MARCH 1-2: FAIR VIRGO FULL MOON

MOON ENTERS VIRGO at 0:57am EST on Thursday, March 1 and remains here until Friday, March 2 at 6:50pm when it goes VOID OF COURSE for the rest of the night. LAST ASPECT OF MOON: Moon Opposite Venus in Pisces. The FULL MOON IS EXACT at 7:51pm on Thursday at 11º Virgo (the third Full Moon in a row at 11º!) Ruled by Mercury, the Mutable Earth Virgo Moon is Opposite the Pisces Sun - so the Virgo/Pisces Axis is highlighted. This polarity may be described as Virgo's drive towards Order (and all that that implies) opposing the drive towards Neptunian Chaos, and all that concept carries. Virgo's need for perfection suggests analytical thinking and a level of control. As an Earth sign our attention may be drawn to the physicality of the body (health, diet, appearance) and other material things (cleaning house, organizing the office). Pisces' symbol of the Great Dissolver, suggests all delineations necessary for order disappear. All is One and One is All. Its most optimum expression might be a communion with the Divine, blissful meditation or one's ego being transcended through the beauty of music, poetry or art. Its least desirable expression could be confusion, deception or an escape into the illusion and oblivion of drugs or alcohol. An extreme expression of Virgo/Pisces would be the classic Victim/Persecutor/Savior dynamic. Pisces may not be aware of boundaries or fear separation and behave inappropriately, becoming Victim. This draws out the Controller in Virgo to draw lines with a hurtful critical response. Enter the Savior, also Pisces, who feels compelled to Redeem or forgive any wrong doing. Sometimes the Victim is also the Redeemer, forgiving the abuser until the next assault. The Virgo/Pisces Full Moon period is a time of culmination. Any existing tensions are likely to heighten to a climax as the Moon waxes towards fullness.

But Healing is also inherent in the alchemical Sacred Marriage of Opposites. Any Full Moon  begs the resolution of tension created by the polarity. Psychological Astrology suggests acknowledging both ends of the opposition which is an alternative to the either/or more common inclination. In this case we might be vigilant about considering the whole Piscean picture as well as the Virgonian details involved in a situation. We could let our Piscean imagination be informed by what's logically practical from Virgo's analysis. We could pay attention to both the visible, outer, tangible Virgo perspective and the inner invisible Piscean dream world...pay attention to the imagination.  Sometimes we benefit from Chaos as well as Order. When we diffuse the eyes' focus, we may see some things more clearly. Often through Chaos we can comprehend the integration of all the separate elements. In the Duality of the Sacred Marriage comes a new Unity - the Divine Child.

In less philosophical daily life, Virgo Moons are the time to organize and clean your house! I always look forward to using this energy to get my home in order. It's also a perfect time to activate Mercury's ability for writing, speaking, teaching and traveling. Accessing just the right word and organizing thoughts tend to come more easily now. The tricky aspect of Virgo is its narrow focus and nit-picky critical attitude. Try to see the bigger picture and don't get caught up in judging the small stuff and the less-than-perfect people around you.

Because the Last Aspect carries the two major Feminine archetypes of Moon and Venus (in Opposition) there may be tension in relationships with women. Remember the suggestions above for some ways out of potential conflicts. This is also a great time to pay attention to any health issues and diet. Don't forget: The is is Good time to work on your TAXES. Get them in early before Mercury goes Retrograde on March 22! The best days for sending in Taxes are March 5 and 6th. If you remain aware of Virgo's pitfalls, actions initiated during this Moon period will tend to have FAIR outcomes. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ohGXCRXHcIQ

VIRGO FULL MOON SCENE: Ordinary People, 1980; Director: Robert Redford's directorial debut; Adapted from When anyone asks me what my favorite film is - while, like most people, I have many - my immediate response is Ordinary People. It was my first experience of an American film with a Bergman-esque sensibility...meaning a contemporary psychological story which delves deeply into the suffering of its characters. This family drama which depicts the underbelly of a seemingly perfect upper middle class life, features Mary Tyler Moore as Mother Beth, Donald Sutherland as Father Calvin, Timothy Hutton as wounded son Conrad and Judd Hirsch as psychotherapist. In this scene, we actually witness the Divine Child Conrad as victim caught between an angry controlling mother and confused but forgiving father. All three suffer from the unexpected recent death of a second son. Moore's Beth is one of the most Virgonian (in its least optimum expression!) characters in cinema. Individual moments are devastatingly telling: the straightening of dinner napkins in their rings before she closes the drawer - where only they are kept - seems more important than listening to her son. Her straight and narrow figure exudes order and perfection. At one point Calvin admonishes her, "We would have been all right, but you can't handle mess..." And a hidden chaos is what their life has become. Psychotherapist Berger helps Conrad unravel his mire of emotions in an unusually creative way. The healing of Conrad is a magnificent thing to witness. I've screened this masterpiece for my first film every semester to introduce students to psychological analysis. The conversations that ensued were always remarkable. That the adapted screenplay, acting and directing is impeccable is the cherry on the top. The movie won Best Supporting Actor for Hutton, Best Adapted Screenplay for Alvin Sargent, Best Director for Redford and Best Dramatic Film - an upset victory over Scorcese's Raging Bull. If you've never seen this breakthrough film, treat yourself a transporting cinematic experience.

