Pisces New Moon; The End Before The Beginning

"I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones." Albert Einstein

"Make uncertainty your ally, not your enemy. All leaps forward depend on reaching into the unknown. Once you see the unknown as the source of creativity, you no longer fear it. Instead, you welcome the fact that life renews itself in unexpected ways." Deepak Chopra

"This is the real secret of life - to be completely engaged with what you are doing in the here and now - and instead of calling it work, realize it is play." Alan Watts

Greetings Lovers of the Earth and the Cosmos

We arrive at the last New Moon of the current Solstice season at a time when the drums of war beat loudly from the Ukraine, reverberating across the globe. As with the Capricorn and Aquarius New Moons of the current season, this Pisces New Moon brings with it intensity and an unyielding theme of profound societal changes and conflict. Yet woven within this theme comes a greater desire for global compassion, empathy, grace and soulful connection. Quite the energetic contrast. 

And while the heightened polarity of these times may seem rather unassailable and irreconcilable, historical context reminds us the overall thrust of progressive evolutionary change cannot be denied, vanquished or simply erased. As ever before, outlier waves of change will continue to stretch humanity further and further into this vast cosmic sea of uncharted waters we call the Universe.

Burial Cave, Fish Hoek

This past Sunday, I participated in a small gathering led by local Archeo-Astronomer Dean Liprini to the ancient Burial and Ascension Caves, south of South Africa's fabled Table Mountain and overlooking nearby Fish Hoek on the eastern shores of False Bay. It was such a mystical journey into the area's ancient cliffs, and so aligned with the Pisces New Moon themes set out below. You can read and see more about this enchanted experience on my Facebook page here

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Pisces New Moon at 12° arrives today for most of the world, except for western China east to the international date line where it will be early on the 3rd. In this New Moon window, the intention to create and preserve something new going forward will be strong. Venus finally moves outside of its retrograde shadow for the first time in 15 weeks, escorted during this new month by achievement-oriented Mars and fueled by transformative Pluto. 

In my last blog just before last year's December Solstice, I stated that looking ahead, 2022 would prove more intense than 2020 or 2021. In that vein, as all astrological cycles link and feed off each other, I see the remainder of 2022 as a snowball gathering greater momentum, yet continuing to unpredictably move into the heretofore mentioned unknown. 

Humanity is now being ushered by powerful cyclical archetypal forces whose roots are imbued in profound evolutionary growth, and whose dynamic energy signals a time for accelerated and immense changes in the world's evolutionary path. The current war perpetrated on the nation of Ukraine is but one example of many conflicts around the world where the desire for freedom and self empowerment now strongly clash with its shadow components of oppression, poverty, and control.

Further, the grand themes of humanity's now rapid evolution are once again being strongly stirred out of their late 20th century slumber first by the intense Saturn Gemini/Pluto Sagittarius cycle of 2000-2002 (meltdown of beliefs and religious constructs), Uranus Aries/Pluto Capricorn cycle of 2008-2020 (radical change vs meltdown of foundational structures), Saturn/Jupiter/Pluto's Capricorn grand conjunction of 2020-21 (intense control/limitations), and now furthered amplified by the once every 22 year cycle of  Saturn Aquarius/Uranus Taurus in 2021-22 (repression/lack of freedom vs progressive change). 

Saturn ruler of Capricorn and co-ruler of Aquarius, and Uranus, also co- ruler of Aquarius, are continuing to mirror the amplification of this theme of progressive change in profound ways. The epic confluence of these titanic archetypes has agitated and stirred people from all walks of life and perspectives into a caldron of societal change, revolutionary behavior and resistance, and an unshaking quest to find one's truth. Is it any wonder so much tension fills the ethers these days. And I must say from my astrological perch, I see the power of this unfolding cyclical polarity strongly testing humanity's inner mettle and resolve in the coming days, weeks and months for the remainder of 2022 into 2023. Such is the time in which we live, grow, stretch and transform.

New Moon Dynamics

Here's the New Moon annotated chart:

This current New Moon in Pisces by itself would under other more favorable circumstances prove uplifting and celebratory, especially with optimistic Jupiter close to the New Moon degree and once again in its home sign of Pisces. It's the very type of fuel that heightens creativity in the performance arts, music and video realms.  However, this New Moon is strongly influenced by other chart dynamics of greater intensity. That includes the triple conjunction of Venus, Mars and Pluto in late degree of Capricorn (rules, politics, governance, and business), and Mercury and Saturn together in Aquarius, each further magnifying the previously mentioned Saturn/Uranus cycle through the end of this year (status quo/autocratic rule vs progressive advances). Such components radically change the complexion of this New Moon's narrative from uplifting and expansive to a more shadow oriented and very inward soul reevaluation.

