The New & Full Moon Forecast

Flowering Moon of Emotion and Wisdom

Flowering Moon of Emotion and Wisdom

Astrologer Isha Lerner offers an interpretation of the New and Full Moon phases each month. Please join us every couple of weeks for the latest guidance from the Great Lunar Goddess!  


Flowering Moon of Emotion and Wisdom
By Isha Lerner

The full moon in May is called the Full Flower Moon. Consider this a time of blossoming, wherever you are in the world.

On May 25th, 2013, the Full Flower Moon will reside at 5 degrees Sagittarius. This visionary sign of the zodiac, ruled by Jupiter, increases one’s ability to widen horizons of the mind and to include a multi-dimensional understanding of the Universal Self. You may wish to contemplate the Sabian Symbol of this Full Moon and glow with its gift of wisdom.

An Old Owl Sits Alone On the Branch Of A Large Tree

Keynote: A poised and wise approach to existence based on a clear perception of unconscious factors and their operation.

The owl has always been a symbol of wisdom that functions at night, under the moon. Symbolically, the owl represents that which we cannot see or perceive in the daylight, and therefore, that which normally escapes the attention of personal ego and the unconscious.

We may empower our life through this symbol by reaching beyond illusion, beyond fear, and beyond the perception of conflict? A deep summoning of understanding lies at the root of this Full Moon, helping us to regulate our perceptions as we traverse through the unexplained events of the world around us.

This lunar eclipsed moon is powerful. It may unfurl the sensitive emotions stored within the memory of the body. As we release, and begin to flower anew, these emotions may surface, causing a cathartic healing. For the next two-week period, as the moon wanes, offer whatever grief, worry, angst, or emotional disturbances you hold within to the eclipsed Moon. This Moon has the potential to transcend darkness and may alight your purest and truest Self. Dare to dance and flow with the emotional currents of this eclipsed moonlight.

Also highlighted is a magnificent Venus/Mercury conjunction at 20 degrees of Gemini. I refer to this conjunction as ‘The Messenger of Peace.” The following keynote from the Sabian Symbol of 20 degrees Gemini suggests this bit of insight:

Keynote: The assimilation of multifarious knowledge through the synthesizing power of the mind.

This key symbol implies the need for global synthesis. For future productivity and survival, humanity must embrace inter-connectedness and cooperation, both essential factors toward global transformation and peace.

This message of mind-fullness balances with the emotional charge of the Eclipsed Moon. The terms Emotional Wisdom and Intelligent Emotion may accurately describe the next steps needed as humanity moves toward a greater maturation of the Heart and a deeper understanding of Love.

Take whatever time you need today, tonight, and into the next week to consider your options for renewal and blossoming. The Sagittarius moon-fire is friendly; use its optimistic field of Truth and Vision to help you plot the next steps toward your future.

Have faith and persevere.

The Taurus New Moon of Goddess Enhancement

The Taurus New Moon of Goddess Enhancement

Astrologer Isha Lerner offers an interpretation of the New and Full Moon phases each month. Please join us every couple of weeks for the latest guidance from the Great Lunar Goddess!  


The Taurus New Moon of Goddess Enhancement
With Mark Lerner

There is magic afoot on Earth, around the world, and in the hearts, minds and souls of humans striving upward toward higher knowledge, wisdom and loving sisterhood and brotherhood. The New Moon of May – activating 20 degrees of Taurus – is the key to this raising of consciousness and being on terra firma since the asteroid Pallas is exactly with the Sun and Moon as this dynamic, 29.5 day solar-lunar zodiacal dance begins in earnest.

It is very rare for any other celestial body to be with the Sun and Moon right when they converge every month. The presence of Pallas – so strongly placed at this time – brings in her cosmic gifts to earthlings: genius; artistry; weaving; strategy; knowledge leading to wisdom; the daughter archetype (especially the father’s daughter); engineering; industry; high-tech insight; enhancement of defense and immunization from illness; research and development; city planning; and – most of all – problem solving. Not only is Pallas potent on the day of the New Moon, but the Sun unites precisely with Pallas on May 10 while Mercury conjuncts Pallas exactly on May 11.

The widespread activation of Pallas universally means every one of us is being Pallas-enhanced for the 29 days following May 9 – with a potential epiphany at the Full Moon of May 24, when the New Moon of May 9 reaches a crescendo of enlightenment. However, there is more to this story...