FEBRUARY 26-28: EXCELLENT LEO MOON

MOON ENTERS LEO on Monday, February 26 at 11:42pm EST after a VOID OF COURSE
evening and remains in Leo until Wednesday, February 28 at 6:13pm. LAST ASPECT OF MOON: Moon Trine Uranus in Aries. Ruled by the Sun, Fixed Fire Leo becomes a lot hotter and brighter with this fiery Last Aspect! The King of the Jungle is also the Child and Heart of the zodiac, and he/she wants to Play and be The  Center of the action. Once you admire a Leo you've won their heart. When you've done that, their generosity knows no limit. Acknowledge those you Love and you'll benefit with unexpected pleasure. This is a very Creative and Exciting period when it behooves us to mine our imagination and get the gold down on paper! Go to an art event, the theater or a concert and be Inspired. Let your child-self come out and play. Don't let egos get in the way and make sure to share the limelight with others. As the Moon waxes towards Thursday's Virgo Full Moon expect to feel any existing tensions grow. Actions initiated, especially along these themes, are likely to have EXCELLENT resolutions.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E0L38JSj8Bg

LEO SCENE FOR THE DAY: The Legend of Tarzan, 2016; Director: David Yates. I couldn't resist using this film again for this perfect play-with-lions scene featuring Alexander Skarsgård as Tarzan - or John Clayton III, Lord Greystoke - returned home. "He's known them since they were cubs." For more on this awesome re-telling of the classic story see last June's post! In this clip you get a glimpse of Margot Robbie (I, Tonya) as Jane.

FEBRUARY 24-26: CHALLENGING CANCER MOON

MOON REMAINS IN GEMINI until 2:58pm EST on Saturday, February 24 at which time it goes VOID OF COURSE. It remains V/C until 10:06pm when it ENTERS CANCER. MOON REMAINS IN CANCER until Monday, February 26 at 4:51pm. LAST ASPECT OF CANCER MOON: Moon Square Uranus in Aries. Cancer is ruled by The Moon, so its natural Archetype which is The FEMININE ARCHETYPE is very strong. This suggests that home and family are the highlighted subjects of this period. Our emotions are likely to be sensitive as well as moody and changeable. Try not to take things too personally as Cancer reflects a subjective state of being. Notice your mind machinery running the same tape repeatedly...ad nauseum. Breath in, exhale and empty your brain until it's still. Now there's an opening, even for a moment, to see the other's perspective. The 90º Square is considered a hard Aspect. The Moon strives to Belong. Uranus carries the principle of Separation. It needs independence and space, especially in Aries. We can see how this Last Aspect triggers two very different drives and that it's likely conflicts will ensue...to the degree of Uranian shock. Family members may have different needs or perspectives, so try be patient and give each other some freedom to move. Use Uranus to find an innovative way to be with old family issues. In general though, actions initiated during this Moon period tend to have CHALLENGING resolutions.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7NBOPUR2OsY

CANCER SCENE FOR THE DAY: Hereditary 2018; Director: Ari Aster. This Sundance horror film takes family issues to a new level! Oh sensitive Cancer dear ones, beware...this is not a film for the faint hearted. Toni Collette and Gabriel Byrne lead the cast of Aster's debut feature film. The Hollywood Reporter, one of the major film industry publications, describes the film as follows:
"Arguably the most effective domestic horror chiller since The Conjuring and The Babadook, this A24 release should hit discerning genre fans right where they live. Aster's ability to modernize his obvious reverence for the expert mood modulation, visual command and layered characterizations that defined sophisticated horror of the 1960s and '70s catapults the writer-director into the vanguard of contemporary horror auteurs. The film's superb cast, led by an astonishingly good Toni Collette, represents another strong draw.
Hereditary lifts from an adventurous range of influences that spans from the problem-spawn classic Rosemary's Baby through the malignant mood piece The Shining to the non-horror family grief drama In the Bedroom, with dollops of Greek tragedy and textbook demonology stirred into the mix." If you make it through the trailer, look for its release in June.

FEBRUARY 22-24: EXCELLENT GEMINI MOON

MOON ENTERS GEMINI at 7:07pm EST on Thursday, February 22 after a VOID OF COURSE DAY and remains here until Saturday, February 24 at 2:58pm. LAST ASPECT OF MOON: Moon Sextile Uranus in Aries. Don't expect much practical work to be accomplished on Thursday and what actions are taken are likely not to work out as planned. It's best to use this V/C period for inner creative imagining or planning future actions. After the Moon enters Mercury-ruled Gemini, it's a GREAT time for communications both verbal and electronic. Writing, teaching and speaking are supported in spades! Words are more easily accessed and you'll find a lot more usage during these days - to the degree of loquaciousness. This is also a perfect time to initiate both physical and mental travel! Gemini can be scattered so find a way to ground yourself and keep your communication within its appropriate context. Do your best to finish what you start. Seek solitude or a slower pace if you need a break! Siblings, particularly brothers - and especially Twins, of course - are highlighted now. This may be an opportune time to reconcile any conflicts. New or innovative ideas may show you the way. But also beware of the Trickster whenever Gemini shows up! Practical jokes and slight-of-hand moments can catch you off guard.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=83AbvPYqIko

