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.

______________

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

Scorpio New Moon: Mars stations direct unleashing the beast

“You must have chaos within you to give birth to a dancing star.”
Friedrich Nietzsche - Philosopher, Composer, Poet, and Philologist (1844-1900)

“It can be a cruel and random world, but the chaos is all so beautiful.”
Hiromu Arakawa - Japanese Manga Artist - (1973 -

"Moving into higher vibrations requires more energy. It is essential in the 21st Century the biofield (physical body) has sufficient energetic resources to serve as a strong foundation for higher energetic thoughts and connection to one's soul essence." 
Donnie Epstein, Founder of Network Spinal (1953 - )

Greetings from the East Coast, United States near Philadelphia

Destination Anywhere and Everywhere
Chicago O'Hare Airport - Terminal 1 passenger tunnel
by Joseph Mina Oct 2020

Perhaps one of the quotes to start this blog should have been "the best laid plans of mice and men....": a theme quite emblematic for 2020. Yet with any small or significant change, chaos or confusion is a prime ingredient and activator for something new; something different; and perhaps something game changing or ground breaking. And that requires energy. A lot of it.

At this Scorpio New Moon the focus shifts to life force, the very fuel we call energy.

New Moon arrives on the 15th shortly after midnight on the East Coast, US; 5:09 UTC. Any time zone to the west of EST to the International Date Line registers the New Moon on the 14th. The New Moon theme set out below is expressed over the coming two weeks.

The water sign of Scorpio focuses on the deepest depths of human interactions. Its qualities includes shared resources, trust, intimacy, and death/rebirth. And not surprisingly, its energy pattern is fueled by life force; that vital vibration that inspires, animates, incites and motivates us. 

This is the 4th and last perigee Moon (Super Moon) of 2020, and hence arrives with added energy (as if we needed more)! However, as this New Moon in Scorpio follows the Taurus Full Moon of late October, it further activates the theme of that Full Moon. But before I explain that part, know the switch from "New Moon preceding Full Moon" to "Full Moon preceding New Moon" began in August and continues now until next August when the bigger lunation cycle switches back to Full follows New.  

At this New Moon, the recent Taurus Full Moon theme emphasizes Uranian-type changes (surprising/unexpected/out-of-the-blue/progressive) in the Earth's vibration along with our connected physical body to this greater paradigm, eg the shock of the Corona Virus. It also points to the importance of integrity in our relationships with others. This theme influence remains in effect until later January. It's then Mars finally leaves Aries for Taurus (6th) leading to a conjunction with Uranus on the 20th in square to Jupiter/Saturn in Aquarius. I'll write about that meeting in January. And speaking of potent Mars....

AstroActivator© by Kathryn Andren

Yesterday, archetypal Mars stationed direct motion after what seemed like an eternal retrograde. At either station retrograde or direct, planetary energy stalls and intensifies (think of a pressure cooker). Then ever so slowly, the motion resumes in the opposite direction e.g. the swinging of a pendulum. 

Most Mars retrogrades (every 30 months or so) are periods of constrained or limited energy, which is the reversal of archetypal Mars' normal energy expression. If you are feeling constrained of late, this Mars cycle may be quite active in your natal chart.  

Typically, a Mars energetic vibe likes to be assertive, bold, courageous, determined etc. in alignment with the qualities of the astrological sign it transits. Yet, Mars' retrograde period is the very antithesis of these typical qualities. Here, its energetic expression becomes an internal pause, a time of reflection and reorganizational period before the big exhale begins anew with forward movement. Yesterday marks the start of that big exhale (rather slowly at first), and as mentioned above will be in play through at least early to mid January. 

This particular Mars retrograde though has been quite unique for a few reasons: 

1. Home Sign: Mars stationed retrograde in its home sign of assertive, bold, courageous, impulsive Aries back in September. Such happens infrequently in Mars' home sign (last cycles in Aries were in 1941 and 1988). Anytime a planet transits its home sign the energy of that sign becomes further amplified. At the Taurus Full Moon, 4 planets (Saturn, Mars, Venus and Mars) were transiting their home sign. It's no wonder late October into early November felt so intense. Further, a retrograde in that sign triggers even greater intensity due to the protracted time of the transit. In Mars case its retrograde period spans June 27, 2020, when it entered Aries to Jan 6 2021, when it leaves Aries for Taurus.
2. Visually Bright: In the sky story, this year's opposition in early October was the second brightest visual of Mars since 2003 (2018's was slightly brighter). Mars won't be this bright again until 2035. It's brilliant ruddy color transiting the night sky was a memorable sight, rivaling only Venus and the Moon in its luminance. 
3. Continuation: The last Mars retrograde in 2018 in late June>August started in progressive Aquarius back into late Capricorn. In the US, this augured the progressive (Aquarius) blue wave evident in the subsequent 2018 November elections and its focus on dismantling/melting down Capricorn's outdated rules, structure, politics and business for a more progressive agenda.
4. Intensity: This Mars Retrograde began in late degrees Aries and began in square to its 2018 station direct position in Capricorn. Events over the past two months fueled by a pandemic that won't let up, a very intense election cycle in the US (future vs past), along with a protracted dispute about election integrity/fraud speak to the strong energetic restraint at the moment around new opportunities, forward progress and initiatives that are progressively envisioned.

