Miami Astrology

“And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.” -Marianne Williamson

In the movie “Life is Beautiful” actor Roberto Benigni convinces his young son that their experiences in a Nazi concentration camp are only part of an eleborate game in order to shield him from the grim truth. It’s an amazing movie and won three Academy Awards in 1999. This is a rather extreme example of the energy I sense beginning at this new moon, and yet it perfectly describes the attitude we can take when facing any challenge.

The Astrology of the New Moon

The new moon occurs on Monday August 9, 2010 at 17° Leo. In astrology every sign is ruled (or influenced) by a planet and Leo is ruled by the sun. Thus Leo is a fire sign and exudes warmth, generosity, and creative expression. The sun is the center of our solar system and is orbited by the planets. Leo also likes to be at the center and is energized when surrounded by an audience.

But Leo isn’t all flash. In astrology the sun represents purpose; it’s about radiating from your center, infusing the evironment with your unique being. Leo rules the heart and when we act from our heart we become more authentic, truer to ourselves, and in touch with the divine.

Leo is also about our inner child and the playfulness that naturally comes from experiencing life with a sense of wonder.

August New Moon

The chart for the August new moon shows the sun and moon making no aspects to other planets (it does make what are considered minor aspects, but let’s keep it simple) and this spoke to me. The major planetary aspect in the sky right now is what is being called by astrologers as the “Cardinal T-Square.” The main players in this configuration are Pluto at 3° Capricorn, Uranus at 0° Aries with Jupiter close by, and Saturn at 1° Libra. And to top if off, these next few weeks we have Venus and Mars joining Saturn.

This T-Square is significant because its so rare- the outer planets (like Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto) move so slowly that it can take decades or centuries for specific astrological alignments to occur. Major configurations like this generally denote a shift or change in culture, governments, and economies. In a nutshell the world is radically changing. I know I feel it. Our ideas about goverment and financial systems are being radically challenged. It won’t be until the late 20-teens that we’ll be able to look back with any sense of perspective since the Uranus-Pluto square will be in effect for the next few years.

Pluto is one of the major energies at work in this configuration. And when Pluto is involved you can expect deep transformations. In astrology Pluto will expose in order to heal and where we find the sign of Capricorn in our chart is where we can experience deep, personal growth. Pluto is in the sign of Capricorn, which is the sign of business, government and the management of natural resources. The nightly news reports on financial scandals (think Madoff), natural disasters (think BP), and consitutional conflicts (think immigration) with such regularity that the phrase “blowing the lid” off is happening literally (Deepwater Horizon) as well as figuratively (citizen journalism exposing corruption). The list goes on.

So here we have this major evolutionary shift in energy sending ripples out into the collective, the very fabic society and there, off to the side, are the sun and moon in Leo. I feel the message of this month will be to remain true to yourself, approach life playfully, and continue to think, act, and live from your heart- your true self- regardless of the insanity that may be unfolding around you.

The end of “Life is Beautiful” is hopeful. The young boy wins the game. Will you ride out on your own tank?

“Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see the shadow. -Helen Keller

If you’re a Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius, or Taurus this new moon may affect you more personally. If you’d like to schedule a reading to better understand what this means then please contact me.

More Information

The Mountain Astrologer is a fantastic astrological magazine. Here is a more indepth article at the Mountain Astrologer about the Cardinal T-Square.

“Call it a clan, call it a network, call it a tribe, call it a family. Whatever you call it, whoever you are, you need one.” -Jane Howard

I’m a month and a half into the new year I feel great about the progress I’m making on my goals. Last month I talked about the personal board of directors I formed to help me become more successful and one of my goals is to launch a line of pet products. After the last few years of fits and starts it’s amazing that I’m starting to see things moving forward. Being able to plug into the knowledge of my board and use them as a sounding board has made all the difference (thanks Duane, James, Keith, and Rick!)