GEMINI SCENE OF THE DAY: Leaves of Grass, 2009; Director: Tim Blake Nelson. The talented Edward Norton takes on the roles of both twins, Bill and Brady Kincaid, in this comedy-drama set in actor/director Nelson's home state of Oklahoma. Innovative-to-the-degree-of-eccentric ideas (perfect Gemini/Uranus description) keep exploding into the dialogue, offering a sibling relationship that defies professor Bill's (and our) rational comprehension. Red-necky Brady, who has an even higher IQ than his academic brother, has become an unusual type of businessman and draws his unsuspecting brother into his outrageous schemes. Mercury's Trickster Archetype is definitely present! (Reminds me of Norton's amazing skill in his dual role from his breakout first feature, Primal Fear, with Richard Gere.) The film also features Susan Sarandon as the twins' mother, Richard Dreyfus as the antagonist and Keri Russell as Bill's love interest. It's a great ride...Enjoy!

FEBRUARY 20-22: GOOD TAURUS MOON

MOON ENTERS TAURUS at 2:12pm EST on Tuesday, February 20 after a VOID OF COURSE morning. It remains here until 6:46am on Thursday, February 22. LAST ASPECT OF MOON: Moon Opposite Jupiter in Scorpio. To spend or not to spend might be the question of the hour. Ruled by Venus, this Fixed Earth Moon wants to have a sensuous time of it! The opposition to Jupiter is likely to increase the desire for an aesthetically pleasing cushy place to lay back and lounge. While part of you may be pulled towards over-indulging in food, drink and purchasing, another part may want to accomplish something concrete and valuable. One way to resolve this quasi-moral dilemma might be to resourcefully invest in something Beautiful. (Mercury goes Retrograde March 22 - so it's best to do your major shopping soon!) Taurus is also driven to protect and provide security for loved ones, so resources would be well-spent on this goal. Taurus moves slowly so try to let go of any impatience you feel about the time it takes to accomplish your desire. And don't let the stubborn nature of Taurus get the best of you. If you remember moderation, especially in your emotional expression and relationship to money, actions initiated during this Moon period tend to have a GOOD chance at successful resolution.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_GwK5ZOQH2U

TAURUS SCENE FOR THE DAY: All the Money in the World, 2017; Director: Ridley Scott.  Just as the real-life story of the kidnapping of JP Getty's grandson in the 70's, this film - which depicts the tragedy - is riddled with shock and controversy. As the completed movie was being readied for release, A-list actor Kevin Spacey (JP Getty) was accused of sexual abuse and Scott made the difficult decision to re-cast, shoot and edit the film. Christopher Plummer stepped in to fill the role. Getty's name is synonymous with oil money, at one point being the richest man in the world. One interpretation of Jupiter in Scorpio might reflect an abundance of Oil money. Mother Gail Getty (Michelle Williams) is desperate to protect her son Paul and her Bull-like tenacity to find a solution to her son's life-threatening situation is right on the Taurus target. But fearing hoax and personal vulnerability, paranoid billionaire Getty refuses to pay the ransom and the harrowing drama is heightened. Though traumatic for all, there is an eventual successful resolution for this part of the family story. (Paul goes on to have a devastatingly painful life. You can read more in this Vanity Fair article.) The film is based on John Pearson’s 1995 book Painfully Rich: The Outrageous Fortune and Misfortunes of the Heirs of J. Paul Getty. Golden Globe nominations for Williams, Plummer and Scott and an Academy Award nomination for Plummer. Here's the trailer:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9s712UABEv8

FEBRUARY 18-20: CHALLENGING ARIES MOON

MOON ENTERS ARIES at 7:05am EST on Sunday, February 18 and remains here until Tuesday, February 20 at 6:11am. LAST ASPECT OF MOON: Moon Conjunct Uranus in Aries.  This is a strong Mars-ruled Moon period with an abundance of combustion! While it's likely we'll have the physical energy to accomplish a lot, be vigilant about staying grounded and present. With the ramped-up vibration of Uranus added to Mars if we don't pay attention, accidents are more likely to happen than on the average day. Aries is concerned with one's identity. Uranus suggests a change in identity, a liberation or a shattering of it completely. We may experience more egos demanding their way and perhaps find more courage to stand up to them. The Warrior Archetype is present now, so conflicts have a higher probability of showing up. The sudden shifting of Uranian gears cautions us to remember to adapt. Speak your Truth, Find your Will and Energy to Act. Remember to Listen and be willing to compromise. The opportunity Aries in Uranus offers is liberation and a new sense of Self. In general, though, actions initiated during this Moon period will tend to have Challenging resolutions.
NOTE: Astrologer Eric Francis of Planet Waves refers to Eric McLuhan, son of Marshall ("The Medium is the Message") who takes his father's work to a new level into video games. He concludes that the games train children to shift out of their bodies into the astral plane, just at the time when they're growing into their bodies and developing an identity. This phenomenon is likely to be blocking the Aries individuation process by remaining in the character or role they assume in the game after the play. A developing sense of Self can be hindered. This could explain a lot...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cvvWpv6uB8s&pbjreload=10

