AstroPoetry for the Day
Moon Mercury Virgo.
Be an analytic.
A critic.
Maybe even a cynic.
Evidence discoveries
Risen to the surface.
Determine, affirm.
Sift and sort.
Evolving: Check.
Put in Pile A: Plant.
Devolving: Check.
Put in Pile B: Compost.
© ALEX CARRILLOThis evening we are graced by the potential-in-the-invisible New Moon. This month’s lunar event occurs in the sign of Leo. To read more about what this may yield, including wellness suggestions, see this post.
In addition to the soon-to-be New Moon energy that we are being quietly illuminated by, we are still in the stream of Venus alignments today. With the planet of relationships and beauty opposing Jupiter and squaring Pluto, these areas of our lives continue to be a highlighted focus of our personal journeys.
What we may find is that tensions in relationships may yield great lessons as to inherent power struggles that may exist, which had until now gone unnoticed. Taking a step back to survey what it is that we value may evidence a deeper understanding of just what it is we need to experience heart-felt grace and pleasure.
Today yields a powerful opportunity to make intentions related to how we may want to express more joy in our lives. That’s because we are in the early moments of the Leo New Moon.
Some questions to reflect upon include:
For more on the Leo New Moon, including wellness suggestions, see this post.
AstroPoetry for the Day
Moon Mercury Virgo.
Be an analytic.
A critic.
Maybe even a cynic.
Evidence discoveries
Risen to the surface.
Determine, affirm.
Sift and sort.
Evolving: Check.
Put in Pile A: Plant.
Devolving: Check.
Put in Pile B: Compost.
The first part of the day may feel a bit untethered as the Moon is void of course (VOC) until 3:42 pm PDT. Float deeply into the landscapes of inner knowingness while also watching not to drift off into an ungrounded space. That’s because once the Moon moves into Libra at 3:42 pm PDT, it will connect right in with the early-cardinal-inhabiting planets; over the next five hours it dialogues with Uranus, Saturn, Jupiter, and Pluto. Therefore, what was a potentially plodding-along-doing-just-fine day may find itself transformed into an actively-engaged-and-on-one’s toes-trying-to-seek-harmony evening.
On today’s astrological agenda:
* The Libra Moon conjoins Venus and Mars, spotlighting what we love and how we go about pursuing our desires.
* With Vesta conjoining Saturn, we may more appreciably connect into ways in which we can give of of ourselves in selfless service without giving ourselves away.
* And in the realm of the personal is the political: Uranus is on the Aries Point, returning to Pisces at 8:31 pm PDT.
Uranus entered Aries on May 27, returns to boundaryless Pisces today for a seven-month swim, before re-ingressing to Aries on March 12, 2011. For those with planets in very late Pisces–or the other mutable signs of Gemini, Virgo, or Sagittarius–expect the unexpected, break-out-of-the-mold energies of Uranus to be more highly visible over the coming months, potentially in similar ways experienced in March through May of this year.
On a collective level, this time period may usher in redresses to events that occurred in the spring. We may also see technological advances related to drugs, immune system health, and our waterways (fingers crossed!) as well as new awareness around dreams, the subconscious, and mysticism making headway.
Find beauty today.
Even if things seem challenging, look for something that crosses your path—a flower, the sunset, an exchange with a friend, a vision in a day dream—that delights you with grace and puts a feeling of art in your heart.
Today we may find ourselves fighting for what we believe in. We can connect deep into our sense of empowerment, use the wisdom that innately resides within, and pursue along the path of what we find to be fair and just. Remember: where there’s a will there’s a way.
The phrase “Look before you leap” usually turns into “Leap before you look” when there is a lot of assertive, expressive Aries energy around. And given that for the last week, Venus, Mercury, and the Sun have been in this cardinal sign, this has definitely been a large thread coloring the past few days.
With the Moon moving into Virgo today, we can key into a modicum of modesty and moderation that may take us back a little bit towards “Look before you leap.” Although given that Virgo is the queen/king of analysis, the strategy may actually be something more along the lines of “Look—critique, discern, and evaluate—before you leap.”
PHOTO © ALEX CARRILLOFinding it challenging to focus? Maybe the point today is not to.
Consider, instead, giving yourself permission to cast a wide mental net that allows your mind to be open to an array of facts, figures, and mental stimuli.
That’s not to say to not pay attention. It’s extremely important to do so.
