First Quarter Moon
“Oak Creek, Arizona” photograph by Alison Brush
I was gifted a dream this past week that holds clues to the upcoming waning square of Saturn/Neptune that begins next week and completes in the summer of 2016. This promises to be one of those huge turning points for all of humanity, for planet Earth, and so, too, for your personal galaxy. The quantum magical law “As above, so below” is very much at work within and around us.
Here’s the dream: I am floating down the Snake River (one of the West’s great rivers that begins in Yellowstone National Park at Heart Lake). The water is green but murky and there are logs and obstacles I am needing to avoid as I navigate the slow moving flow. It is a bit frustrating, even scary, and I wonder what the heck I am doing floating in this mighty river without a life jacket. As I look ahead, I notice that soon this almost stagnant river is beginning to turn into riffles of rapids and the water looks more turquoise and clear. There is a sense of wondering, even trepidation, of what lies ahead. Will be able to navigate those future rapids? Why did I even jump in this river the first place? There the dream ends.
So here’s my interpretation in regards to the Saturn/Neptune square: Neptune’s domain is always watery and mysterious ~ the Snake River. And don’t miss the metaphor of Snake medicine as transformation, shedding your old skin/life, emerging from your own Heart Lake. Saturn often teaches us through delays, forcing us to slow down, often by injury, extreme tiredness, depression coming to a head, or feeling restricted in some way. As this transit takes hold of us, we potentially are sensing a new dream calling to us, those aquamarine rapids, Neptune’s gift. Yet as this process begins, we may very well feel like things are moving at a snail’s pace, not moving at all, and that there are obstacles we need to avoid. Pay close attention to the day to day signs and clues, as there actually is great magic afoot. Think of ways you can keep your flow going while being a bit more cautious about rushing ahead. That’s what I will be doing as I honor, value and trust the wisdom and gift of the dreamtime.
Now back to this week. The evocative moment captured in this photograph by my dear friend Alison Brush (check out her extraordinary painting and drawing talent at BrushArtVentures ) captures the essence and feeling of the mysterious nature of this week’s Neptunian transits. Prepare to be inspired, deluded, romanticized, deceived, inspired, addicted, revealed ~ all possibilities of the powerful influence of Neptune, ruler of artists, magicians, spiritual guides, and most importantly, your own unique EVER FREE imagination.
The exact Mercury/Sun conjunction is still very much in affect throughout this week, supporting a more focused mind and an ability to be very organized when it comes to logistics in your life. It may not feel fun, but it can be an extremely productive time. And work toward steering clear of a pressing depression. Stick to your regular endorphin-producing routines with new regularity and conviction.
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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. Remember, the flower that is about to burst forth from the bud is not yet visible. 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. What you are putting together now is the groundwork for the manifestation of the theme. Simply, this phase is a time to work.”
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Wed November 18
Neptune turns direct: This aspect potentially creates both confusion and cloudiness of consciousness as well as moments of creative inspiration, insights streaming in. Neptune rules those invisible realms we can’t tangibly touch, yet they are very real. Think of your imagination as something you can’t hold in your hand, yet doesn’t it guide you in the most important ways? How else do you call forth your next project, designing a garden or table or a meal, seeing yourself in a new home, if not imagining it first? We must imagine it first, and then we can make it happen here in the physical dimension. Even the most left-brain skeptics know this so. Today, acknowledge and honor your own unique EVER FREE imagination. It is the gift from which all other gifts flow.
First Quarter Moon: Now we enter the action quarter of the current SolLunar cycle. As we are heading to bed tonight, the Last Quarter Moon grabs hold of us. The Sun is in intimate Scorpio and the Moon is in friendship, community-minded Aquarius. The inner tension of this aspect will surely keep social media active late into tonight, like the world gets a second wind. You might have a sudden urge to get out of bed to check your newsfeed streams, connecting with new or old friends.
