by Linda Kaye | Oct 19, 2021 | 2021
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.
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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
by Linda Kaye | Oct 19, 2021 | 2021, Current Astro News
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
by Linda Kaye | Oct 5, 2021 | 2021, Current Astro News
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
by Linda Kaye | Oct 1, 2021 | 2021, Current Astro News
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
by Linda Kaye | Sep 30, 2021 | 2021, Current Astro News
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
by Linda Kaye | Sep 18, 2021 | 2021, Current Astro News
28°17′ Pisces
Monday, September 20, 2021
4:53 p.m. pacific time
The physical world is a reflection of our love and fears.
If we conquer our fears only then will we be free.
Catastrophes cannot occur if we are vibrating love. — Greg Braden
A Harvest Full Moon is the annual Full Moon that occurs closest to the Fall Equinox. This year it happens to fall within two days of the Equinox on September 22, kicking off a potent astro-week!
Astrologically, the light of a Full Moon illuminates the area of life symbolized by the zodiac sign in which it falls and this one occurs in the mystical and otherworldly domain of Pisces. Associated with the cosmic, many of this sign (or those with Pisces planets in their charts), can frequently find themselves psychically transported to faraway realms. Just ask any Pisces or anyone who knows such a person.
Because this Full Moon is closely aligned with its ruling-planet Neptune (also in Pisces) it will imbue us with a greater dose of Piscean energy. Some additional significations of Pisces are: compassion and caring, love, intuition, escapism (through any mode necessary), beauty, suffering and sacrifice, healing or healing crises, adaptability, karmic completions, unity, oneness, and wholeness.
Pisces, as the final sign of the zodiac, represents the need to culminate any outmoded karmic patterns or addictive comforts that cease to serve our highest good. Endings can often feel difficult, but ultimately, even the most challenging will benefit us if they prevent subsequent crises and suffering. Therefore, this is an optimal lunation for letting go of the past and embracing the future.
All that said, many of us are disheartened by the seemingly unending chaos on our planet. The effects of which have lead to varying degrees of post-traumatic stress — feeling emotionally irritable, vulnerable, and even numb — not to mention a myriad of other maladies that can be associated with long-term exposure to the ambiguity of our future. This is where the current lunation can provide support if we embrace the heightened Pisces influence and begin a new, or deepen an existing, spiritual practice. As Deepak Chopra reminds us in the below quote, it is through a sustained spiritual discipline that we can bring divine order to chaos and positively influence the world:
If the collective mind is turbulent than nature is turbulent.
We are not separate from nature and the current earth crises.
When we settle down, nature will settle down.
Through our unified hearts we may lessen the crises.
Meditate every day.
On Monday and Tuesday nights, go outdoors under the light of this powerful Harvest Full Moon and celebrate! Envision a future full of more love and more harmony for yourself, Mother Earth, and all sentient beings. Honor your bounty and enjoy the final gifts of summer as we enter into the season of gratitude — fall.
© 2021 by Linda Kaye