It’s just that if your spritely mind wants to venture here, there, and everywhere, instead of resisting, be a willing and active participant on the journey.
Today may be a day of ever-changing moods.
Instead of fighting it, try accepting it. Let yourself flow where the waves take you, whether it be through joy or sorrow. If things seem intense, remember the old adage “this too shall pass” as time can truly be a friend, and something that invariably is on your side.
Need to add some zest to your life? With Venus in Aries squaring the Cancer Moon, cooking up a recipe that has a little kick may do the trick. That’s because it’s a way to blend the energies of fiery Aries and home-is-where-the-heart(h)-is Cancer.
If you don’t have a favorite spice-infused recipe that’s calling to you, consider trying something new (which is always a good tact when Aries energy is around). Here are a few suggestions:
The Moon in self-expressive Leo is conjunct make-it-happen Mars today. While these planets also aligned in this sign in January and February, they did so when Mars was retrograde, when its energy was much more internalized and inwardly focused. Now that Mars is back in direct motion, there’s an inherent outward flow to its assertive energy. It’s as if expressing our desires isn’t only important to getting what we want, but doing so feels particularly good. (For additional insights into what this day may bring, think back to December 6, 2009, when a forward-moving Mars in Leo was last in similar alignment with the Moon.)
We each have a spark that keeps us going. A flame that we need to tend to, a source of our power that requires—for its nourishment—that we take moments of refuge from the tasks and obligations of daily life. It drives a motivation within us to be of service to others and represents an area of our life where we may sacrifice some of our personal desires in order to attend to the larger context of society.
Today, with the asteroid Vesta conjunct the fiery Leo Moon, both of which are in alignment with communicative Mercury and values-driven Venus, we may gain great insights into our inner flame and find new ways of both appreciating and inspiring it.
The phrase “Look before you leap” usually turns into “Leap before you look” when there is a lot of assertive, expressive Aries energy around. And given that for the last week, Venus, Mercury, and the Sun have been in this cardinal sign, this has definitely been a large thread coloring the past few days.
With the Moon moving into Virgo today, we can key into a modicum of modesty and moderation that may take us back a little bit towards “Look before you leap.” Although given that Virgo is the queen/king of analysis, the strategy may actually be something more along the lines of “Look—critique, discern, and evaluate—before you leap.”
Each person is a kaleidoscope, a multi-spectrummed mandala composed of an array of pieces, parts, and facets.
Yet, oftentimes, we don’t embrace all aspects of our essential nature. In wanting to be accepted, we may cast off parts of our individuality that don’t seem to align with the status quo of collective ways. We may judge these aspects of ourselves and subsequently relegate them to not-consciously-traversed parts of our psyche.
But they don’t go away. Even in exile, they still exist, rattling their manacles, causing disruption and discord within our hearts and minds.
That is until we listen. Until we work with them, embrace them, and invite them back in a way that feels safe and healthy.
Today is a good day to reflect upon this, considering the parts of our selves that we have cut ourselves off from, that we have tried to amputate from the wholeness of who we are. With Mercury conjunct Eris today, we can use the power of words (i.e., journal writing or poetry), images (i.e., drawing, painting, or photography) or sounds (i.e., connecting to music) as a means to beginning the process of building a bridge that allows for their return, and our journey towards a more complete wholeness.
(For more about the minor planet Eris and her role in astrology, see this article. And this one too.)
Today’s Pisces/Virgo Full Moon illuminates:
For more Virgoan details on this Piscean-inspired Full Moon, see this post.
Today, speak your mind.
Tell world what you are thinking.
Share, transfer insights.
It’s OK if you
Feel shy, concern for exposing
Your self. Just go slow
Finding the right words
That truly express your truths,
Visions and ideals.
Take the time to forge
Your approach, what you will say
And how to say it.
Have a plan, then build
Solid foundation, not a
Castle in the sky.
Mercury joins Sun
Illuminating orb of
Communication’s reach.
If you could choose one artist whom you feel most aligned with, who would it be? What is it about their style, the beauty that they give form to, or their relationship to the creative process that syncs with your sense of aesthetics and artistry? Reflecting upon these questions today—while communicative Mercury is conjunct beauty-loving Venus—can provide great insight into the muse that resides within you, helping you to further express your inherent creativity.