Thu November 19
Moon/Neptune conjunction in Aquarius: The fast-moving Moon often functions like a door or portal opening when it aligns with other planets. Today’s monthly conjunction with Neptune in Aquarius encourages brainstorming with friends, extra busy cafes and others zones of collaboration and connectivity. I wouldn’t recommend the library though, as it will be impossible to be quiet. You’ll want to chat it up and be more experimental today.
Mars conjunct Zaniah in Virgo: The star of Zaniah is associated with purity and perfectionism. With Mars’s transit over this star for the next couple of days, you might experience increased inflammation, especially in your digestive tract, or commit to a rapid cleanse, sensing it’s time to purge. Remember that purging release can function in many areas of life. Be discerning, set better boundaries that support your health, and be willing to say to others ‘no thanks, that’s not right for me now’.
Fri November 20
Venus in Virgo square Pluto in Sagittarius: Whenever Venus and Pluto relate astrologically, you can be assured the world seems to get more obsessive, possessive or obsessive compulsive in regards to love, art, money, beauty, all domains of Venus. Today’s tense square often pushes you toward what feels like a life and death decision. That’s because Pluto manifests as cathartic releases that precede rebirth and eventual revitalization. You don’t want to avoid your depths today, dive in, examine your inner motivations. And let go of comparing yourself to any one else which is total waste of your valuable time.
Moon/Chiron conjunction: This monthly alignment simply makes everyone touchy, more sensitive, insecure, aware of their wounding. Experiencing that kind of vulnerability can actually be a good thing if we don’t lash out at another, but open to the other.
Sat November 21
Sun in Scorpio trine Moon/South Lunar Node in Pisces: Lovely, lovely. This aspect is like the sun shining through some dark emotional clouds of late, with more still looming on the horizon. So bask in this temporary glow, and revisit ways to keep your thinking positive, your heart clear of fear, your imagination sparkling with never-ending possibility.
Ceres in Capricorn sextile Saturn in Scorpio: This aspect is strong today and the next few days. It is excellent for deep-cleaning your home, reaching every nook and cranny. It is also supportive of creating an easy-to-stick-to schedule for your busy family. Your kids might suddenly want to clean up their room and offer to take on new responsibilities. Encourage them to do so.
Sun November 22
Moon/Uranus conjunction in Pisces: A good use of this alignment is to take time off, make no advance plans, be in the present, go with the flow. If you do schedule something in advance, things might shift suddenly anyway. That’s what Uranus often brings ~ surprise, shock, spontaneity.
Mon November 23
Venus in Virgo opposite Uranus in Pisces: When this aspect takes hold, you can experience breakthroughs and realizations surrounding love interests, creative projects, financial issues, all areanas linked to Venus. Venus in Virgo can be quite critical, even judgmental, while Uranus in Pisces calls forth compassion and forgiveness. So speak honestly from your heart if things have been upsetting you, and see how that clearing the air can morph into tears and kindness toward yourself and others.
Mars in Virgo sextile Saturn in Scorpio: This highly productive exciting sextile between action-oriented Mars and focused Saturn makes for a very productive day, especially in regards to health, finance, helping others, research, all areas of interest for Virgo and Scorpio.
Mars in Virgo inconjunct Neptune in Aquarius: This aspect dove-tails with the above Mars sextile Saturn. This influence means it is very important to consider what your unique EVER FREE imagination is whispering in your ear and how it wants to guide your choices going forward. Often that means you shouldn’t keep doing things out of habit just because you are good at it or it’s worked in the past. Now would be an excellent time to take a risk or a leap of faith.
Tue November 24
Mercury/Saturn conjunction in Scorpio: Follow through on an idea, start up a business, create a budget can all be good things to do under this very focused and serious-minded energy. This aspect also notoriously shows up as a feeling of mental heaviness, depression, pessimism. You can’t run or hide from this temporary darkening of your Light when they align in Scorpio. Best to dive deep, call your therapist or trusted friend, and delve into any resistance to face your feelings. That way you will naturally, thankfully, emerge, ever the wiser, on the other side as this aspect fades over the next week. And take note: tomorrow is Full Moon, so everything feels more exaggerated.