As such, Pisces shadow side becomes stronger at this lunation, further fueled by Jupiter's unduly optimistic nature and Neptune's delusional shadow tendencies. In that vein, this darker expression can be imbued with trickery and driven strongly by misinformation or deception. It can also further give rise to addictive drugs for purposes of escape (as we've seen in the last decade in the opioid surge) rather than spiritual enlightenment and deeper connection to the natural world. And it can challenge the very essence of empathy and sensitivity to those who struggle in life.

The golden opportunity though is to look within; to examine where you have detached from reality through avoidance and/or addiction tendencies to avoid feeling pain and suffering. Yes, I know that's rather a heavy mandate, but that's the essence of the energetic soup at the moment. On the flip side of this inward expression, this journey within opens a door for creating a new reality, one much more in alignment with your soul mandate as you energetically strip away that which doesn't serve your highest purpose for being alive on this planet NOW. 

Voyager Tarot

Lastly, Venus, who entered its retrograde shadow on November 19, then stationed retrograde conjunct to Pluto just before the December solstice, emerges from this almost 15 week shadow journey the day after the New Moon. In tandem now with Mars, the archetypal expressions of the feminine and masculine qualities within us, they track together through most of March, next crossing into freedom seeking Aquarius on March 6th where powerful alignments occur with Uranus in Taurus on March 19-22 (self esteem, values, money, possessions) and Saturn on March 28-April 5 (autocracy vs freedom). 

What Venus/Mars current encounter with Pluto at this New Moon or the coming interaction with Saturn/Uranus later in the month triggers remains to be seen. One possibility here, especially with Spring season beginning in the northern hemisphere, is a strong resurgence of mass protests, civil disobedience and political upheaval in various places around the world where people have felt oppressed, held back and freedoms have been restricted. Also, given the strong building Piscean influence at play there's more coming in the realm of climate change triggered by increased solar activity (we are now headed towards Solar Maximum in 2025) and environmental destruction, and strong viral concerns still influencing human activity.

Yet most importantly, Pisces' global influence reminds us all we are connected to a greater web of awareness that knows no bias, polarity or class divisions. When one suffers, we all suffer in some deep way within our psyches. 

With that said, I offer the following suggestions at this New Moon:

Immerse yourself in the natural world through outdoor activities 
Attune to the power of sacred sites
Raise the vibrational level of media content you watch, read or listen to
Surround yourself with people who are at your level of conscious awareness or higher
Pray and meditate (my mediation is a daily brisk walk amongst the elements where I live)
Participate in uplifting group activities such as a retreat or program
Connect with others in a meaningful, soulful way

Conclusion

Summer now wanes here in South Africa. I can sense the beginnings of the Autumn. I know that must sound quite strange to those of you who live in the now colder Northern Hemisphere where winter still holds on to its icy grip. Nonetheless, the seasonal shift as we near the Equinox on March 20th reminds us that life is about cycles, the yin and yang. Pisces the last sign of the zodiac prepares us for something new, regardless of where we live. Embrace this shift. Strengthen yourself physically, emotionally and mentally for the coming days.

On a personal level, I am developing a land, sea and sky Retreat here in South Africa called South Africa Tanzanite Retreat - an Inner & Outer Soul Journey. The precious stone Tanzanite, only found at the base of Mt Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, is a stimulator of higher vibrations throughout the body. It enhances spiritual growth on all energetic levels.

And primal Africa is the perfect location to shift one's energetic field into even higher frequencies.  

Over thirty years, I have worked with groups from a wide variety of cultures who I would consider soul seekers: those discovering the deeper meanings of life through soul searching internally and externally. Over the past 6 years I have been led to work with individuals who run large businesses, investors who manage large funds, and other financial types, each of whom function in the realm of wellness products and progressive initiatives. These are people who influence many other people simply by the choices and decisions they make on a day-to-day basis in their respective industries.

In my desire to humbly influence a broader audience to look within, while recognizing I work best with smaller groups of 8 to 10 people,  I decided to create a unique retreat format specifically designed to work with such influential people who function at a high income strata. It follows that meaningful changes experienced by participants in such a retreat can become a potent catalyst for their developing a more organic, sentient connection to this Earth and beyond. Rudolf Steiner spoke of this as the awakening of the super-sensibilities within the body. On that level there is no I. One is all and all is one. 

