Solstice and Full Moon Blessings to all out there on the planet this weekend!  Regardless if you are in the Northern or Southern hemisphere, the Solstice marks one of the four seasonal gateways of the year which were regarded as important moments in times gone by and which are still celebrated by many cultures around the globe today.

In Astronomy, the Solstices happen somewhere around the 20th-22nd of December and June when the Sun is farthest North or South of the Equator. The tilt of our Earth's axis increasingly angles the north or south pole towards the Sun creating the longest day and shortest night or vice versa. Then when it reaches the maximum tilt, the pendulum begins slowly to swing the other way.

In Tropical Astrology these gateways indicate the Sun’s entry point into the signs of Capricorn (December) and Cancer in June, while the March and September Equinoxes are the new year  ( Aries)  and midway  (Libra) markers of the astrological year. Together these signs are like the compass points of the Zodiac wheel, sharing an initiatory energy, collectively known as Cardinal signs.

The astrological picture has continued to be eventful ( though not as intense perhaps) after the April Eclipse with the end of May and Gemini season bringing a change of guard with gas giant planet Jupiter entering Gemini for it’s year long stay. This immediately engaged in a harmonious dynamic trine aspect with powerhouse Pluto in Aquarius which signalled a change in the wind as these two combine to expand our minds (and possibly horizons) to a bigger picture playing out on a collective level.

If you like me, found themselves moving around a lot over the last month or had more social interaction than usual, or have been dealing with multiple things, you haven't been alone and it may be time to slow down the nervous system if it's felt a bit over amped & take a breather as this Full Moon in Capricorn helps us to ground excess energy.

Additional to Jupiter there has been a big planetary line up in Gemini so at the New Moon on 6th June two weeks ago the Sun and Moon were aligned with Venus as she has her own 8 year cycle, where every four years she goes either Retrograde or Direct in Gemini and meets up with the Sun.

Joining the Sun, Moon and Venus were Mercury, ( Gemini’s ruling planet) and Jupiter too. Not to mention the incredibly slow moving Sedna, a dwarf planet discovered in 2003, right out on the outermost reaches of our Solar system &way beyond Pluto, who's orbit is 11,400 years, having gone into Gemini in late April- a post about this in the future.

That meant that the Gemini zone of every birth chart has been super activated until this week with Mercury, Venus and now the Sun entering Cancer. Though the way this plays out or conditions are unique to every individual chart this was like an opportunity for us all to develop certain connections, ideas or projects, experience different situations or environments and above all stay adaptable, challenging us to flex a little in routine life.

With the Gemini emphasis the mental realm can be very active and perceptions, thoughts, messages or processes are heightened. If you are conscious of the mind's gymnastics, this could have been a valuable time to consider where anxiety gets triggered and to choose to come at something from another angle.

Additionally as the Moon, Sun, Mercury and Venus progressed in the days after the New Moon they also formed short but tense aspects with Saturn then in the past week Neptune in Pisces. This may have presented some reality checks or challenges ( Saturn) which then gave way to the potential for choosing a more compassionate approach, or at least to surrender and let go. For others this window may have provided the necessity to anchor one's energy into more stillness, slow down or take time out. I personally found starting each day breathing through my heart until I felt centred, incredibly helpful!


But back to the shift into Cancer this weekend and the Full Moon. Being the first Water sign, Cancer is a yin or receptive energy.  After all that yang Air sign mobility of Gemini we are getting  to check in with feelings below the surface, with the inner self or emotions.
 
Cancer is ruled by the Moon,which governs our instinctual, subconscious and unconscious drives, those feelings which aren't easily explained and which often relate to past experiences, conditioning for memories. Symbolised by the crab Cancer wants to feel secure within it's domain, to feel a sense of safety, so protection, home, nourishment, family and care (both for others  and self) are it's main themes.

The annual Full Moon in Capricorn illuminates commitments, plans or where we need to balance  responsibilities in the outer world with personal needs or those for whom we care. What makes this Solstice especially significant is that the Sun and Moon are at the first degree of the Cancer/Capricorn axis. And this year we will have two Full Moons in Capricorn, the next one being in a month at the 29th degree. This axis refers to parental energies, the home vs profession, nurturance vs discipline.

 Capricorn is a practical Earth sign and generally self reliant and contained in it's emotional expression rather like it’s ruler Saturn with it's rings... but with both Saturn and Neptune in Pisces it's worth remembering that there is strength in expressing vulnerability and that through acknowledging the parts of ourselves that require some TLC we stabilise emotions and nourish ourselves in potentially sustaining ways.

