Enlightenment: Super New Moon and Venus In Capricorn Direct

This has been a banner week astrologically.  On Thursday, January 30^th, we had a new moon in 11 degrees of Aquarius.  This was no ordinary new moon—it has been hyped as a “Super New Moon” because it is the second new moon in the month of January and is also referred to as a Black Moon. Super new moons occur when the moon is closer to earth in its orbit than usual.  The first new moon of the year occurred on January 1^st in 11 degrees of Capricorn.  We won’t see two super new moons again until 2018. And we won’t have a new moon at all in the month of February.

I have to confess that this new moon gave me quite a jolt, conjuncting my Mars in Aquarius in the 4^th house.  On the 29^th of January, the sun in Aquarius was also sextiling Uranus, encouraging us to do something different. That played out for me when I woke up from a dream in which my apartment was being cleared out.  Obviously I am preparing for a new cycle.  Nothing like having a new moon on your Mars to energize you! This new moon had the potential to bring light into our lives after a heavy sojourn through the month of January.  Enlightenment is in sight and yes, there can indeed be light at the end of the tunnel.  Uranus, the ruler of Aquarius, is helping us to think outside of the box.  Uranus sextiled that new moon, facilitating the process of letting go and trying something new.  I actually spent more time on Twitter these past few days connecting with other astrologers and enjoying it immensely.  I’ve learned quite a lot. Who knew that such a shy, reserved, techno-phobe could have a positive experience with social media?   I have resisted social media for years, fearing it would rob me of my privacy, yet somehow I finally took the plunge.

This new moon in Aquarius also squared the nodes of the moon by manifesting situations that test our emotional and physical reactions regarding our need for emotional freedom and space.  I loved what astrologer Molly Hall said about this new moon in Aquarius—let go of the negative influences on your mind!  It is time to connect with like minds and free up space and energy.

Venus has been retrograde in Capricorn since December 21, 2013.  It began in 28 degrees and completes its retrograde cycle at 13 degrees of Capricorn when it resumes direct motion on January 31, 2014.  What were the themes of this Venus retrograde transit?  Venus in Capricorn emphasized a more mature approach to relationships by taking them more seriously.  It also afforded us the opportunity to delete negative beliefs and low self-esteem.  Venus retrograde in Capricorn conjuncted my natal Chiron in the 4^th house, so this was a very personal, poignant transit for me.  But with Venus moving forward on January 31^st, we can reclaim our self-confidence, authority and integrity.  We will have more power, but we need to be careful what we say to others. 

On January 31^st, Venus will also be conjuncting Pluto in Capricorn opposing Jupiter in Cancer.  The best way to handle this transit is to guard against being too greedy (Jupiter does like to expand), don’t grab too hard and practice some form of detachment.  The Jupiter Pluto opposition is the second hit of this transit.  The first one occurred on August 7, 2013 and the third will happen on April 20, 2014.  Jupiter is optimistic and Pluto is a brutal realist.  The themes of this transit are tearing down old structures represented by Pluto in Capricorn and awareness of feeling vulnerable in the midst of major change, represented by Jupiter in Cancer.  The August transit introduced doubt, the current one confirms the facts and the April transit will make the truth irrefutable. I was preparing to leave my job back in August to launch a new career as an astrologer, so this resonates for me.  Pam Younghans in her NorthPoint Astrology Journal stated that the Pluto-Jupiter opposition represents a struggle and “the impasse we can feel when we must choose between extremes.  And yet, the solution to oppositions is said to be finding a place of balance in the middle, that incorporates the best of both alternatives and finds a third way forward.”   Sage advice!  Check her out at:

http://www.northpointastrology.com/1502.html

Mercury swims into the sign of Pisces on January 31^st and trines the north node in Scorpio.  This helps to reinforce the intentions of the new moon by facilitating our process for turning inwards for guidance.    But don’t get too comfortable with Mercury in Pisces quite yet, because it turns retrograde on February 6^th and moves back into Aquarius on February 12^th.

