DECEMBER 4-6: CHALLENGING CANCER MOON

MOON ENTERS CANCER at 3:37pm EST on Monday, December. 4 after being VOID OF COURSE since 2:13pm and remains in Cancer until Wednesday, December 6 at 12:56pm. LAST ASPECT OF MOON: Moon Square Mars in Libra. Ruled by the Moon, this Cardinal Water sign is highly emotional and, with the Square to Mars, is likely to encounter some conflicts due to actions initiated during this time. Willfulness and perhaps passive aggression may be the source of these conflicts. The Cancer Moon takes things very personally, clings to them and often becomes moody as a result. Issues around home and family are usually the subject of these feelings. While the Full Moon is waning we may still be affected by its leftover intensity. Actions initiated during this Moon period tend to have CHALLENGING resolutions. 

Note: We're still in the 3-day cautionary period after Mercury turned Retrograde on the 3rd, so check and double check communications, information, travel plans and vehicles. The entire Retrograde period is a time to go inward and access your imagination. Sourcing creative ideas as well as re-thinking previously held beliefs or reconsidering and, perhaps, retracting previous communications is an excellent use of this period. Take a deep breath, plan a meal you'll enjoy, don't expect others to necessarily acknowledge you for it - and anticipate the coming Leo Moon to brighten your day!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ED7_y4jETo0

CANCER SCENE FOR THE DAY: American Beauty, 1999; Director: Sam Mendes; Writer: Alan Ball. This dysfunctional family dinner scene is a culminating moment of built up Full-Moon-like tension. The release of Mars anger between Kevin Spacey's Lester Burnham and Annette Bening's Carolyn bookending their daughter Jane (Thora Birch) would be a relief if it wasn't so indicative of dinner conversation around so many dining room tables. This family has barely been holding it together while secrets and lies line their pandora-esque box. If you haven't seen this film, it's a Must...think of it as the 90's evolution of Redford's Ordinary People (1980). Not only is America not the 'greatest country' anymore (See The Newsroom scene in the recent Aries post) its slipping integrity is wreaking havoc on our digestive systems...food for thought.

🌑 DECEMBER 2-4: CHALLENGING GEMINI FULL MOON - MERCURY RETROGRADE

MOON ENTERS GEMINI at 4:21pm EST on Saturday, December 2 after a VOID OF COURSE DAY, and remains in Gemini until Monday, December 4 at 2:13pm. LAST ASPECT OF MOON: Moon Opposite Mercury in Sagittarius. FULL MOON IS EXACT on Sunday, December 3 at 10:47am EST at 11º Gemini. MERCURY TURNS RETROGRADE on December 3 at 2:34am. So Sunday turns out to be a Big Day...a Loaded Full Moon! We may have the urge to get up and go, but considering these combined planetary events, it may be wise to pull up on the reigns for now. The Gemini Moon Opposes first the Sun in Sagittarius and then Mercury, the Moon's current Ruler, as its Last Aspect. Communications, Mind Processes and Travel are very tricky now! So Check and Double Check all your details and assumptions. We're in the Station-period which is the most vulnerable for Mercury's information-gathering skill. The opposition to Mercury at 29º Sag brings a conjunction to Saturn at 27º Sag into the equation which, even by itself, brings constraint (though depth) to Mercury's mental abilities. At these degrees they are both traveling through the center of our Milky Way Galaxy which highly intensifies the configuration. Add in the growing tension towards the climax of the Full Moon and Mercury going Retrograde on Sunday and we're in for a wild ride! One person may come from the big picture of a situation (Sag) while the other is focused on the separate pieces of information (Gemini)...and they just can't get each other. If you're patient enough to listen to both perspectives, you may be able to see the whole story! That's the opportunity of the opposition. See a past post: THE HIDDEN OPPORTUNITY IN OPPOSITIONS. But Gemini isn't too good with patience...try to remember it though, when things start speeding up now - especially building towards the next holidays. Unless you see the whole picture, actions initiated during this Moon period will tend to have CHALLENGING resolutions. PS: Enjoy the VOID OF COURSE Saturday. Don't expect to accomplish much practical work. Expect to return most of the gifts you purchase today - and for the whole Mercury Retrograde holiday season - but the process of shopping may take you into an aesthetic dreamscape that may be inspiring for future action!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f2SskRLd4F

GEMINI SCENE FOR THE DAY: East of Eden, 1955; Director: Elia Kazan. Gemini comes with an inherent opposition: the Twins. Reflecting the light and dark/'good' and 'bad' perspectives of a situation, these two brothers, Cal and Aaron,  have lived most of their lives without a mother. In this scene their conflicting natures come to a Full Moon Climax when they all finally meet and all hell breaks loose. East of Eden is one of only three films James Dean ever made (Rebel Without a Cause and Giant) and his standout performances, as the lost boy in search of an identity, have made him a legend... and rightfully so.

