First Quarter Moon
“Sexual Water” sculpted reliquary Amber Jean
One of 2016’s most significant astronomical events is happening this week: Mars turns retrograde on April 17-June 29, an aspect that occurs once every two years. The ‘shadow period’ of Mars retrograde process actually started mid-February (revisit what was coming up for you then) and completes by the end of August.
Mars in retrograde tends to manifest as increased heat in our bodies, accelerated cleansing, accidents or surgeries on the rise, scandals surfacing (especially during this cycle as Mars is aligned with Antares, a star linked with political power struggles), and buried tensions erupting. The upside of this transit can be a profound redirection of your will toward a leading a life with more passion and joy, a healthier, more energized YOU, and new-found clarity in how you see things.
Here’s a teaser for my upcoming series on “Election 2016” which I will begin next week, to be posted in the Earth Sky Oracle section of my website. Find out why Bernie Sanders is getting his second-wind in his 70’s, why Donald Trump really does believe he is a king and can singlehandedly solve the world’s problems, why Ted Cruz always sounds like he is lecturing us, why Hillary Clinton has legendary endurance coupled with epic political ambition, and why John Kasich, despite his claim he is the positive candidate, often sounds like a whiner or a victim. I am excited to share my astrological political punditry.
Thank you, Amber Jean, for the use of this photograph of your vibrant scarlet reliquary, the perfect image for Mars.
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Here’s a list of the First Quarter Moon characteristics compliments of my friend/sidereal colleague Nick Anthony Fiorenza ~ www.lunarplanner.com
“The First Quarter Moon of each lunar cycle draws an external stimulus to initiate action as we move from the inspirational quarter of the lunar cycle into the action quarter. Now is the time to drop all hesitation and take the steps to move forth on what you were inspired about…. it is time to now participate in trust and knowing. Trust in the process. Demonstrate this trust in physical action and you will be supported. This time is stressful or traumatic only if action is ignored. Simply, this phase is a time to work.”
Note: I write my posts according to the Lunar cycles, posting on the New, First Quarter, Full and Third Quarter Moons. If you work with and within the natural flow of time and supportive cosmic energy, your life can flow with more ease and grace. I base my interpretations and predictions on the true sidereal astronomical alignments. You can read about my unique way of interpreting astrology at this link: earthwordskyword.com/astrology-readings/astrological-readings/
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Wed April 13
First Quarter Moon: Moon in Cancer square Sun in Aries: This point in our current SolLunar cycle marks the action phase. And today, the Sun enters sidereal Aries, leading to a four week period of more illumination, inspiration, and initiation. The First Quarter square of the interior Moon in Cancer with the out-going Sun in Aries happens late tonight, possibly precipitating a feeling of tension before bed with a beloved. Or you might get a sudden urge to work into the night, completing a proposal, presentation.
Thu April 14
Mercury in Aries trine Jupiter in Leo: All week long, we are under beneficent aspects to Mercury, the planetary ruler of thoughts, ideas, technological devices. As Mercury is in ‘let’s-start-something-new’ Aries, it’s a good time to take bold steps in what you want to say and how you want to share your message via technology/social media, etc. Today’s wonderful trine to Jupiter in creative Leo brings all kinds of support to you. Believe in yourself and so will others. Car dealerships and computer stores are extremely busy this week as many are seeking to upgrade their devices and vehicles, which function as extensions of ourselves.
Grand Trine in Water: Moon in Cancer, Ceres in Pisces and Mars in Scorpio: A grand trine is an astrological aspect full of energy and enthusiasm, and today’s GT takes place in Water signs, which govern our emotions and feelings. The Moon in Cancer is linked to those you call family, Ceres in Pisces is a sense of being nurtured by a universal, spiritual Mother, and Mars in Scorpio calls forth a desire to nurture others through actions. You can feel a wondrous sense of being held and cared for by the Universe and your beloveds. It’s wonderful day for a gathering or dinner party.
Fri April 15
Moon in Cancer square Mercury in Aries: Someone’s feelings might get hurt today by sharp words from another. If you are overly-sensitive (good for you), work on not taking another’s shortness too personally.
Sat April 16
Mercury/Vesta conjunction Aries trine Pluto in Sagittarius: When Mercury aligns with Vesta, the asteroid of focus and dedication to a cause, you utilize the power of thoughts and intentions to manifest life shifts almost instantaneously. Also, given the influence of Aries, many will be very outspoken today. The helpful trine to power-house Pluto further amplifies the super power of your mind today and tomorrow. Use this laser-like aspect to cut through doubts and reclaim faith you can do anything you set your mind to.
Sun April 17
Mars in Scorpio turns retrograde: This impactful turning point happens around sunrise. You may awaken with a weird sense of tension or trepidation. The cosmic pull of a planet shifting direction in relationship to Earth brings about real consequences in the energetic tide of its shift. We feel this in the cells of our bodies, reverberating through all levels of our multi-dimensional Being-ness. It’s time to get to work at a deeper level on something very important unfolding in your life. You may be mysteriously, inexplicably being drawn in new directions and now you have to trust the unfolding Mystery. I am sorry if that all sounds vague and mysterious, because it is!
That’s the more interior meaning behind Mars turning backward for a bit. At the global, societal level, as Mars is aligning with Antares in Scorpio, all kinds of political intrigue, shenanigans, power plays, exposes will emerge during this period. And as Scorpio is always associated with extreme wealth, it’s one of the reasons this election cycle is linked to following the trail of the money. More to come in my astro pundit posts!
Moon/Jupiter conjunction in Leo square Mars/Saturn: The playful Leo Moon aligns with exuberant Jupiter, and it’s hard to contain your emotions. Yet the square to Mars/Saturn puts the brakes on. Think of being stopped by an outside force to keep you from hurting yourself from your mania. This aspect can go in many directions, depending on your life circumstance. In a nutshell, it is full of both promise and risk. Move consciously, with care, and you will be fine.
Mon April 18
Pluto turns retrograde: Now our tiny but unbelievable potent dwarf planet Pluto turns retrograde till late September. This period marks a time for shedding anything unnecessary that might bog us down, hold us back, keep us from moving forward with fresh new possibilities. It’s a profoundly quiet background influence, and often works in unseen, catalytic, cleansing ways, including with our physical bodies. One of Pluto’s mottos is this: Change or die. Sounds a bit harsh, but such is the nature of, at times, Pluto’s brutal truth.
Moon/North Lunar Node conjunction in Leo: This once-monthly alignment helps us take an important next step in regards to an exciting new endeavor. And remember, it builds upon the stunning events of yesterday’s shifts.
Tue April 19
Venus in Pisces square Pluto in Sagittarius: This square can lead to love obsessions getting worse and more dramatic, or lead to profound turns-of-heart that require relinquishing an old way of loving for something ultimately better. And it’s a great day to obsess on your art, or change up your wardrobe for a more dramatic look.
Moon in Virgo opposite Ceres in Pisces: You might feel a deeper level of healing today surrounding an old loss or grief, or a willingness to cleanse your space of things that remind you about the past. You are finally ready to let it go. Cleansing and healing are part of this aspect.
Wed April 20
Moon in Virgo: Tomorrow will be the Full Moon in Aries/Libra, highlighting relationships in a glaring, true light. With today’s health-seeking, discerning Virgo Moon, you might feel an inner pull to take some time for yourself. Ask yourself: What makes me feel whole, healthy, happy? By knowing that, throughout the core of your being, all the relationships you choose will naturally be healthier and more nurturing to you.