While I confess that I don’t know much about Chinese astrology, I am psyched that the Chinese New Year begins on January 31^st and it is the Year of the Wood Horse. I was born during the last year of the Wood Horse, so I am feeling more optimistic.  Perhaps it is no accident that it also coincides with my Jupiter Return.

I would like to share my optimism with you by extending a special offer for the first two weeks in February to celebrate Venus going direct with a Valentine’s Day promotion.  I am offering a 20% discount on my Composite Couples, Healing Your Love Karma and Black Moon Lilith Shadow reports. You will need to contact me directly by email at lindasim54@gmail.com or call me at 617-304-2205 to receive this special discount.

Please go to this link to learn more about this special offer:

.http://phoenixscorpio.blogspot.com/p/valentines-day-promotion_30.html

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Aquarian Space

The Sun entered the sign of Aquarius on January 19^th at 10:51 p.m. and I sensed a definite change in the cosmic energy field.  The sign of Aquarius is renowned for being inventive, original, progressive, rebellious, aloof, independent and stubborn.  It is, after all, the fixed air sign.  New ideas and information are being circulated with the Sun in Aquarius. Social conscience, humanitarianism, and eccentricity are also associated with Aquarius.  Aquarians are known for their genius, uncanny ability to detach and their need for a lot of space.  This is a very different vibe from all of that intense Capricorn energy of the past few weeks.

But the Sun is not comfortable in the sign of Aquarius.  It is actually in detriment because it is dignified in the sign of Leo, which it rules.   When a planet is in a sign of detriment it has difficulty operating positively.  I have Venus in Scorpio, which is in detriment, so I know all too well how that one feels.  On the bright side, having a planet in detriment is slightly better than having it in fall.  A planet in fall is considered to be debilitated.  The Sun is considered to be in fall in Libra because it is exalted in Aries, its opposite sign.  Let’s face it, the Sun in Leo exudes the life force and the ego of the self plays prominently.  The Sun in Aquarius actually subjugates the ego and puts more of a focus on detachment.  Feelings of isolation can occur and difficulties relating in interpersonal relationships abound.   Perhaps that is why Aquarians tend to shine in group endeavors.

Winter is in full force when the sun is in Aquarius.  Who can argue that the cold and inclement weather don’t contribute to feelings of isolation?  Let’s face it, the holidays are over and the bills are coming due.  It’s time to face our fears, surrender and deal with our challenges.

This is not to be construed as negative energy.  On Tuesday, January 21^st, the sun in 0 degrees of Aquarius was trining the moon in 0 degrees of Libra.  This was a delightful, high energy day replete with contacts from friends and very pleasant energy.  I even managed to enjoy a visit to a new dentist.  It always helps to hear that you are a new patient with no major problems!

On January 23^rd, the moon entered the sign of Scorpio and that ramped up the intensity emotionally.  But it trined Neptune in Pisces, which lent a spiritual note and boosted intuition.    On January 24^th, Mercury in Aquarius trines Mars in Libra, which will support us to take risks and communicate.  But on January 25^th, Mercury in Aquarius will be squaring off with Saturn in Scorpio, so we can expect the universe to be testing us.

The fly in the ointment with this Aquarius energy is Mercury.  Although it technically doesn’t resume retrograde motion  until February 6^th in 3 degrees of Pisces, it did enter the shadow of Mercury retrograde on January 23^rd at 18 degrees of Aquarius.  I learned about the shadow of Mercury retrograde last year and made a few life-changing decisions based on that.  Trust me, there is merit to the shadow theory.  I am eternally grateful to astrologer Jessica Adams for reminding me of that this week.  Check her out at:

http://www.jessicaadams.com/

In keeping with the tone of the Aquarius energy, I took a big leap of faith this week and conquered one of my biggest fears—social media.  I knew that Mercury retrograde was fast approaching, so on January 22^nd, I opened a Twitter account for Dance of the Phoenix.  I certainly didn’t want my social media debut to occur during Mercury retrograde, or even the shadow.  You can follow me at

http://twitter.com/danceofphoenix

Mercury will resume direct motion in 18 degrees of Aquarius on February 28^th but then it will enter its post-shadow period.  Mercury will emerge from it post-shadow period on March 20^th in 2 degrees of Pisces.  So if you hear astrologers predicting that there will be delays and changes until mid-March, blame it on the Mercury retrograde shadow.

