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.
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.
First Day of Winter & the Shortest Day of the Year: December 21 at 1:49 p.m. (pacific time)
Solstice is derived from two Latin words: Sol meaning Sun, and sistere — to cause to standstill.
Avatar is the most high tech film in terms of its execution, dealing with essentiallya very low tech subject; which is our relationship with nature … and in fact the irony is that the film is about our relationship with nature and how our technological civilization has taken us severalremovesaway from a truly natural existence and the consequences of that to us. ~ James Cameron
Annually, at the Winter Solstice, the Sun appears to standstill as it reaches its furthest point in the Southern Hemisphere. It is here that it joins the fixed stars of the Southern Cross for three days: December 22, 23, and 24. Our ancestors referred to these three “standstill” days as the death of the Sun. And, as the Sun began its journey north again, on December 25, it was said to be reborn. Moving north, the days will grow longer until the life-giving Sun reaches its zenith in the Northern Hemisphere on the Summer Solstice (June 21, 2023).
Films have a way of reflecting humanity’s evolutionary journey, and a much-anticipated sequel release of James Cameron’s Avatar 2 premiered on December 16, just days before the 2022 Winter Solstice. Cameron tells us that Avatar became the number one grossing film of all time because, “Avatar is about finding our home, finding our family, finding our clan, and fighting to protect that which we found and earn our place in it.”1
Another awaited 2022 film-sequel has been delayed until 2023. This multi- award-winning film series is titled, Zeitgeist. The producer, Peter Joseph, skillfully explains the captivating astronomical and astrological correlations with the numerous “son gods” of the ancient and modern world. In my opinion, Joseph adeptly simplifies the sociological implications of the zeitgeist2 of our times. His films encourage humanity to uncover the outmoded beliefs that are at the root of our social issues. From an astrological perspective, his films expertly depict the messy transition that humanity currently finds itself as we leave behind the Piscean age and shift into the Aquarian age.
Capricorn is the zodiac sign representing winter, decay, and death. It’s associated with the concept of time — maturation, aging, and mortality. As in the movie, Avatar, Capricorn is one of the three zodiac earth signs that connect us to the cycles of our natural world. Therefore, the winter season is an optimal period to go within and reflect on the natural cycles of transitions in our own life.
The internal process of Capricorn reflection provides us the ability to look to our past with the intention of integrating all that has occurred. Undergoing this process can create an awareness of what needs to be changed for us to grow and evolve. If we embrace this period and take responsibility for our choices, while honoring each step along the way as a great learning, we will access Capricorn’s highest wisdom — personal and collective evolutionary growth, and most importantly, the perfection of the journey.
You may be wondering, what exactly does it mean when a planet is retrograde? From an astronomical perspective, retrograding planets orbiting our Sun only appear to move backwards during certain times of the year. However, the planets don’t really move backwards at all, they only appear to from our Earth-centered perspective.
Astrologically, retrograding planetsare powerful, real, and mysterious periods that encourage a time of reflection to gain a better understanding of our present-life circumstances. As a planet retrogrades, we find ourselves contemplating where we’ve been and where we’re going. If several planets are retrograding at the same time, we are more likely to readjust our course in essential ways.
The Sun and Moon do not retrograde, however, all the other astronomical bodies do so at least one or more times annually. Since Mars only turns retrograde once every two years, I am making it the focal point of this article (see below).
Currently, alongside Mars, the following planets are/or about to turn retrograde:
Uranus Retrograde in Taurus (August 24 – January 22, 2023) While on its trek through Taurus, the planet Uranus is echoing themes associated with our individual and collective values. Because Uranus is related to unprecedented change, its retrogradation provides an opportunity to evaluate where we can make changes in our life that will provide deeper meaning, inner worth, and overall security. This revolutionary planet has been retrograde since August 25, 2022 and will turn direct on January 22, 2023. It will not retrograde again until August 30, 2023.
Mercury Retrograde in Capricorn (December 29 – January 18, 2023) Marking the end of 2022 this Mercury Retrograde highlights work, projects in general, and social-political dynamics. It can also become a reflective period, one where we observe our thought processes (Mercury) and determine if we need to uplevel our thinking. Is the cup half full or half empty? Can we surrender to the perfection and growth of our individual evolution? How have our experiences shaped us into becoming more compassionate and loving?
Mars Retrograde in Gemini (October 30 – January 12, 2023) Mars is a planet of passionate, outward action, and manifestation. It thrives on adventure and can exude a strong “warrior” quality. Its natural propensities are passion, independence, impulsiveness, and leadership. Most importantly, Mars’s evolutionary purpose is to initiate brand-new cycles of adventure and self-discovery. However, during a Mars retrograde cycle, initiating new cycles of becoming may be temporarily put on-hold as this time period is better spent looking in the rearview mirror at where we’ve been and where we’re going and preparing for new action once Mars turns direct.