As we begin the month of May, Venus and Mars have changed signs which may feel like a welcome change to many after the powerful (and historic) planetary alignments of April! These planets have gone from being in signs which are challenging territory to signs which they rule.. Does this mean things will be easier in May? In a sense yes but let’s discuss Venus and Mars first and their connection to actions, desires, values and relationships.

These two have come to represent the feminine and masculine genders though their astronomical symbols used in astrology. In Greek and Roman myths, Venus is associated with pleasure, beauty and harmony, while Mars is associated with vigor, heroic action or violence depending on which myths you read- in Greek myth he was regarded as brutish and aggressive, while in ancient Rome he was worshipped and revered! 

This duo represents the quintessential feminine/ Yin and masculine/Yang archetypes within all of creation. Seeming opposite in nature they are attracted to harmonizing with each other as necessary complements to generate things of worth to survive. Without that positive impulse to grow, the seed wouldn’t germinate and sprout and without the warmth and fertile conditions of the Earth, the sprout wouldn’t mature and flourish.

Venus placed in our birth chart points to where we seek wellbeing, equilibrium and satisfaction through what we value, attract and cherish, while Mars points to the drive for action, what ignites us, how we show initiative or independently assert ourselves in order to master our external world. Both signatures underlie desire and contest, love and war. These planets operate in our lives in very immediate, sensory and personal ways.

Venus is now in the first Earth sign of the Zodiac wheel, Taurus, where she’s at home. This is where she invites us to become more present, explore what we value, who we care for and how we deal with resources with a more deliberate (and sensual) approach than in Aries! This transit underscores a grounded appraisal of loyalty, security and self-worth concerns/how we feel in our bodies, in relation to others and/or personal finances. Desire-wise she is drawn to what is comfortable, constant, dependable and hands on.
  
Meanwhile, Mars moving into Aries, also its home sign, invites us to take up the baton and initiate after his passage treading water in the oceanic currents of Pisces. Mars expressing in Aries energy is dynamic, forthright and impulsive, rising more easily to a challenge but potentially confrontational and reckless.

With Venus in Taurus and Mars in Aries, we're invited to explore the balance between feminine and masculine energies within ourselves and society. Venus, currently ruling the South Node in Libra, and Mars, currently ruling the North Node in Aries, pulses us on an evolutionary level to transcend old power dynamics and address inequalities related to gender, resources, and positions of power.

Emphasizing the theme of power position, Venus squared off to Pluto, the planet of transformation, with the Moon joining forces with Pluto in the first degrees of Aquarius. This may have heightened awareness around undermining feelings or control dynamics such as possessiveness or manipulation. Mars entering Aries around the same time was supporting the courage to confront and deal with uncomfortable situations or realizations around shadow play.

The Lunar nodes of fate, with Venus and Mars as their rulers right now, are guiding us on an evolutionary bigger picture journey to embrace the interrelationship of all beings and from my perspective, upgrade outdated narratives of control and domination. Change begins with self-awareness and a commitment to establishing inner peace, no easy feat but the inner work of champions!
 

The annual Scorpio Full Moon is always an invitation into deeper levels of perception. Being a Fixed Water sign, Scorpio opens us to an increased awareness around feelings which may be very private or kept under wraps. As with all Full Moons, the Moon is in the same degree but in the opposite sign to the Sun, so with this gravitational push-pull the Moon shines a light inwardly on polarized feelings in the subconscious which then play outwardly through people, circumstances or events. It's useful to look at which opposite houses of the chart the Sun and Moon are falling to see where we may be feeling the effects.

The Taurus-Scorpio axis prompts us to examine the balance between over reliance on physical senses and the accumulation of resources (Taurus)  and the more complex, unexplainable energetic aspects of existence (Scorpio) which profoundly affect our inner senses and use of creative power in this life.

Known for its passion, signified by ancient ruler Mars, and for its acute depth of feeling, signified by modern ruler Pluto, Scorpio represents the courage to face all that keeps us bound. On a material level this might be debt, legacies or taxes. On a sexual level these are energetic chords. Through this sign we have greater access to that mysterious sixth sense, to the depths of our psyche, and the dance of trust, vulnerability and desire in intimate bonds or connections with others.

Both Taurus and Scorpio share a Fixed holding power, that of determination, presence and perseverance- qualities invaluable in the face of adversity. On the flip side there’s potential for stagnation if that loyalty is maintaining control of an unhealthy situation at all costs. Knowing when to hold on and when to let go are key growth areas for this axis.