Last month with the new moon in Capricorn I talked about what we need to consider in order to be successful. Capricorn rules achievement because of its ability to wisely use its resources and remain committed to its goals. Aquarius follows because we soon realize that to maintian any level of success we need each other. Read the rest of this entry »

“Success usually comes to those who are too busy to be looking for it.” -Henry David Thoreau (1817 – 1862)

This year I decided to get serious about my goals. Not that I wasn’t serious about them in the past, but like some people I’d do what I could and hope for the best. This year I want it to be different; and just at the right moment towards the end of 2009 I stumbled upon a blog post about the benefits of having a personal board of directors.

A personal board of directors is a small group of trusted friends or colleagues with whom you share your goals for the purpose of creating accountability and considering other perspectives. I thought it was a great idea and I knew it could really help me to achieve more in 2010, so I emailed four close friends asking for their participation.

Each one of them enthusiastically agreed to be a part of my board and this past week we had our first monthly conference call. In it I outlined my high level goals for the year and some of the steps I think I should take to reach them. It was a really great call with input from everyone and my expectations around feeling heard, affirmed, and encouraged were definitely met. I believe, that for me, to be successful I need to be accountable and encouraged and  so I’m hoping this structure will work for me. Read the rest of this entry »

“Abundance is, in large part, an attitude.” -Sue Patton Thoele

There has been lots of concern this past year, and rightly so, over the state of the economy. While we averted a major fiscal meltdown, the harm caused by the mortgage crises, the bank bailouts, and almost daily revelations of fraud and white-color crime has taken its toll on the spirit of many people.

An interesting side effect of this has been our desire to redefine what it means to be happy- and even redefine what it means to have enough. And the pop culture influence of books like “The Secret,” means that we’re all being encouraged to think positively, receive gratefully, and live authentically.

With the new moon in Sagittarius the word “abundance” comes to mind. Abundance falls within the realm of Sag for a few reasons, none of which are immediately obvious. First of all, when we think of abundance we think of money- and that’s usually represented by Taurus, or the second or eighth houses. Sagittarius is considered the sign of abundance because of its attitude- it tends towards optimism, is able to find the small pleasures in life, and sees each day as an ever expanding adventure. And it’s ruled by the planet Jupiter- the influence of growth, opportunity, and all that is overflowing.

Let’s look at the astrology of this new moon and then talk about how to utilize this cycle to bring more abundance into our lives. Read the rest of this entry »

“Truly successful decision making relies on a balance between deliberate and instinctive thinking.” -Malcolm Gladwell

The best-selling book, “Blink,” by Malcolm Gladwell uncovers how the human mind is able to make decisions very quickly and based on seemingly few pieces of data. The author combines cognitive research with experiements and real-life situations to illustrate how our “adaptive unconscious” can render swift and accurate decisions about things in our lives.

What we consider a “gut” response is really our mind processing information that we may not consciously be aware of. Mr. Gladwell interviews a professor who studied the interactions between couples in order to determine the long-term viability of their relationships. By videotaping the couples he was able to study their interactions at a very detailed level, noting the quick and almost imperceptible exchanges that happened between them. What this professor found was that if either person exhibited contempt towards the other, either through their speech or body language, the probability of the couple separating was much greater than if no contempt were observed. It was only by breaking down the interactions to such a degree that this behavior could be recognized.

Blink advocates that we trust our instincts when making decisions. It shows that very important decisions can be made in a few seconds. And it suggests that our decisions will become more and more accurate when we are already proficient with the subject matter. You’ll recall the September new moon in Virgo offered us the opportunity to become better prepared for meeting opportunities. We also see that being prepare aids in our decision-making abilities as well.

Astrology of the New Moon

“Blink,” came to mind while studying the chart for the October 2009 New Moon. This month the new moon occurs at 24 degrees of Libra on October 18, 2009. In astrology Libra is the sign of the scales and is about the ability to weigh options and make decisions based on the objective and rational consideration of the balance or imbalance our choices will create. The potential challenge with Libra energy is that is can so clearly see both sides of an issue or choice that it may be unable to actually make a decision.

