The Spring Equinox & Aries New Moon

The Spring Equinox & Aries New Moon


Everything begins at the beginning, and quite often the beginning
begins when you shift your mind in a new direction. — Louie Herron

The movement of the Sun into Aries marks the beginning of the seasonal and Astrological New Year — Spring! Aries, as the first sign of the zodiac, is a powerful force. As the Sun makes its grand entrance into Aries on March 20 at 2:24 p.m. pacific time it will enter the “Aries Zero Point” (0° Aries) where it will become highly activated.

Within hours of the Equinox, on March 21 at 10:33 a.m. the Moon will join the Sun at the Aries Zero Point and kick off the New Moon lunation cycle at 0°49′ Aries.(1) That’s a lot of Aries fire! But what does it all mean? First off, Aries represents new beginnings. When the 0° is activated in any sign it emphasizes a new dynamic at play in our lives but at the 0° Aires Zero Point we are summoned to embrace a brand-new evolutionary cycle.

But that’s not all! Both the Sun and the Moon with all that Aires fire are acting as sentinel emissaries for Pluto as it prepares to make its way into Aquarius on March 23 for the first time in over 225 years. And don’t forget, Saturn just entered Pisces on March 7, which it hasn’t visited since 1996.

The impact of these planetary shifts is being felt by all of us. We each know and sense that more change is on its way. During this important Equinox–Full Moon lunation you’ll want to prioritize time to set intentions for how you can best align with these important shifts. Consider what needs to be released in your life so something new can be born. Brand new evolutionary cycles require trust in our intuitive faculties, listening to what’s being called forward, and having the strength and courage to act on those callings.

Equinox: equal balance between night and day — dark and light
The changing of the seasons are magical astronomical events celebrated the world over. The picture above captures Easter Island’s mysterious head statues as they gaze at the exact point of the setting Sun during the Spring and Fall Equinox. How did our ancestors obtain the tools and skills for such precise astronomical accuracy? What were they honoring? Could they have been marking the cycles of life? Rebirth and renewal? Balance and stability? Or was it something more?!

Astronomically, in the Northern Hemisphere both the Spring and the Fall Equinox mark the only two days that the Earth’s axis is not titled toward or away from the Sun, resulting in equal day and night throughout the world. Symbolically, equal dark and light mark a period of balance. With the New Moon occurring so close to this Equinox it is an opportune time to set new goals that create greater inner stability, equilibrium, and balance in your own life.

New Moon in Aries
As the courageous warrior archetype, an out-of-balance Aries can become ruthless, concerned only with its personal wants and desires, incapable of considering others’ needs.  When balanced, however, Aries follows its instincts and garners unlimited potential while creating the capacity to become a great leader and visionary.

Aries enjoys blazing new trails and is forever forging and initiating new beginnings. Therefore, setting New Moon intentions, which are followed up with sincere effort and action during such a potent Aries season can create real change in your life. Be careful what you wish for though, you just might get it!

 Happy Spring & New Moon in Aries intention setting!

Astrology Trivia: Did you know that Easter occurs the first Sunday following the Full Moon after the Spring Equinox? The next Full Moon will occur on Wednesday, April 5. Easter, therefore, falls on April 9.

Notes
1. Mercury, Chiron, and Jupiter are also in Aries during this New Moon.



Related Articles
Pluto in Aquarius: The Awakening
The Sun–Moon Lunation Cycle
2023 Lunations

© 2023 by Linda Kaye

Sacred Devotion and the Virgo Full Moon

Sacred Devotion and the Virgo Full Moon

Tuesday, March 7
4:40 a.m. pacific time
16°40′ Virgo

Just like a sunbeam can’t separate itself from the sun, and a wave can’t
separate itself from the ocean, we can’t separate ourselves from one
another. We are all part of a vast sea of love, one indivisible divine mind.
― Marianne Williamson

This month’s Full Moon occurs just 55 minutes before Saturn changes signs. This is important because Saturn only changes signs approximately every 2-1/2 to 3 years and the last time he was in Pisces was during the early nineties. Currently, there are three other planets swimming through this vast water sign: Mercury, the Sun, and Neptune. It’s almost as if the threesome is gently beckoning Saturn to join them in the Piscean ocean. You can learn more about Saturn’s important transit through Pisces and how to navigate this three-year period here.