At the time of this Full Moon today, Pluto, Scorpio’s ruler, was in a tense T square conversation with the Sun and the Moon bringing greater intensity to situations, especially where power dynamics may be at play. This could be triggering many to really question where they feel disempowered or manipulated- especially around Taurus/Scorpio themes of who- or what- we invest our energy, money, time and resources into. This could be on a personal level, on a national or even global level.

During this Full Moon, several key planetary alignments are worth noting. Mars approaching Neptune in the coming days adds a layer of confusion around feelings or how to proceed. This is another indicator of allowing something time to become clearer- if something can’t be figured out, it is advisable to withdraw and regroup. An answer may involve creating space for internal or intuitive prompting.

Mercury still in retrograde motion and right next to the North Node of fate on one side and Chiron in Aries on the other, suggests it’s an opportune time to check internal narratives that may be holding us captive- such as old voices from the past or words we haven’t spoken out of fear of confrontation or recrimination. This could be a powerful time to diffuse implosive thoughts by writing them out, uncensored, as a personal release mechanism.

Furthermore, Venus's conjunction with Chiron underscores the theme of healing hurts and traumas particularly in the areas of relationships, self- acceptance and self-worth. Embracing how we’ve felt rejected, separated or neglected can catalyze profound personal growth, which in turn fosters deeper connection with others. This could be a powerful time to seek help from professional therapists, counsellers and healers.

On a final note, the recent Jupiter Uranus conjunction is pulsing us to grow and change and its galvanising influence will continue to pan out in the months ahead. Here’s to us all breaking through– even if it means a breakdown or chaos  at first- into new terrain and progress!

Astrology serves as a tool for self-reflection and understanding. By delving into acknowledge what isn’t integrated at the Full Moon, when two opposite signs are always highlighted, I believe we can work towards a greater sense of balance and empowerment.

Questions to contemplate might be:

What has been transforming in my life & where do I feel most the pressure of personal growth?

Who or what is in control here?

Where can I take back my personal power?

There has been a lot of hype around the dynamic astrology of April- the recent Solar Eclipse and the upcoming exact Jupiter Uranus conjunction in Taurus  on 20th/21st being key -but the hype isn’t without good reason. After all a Total Solar Eclipse only happens once every 2.5 years, whilst a tough conjunction like the Saturn and Mars one which happened directly after the Eclipse , only happens once every 2 years and then Jupiter and Uranus  only come together in the same sign at the same degree in their synodic cycle, once every 14 years. So to be happening in such close proximity is rare and does pack a punch, if you consider there are other conjunctions, like Mercury retrograding back to meet the Sun and the Sun meeting Eris yesterday which are also noteable!

To put things in perspective, all this planetary activity is due to a line up of 8 of our solar system’s major planets, along with the Lunar North Node and a couple of key dwarf planets adding to the mix. Saturn, Mars and Neptune are in Pisces, the North Node, Mercury, Venus, Chiron, Eris and the Sun are all in Aries and Jupiter and Uranus are in Taurus.
 
By transit this concentrated energy brings the houses of any chart where they fall into busier focus while for the babies born at this time these conjunctions ( 2 planets or nodes within a few degrees of eachother) and stelliums ( 3 or more conjunctions) will represent important life skills, strengths and opportunities for personal growth. How well these planets individually blend together depends on their essential natures- whether they support or detract rather like chemistry between people- and the conscious use of these energies on an individual level.

On a bigger time scale it's important to realise that the effects of the Solar Eclipse and the great Jupiter Uranus conjunction will be playing out over the weeks and months to come- not just on the days or week when they occur. There are certain themes highlighted by the planets and signs involved though of course everyones' experience and perceptions will be completely their own.

As for my own experience…in a nutshell I’ve been grappling with bursts of stimulation downloads & an urge to enthusiastically charge ahead on a fresh wave of inspiration( Aries) regardless if I’ve taken time to look at the details or thought things out ( my inner child Self and my inner rebel Self have had active roles in the internal narrative here- inner child wants to play, inner rebel says "who cares about spell checking or how it sounds and NO I don't want to use AI to make things easier!")

Then intermittently I’ve been berating myself to follow through on my own astrological advice and slow down (cue inner taskmaster and adult Self)- and whilst putting the brakes on to tweak what you’re creating is constructive and sensible (hello Saturn limiting Mars’s desire to flow unrestricted!) my self confidence has been knocked a few times while I've dealt with these conflicting voices and my self sabotage.

Solar Eclipses can initiate and close out eras so with every new beginning there are the necessary ghosts from the past to deal with. Of the 3 Zodiac signs active now are the last (Pisces) representative of completions and the first (Aries) representative of the new dawn.