As an experiment for future media endeavors, I created a video about the Taurus Full Moon with the assistance of my friend Cara Reynolds from Vancouver, Canada. Alas, with every intention to release the video in late October, I encountered unanticipated computer  processing problems (no surprise there 😉). Further, a spontaneously planned week in the Sun at the New Jersey shore in early November (it was heavenly) put a big temporary dent in any remaining initiative I had to finish this project (Mars and Mercury retrograde were seeing to it!). Hence, it's only now that I am releasing the video. Nonetheless, its content about the Taurus Full Moon is quite pertinent to current events and what lies ahead in the coming weeks. Have a watch here:

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 are available too! 

Great changes present great opportunities. My personal astrological counseling session is designed to help you create meaningful strategies for adapting and shifting with the current planetary cycles. Schedule your appointment today via this link.

Back to the Scorpio New Moon

The Sensor,
Voyager Tarot
James Wanless, PhD

Other dynamic aspects of this New Moon vibration over the next two weeks include:

1. Venus in Libra in direct square to Jupiter/Pluto and close square to Saturn in Capricorn. This signals a time to reflect on personal, work, and friend relationships (Libra) and whether they are in alignment with your evolving self. This represents one of the Taurus Full Moon themes too.

2. Sun/Moon in Scorpio create a 60 degree sextile with Jupiter/Pluto/Saturn in Capricorn and a trine to Neptune in Pisces further intensifying that on-going trio's influence on melting down/altering all things Capricorn (rules, structure, politics, governance, business), and all things hidden, e.g. viral (Neptune in Pisces).

3. Mercury in Scorpio (soon leaving its retrograde shadow on Nov 19) opposite Uranus in Taurus speaks to more information from the depths (Scorpio) unexpectedly coming to the fore about on-going earth and physical body changes, including virus information.

Reflection suggestions for this New Moon:

1. What does my physical body want me to know?
2. How can I strengthen my physical body?
3. Are there relationships in my life that no longer align with my values and desires? If so, what steps am I ready to take to create meaningful change or even closure?
4. Now is a potent time to reflect on 2021 and what you would like to manifest/create based on your 2020 experiences to date. Vision board is one type of medium. Be creative here. Let your passion be your guide.

Coming personal and business changes: 

Core Activation
design by Joseph Mina
and Alaya Rousseau

I expect to return to South Africa in early December where summer awaits me. And in this moment inTolkien's words "and wither then I cannot say". Much depends on how the bigger societal picture evolves, especially relative to national border policies, social distancing, and economic flow. 

Further, this blog entry represents the last one at this blogger page along with its related archives dating back to 2007. I am beginning a new Starman Astrology blog page under the name of my new web site: Core Activation. In turn, come early 2021 that blog page will switch from Google's Blogger to Word Press to coincide with the debut of my new web site.

Conclusion:

I welcome your comments below.

The coming two United States Senate elections in the state of Georgia occur on

Phoenix Rising

January 5th, just 3 days after Mars leaves its retrograde shadow and a day before it enters Taurus. The theme for that January 5 chart points to an opportunity for significant change. If the Democratic party were to win both races, they would be the majority party in both houses of the US Congress. Such a change would have wide implications that go well beyond the US borders. As with anything, progressive change requires progressive action and more energy than usual. As its counter-point, apathy fuels a continuation of the status quo. The choice is ours and ours alone.

If anything has been learned from the 2020 pandemic, doing nothing is no longer a viable option. Regardless of who you voted for, the record vote turnout in the recent US elections points to a much more engaged country populace than ever seen before. The same holds true for many other countries in the world. And in my opinion, that's a good thing. Power to the people!

As Jupiter (19th) and Saturn (17th) begin moving from Capricorn towards their Aquarius ingress in mid-December, further emphasis on progressive ideas and initiatives will continue to increase and strengthen. In that vein, the traditional world we once knew, the day-to-day social interaction/functions, and traditional global alliances are rapidly changing. In fact, huge social changes being seeded currently will become more and more evident as Pluto completes its epic 15 year transit of Capricorn in 2023. 

Remember, it's been only 28 years since the use of personal computers and cell phones began to spread through the general public. Amazingly, children born at that time (now going through their first Saturn Return!) through the present have little, if any understanding of the world that existed in the 1980's and prior. Their world of social media, progressive ideals, and gender equality and acceptance is what is most important to many now in their teens and twenty's. And in that way, the Universe through the endless march of generations has shown us the potential future for a more progressive, interconnected and viable world society. 

Is humanity ready to make such a significant leap? Younger generations have readily said YES! And therein lies the future. There's really no going back. In the courageous words of Chuck Yeager back in 1947, he uttered "throttle up" when facing potential air disaster while attempting to break the sound barrier for the first time. At that critical moment his aircraft shook violently, then passed into silence as he moved through that barrier. Previous attempts by others to exceed the speed of sound all came to the same extreme oscillating moment, and they all pulled back. Death was usually the result. Quite telling. Now retired General Yeager knew in that moment what had not worked (pulling back). His only option was to "throttle up". 

This is such a telling lesson for those taking leaps of faith along the life path. In times of growth and significant change, courage, determination and trust always surpass safety and stability. Throttle Up!

Next update in December: December Solstice and a look at 2021.

Sat Nam

Starman, Joseph Mina
Malvern, Pennsylvania USA
November 14, 2020