Transiting retrograde Jupiter in 12 degrees of Cancer will be opposing the Venus (also retrograde until January 31^st) Pluto conjunction in Capricorn on January 26^th.  This aspect will definitely put the focus on relationships.  Growth and expansion may come as a result of a power struggle.  This should be an interesting weekend!

Wolf Full Moon

We had a wolf full moon on Wednesday, January 15, 2014 in 25 degrees of Cancer.  Why is it called a wolf full moon?  According to the Farmer’s Almanac, the Native Americans coined the phrase because they observed wolf packs howling hungrily outside their Indian villages in the cold January weather.  It wasn’t that cold this year on the east coast, but I have to admit that it was a beautiful moon.  I was mesmerized by its luminescence as I left my weekly meditation group shortly after 8:00 p.m.  Its radiance seemed to follow me as I walked the short distance to my home.  I literally couldn’t take my eyes off of it.  I didn’t hear any wolves howling but I did hear a dog barking as I was crossing the street and that really nailed the experience of the wolf full moon for me because of the prevalent belief that dogs are descended from wolves.

What were the themes of this rather loaded full moon in its home sign of Cancer?  It was a very emotional full moon characterized by a need to find balance between Cancerian dependence and the Capricorn need to be grown up and responsible.  Earthly family matters needed to be addressed.  This full moon reminded us how we really felt and Saturn in Scorpio trined it to support the soul’s evolution.  It was literally a time to trust your emotions and express them.  How nice of Saturn to be cutting us some slack and giving us a break with this full moon!  This full moon could also herald changes in long-term relationship patterns.  Caregivers might have discovered that they need some of the nurturing that they have long been providing in relationships.  Role reversals in relationships are a common theme. The Sun in Capricorn facilitated objectivity about who we are and what we really want. Self-awareness around relationship issues could prove to be a tricky road to navigate.  Learning to value ourselves is essential and development of self-worth is crucial if we are to get our needs met because the bottom line is that we need to believe that we are worth it.

This one really hit home for me because I have Saturn in the first house and I have always struggled with self-esteem.  The full moon in Cancer also conjuncted my Jupiter and Uranus in Cancer the 10^th house, opposed my Chiron in Capricorn in the 4^th house and squared my Neptune in Libra in the 1^st house.  I did manage to reap some benefits of the full moon in my 10^th house by obtaining some new business, but its opposition to my Chiron in the 4^th house triggered some painful memories from my childhood and made me sad about the family members that I had lost.  It’s impossible to be 59 and not have experienced the loss of family.  Of course my parents and grandparents are dead, but I lost a younger brother seven years ago and that loss still hurts. That square to Neptune also gave me some pretty intense dreams, to say the least.

I really enjoyed seeing Michael Lutin’s take on the full moon. He reminded me that that the full moon did cross over an exalted Jupiter in Cancer, but he had a photo of a dog on a dolphin’s back.  Check it out at:

http://www.michaellutin.com/

The point he was trying to make is that the dog might be suffering or too scared to accept the dolphin’s ride and jump back in the water.  We all have options even if we don’t yet recognize them.  But the photo of the dog on the dolphin triggered a memory of a particularly vivid dream that I had several years ago in which a dolphin brought me to shore.  At that time I knew that the dream was spiritually significant, but I didn’t know why.  I always thought that dolphins were friendly, helpful and cool, an impression that no doubt came from watching Flipper on TV as a child.  But I did a little research and realized that I had dreamed about a dolphin because it was guiding me through a very stressful time in my life.  These are some of the meanings I found attributed to dreaming about dolphins.

Dreams about dolphins are thought to be highly spiritual and can be viewed as a symbol of encouragement to seek spiritual guidance.

If the dreamer is riding a dolphin, this can indicate that he or she wishes to move upward in life, using the mind to its greatest capacity.

