Illumination & Transformation with the Scorpio New Moon

Illumination & Transformation with the Scorpio New Moon

Thursday, November 4, 2021
2:14 p.m. PDT

12°40′ Scorpio

Grapes must be crushed to make wine
Diamonds form under pressure
Olives are pressed to release oil
Seeds grow in darkness

Whenever you feel crushed, under pressure, pressed, or in darkness,
you’re in a powerful place of transformation and transmutation.
Trust the process.
— Lalah Delia

Scorpio is the zodiac sign that symbolizes death and rebirth (transformation), and it’s no coincidence that the Sun resides in the sign of the Scorpion during Halloween and Dia de los Muertos — the two holidays that recognize and honor dead souls. In general, during Scorpio season (Oct. 22 – Nov. 21), the veils between the realms are especially thin, allowing us to feel the presence of deceased loved ones more easily.

A Scorpio New Moon illuminates personal power dynamics, evolutionary intentions of the soul, compulsions of all kinds, secrets, suspicion, possessions, other people’s money, passion, sexuality, and transformation. When Scorpio is highlighted, opportunity for internal change and transmutation abounds.

As a water sign, Scorpio represents our emotional body and, more specifically, our deep unconscious. Scorpio is analogous to a lotus flower whose roots reside in the murky-watery depths as its blossom brilliantly reaches for the light. For many of us, balancing between the dark and light may seem less graceful than the above lotus analogy and feel more like an intense inner stirring about to give rise to a messy cathartic release.

Regardless of the form the Scorpionic process takes, the aim is to reveal and embrace our hidden emotions and passions so we can heal and and unite with our own inner light and authentic self.

Following is a lovely Scorpionic prose by C. Joybell C.:

I have entered into the darkest regions of myself, bearing torches
and lighting candles. I have left a burning lamp in each lonely
cave of my person; I have planted roses in every swamp of my
mind; I have ignited stars in all the nights of my heart. I have lit
myself on fire to walk through my soul. I have glowed as my own
moon when there was no moon within me. I have done all that
was necessary. Now watch me become the light, watch me be
the light, watch me illume as light inside of light, watch me
emerge as light.

Uranus, the planet of sudden and unexpected change is transiting through the earthy-zodiac sign that represents our security and deepest values — Taurus. Because Uranus is within minutes of making an exact opposition aspect to this New Moon it will add unforeseen elements to the mix. Think “Uranian” electrical–brain impulses and/or messages from “the field” of your higher consciousness. Simultaneously, Scorpio wishes to eliminate that which is no longer serving your personal destiny. Combined, these two energies can create impatience and a compelling need to transmute the stagnant (Scorpio) areas of your life so you can embrace your future with freedom and liberation (Uranus).

As you likely know, New Moons are a time to plant seeds of intention for new beginnings and projects. Stay mindful, however, because following this annual New Moon in Scorpio through November 9 and 10, four planets will be creating challenging aspects with one another.(1) Diligent discipline and caution will be required to navigate these potent energies, especially during the days leading up to November 9 and 10. Slow down, and plan for potential interruptions, frustration, and obstacles — adopt Sage–like mindfulness and prepare to mindfully respond to situations and people versus react. This period can be successfully navigated through meditation and inner contemplation versus the force of our egoic will. On 11.11 we can look forward to some exhilaration and expansion as the Moon joins Jupiter in Aquarius around noon pacific time.

Note
1. The traditional ruling planet of Scorpio (Mars), along with Mercury (both at 7° Scorpio), will be making two exact square aspects. The first will be with Saturn and the second with the Moon (7° Aquarius) on November 9 and 10, 2021.

Related Article: The Sun–Moon Lunation Cycle

© 2021 by Linda Kaye

 

The 2021 Eclipses

The 2021 Eclipses

Dates & Times

TOTAL LUNAR  – May 26, 2021 (Wed)
5°25′ Sagittarius – 3:31 a.m.

ANNULAR (bright ring) SOLAR– Jun 10, 2021 (Thurs)
19°47′ Gemini – 2:52 a.m.
~
PARTIAL LUNAR – Nov 19, 2021 (Fri)
27°14′ Gemini – 12:57 a.m.

 TOTAL SOLAR – Dec 3, 2021 (Fri)
12°22′ Sagittarius – 11:42 p.m.

Note: Above times are based on pacific time.

