2020 Sagittarius Total Solar Eclipse New Moon and the Coming Solstice: Phoenix Rising

“Nations like stars, are entitled to eclipse. All is well, provided the light returns and the eclipse does not become endless night. Dawn and resurrection are synonymous. The reappearance of the light is the same as the survival of the soul.”
Victor Hugo - French poet, novelist and dramatist of the Romantic movement (1802-1885)

“We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.”

Albert Einstein - Theoretical Physicist (1879-1955)

Greetings from late Spring and the Western Cape of South Africa. 

For anyone who prefers to listen to an audio version of this update, you can listen on-line here.

I recently entered South Africa thanks to the South African government easing international-travelers border restrictions in November. Nonetheless, strict pandemic protocols remain here for border entry and for social interaction. Despite these hurdles, I’m very happy to return to warmer weather and the beauty of South Africa’s natural world.

Perhaps on the minds of many people is a sentiment about the coming end of 2020 and hope for better days in 2021. While that January 1st cross-over date is a product of western-society’s human imagination and an oddly structured calendar, the heralded date represents a societal event triggering many hopes, dreams, commitments, beginnings and endings and a wide array of other cultural events. Remember last January 1 and your thoughts about 2020? Sure seems like years ago!

Yet on the astrological calendar and other oracle based systems, the coming Solstice represents one of the premier events of an astrological year. For this day signals the energetic shift from one season to another, as well as setting the tone/theme for the ensuing season.

This year, the run up to the Solstice and the new season is quite compelling, and not surprisingly, intense. This is already evident in current events.

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Life Path Astrology Consultations: As 2021 rapidly nears, deepen your understanding of your natal birth chart along with a look ahead to 2021 and how to best navigate the planetary cycles of the new year. I am available for private one-to-one consultation sessions via Skype or Zoom (audio recorded). Gift certificates for family and friends are available too! 

Great changes present life changing opportunities. My personal astrological counseling session helps you create meaningful strategies for adapting and shifting with the current powerful planetary cycles. Schedule TODAY your appointment!]

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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 

Coronavirus Round 2: Cancer New Moon and the coming surge

"Life's under no obligation to give us what we expect"

-- Margaret Mitchell, author (1900-49)

Life Path Astrology Consultations:

For anyone ready to explore in greater depth the unique dynamics of their natal chart, or for previous clients ready to update their chart for the current planetary transits, private one-to-one sessions with me via Skype or Zoom (audio recorded) are available. Gift certificates too! 

Great change presents great opportunity. My personal astrological counseling session is designed to help you create meaningful strategies for adapting and shifting with the current planetary changes. You can schedule on-line by going to this link where you can access my appointment calendar. I’ll be available for session work beginning in August.

Greetings from Ocean City, New Jersey!

I thought I would complete this blog prior to the New Moon. So much for my plans. Regardless, below is a good summary of the current energy dynamics, what to expect in the coming days and some suggestions for reflection. Read on....

The hot days of summer have arrived on the United States East Coast, and I'm very glad to be near the ocean. The second consecutive New Moon in Cancer (first Cancer New Moon occurred on the solstice in June) arrived on the 20th at 1:32 pm EDT (on the 21st from Southeast Asia east to the International Date Line). As with the Cancer New Moon this past solstice, the New Moon vibration carries added significance. Why? Because it's 2020 [humor intended]. Here's my perspective.

The sign of Cancer brings our awareness to your personal life, your family and even extended family, and community-at-large. Opposite earthly Capricorn, archetypal Cancer imbues the field with encouragement to create a more nurturing and connective reality. As a watery (emotional) sign, it stands at the front of the line when it comes to helping others in need.  At this lunation, the Sun/Moon position occurs almost at the very end degree of Cancer, providing the opportunity to focus on the personal, family and community related lessons learned/experienced over the past 28-29 days of the lunar cycle. That cycle included a solar (solstice) and lunar eclipse, and Venus and Mercury retrogrades. Hence, its collective vibration serves as a strong foundational platform for the remainder of 2020.

Most people love a good story with a happy ending. Our fairy tales are filled with positive endings. We not only rely on such, but expect "they lived happily ever after" outcomes too. With that said, back in December I gave a few astrology talks about what to expect in 2020. Attendees wanted to know what lay ahead for such a powerful numbered year. Yet, true to my astrological roots, I didn't sugar coat my words. In each talk, I spoke about the intensity of the coming planetary cycles starting at the December Solstice and being prominent for all of 2020. In other words 2020 would prove powerfully intense in a yet-to-be-defined way affecting all aspects of humanity. How's that for a contra-happy ending! 