As such, my primary audience will be people who have a strong influence on larger groups of people such as entrepreneurs, investors, celebrities, sports types, business owners, and upper management types. An important criteria will be a person who hungers for something more in their lives than just the accumulation of possessions and status, and who also possess the desire to invest in themselves, and more consciously invest in efforts to create a more sustainable reality in alignment with this planet's consciousness. These are the very people who influence many other people. Effecting meaningful, progressive change at that energetic level can create a strong positive rippling effect for a much broader audience. In that sense, everyone in that rippling circle benefits. 

Tanzanite

This 11-day transformative journey for 8 to 10 participants will include 2 sunset and 1 sunrise safari excursions to attune to Africa's fabled big 5 animals; an ocean excursion to connect with the abundant ocean life here, including whales and dolphins; and sacred transmissions received under the grand world-class sky canopy of the Southern Milky Way, and within the cave structures of some of Earth's oldest mountains such as described in the beginning of this blog. 

For the internal piece, my Quantum Alignment Bodywork Group Sessions, refined over the past thirty years, will be experienced four times during the Retreat. Additionally, sunrise yoga, movement, and sound will form the integrative parts that help participants assimilate and ground these profound land, sea and sky experiences. The combination of the external and internal will literally alter and enhance the energetic flow of participants reality. All meals will be organic and professionally catered. Support will be staffed at the local level here. This is an energy-rich exchange from start to finish.

I'm so excited about the possibilities. I've prepared myself for many years for this moment. Significant global cultural changes over the past two years have set the stage for an accelerated shift. And of course, the perfect situations, experiences and people met over the past two years has set the stage for the ultimate Retreat experience.

But that's not all. As importantly, using proceeds from the retreats, I will create a foundation here in South Africa to fully fund a similar Retreat format for young adults who are ready to take a much bigger and accelerated step in their evolutionary growth, but have yet to acquire the financial wherewithal to invest in such an experience. This younger generation's energetic field is attuned to the current higher frequencies. Their talents and abilities are profound. Such an experience will literally be a catapult greatly enhancing their ability to effect meaningful change on the planet in the coming years.

The inspiration to work with young adults in this retreat format came out of bodywork sessions I gave to a 21-year old woman in mid 2021 into this year. She had struggled the past 6 years with suicidal tendencies (four attempts) and strong social withdrawal. When I first saw her, she was on 7 different medications for depression, extreme anxiety, and strong mood swings. Her sensitivity field was literally numb and highly protected.

Her first session she learned that her strong sensitivities were a gift rather than a bane (she's super empathic). Her body quickly started to let go of strong tension patterns depleting her energetic fields. I saw her twice before I left for the United States for almost 5 months. During my absence she decided on her own volition to stop taking the medications. She experienced zero side-effects even though any medical person will say it's dangerous to do so. Upon my return in late October, her body quickly connected into the new energetic strategies acquired in her first 2 sessions. 

She now smiles a lot (noticeable especially to her Mom/Dad), is engaging socially, has started working with dogs (they love her) and looks forward to her now once every two week sessions with me. She is discovering the power of her sensitive field from a very different orientation. And this coming about from brief 25 minute table sessions. From my perspective, her body strategies have received quite an upgrade. Potent reminder to never underestimate the body's capacity to shift into a different frequency given the right type of conscious input.

If such dramatic shifts can occur on a 1:1 basis, receiving such energetic care with a group of young adults in a Retreat format will redefine what's possible for this highly energized younger generation. A total win/win for everyone concerned.

At the moment, I am exploring ways to financially seed the organizational development of a structure supporting such a retreat endeavor. If you have any specific suggestions, or know of anyone willing to invest in such an enterprise, please contact me.

As always, I'm available for private astrological consultations via Zoom or Skype. It's such a powerful time to explore new initiatives and realities for the days ahead.

I welcome your comments below.

Sat Nam

Starman, Joseph Mina
March 2, 2022
Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa

Super Full Moon Lunar Eclipse Jan 2018: the inner roar of the Leo Lion

Astrology is a progressive tool for exploring life potential and possibilities. Discover NOW the power of your talents/abilities set out in your natal chart from a reorganizational and energy-rich perspective. 