With each Full Moon we receive new opportunities for manifestation, reflection, and realization. Every Full Moon brings a special gift of energetic wisdom based on the zodiac sign that it occurs. Alignment with one’s body, mind, and spirit is Virgo’s most important purpose.

We each have Virgo somewhere in our horoscopes. Therefore, when a lunation occurs in the sign of Virgo (2x annually: New & Full Moon), that area of our life becomes highlighted and it’s easier to integrate these energies into our lives.

Additional Virgoan significations (see below key words for more) include purity and sacred devotion — often depicted as the seeker striving for perfection. Additionally, Virgo is ruled by Mercury (the mind) and is — in Virgo’s case — related to analytical critical thinking (to get to the pure essence of the issue).

Neglecting the purification and healing of the Virgoan elements of body, mind, spirit can sometimes precipitate an inner and/or external crises. If a crisis is interpreted as something happening to us, it can lead to confusion and feelings of victimization — another key Virgo theme. However, once we integrate our spiritual essence with our body–mind we realize our wholeness as powerful divine beings.  

This Full Moon makes a benefic aspect to the planet Uranus. As you may recall, Uranus is associated with liberation and unprecedented and often unexpected change. Do you need to liberate yourself by making an internal and/or external change in your life? Are you in need of transforming and deepening your devotional practice? Is there a healing opportunity that has recently come to your attention?

Take time during this Full Moon (March 6–8) to feel into where you would like to regenerate your life. Reevaluate the areas needing your attention. Pay special attention to your nutritional requirements, thought processes, and spiritual needs. Try not to belabor details, overanalyze, or become too critical — be gentle, kind, and loving to yourself and others. 

Virgo Key Words: Analyze, Discriminate, Perfect, Vocation, Guilt, Atonement, Purification, Alignment of body–mind–spirit, Innocence, Victimization, Giving and Assisting, Humility, Mental Constructs, Spirituality. Body: intestines, nervous system, hands and feet

Related Articles:
Saturn in Pisces: Letting Go
The Sun–Moon Lunation Cycle
2023 Lunations

© 2023 by Linda Kaye

Into the Mystic with the Pisces New Moon

Into the Mystic with the Pisces New Moon

Sunday, February 19
11:04 p.m. pacific time
1°21′ Pisces

Stop acting so small.
You are the universe in ecstatic motion.
―  Rumi, Sufi mystic

New Moons represent a time of new beginnings and rebirth. They are excellent opportunities to set intentions for new life directions or simply to start new projects. This is the best time of the month to plant positive thoughts in the subconscious mind with affirmations, auspicious chants, and visualizations. Inspiration, hope, and support all flourish for those seeking spiritual, emotional, or mental liberation of any kind.

Under this New Moon you can anticipate spiritual insight that is intended to feed your soul and not your ego. Pisces is the mystical sign that is associated with the eternal cosmic union that is our ultimate destiny. Pisces naturally gravitates to, and feels most comfortable in, “cosmic” versus “linear” time. It prefers to exist (and often gets lost) in the moment. This can be frustrating when we fail to understand the real soul desires and intentions of Pisces.

This final sign of the zodiac represents the culmination of all separating desires emanating from the soul. Once earthly longings dissolve, the soul is liberated and free to return to pure source energy. During this process, however, it is common to experience periods of disillusionment and loss of meaning. These moments intend to awaken us to the deep knowing that true and long-lasting meaning only occurs when we are connected to the divine.