The power of our adaptive unconscious is that it already has all of the information it needs. When we begin to consider more and more options it will only slow down our decision-making process and lead to faulty choices. One of the characteristics of a well-made decision is its timeliness. Once the plane takes off your ability to decide to fly to Chicago is moot.

The new moon will be in trine aspect (120 degrees) to Neptune, meaning the energy of Neptune will flow unimpeded (the trine) with the energy of the moon. Neptune in astrology is about idealism, vision, and compassion. During this cycles it will be important to make decisions in a way that reflects our ideals, move us closer to the vision we have for our lives, and creates the most good for ourselves and others.

The new moon is also in square aspect (90 degrees) to the south node, which suggests we may need fight agianst the past (south node) and avoid making choices that no longer serve who we are today. It suggests that we examine our unconscious drives that may influence why we make the choices that we do. It’s time to uncover the hidden forces that have sway over us so that we can make healthier choices that propel us towards the future instead of holding us to the past. [astrology-roadsigns]

Libra is considered a cardinal sign- meaning its stlye of expression is active and engages with the environment. Likewise, our decisions have ramifications in our lives and the act of making a choice propels us down one path and not another. The act of relating and socialing, two other Libran traits, is also active and brings us into contact with others. And finally, the Libran need for balance is also active- the scales can achieve balance only by constantly adjusting itself by adding or removing weight from one side or the other.

The lessons of astrology help us live in harmony with the cycles in and around us.  Over the past few months I’ve talked about recognizing your leadership abilities, preparing yourself for opportune times, and displaying courage. Use the Libra new moon to actively engage with life by making effective choices that reflect your vision, foster relationships, and result in a sense of peace and harmony. These are all pieces of the cosmic puzzle that can come together and carry us forward individually and collectively.

Namaste’

“Men make history, and not the other way around. In periods where there is no leadership, society stands still. Progress occurs when courageous, skillful leaders seize the opportunity to change things for the better.” -Harry S Truman (1884 – 1972)

I chose the above quote while I was writing this because it uses the words skillful and change- two themes I see in this month’s new moon. But after I pasted it into my document I also noticed the word “leadership” – a topic that I wrote about over the past two months as it related to the lessons of the lunar cycle.

In those articles I talked about the qualities of leadership and how we’re called to be leaders in our own lives. And as Harry puts forth in the above quotation, leaders seize opportunities to make things better.

However, this particular new moon isn’t about seizing opportunties for change, but about becoming skillful enough to be able to seize them.

The Astrology of the New Moon

The new moon occurs at 25 degrees of Virgo on Friday, September 18, 2009 at 2:44 PM (see chart: September 2009 New Moon). There are five planets in earth signs and five planets in mutable signs- meaning this month will be about adjusting and adapting our skills and analytical abilities to meet the changing and, at times surprising, circumstances. Do we have the dexterity to accept change? Have our skills matured enough to help us through times of uncertainty? Read the rest of this entry »

“Addiction is not about placating the bad dog – it’s about feeding the good dog. You still have to feed the bad dog, but only enough so that the ASPCA doesn’t bring you up on charges.” -Robert Downey Jr.

Astrology is a beautifully symbolic language, reflecting back to us the magical cycles of life that surround and sustain us.  In agrarian cultures, springtime (Aries) is when the ground is plowed and new seeds are sown. It’s the beginning: a time of hope, planning, and planting. Late June heralds the end of the first quarter of our journey through the seasons and marks a time of growth, activity, and action.

As summer begins and the Sun moves into the sign of Cancer, the seeds of spring have developed into lush plants that will eventually bear fruit. The first quarter phase is marked by lots of activity- watering the plants, keeping the bugs away, pulling the weeds, and fertilizing the soil. The farmer needs to feed and nurture his crops in order for the crops to feed and nourish him.

