful relationships in our lives; how strength in numbers focusing on an enriched reality can move mountains and overcome seemingly impossible odds/obstacles. 

2022 will prove intense, yet offer expanded possibilities heretofore unseen. Trusting in yourself and others will be paramount during this time. It cannot be any other way.

I'll have more to share about the cycles of 2022 in a late January blog including Mars retrograde in October/November and a series of eclipses in May and November. Nonetheless, it's enough for the moment to focus on the current cycles at this Full Moon and Solstice time and work with their opportunistic offerings.

I welcome your comments below.

Sat Nam

Starman, Joseph Mina
December 18, 2021
Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa

Solstice Day December 21 2020: Aquarian Ideals into Action

 "God will not be recognized as a person, but God will be recognized as a primal truth and energy. The worship will change from a personified God to a more subtle truth, energy. It will not be a solar energy or a lunar energy; it will be the creative energy which is known as cosmos."
Harbhajan Singh Khalsa (Yogi Bhajan) (1929-2004)

Beginnings by
Starman, Joseph Mina

At the Solstice today, we begin a new energetic cycle; perhaps an uncharted direction in the coming three years. The cosmic wheel moves another notch ushering a new vibration into the expanding consciousness of humanity. Old traditional ways are disappearing; some gently, others not so gently. Yet disappear they must to make way for the new. Such is the power of these highly changeable times. The turning of the wheel. 

The first two decades of the 21st Century have been nothing short of transitional. Upheavals of traditions and structures, massive shifts and upgrades of technology, greater individual awareness of group consciousness, higher and expansive levels of collaboration, and a heightened sensitivity about the human role in this mystical elemental world represent strong telltale signs of bigger changes ahead in this decade.

Since 2000, there has been an approximate net increase in the world population of 1.7 billion. That's 1,700,000,000 in just 20 years. Early in 2021, the population will exceed 8 Billion. By contrast, just 200 years ago, the world population was estimated at 1 Billion (far less than added in the past 20 years!). This exponential growth continues to quicken adding unprecedented stress to the planet's eco-systems and the quality of life.

And with a rapidly increasing population a much greater awareness has emerged of our home planet and the Cosmos at large through developing technologies. Satellite and International Space Station observations and measurements provide us daily with a plethora of scientific information about the Earth, its weather and its geological changes. 

From this expanding awareness we have come to realize this planet has an enormous ability to effect massive, rapid shifts in the energetic field in which we live (viruses, earth changes etc). And very importantly, the very warning bells of building environmental stress, which were sounded back in the 1960's, now rapidly capture the attention and inspire action from a far greater number of people.

Last week I wrote about the recent eclipsed New Moon and today's Solstice. If you haven't done so, I suggest you read (or listen) to that account before going further here.

At this Solstice moment and over the next few days (just after noon in South Africa; midnight in Hawaii; 5:02 am on the East Coast US; 7:02 pm in Japan, and 10:02 UT) we now pause and reflect on the coming season - winter for the north; summer for the southern hemisphere.

So much opportunity now exists in the energetic field of possibilities due to massive changes (mostly unexpected) over the course of this past year. The bigger question: how will we use such change to effect a more positive, engaging, inter-connected and collective connection in the coming days?

Stretching Into the New
by Starman Joseph Min

Many people today will join in global meditation events, which I consider wonderful. Always a good thing when people come together to participate in something of an uplifting experience. By contrast, some tout such meditation events will help raise the vibration of the Planet. This is a good place for 🤦🏻‍♂️🤦🏻‍♂️(double head slap). It seems to me a bit arrogant to think the human species has ever possessed the ability or capacity to raise the vibration of a planet over 4.5 Billion years old. Personally, I think Gaia knows exactly how to shift its vibration, something it has done over 6 major extinction events. If anything, such heightened human attention would be much better spent attuning to the frequency of the Earth; simply listening/sensing rather concerning ourselves with how the Earth vibrates.

The Solstice chart for the coming season, as described in my previous blog, ushers in a new wave. Expansive Jupiter and structured Saturn coming together at the 0° point of Aquarius (closest they have been visibly seen in over 800 years) is telling, pointing to the potential for a much greater Aquarian existence over the next 20 years or so. And of course, Uranus, Aquarius' modern ruler, now transiting through Earth sign Taurus, will create strong squares with Jupiter and Saturn over the coming months to help reorganize/realign/further attune our own physical human vibration to the Earth's frequency. 

