NEW MOON TO FULL MOON SYNOPSIS: Things start out still feeling bogged down a bit but as the next two weeks get going things start to break loose and flow forward. Hang in there if you are feeling like an overheated pressure cooker full of ants right now. Especially in your relationships. Resist just blowing up reactively. Take mental and physical space as you can to think about consequences, to let it ripen some more, because when things begin to move you want to be squared away in a direction you actually want with the people you need.

THE DETAILS:

I’m sure you all know how energetically intense it has been the last two weeks. A feeling of constant pressure moving up and down in your circumstances, yet never really going away. The pressure seems to me to be coming from PLUTO as it’s been in a wedge aspect pattern (a sextile and a trine over an opposition) with the MOON’s NODES of destiny, stirring up powerful movements in the deep underpinnings of our fate and direction. SATURN is in a half square with PLUTO which has been slowing any progress and fomenting the perpetuation of the feeling that we are stuck in an uncomfortable place. Like one of those nightmares where we can’t run fast enough from some vague but horrific thing that is looming behind us. The SUN hit PLUTO last week and triggered the feelings to be even more personal and VENUS was conjunct SATURN joining that awkward half square with the SUN and PLUTO.  Definitely feeling some resistance. JUNO opposite the disruptor URANUS Rx has been keeping our domestic scene off balance too. All-n-all, our relationships have likely felt disturbed and out of synch lately.

Now, at the NEW MOON on the 29th we have a bunch of half squares to deal with. Half squares (45 degrees, AKA semisquares) are pushy and frictional like squares but quicker and sharper. VENUS and NEPTUNE are in a half square with the MOON + SUN. PLUTO and MERCURY are in a half square with SATURN. This will not be a good few days to hope to get things settled and back on track. We are likely to feel impatient and irritated with the whole thing, as we have for a while. Any light in this tunnel comes from having lucky and optimistic JUPITER Rx in a trine with the NEW MOON, giving us some confidence that we can weather this moment and things are somehow moving in our favor. The other big thing that day is URANUS stops to station direct, giving progress, innovation and sudden plot twists some forward momentum in the outer world rather than the more inner changes we’ve all been experiencing since September.

VENUS is sweeping through the last degrees of Pisces and so after being conjunct to stodgy serious SATURN last week it passes over dreamy and spiritual NEPTUNE and then the NORTH NODE of our dharma. The MOON aligns with all three on February first. With the itchy half square to the SUN that weekend might be a moment to dream big or take a moment to cultivate some inspirational beauty in your relationship or life. JUNO will be trine to that cluster too making it more or less about our trust and harmony in our committed relations and home life. JUPITER will be helping that succeed with a near trine to both the SUN and MERCURY as they get closer to their exact conjunction.

MARS Rx is exactly square CHIRON by the 2nd just as the MOON passes over that asteroid which represents our health, wounds and the lessons learned from their healing. The whole week will be filled with choices of how to go about addressing those. Seeking out or being a mentor will be emphasized and it will all definitely relate to the dance VENUS is doing at the same time.

VENUS enters Aries on the 4th initiating a period where we will be motivated to take direct action on those aspects of life we value and hold dear; relationships, finances, love, beauty and harmony, etc. FYI: VENUS turns retrograde in early MARCH and retreats back into Pisces (along with MERCURY Rx) to join with NEPTUNE, the NORTH NODE and SATURN twice more.

By February 9th the SUN and MERCURY meet in a conjunction and MARS Rx along with the MOON is trine SATURN.  Hyper-mental energies synergizes with responsible action. Could be great time for core projects and plans getting some positive movement or even completion. Travel is facilitated during that week too. Could also be a very frustrating time if you compulsively try to skip steps or avoid responsibilities.

For the few days leading up to the February 12th FULL MOON  we have URANUS, now direct, in a square to the still closely aligned SUN-MERCURY conjunction. Sudden changes, inspirations, developments and breakthroughs can be expected in the world at this time. Since home and hearth mama JUNO is trine the NEPTUNE-NORTH NODE conjunction at the same time some of this change will likely involve the future of our domestic situation and close relations.