2021 has two Lunar and two Solar Eclipses. These four Eclipses, along with several other important astrological events, are portending yet more change for this year, destined to be a time of great import, with major shifts occurring on both the individual as well as the collective level. Watch for the 2021 Eclipse details in my newsletter.

A Solar Eclipse occurs when the Moon travels between the Sun and the Earth and Lunar Eclipses occur when the Earth passes between the Sun and the Moon. Lunar Eclipses occur during a Full Moon about two weeks before or after a Solar Eclipse (New Moon).

Eclipses are potent celestial events because they imbue our psyches with the essence and spirit of “a great mystery.” Humankind has long been captivated by Eclipses and their cosmic potential of revelatory happenings. Eclipses provide us with an opportunity to uncover areas of our life that were previously hidden and need our attention.

During an Eclipse the Sun and the Moon align with the nodes of the Moon, which astrologers often characterize as “Points of Destiny,” and therefore correlating the nodes with both our individual and collective growth. Solar Eclipses, in particular, provide opportunities for transformation — the ending of an old cycle and the beginning of a new one. At an Eclipse, you can initiate a profound period of regeneration by aligning with your destiny and embracing any necessary changes that arise.

The darkening that occurs during an Eclipse has symbolically and historically been linked to the unveiling of something deeply hidden, an ominous secret, or the potential revelation of a great mystery.

Because Eclipses can be harbingers of great transformation and change they often coincide with unexpected earth events, stock market fluctuations, and political upheavals. On a personal note, emotions can become intense if they’ve been denied or repressed. New and important experiences or people can suddenly come into your life, and simultaneously, others may be removed. In general, changes are prevalent during Eclipses, so try to remain flexible and try not to judge anything that occurs as good or bad.

The ancient sages felt that the days just before and after Eclipses were a time for meditation and learning; a special time to honor the spiritual aspects of your life. Try to keep your schedule light, remain internally focused, eat only pure foods, and do not consume alcohol. The veil between Earth and the heavens is thinner during an Eclipse, allowing you to more easily connect to the eternal universal wisdom that is your divine essence.

Copyright 2021 by Linda Kaye

Fortify your Warrior Spirit with the Aries Full Moon

Fortify your Warrior Spirit with the Aries Full Moon

27°26′ Aries
Wednesday, October 20, 2021
7:56 a.m. pacific time
 

The central question of a warrior’s training is not how we
avoid uncertainty and fear but how we relate to discomfort.
How do we practice with difficulty, with our emotions, with the
unpredictable encounters of an ordinary day? 
― Pema Chödrön

The October Full Moon is highlighting the Aries-warrior archetype. A Full Moon in Aries only occurs once a year and this one marks an optimal time to fortify our spiritual-warrior nature and courageously face one of the ugliest and most destructive themes of our current era: divisiveness.

Full Moons occur when the Moon moves into an opposition to the Sun and reflects its light. In this case, the Full Moon in Aries is reflecting the light of the Sun in Libra — the sign that strives for harmony and equality within all our relationships. Aries is the sign associated with the self and our deep instinctual need to express our individual uniqueness. This energetic dance between these two signs calls our attention to our personal landscape (Aries), while simultaneously illuminating any interpersonal imbalances (Libra).

Furthermore, as the first sign of the zodiac, Aries is known for its independent, impulsive, and strategizing-warrior nature. Aries thrives when it’s initiating brand new cycles of adventure and self-discovery and can become easily enraged when unfulfilled desires or its innate need for freedom are thwarted. Interestingly, during this Full Moon, the ruling planet associated with Aries (the warrior god, Mars) is in the sign of Libra and closely aligned with the Sun. Also, in the sign of Libra is Mercury, who just two days ago, began moving direct again. Therefore, this Full Moon is encouraging us to look at where we need to initiate more balance, peace, and harmony in our relationships and create the freedom we need to pursue our goals and fortify our inner warrior.

Our spiritual teachers remind us that the outer world is but a reflection of our inner world — both individually and collectively. Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung coined this phenomenon “the shadow.” Our personal shadow (the projection onto an outer situation or person) is the battle that the spiritual warrior is called to master. When we meditate and/or look deeply within ourselves for solutions we learn to strengthen our inner warrior’s admirable traits of compassion, loyalty, integrity, courage, accomplishment, and honor. These are each positive Aries traits that uplift and remind us that we are more similar than we are different and they empower us to generate cohesive unity vs. fragmented separation and division.  