Mutable Pisces might teach us through diverse experiences to embrace and forgive ourselves or others for the hurts of the past- these could be personal , ancestral, national or collective wounds. This is an alchemical process and emphasised by Chiron’s influence at the Eclispe-it can take time  to sort through layered or complex feelings rather than ignore or escape them, especially when they’re programmes we’ve had running in the background for a very long time.

Cardinal Aries on the other might teach us in being present with what is, squarely facing the truth, keeping it simple, straightforward, and direct! Embarking on a path involves risk- in nature there’s vulnerability in new life. Like when seeds are scattered not all of them will find the right conditions to sprout and grow.

The Jupiter Uranus energy in this equation is curious because as the first Earth sign and coming after Aries, Fixed sign Taurus represents that Earth energy which provides the right conditions for that creative spark of Aries to take root and persevere so that it can grow sustainably and strong. So Taurus represents what’s required for survival like water, food, shelter and the resources we take for granted (e.g  physical senses, skills, possessions and money). However Jupiter and Uranus in combination aren’t about establishing long term security or accepting the status quo.

Jupiter is the biggest planet in our solar system so governs all the blessings- and trappings- of expansion, acquiring knowledge through opportunities and growth. While Uranus is the shake-things-up future wired breakthrough energy that propels us towards innovation and hopefully, a better tomorrow. The two together have momentum and historically their coming together has accompanied rapid change. Taurus also represents Gaia so Earth wise, resource wise, food wise, financially wise there could be some unexpected events on the world stage and potential for geo physical changes too.
 

We’re at another threshold with the upcoming New Moon/Total Solar Eclipse in Aries happening on April 8th/9th  depending on where you live on the planet. This is the most highly anticipated Eclipse of 2024, not only because it’s path of totality crosses the United States ( the last Total Solar Eclipse to do this was plugged as the ““Great American Eclipse”” in August 2017) but also because there are a number of notable planetary alignments, one being the once in every 14 years conjunction of Jupiter and Uranus taking place on 19th-22nd April.
 
Solar Eclipses are super charged New Moons with an unpredictable energy which can shut down, stir up and realign. In ancient times they were regarded as omens -particular the rarer Total Solar Eclipses- which came to be regarded as signalling rulership changes, the fall of nations and political, economic changes in the places where they were visible.

As evolutionary markers for life chapters and completions, Eclipses assist us to free up life areas- e.g people, situations or attitudes- that we’ve outgrown so we can begin a new cycle. So while they can be associated with endings or loss, wherever there’s a vacuum created in nature, life will seek to fill it.

On an astrological level,  Eclipses can signal shifts in the personal life areas where they fall but as we have Eclipses at least twice a year they may not be impactful on a personal level unless the Eclipse comes into contact with personal planets or points . This is where an individual Astrology reading can be insightful.

The last time we had a Solar Eclipse at 19 degrees Aries was 8th April 2005. If you’re old enough can you remember where you were or what was going on around that time? It occurred to me the other day that I was in Varanasi, whilst travelling in India, but that’s a story for another time...

In terms of the impact on the Earth’s electro-magnetic energy field, Eclipses can imply seismic effects or shifting tectonic plates, volcanic or earthquake activity. The conversations between the planets in the Eclipse chart offer us insight into what themes may be playing out & what makes this one intriguing is that as the Sun and Moon come together at the same degree, Chiron is at the same degree almost to the minute as the Sun and Moon.

Chiron is an enigmatic “minor”’ planet with an erratic orbit around the Sun between Saturn and Uranus, the first of various centaurs and dwarf planets that are coming into prominence in the Astrology world. Since November 1977 when he was discovered, there’s been a consciousness shift around holistic health & alternative ways of healing through therapies that consider the body/mind and spirit connection.

Chiron in mythology was the centaur who not only was skilled in war craft but in the process of suffering, learnt to heal. He holds archetypal signatures of the wounded healer, a mentor or teacher who shares his discoveries and wisdom. But due to the eccentricity of this planet (that defies categorisation having a body rather like a comet) Chiron also represents the maverick or outsider. With Saturn being the established order and Uranus the revolution from old ways, Chiron holds a key (which is it’s astrological symbol) for the bridging of the two.

With the North Node of destiny being so close by to this trio in Aries at this Eclipse, the Sun, Moon and Chiron are initiating a new conversation which could change perceptions around what it means to be whole, honouring our diversity, our unique paths, that make us who we are warts, wounds and all.

