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