This year’s New Moon in Pisces is closely aligned with Saturn, the planet that represents the very antithesis of Pisces. Pisces naturally ebbs and flows and abhors boundaries. It dreams of creating an ideal world, one where all are connected and committed to the welfare of the whole. Saturn seeks to solidify with authoritative boundaries — structure, control, rules, and laws. His most crucial role is that of the responsible, mature, and moral individual or government who consistently assesses standing constructs with an intent to revitalize and reform for wholistic function.

When outmoded structures are maintained with agendas that control and restrict, the whole becomes corrupt. Therefore, with this New Moon–Saturn combination we’re each given an opportunity to evaluate our ideals and dreams to ensure we are in alignment with and for the good of the whole. On a personal level, is there an area in your own life that needs self-governance and restructuring for better function? If yes, this New Moon is the time to set intentions to do just that.  

In closing, Pisces represents the dreamtime. Pay close attention to your dreams and any messages you may receive over the next couple of days as the veil is thinner during a Pisces lunation.

Related Articles:
The Sun–Moon Lunation Cycle
2023 Lunations

© 2023 by Linda Kaye

Courage and the Leo Full Moon

Courage and the Leo Full Moon

Sunday, February 5, 2023
10:27 a.m. pacific time

16°40′ Leo

If you can’t fly, then run. If you can’t run, then walk.
If you can’t walk, then crawl.
But whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward.
 ~ Martin Luther King Jr.

The Moon and her fluctuating phases symbolize the perpetual change that is constant throughout the universe. The lunar cycle is representative of the great medicine wheel of life — reflecting impermanence — death and rebirth. Therefore, when we wholeheartedly embrace these cycles, we become better equipped at navigating our lives.

This month’s Full Moon falls in the fiery courageous sign of Leo represented by the proud regal lion. Ruling the heart, Leos are loyal, creative, passionate, sensitive, yet gregarious and generous, and thrive on romance. Playful, they enjoy and attract children. When balanced and healthy, the lion is a strong leader.

Being ruled by the Sun, a Leo Full-Moon lunation amplifies the Aquarian solar qualities that are associated with the collective, revolutionary change, and futuristic innovations. Furthermore, future-oriented Uranus (currently in the sign of Taurus and the planet that rules the sign of Aquarius) is conjunct the fixed-star Menkar (also in the sign of Taurus), while making a challenging aspect to both the Moon and Sun.

Menkar signifies the forces of the collective unconscious that can influence the individual. Because Uranus and Menkar have joined forces in the earthy security-oriented sign of comfort-seeking Taurus, any unexpected forced or needed change may feel uncomfortable and require a great deal of courage. All that said, mitigating planetary aspects exist during this Full Moon that will help ease the Uranus–Menkar influences.1

This Leo Full Moon is an auspicious lunation to seek the change that is vital for you to align with your deepest values. Following are some Full Moon intentions you can apply during this lunation:

  • I embrace my creative power
  • I am aligned with my values, which reflect the way I live my life
  • My heart is wide open to the unknown
  • I am courageous and passionate  
  • I am willing to be uncomfortable and embrace change in order to align with my destiny

Note

  1. Mars (11° Gemini) is sextile the Leo Moon (16° Leo) and trine the Sun (16° Aquarius) — positive aspects for appropriate action.  
    Uranus (15° Taurus) is trine Mercury (22° Capricorn) and sextile Venus (12° Pisces) — positive aspects denoting progressive communication.

Related Article:
The Sun–Moon Lunation Cycle

© 2023 by Linda Kaye

The First Full Moon of 2023: The Dog Star and the Wolf

The First Full Moon of 2023: The Dog Star and the Wolf


The loving personality seeks not to control,
but to nurture, not to dominate, but to empower.

~ Gary Zukav, The Seat of the Soul

Friday, January 6, 2023
3:06 p.m. pacific time
16°21′ Cancer

This first Full Moon of 2023 is especially potent because of its alignment with the fixed star, Sirius, aka — the Dog Star! Both Sirius and the Full Moon are located on the zodiac belt in the sign of Cancer at 14° and 16°, respectively.