DECEMBER 1-2: CAUTIOUSLY GOOD TAURUS MOON

MOON ENTERS TAURU$ at 3:38pm EST on Thursday, November 30 - after being VOID OF COURSE since 1:37pm. It remains in Taurus until Friday, December 1 at 8:53pm when it goes VOID OF COURSE for the rest of the night. LAST ASPECT OF MOON: Moon Trine Pluto in Capricorn. This Last Aspect to Pluto indicates resources which Taurus loves to make use of - especially money! This would have been a great time to make purchases, but with the coming of Mercury’s Retrograde on the 3rd, we’re in the 3-day-before caution zone now and things are likely not to go according to plan. The STATION begins when the planet appears to remain still (slows down in its orbit and stays in the same degree for a few days) before it appears to be traveling backwards. Enjoy Taurus’ love of the earthy sensuous world and treat your body to the delights it so deserves. Ruled by Venus, it serves us to engage in artistic endeavors and have Beauty all around us for inspiration. As Master Builder, Taurus also loves to create and provide security for loved ones. Actions initiated during this time tend to have Cautiously GOOD Resolutions!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d8sDpSZeDBE

TAURUS SCENE FOR THE DAY: Out of Africa, 1985; Director: Sydney Pollack. Sensuous is the operative Taurean word here. Of course the scene begins with earthy hippos emerging from a muddy pond and segues to Redford washing Streep's tangled hair. This is one of the most visually memorable cinematic moments for we romantics - and it's mostly because Streep's inner life is expressed so precisely and authentically on that exquisite face of which we can't take our eyes off...the expression of utter satisfaction and appreciation for his tender care-taking gesture. Water can be quite the resource.

NOVEMBER 28-30: CAUTIOUSLY GOOD ARIES MOON

MOON ENTERS ARIES at 11:30am EST on Tuesday, November 28 after a VOID OF COURSE morning and remains here until Thursday, November 30 at 1:37pm. It goes VOID OF COURSE at this time until 3:38pm. LAST ASPECT OF MOON: Moon Trine Mercury in Sagittarius. Ruled by Mars, this Cardinal Fire sign is the first sign of the zodiac and is likely to reflect a very active and spirited Moon period. Aries is the Warrior archetype and it’s a GOOD time to use this abundant energy for launching projects, especially highly physical ones. There's also the possibility of beginning a long-distance journey. Mercury in Sagittarius (another Fire sign) suggests a heightened ability to see the bigger picture, though being 'in detriment' details may be overlooked and timing may be off - so pay attention. Take a deep breath and reconsider consequences before impulsive words fly out of your mouth, although any disputes should end well. I'm going to say that this is the Last Chance Café of Good Days before MERCURY GOES RETROGRADE on December 3 when communication gets tricky for about a month. Note, though, that Mercury enters the 3-day caution period on the 30th before it goes Retrograde. Let’s say the 28th and 29th are still clear sailing, but resist initiating important actions on the 30th. With all this Fire, we’re likely to begin feeling increased tension as we build toward the FULL MOON which also occurs on December 3...a double whammy!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZPHSXUS0_1c

ARIES SCENE FOR THE DAY: The Newsroom, "We Just Decided To," Season 1 Episode 1, 2012; Director: Greg Mottola; Creator and Writer: Aaron Sorkin. Yes, I'm on a Sorkin kick. Unexpected radical words erupt from Will McAvoy's (Jeff Daniels) repressed mouth during a university-based political panel discussion. While seeing the bigger picture, news director/anchorman McAvoy manages to insult everyone in sight. His manic Aries rant initiates global discussions about whether America is actually the Greatest Country in the World. It also sets up the ongoing tension for one of the most gripping and relevant television dramas ever - and it does it with basically no sex, drugs or rock 'n roll. Well there is some sex, drugs and rock 'n roll...but the ability to compel an audience with primarily news-based content for three seasons is a pretty amazing accomplishment. As with the The West Wing, Sorkin's lead characters make many of us yearn for the moment they might step out of the screen into our political reality - reminiscent of Daniel's role in Woody Allen's Purple Rose of Cairo. You have to watch the entire first season of The Newsroom to see how this particular conflict is successfully resolved but...boy, what a fiery and satisfying ride it is!

