The First Full Moon of 2024 is a Wolf Moon

by Linda Kaye | Jan 24, 2024 | 2024, Current Astro News, News

“When wolf shows up, it is time to breathe new life into your life rituals.
Find a new path, take a new journey, take control of your life. You are the governor of your life.
You create it and direct it. Do so with harmony and discipline, and then you will know
 the true spirit of freedom.” — Ted Andrews, Animal-Speak

Thursday, January 25, 2024
9:54 a.m. pacific time
5°14′ Leo

It was during the first Full Moon of the year that the “Wolf Moon” attained its status by native peoples as wolf packs howled hungrily outside their snow-laden villages. Moreover, ancient wisdom keepers viewed wolves as spirit animals of the Dog Star, Sirius. Many Astrologers and ancient cultures also credit Sirius as the original home of our ancestral teachers. In fact, Sirius is referred to as the “home of the gods” by the Egyptians of antiquity and is still considered so by the Dogon tribe in Africa.

Marking an auspicious time to access your inner passion, this first Full Moon of 2024 occurs in the courageous sign of the lion — Leo. Ruling over our hearts, Leo emphasizes action that aligns with our true heart’s desires. It represents the “I AM” consciousness of creative actualization, which encourages greater levels of confidence and self-love.  Connections with our inner child, play, and romance are also themes of Leo’s fiery domain.

Additionally, potency and power dynamics are dominant during this lunation because the reflective light of the Sun onto Earth is increased by the close alignment of the planet Pluto in the sign of Aquarius. These powerful Aquarian–Plutonian energies will encourage us to find creative ways to blaze new paths that allow us to transform and liberate ourselves and others from the status quo.

The Leo–Aquarian themes of this Full Moon can provoke radical new ways of thinking. We can feel inspired to dismantle outmoded barriers that have kept us from our true dharma — our earthly purpose and soul’s destiny. A Full Moon in Leo only occurs once a year so tune in and be aware of what’s arising within your beingness and remember, the common Aquarian axiom “expect the unexpected” will be in the air.

Leo Full Moon Key Words: I Am, creative actualization, passion, purpose, leadership, romance and love affairs, generosity, playfulness and the inner child, heart consciousness, pride, self-love.

Related Articles:
Pluto in Aquarius: The Awakening
The Sun–Moon Lunation Cycle

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© 2024 by Linda Kaye

2023 Mercury Retrograde Periods

by Linda Kaye | Nov 14, 2023 | 2023, Current Astro News, News

December 12, 2023 – January 1, 2024
(8°29′ Capricorn to 22°10′ Sagittarius)   

Pre-shadow period occurs November 25 – December 12
Mercury turns Retrograde on Dec. 12 at 11:09 p.m.* (8°29′ Capricorn)
Stations Direct on January 1 at 7:08 p.m. (22°10′ Sagittarius)
Post-shadow occurs from January 1 – 20, 2024

In general, Mercury is the planet that astrologically represents travel, communication, and our thought processes. Known as the Messenger of the Gods, Mercury’s role is to speedily deliver clear and precise information. Retrograding 3–4 times a year, when the planetary trickster strikes, many of our daily activities go haywire.

Mercury rules electronics and is often blamed for all types of technical mishaps with cell phones, electric devices, and computers — warranting an important time to back up your computer files. In general terms, machines of all kinds tend to act strangely and take on a Murphy’s Law theme.

Remain flexible and prepare for delays and miscommunications of all kinds. It is best to avoid signing any contractual agreements as matters begun during Mercury retrograde periods tend to take unexpected twists and turns in the future. During Mercury retrograde periods we often find ourselves revisiting past projects or situations that, once again, need our attention. It is also a time period, however, when we often hear from, or feel compelled to reach out to old friends or lovers whom we haven’t spoken to in some time.

Although Mercury retrograde periods can seem frustrating, they often provide opportunities to review or finish up old projects, contact old friends, or clean out the closet and garage. Mercury retrograde periods are an opportune time for introspection and deep thought, especially a couple of days directly before and after the exact retrograde day occurs.

Note: Planets do not actually move backwards (retrograde). A retrograding planet is the result of an optical illusion per its orbital relative speed from our point of view on Earth.

*Pacific time used throughout 

Previous 2023 Retrograde Periods

December 29 – January 18, 2023
(24°21′ Capricorn to 8°08′ Capricorn)   

Pre-shadow period occurs December 12 – December 28
Mercury Retrogrades on December 29 at 1:32 a.m. (24°21′ Capricorn)
Mercury Stations Direct on January 18, 2023, at 5:12 a.m. (8°08′ Capricorn)
Post-shadow occurs from January 18 – February 6

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April 21 – May 14
(15°37′ Taurus to 5°50′ Taurus) 

Pre-shadow period occurs April 7 – 21
Mercury turns retrograde on April 21 at 1:35 p.m.* (15°37′ Taurus)
Stations direct on May 14 at 8:17 p.m. (5°50′ Taurus)
Post-shadow occurs from May 14 – 31

~~~

August 23 – September 15
(21°51′ Virgo to 8°00′ Virgo)   

Pre-shadow period occurs August 3 – 23
Mercury turns Retrograde on August 23 at 1:00 p.m.* (21°51′ Virgo)
Stations direct on September 15 at 1:21 p.m. (8°00′ Virgo)
Post-shadow occurs from September 15 – 29

© 2023 by Linda Kaye