From over 20 years of masterly exploring the archetypes of planetary cycles, trends and inter-relationships, I can help you understand more fully how these ancient symbols reflect your gifts, talents and abilities developed over this and other life times. I'll also help you refine your life strategies relative to your life purpose, as well as create new strategies for best working with the current planetary cycles shown in your current transit chart, influencing choices and direction in your life. 

"Intuitive, compassionate, direct and to-the-point, eloquent and last but not least, great-humored and fun, Joseph continues to enighten, enrich and expand with the rest of the Universe." CK, Vancouver 

You can access my on-line appointment schedule here.

"Don't let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most importantly, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary."
Steve Jobs, Founder of Apple Computer (1955-2011)

Greetings Cosmic journeyers and a very, very belated Happy New Year from South Africa.

Summer time flourishes here at the bottom of Africa. This is the "July vibe" many in the Northern Hemisphere can relate to. Personally, 2017 was a year of reorganization for me as I moved from

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

Virgo Full Moon March 5: The Roar of the March Lion

"You can't connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future. You have to trust in something - your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever. This approach has never let me down, and it has made all the difference in my life." Steve Jobs (1955-2011) founder of Apple Computer. 

"Life is divided into three terms - that which was, which is, and which will be. Let us learn from the past to profit by the present, and from the present, to live better in the future."

William Wordsworth (1770-1850) English Poet

Cosmic Gorillas in the Room

March unfolds...the last square between Uranus and Pluto, the Equinox and the first of four potent 2015 eclipses wait in the wings. That's a lot of mojo for one month. Yet here we are once again on the threshold of an intensely energetic month without any sense of what lurks on this cosmic stage. Can you hear the March Lion roaring???

Appropriately, the month begins with a Virgo Full Moon being the odd theme setter for the next 29 days (Full Moon sets the stage for the New Moon through July 2016). Virgo likes to be in control of circumstances. And despite the oddity of a Full Moon setting the tone for a lunation, the intensity of these times has blurred the lines of reality to such an extent that a shrug of the shoulders or "whatever" may now be your retort to the Universe's on-going paradoxical ways.

Virgo points to the exactness of life. Associated with the archetype of the Priest or Priestess and ruled by communicative Mercury, Virgo exudes a refined, specific quality expressing itself through

Aquarius New Moon Feb 18: Freedom Calls

"When you come to the end of all the light you know, and it's time to step into the darkness of the unknown, faith is knowing that one of two things shall happen: either you will be given something solid to stand on or you will be taught to fly."
Edward Teller , Theoretical Physicist (1908-2003)

"You need chaos in your soul to give birth to a dancing star."

Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche, German Author (1844-1900)

"Creativity requires the courage to let go of certainties."
Erich Fromm, Philosopher and Psychologist (1900-1980)

Namibia "Quiver Tree Milky Way"
by Trey Radcliff

Substantial change is in the air...Mercury Retrograde in Aquarius told me so.... This realization came a few days ago as I slowly emerged from my dream state. Of course, Mercury Retrograde brought an unexpected message. An inner voice said quite clearly to me "you're done". It was an emphatic, non-negotiable message from something deep within me..perhaps my soul. "You're done".

The "done" points to sharing my talents/gifts in the Aquarian realm of Astrology. Yes, one full lunar cycle from now, when the Pisces New Moon takes center stage, I'll follow that very strong Piscean-ending vibration and close the door on Astrology.

Astrology comes very easily to me; perhaps too easily. It's a place of stability and certainty, and ironically little personal risk. Venus and Jupiter in Aquarius in the 6th astrological house of service is the primary fuel for my astrological talents and abilities. These cosmic Aquarian vibrations are woven into the threads of my soul. I can look at a chart and know within 2 or 3 minutes its dynamics, intentions, tendencies, strengths, and influences. It's nothing I have

Leo Full Moon Feb 3: The Circle of Life

"What I know...if you do work that you love, and the work fulfills you, the rest will come."
Oprah Winfrey

"Enlightened leadership is spiritual if we understand spirituality not as some kind of religious dogma or ideology, but as the domain of awareness where we experience values like truth, goodness, beauty, love and compassion...intuition, creativity, insight and focused attention."
Deepak Chopra 

The following information pertains to the lunation period beginning on Feb 3 and ending Feb 17.

AstroActivator 2002© by Kathryn Andren

The second Full Moon of the season arrives on February 3...this one an elemental fire Moon bringing intense emotions, high creativity, both individually and collectively, inspiration, and a desire to be seen, appreciated, acknowledged and loved. Yes...the field will be full of the Leo vibe this lunation.