Perhaps this will include Aries themes around courage, autonomy, independence... or with Chiron being so intimately present as the Moon’s disc obscures the Sun, something may come to light that has been in the shadows or hidden around victim consciousness or self sabotage. In Aries he represents the warrior’s quest for self-identification. In the collective psyche, there have been deep wounds around rejection, or fear of persecution for what we identify with. 

On the planet there has never been a time like now to express the essence of one’s self with it’s unique strengths, challenges and capabilities- and there’s ground breaking studies like those of Brene Brown that support the power to be vulnerable, to choose courage over comfort as a more authentic expression of a core sense of self.

Mars is the ruler of this Eclipse and will be conjunct Saturn on April 11th   in Pisces. In Pisces Mars can feel out of his depth and combined with Saturn’s restrictive influence there may be challenges around taking action from a compassionate angle rather than using domination or force. Passive aggressive energy, setbacks or delays could be potential triggers for frustration, anger or blame. Pushing against the river or snap decisions especially around the days of the Eclipse portal with Mercury also Retrograde are not recommended.

In a Natal chart these two planets can be used constructively if harnessed correctly, at best suggesting stamina, military-like discipline or focused execution. A great way to direct this energy might be through a martial art, sporting endurance technique or dance discipline. And in Pisces more people may find themselves now turning towards some sort of regular spiritual practice to maintain a sense of composure and ease.

On a global scale this may also be a signature for military maneuvers but disillusionment around leaders who aren’t acting for the greater good of the people they serve may be rising too. Mars will be conjunct Neptune at the end of the month reinforcing a collective feeling of dissatisfaction, futility or disappointment.

With Mercury Retrograde conjunct the dwarf planet Eris, sister of Mars (and known also as the Goddess of Discord), in conversation around this Eclipse we have additional fuel for discontent. Alan Clay, a New Zealand Astrologer who has written a wonderful book on the new dwarf planets out beyond Pluto ( New Stars for a New Era) and who I will be studying with over the coming months says Eris encourages us to simultaneously see ourselves in an uncompromising way and be inclusive in our world view”.

So she stands by her convictions. This could see people taking a louder vocal stance for silent majorities or those who are not heard, misrepresented or not included. This may well be a time when many are questioning what -or who- they stand for. Not to run out into a battleground fighting for what or who you believe in but to stand in the truth that is yours only and embody it, once you know what it is.

I haven’t even touched on the Jupiter Uranus conjunction on the 19th-21st of the month but that deserves it’s own write up, so I'll be writing a part 3 for April ina few days!

Usually the annual Aries New Moon is considered an opportune time for initiating new beginnings but given the planetary dynamics at the time of this Eclipse and the other planetary alignments happening later in the month, it strikes me that this a powerful but potentially unpredictable window, acknowledging the elements or patterns are no longer serving us individually and as a whole, needs to come from an unhurried place, with space and time for tuning in, sitting with the awareness that may arise for integration & healing to happen. Patience is not an Aries quality....much more a virtue of the following sign Taurus!

With the amplifying energy of the upcoming Uranus Jupiter conjunction in Taurus however, there could be certain pieces of the puzzle that need to activate in our self-awareness for new vantage points, initiatives and pathways to open up more clearly in the right timing...

On a practical level I’ve written about Mercury Retrograde in Aries in a previous blog post ( see previous post) but during this Retro period, staying present with here and now, deliberate, conscious communication, revising plans, taking time with major decisions or slowly formulating clear intentions is a good idea . Due to the unexpected energy that can be part of an Eclipse portal it is a great time to really observe what’s unfolding before taking action. It’s also advisable to factor in extra time when travelling or meeting deadlines!

Astrologically speaking, April 2024 is the biggest month of the year, and one that many Astrologers have been anticipating for some time. As we’re now in the corridor between two Eclipses and on the back of the Equinox in March followed closely by the Full Moon/ penumbral Lunar Eclipse in the sign of the celestial scales, Libra, I’ve been reflecting on where stability can be found when there is so much ongoing imbalance, injustice, uncertainty and volatility in outer world events and integrity appears so desperately lacking in the leadership department.

The place of balance- and authority- for me is found by going inward while keeping a birds eye view that in the far larger evolutionary scheme of things we are in an era of important consciousness shifts- in our awareness and perceptions of what’s truly important, in the way we live, or think, our values and interaction with the planet we live on. We are in a period of exceptional transition reflected in the many powerful astrological alignments taking place over recent years- especially the last 4 years- and now here we are, a quarter of the way through the year at what feels like another threshold.