It looks like we are in a time of transition and adjustment in how we relate to each other and the world, if that isn’t already obvious, as 2025 continues the process of transforming our world and world view. It is both personal and global, but it all starts on the inside of each of us. 2025 is going to be a hella ride for us all as we turn the corner in this generational slow-pocalypse. We are going to benefit massively from whatever wise corrections we can do now to get our relational network straightened out so we have the necessary support and a clear field to face what is coming over the next few years.

Are we there yet?

2024 ends and then 2025 starts off this week with the second transit of MARS Rx opposite PLUTO. Not too auspicious, but there is a bright side to all transits. If we don’t include the usual asteroids and points that I like to take into account, there is only that and a few more or less transient aspects to dance with. The MOON of course sweeps through a number of conjunctions and other aspects that last less than a day. These can set the emotional tone for us all in general as each lunar aspect waxes and wanes, though there are much more personally relevant signals to be found by tracking the MOON through your individual chart. That is why I don’t generally enumerate the MOON’s aspects. That and the fact that it would make these forecasts even more complex and TL;dr. Anyone who wants can get a very affordable reading by just reaching out to me.

MERCURY starts out the week strongly trine to CHIRON which just turned direct at 19 degrees of Aries. This will facilitate healing talks, counseling, diplomacy and the like. JUNO brings to this a vibe of working on our love life, committed relationships and fidelity through a brief semisextile with MERCURY that hits on the NEW MOON Dec 30th. By the end of the week MERCURY is square to NEPTUNE while sextile to BLACK MOON LILITH encouraging or compelling us to take a pause in our headlong thinking and let the Mystery guide us for a couple of days. Could foment some not-well-thought-out unruliness or balkiness if we push at that time, but a moment to just float might be welcome after the flurry of the holidaze.

The SUN is conjunct the MOON on Monday afternoon PT. The NEW MOON in ambitious and determined Capricorn is marking the most inward time of the month. The SUN then moves on by January 2nd to a simultaneous square with LILITH and a quincunx with JUPITER Rx, just as MARS Rx backs into its opposition with PLUTO. More rebelliousness and bids for freedom but likely done in an awkward way. It’ll be easy to act too much, too soon at that time so check yourself before you wreck yourself. LILITH is also beneficially trine to JUPITER Rx at that time and that may help to slightly moderate any negative consequences.

MARS Rx in Leo opposite PLUTO in Aquarius licenses our unconscious desires, fears and needs to impulsively go into action. The archetype of war and assertiveness triggers the archetype of desire for power, control and domination doesn’t sound too good. What is revealed from out of the shadows can be a necessary relief of psychic tension, but like a geologic fault releasing the process can be violent and challenging. The more we have integrated our shadow side the less messy it will be. PLUTO augurs fundamental transformation as well as hidden power and that often means breaking things down before rebuilding in a new configuration. Since this is the second of three oppositions that started at the U.S. elections, we may already have a discernable theme of turbulence in entrenched empires and regimes leading to great changes in the way the world works. This second opposition has PLUTO and MARS in close synergy with the MOON’s NODE’s in a Mystic Rectangle directing the energy towards our long-term collective karma. The third and final MARS-PLUTO opposition happens in late April and will be nearly square the SUN in Taurus while SATURN is conjunct both VENUS and the SOUTH NODE of our past and opposite the NORTH NODE of our karmic fate at that time. We’ll eventually see in hindsight even more clearly what got started with this 3-part transit since PLUTO has about another 19 years in Aquarius.

The MOON ends the week square to the SUN and conjunct CHIRON on January 6th which may stir up some old wounds for, hopefully, clearing and healing. More on that next week.

Frankly, 2025 looks to be a significant turning point in the long process of our current evolution with several major planetary sign changes and powerful aspects moving things along this year. Its vital to keep in mind that if there are hard times arising they are mostly hard due to the human tendency towards obtuseness, hubris and greed. The obtuseness of dismissing the sacred and metaphysical. The hubris of leaders and followers believing we can escape from dissatisfaction or suffering through ever expanding external power and control. The greed of endless desires that lead to repeated cycles of rise and fall in a life or in a civilization. The universe is always trying to tough love us into collectively finding balance and wisdom. Sigh…

No kids, we’re not there yet…I wish this was all an easier epoch for us all. It’s an intense time to be in, for sure. Especially for the next 5 or 6 years. Having astrology as a tool has been vital in helping me see the big picture and what is generally coming down the pike for everyone alive, taking it less personally, be somewhat psychically prepared for it and doing my very small part to be leaning towards the best possible outcomes for us all. As Rick Levine always says: “Think cosmically and act locally”

This week looks to be a bit rapid fire with many aspects shifting rapidly. Just a few placements last much more than a day before moving on because many of them will be somewhat glitchy aspects with narrower orbs, semisquares, sesquisquares, semi-sextiles and quincunx, etc.