ARIES SCENE FOR THE DAY: Scott Pilgrim vs. The World, 2010; Director: Edgar Wright (Shaun of the Dead, Baby Driver). Michael Cera (Juno), Alison Pill (The Newsroom!), Kieran Culkin (Igby Goes Down) and Anna Kendrick (Pitch Perfect) get caught up in a 'battle of the bands' digitized game, the goal of which is to win the love of Ramona Flowers (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) for bass player Scott (Cera). At the end of this scene Scott comes to his senses and is determined to 'Get a life!' A Boston Globe article by Ethan Gilsdorf comments that the film "shows us an exaggerated, but perhaps not unthinkable, blending of a gamer-geek mind-set with so-called “reality.” Whatever that is." With captivating visual effects and a clearly Aries-ruled digital fight scene, this graphic-novel-inspired teen movie was a critical success and a box-office bomb. Go Figure. 

FEBRUARY 15-17: EXCELLENT PISCES MOON

MOON REMAINS IN AQUARIUS until 4:05pm EST at which time the ECLIPSE IS EXACT. SEE FEB. 13 FOR AQUARIUS NEW MOON SOLAR ECLIPSE INFO. This Partial Eclipse will only be visible in Antarctica, the Atlantic Ocean and Southern South America. At 4:05pm the Moon goes VOID OF COURSE until 9:42pm. At this time the MOON ENTERS PISCES and remains here until Saturday, February 17 at 5:13pm when it goes VOID OF COURSE for the rest of the night. LAST ASPECT OF PISCES MOON: Moon Trine Jupiter in Scorpio. This is a rich and poignant Neptune-ruled Moon period when we should have the emotional depth to mine our true feelings and express them with great benefits. If you are a creative person, take advantage of this time to initiate some work of art that is important to you. It is likely to also be meaningful and healing to others. If you can be engaged in art, music or meditation now it should take you on a profound journey which will bring great rewards. These days may offer the experience of feeling united with others in a way you haven't know in a long time. Neptune reflects Compassion
and between the intensity of this last Eclipse period and the next challenging Aries Moon, it is a welcome interlude. The Divine may show herself to you. You might find her by the Sea or a nearby smaller body of water - even the bath. Listen to her poetry. Listen to her music. Soak Her In.

ECLIPSE NOTES: To add a clarification to yesterday's post...As we approach any Eclipse, energy intensifies. While the Moon may overcome the Solar energy in valuable metaphorical ways - as I mentioned in that post - it also blocks the positive, Light and Life-giving associations that the Sun's Archetype offers. Even though I gave an Excellent evaluation for actions initiated during this Eclipse period, I don't think I acknowledged as much as I should have (and as I've stated before for previous Eclipses) that the heightened energy often reflects intense circumstances in the inner life and outer world. The Florida school assault yesterday was only miles away from where I am at the moment and, true to Uranus-ruled Aquarius symbolism, is shocking and yet another Wake Up Call. 

Hopefully, what I wrote in the previous post: that the resolution to these recurring shocking events all over the world may be found in the Wake Up Calls themselves, is true. That the source of this volcanically expressed deep rage, both individually and collectively, resides in personal childhood wounding (Chiron's placement in the chart) - and perhaps the collective US Chiron at 20º Aries in the 4th House (Sibly chart). As I stated previously, The current recurring Eclipses fall along the Aquarius/Leo axis, ruled by Uranus and the Sun respectively. So the Uranus/Sun aspects, particularly the Opposition and the Conjunction may offer suggestions on the existing tension (Opposition) and resolution (Conjunction). 

If the collective imagination is shifting into the Uranus-ruled Aquarian Age (from the Neptune -ruled Piscean Age: within the Archetypal theme of Unity - ranging from Divinity to Boundary Issues and all-out Illusion/Deception/Confusion), this Aquarian/Leo Eclipse period may be alerting us to pay attention to its fundamental themes: Independence, Separation, Equality, Community, Change, Revolution, Individuation and Distribution of Information or the Free Press, particularly of the electronic variety. Again, the challenge is to discover how to be a unique individual within the collective community.

Another phenomenon becomes pertinent: As stated in the recent Capricorn Moon post, between the orbits of Saturn and Uranus moves the large asteroid Chiron which carries the Wounded Healer archetype. Astrologer Barbara Hand Clow refers to Chiron's archetype as the Rainbow Bridge between the old (Saturn) and the new (Uranus): that we need to cross the bridge to arrive at a new awareness of Aquarius/Uranus. Perhaps, when we acknowledge and begin to heal our original childhood wounding we can begin to imagine the release of our old patterns which compensate for a lifetime of suppressed pain. And only then can we begin to imagine a new, more conscious and compassionate way to resolve conflicts and be in the world. Uranus is considered the higher octave of Mercury; Mercury is Communication. Over and over we witness how powerful the courage to communicate to those who have wounded us can be. But the other side of Communicating is Listening, Respectful Listening. We need to be Still and Open in order to do that. To Still ourselves in a hyperactive world is the trick. Neptune would be our teacher for that. 
The final piece of this interesting puzzle is that the US Chiron (collective/cultural place of wounding) resides at 20º Aries in the Fourth House of Home and Family (Sibley chart). The Sabian Symbol (Dane Rudyar) for this point (read 21º Aries) reads: "A Pugilist (Boxer) Enters the Ring: The release and glorification of social aggression. Here we find potency glorified as muscular strength and will-to-power. Because it is potency operating at a harshly competitive level, it can and often does imply the possibility of defeat or disfiguration. In one sense the symbol translates into social terms the primordial struggle for survival of the fittest, adding to it an eagerness for social fame and social power (e.e. money). In another sense, the ring with two fighters in it can be referred to the Tai Chi symbol and the interplay between Yang and Yin. Each of the two types of energy wins in turn. Victory is always temporary in a dualistic world." Revealing? I think so. (I have to tell you that the preceding Sabian Symbol of 20º Aries is: "A Young Girl Feeding Birds in Winter". The following Symbol at 22º Aries is: "The Gate to the Garden of All Fulfilled Desires". But there we are at 21º!)  