The major Astrological events of April are many so I will break this down into two posts. As the month gets underway, Mercury turned Retrograde on 1st April. A regularly occurring phenomena 3- 4 times a year, Mercury Retrograde has become quite a buzz topic in the media over recent years as interest in Astrology has gained more traction in the main stream!

ALL planets (other than the Sun and Moon) have Retrograde motions throughout the year, periodically appearing to stand still (or station) and then appearing (from our point of view on Earth) to go “backward” with speedy messenger of the gods planet Mercury doing this more frequently than any other planets. There is also the shadow phase (I just read this has been called the Retroshade!) which is the pre-retrograde and post- retrograde span of degrees which Mercury covers as it goes forward/backward/forward between it's stations retro then direct.
With any planetary retrograde phase, there is a natural slowing down to pause, review, reflect energy which as a cyclical energy is meant to serve us energetically. But this shift in rhythm can be a little chaotic- more obviously with with Mercury- so can feel confusing, inconvenient or frustrating... if we’re attached to the way things “should” be, it can feel like a spanner in the works!

As Mercury governs all manner of communications- speaking, listening, transport, logistics, buying and selling, contracts, negotiations, data and information exchange, there can be glitches in all these areas- but as long as a degree of flexibility is maintained in the process rather than with impatience or reactivity, the retrograde period can also be a fruitful phase.

As a rule of thumb, because of the potential for miscommunications or misunderstandings, RE commerce and contracts, it’s considered best to hold off on major business launches or if a document needs to be signed, take care to read the fine print as errors can be made.

It’s also advisable to allow extra time for potential delays with transport or shipping. So if you’re going on a trip or sending a parcel in the post or have to meet a submission deadline factor this in. Reviewing decisions, emails or texts is also wise-  especially important while Mercury is in the act first think later” “sign of Aries! Plus we are approaching a conjunction of Mars (Aries' planetary ruler) and Saturn on 10th April which can be barrier or a big stop signal- so acting responsibly is key.

While Mercury itself is not making major aspects to other planets - there’s such a lot of planetary emphasis in April on Aries, known for being an impulsive Fire sign, that this month presents a challenge for weighing up the consequences of our choices and actions- the forte of opposite sign Libra!
In part 2 of this overview I will be covering some of the significant planetary alignments happening this month, including the upcoming Total Solar Eclipse Aries, happening on 8th/9th April (depending where you are on the planet). I will then do a part 3 after the Eclipse to cover the upcoming Jupiter Uranus conjunction at the same degree which hasn't happened since May 2010!

From an Astrological perspective March has been a big preparation month for the Eclipse season now underway with today’s Full Moon Lunar Eclipse in Libra. Visible from the Americas, Japan, western Europe and western parts of Africa at moonset and Australia and Eastern Asia at moonrise, this Lunar eclipse will be followed by a new Moon Solar eclipse on April 8th During a penumbral eclipse the Moon only appears darkened, a subtle effect that may be easy to miss! But from an astrological perspective all eclipses, Lunar and Solar have a greater impact than the regular Full Moons and New Moons we have every month. On an individual level Eclipses can indicate pivotal life developments if they hit planets and points in your birth chart.

Pivotal energy is what March has already brought about with the seasonal shift of Equinox happening almost a week ago. Equinoxes mark the day between the Summer and Winter Solstices when the pendulum begins to swing from the the Yin energy of Winter to the Yang energy of Summer (or vice versa for us in the Southern hemisphere) cyclical portals in time which invite us to rebalance physically, mentally and emotionally. There is also an opportunity to experience where we are out of balance in our relationship with ourselves, each other, and the Earth.

The theme of balance is emphasized further today with the imminent Penumbral Lunar Eclipse in Libra (March 24th/25th depending on where you are). Libra is symbolized by the scales of equilibrium. As an Air element sign it connects through the mind and communication but being a Cardinal sign and ruled by Venus Libra can- when operating at a higher octave level of consciousness- excel in negotiation and lead the way for equality based harmonious relationships.
 
However this particular Lunar Eclipse may invite us to look at the shadow side of compromise in relationships! This is due to the karmic South node of the Moon in Libra lined up with the Moon ( Eclipses occur when New and Full Moons are aligned with the Moon’s Nodal axis).

And every Full Moon when the Sun and Moon oppose each other, a relationship between polar opposite signs gets illuminated, in this case Aries/ Libra. Aries being the first sign and beginning point of the Zodiac cycle is essentially the journey of the Self. So this is where imbalances in our ways of relating may arise at this time, with the North Node of destiny in Aries asking each of us to be honest or true to our own needs even if being“selfish” or risking the displeasure or disapproval of others is required!