Longer lasting will be MARS Rx trine MERCURY as it moves direct, the oncoming JUPITER Rx square SATURN, the oncoming MARS Rx opposite PLUTO, a developing PLUTO trine the SOUTH NODE/sextile the NORTH NODE and a T square of the SUN and both NODES. This may make the week feel a bit packed with shifting and challenging energies through the Solstice. The trick is to stay loose about everything and don’t get flooded by any particular feeling or event. Step back from expectations and rigid stances.
The FULL MOON in Gemini will be focused on our mind and communication because… well, Gemini. Also, MERCURY that rules Gemini will be stationing direct that same day and getting pumped up by a trine with MARS Rx for a few more days. Impatience and impulsive thoughts and communication will be tempting, but keeping an eye on high principles and the long-term aims of any situation will help temper that as MERCURY gets going forward again. There may be some awkward exchanges in our relationships happening because the FULL MOON will be at the point of a YOD that is a sesqiusquare (square and a half) to both VENUS and LILITH which are consequently square to each other. VENUS represents things we value and cherish such as relationships, money, harmony and beauty. It is wrestling with our out-of-bounds rebellious and hidden side which with the MOON may trigger some heat in those areas for good or bad. Set up a circumstance where your bad-self can be safely and positively expressed and you will probably have a fine time.

The SUN for its part will be in a semisquare (half-square) with both VENUS and LILITH and a quincunx to URANUS Rx while opposing the MOON, emphasizing the volatility of the moment. SATURN will be just separating from its trine to JUNO this week, leaving a residue of more seriousness and responsibility in our domestic scenes that has been active all month. Perhaps a bit of a heavy setup for family visits this Xmas. Beware and be prepared to put on your Zen hat.

JUPITER is slowly building towards its square with SATURN, exact on December 24th, but definitely influencing the now. This will occur again on June 25 next year, though in different signs and co-aspects. Expansion vs restriction. Optimism vs pessimism. Party hard vs stay home and do taxes. This square gives us an opportunity to either find balance or fall to one extreme or the other. We might feel held back and dissatisfied in our progress or position, or at best find the juice to grind through the dark of the year with some perseverance that will pay off after the transit passes. Be patient and tolerant with any little disappointments on Xmas morning, k? Since JUPITER is in retrograde now and SATURN is floating through vague and dreamy Pisces the whole effect may be somewhat muted this time. The MOON fortunately conjuncts JUPITER Rx on the 14th giving that positive planet a brief boost that day despite SATURNS humbug vibe.

VENUS also squares JUNO as the week goes on, peaking on the 20th. This may throw some feelings of doubt into your relationships. Try not to indulge too much in needless insecurity and jealousy or foment strife over petty slights. Still, if something serious or chronic is up for you at home this is also an opportunity to address it responsibly. Discernment of the difference is key. With JUPITER Rx aspecting close to trine VENUS encouraging us we may just get a break or even a breakthrough this week.

The SUN will square NEPTUNE on the 18th. All week we may feel a bit dreamy and ungrounded or easily swept into delusions. Let things flow as they will. Squares are choice points. Acknowledge the atmosphere of uncertainty, tension and fear we have all been breathing for the last few years. Breathe it in and breath out peace. Say a prayer for all beings. NEPTUNE is there to remind us there are larger forces at work besides mere human foolishness and ignorance.

SOLSTICE happens early in the morning of the 21st on the west coast (Happy birthday, Shivoso) setting us on the long journey back into the light. The SUN enters Capricorn and we can get serious about getting set for 2025. Capricorn is ruled by starchy and square SATURN, as is traditionally, Aquarius, so the winter months always have a heavier vibe than the happy go lucky Sagittarius holiday season. Still Cappy’s are known for their ability to party hard once the work is done.