Uranus was going back and forth over this 20º Aries point during the 2016 presidential campaigns, the election and made its final pass soon after the January 2017 Inauguration. Pluto is squaring this point right now. The universe is calling us out: Heal your cultural original wounding. Rise to the occasion and address your aggression towards Native Americans and African Americans. And your aggression against Women. I believe that the US soul will not be healed until we have Native American and African American Women in major leadership roles. OMG! I just looked up and it's 4:05pm EST as I write this. The Eclipse is Exact!
Dare I mention that the US Moon is exactly at the Solar Eclipse point of 27º Aquarius? The Moon can represent Public sentiment as well as the Soul of the chart and, of course, The Feminine. The Eclipse is activating this point and screaming for Action! This is an amazing number of elements constellating at a single point which, by the way, is an exact harmonious Sextile to the Center of the Galaxy as 27º Sagittarius. 

So, of course I had to look up the Sabian Symbol of 27º Aquarius (read 28º Aquarius): An Old Bridge Over a Beautiful Stream is Still in Constant Use. The enduring elements in a society which reveal its ability to significantly link the genius of its individuals to the everyday needs of the collectivity. The synchronicity abounds. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yVtCcacNUxQ

PISCES SCENE FOR THE DAY: West Wing, Season 3, Episode 6, 2001; Writer: Aaron Sorkin; Director: Alex Graves. I'll be brief. President Barlett (Martin Sheen) extols the virtues great oratory using the bible text of Ephesians 5:21: 'Husbands love your wives as Christ loved the Church...'(the priest) "had an audience and he didn't know what to do with it." To which Abby replies, 'You're an oratory snob." The president counters with: "Words, when spoken out loud for the sake of performance, are music...Music has the ability to find us and move us and lift us up in meanings that literal meanings can't...and you can't just (bring up) Ephesians...it has nothing to do with husbands and wives, it's about all of us. St. Paul begins the passage, 'Be subject to one another out of reverence to Christ.' It's about all of us, not Christ and the Church - How do we end this cycle? Be Subject to One Another. " Music and reverence for each other... Neptune/Pisces in all its glory!

FEBRUARY 13-15: EXCELLENT AQUARIUS NEW MOON SOLAR ECLIPSE

MOON ENTERS AQUARIUS at 10:11am EST on Tuesday, February 13 after a VOID OF COURSE early morning and remains in Aquarius until 4:05pm on Thursday, February 15. LAST ASPECT OF MOON: Moon Conjunct Sun in Aquarius. This Last Aspect creates the NEW MOON SOLAR ECLIPSE and is EXACT at 4:05pm at 27º Aquarius. This is an EXCITING New Moon! A time for beginning New Chapters in areas of our lives that move us away from our old conventional ways of doing things. Be inspired and re-awakened to what's possible to create! The recent Full Moon Lunar Eclipse offered the opportunity to clear the decks of what no longer works for us. Now we have some empty psychic space available for new awareness to enter. Muse on what really excites you and Follow Your Bliss. Ruled by Uranus, Aquarius carries the archetype of sudden change - to the degree of revolution. If the previous Capricorn post referred to challenges through old patterns and structures, this moment in time begs for the transformation of these antiquated ways. This is an opportunity for major changes in your life as well as for the collective. Uranus signifies the Future, Saturn the past. If you are engaged in alternative ways of being in the world, any innovative communities or forms of political activism, take advantage of this heightened time. You have an abundance of celestial support for your endeavors. The world is waiting for you to step up. It needs you act on what only you can offer. It needs you to be uniquely you. Be a revolutionary in your own life and Begin it NOW!

AQUARIUS SOLAR ECLIPSE SCENE FOR THE DAY: Disobedience, 2017; Director: Sebastián Lelio (Gloria, A Fantastic Woman). The title speaks volumes about the radical potential of Uranus/Aquarius. Two women, Rachel Weisz as Ronit and Rachel McAdams as Esti, follow their revolutionary bliss to rediscover their love for each other - which of course, as convention would have it, is forbidden. The tradition to which I refer is Orthodox Judiasm - where convention, rules and regs predominate. Ronit's father was a rabbi from whom she liberated herself by moving away to New York - while Esti grabbed hold of the Saturnian Jewish structure with all her might. She married the next holy man in line after the rabbi and buried her heart along with her passion. When Ronit returns to London for her father's funeral, old attractions return to the surface. These women want their Freedom and buck a three thousand year old religion - etched in Saturnian stone tablets - to attempt to get it. This feels particularly significant given the description of the previous post on Capricorn, ruled by Saturn. This Aquarius New Moon Solar Eclipse is a breaking away from old beliefs, behaviors and boundaries. Mark this moment and be inspired by these women to find your own revolution.