It turns out that America was born with a virtually exact Moon-Pallas union in late Aquarius on July 4, 1776. In addition, this New Moon at 20 degrees of Taurus is exactly energizing our national Vesta – connecting to the archetypes of home and hearth, the housing industry, safety and security, insurance coverage and investment planning, as well as the Eternal Flame, temple magic, esoteric and secret organizations (i.e. FBI, CIA, NSA, KKK, NRA, Illuminati, sororities, fraternities, religious orders, cults, gangs), turf wars, and sisterhoods & fellowships. Therefore, expect many major events to be reported across our country and in various parts of Planet Earth where America’s goddess-forces intrude into societies, communities, neighborhoods and citizens thinking globally and acting locally.

With all this blending of various goddess dynamics, please note the Sabian Symbol from Dane Rudhyar’s adaptation of this oracular system in An Astrological Mandala: “Wisps of Winglike Clouds Streaming Across the Sky.

Kenote: The awareness of spiritual forces at work.”

Rudhyar also states that the “…’winglike clouds’ may also symbolize the presence of celestial beings (devas, angels) blessing and subtly revealing the direction to take, the direction of ‘the wind’ of destiny.”

While many nations could be experiencing shadow sides of these asteroid goddesses – in the form of computer hacking and cyber-virus attacks against governmental defense systems, water-electric-nuclear and natural resource facilities, and other important power stations as well as crucial websites – our loftier plans and goals should help to drown out the vibes of negativity as we reinforce everything sensitive, innovative, and creative in our divinely-connected daily motivations. Think and align with the higher Pallas and Vesta qualities, and this will positively contribute to all your true needs being met.

Many Blessings,

Mark Lerner

Full Moon in Scorpio: Cracks of Light Show the Way

Full Moon in Scorpio: Cracks of Light Show the Way

Astrologer Isha Lerner offers an interpretation of the New and Full Moon phases each month. Please join us every couple of weeks for the latest guidance from the Great Lunar Goddess!  


Full Moon in Scorpio: Cracks of Light Show the Way
With Isha Lerner

Having just arrived home from Japan, after a satisfying and nurturing time with participants in

the flower essence workshops, I’m settling back into the rhythm of Pacific Daylight time. Outside my window the sun beckons acknowledgment as it pours light through the morning clouds, and the pearly vibrations of the full moon pull deeply as I contemplate the approaching full moon in Scorpio at 5+ degrees.

The contrast of the sun/moon polarity feels especially poignant today, feeling as if shadows of light and dark are swirling within. How about you? This particular full moon is known as the Pink Moon, named after a spring plant prolific in North America. I’ve been visualizing the color pink surrounding earth; heart healing.

Let’s take a look at the Sabian Symbol for 6 degrees Scorpio:

The Gold Rush Tears Men Away From Their Native Soil

Keynote: The passionate search for new values, which, at any level, promise a more abundant life.

Always at this Scorpio level the yearning is for an ever more intense and all-absorbing union with a person or a community – a yearning which motivates a search for a means to achieve a deep feeling experience.

It dramatizes the capacity in humanity to tear away from the known and the familiar, gambling everything on a vision or dream.

A keyword is Avidity.

With a Moon conjunct Saturn opposing Mars the force for deep emotional healing and release couldn’t be more profound. Anger may rise out of thin air, or depression may feel to be just around the corner. Tearing oneself away from known territory, be it the soul’s terrain or the foundation of home, work and responsibility, requires a willingness to find freedom deeply within Source. This “source of wisdom” guides us forward into the sanctuary of Self.  Saturn/Moon aspects call for a melting away of frozen emotion, fear, abandonment issues, and self-rejection. This outer layer of emotional surface ice requires warmth and Self-Love, allowing for the tender shoots of New Life to emerge upward; a watering of the soul’s template.

Never give up in times like these. Trust me. With a Moon in favorable aspect to Pluto, the impulse to explore the depths of emotion with the result of a favorable outcome is possible. Do not shun this energy. Rise into this opportunity and search the corners of mind and heart where deeply buried treasures are buried.