Because Mars is retrograde in the sign of Geminiand Mercury rules this sign (think communication and travel), this retrograde period may feel more like a Mercury retrograde period. Due to Mars’s influence, if there is lack of meaning in your life you may feel disheartened, restless, bored, and even blocked from pursuing a course of action. Or you may be inspired by what is transpiring in your life; in both cases, you can utilize this period to strategize and plan how you will start new endeavors once Mars turns direct on January 12.
Lastly, while Mars is retrograde, it is best to practice consideredresponse versus impulsive reaction to situations and people in our lives. This period will also provide an opportune time to examine our egotistic actions and make appropriate adjustments where necessary.
Key Phrases for Mars Retrograde
Seek to develop truthful authentic communication by returning to my center “core” self.
Monitor intense emotional responses to identify their origin and need for healing.
Learn to listen more closely to my inner versus external desires.
Explore how I can be more involved in community (or scale down if needed).
Revisit my life direction and/or past projects that need updating or completing.
Saturday, September 10, 2022 2:59 a.m. pacific time 17°41‘ Pisces
Some think it’s in the wine, and others think it’s in the divine, but pleasantness is what everyone is seeking. — Sadguru
A Harvest Full Moon is the annual Full Moon that occurs closest to the Fall Equinox and this year the Harvest Moon will brilliantly rise at its fullest on Friday & Saturday nights (September 9–10).
Astrologically, the light of a Full Moon illuminates the area of life symbolized by the zodiac sign in which it falls. This year’s Harvest Full Moon 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) will often find themselves psychically transported to faraway realms.
Because this Harvest Full Moon is closely aligned with its ruling-planet Neptune (also in Pisces) it will imbue us with a greater dose of Piscean energy and a deeper awareness of the Pisces realms of compassion and caring, love, intuition, guilt, escapism (through any mode necessary), beauty, desires, suffering and sacrifice, healing or healing crises, adaptability, karmic completions, unity, oneness, and wholeness.
Importantly, and as mentioned above, this 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 crises and suffering. Therefore, this is an optimal lunation for intentions around letting go of the past and embracing the future.
Lastly, Mercury, the ruling-planet of the Virgo Sun (the light reflecting the Harvest Full Moon) turns retrograde during this Full Moon. Mercury is retrograding in the sign of Libra, denoting the exploration and re-visitation of relationship dynamics. To learn more about Mercury Retrograde in Libra please read my Fall Equinox and Mercury Retrograde articles.
On Friday and Saturday 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 the season of gratitude — fall.
Note: The above picture is from the sacred site of Chichen Itzá, Mexico.
Happiness is not a matter of intensity but of balance and order and rhythm and harmony. – Thomas Merton
The movement of the Sun into Libra occurs this year on Thursday, September 22, at 6:04 p.m. pacific time. Celebrated the world over, the Sun’s ingress into Libra marks the first day of Fall – the season of balance and gratitude. Astronomically, in the Northern Hemisphere, both the Fall Equinox (end of Summer) and the Spring Equinox (end of Winter) mark the only two days of the year that the Earth’s axis is not titled toward or away from the Sun.
Chichen Itzain Mexico became one of the Seven Wonders of the World in 2006. The below pyramid from this site was built in the 8th–12th century C.E. and signifies the sacred Mayan calendar. On the Spring and Fall Equinoxes, thousands of people from all over the world travel to watch the phenomena of the Sun illuminating a 120-foot snake creeping down the northern staircase for 45 minutes. The Mayans created this sacred dance between shadow and light as a symbolic representation of the serpent joining Earth with the Heavens and the Underworld.
Equinox: equal balance between night and day – dark and light
Astrologically, Libra marks the halfway point of the Sun’s journey through the Zodiac, which began at the Astrological New Year – the Sun’s movement into Aries (March 20). Just as the Fall Equinox is associated with balance (between day and night), so too is Libra. However, the sign of the scales denotes the importance of balance within our partnerships, most importantly, the art of remaining in balance with how much we give versus receive.
The Sun’s movement into Libra initiates a period of time to contemplate our ability to receive. Receiving is closely associated with gratitude and when we are in a whole-hearted state of gratitude, we are open to receiving all things associated with greater abundance – love, prosperity, joy, health, etc.
The 2022 Equinox chart embodies the astrological influences for the entire Fall season. This year, a retrograding Mercury (also in Libra) is joining the Sun, and both are in aspect with Jupiter. On an individual level, these signatures support honest and fair communications.
Retrograde Mercury’s close proximity to the Sun in Libra this season requires vigilant mindfulness in order to create balance, peace, and harmony in our relationships. Because Mercury is retrograde, we’re also likely to revisit past relationship dynamics. Jupiter’s presence adds an optimistic dose of gratitude as it highlights our desires to make choices that honor our individual autonomy, as well as the sovereignty of others.
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