The SUN is in a T-square with the NODES on the 22nd and the MOON conjuncts the SOUTH NODE within hours, emphasizing some attention on past events or experiences coming up to be cleared so we can all move forward with our dharma. JUNO is semisquare the SUN too trending domestic scenes into focus during this T square for a lot of us. CHIRON is opposing LILITH then as well, perhaps lending some healing acceptance of the wilder side of life and its consequences.

Ok, onward and upward. More next week as we close out the epicness of 2024. Hang on to your hats folks.

Ok, this week launches us into December with MERCURY Rx opposite JUPITER Rx and then conjuncts with the SUN. MARS turns retrograde, VENUS enters Aquarius while conjunct with PLUTO and NEPTUNE is stationing direct, amongst many other things. Its been a swirly time this last month with plenty of Neptunian uncertainty and Plutonic fears in the field as we experienced a sea-change in the energies. The closing month of the year will be a opportunity reset and course correction into those energies and a set-up for the epic-ness of 2025.

As the MOON conjuncts the SUN for a NEW MOON in Sagittarius on the 30^th they are just coming off a trine to MARS which will add some fire to this dark of the MOON. It may be hard to feel settled but with a concurrent semi-sextile to JUNO it may be a productive time to nurture your close relationships in some way. It is involving the NORTH node of our destiny through a GRAND TRINE in Fire with MARS, a sextile to the SOUTH NODE of our past. Let’s be deliberate in co-creating the quality of the bonds we want with people. MERCURY being retrograde is asking us to slow down and think before we act and be open-minded with any anticipated outcomes.  All relationships are a work in progress that need care and feeding to thrive and labor to undo properly if that is the right thing to do. There is no “Easy Street” when it comes to human affairs.

VENUS is approaching a trine with disruptive and innovative URANUS Rx that peaks on December 2^nd. Also on that day, MERCURY Rx lands in a second trine with CHIRON Rx while sextile to LILITH. This puts LILITH into an opposition with CHIRON Rx forming a Wedge pattern. Any tension in our relationship with the Dark Feminine and the mysterious will be activated through our communications or travels. Perhaps it would have been a good day to practice some healing magic, but because of the retrogrades it may not turn out as hoped or go smoothly. Proceed with caution and keep your eye out for signs or inspirations for doing something along those lines later when MERCURY direct trines CHIRON Rx on the last day of December and sextiles LILITH again on Jan 6th.

Wednesday December 4th could be an interesting day. The SUN is getting close to exactly conjunct with MERCURY Rx and on that day forms an activating half-square (semi-square) with VENUS, PLUTO and the MOON plus a square with SATURN. This will likely throw all sorts of glitches concerning our relationships and finances that will require our response. MERCURY Rx being within 3 degrees of the SUN is ramping up our confidence that our ideas are sound. This is majorly abetted by an opposition to JUPITER Rx. Unfortunately, this is very likely to balloon into overconfidence in this case because of the retrogrades. Since MERCURY Rx is so close to the SUN it will also have a semisquare to VENUS, PLUTO and the MOON as well as an awkward semi-square to LILITH just as it enters spooky Scorpio. LILITH will consequently be square PLUTO and VENUS and the MOON. Semi-squares, like squares goad us to make an either/or choice of response to the pressure but act more underneath the surface and unconsciously. Confusing and vague NEPTUNE Rx gets in the act by being sextile to VENUS, PLUTO and the MOON that day. Agitation and anxiety and feeling that subtle unseen forces are against you can be the feelings of the day. It is best if you can use the intuitions and thoughts you receive now to inform future actions, rather than make any irrevocable choices. MERCURY catches up with the SUN again on February 9, 2025 while trine to LILITH. This is likely to be a more auspicious time for signing on the dotted line, so play the long game this week if you can.

