The Moon climbs into Capricorn this morning.

And like she has experienced the past few months, when Luna steps towards and into the sign of the Mountain Goat she is met at the doorway by the planets residing around the beginning of the Cardinal signs. While last month (July 23) had her first meeting Saturn, then Uranus, Jupiter, and Pluto, this month it is Uranus (now in the late degree of the mutable sign of Pisces), then Jupiter, Saturn, and Pluto that spells the order of those archetypes with which she meets. Therefore, the early day’s energies may take on the following patterned flow:

Unexpected activities lead to opportunities that are then tested by their realistic coherence, which once they take upon a form may lead to transformative reflections within.

When we create who do we do it for: ourselves or others? Today’s Leo/Aquarius Full Moon asks us to consider that the answer is “both”–we create to express ourselves, to be, and yet our creativity is a contribution to the world at large, a gift that we are implored, on some levels, to give. Within this dynamic also exists the question of how the world influences our art and how we respond to the needs of the collective when connecting in with the way that we want to express ourselves.

During the past week, I have been focusing on this, notably when considering the style of my blog writing. As you know I have been writing poetry for some weeks now. This is the form of expression that has felt right to me as a means to capture the abundant energies that are emanating right now. I have gotten some very lovely feedback from readers about the poetry.

And yet, recently, I have also felt that the poetry doesn’t allow me to get at and express some of the astrological insights that I am connecting to. Synchronistically, at this time, I have also gotten letters from other readers who expressed similar perspectives.

The question of what to do, how to proceed, has been within me. And then I realized that I didn’t necessarily have to choose . Like with the Saturn/Uranus opposition, the answer doesn’t necessarily have to be an either/or. Rather, they can both exist in relationship.

So, beginning this week, I am going to give myself the creative freedom to express in both prose and poetic form.  I will go back to the Weekly Astrological Insights in prose style and also during the week add in some poetical expressions as well. I am uncertain as to the frequency of the latter and how the interplay will manifest, and where this will all go. With the energy of Uranus–the planet of change–running high in the cosmos, I am going to give myself permission to be fluid and flexible creatively. But for now it feels really right to me, and I hope that it will serve you.

On this Leo/Aquarius Full Moon, I want to thank you dear readers/friends for being an elemental part of  my creative process and self-expression. I am filled with gratitude.

Love
Who you love
With depth.

Dig into
Mines of passion
To express desire.

Shine forth,
Align,
Surrender to grace.

Lovers unite,
An alchemy.
Transcend.

Consolation in
Reliance upon
Knowing
The B
Follows the
A.

Upset
WIth lack of
Hold steady.

Security is
As security
Does.

Roll with it.
State needs.
Make boundaries.

Bathe in roses,
Absorb their fragrance
Let them connect you
To rhythmic pleasure
Of the comfort
Within.

June 12, 2010: Gemini New Moon (exact at 5:11 am PDT)

The Gemini New Moon is often a day of levity and learning. Curiosity and wonder fill the air and it may seem as if your attention is pulled in a spectrum of directions as we gravitate to the facts, figures, and other pinpoints of information that seem especially intriguing today.

Like other New Moons, it’s a good day to set a goal for the coming four weeks, and given the presence of Gemini energy, it’s an auspicious time to begin gathering the information we’ll need to set this mission in motion. Gemini’s planetary ruler, Mercury, is currently placed in the sign of the Twins further bolstering a flit-about-to-capture-insights propulsion. Yet, it is in square aspect to Mars, which may cause us to feel pulled between wanting to know and wanting to act. Remember, they aren’t necessarily mutually exclusive. If we can integrate our desire to learn with the activation of our passions to craft tangible outcomes the day may be incredibly productive.

The mercurial and seemingly fickle energy of Gemini is often on display during this New Moon period, amping up agitation and nervous energy. Be patient with yourself if you find it more difficult to make decisions while also making space for others if they seem to be more capricious than normal. If you’re finding yourself indecisive, consider whether it’s because you are more clearly seeing the two sides of the proverbial coin and the fact that both of them have grace and value. Reflect upon whether it really is even necessary to choose between them; potentially you can create a structure where you are able to enjoy both paths.

This month’s New Moon falls at 22 degrees of Gemini (Sun and Moon). While everyone experiences the energies of the New Moon, if you have planets or pivotal points (i.e., Ascendant/Descendant or Nadir/Midheaven) around this degree in Gemini or the other mutable signs—Virgo, Sagittarius, Pisces—it may impact you more intensely.

New Moon Apothecary Suggestions

Gemini rules the shoulders, arms, hands, lungs, and nervous system. Pay extra attention to these parts of the body around the time of this New Moon.