Pluto — God of the Underworld, is also in close aspect to this Full Moon, representing the possibility for transformative emotional revelations. Pluto can highlight deeply buried emotions and like a volcano they can suddenly erupt with a fierce force that takes us totally by surprise. Consequently, this Full Moon may find us feeling more sensitive than usual, and easily triggered. Under Pluto’s influence, it’s important to consciously observe our emotions and in so doing, we can better control our responses and empower ourselves to respond harmoniously and avoid overreacting.

The study of Astrology and the planetary cycles offers an amazing opportunity to realize the evolutionary purpose and spiritual destiny of our lives. Astrology promotes an ability to see beyond the veil and allows us to release judgments, opinions, and criticisms of others as we learn to understand — at the deepest level of our being — that everyone around us is on a unique and individual evolutionary journey that is distinctively intertwined with our own. The integration of this knowledge frees us to turn the lens inward and focus on our own personal destiny for the betterment of ourselves and therefore, the whole.

Aries Full Moon Key Words: Initiation, Warrior, Self-Discovery, Independence, Freedom, Exploration and Adventure, Instinctual Desires, Brand New Cycles, Harmonious Relationships.

 

© 2021 by Linda Kaye

 

Receiving with the New Moon in Libra

Receiving with the New Moon in Libra

13°24 Libra
Wednesday, October 6, 2021
4:04 a.m. pacific time

Without balance in our lives, we become lopsided or incomplete.
— Angeles Arrien

This month’s New Moon is in close alignment with the two planets, Mars and Mercury, in the zodiac sign that represents the desire for harmonious partnerships — Libra.

Among many things, this is the astrological archetype that is associated with balance, specifically, the balance between giving and receiving. Because lunar cycles follow the evolution of the zodiac, each one offers us an opportunity to consciously embrace and infuse their innate wisdom into our lives. In so doing, we evolve and awaken to our true potential.

Because the Libra archetype is associated with codependency and the dynamic of giving more than receiving, this New Moon offers an opportunity to observe the areas of your life, especially relationships, where this behavior may be emphasized. When Libra is involved, sometimes the greatest gift we can give another person is to know when not to give, thereby allowing that individual to independently determine their own needs. Once you can personally maintain this equilibrium of giving and receiving in your life, you will find that any imbalances will automatically resolve themselves.

It is important to remember that you don’t have to be a Libra to be in need of learning the lesson of receiving. That’s because we all have Libra somewhere in our horoscope. Therefore, with Mercury currently retrograde in the sign of Libra (thru Oct. 18), we may find ourselves re-visiting our concept of right relationship. While simultaneously, the strong influence of the warrior-planet Mars can encourage cultivation of new ways of being in relationship.

Thus, this Libra New Moon is a great opportunity to:

1) reflect on your ideas (Mercury) of what right relationship (Libra) and receiving, in general, means for you.
2) do you feel worthy of receiving as much as you give?
3) plant new seeds of intentions during this super-charged (Mars) lunation so you can receive greater abundance in all areas of your life!

Lastly, Libra is associated with the kidneys and blood sugar balances, therefore, this will be a great time to commit to consuming less sugar and alcohol and finding healthy alternatives.

© 2021 Linda Kaye

 

What Sun Sign am I Anyway?

What Sun Sign am I Anyway?

Ophiuchus, the sign of the Serpent Bearer, has recently been called the 13th sign of the zodiac. Although Ophiuchus lies on the Ecliptic he is not one of the zodiac signs of either the Tropical Zodiac of Western Astrology or the Sidereal Zodiac of Vedic Astrology. Because Ophiuchus is a constellation and not a zodiac sign, neither Western or Eastern Astrological systems recognize it within the Astrological horoscope.

Due to our instant social media world and divisive astronomical articles, there has been a flurry of excitement regarding the question “What sign am I, anyway?” This is not a new discussion, but certainly one that Astronomers like to periodically instigate.

The entire matter is easily resolved with the knowledge and understanding that Western Astrology is based on the Tropical seasonal zodiac. Not only does the Tropical Astrological zodiac not include all the constellations — it never did! The zodiac has had 12 signs (not constellations) since Astrology’s origin and Babylonian roots some 2500 years ago and it still does!

Additionally, the Eastern Vedic system of Astrology uses the Sidereal zodiac, which is based on the Earth’s alignment to the fixed stars and again, it also does not encompass all the constellations. This is basically all you really need to know about the 13–sign mystery. However, if you stick with me here, I’ll further explain in simple terms, the difference between the Tropical and Sidereal zodiac systems.