Yet, given Jupiter's recent optimistic 2019 transit through its home sign of Sagittarius, the feedback from some in my audiences didn't take to my message, but preferred to remain optimistic about the unfolding New Year (didn't 2020 have a nice ring to it?). To say the least, my message wasn't high up on the favorite festival story of the month chart. 

Yet, the tone of what I shared then as now actually is rather practical, pragmatic and a tip of the hat to upside potential, i.e. we need to prepare for a very different world emerging over the next nine or so years. And part of that preparation is a major overhaul or reorganization of the very structures that make humanity tick. Why? Because there are very (underscored) intense astrological patterns now weaving their way concurrently through the consciousness that reflect themes of upheaval, surrender, oppression and transformation. 

And yet, there can actually be a very positive ending and new beginning to it all. Attaining such will require hard work, courage, determination to strengthen oneself, a willingness to look deeply within and some Universal luck.

While current societal structures have worked to some degree in the 20th and earlier centuries depending on affluence, the 21st century has become a wholly different reality. Advanced technological wonders such as robotics, computers, digital currency, massive social media platforms, instantaneous communication and instant access to content represent the new structural pillars serving a rapidly evolving world. 

Chicago City Maze by Joseph Mina

Also, and most importantly, an unprecedented heightened awareness of human society, including all its deep scaring blemishes from times past now emerge for all to see (Neptune in Pisces/Pluto in Capricorn). 

The unfolding big planetary transits of 2020 into 2021 point to an essential introspection period (current circumstances) in order to address issues such as systemic racism, climate change, immigration between nations, poverty vs disproportionate wealth, health care, political discord, intensive farming practices, unbalanced commerce and social inequality that are causing great damage to the physical elemental state and balance of the planet's ecosystems. 

And therein lies our opportunity for healing and reorganizing on a personal, social and global scale a more connective world for current and future generations. Mind you, this human endeavor is occurring at a time when the speed and dissemination of information, as well as perception of time, is rapidly accelerating. And it can be exhausting at times!

With that as a backdrop, here's the details of this New Moon lunation.

This New Moon theme continues the 2020 pattern of major challenges as Saturn along with Pluto and Jupiter in Capricorn strongly oppose this New Moon's vibe. And of course, since it's 2020, an unexpected brightening of a comet has recently become part of the sky story I guess to put an exclamation mark on what is now unfolding. 

Visible comets (they occur very infrequently: last one was Southern Hemisphere Comet McNaught in 2006, are symbolic signs of unfolding powerful change. Given this year's upheaval, this particular comet not only underscores 2020's chaos, but also becomes a herald signaling greater change to come over the next 3 years. 

Comet Neowise

As I mentioned in my Solstice blog entry, the second half of 2020 is loaded with a surge of planetary retrogrades. Usually, at any given time, 1 to 3 planets are in retrograde. Not this year (of course). Anywhere between 5 and 7 retrogrades will now be in play through December. From a geocentric perspective, this forward/back/forward planetary motion in the sky story symbolically implies a strong or heightened pull back or introspection individually and collectively to reflect, reorganize, regenerate etc. aspects of your personal, social and global connections and integral structures (rules, traditions etc). 

Given the added intensity of so many retrogrades (there are 6 at this New Moon), a very introspective energy now builds across the human consciousness. So if you are feeling inward, or seemingly lack the motivation to manifest or create something new, look no further than this juggernaut of inward energy. Here, surrender to a higher source may be the best strategy, i.e. let the energy reveal itself rather than attempting to define it.

On the external, more evidence of this slow down is seen by renewed lockdown restrictions now being imposed due to increased virus spread throughout the United States and other parts of the world. Personally, given the current planetary cycles, I would not be surprised if the spread of COVID continues through the end of the year. So let's have a look at the New Moon chart:

As you can see from the various energetic lines connecting various archetypes, this is quite a busy New Moon. What follows is my top 5 list from the above chart starting with...

Phoenix Rising

1. Saturn/Pluto/Jupiter in opposition to the New Moon. Saturn's in its challenging aspect points to the imposition of boundaries, limits, and restrictions affecting laws, rules, politics, organizations and business. In its expansive state it influences the creation of functional structures that organize our energetic flow as a society. From its recent 4-month ingress into the water-bearer sign of Aquarius, strong Aquarian themes of social justice and equality came to the fore around the globe leading to protest about systemic racism at every level of society. The police presence and its catalytic effect is a classic example of challenging Saturn cause/effect.