Nadi Sodhana (Alternate Nostril Breathing): With Gemini ruling the lungs and the nervous system, doing some pranayama breathing exercises like Nadi Sodhana can be beneficial if you need to calm a flurry of nervous energy. Sit in a comfortable position either on the floor or on a chair. Rest your left hand on your lap. Raise your right hand towards your nose, closing your right nostril by gently pushing your thumb against it. Inhale through your left nostril for four counts. Then release your thumb while closing your left nostril with your ring finger. Exhale through your right nostril for four counts and then inhale for four counts. Release hold on left nostril while closing right nostril with your thumb. Exhale through left nostril for four counts. Continue for twelve rounds or more.

Cerato flower essence: During the Gemini Moon there is an emphasis on the dissemination of information and it becomes tempting to seek advice and input from lots of people who are more than willing to share their thoughts and ideas. While this can be helpful, if you are unclear as to where you stand on an issue, it can cause any decision you need to make even more confusing. If you are looking for a natural remedy that can help inspire your confidence that intuitive knowingness truly resides within you, consider Cerato flower essence. (Flower essences are made from flower-infused water and work energetically to restore emotional and mental balance. You can find them in natural food stores or holistic pharmacies.)

Today, we’re enveloped in intensity as Venus, the goddess of love and beauty, forms a tension-filled relationship with Pluto, the god of the underworld.

During this celestial alignment, passions may escalate and relationships may feel more intense. The concept of control—maintaining it and/or releasing it—takes center stage, with a feeling of all-or-nothing enveloping romantic and/or creative pursuits. There’s a volcanic sense of desire that may circulate deep within, emitting torrents of buried feelings that bubble up from below. These may be ones that we’ve turned a blind eye to or which we just have not wanted to express to another. Consequently, we may notice that instead of feeling we “should” do something we feel compelled that we “must” do it—almost like we’re in a river of do-or-die urgency.

Tensions may be stirred both in romantic liaisons as well as friendships (notably those with women). If you can stay true to your deep needs and express them, it will help your relationships to transform and become more integrated and authentic. Or you will see that, in fact, certain ones have run their course and do not necessarily offer you the value that you truly seek.

Last year we experienced similar alignments between Venus and Pluto. They occurred February 5, April 3, and May 2. Looking back to these days may help to give clues and context to the events and feelings that are being currently triggered.

We ring in the week with International Women’s Day, a worldwide holiday celebrated annually on March 8.

The timing of this year’s female-honoring commemoration seems incredibly fitting as over the course of the week we will be experiencing significant Venus transits. As Venus aligns with Saturn (Tuesday) and Pluto (Thursday), we can gain more clarity into the important role that women assume in society while also having the opportunity to herald aspects of the female power that resides within each of us.

Yet, it is not just the coming days that highlight the multidimensional spirit of the collective and individual female, but today as well. That’s because the Moon—the celestial body that reflects the feminine feeling side within us—makes numerous alignments, elevating it to center stage in our consciousness. It makes aspects with socially aware Uranus, relationship-oriented Venus, dream-the-dream Neptune, make-it-real Saturn, and recover-what’s-buried Pluto, ushering in a day where deeper layers of our feminine feeling nature can be discovered and honored.

So, today, in honor of International Women’s Day—and the numerous lunar alignments—take the time to celebrate the women in your life as well as the powerful multidimensional feeling-based spirit that resides within you.

Keeping the peace may seem as if it has moved itself to the top of the “to-do” list today. We’re pulled towards trying to avoid the generation or continuation of discord, as conflict today—of all days—seems quite unseemly. Yet, while our ideals may be stellar, it’s worthwhile to double-check our (or others’) motivations to ensure that there’s no hidden agenda present. Even if the deeper reasons seem well-intentioned, it’s really important to be clear and know the place from which we, or others, are acting. If we’re motivated to weave the day with “make/play nice” energy because we believe it will help others avoid discomfort, it’s worth remembering that a lack of conflict doesn’t always equal the alleviation of suffering.

Monday, March 1

With four planets—Venus, Jupiter, and Uranus along with the Sun—in aqueous Pisces for the last week-plus, it’s as if we’ve been swimming in the ineffable. As we’ve been floating in an ocean of emotion, it’s likely that it’s been difficult to pinpoint, name, and understand just what we have been feeling and connecting to since—at times—it may feel so vast and boundless. It’s as if we know something, we sense something—yet accessing it to be able to share (whether with others, or even just with our conscious mind) may be a whole other story.