ECLIPSE NOTES: The Solar Eclipse exists at the New Moon, when the Moon Conjuncts the Sun and, in its orbit around Earth, is positioned exactly between the Earth and Sun blocking the Solar radiance, completely or partially. It is a time for New Beginnings. The Lunar Eclipse occurs at the Full Moon when the Moon is Opposite the Sun in a particular alignment when the shadow of the Earth is projected on the Moon. 

NASA image of Moon Crossing Sun

Of the five Eclipses in 2018, three are Partial Solar Eclipses (Feb.15, July 13, August 11) and two are Total Lunar Eclipses (January 31 and July 27). The Aquarius/Leo axis will be a recurring theme for all but one of these Eclipses. The Aquarius/Leo axis relates back to the dramatic Solar Eclipse in August 2017 - The Great American Eclipse, which many astrologers interpreted as a strong symbol for the significant shift that is occurring in the United States. This axis is ruled by Uranus (Aquarius) and The Sun (Leo). 
The Full Moon Lunar Eclipses (Sun Opposite Moon) beg a resolution of the tension between opposites. The Conjunction of Sun and Moon (New Moon Solar Eclipse) suggests a description of this resolution (the alchemical Marriage of Opposites) and the way to Begin Again. In the Conjunction, the two Archetypes stand together as equals, blending their qualities so both contribute and both are honored.
We could describe the Aquarian New Moon Eclipse as honoring the Sun and the Moon (Masculine and Feminine Archetypes) equally in an egalitarian, humanitarian, community oriented (think small and local) and participatory (within itself and with other communities) manner. The Free Press is fundamental - Aquarius rules the distribution of information freely and with integrity. And of course, Aquarius demands Freedom for All and an Independent spirit.

ECLIPSE TRUMPED: Let's get political. So interesting: Trump's birth chart has the Sun Conjunct Uranus (in Gemini) Opposite The Moon (in Sagittarius). He was born during a Full Moon Lunar Eclipse (The Feminine Moon blocked by the Shadow of Earth). This would indicate to psychological astrologers that not only does Trump's psyche carry the current challenging dynamic but may actually also carry a possible resolution. This is as hard for me to write as it most likely is for you to read - impossible to imagine. But let's muse on the idea. 

Someone with Sun Conjunct Uranus radically shakes things up. The Sun Opposite Moon suggests the Masculine Archetype opposed the Feminine. The opposition reflects the polarization we are witnessing. Uranus suggests a Breakthrough...perhaps the Breakdown Before Breakthrough. It also rules the digital electronic arena which seems to be the medium for governing now. Uranus concerns personal and collective Freedom and Independence. It suggests we may endure shocks of rude Awakenings as well as sudden insights of higher consciousness - all which serve to liberate and release us from that which no longer serves us. Intuition is strong for Uranus and our challenge is to trust what it brings and discern what is valuable, True and Morally honorable from what is...just Not.   
The Sun Archetype (Leo) is about the Center: The center of our Solar System, The Ego, One's Sense of Self, The Child, Play, The Creative, Light, Consciousness and Individuation (the journey to one's whole Self). The dynamic between Uranus (Aquarius) and The Sun is to negotiate between honoring the Self (it's needs, health, desires, security, resources etc) and participating responsibly with the Collective (Aquarius): To be one's unique self within one's Community.

Trump's ideas and actions are Shaking us to our core! They are polarizing us. Women are rising up, gathering courage and voice to speak Truth to Power. Government structure appears to be breaking down. Besides the Sun Conjunct Uranus in Trumps chart, there is also his most dramatic Ascendant at 28º 59 Leo - the Fixed Star Regulus, the most illustrious symbol in the zodiac - nearly the exact degree of The Great American Eclipse. His personal psyche and behavior reflect the collective zeitgeist. The Solar Eclipse occurs a degree away from his Descendant, one of the four major angles of a chart, triggering relationships. It's likely that his 'leadership' will result in a major response/reaction that will catapult us onto a new course. May we have the 'aha' moments of enlightened thought that release us from the polarization and inequality many of us feel. May our response be one that serves us All.
 

So on Thursday, Feb. 15 the Moon in Aquarius will partially eclipse the Sun in Aquarius. The Feminine Archetype of The Mother: Receptivity, Nurturing, Home, Family, Women, Food, Container, The Dark of the Womb, The Night Sky and The Soul - all symbolized by The Moon - eclipses the Masculine Solar Archetype. In ideal circumstances we notice that the Light of Day dims, if not disappears, and we can sometimes see stars and planets during a Solar Eclipse. I love the idea that, while the life-giving Sun radiates and symbolizes ideas and feelings brought to consciousness, it simultaneously obliterates the Light Bodies visible in the Night Sky. It is only when the Sun sets that we are able to witness the contrast between light and dark and experience the Beauty and Mystery that these Light Bodies (planets, asteroids, fixed stars or constellations...) offer. Blessed Be the Night Sky. May we make her proud.