Plus Eris, Mars’ warrior sister in mythology, is aligned with Mercury at this Full Moon- supporting us to give ourselves permission to voice our needs. Eris isn’t afraid of the to-ing and fro-ing of opposite views and when consciously integrated, she reminds us to rise above the battle to include all perspectives and value all who are part of the debate
As Venus is the ruler of the Lunar Eclipse AND the South Node let’s pause to evaluate what true partnership, mutual give and take, inclusivity or collaboration means. If you’re not considering yourself as an equal worthy of love in the process of giving to another maybe you’re settling for something out of dependency rather than mutual love and respect. Waiting for external validation is a disempowering tango if you can’t give love and honors to yourself first.
With the ruler of the Sun- Mars- just moved into Pisces and the North Node in an ongoing conjunction with Chiron wounds around how to assert ourselves or be in our power are close to the surface on a collective level.
Venus in Pisces calls us to embrace compassionate viewpoints- to put ourselves in others shoes. And on March 28th Venus will sextile Uranus in Taurus- a supportive aspect for relationship shifts and breakthroughs.
There’s more to this Aries/ Libra relationship axis story over this Eclipse season  and the coming months which I will cover in my next post. For now think about what can be released at this Lunar Eclipse around these themes- it’s a potent time to do this! You may want to consider the following:
 
Relationship of the self versus another- how are you honoring your own needs? Do you default to putting others first?
Are you keeping things harmonious on the surface while feeling anything but underneath?
What baggage from the past may you be carrying that is affecting your current relationship/s?
What does love mean to you? Explore this by writing it down and weigh up if this is something that helps or hinders your connections with others

​Happy Equinox and blessings for the Astrological New year! The Vernal/ March  Equinox happening today falls on 19th/20th or 21st depending on the leap year and your time zone. This also marks the first day of the Sun in Aries , so the commencement of Aries season and the Zodiac wheel, recognised worldwide as International Astrology Day!

On the September and March Equinoxes, the sun shines directly on the equator and the length of day and night is nearly equal. Seasons are opposite on either side of the equator, so the March equinox is called the Spring (or Vernal) Equinox in the northern hemisphere. While in the southern hemisphere, it's known as the Autumn (Fall) Equinox. Either way the start of the astrological year is always at 0 degrees of Aries, no matter whether it's Spring or Autumn.

Interestingly 20th March every year also happens to be World Storytelling Day (a celebration of the art of oral storytelling), International Happiness Day, World Rewilding Day AND World Oral Health Day according to https://www.thereisadayforthat.com
 

Astrology offers us a universal language & empowering tool to explore unique potentials, life themes as well as forecasting potential outcomes like the weather. For me it’s always given me healthy perspective, gaining clarity on the bigger cycles operating in my life so I can make sense of this earthly experience.

How we respond to planetary influences of the current moment or play out the themes or potentials in the natal blueprint is individual & depends on many factors. One of the first things I learnt in Astrology was ” the planets impel, they don’t compel.”  The gift we have on Earth is free will: according to Chinese Metaphysics this is described in the Trinity of “Luck” which states that our attitudes, behaviour & intentional focus is 33% of the equation ( will expand on the other 66% another time). Free will basically means we each have the power to influence reality or the outcome of every moment...however "will" isn't about forcefully throwing weight around or exerting influence on others

Essentially this is what Pisces, the last sign of the Zodiac, teaches us... to relinquish the little human will to universal will, or the unseen energy that encompasses everything from the smallest atom to the entire cosmos ...but to align with that which we can't see or explain with science may require a lot of letting go, and a trust in something beyond human comprehension.And within this ocean of universal energy there are murky depths where potential dangers or predators exist! So to activate the part of us that trusts guidance from somewhere we can't define, internal or external requires- yep, that unexplainable sixth sense!
 
The good news is scientific evidence is now indicating that everything is vibration & the focus of our thoughts affect  not only how we feel but also the way reality & matter arranges itself. So the power of what can be imagined, has an impact on our environment & experience. These vibrations, emit & broadcast a frequency, in turn connecting to everyone else’s thoughts & emotions around us- and our thoughts & feelings are contagious. Like a radio, there are different bandwiths. Can you remember a time in a crowd, perhaps at a sporting event or concert, when you felt a ripple of fear or panic go through? Or a wave of elation? Each individual has the choice to turn the dial on the radio, with a whole spectrum of frequency bands to attune to.