Yet, that may change a bit today as the planet of communication, Mercury, joins these other planets in Pisces. This can create an experience-understanding resonance; we are able to tune into what we are perceiving in a way that allows us greater access to understanding and expressing our experiences.

That being said, with all this Piscean energy it’s important that while we feel connected to a heartfelt still of compassion that we stay grounded in our bodies and minds, lest we feel pulled in by an undertow of emotions that upends a semblance of sure footing. A gentle walk, going barefoot on the Earth, or massaging our feet for a few minutes are helpful Rx’s for our soles that can help us more consciously stay in body and soul.

Tuesday, March 2

Keeping the peace may seem as if it has moved itself to the top of the “to-do” list today. We’re pulled towards trying to avoid the generation or continuation of discord, as conflict today—of all days—seems quite unseemly. Yet, while our ideals may be stellar, it’s worthwhile to double-check our (or others’) motivations to ensure that there’s no hidden agenda present. Even if the deeper reasons seem well-intentioned, it’s really important to be clear and know the place from which we, or others, are acting. If we’re motivated to weave the day with “make/play nice” energy because we believe it will help others avoid discomfort, it’s worth remembering that a lack of conflict doesn’t always equal the alleviation of suffering.

Wednesday, March 3

What Twitter tag would I elect as one that well captures the energy of today? If I could only choose one, #Shedidwhat? would get my vote.

That’s because this run-on three-word questioning quip nicely expresses the influence of the day’s Venus/Uranus conjunction. When this planetary pair gets together, we get an influx of expect-the-unexpected when it comes to relationships, romance, and women (and the anima residing within men). Consequently, if you’ve been desiring to try something new on for size—whether it be a different lipstick, tie style, or seduction technique—today (as well as tomorrow) may be the day/s you’ve been waiting for.

Add to this that the Libra Moon trines idealistic Neptune and squares masculine Mars, and it further bolsters the elevation of relationships, beauty, and sexuality to the forefront of our minds (and/or our Twitter tweets and tags).

Thursday, March 4

If we’ve been holding onto something—words to share with another, pent-up tears, possessions that truly no longer hold any real value—today is a good day for their release. Making space in our minds and/or hearts will yield a greater opportunity to recognize others’ seemingly simple words as the true pearls of wisdom that they are.

Friday, March 5

Diving deep within our hearts today will allow us to see a situation a little bit differently than we had previously perceived.  An intense desire to bask in a feeling of love may leave us disillusioned; yet, if we adopt a perspective that marries a realistic approach with a “you never know how this may work out” open-mindedness, we may set the course for a journey that will yield more self-insight and understanding.

Saturday, March 6

Today, we should consider saying “Yes” a few more times than usual. That’s not to say that a blanket affirmative should be on tap; after all, discernment still needs to be maintained lest we find ourselves committed to things that pull us too far off course. Yet, a few more “Yes”s judiciously scattered throughout the day may award us with valuable opportunities and enriching experiences.

Sunday, March 7

With all the Piscean energy we’ve been floating in, things may seem a bit dreamy, with a sense of sprite, let alone gumption, potentially challenging to access. But today with Venus moving into the fiery, self-assertive sign of Aries, that may change a bit.

As we find a sense of initiative easier to access, we can use this Venusian energy to express our pinings and proclivities, spicing things up a bit. In addition to spicy, things may also get a little steamy as Venus—the planet of love—is aligning harmoniously with Mars—the planet of desires. And, with expands-all-it-touches Jupiter conjunct communicative Mercury, understanding and expressing our thoughts on what may satisfy our wistful longings may be more readily accessible.

With four planets—Venus, Jupiter, and Uranus along with the Sun—in aqueous Pisces for the last week-plus, it’s as if we’ve been swimming in the ineffable. As we’ve been floating in an ocean of emotion, it’s likely that it’s been difficult to pinpoint, name, and understand just what we have been feeling and connecting to since—at times—it may feel so vast and boundless. It’s as if we know something, we sense something—yet accessing it to be able to share (whether with others, or even just with our conscious mind) may be a whole other story.

Yet, that may change a bit today as the planet of communication, Mercury, joins these other planets in Pisces. This can create an experience-understanding resonance; we are able to tune into what we are perceiving in a way that allows us greater access to understanding and expressing our experiences.

That being said, with all this Piscean energy it’s important that while we feel connected to a heartfelt still of compassion that we stay grounded in our bodies and minds, lest we feel pulled in by an undertow of emotions that upends a semblance of sure footing. A gentle walk, going barefoot on the Earth, or massaging our feet for a few minutes are helpful Rx’s for our soles that can help us more consciously stay in body and soul.