Astrology of the New Moon

The new moon occurs on June 22, 2009 at 3:35 PM (EDT) at 1 degree of Cancer. This new moon falls the day after the summer solstice- a time when the Sun is at its most northern declination and the longest day of the year.  The sign of Cancer, ruled by the Moon, is maternal, domestic, and sensitive. As an archetype of Mother, the sign of Cancer represents the breast, the home, and our emotional security. It’s that which feeds, nourishes, and protects us. Where the Moon is in our individual natal charts will describe what each of us needs in order to feel safe and secure.

Looking at the energy mix (which planets are in what elements) for the month we find the majority in earth signs and fixed signs, meaning that the general vibe for the month will be very Taurean: productive, steady, and definitely focused on security.

New Moon Chart

Looking at the chart we see the new moon (the Sun & Moon) making an opposition to Pluto in Capricorn. Oppositions show us where we may be unbalanced and usually require some kind of integration between competing energies. Pluto represents intensity; and linked to the new moon may describe a certain compulsion or addiction that we’re feeding.

In addition to the opposition we see the new moon and Pluto both making a square aspect (90 degrees) to Uranus in Pisces. This configuration is called a “T-square” because of the three points involved. Like a chair with only three legs it’s out of balance and creates a lot of tension. Reading all three planets together this combination shows that we may believe we need the particular thing that we’re obsessing over in order to be free from something else (see Robert Downey Jr’s quote again).

In our farming example above we see the healthy expression of this energy- the farmer does give lots of attention to his crops, because he knows he needs them for food and survival. It’s not a maladaptive expression of his needs, but a worthwhile, fulfilling, and productive use of his time and energy.

This brings me back to the question in the title of this posting- what are you feeding? What are you pouring your time and energy into? What are you watering and fertilizing in your life? Is it something nourishing (the Moon) or is it something that will eventually swallow you up (Pluto)?

The key to dealing with any T-square is to look for what would be the fourth (and missing) leg to bring balance and stability. In this case that point would be found in Virgo (the place opposite Uranus in Pisces). Virgo is about discernment, discrimination, and the healthy application of routines. To make this month as productive as it can be, we all may want to examine how we can use our discernment in order to ensure we’re feeding the right things in our lives. Otherwise we may be left with a field full of weeds.

“Fear not that thy life shall come to an end, but rather fear that it shall never have a beginning.” -John Henry Newman

I want to wish everyone a happy new year! But you say, Ron, January 1st was months ago. True, but March 20th was the first day of spring, the first day of Aries, and the first day of the new zodiacal year in astrology. And March 26th is the new moon in Aries, so we’re truly at the beginning of the beginning.

The March new moon occurs at 6 degrees of Aries around noon (EDT) on March 26, 2009. Looking at the chart for the new moon we find four planets in fire signs (the Sun, Moon, Venus and Mercury are all in Aries) and five planets in cardinal signs (all the Aries planets plus Pluto in Capricorn). Cardinal signs begin the seasons and their purpose is to initiate or start things.

The energy mix of this new monthly cycle is cardinal fire- Aries. The element of fire in astrology is a symbol for energy, inspriation, spirit, fuel, and motivation. Cardinal fire then is like a flame thrower or a fuse- a direct and expedient path to energetic expression.

Aries is associated with beginnings, just like the beginning of spring when life seems to reappear after the cold, barren winter. Aries is the life force that announces, “I’m here,” and tends to be very self-focused.

The planet that rules Aries in astrology is Mars. Mars in mythology was the god of war and represents the warrior in all of us. Mars is a very male-oriented energy, fueled by testosterone, and tends to be aggressive, dynamic, impulsive and courageous. Mars is currently in the sign of Pisces and encourages us to act from our intuition.

While every new moon is the start of a new cycle and a time to set new intentions and begin new habits, the new moon in Aries is especially strong. It’s a time to exercise self-discovery, independence, and act courageously in every endeavor you take on.

The Astrology of the New Moon

Looking at the chart for this new moon we see Venus and Mercury very close to the Sun and Moon. Venus is retrograde, asking us to look inward to examine our values and relationships. We might ask ourselves, “What am I attracting?” If we don’t like the answer then it’s time to do some soul searching as to why. When considering what new actions to take or intentions to set it’s important this month to make sure those actions align with your values. There’s no sense in spending energy chasing after something you don’t even want.

