New Moon in Aquarius, January 23, 2012

New Moon in Aquarius, January 23, 2012 New Moons are times of new beginnings, planting seeds and setting intentions. The New Moon in Aquarius is one of the best times for breaking old habits and routines. If you feel you're stuck in a rut or ignoring urgent messages for change from the deep inner self, this New Moon will help guide and free you from old attachments that no longer serve the needs of the core self. The degree for the New Moon from Zodiacal Symbology reads: A white-haired man holds a cross before him, walking over a mosaic pavement. Denotes one of a truly religious mind whose career will be full of incidents like the many pieces which go in to make a mosaic pavement are full of color. He sees beyond his times and bears his cross. It is a symbol of faithfulness. Mars turns retrograde on the 23rd and prepares for a “slow burn” before moving forward in April. Mars retrograde is symbolic of the warrior laying down his sword in order to re-group. Reevaluate before the next battle. Mars in Virgo calls for strategic planning and attention to detail. As Mars moves direct in motion the warrior picks up his sword with renewed energy and courage, facing things head on rather than through deflection. Neptune drifts back into Pisces on February 3rd and stays there until 2026. In Chinese astrology this is the year of the Water Dragon. With the major focus and emphasis on water themes we can expect to see major flooding, tsunamis, earthquakes and further degradation of our oceans and fisheries. In mythology Neptune/Poseidon was known as the earth shaker. Neptune conjuncts Chiron (wounded healer) in Pisces so let us invite the sacred dance of spirit between them, open our medicine bundles and heal our spiritual/invisible wounds. The call for compassion, service, understanding and unity become even more important. Joseph Campbell once said “Survival is the second law of life the first is we are all one”. Neptune wants nothing less than your full devotion. The Neptune experience is so deeply internal and often invisible. We want to define it, hold it, face it, but it remains elusive. The way to navigate through these cosmic waters is through having trust and faith with your internal navigation instincts, finding your way through the dark. It's acceptance and surrender that allow the healing magic to work. Venus marches into Aries on February 7th and reminds me of the Stephen Stills song “If you can't be with the one you love, love the one your with”. Venus in Aries needs relationships to be fresh and new in order to avoid boring routines. Venus in Aries is the feminine warrior (Amazon) archetype. She can be very assertive, independent, meet things head on, and yet be fiercely feminine and loving. Venus in Aries can be impatient with their loved one's or look for instant gratification. Be careful not to throw the baby out with the bath water. Learn to live in the moment. Saturn goes retrograde on February 7th until June 25th. Saturn makes his station at 29 degrees of Libra. The last degree of any sign is charged with power and intensity. Time to review, re-assess and redefine the foundations of important relationships. Time for a reality check! One way you will know that you have work to do is if a relationship starts to become difficult. This is a clear sign you need to pay attention and work harder towards compromise and understanding. It takes time, patience and perseverance to build committed relationships that will endure the ebb and flow of relationship dynamics. It’s also important to understand that sometimes relationships simply outlive their usefulness. Don't ever forget that relationships don't have to last forever to still be meaningful. “Where love is lacking, work becomes a substitute; Where work is lacking, love becomes an opiate”. ~ Alice Lyttens By Larry Williamson aka www.skybearastrology.com The views expressed herein are not necessarily those of this website.

New Moon in Capricorn, December 24, 2011 AND Winter Solstice ~ The Return of the Holly King ~ December 22, 2011

New Moon in Capricorn, December 24, 2011 AND Winter Solstice ~ The Return of the Holly King ~ December 22, 2011 Winter Solstice has been celebrated in cultures the world over for thousands of years. This is the start of the New Year, the return of light and the return of the Sun (Son?). Most of the customs, lore and rituals associated with Christmas actually come from Winter Solstice celebrations of ancient pagan cultures. The ancient festival from which we derive many of the traditional celebrations associated with Midwinter is the Roman Saturnalia. The rituals of Midwinter were an assemblage of fun, laughter and gift giving. This was the festival that we receive the idea of giving gifts at Christmas and not the gifts from the Magi as commonly supposed. Human souls entered and exited life through the Gates of the Solstice. Philosophers named these “Portals of the Sun” because the solstice lies athwart the sun's path on either side. Souls are believed to pass through these portals when going from the sky to earth and returning from the earth to sky. For this reason one is called the portal of men-Summer Solstice, and the other called the portal of the gods-Winter Solstice. The Sun, Moon and Pluto conjunct in Capricorn in the New Moon chart continues to reflect the tearing down of old government and corporate institutions and structures. Many of the foundations of support for older and disabled Americans continue to be eliminated or dramatically reduced. The very things we could once count on are no longer viable. The death knell has sounded for old social programs that were vital to the American Dream, and now becomes the American Nightmare. The New Moon in Capricorn is one the best times for pursuing goals and making efforts towards success. Capricorn's are hard working, persevering and goal oriented. Capricorn defines itself by the work it does and takes great pride in their professionalism. Patience, perseverance and discipline will serve them well for the long haul. Recently I came across some information about the original image and symbol for Capricorn that predates the Greeks which was called the “Council of Grandmothers”. How appropriate as we all know that Capricorn is a feminine earth sign. The Sabian Symbol for the New Moon reads: A human soul, in its eagerness for new experiences, seeks embodiment. Keynote: A powerful yearning for whatever will increase the scope and depth of one's contacts with other living beings. We are all related! Lucky Jupiter makes his station (forward) and trines the New Moon on Christmas day! His gift brings hope, joy, abundance and generosity of spirit in the material world. Mercury the god of communication moves out of his shadow phase (retrograde degree) on New Year's Eve, opening new lines of communication, information and making important contacts. Have faith with new ideas and believe in what you know. The Sun conjuncts Pluto on the 29th. Time to take back your power! Let go of old emotional attachments that no longer serve your souls needs. Healing occurs when we clear the decks and await the rebirth. “We cannot avoid using power...So let us...love powerfully”. “Out of the place of your wounds will come your greatest gifts”. ~ Robert Bly By Larry Williamson aka www.skybearastrology.com The views expressed herein are not necessarily those of this website.