This Full Moon also marks a shift in the normal "Full Moon follows New Moon" sequence. Every 18 months or so, either the New or Full Moon crosses the degree threshold between the end and beginning of an astrological sign, 29° and 0°, respectively. This New Moon moves across this 29<>0 threshold shifting the overall focus for the next 16 months.

When such a shift in degree occurs, the New and Full Moon dynamics switch. In this case, we now switch to a "Full Moon precedes New Moon" scenario, where the Full Moon rather than the New Moon becomes the theme setter for the entire lunar cycle. As such, the next New Moon will position again in the same sign as last month...Aquarius. This unusual vibe continues until the next switch in June 2016. Hence, for the next 16 months the Full Moon sets the tone for the ensuing 28 1/2 day lunar cycle. That ought to get our collective heads spinning in a different direction. Also, this oddity mirrors a persistent and unique Yod geometry in play through mid March (see "significant challenges" below).

Ruled by the Sun, the Leo Archetype points to children, creativity, passion, magnetism and romance. It fuels the heart's desire for acceptance, acknowledgment, leadership and command. This Full Moon shines its light on these vibrations. Many actors in the realm of cinema and stage have more than one

2015 Year Ahead & Cancer Full Moon Jan 4: Turning the Page

"If you think you are too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito."
Dalai Lama

Aloha and Happy New Year,
or as we say in Hawai'i: Hau'oli makahiki hou!
(how-o-lee  ma-ka-hee-key  hoe)

I begin this update with one of my recent creations: an overview of the coming planetary transits for 2015. In this video I cover Mercury Retrogrades, Uranus square Pluto, Saturn's dance with fire, Venus in the Lion's den, and Super Moons & Eclipses. Enjoy. (Note: for anyone with a high-speed Internet connection, click on the YouTube gear icon along the bottom of the video, then select either 720 or 1080p before watching in full screen mode).



We turn the page...another chapter in the history of human evolution begins. Intense 2014 has given way to 2015's mysteries and a continuation of significant change and closure across the spectrum of human reality. Are you ready???

Hard to fathom 14 years have passed since the 21st Century began. And what a 14 years it has been. In our current reality, the accelerated pace of life has become palpable. From the widest possible

Solstice and Capricorn New Moon Dec 21: Stepping into the Unknown

"The Universe is under no obligation to make sense to you."
Neil deGrasse Tyson, Director Hayden Planetarium, astrophysicist, cosmologist, author, speaker

Image illustration courtesy of NASA

Well said NDT! Anyone attempting to logically understand the current state of world affairs would be best served by writing the above quote 100x on the cosmic blackboard.

This past year has proven to be the year of intensity, breakthroughs, social unrest, and new beginnings around the globe...all accompanied with many surprising twists and turns. And let me say this up front: the same will hold true for 2015. The astrological headwinds say so.

Back in 2010, when the 2012/Mayan Calendar vibe was starting to build, I looked ahead at the coming astrological cycles. I readily noticed the years 2014 and 2015 as being much more significant than what was anticipated by many for 2012. Further, I referred to this coming 2 year period as "pay attention years", i.e. strong theme setting periods for what would eventually unfold

Gemini Full Moon Dec 6: Sensing The Field

“We seldom realize, for example that our most private thoughts and emotions are not actually our own. For we think in terms of languages and images which we did not invent, but which were given to us by our society.” ― Alan W. Watts (1915-73) Philosopher, writer and speaker

AstroActivators© 2002 by Kathryn Andren

Page by page, the calendar has shed its months rather quickly in 2014. And now only December remains. It has been a year of chaotic change and uncertainty for many people. The strong astrological headwinds of this year have been nothing short of intense. In fact, epic on many levels. And there's more strong headwinds ahead in 2015.

Change always brings great uncertainty and opportunity. As the energetic field supporting all aspects of life shifts its vibration, every component of that field must shift accordingly. And that shift will either be towards a greater evolution or a breakdown to a more cohesive and integrated lower level of organization. The current lunation points to the various headwinds fueling this shift over the coming months.

We arrive at the Gemini Full Moon, which is the last full moon of the calendar year. Gemini vibration is talkative, connective, and highly changeable. A social quality flows through Gemini imbuing it with a playful, energetic and spontaneous expression. As the opposite sign of fiery Sagittarius, Gemini's air qualities thrive on information and its dissemination to the masses.