NOVEMBER 26-28: CHALLENGING PISCES MOON

MOON ENTERS PISCES at 3:04am EST on Sunday, November 26 and remains here until Tuesday, November 28 at 7:09am. LAST ASPECT OF MOON: Moon Square Mercury in Sagittarius. This Mutable Water sign is ruled by King of the Cosmic Sea, Neptune. All is One and One is All for this archetype which knows no boundaries or definition. It is the sign of the Divine, of Compassion, of Unity. Challenged by the Square to Mercury is likely to find us somewhat confused, or even angry, when attempting to interpret others’ communication or when trying to access just the right words ourselves. Setting off on a journey may find us lost or encountering subtle obstacles along the way. It might behoove us to turn to the Artist inside and use this energy for creating something beautiful, poetic or cathartic. Meditation, music and our imagination in general are the best vehicles for travel now. And FILM (images) is also ruled by Neptune! A GREAT Sunday for being transported by a 'celluloid' story. Otherwise, practical actions, especially communications, initiated during this nebulous and perhaps surreal Moon period will tend to have CHALLENGING results.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fYcMk3AJKLk

PISCES SCENE FOR THE DAY: West Wing, Two Cathedrals, Season 2 Episode 22; 2001; Director: Thomas Schlamme; Writer: Aaron Sorkin. President Bartlett's 'big sister' old-time friend and Secretary is hit by a drunk driver and killed at a climactic moment in his presidency when he's about to announce his concealed MS to the public. In this scene, after her funeral service, the President (Martin Sheen❤️) embarks on a rant to God. Dolores Landingham's (Katherine Joosten) death has pushed him to the edge and he can no longer contain his rage. His catharsis is part of a process which leads him to make one of the most important decisions of his presidency. Once again, Sorkin takes us on a literary ride of shock and awe with this brilliant monologue. 

NOVEMBER 23-25: GOOD AQUARIUS MOON

After a VOID OF COURSE DAY, MOON ENTERS AQUARIUS at 3:14pm EST on Thursday, November 23 and remains here until Saturday, November 25 at 9:37pm. At this time the MOON GOES VOID OF COURSE for the rest of the night. LAST ASPECT OF MOON: Moon Sextile Saturn in Sagittarius. During the lengthy V/C periods, we are likely to feel like not much is being accomplished. It behooves us not to initiate important practical actions during this time. Best to wait until the Moon enters Aquarius. Enjoy the slow fluidity of Thanksgiving and the accessibility to the imagination that the Void of Course Moon offers. This Fixed Water Sign has Saturn as its traditional ruler, before Uranus, its modern ruler was discovered in 1781. So Aquarius feels very comfortable with this Last Aspect. The Sextile indicates an active and harmonious relationship where opportunities are likely to be available. Aquarius, as Water Bearer, bestows its knowledge in broad circulation. Uranus rules the digital world - so this is a GOOD time to distribute information or publish writing on the internet. The conventional world meets the New Age. Maintaining past traditions that still work can support innovative and enlightened thought. Aquarius/Uranus can deliver the unexpected. May your Thanksgiving Day bring you an enlightening surprise!

AQUARIUS SCENE FOR THE DAY: West Wing, "The US Poet Laureate," Season 3 Episode 16, 2002; Director: Christopher Misiano; Writer: Aaron Sorkin. Though I couldn't find a clip for this scene, I couldn't resist telling you about it...Laura Dern plays the poet with a major resistance to landmines. She won't attend the dinner in her honor unless she gets to speak out against their use. Communications Director Toby Ziegler (Richard Schiff) has a hard time talking her down. He tries to tell her it's disastrously bad political timing. After she has a bit of a breakdown (before breakthrough) she realizes, while having an enlightened Uranian position, she doesn't know about the bigger political picture and is willing to listen to Saturnine Toby. They simultaneously see the opportunity for a compromise and she's satisfied with the deal. The dialogue is so beautifully written and so open-heartedly delivered. I wish I could offer it to you here and now. But today I'm just thankful for Sorkin's imagination.