Faced with a decision? Today’s a good day to weigh and measure your options. While doing so, go all the way with your mind’s surveying of the situation, probing below the surface of the facts you are facing. Give way to ideas that may seem as if you have to release a bit of control, seeing whether in fact they yield a more beneficial solution. Consider the reality and practicality of each option. This may prove helpful in illuminating and solidifying the best way to make and communicate your decision.
Even if your day is filled with back-to-back projects or errands, build in a window of time to do something pleasurable, something nice for yourself. Enjoy a song, or poem, or piece of artwork that you find beautiful and inspiring. Take some time to share a meal or cup of coffee/tea with a friend or colleague. Nourishing and recharging yourself today can give you the stamina you need to fulfill your responsibilities and obligations in a more efficient and enjoyable way.
In honor of Capricorn’s admiration of efficiency and Scorpio’s tendency to often just tell it like it is, I thought I’d offer today’s astrological insight as a simple one-liner:
Revealing what you have been concealing may inspire a revelation rather than the need for consolation.
Today our bravery/bravado radar may be in full gear. We may be able to more clearly sense when someone is coming from a deep-seated place of courageousness rather than an insecure pretense of foolhardiness. Remember that if the choice is between the Tortoise and the Hare, the better bet for who will cross the finish line is the slow-and-steady non-boasting reptile.
If you feel like you’ve been plodding along the last few days, today will certainly feel different. It’s as if we’re on the runner’s block and the referee just proclaimed “on your mark, get set, go.” There’s a sense of greater ebullience that can help inspire us to run the race of the day, with an enthusiasm fresh out of the starting block. If we have been diligently working to achieve a pursuit, today can provide us with the verve we need to overcome some obstacles, allowing us to get closer to “mission accomplished.”
PHOTO © ALEX CARRILLOAre you familiar with Jack Kornfield? He is one of the preeminent Buddhist teachers in the United States. Among his many contributions, he brought insight meditation to the West and is the author of numerous accessible and enlightening books.
The title and focus of one of his books seems especially appropriate today as a reflection of the astrological energies. It is called After The Ecstasy, The Laundry. As noted on Kornfield’s website, the book explores how:
“Unbounded freedom and joy, oneness with the divine…these experiences are more common than you know, and not far away. But even after achieving such realization – after the ecstasy – we are faced with the day-to-day task of translating that freedom into our imperfect lives. We are faced with the laundry.”
Why does this especially reflect today’s energies? With the Sun in gaining-understanding-is-my-mission Sagittarius squaring the Moon in beauty-is-in-the-mundane Virgo, we may pulled between focusing on the big picture and honing in on the moment-by-moment details. Yet, as Kornfield reminds us, they are not inherently separate. Meaning exists in everything, no matter how large or small, seemingly grand or ordinary. So today, see how you can find significance in everything you do and how each moment can truly lead to understanding, self-awareness, and a greater sense of enlightenment. Even the laundry.
Today is Veterans Day in the United States, a day dedicated to honoring those who were in service to the country through their participation in the military. With the Moon in Virgo connected to both the life-expressive Sun and bigger-picture Uranus, it’s also a good day to reflect upon the role of service in our personal lives. Consider, for example: In which areas of your life do you give to others? How do you feel when others provide you with assistance? How do you perceive service vs. sacrifice? With breaking-barriers Neptune aligned with communicative Mercury, our dreams, daydreams and train-of-consciousness thoughts can provide us with additional insights into these, and other, questions.
PHOTO © ALEX CARRILLOToday we may feel like we are superheroes who were just awarded with a new superpower—that of the fine-tooth comb. No, not for remedying tangled hair or wrangling in wayward locks. Rather, one that can help us solve problems by inspiring our ability to methodically sift through the details that present themselves. Our superpower can help us more optimally separate the wheat from the chaff, allowing us to uncover hidden insights that may have previously eluded us.
Today is a lovely day to reflect upon art. To do so you needn’t go to a gallery or museum or even dust off the old art history book that may be tucked into a corner of the shelf.
Rather, consider what you value to be art. What is it that you find beautiful? What provides you with a sense of grace? What is it that touches your soul through your senses and swathes it in uplifting embrace? It can be a painting, a poem, a ritual, a certain person, an aspect of nature, a way of being…anything and everything that you deem to be of service in helping to make your life more exquisite.
Once you identify what is art, inventory whether your life is filled with enough of it. If not, consider ways that you can make your life more artful and art-filled.