This particular Full Moon comes with a deeper intention, one that encourages you to use your more

Sagittarius New Moon Nov 22: Optimistism vs Realism

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

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

AstroActivator 2002©by Kathryn Andren

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

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

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

Taurus Full Moon Nov 6: Sensual Buffet

“Life isn't about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.” 
― George Bernard Shaw (1856-1950) Irish Playwright

“The object isn’t to make art, it’s to be in that wonderful state which makes art inevitable.” ~Robert Henri (1865-1921) American Painter and Teacher

“When I say artist I mean the one who is building things … some with a brush – some with a shovel – some choose a pen.” ~Jackson Pollock (1912-56) Abstract Artist

AstroActivator 2002©by Kathryn Andren

Note: I am now moving through a very concentrated part of my schedule. Hence, this update will be in a different format from other recent updates. I return to Hawaii on November 12. Yeah!. My 2 month round the world adventure has been a powerful tonic and stimulant for my creativity (Taurus theme for this Lunation) and growth.

The fullness and beauty of Autumn in Japan is a buffet for the senses. The vivid pallet of colors, especially in the ancient mountains, evokes inspiration, awe, and most especially creativity.

Here in Japan, Autumn fuels renowned beauty within the culture, evidenced by entrancing expressions of art, such as the haiku, bonsai, ancient pottery, sculpture, calligraphy on silk, and many other amazing creative expressions.

The other day, I visited Japan's inspiring Hakone area to experience the beauty of this golden season. The district of Hakone is found near the southwest flank of venerated Mt. Fuji. The artistry of this area, and its spectacular scenery is an orgy for the senses.

One of my stops (a rather spontaneous one, and of course fueled by transportation snafus - thanks Mercury Retrograde :) , was the exceptional Living Arts Museum and Gardens,

Partial Solar Eclipse Scorpio New Moon Oct 23: Diving Deep

"Nations, like stars, are entitled to eclipse. All is well, provided the light returns and the eclipse does not become an endless night. Dawn and resurrection are synonymous. The reappearance of the light is the same as the survival of the soul. 
Victor Hugo, French novelist and poet (1802-85)

"I was born during an eclipse. I believe very much in astrology. If you were born on an eclipse it indicates your destiny is chaotic."
Gloria Vanderbilt, (1924 - )  Artist, Author, Actress, Socialite and Fashion Designer

"Elephant Power" ©Joseph Mina 2014, all rights reserved

Chaos indeed, Gloria! Solar Eclipse energy fuels the shadow. It reveals an inner world of mystery and intrigue. In the "as above, so below" it brings our gaze inward to reexamine priorities and fuel and deepen our inner journey. It's the reflective pause before moving forward. It connects us to our primal juice...the very fuel that enriches life.

At this New Moon, the 4th and last eclipse of 2014 arrives. Like its April counterpart at the Taurus New Moon, it is a partial solar eclipse. This eclipse follows the same energetic theme/path as the other 3 eclipses of 2014, ushering in a period of chaos, introspection and uncertainty. Additionally, the Scorpio vibe adds drama and intensity to the mix!

At 0° Scorpio, the partial solar eclipse activation signals a dramatic shift in energy from Libra and its typical more light-hearted approach to life, to a deep, dark, mysterious Scorpio. For North America, this partial eclipse will be visible and noticeable, particularly for those living in the western part of the continent. For those in the Eastern US and Canada, be prepared for a partially blackened Sun at sunset.

Archetypal Scorpio brings us into the depths of our being, our soul, our reality. It shows us the shadow. "Intense" is a common description of Scorpio types. They play hard...and with

Eclipsed Aries Full Moon Oct 8: Awakening The Shadow

"Shadow is the obstruction of light. Shadows appear to me to be of supreme importance in perspective, because, without them opaque and solid bodies will be ill defined; that which is contained within their outlines and their boundaries themselves will be ill-understood unless they are shown against a background of a different tone from themselves." Leonardo da Vinci

"There is no easy walk to freedom anywhere, and many of us will have to pass through the valley of the shadow of death again and again before we reach the mountaintop of our desires." Nelson Mandela

For the second time this year, the Full Moon will glow blood red. Just 6 months since the last eclipse in Libra, this eclipse will grace the night sky as the Moon transits Libra's opposite sign of Aries. Breathe in...breathe out.