After I had that dream I really started believing in the spiritual power of dolphins and actually purchased a silver pendant with two dolphins and an amethyst between them so that I could tap into that spiritual energy whenever I needed it by wearing it close to my heart.  I wore it on a silver chain and it became one of my favorite pieces of jewelry. 

The full moon in Cancer was also sandwiched in between Mercury in Aquarius squaring the nodes of the moon on January 14^thand Mars in Libra squaring Venus in Capricorn on January 16^th.  Mercury squaring the nodes of the moon may have felt like a Mercury retrograde experience for some.  I knew it was coming, but still I was surprised when I missed connections on public transit that day.  Mars squaring Venus probably brought up relationship issues for review for many people, especially with Venus still being retrograde in Capricorn.  There even may have been some hurt feelings as a result of it.  It also lent an aura of irritability, impatience and hopefully some creativity.  Today, January 17^th, Mercury in Aquarius sextiles Uranus in Aries and I have high hopes that this aspect will facilitate alignment with our higher mind and provide inspiration.  Not a bad way to start off a long holiday weekend commemorating  Martin Luther King’s birthday, known for his “I have a Dream” speech!

Shot of Courage

 

This past week has been jam-packed with very strong astrological aspects. The major player was the Mars/Jupiter square on January 8^th.  Mars in 14 degrees of Libra squared retrograde Jupiter in 15 degrees of Cancer.  The major theme of this aspect is breaking out of limiting, dull and unhappy situations.  Mars squaring Jupiter forces growth and motivates people to take risks.   Situations can be blown out of proportion, there can be a tendency to take too much for granted, and recklessness can prevail.  Yet we need to realize that things aren’t going to happen instantly.  Also adding to this mix was the fact that Mars was squaring Pluto in Capricorn.  This aspect alone literally forces you to pull up your bravery and courage by moving with instinctual action, strong ambition and physical endurance.  I loved reading Michael Lutin’s comments about Pluto knock on your door.  He said that if you resist the challenge to overcome your fears, then Pluto can act like a 16 wheeler truck driving through your life.  And you don’t want that to happen!

Mars in Libra has been trining my moon in Gemini and my Mars in Aquarius.  And it is within 2 degrees of my Libra ascendant.  I have definitely been feeling the emotional intensity and a fair amount of the motivational energy to achieve new goals in 2014.  Mars actually enters my 1^st house on January 13^th, and I am eagerly anticipating that shot of adrenaline to my physical body.  I did make an appointment with a new dentist this week and for me, going to the dentist is always an act of courage.  Having Mars transiting the 12^th house can be a bit of a buzz kill and is not exactly chock full of energy.  But I can’t take Mars transiting my first house for granted, either, because Mars will go retrograde in March and will re-enter my 12^th house in mid-April 2014. So I had better take advantage of this first hit and strike while the iron is hot.

Yet there were other aspect this week that left their mark in a less blatant way.  On January 7^th Mercury conjuncted retrograde Venus in Capricorn.  It lived up to its hype by being a pretty social day for me and I wound up interacting with several different people.  As an astrologer, I couldn’t help but notice the irony of the fact that I also wound up watching the old movie The Way We Were on TCM.  I saw the movie on TV a couple of years after it came out in 1973 and was swept away in its romantic tale.  I think that I had a very different experience this time around, courtesy no doubt of Venus retrograde in the down-to-earth sign of Capricorn.  The potential for those two characters sustaining a long-term relationship was clearly doomed from the start.  I may have cried at the inevitable end when I first saw the movie in my early 20’s, but this time around the ending seemed totally logical and right.

On January 7^th, Juno, the marriage asteroid, was also conjunct Neptune in three degrees of Pisces.  The theme of this aspect is dissolving and purging toxic relationship dynamics, including romantic delusions about marriage.  How appropriate to see that movie that day!  A major theme of Juno conjunct Neptune is denial, especially regarding a partner.

But hang on folks, because on January 11th Mercury leaves the practical sign of Capricorn and enters the sign of Aquarius.  Communications may take a quirky albeit stubborn turn.  Thinking outside of the box will be the order of the day and radical solutions may spring up in the weeks ahead.