This action continues on the 5th when MERCURY Rx exactly conjuncts the SUN. It is said that a planet has reduced influence when it is combust the SUN because it is completely absorbed into the SUNS energy. Significantly, MARS stations retrograde that day too. Perhaps we will all feel a bit brain dead or fatigued that day. MARS goes retrograde about every 2 years as it makes its closest approach to Earth. MARS Rx will slow our roll significantly and give us time to reflect on our direction and motivations, especially as it overlaps with the MERCURY Rx for a week or so. It will go direct on February 22nd, which ironically is just a few days before VENUS goes retrograde itself which will compel us to reflect on the flow of things we love and value in our lives (the usual suspects; relationship, money, art, beauty). Be aware, MARS Rx can also augur delays and frustrations if one tries to bull ahead regardless of the tide. Rest and contemplation is not something we value or allow in this culture, but nature knows we need to ease back on the throttle if we are to stay in balance with our soul and the soul of the world. We either listen and allow or suffer by burning ourselves out and plunging ahead regardless of what is right.

VENUS moves into Aquarius on the 6th and immediately conjuncts PLUTO while they both square-and-a-half to expansive JUPITER Rx. This conjunction augurs passion of some kind, which as we know can be either good or bad depending on reading the room correctly. The PLUTO in Aquarius vibe will feel more relational and personal for a few days due to VENIS’s presence. Perhaps we’ll feel the urge to buy beautiful things or nurture someone in need.

The SUN is opposite JUPITER Rx and semi-square the VENUS-PLUTO conjunction as well on the 7th, making it extra important to be discrete and discerning in our actions for a few days. Jupiter can overexpand us and cause us to step over boundaries we should respect and spend outside our budget. Of course, it could also open us to overcome our own resistance to stepping up as there is always a positive expression of any aspect.  Better keep the receipts, just in case though.

LILITH and JUNO conjunct each other for a final time after touching twice in November due to LILITH’s retrogrades. [ FYI: BLACK MOON LILITH which I call LILITH here is a calculation of the MOON’s apogee point (farthest position from the Earth) in space which moves back and forth each month or so.] This conjunction is an awkward mix if one only looks at the mythology of the two beings: the “good” wife (JUNO) and the rebellious wife (LILITH). There is more going on here archetypally than that with these two though. The dark, mysterious and unseen realm of LILITH can have a place in the domestic commitment and stability of JUNO, keeping it alive, lively and magical. SATURN is trine this conjunction so that should restrain any excessive conflict. Light some black candles, cast the bones, clean the house and serve cookies that day. Give thanks for the full range of the human experience.

The 8th is rather SATURN heavy as the MOON is conjunct SATURN just hours before its WAXING SQUARE with the SUN. This puts the MOON and SATURN in a half square with VENUS and PLUTO which itself is half square the SUN. SATURN being trine to JUNO and LILITH with that complex combination adds up to a possible experience of some restraints or restrictions on our passion around that time. SATURN represents tradition, authority and time/timing. So, try not to break the speed limit that day for instance, Something like a traditional marriage proposal with liberal agreements regarding autonomy would not be out of order though. Adding to the mix that day is JUPITER Rx coming on to square to SATURN, an aspect we will be experiencing until well into January. This will find us perhaps struggling to find a balance between our responsibilities and our desire to break free for a month or so. Those damn family holidays, lol. Positively, we might also find that perhaps we will collectively find the confidence and motivation to try to restructure stagnant situations in our lives and the world at large.

Whew! Plenty going on as usual. Over all it seems like a time of flux and course corrections. Something we all might profit from giving proper attention to, as we point our arrows into the future.

WHOO Hoo! This week PLUTO finally moves into Aquarius, SATURN stations direct, and the SUN moves into Sagittarius. Amongst other things of course, as the sky dance continues its reflection of the epic changes down here on Earth.

The FULL MOON occurs on November 15^th. Kinda fun fact: it is exactly at 24 degrees, 00 min of arc in Taurus. A nice even number that doesn’t happen that often. I looked up the Sabian Symbol for that degree just to be thorough. “WORKING COLLECTIVELY; Belonging to a tribe or community involves us in working together toward shared goals that we all enjoy “Participation in community responsibilities”.  That’s pretty positive sounding for a FULL MOON. A few hours later the MOON conjuncts URANUS Rx giving some extra juice to the SUN-URANUS opposition going on this week. Expect the unexpected and keep your plans flexible. URANUS opposite SUN can bring upsets or flashes of brilliance. Taurus is a rather stubborn and sensual sign so if you have romantic plans this week have a few “Plan B’s” handy and go with the flow especially around the FULL MOON.