I'm in Sri Lanka now. Africa adventures fade...Japan adventures await. Near Colombo, I'll see the waning moments of this eclipse. The rising Full Moon will be emerging from its shadow journey through the Earth's Umbra.  And just like the counterpart eclipsed Full Moon of last April, this Full Moon comes with very strong planetary aspects portending further continuation of

Libra New Moon Sept 23: Resetting the Balance

"If you're interested in 'balancing' work and pleasure, stop trying to balance them. Instead make your work more pleasurable."  Donald Trump

 

Fish River Canyon Sunrise

Those who intimately know me would be absolutely surprised to find me quoting Donald Trump. Yet forgetting the messenger while focusing on a message in resonance with the Libra New Moon, speaks to the shifts and changes unfolding around the globe in cultural practices and rules, and human opportunity and new beginnings. 

 

I am now in Namibia in Southwest Africa. This is a land of extreme beauty and silence, stark deserts, majestic dunes, deep canyons, desert Elephants, brilliant starry nights, and compassionate, loving people. I am here on a 14 day Landscape Photography Workshop with Trey Radcliff and his team from Stuck in Customs. And yes...pleasure and work have become

Super Full Moon Pisces Sept 8: Vision Expansion 101

"Cherish your visions and your dreams as they are the children of your soul, the blueprints of your ultimate achievements."   Napolean Hill (1883-1970) Author

Beaming by Derick Van Ness

What is your vision for sharing your gifts in the world? Has it been languishing of late? Have you contemplated recently upgrading your dreams and the direction of your life? Are you clear about the next steps you want to take? Ponder no more! On September 8th, the Full Moon in Pisces arrives to assist you with opening your vision to greater possibilities.

The world is stirred. Intensity continues to build. Not a day goes by without mention of global warming, extreme weather challenges, strife in the Middle East and Asia, political contentiousness, racial profiling and disparity, and financial  uncertainty. Yet, great changes always fuel adversity and challenges. It's the critical tension that births a new expression and direction.

And sometimes that critical tension arrives in the most subtle or sensitive of ways. September's Full Moon lunation may be such a herald...yet on a weather level...water events may be anything but subtle.

Where: Full Moon occurs at 16° Pisces conjunct Chiron. This is the 3rd of 3 Super Full Moons of 2014

When: 3:38 PM, Hawaiian Standard Time on Monday the 8th. That's 6:38 PM PDT, 9:38 EDT, and

Virgo New Moon August 25: A cry for social justice and equality

Change means movement. Movement means friction. Only in the frictionless vacuum of a nonexistent abstract world can movement or change occur without that abrasive friction of conflict.Saul Alinsky (1909-72) author and founder of community organizing

The thing that lies at the foundation of positive change, the way I see it, is service to a fellow human being. Lech Walesa (1943- ) Nobel Peace Prize and former Polish leader

"Activation Station" sketch by Joseph Mina

Intensity grows. Transformation abounds. Societal polarity reaches new extremes. Ferguson, Missouri…Ukraine and Russia…Iraq and Syria…Israel and Palestine…China and its neighbors, Ebola virus in West Africa, great drought in California…social unrest in many quarters.. seemingly fill the daily news. Meanwhile, the human voice for social justice and equality grows louder.

These flash points of critical tension point to symptoms of great change and activation now underway around the globe. We stand at the edge of a precipice. Depending on your perspective, one view augurs an Utopian ideal; another perhaps a depressing outcome, and many possibilities in-between. However, the astrological cycles and strong headwinds say "no outcome is certain. No guarantees are available." For better or worse, our evolving human script is being written as it unfolds. Quite a potent backdrop for this Virgo New Moon and its demand for greater, compassionate service to humanity.

Here's the Astro 411.

Where: New Moon at 2° Virgo. Virgo qualities include a focus on your health, precision and discernment, and service to others.

When: August 25th at 4:13 am Hawaii Time (HST); 7:13 am on the US West Coast, 6:13 pm

Super Full Moon Aquarius Aug 10: A Cry for Freedom

Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. – Benjamin Franklin, Historical Review of Pennsylvania, 1759

"Dance for Joy" painting by Ira Mitchell Kirk

Paradox abounds…best of times…worst of times. Our awareness of each other is expanding exponentially. Rare to meet someone who is unaware intense change fills the ethers around the globe. While the intensity meter has dropped somewhat from the very strong levels of the 1st half of 2014, we are far from being out of this cosmic transformational soup. The Full Moon of August arrives to remind us our evolution is far from complete.

This lunation activates the Leo-Aquarius axis about the same time Moon reaches its closest perigee in 2014. Hence, we now dance with the vibrational effects of a Super Full Moon over the next 14 days.