Now Saturn has returned to its home sign of Capricorn (early July) where it remains for its final and most intense pass through December 17 and fueled by its Aquarian transit. Remember, any planetary energy in its home sign amplifies the expression of that sign's energy. At this New Moon, Saturn in Capricorn, Neptune in Pisces and Mars in Aries all position in their respective home signs. That's a lot of potent fuel. And why not...it's 2020. 

In the coming months, Saturn will once again create a near conjunction with Jupiter and Pluto (last was back in December to March) perhaps reenacting and reinforcing the potent dynamics of that time. And to add a very strong exclamation point, that trio will be further amplified (squared) by...

2. Retrograde Mars in Aries. Mars and Saturn are akin to the young brash and elder warriors, respectively (think Karate Kid movie). In its home sign of Aries, Mars energy is naturally relentless, impulsive, boundless and lacking the maturity to be responsible (that's Capricorn's job). It also possesses an enormous amount of kinetic energy to initiate massive shifts of energy in rapid fashion! 

Mars' first of three squares with Saturn on August 24 (and a little earlier with Jupiter (8/4) and Pluto (8/13) too) ultimately fuels Mars with a new directive about its archetypal role in the coming years of this decade. Thus while Mars energy, especially in Aries, is quite the achiever, this coming retrograde in early September will put the brakes on any sense of forward progress at least through the end of the year. This vibration will become more and more noticeable as Mars soon enters its retrograde shadow on July 24th. 

I must add here: outbreak of war is not uncommon during or after a Mars retrograde. That's not a prediction, just a reflection about how this retrograde transit has played out in the past. The alternative is to use Mars fuel to effect positive/constructive change. As always, the choice is ours.

In the political realm, Donald Trump's challenges will become even greater as his natal conjunction of Saturn/Venus in Cancer will be opposed by Saturn/Jupiter (once again) and Pluto and soon squared by Mars. That energetic surge represents significant once-in-a-lifetime headwinds adversely affecting his ability to control circumstances around him  

Lastly, Mars, which ordinarily spends approximately 6 weeks transiting a sign, doesn't leave the shadow energy of the Aries retrograde until January 2, 2021 or over 5 months later! That's a very long time for this Aries energy to be bound/reined in. In short, expect the unexpected. It's not often Mars retrogrades in its home sign of Aries. Add the potent fuel of Saturn/Jupiter/Pluto to the Mars retrograde and we are headed for unchartered waters, especially in October and November and the US Presidential election. 

This is an epic planetary cycle and one that will be long remembered for its yet to be revealed dynamics. If there were ever a time for inner clarity, focus, renewed purpose, determination, and a willingness to explore the heretofore unknowable as a prelude to a post-pandemic era around the globe, this is it! And of course no outcome, including any clear sense about the current pandemic, can be anticipated or predicted thanks to...

3. Neptune, which from its Pisces home perch not only creates a strong sextile (60 degrees of angle) with Jupiter/Saturn/Pluto, but completes its 3rd and final square with Venus and its June retrograde in Gemini (exact on July 27) . Remember, it was back in early April when Venus entered its retrograde shadow in early degrees of unpredictable Gemini. By early May the 1st of 3 squares with Neptune occurred just as the President and many Governors in the United States decided it was time to reclaim a normal flow and ignore potential spread of COVID-19. 

Given the strong murky vibration of Venus square Neptune, such actions were ill-timed (imagine if leaders actually followed astrology chart dynamics when making decisions?) opened the door for the virus resurgence and spread we now see. Neptune energy dissolves ever so slowly, like water eroding metal, until nothing is left. Its influence is pervasive and lasting. Spawning a new wave of spirituality, imagery, music, connection to the natural world, and greater compassion for all is Neptune's primary mandate in the 21st Century. And with 6 more years to go before it enters Aries, the process of dissolving (surrender to a greater force) will only intensify.

Neptune's recent interaction (sextile) with Saturn/Jupiter and its long-term building sextile (into 2026) with Pluto's intense transformative vibe now fuels a huge well of uncertainty in a Western society used to a fair dose of day-to-day certainty and organization. Such uncertainty in part strongly impacts our traditional methods of communication, which is further underscored by the recently completed...

4. Mercury retrograde in Cancer and its strong influence upon the Cancer themes of personal, family and community life, as exemplified at this New Moon. 

Mercury's recent retrograde began opposite to Saturn's 2019 retrograde station, and began direct motion last week in square to the current position of Chiron/Mars in Aries. These are major lessons about the workings of cause/effect. Understand too a retrograde pattern doesn't really end ("when will Mercury retrograde be over?" is a common question I hear). Rather the intense effect of any retrograde eases up as the motion regains its forward speed. Hence, the collective experience of any retrograde transit adds to an ever evolving conversation around our human evolution, while rebuilding its tension pattern for its next retrograde phase.