NOVEMBER 21-23: CAPRICORN MOON

MOON ENTERS CAPRICORN at 2:14am EST on Tuesday, November 21 and remains here until 5:33am on Thursday, November 23. LAST ASPECT OF MOON: Moon Square Uranus in Aries. Ruled by Saturn, this Cardinal Earth sign Moon is likely to encounter unexpected conflicts. Saturn rules form and structure and is associated with the limiting of space. The Uranus principle is motivated by the need for Freedom and is driven to separate or break down these structures. Saturn reflects convention, tradition and the past. Uranus points to the future with innovative thinking and technological inventions. Saturn rules that which has crystallized. In the body it rules bones and teeth. Move consciously now as we don't want these structures to break!
The emotion-based Moon is in detriment in Capricorn, the opposite sign to its ruler, Cancer. We'll tend to see restraint in the expression of feelings now. So be it. You'll talk when you're ready. The natural Capricorn ambition to succeed may also be thwarted now. The power of conventional authority figures, both collective (think government, church and corporations) and personal (the traditional Father Archetype) is being disrupted. In general, actions initiated during this Moon period tend to have CHALLENGING resolutions.

NOTE: Refer back to the September 4th post regarding Uranus in its late degrees of Aries being the most common planet as Last Aspect. Every time a planet moves through a Cardinal sign (Aries, Cancer, Libra or Capricorn) it has, and will, engage this late-degree Uranus as a hard Last Aspect. Uranus is working something out now. Each planetary archetype will have its own arena that is going through a major Uranian change. For Capricorn, it signifies the ongoing breaking apart of the Saturnian Archetype. It's likely these structures no longer serve us. We might also keep in mind to hold on to what still works about our traditions while being willing to let go of what doesn't.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kehu8QBHCCk

CAPRICORN SCENE FOR THE DAY: "Goodbye, Lenin!" Germany, 2003; Director: Wolfgang Becker. The Berlin Wall has just come down. East German Alex (Daniel Brühl), whose nationalistic mother has just awakened from being in a coma, is afraid the shock will kill her. In this comedy-esque story Alex, a satellite system salesman, sets up a fictitious reality at their home where the old conservative German party still rules! Of course, his mother eventually discovers the radical change to her beloved country - the literal Uranian tearing down of the Saturnian wall and all that that implies. This is an endearing, small family story about this huge paradigm shift which shook the world. Roger Ebert, in his informative review of the film, refers to the mother's natural inclination to hold on to the past because it is part of her and what she knows. With the courage and trust to let go, though, how surprisingly liberating a Liberation can feel.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mIjSaHUKD5I

NOVEMBER 18-20: SAGITTARIUS MOON

MOON IS VOID OF COURSE until 1:59pm EST on Saturday, November 18 when it ENTERS SAGITTARIUS. It remains here until Monday, November 20 at 7:26pm when it goes VOID OF COURSE for the rest of the night. LAST ASPECT OF MOON: Moon Conjunct Saturn in Sagittarius. Actions initiated during the V/C period tend not to work out as planned. It's best to use this time for inner creative work or planning future actions. Ruled by Jupiter, the expansive Mutable Fire Sagittarius Moon is not happy to be limited by Saturn. We are likely to have the urge to think big or take off independently on an adventure, but Saturn brings a reality check that has us reconsider or circumstances that prohibit action altogether. Perhaps it serves us to use Saturn's energy for seriously considering the bigger picture of our situation. Perhaps a religious or spiritual perspective is especially appropriate now. Actions, in general, tend to have Challenging resolutions mostly because our emotions or natural exuberance/optimism may feel inhibited

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ms4E1BbHI8g

SAGITTARIUS SCENE FOR THE DAY: Thor: Ragnarok, 2017; Director: Taika Waititi. On a lighter note...The 'Strongest Avenger' Thor (Chris Hemsworth) gets blown off by the computer ("Access Denied") as he attempts to commandeer a spacecraft during his 'big adventure'. Then he's one-upped in by his once fellow Avenger...pretty funny stuff, actually...especially in 3D IMAX.