On the recent New Moon in Pisces, the Sun and Moon were aligned between Saturn on one side and Neptune on the other. Saturn and Neptune are radically different- Saturn is form, structure and "reality", whereas Neptune represents everything formless, limitless and indefinable. The coming together of  these two planets in Pisces represents a synthesis or new understanding as we learn more about the energy "field" we share and our capacity to influence it.

Neptune has been in Pisces for 14 years now, and is beginning to complete it's journey through this sign...Saturn in Pisces is helping us to define what needs to close out. Today as I write this- 17th March 2024- the Sun is illuminating Neptune as it does once a year when they come together at the same degree. Curiously, jumping forward to next year on this day, at this degree,  the Sun will be next to the fated Lunar North Node in Pisces and Neptune will be in the final degree! So this is a potent window of time for mastering Pisces themes on our individual and collective evolutionary journeys of growth.

Neptune and Saturn are slowly coming together in their cyclical dance. They will arrive together at a major threshold point, 0 degrees of Aries, in February 2026. Something about the planetary emphasis in Pisces  right now is heralding a wave towards that meeting and the integration of Pisces energy wherever it falls in your birth chart. Incidentally, 0 degrees Aries initiates the Astrological New Year, happening at the Equinox-  in 3 days time! More about that in the next post.

Neptune is also the ruler of the world of imagination and those we celebrate in the movies, photography, literature, fashion and media... can we fully trust anything with AI and virtual reality part of everyday life?
 
No matter what the astrological picture may be- are we, as a collective species able to take our focus from fearing the worst, imagining doom and gloom, believing we’re controlled & are powerless- to embracing our shared humanity, our free will and ability to choose in a unified tackling adversity together?

At the final stage, Pisces represents the dissolution of separation so the dreamer and the dream, the creator & creation, or the warrior and the war are one and the same.  Until we can accept our own shadow selves which seek to condemn, blame, shame and trigger pain- we may continue to believe that we’re victims of forces external to us rather than co- creators in a shared experience with the energy of all that exists.

Pisces contains the potential for the highest & lowest potential denominators or timelines. The highest form of love is compassion, a unifying frequency that acknowledges we’re all in this circle of life together. To hold the space of peace requires discipline & focus, a reason why meditation, mindful practises are so useful. They help us to align to the centre of the wheel, no matter how chaotically it spins or what’s happening on the outer rim.

“Anxiety is the illness of our age. We worry about ourselves, our family, our friends, our work, and our state of the world. If we allow worry to fill our hearts, sooner or later we will get sick.”
- Thich Nhat Hanh

"Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that."- Martin Luther King Jnr

"It isn't enough to talk about peace. One must believe in it. And it isn't enough to believe in it. One must work at it."- Eleanor Roosevelt
 
“It is Under the greatest adversity that there exists the greatest potential for doing good, for both oneself & others.” Dalai Llama

With a predominance of planets in Aquarius and Pisces right now, including the Sun, Saturn, Mercury and Neptune in Pisces and Pluto, Mars and Venus in Aquarius, the last two signs of the Zodiac, though very different according to their element and modes of being,  encompass a more universal understanding of what it is to be human, sharing this planet of duality.

Aquarius as the eleventh sign of the Zodiac cycle, highlights each and every one of us individually as being unique or "one of a kind"- and equally belonging to the collective energy field of humankind! Being an Air sign, committing to ideas of humanitarianism and causes which highlight social injustices and inequalities are ways in which this sign- for better or worse- can contribute to the quantum field.

Pisces as the twelfth sign completes the Zodiac wheel story, dissolving lines and boundaries, merging us back into the vast ocean of differences and experience where there are no limits so we can feel the whole spectrum, from the plight and suffering of others to the currents of love and goodwill.

Saturn in Pisces and previously in Aquarius from December 2020- March 2023, is guiding humanity on the road of anchoring visions, grounding idealism and hope for a better future in more defined, solution oriented, reality driven ways. As "old father time" wants us to build foundations that hopefully stand the test of time, unacceptable experiences, situations and associations naturally run their course as each of us continues to evolve at our own pace through our unique experience & story.

With an emphasis on these last two signs of the Zodiac somewhere in each of our individual astrological blueprints, this story may well be challenged if we overly identify or subscribe to one camp or a separatist or fundamentalist view. The purpose of every Saturn transit, individually and collectively, is to become more responsible for what we do and say, and to outgrow outmoded ways of being in our lives- to keep learning,developing or maturing spiritually. In the bigger scheme there is huge growth from learning through duality, for e then weave that personal thread into the collective tapestry we all share