Mercury’s influence on the new moon adds mental focus (Mercury is also in Aries) and the ability to advocate for our own needs. One caution I have to offer is be careful not to come across as agressive or brutish in your speech.

The only major aspect in the chart for this lunation is Pluto in Capricorn making a square aspect to the new moon, Venus, and Mercury. Square aspects produce tension because they link together signs with incompatible elements; in this case it’s Fire and Earth. Fire wants activity, Earth wants stability; Fire is yang, Earth is yin. Pluto is the planet of intensity and its function is to uncover, purify, and renew. As we step out this month and pursue our goals we may feel the tension between achieving what we want and having the power and resources to make it happen.

The full moon, which occurs two weeks after the new moon, gives us a clue as to how we can make this a fulfilling cycle. The full moon will be in Libra and this tells us that to get what we want, achieve our goals, and assert ourselves we need to learn to cooperate, compromise, and look for harmonious solutions- all Libran qualities.

Practical Astrology

To use the energy of this new moon is suggest you create a simple ritual for yourself. This should be done this evening or by Saturday at the latest. As Caroline Casey says, “The invisible world would like to help but spiritual etiquette requires that we ask.” And, “The only way the gods know we’re asking for help is through ritual.”

Since this new moon is in Aries use a candle or something to represent fire and energy. Aries is about the self, so you may  want to include a photo of yourself in this ritual. Then proceed to write down your intentions and wishes for the upcoming month. Visualize yourself being inspired by the heat and light of the candle. Some things you may want to wish for include:
- Finding ways to blaze new trails
- Looking for innovative or entreprenurial solutions to problems
- Becoming more assertive and less aggressive
- Taking more risks to achieve your goals
- Demonstrating more self-reliance and autonomy

If you know where 6 degrees of Aries is in your own chart this will give you more insight about where to focus your energy this month. As always I’m available for personal consutlations should you want to learn more about this new moon and how it relates to you.

I wish you all a healthy and successful new year ahead! Namaste’

Every month the universe offers us a new moon as a way of getting in sync with the natural cycles in our world.  Like a surfer who knows when to catch a wave in order to ride its crest, the new moon is a signal that the time is ripe for action and for increasing our chances for optimal results.

Astrologically these new moons can be seen as an invitation for making plans to use the lunar energy for your benefit. This month the new moon will also be a solar eclipse- an extra powerful new moon that acts like an invitation you can’t refuse. A regular new moon is like mom setting out dinner. A new moon eclipse is like an Italian mother who grabs your plate and says “Mange’! – EAT!”

The new moon occurs on January 26th, 2009 at 2:55 am (EST) at 6 degrees and 30 minutes of Aquarius. The constellation of Aquarius is the water- bearer, however Aquarius is not a water sign but an air sign. What he’s pouring out of his jug is the collective consciousness on mankind- for Aquarius is the sign who perceives, embraces, and shares the progressive ideas that move group consciousness into the future.  Read the rest of this entry »

We’re all aware that 2009 is going to be one bumpy ride and that any progress we make individually, as a country, and certainly as a planet will only come through hard work and dedication to our plans and goals.  Luckily, the universe is giving us one last parting gift before patting us on the rump and sending us off into the new year. That gift is the upcoming new moon on December 27th 2008.

This last new moon of the year occurs at 6 degrees of Capricorn. Capricorn is an earth sign and is about the responsible management of resources, careful and planned action towards an objective, and the prudent use of time. Capricorn is ruled (or influenced) by the planet Saturn. When the new moon happens in Capricorn it’s time to center our intentions and goals for the upcoming month on the realistic and practical ways of moving forward.

If there was ever a new moon to set your intentions for the month (and in this case, the year) ahead then this new moon is the time to do it. The Sun and Moon are in close quarters to Pluto and Mars- a dynamic duo that will add intensity, passion, and drive to your energy this month. Read the rest of this entry »