Solar Eclipse and Leo New Moon: the Lion Roars

“As if you were on fire from within. The moon lives in the lining of your skin.” 
Pablo Neruda (1904-73) Poet

Aloha Fellow Cosmic Journeyers

Yes, eclipse day draws nigh. So much hype and excitement, especially in the United States as the Moon moves ever closer to its fated meeting with the Sun. While solar and lunar eclipses of varying types are not rare (4 to 7 per year), this particular solar eclipse is the 1st to sweep across the United States in 99 years: hence, a heightened awareness for the coming event...and rightfully so!

This will be my 6th solar event in the direct path of totality or annularity. Standing directly in the path of totality to be touched by the Moon's sweeping dark curtain alters one's very core. There are no adequate words to describe its cosmic effect on the human psyche; no pictures that can possibly come close to matching the actual visuals of the Sun's coronal streamers (resist the urge to become preoccupied with camera equipment); no predicting the potent level of emotional surge from deep within. This cosmic

Venus Retrograde 2017: the Snake Bites Its Tail

“When you reach the end of what you should know, you will be at the beginning of what you should sense.”
― Kahlil Gibran, author, poet & philosopher 
[from Sand & Foam]

"Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgment that something else is more important than fear. The brave may not live forever, but the cautious do not live at all. From now on you'll be traveling the road between who you think you are and who you can be. The key is to allow yourself to make the journey."
Princess Diaries

Illustration designed by Joseph Mina

Strong change permeates the ethers. Each day more people take notice of this cosmic wind. Now,  Venus Retrograde takes center stage for the next 5 weeks, adding to this ever-changing cosmic mix.. This astrological update examines this significant archetypal cycle, offering you suggestions for how to attune with this major planetary  shift over the next two months.

Aloha Everyone

I now near the end of a major Neptune cycle in my life, one which redefined/reoriented my natal Mercury in Pisces in rather powerful, yet diffused  (aka "confusing") ways over the past 2 years. The result...new insights, inspiration and a renewed focus about how I intend to communicate (Mercury) to others through the synergy of my sacred work in astrology, bodywork and photography/imagery. The logo below reflects this synergy. I mentioned this shift in my last post back in November. Now, my new web site is evolving and will make its debut in the coming months as expressed in the name coreactivation.net.

Illustration designed by Joseph Mina

I'm feeling quite excited about this emergence as clarity during a Neptune cycle can be quite fleeting. Sort of like sitting in a rowboat, no oars, and in the middle of a lake on a very foggy morning. Oh yes...also absolutely clueless about which direction to move. Ultimately, surrender takes hold as there is no where to go but the "here/now".

I'm posting today because of the next significant cycle that just began in earnest yesterday: Venus Retrograde and its emerging Aries theme for the next 18 months.

Venus has been a brilliant beacon in the evening sky for the past 8 months or so. From our Earthly perspective, she is soon to move closer to  the Sun, setting earlier each day until lost in the glare of the Sun. It's during this orbital phase that Venus is closest to Earth. This orbital movement mirrors the heightened strength of this inner cycle for women and men alike. Then, in a matter of days, Venus

Taurus Supermoon Nov 14: One for the Ages

"Democracy is the theory that the common people know what they want,
and deserve to get it good and hard."
H.L. Mencken (1880-1956), American Journalist & Satirist

"You can't always get what you want...
but if you try sometime
you might just find
you get what you need."
Rolling Stones, 1969

The winds of change continue to blow at gale force strength across the globe. The epic influences of Uranus vs Pluto initiated in 2011, building with intensity heretofore never before seen, continue into mid 2018. In the wake of this formidable force, established institutions, nations, rituals, traditions and even societal protocols, all seemingly impermeable, continue to literally dissolve or rapidly fall apart in front of our eyes. Meanwhile, new institutions, alliances and societal networking mediums, fueled by rapid technological breakthroughs, appear seemingly out of nowhere, become quickly embedded/integrated in our cultural ways and psyches, and instantly connect people around the globe. Such is life in this ever rapidly, accelerating 21st century.

Last week, I was going to write about the astrological influences on the US elections, however, I refrained from doing so. Much content had already been written by other astrologers. What more could possibly have been said??? Yet post election is another day, another perspective. Hence, I want to weigh-in about what is possibly unfolding in the astrological cycles over the last 6 weeks of 2016 and into early 2017. To me, that's a much

Top 10 Reasons this Solstice season says "Pay Attention": Weaving a New Dream

"Returning violence for violence multiplies violence, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that." Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Graphic by Joseph Mina; Center image by artist Eva Ruiz

Sobering times. Intensity in its most hideous form enters our awareness. This time it's Orlando Florida. Could have easily been Syria, Iraq, parts of Africa, China, or any number of other locations around the world. Senseless mayhem persists on a global scale, but then again, isn't all mayhem "senseless".

A little over a month ago, I wrote a piece for this blog titled "Top 10 Reasons Current Planetary Cycles are saying "Pay Attention".  In that piece I highlighted the unfolding retrogrades of Mars and Mercury, Venus' inner dance with the Sun, and Saturn's current on-going quest for the truth. The word "intensity" was sprinkled throughout the article.

No need here to opine about how the insatiable traditional and social media juggernauts fuel themselves with tragic events around the world. However, important to remember intensity comes in many flavors. As dark as something may appear, its opposite equally exists in the human consciousness. This coming solstice season offers you a choice between light and dark; higher vision

Top 10 reasons current planetary cycles are saying "Pay Attention"

“In the midst of movement and chaos, keep stillness inside of you.” Deepak Chopra (1947 - )

Taurus New Moon occurs on May 6 or 7th depending on your locale. But I’m not surfacing to write about that lunation…there are other astrologers doing so. Rather, I’m here to weigh-in on the more significant astrological cycles now very strongly in play through early July and rippling outward through the end of August.

The other day en route to Japan I was pondering the tumultuous state of the world’s current affairs. As an astrologer, I instinctively compare events with the influences of the current planetary cycles. Recently, friends, acquaintances and clients have been asking or telling me "What is going on?", "I feel so unproductive",  "Is Mercury Retrograde?".

Well yes, a lot is going on energetically, however its triggers are much more than Mercury Retrograde, or even the bigger generational cycle of Uranus square Pluto or Neptune in Pisces. An unusual spate of mystically connected astrological cycles and influences have recently come together in related signs, accentuating and directing the energetic flow inward...inward...inward.

On this astrological stage you’ll find all the personal planets, namely Mercury, Venus, and Mars, moving decidedly inward in unusually  strong and interconnected ways. More so, personal planet cycles have an amplified influence on…you guessed it...You!!! Scorpio, Taurus, Sagittarian and Gemini types pay particular attention!!!

And while personal planetary cycles are usually quick passages due to their relatively fast

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

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

#supermoon #totaleclipse #PiscesNewMoon

Aloha Everyone

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

AstroActivators© 2002 by Kathryn Andren

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

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

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

Conclusion:

Self-Portrait, Kyoto Japan May 2014

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

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

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

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

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

Sat Nam

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

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