Also on January 11th the Sun will  be conjunct retrograde Venus in Capricorn.  Remember to be good to yourself since Venus is associated with self-esteem.  There is also the possibility that a past love may pop up in your life this weekend.  And it could be someone who was important to you.  The golden lining to this transit is that Saturn in Scorpio is sextiling this conjunction, so it is possible to feel more appreciated and compassionate.  Saturn will be facilitating the feel good nature of this aspect, so enjoy this weekend!

 

Super New Moon and Pluto in Capricorn

 

The new year of 2014 began with a bang. On January 1, 2014 there was a new moon in 10 degrees and 57 minutes of Capricorn.  In addition to being conjunct the sun, it was also conjunct Pluto. It was extremely potent because this particular new moon in Capricorn was so close to the earth.  The themes of this new moon were letting go, paving the way for rebirth, realignment with integrity and planting seeds for the year ahead.  Mercury is also in the sign of Capricorn.

I think that many of us felt this intense energy as early as December 29^th when Mars in Libra squared Pluto in Capricorn.  I liked what Michael Lutin had to say about Pluto always devastating in the beginning by coming up from the depths and laying waste to a reality that was getting old and plowing it under so that new growth can spring up.  With Mars in the relationship sign of Libra, where it is most uncomfortable, there were lots of fights and hopefully interactions in deep, profound ways.  The most constructive use of this energy was to have successful fights that led to creative resolution.  In essence, we were breaking old patterns, rebelling against parts of ourselves that were stuck and trying to reform ourselves.  For many of us, it was probably tough to not give in to irrational anger in relationships.  This extended transit of Mars in Libra can bring disruptive change and release of energy by getting everything out in the open. 

Venus is still retrograde in Capricorn and this challenges us to be responsible to those we love while being true to the emerging self.  Venus retrograde stirs up old issues for review in love relationships and shakes things up.  Letting go and transforming are part of the healing process so that we can release destructive attitudes and see the best in others by applying new insight to these old issues.

So on January 1, 2014 our super new moon and the sun were conjunct in Pluto in 11 degrees of Capricorn.  The best way to channel this intense energy is to demonstrate persistence and positive thinking that pays off.  I know that the expression New Year’s Resolutions sounds cliché, but this is one year that it may really be worthwhile to set some goals by planting the seeds of what you want to happen in 2014.  You may not see the fruits of those seeds until April or May, but it is important to set things in motion. It is also important to remember that Pluto is the Phoenix and that transformation can involve fighting to go forward not backwards.  Power struggles, manipulation and ruthlessness are key issues.  Pluto deals with elimination, so it is crucial to deal with your stuff.  Holding back is destructive and holds you back; you need to be like the Phoenix and jump into the fire of rebirth.

I have felt this super new moon in Capricorn very personally.  I had the sun, moon, Mercury and Pluto in Capricorn conjunct my north node in the third house.  Is it any wonder that I can’t stop talking about it?  This new moon in Capricorn is about labor and pain can definitely be involved—as in the phrase “labor pains.” I experienced this new moon as somewhat energizing, yet I was emotionally sensitive and contemplative of what I needed to do to continue reaching out of my comfort zone to challenge myself by tackling things that once terrified me.  In January of 2013 I never thought I would be writing a blog, yet here I am. For instance, a friend recently suggested that I use YouTube videos to promote my business.  This is not something I ever would have considered in the past, but it may very well be something to implement in 2014. I am not instantly rejecting that idea.  And I am also trying to expand my business by offering Reiki sessions to local health clubs, spas and salons in 2014.  Yes, all of these concepts are somewhat scary and uncomfortable, but I do feel that this year is meant to be a continuation in my journey to my soul’s purpose.  This super new moon in Capricorn conjunct my north node in the third house has made me very aware that I need to remain open to new means of communicating.   I am an intuitive astrologer and healer and adopting unconventional means of communicating these gifts to the world cannot be ruled out if I am to experience the growth potential of my north node.