FEBRUARY 10-13: CHALLENGING CAPRICORN MOON

Capricorn: Ambition of The Mountain Goat

MOON REMAINS IN SAG until 11:38am EST on Saturday, February 10 when it goes VOID OF COURSE for the rest of the day. SEE FEB. 8 for Sag info. It's probable that not much practical work will be accomplished during the Void of Course afternoon and actions initiated during this V/C period of the day are likely not to work out as planned. MOON ENTERS CAPRICORN at 9:21pm on Saturday night and remains here until 0:43am on Tuesday, February 13. LAST ASPECT OF MOON: Moon Square Uranus in Aries. Ruled by Saturn, this Cardinal Earth sign is driven to climb the ladder of success. It's likely, however, that actions initiated during this Moon period will encounter barriers to this ambition. Willfulness and impulsive behavior will tend to get in the way. Be particularly aware of Saturn-ruled bones and teeth as you move as consciously as possible through these days. Capricorn rules government and business so we are likely to witness more upsets in this arena now. In general, actions initiated during this Moon period will tend to have CHALLENGING results.

CAPRICORN SCENE FOR THE DAY: I, Tonya, 2017; Director: Craig Gillespie. This film is ALL about Capricornian ambition. Margot Robbie plays Olympic champion Tonya Harding. The difference between her performance as Jane in the latest Tarzan movie is remarkable. She's amost unrecognizable! But it's Alison Janey (West Wing's CJ Craig) as her witchy mother who really takes the prize. She's a shapeshifter! Even though most audiences are aware that the ex-husband orchestrated the circumstances that resulted in skater Nancy Kerrigan's assault, the details of how the events escalated out of control make you want to pull your hair out. Each of the main characters carries an unbelievable amount of Uranus-in-Aries explosive anger. It's as if they've been programmed by tv crime series how to solve a problem - how to remove any obstacle that stands in the way of reaching the desired goal. There is no remorse, no moral compass, no responsibility - merely justification.

Jeff and Shawn: The Ex-Husband and Body-Guard Collaborator

Permit me to rant: This is an old structure utilized by the masculine archetype (active in both males and females) of survival of the fittest that relies on various forms of aggression to resolve conflicts. So many individuals, as well as governments, continue to resort to this primitive, knee-jerk, unconscious mode while others take time to create alternative behavior. We might consider this an example of the shift to the egalitarian/humanitarian Aquarian Age. I also see it as the slow evolution from a Saturnian attitude to a Uranian one. Between the orbits of Saturn and Uranus moves the large asteroid Chiron which carries the Wounded Healer archetype. Astrologer Barbara Hand Clow refers to Chiron's archetype as the Rainbow Bridge between the old (Saturn) and the new (Uranus). Only when we address and begin to heal our original childhood wounding can we imagine the release of our old patterns which compensate for a lifetime of suppressed pain. And only then can we begin to imagine a new, more conscious and compassionate way to resolve conflicts and be in the world.

Allison Janney as The Mother

 The film itself is creatively constructed, magnificently acted and compelling to witness. I highly recommend it - if you can bear watching incredible stupidity in action. I use this word rarely - I find it incredibly offensive. But this antiquated behavior warrants its use. (Please don't interpret this post as an attack on the dependable, honorable Capricorn which brings us respect and Mastery when integrity, hard work and invested time are present!)

FEBRUARY 8-10: EXCELLENT SAGITTARIUS MOON

MOON ENTERS SAGITTARIUS at 8:53am EST on Thursday, February 8 after a VOID OF COURSE early morning, and remains in Sag until 11:38am on Saturday, February 10. LAST ASPECT OF MOON: Moon Trine Uranus in Aries. Ruled by Jupiter, this Mutable Fire Moon period will most likely see us needing a lot of Freedom and Independence. It's an exciting time to take off on an adventure of great import! Sag is the Truth Seeker with a strong moral sense so any project with a philosophical or spiritual orientation is perfect to begin now. Whatever your Belief System might be, this is a powerful time to take it to the next level of awareness and action. Sag also rules Publishing while Uranus symbolizes the electronic arena, so push that send button on your computer for your current digital projects during this Moon period! Try to be conscious of creating a container for your imagination - a context, a time-limit or concrete support of some kind. Fire needs Earth to ground itself, and this combination is a whole lot of passionate Fire! Actions initiated during this time will tend to have EXCELLENT resolutions.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gCt-5P6Or0o

SAGITTARIUS SCENE FOR THE DAY: Robin Hood, 2010; Director: Ridley Scott. Moon in Sag is beautifully represented by Maid Marion in Scott's version of Robin Hood...the Feminine Archer. In this short collection of interviews and scenes we witness her courage, independence and physical prowess with a bow and arrow. Her willingness to stand up to to any man, be it her father-in-law (Max von Sydow), assassin Godfrey (Mark Strong) or Robin himself (Russel Crowe) is a tribute to this Centaurian archetype. In one interview Marion is referred to as having a moral backbone and finds her match in Robin of the Hood - which I never realized means, Robin of the Forest - alluding to the coverage of the trees! 