PLUTO is in square to LILITH Rx and barely still trine to URANUS Rx. These retrogrades gives all this a remedial flavor; fixing up our relation to the dark side. There may be some further turbulence to our connection to the Yin and the hidden aspects of our reality. Try to manage any conflicts with compassion and a big picture perspective. PLUTO is the planet that represents raw and often cloaked power. Don’t get bogged down in power trips if you can help it, though be aware you may be in one and not even know it. PLUTO is in the last few days of its last transit of Capricorn for the next 250 years or so. The ingress into Aquarius which happens on the 19^th begins a new era of Plutonic death and resurrection business with an Aquarian theme. It will be more about our ideas and ideals, our way of collective coordination as a species, nation and individual, along with technology and innovation than the closing earthy Capricorn transit was. The next 19 years will likely see us go through some upheavals as our deeply held beliefs about culture and our destiny are tested and reconfigured. PLUTO is a really slow grind, obviously, that affects a whole generation. Things wont necessarily happen suddenly, though since URANUS is trine to PLUTO for a good portion of the next 8 years (and also PLUTO transiting Aquarius, a URANUS/SATURN ruled sign), it may on occasion feel tumultuous, volcanic and pointed at our traditional way of doing things in the world and foundational beliefs.

Also, on the day of the FULL MOON, VENUS is square to the MOON’s NODES bringing a sense of life-portents to the day, regarding our relationships and things we value and love. Squares are choice points where we turn a corner through how we react to the pressure. It can go either way for each of us and collectively. Making this a bit closer to home VENUS is closely sextile to JUNO at that time which will connect the square to issues around domesticity, home and family. It’s another chance to choose to make systemic changes in our domestic life for more stability or undo commitments that are truly not working. JUNO is square to MARS and square and half to JUPITER too. That will undoubtedly light a fire under whatever needs action and movement.

Moving forward in the week, the SUN comes off its revelatory and unsettling opposition to URANUS Rx and exactly trines dreamy NEPTUNE Rx by the 17^th. We may feel a little zapped and lazy or even ill around then. It’s been a lot lately and we may deserve or be forced into a day of loafing as long as we have been attending to our SATURN stuff. It could be a struggle if you are required to work anyway. SATURN turns direct on the FULL MOON and though it is still at 12 degrees of Pisces until early December, the forward motion can give boost to our organizational abilities and commitment. While drifting on the 17^th, dream up a list of things you would like to accomplish in the next 6 months when SATURN goes retrograde again and then conjuncts NEPTUNE. More inspired dreaming or tragic delusions ahead for us all and it will help if you already have a direction, discernment and a head of steam.

MARS as it slows down for its upcoming retrograde on December 5, spends the week developing a trine to the NORTH NODE and a sextile to the SOUTH NODE. This will last until mid-January and augurs positive actions relating to our long-term fate and Karma.  Mars is dicey because of its potential self-centeredness and aggression, but it also can denote courage and drive in the face of adversity. Just make sure you are fighting for the Good, True and Beautiful.

MERCURY is trine to CHIRON Rx and opposite JUPITER Rx peaking by the 18^th. Talk about your issues with a trusted mentor or council someone about theirs. It’s an auspicious time for talk therapy of all kinds and the good news is that it will happen 3 times due to the upcoming MERCURY Rx that starts on November 25^th. We all need some support these days and this is a good time to commit to it.

The SUN makes it into Sagittarius on the 21^st of the month getting us all into the annual holiday spirit with its intrinsic optimism and enthusiasm. Interestingly, the SUN will sextile PLUTO that day just after it enters Aquarius. Back in January 2024, when PLUTO first dipped in to Aquarius before retrograding back out, it made that ingress exactly conjunct the SUN. Now it is sextile with PLUTO at 0 degrees Aquarius, reinforcing this next 19 years to be a powerful time of personal transformation for us all as the SUN represents our will to exist, to be, to achieve and our personal identity.  As if we didn’t need any more portents that we are in evolutionary times! What is hopeful is this sextile augurs the potential for alignment of personal will with the will of the universe unless we try to resist the transformation. It’s a shamanic journey we are all in and those who know how this works know that to avoid a bad trip and outcome you must trust that no matter what is happening it is ultimately for the good and resistance just makes it worse. Death and transformation, baby…PLUTO is a MoFo.