The most important thing to know is that both zodiacs (Tropical & Sidereal) incorporate the same 12-zodiac signs (Aries– Pisces) with 30° to each sign.  Both systems include the four elements: fire, earth, water, and air; the modalities: cardinal, fixed, and mutable; the planetary rulership; and the inherent qualities of each sign.

The discrepancy that occurs between the Sidereal and Tropical zodiacs is not with the content. Rather it is with the calculation of the starting point of the first degree of Aries. The two zodiacs were in alignment sometime during 285 CE, and thereafter the schism between the two systems has continued to grow. Vedic Astrologers began calculating  the precession of the equinoxes, which is based on the Earth’s wobble and its alignment to the fixed stars, and have continued to make the appropriate procession calculation adjustments, whereby the Greek Astrologers have not.

As many of you may or may not know, our Western Tropical Astrological model begins with the Sun’s movement into Aries at the spring equinox on or about March 21. Furthermore, each subsequent season is marked by the Sun’s ingress into the remaining Cardinal signs: Cancer (summer), Libra (fall), and Capricorn (winter). Tropical Astrology is therefore symbolic in nature as it relates to the Sun’s relationship with Earth. It is endowed with Greek mythology, often very psychological in nature, and works beautifully, as many of you have so passionately argue.

Vedic Sidereal Astrology, however, has nothing to do with the seasons, and instead is marked by the Sun’s alignment with the visible fixed stars that make up a constellation. As time passes, the Earth’s alignment to the fixed stars denotes the Earth’s wobble and creates what we know as the precession of the equinoxes and is the visible change of 1°, which occurs approximately every 70 years.

One final and rather technical point I’d like to make is that a zodiacal sign consist of 30° in both (Tropical and Sidereal) systems. The two systems are currently 23–24° apart (depending on the year you were born) and will continue to move an additional degree approximately every 70 years — based on the precession of the equinoxes.  Therefore, there is a chance that depending on the day and year you were born, you could be the same Sun sign in both systems.

And lastly, as far as the two systems in question are concerned, I would like to point out that I studied both while attending Kepler Astrological College. Although the two can change the signs that the planets will occupy; the results obtained using either system are remarkably the same. The reason for this is that the Astrological chart has many patterns and configurations that lead to the same outcome. When one takes the whole chart into consideration, the two systems do not contradict one another. Astrology is as multifaceted as our Universe and will reflect the mystery of the heavens regardless of the Astrological system being used, i.e., Tropical, Sidereal, Classical, Horary, Electional, Uranian, etc.

There are benefits to both the Western Tropical and Eastern Sidereal systems as those of you who have spent time with Astrologers practicing either of these two systems can attest to. All this Sun-sign excitement proves how much we desire to connect to the timeless wisdom of our Universe as reflected through the ancient science of Astrology.

Reminder: Even though Ophiuchus lies on the Ecliptic he is not one of the zodiac signs of either the Tropical Zodiac of Western Astrology or the Sidereal Zodiac of Vedic Astrology. Click here to learn more about Ophiuchus.

© 2011–2022 by Linda Kaye

Mercury Retrograde: 2021

Mercury Retrograde: 2021

September 26 – October 18
(25°28′ to 10°07′ Libra)                          

Pre-shadow period occurs September 6 – 26
Stations Retrograde on September 26 at 10:10 p.m.* (25°28′ Libra)
Stations Direct on October 18 at 8:17 a.m. (10°07′ Libra)
Post-shadow occurs from October 19 – November 2

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 backup 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.

           

Previous  2021 Mercury Retrograde Period

January 30 – February 20
(26°29′ to 11°01 Aquarius)   

Pre-shadow period occurs January 15 – 29
Mercury turns Retrograde on January 30 at 7:52 a.m.* (26°29′ Aquarius)
Mercury Stations Direct on February 20 at 4:52 p.m. (11°01′ Aquarius)

Post-shadow occurs from February 21 – March 12

May 29 – June 22
     (24°43′ to 16°07 Gemini)

Pre-shadow period occurs May 14 – 28
Mercury turns Retrograde on May 29 at 3:34 p.m.  (24°43′ Gemini)
Mercury Stations Direct  June 22 at 3:00 p.m. (16°07′ Gemini)

Post-shadow occurs from June 23 – July 7

* pacific time used throughout

Copyright 2021 by Linda Kaye