For millennia, stars have been observed and regarded as having divine qualities and our ancient Wisdom Keepers perceived wolves as the spirit-animals of Sirius. The Moon is a power ally for the wolf, whose keen senses have earned it the status of a wise and capable leader, thriving free in the wilderness. Healing powers have been attributed to the wolf by the Zuni Pueblo peoples. Many Astrologers and ancient cultures believe that Sirius is 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.

Astrologically, a Wolf Moon is a wonderful lunation for accessing your own innate wisdom. Become still under this Full Wolf Moon and ask for the guidance needed to fulfil your desires — your destiny. Trust your feelings (Cancer) as they have the power to inform you. With the Moon in this cardinal sign, the impulse to initiate change may create emotional insecurity. If negative emotions or blockages arise, commit to understanding why and if needed, seek the healing that will allow you to embrace your inner-wolf spirit.

During a Full Moon, the energized light of the Sun is reflected onto Earth. In this case, the Sun is in the sign that represents our perception of time — Capricorn. Additional Capricorn themes are governance, maturation, reform, responsibility, discipline, fear, and control dynamics. A Full Moon between Cancer and Capricorn is asking us to seek balance between our outer-world of social, political, and career responsibilities/interests versus our inner-world and the security associated with a physical home, family, and our relationship to self.

Besides Sirius, this Full Moon is also closely aligned with the current retrograding trickster, Mercury — the planet of travel, thought processes, as well as, electronic devices. Mercury strives for clear and precise communication, however, during its retrograde period through January 18, misunderstandings can easily occur.1

Cancer Full Moon Key Words: the crab, ocean tides and bodies of water, tenacity, emotional realms, early childhood, family, women, mother, nurturing, loving, vulnerable, emotional security.

Note

  1. Click here to learn more about the current Mercury Retrograde.

Schedule your 2023 Astrological Consultation
before January 31 and save $23

© 2023 by Linda Kaye

Christmas Eve New Moon

Christmas Eve New Moon

December 23–24
Exact on the 23rd at 2:16 a.m. pacific time
1°34′ Capricorn

This last New Moon and lunation of 2022 occurs in the sign of the Goat — Capricorn.  With a whopping five planets in Capricorn (Sun, Moon, Venus, Mercury, and Pluto) this final New Moon of the year will find us contemplating, and perhaps appreciating, the time-honored fanfare of family tradition.

As an earth sign, Capricorn is associated with security and the material side of life. The goat doesn’t mind climbing the mountain slowly, because once it reaches the summit it can rejoice in all the expertise and excellence it obtained along the way — providing deeper levels of security.    

Additionally, Capricorn is a cardinal sign that thrives on movement and change. With this New Moon lunation occurring at the first degree, and with all five planets in Capricorn, this is a potent opportunity to embrace the powerful energies of new beginnings. Therefore, take this opportune time to contemplate what you would like to change in the upcoming year. Where has 2022 taken you and where would you like to find yourself in 2023?

This Capricorn New Moon occurs within days of the Winter Solstice — the shortest day and longest night of the year. As the giver of light and life begins its journey north again, on December 25, the days will grow longer until it reaches its zenith in the Northern Hemisphere on the Summer Solstice (June 21, 2023).

Celebrate the life-giving light of our Sun. Enjoy the internal gifts that the changing of this season brings. Light candles, journal, set intentions, and honor your inner knowing so it can guide you into the light of your future.  

Schedule your 2023 Astrological Consultation
before January 31 and save $23

© 2022 by Linda Kaye

On this website we use first or third-party tools that store small files (cookie) on your device. Cookies are normally used to allow the site to run properly (technical cookies), to generate navigation usage reports (statistics cookies) and to suitable advertise our services/products (profiling cookies). We can directly use technical cookies, but you have the right to choose whether or not to enable statistical and profiling cookies. Enabling these cookies, you help us to offer you a better experience.