As far as lessons learned from the recent Mercury retrograde, the buildup to the next Mercury Retrograde come this mid-October (in Scorpio) will be fueled by the various Cancer themes brought to your awareness in July.  And that leads me to...

5. Uranus in Taurus and the ultimate conundrum of human society on Planet Earth. The energy of archetypal Uranus (ruler of Aquarius) is catalytic, lightning quick and usually out-of-the-blue. The current built up of this rocket fuel comes from the epic eight squares between Uranus and Pluto between 2011-15. The power of this vibration will literally bring us to social collapse, or usher us into utopia within the next 10 years. 

Earthly Taurus in part points to our connection to the Earth and its natural beauty and denizens. It also mirrors the natural world's function, which includes your physical body. Since May 2018 Uranus has brought its surprising/unsettling intense vibe into that natural world cauldron, creating breakthroughs as well as unusual health challenges.

By 2025-26, Uranus and Neptune will create a sextile at the very end degrees of Taurus and Pisces, providing a strong guide for the evolving state of planet Earth. At that time, Pluto will be firmly placed in Aquarius, Saturn will be beginning its Aries transit alongside Neptune, and Jupiter will be in early degrees Cancer. That's a lot of expansive air and fire energy, which will prove either highly combustible or highly energizing. 

Beyond the current pandemic, if there were ever a reason to further strengthen your physical, emotional, and mental states in alignment with your deeper soul-driven directives for what lies ahead, this massive shift of outer planetary energies from an earth/water state to air/fire underscores the urgency to do so now.

Here's a few suggested themes for reflection over the next two weeks of this New Moon lunation:

What have I learned about myself since the December 21st solstice of last year?

What changes am I now making to ready myself for a rapidly emerging new mythos in this 21st Century?

How do I plan on nurturing myself (including strengthening of the physical body) in the coming days?

What actions on my part are required to create a more sustainable and holistic family and community structure?

How can I become an effective voice for change, or support those who espouse progressive ideals in our quest for a more sustainable and life-giving reality?

And finally, keeping with the evolving 21st century trend of using technology to connect with a larger audience, join me for a live Zoom session on Sunday, August 2nd at 2 to 4 pm EDT where I will explore in greater depth the planetary cycles for the remainder of 2020 and their rippling effect into 2021 and beyond. The last 30 minutes of the program will be open for non-personal Q/A, specific to the discussed content. The Zoom call is open to 100 participants and will be recorded (audio). 

Copies of such will be available via a donation to defray the time to process the sound file and disseminate it. More specific information will be forthcoming in an email to my mailing list and this blog towards the end of July.

Here's the Zoom link for joining in. I will activate the meeting room 20 minutes before the scheduled start time. As this is my first solo Zoom, I won't require registration this time. So it's first ones in line. A friend will help me review any questions submitted in the chat section. From there, she will select (as time permits) questions for my further exploration most germane to the content. 

I look forward to further exploring these epic changing times with you.

Sat Nam,

Starman, Joseph Mina

Ocean City, New Jersey

July 21, 2020

Solstice June 2020: what in the world is going on???

"For my part I know nothing with certainty but the sight of the stars make me dream" 

- Vincent Van Gough

Greetings Fellow Earthlings and Lovers of the Night Sky

Black Lives Matter protest in St. Louis

It’s been quite the chaotic dance since I last wrote in early March. Lockdowns, border restrictions, oodles of information and misinformation, global pandemic spread leading to over 8.5 million infected and near 500,000 related deaths, unprecedented social protests, and a lot of stay-at-home realities triggering massive layoffs, school and business closings and significant social reorganization. And we're not even at the half-way mark of the year!

At the moment I’m residing in the western suburban area of Philadelphia with my younger sister and husband, since South Africa’s borders are temporarily closed to tourist and non-residents alike. This is the longest stretch for me in the USA since 2017. Such a different reality here than South Africa. I had thought I’d be in South Africa by now enjoying its extraordinary star-filled winter night sky. But the Universe had other ideas and plans!

So what in the world is going on for the next six months? I’ll state it up front: based on the coming astrological cycles of 2020’s second half, and further fueled by the chaotic intensity from the first half, amplified events await! Yet generational-changing opportunity becomes more available through renewed group focus and intention. 

We are part of an extraordinary shift in consciousness now underway whose social, economic and political ramifications cannot yet be fully understood. This is more evident today than it was in 2008 when Pluto first entered Capricorn and the world financial structures mightily shook. This is fertile virgin ground for significant global changes over the next 10 years.  What