Scorpio Full Moon 2018

Somewhere between April 29th and April 30th, Lady Moon reaches Her fullness in Scorpio. As with so many events that happen in Scorpio (especially those bringing light to the dark corners), this one promises to be a doozy. Every Full Moon challenges us to commit to a new fullness in our lives. Every Full Moon lights our way to seeing all the dimensions of that new fullness or path. This light-bringing is their greatest gift.

We often look at Full Moons as a time to call in what we want, what we need, what we are seeking. They are a time also of letting go. In essence, we have to let go of what continues to hide in the shadows during the light of the Full Moon in order to create the space for the Other, the Best Intentions for our next steps.

This particular Scorpio Full Moon was preceded by Pluto, the ruler of the Underworld ~ the Land of the Dead ~ and influencer of Scorpio, beginning its six months of retrograde in Capricorn by standing still. This movement, or seeming lack of movement, challenges us sit under the Bodhi Tree or Tree of Life communing with our own inner Plutonian shaman to face our deepest fears fully, which we are often less than willing to do. The light created by this Full Moon reveals our subconscious influences, giving us access to using their power in our favor. Find a mantra, see a dream image, direct a meditation ~ any of these can unlock our depths for or best interest.

Pluto and Mars ~ both having influences over Scorpio ~ currently create a receptive Lunar portal for deep connections with the Divine Feminine. All we need to do is set our intentions and destroy any negative or disconnected pieces of our past and dance, sing, praise, write, plant the seeds of cellular healing. Nourish our deepest Self in the energy of this Full Scorpio Moon.

Since both Saturn and Pluto are in Capricorn (the Middle World) right now, Mars' singular power brings us into close communion with Saturn's discipline and wisdom in conjunction with Pluto's transformative capacity to keep us focused and moving. We need the support of our ancestors, allies and guides as we maneuver the currents of this time of shift. We need to remember to ask for ~ and offer ~ help.

Two other planets join Pluto in retrograde right now: Jupiter and Saturn, making this what many call a retrograde trifecta. Jupiter is the change maker and can ease our desired transformation past stubborn Taurus. Practical Saturn supports success in our lives. Pluto finishes off the change masters by being the archetype of death and re-birth. So with Scorpio's truth-telling encouragement, Taurus doesn't stand a chance. Expect and reflect on various levels of breakthroughs. Shed your old skin. Trust that your goals will come to fruition in time. No rush.

One final consideration. Scorpio has three aspects. The Scorpion, stinging every passerby simply because that is its nature. The Eagle, taking the long view on silent, shadowing wings. The Phoenix, catching fire spontaneously and rising from its ashes. All three hide. All three are deadly in their own way. Each teaches us about Pluto's realm: Change, Death, Re-birth.

What transformation has come into the light recently? What long-term goal have you been working toward that needs a nudge to happen? Which of your ancestors, allies or guides is showing up in your life? Where is your personal Tree of Life? What practice will help you patiently reflect? Which of Scorpio's three aspects calls more urgently to you right now?

New Moon in Taurus 2017

the nearly New Moon

Focus on both the Moon and the Earth during this Taurus New Moon. The sky focus presents the opportunity for us to reach beyond ourselves, to set goals matching our dreams. The earthy focus offers us the sensual enjoyment of our daily lives: food, nature, movement. Earth brings us stability, security and comfort. Moon brings us dreams, reflection and passion. A good time to assure the safety of our foundation as well as to bring to light the elements that contribute most to our happiness. Find our comfort zone and move forward, however ploddingly, to make changes. In the helper role for this is the trine formed with the New Moon and the North Node of destiny as it wraps up its time in earthy Virgo.

This is a good time for switching gears, for noticing what needs to be changed and making the decision to do so. As we let go during a New Moon, we set a path toward fulfillment at the next Full Moon. This New Moon calls us to look at what is right in front of us while we assess our goals, a good balance. With both the Sun and the Moon in Taurus, the energy of Venus, currently on a healing journey with Chiron, gifts us the energy to conscious, sacred healing of our hearts amidst the slowly churning chaos.