In that spirit, and despite everything we think we know about humanity and its evolution, the Earth and its natural energetic field, the Solar System inter-relationships, and the Cosmos at large, the grand design of the Universe will readily show us how much we don't know in the coming days. That's how we grow. That's the essence of Uranus' transit in Taurus as we attune in new ways to the Earth's vibration and our own physical bodies. 

Hence, pay attention. Immerse yourself in the natural world. Take steps to protect the Earth's eco-systems, eg contact your elected officials, join an Earth-centric group, actively engage in environmental causes etc.

On a personal level, becoming an empty vessel would be a good start. Seems the Earth has a lot to teach us if we pay attention and listen to its messages expressed through the land and its animal denizens. 

Uranus' recent epic transit through Aries between 2010 and early 2019 with its 5 direct squares to Pluto in Capricorn was the catalytic seeding point for everything Uranian that follows in Taurus (now), Gemini (2025), Cancer (2032) etc. Remember, Uranus brings lightning quick changes in wholly unexpected (out of the blue) ways. For example, on the very day (March 11, 2011) Uranus reentered Aries after a quick revisit to Pisces, a massive 9+ earthquake and resultant tsunami struck Japan affecting the entire Pacific Rim. Talk about a sounding "pay attention" bell! 

And even more pertinent to this now moment, earlier today, just before the actual Solstice moment, Kilauea Crater on the Big Island of Hawaii (site of massive eruptions in 2018) reawakened from its long slumber. That's another Uranian-Taurus moment; a sounding bell!

With all that said, "expect nothing, be prepared for anything" as we move through the coming months. Uranus in Taurus encourages us to realign with the Earth's and our very own physical body's vibration, more so from an Aquarian viewpoint. That progressive wave literally means cleansing, strengthening and upgrading our physical body's core in collaboration with others. More recent versions of energetic body modalities align more with group approaches (Aquarius) rather than singular private ones. And in that vein, such expanded field of collective energy exhibits much more powerful entraining responses and shifts. That process will continue to further evolve and expand during Uranus' Taurus transit through 2025.

Suggested focus for the Solstice vibration:

Crescent Moon and Jupiter/Saturn
by Joseph Mina Dec 17 2020

1. Witness the pairing of Jupiter/Saturn in the western sky 30 minutes or so after sunset. As the days unfold, this pairing will grow apart and by January be lost in the glare of the Sun. "As above, so below", deeply breathe in the photons of light emanating from this pair into your body's core. Receive its messages.

2. Receive bodywork (energy attunement, craniosacral, chiropractic (I suggest Network Spinal), acupuncture, massage, group yoga etc. especially in this pandemic time. If you haven't done so, make this part of your routine. This is a much more energized, energy rich way to strengthen your body against virus spread than any man-made medical approach such as vaccines. Think progressively!

3. Follow an Earth-centric ritual to honor the seasonal change. Create a progressive intention for how you want to participate with others in the coming days.

4. For those in more temperate climes, plant a tree, shrub etc. as your contribution to the natural world.

Life Path Astrology Consultations - embracing the new: 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!]

Conclusion: Although the coming planetary archetypal cycles are intense, I feel excited to witness and actively participate in such enormous planetary change. Although the coming few weeks may prove unsettling as Mars completes its retrograde-square cycle with Pluto in Capricorn (previous blog), related events will highlight what is coming to an end and what is beginning. Bless it all and let it go. This is a time to transcend the rhetoric of fear and embrace a more progressive way for attuning to the Earth, its natural world denizens, and our fellow humans.

One last note: the other day I was sorting through saved files I had on an external computer drive. Together in one folder I found the movies Avatar and The Matrix (part 1). Each very similar to the other: about transcending the apparent to immerse into the real. Given what I have witnessed over the past 9 months, their reappearance to my awareness is so timely; their messages more pertinent than ever. Glad I can share such with a much wider audience.

Please leave comments below.

Sat Nam

Starman, Joseph Mina
December 21, 2020
Stellenbosch, WC South Africa

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!]

___________

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