FEBRUARY 5-8: VOID OF COURSE MOON → CHALLENGING SCORPIO MOON

MOON REMAINS IN LIBRA until 1:46pm EST on Monday, February when it goes VOID OF COURSE for the rest of the day. SEE FEB 3 for LIBRA INFO.  The Void of Course day is likely to be fairly non-eventful and practical actions initiated during this time tend not to produce the desired results. MOON ENTERS SCORPIO at 10:56pm on Monday and remains here until 2:16am on Thursday, February 8. LAST ASPECT OF MOON: Moon Square Venus in Aquarius. Ruled by Pluto, this Fixed Water sign is deeply but quietly emotional and reflects the inclination to bond deeply with another.
Both the Moon and Venus symbolize the Feminine archetype so relationships, particularly with or between women may be particularly stressed now with the Square as Last Aspect. Sexual tension may bubble to the surface. Honor each other's feelings and try to get beyond the fear of trusting. Scorpio can be very self-protective, jealous and controlling while Venus in Aquarius definitely needs to assert its equality as well as its need for space! So take a deep breath, let go and be willing to give your partner the independence they may require. It's likely that one partner will be drawn to group engagements while the other wants private one-on-one time. Get creative to satisfy both needs. In the end a remarkable transformation may occur. Scorpio suggests the most primal life force as well as the end of it. So the intensity that this suggests is likely to be present no matter what the circumstances are. Although a situation may feel like life or death, remember most likely it isn't. Both Scorpio and Venus also reflect money or other resources so this area of life may also to be a source of conflict now. In general, actions initiated during this Scorpio Moon will tend to have mildly CHALLENGING resolutions.

https://www.google.com/search?q=phantom+thread+trailer&ie=utf-8&oe=utf

SCORPIO SCENE FOR THE DAY: Phantom Thread, 2017; Director: Paul Thomas Anderson (Boogie Nights, Magnolia, There Will Be Blood). An unexpected chess game of wills ensues during this unusual 1950's London-based love story between an haute couture designer, Reynolds Woodcock (Daniel Day-Lewis in his self-declared final role) and waif-like waitress Alma (Vicky Krieps). Include into the mix a very strong-willed older sister to Woodcock who is used to ruling the roost,  (Leslie Manville) and tension of Scorpionic proportions results. With the couturier's attention and elegant fashions Alma transforms into a confident queen-like companion. We witness a life/death struggle in each character's individuation process. The psychological depth is palpable. It's not exactly a matter of who is controlling and who needs independence - both characters exhibit both qualities at different times. This is a beautifully played and photographed drama where sexual tension abounds, but no sex scenes are to be found. We are mesmerized by these quiet inward characters and when the final twist arrives we are left speechless. Nominated for several Golden Globes and Oscars, the film is in theaters now.

FEBRUARY 3-5: VOID OF COURSE → CHALLENGING LIBRA MOON

From the Persian BOOK OF ISKANDAR

MOON IS VOID OF COURSE all day on Saturday, February 3 until 4:47pm EST. At this time the MOON ENTERS LIBRA and remains here until Monday, February 5 at 1:46pm. LAST ASPECT OF MOON: Moon Opposite Uranus in Aries. Saturday is likely to be a day when not much practical work is accomplished and most practical actions initiated during this Void of Course period are likely not to work out as planned. (I set this post to be emailed between 7-9am, and it didn't go out...take 2)! It's best to use this time for inner creative work or planning future actions.
The LIBRA MOON is ruled by Venus, which suggests that relationships are center stage. The Opposition to Uranus reflects that actions initiated during this time, particularly in this area of life, will experience tension and possibly separation. Libra strives for balance, justice and equality; Uranus in Aries, on the other hand, is driven to assert its individuality, independence and self-importance. The challenge is to negotiate these two divergent inclinations and find a way be together in a liberated, self-realized way. Libra also symbolizes lower courts (courts whose opinions can be overruled by higher courts, symbolized by Sag). If it weren't the weekend we might hear some interesting events on the news in this regard. We'll want to have Beauty around us and aesthetically pleasing experiences during this Moon period so take time to make that happen. Don't allow the impatient and impulsive nature of Uranus in Aries get in the way. Otherwise actions initiated during this time are likely to have CHALLENGING results.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWrG0hUbJFI

LIBRA SCENE FOR THE DAY: Blue Valentine, 2010; Director: Derek Cianfrance. Michelle Williams (My Week With Marilyn, Incendiary) and Ryan Gosling (La La Land, The Believer) are a the classic modern married couple: originally madly in love and now, the once balanced scales have tipped. They are so out of sync that, while the relationship seems to remain center stage, their respective perspectives can't find a place to meet. They can't find the language to connect and don't know where to go from here. While they please each other aesthetically and clearly feel a strong connection, his aggressive nature and  impulsive spirit serve to divide them irreparably. Williams and Ryan are compelling to witness as they see-saw between creating and destroying whatever it is they have. This film is an unusual cinematic love story because it lacks the clever plot points which show clearly the whys and wherefores of changes in character. The editing between past and present seems to be in search of where love goes when it...goes. Sometimes the reasons elude us.