We are also affected by several planets in retrograde:

Venus: Awakening our hearts (March 4th-April 15th)
Mercury: Activating our awakened hearts' clear & concise voice  (04/09 - 05/03)
Jupiter: Reassessing and reinvigorating goals & intuition (02/06 - 06/09)
Saturn: Taking responsibility for our choices & reclaiming our power (04/06 - 08/25)
Pluto: Uncovering our closets' hidden skeletons & transforming our lives (04/20 - 09/28)

Planets further from the Sun will affect us more on the deep, subconscious level so we may not feel their effects as clearly as those closer to the Sun ~ and to the Earth. Times when planets are in retrograde are good times for reflection and introspection. Cooperating with the slow energies of the Taurus New Moon, we move forward into healthy, positive, balanced progress on our goals.

In the midst of what dreams do you currently find yourself? Which goals do you need to reassess? In what new direction are they pointing? What in you needs healing? What is the border of your comfort zone? How can you move yourself beyond it? What will help you feel more stable? more secure? What makes you happy?

New Moon in Taurus

This New Moon is in Taurus. Although the constellation of Taurus is masculine, the zodiac sign is aligned with Mother Earth. It would seem that this New Moon brings with it the balancing of Feminine and Masculine.
Taurus is also about wildness and fertility which are prevalent everywhere you look in Nature at this time of year.

The New Moon in Taurus is about grounding deeply into Mother Earth and discovering the best ways of being present. Being present is probably one of the most difficult tasks we have. It requires us to stay awake and aware. This is also a time of the sacred pause in the midst of movement. That pause affords us the time to be present now.

Remember all the retrograde planets: Jupiter until May 9th, Mercury until May 22nd, Mars until June 29th, Saturn until August 13th, and Pluto until September 26th. Lots of pausing in the world around us in order to be aware and alive with Presence. The retrograde planets provide the opportunity to dig into our past and clear it out so we can move cleanly and positively into the future.

As we pause and find that sacred space to be present, we focus on our internal motivator. We can also refine the direction we want to take and discover if where we're going and what motivates us is in sync. We have the opportunity to connect with what triggers us and let go of the ways of being that no longer serve us.

What triggers you? What are you ready to let go of? How will you take the time to be more fully present? How will you determine what serves your objectives at the moment and what does not?

Retrograde and The Empress

From the guide:

The Empress signifies the female and chaotic power of the universe. She guards the powerful and vulnerable life force, which delicate balance should be protected but not constricted. This sensual and loving archetype teaches us to love and cherish ourselves as well as the world around us. A mother's true love means granting freedom for change and growth, protecting without smothering. As all mothers she juggles many tasks and she succeeds because she draws her energy from the love within her.

Today begins Mercury Retrograde. We're also experiencing Mars, Jupiter, Pluto and Saturn Retrograde. We spend much time blaming Mercury Retrograde for everything from our mood to losing a shoe as well as using it as an excuse to avoid certain activities. So what precisely does 'retrograde' mean in our lives? It could possibly have an inverse effect or create a reversal of situations, change of feelings or activities, alter our communications, or affect our ability to discern information positively.

As I knew we were beginning the oft dreaded Mercury Retrograde, I drew a tarot card with the focus question of: What do I need to balance and stay strong during this time? The Empress showed up. What I especially love in the passage from the guide is that She is the female and chaotic power of the universe. So that's the balance and strength I need for this time? I would suppose it is. Even though that is a strong and powerful part of Her, She is also the Mother. She embodies both the universal chaos with its implicit movement and disruption and the eternal mother with its calm, embracing steadiness.

As I read about the other Retrograde companions, I realized The Empress was even more perfect for this time. Looking at this particular image of The Empress, She is strength, love and vulnerability. She's without clothing ~ symbolizing being without guile ~ in Nature. She has an intimate, loving relationship with Her child. She holds a spiral shell of stars over her midsection which symbolizes the fertile, ever-expanding universe. The Empress understands Nature, is free within it, and shares it with Her offspring. I am safe with Her by my side.

How do you experience Mercury Retrograde? What have you heard about it? Even if you don't personally follow astrology, are there times when things go askew multiple ways or times at once? How do you balance yourself during these times? What do you see in The Empress? How could She guide you through your off-balance moments?