Here’s the Astro 411 for this lunation: 

Where: Full Moon positions at 18° Aquarius. The sign of the water bearer brings the qualities of humanitarian service, independence and freedom, and an expansive view of life. Aquarius embraces technology, Utopian ideals, the future, social connections and creating a better world through social justice and equality. While its opposite sign Leo is quite individuated and

Leo New Moon July 26: The Heart-felt Roar of the Lion

"Love is always bestowed as a gift - freely, willingly and without expectation. We don't love to be loved; we love to love." Leo Buscaglia (1924-98) Author

"Rejoice" photo by Joseph Mina

Has there ever been a more compelling time for humans on Earth? Energy is moving rapidly these days. Everything seems exaggerated and fast. People are connecting in ways unthinkable just 10 years ago. Life appears larger than life.

We now arrive at that magical time of the year when the New Moon visits Leo and its deep well of heart-felt love. This time around, and not since 2003, Jupiter awaits the Sun and Moon. What expansive, optimistic opportunities of the heart await you over the coming year? Here’s the astro 411 for this lunation:

Where: Leo New Moon at 4° Leo: Passion, creativity, self-importance, royalty, radical love, heart-felt generosity, dignity with power, leadership, romance, play/fun are qualities of Leo and the focus of this lunation. Archetypal Sun rules Leo, which further underscores the strength of this external vibration.

When: July 26 12:42 pm Hawaii; 3:42 pm PDT; 6:42 EDT; 10:42 pm GMT; 12:42 am on the

Aries Full Moon October 18: Communication Breakdown Continues

"There is no act of treachery or meanness of which a political party is not capable; for in politics there is no honour." Benjamin Disraeli (1804-1881), former prime minister of England and Leader of the Conservative party.

Note: On today's Full Moon in Aries, specific details about this lunation and the coming Mercury Retrograde may be found in our October update, released in late September.

Irony seemingly knows no boundaries. A 19th century quote from a very conservative politician about the then state of politics and inter-party clashes in England mirrors quite poignantly the recent political strategy employed by 87 very conservative politicians in the US House of Representatives. This strongly aligned "Tea Party" group actually succeeded in shutting down most of the US Government for 16 days this month. In the end, in typical, unorthodox Mercury Retrograde fashion, nothing was accomplished by these 87 upstarts, other than deferring once again unresolved Federal debt and budget issues.

This dynamic action of a government shut down represents a text book example of how Uranus in Aries (rebellion and change) and Pluto in Capricorn (melt down of no-longer working politics, governance, business structure, rules etc) create mayhem, chaos and strong clashes every 35 years or so when they

Astrology October 2013: Intensity and Change

“The time is now, the place is here. Stay in the present. You can do nothing to change the past, and the future will never come exactly as you plan or hope for.”  Dan Millman, author

"Change is inevitable, growth is optional." John C. Maxwell, author & leadership facilitator

AstroActivators© 2001 Kathryn Andren Mina

The season of change is upon us. The change of weather, turning of the leaves and even the page of the calendar remind us of life's inevitable march through time. Yet seasonal change is but one small aspect of the greater cycle of change now taking place. "Unprecedented" is one word that readily comes to mind.

Accelerated change is not for the faint of heart. Planetary cycles over the past 5 years have moved the growth needle to the high end of the intensity scale. As 2014 looms on the horizon, the energetic door for October may prove to be a strong catalyst for the coming 18 months. It's during that time Uranus/Pluto will reach the culmination of its intensity.  Yes, the world is changing in profound ways, an effect that will ripple through the sea of consciousness for decades to come.

The  October Astrology features a New Moon in Libra, Full Moon in Aries, Mercury Retrograde starting on October 21 and plenty of action with the personal planets.

This month, Gemini Awakening is on the move! 
Learn how to consciously create your world with the power of the planetary patterns with our workshops and consultations:

Meet Joseph in Half Moon Bay California on Oct 11 - 15 for astrology workshop and private sessions. More info and registration here.

Meet Kathryn and Joseph in NYC on October 5
This Gemini Awakening  specialized 4 hour workshop is an integrative astrology experience with your personal birth chart, our intuitive insights and energy healing bodywork. Learn how you can surf the waves of change in 2014.  “Astrology & You” at the office of Dr. David Mehler DC, “Vikaz” in NYC.  Here for details and registration.

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October begins with Sun in tight aspect to Uranus in Aries and Pluto in Capricorn. Over the next year, every 10 days after the Equinox or Solstice, the Sun brings added intensity and