A beautiful Moon/Neptune aspect illumines the way for dreaming and weaving magic into everyday encounters. Don’t miss out by hiding into the backdrop of life’s amazing adventure. Perhaps you will make a wish during this Full Moon and send it to heaven, the stars, the sun and the moon. Discover again the wonderful sound of birds, the rushing of grass, the scent of lilacs, or the scent of your own skin. Delicious is the future…no matter how hard it may seem, no matter how deeply you may sink…your time is now.

This Full Moon carries enormous potential, allowing for yet another crack of light-filled healing headed your way. Enjoy the purification of the day and don’t turn back…the future is unfolding, and you are a vital part earth’s miracles.

With love,

Isha Lerner

New Moon (4/10/13)

New Moon (4/10/13)

Astrologer Isha Lerner offers an interpretation of the New and Full Moon phases each month. Please join us every couple of weeks for the latest guidance from the Great Lunar Goddess!  


Aries New Moon: April 10, 2013
By Mark Lerner

From a statistical perspective, most New Moons and, for that matter, Full Moons occur on their own – with simply the Sun and Moon together (New Moon) or opposite (Full Moon). Any New Moon is the seed-point for the 29.5-day solar-lunar cycle to follow while the Full Moon is the crest of the wave for the enlightening vibrations being released to humanity and the kingdoms of nature. A special occasion arises when one or more celestial bodies are so close to either the Sun or Moon that the New or Full Moon will be dynamically charged by those planetary archetypes.
 
The magic of this Aries New Moon is that it triggers and reinforces the potent Venus-Mars union in Aries that has just occurred 4 days before on April 6. Therefore, this New Moon is no ordinary seed-point – energizing fire power, physical vitality and leadership skills. It holds the promise of helping human souls realign their feminine and masculine qualities, and to assist individuals in developing happier and more fulfilling partnerships across the board.
 
The Sabian symbol for this New Moon at 21 degrees of Aries is: A Pugilist enters the ring.

Keynote:
The release and glorification of social aggressiveness.

In the Dane Rudhyar version of this symbol – in his classic astrology book An Astrological Mandala – he says the following: “In another sense, the ring with two fighters in it can be referred to the Tai Chi symbol and the interplay between Yang and Yin. Each of the two types of energy wins in turn. Victory is always temporary in a dualistic world.”
Considering this book was written decades ago and has no connection to the current situation where two planets – Venus and Mars – are not only uniting, but joined together with the Aries New Moon, it is very useful for all of us to meditate on the personal significance of the Tai Chi symbol as we seek to improve the quality of our loving, heartfelt relationships during the four weeks following this New Moon.
 
It is noteworthy that the Aries New Moon is also exactly in conjunction with America’s natal Chiron and opposite America’s Juno. This Chiron-Juno polarity in the U.S. birth chart from July 4, 1776 has only become researched during the last 40 years following the placement of the 4 main asteroids and Chiron in astrological horoscopes. Chiron, as many of you know, has much to do with healing old wounds (physical or psychic) – as well as keys opening doors to higher consciousness, the Twilight Zone, shamans and mentors, mavericks and catalysts, oracles and rainbow bridges linking personality and soul-spirit realms. Juno connects strongly to balanced and respectful relationships, elegance and beauty, fashion and design, diplomacy and peace treaties, and – particularly – empowerment or disempowerment in primary partnerships and marriage.
 
With the subject of what kinds of marriage are to be honored and recognized now possibly awaiting a Supreme Court decision here in America, and with the continuing need for linking up with our divine sources of higher knowledge and wisdom, let us open our hearts and minds to working more consciously and strategically with the Chiron and Juno principles as they influence not only American life, but the social and spiritual awakenings happening all around the globe.

Full Moon (3/27/13)

Full Moon (3/27/13)

Astrologer Isha Lerner offers an interpretation of the New and Full Moon phases each month. Please join us every couple of weeks for the latest guidance from the Great Lunar Goddess!  


Full Moon in Libra:
A Spectrum of Universal Transformation
with Isha Lerner

There is a highly potent and spiritually illuminating Aries-Libra Full Moon on Wednesday March 27 -- carries one or more challenging celestial aspects. I want to share the following information with you, shared by astrologer Mark Lerner, because I think it is of great significance to us at this time.

“To those many millions of souls concerned that the Winter Solstice of 2012 might have led to the end of the 5,125-year Mayan Calendar Long Count, we will have a fascinating astrological repeat. The same mysterious Finger of God or Yod triangle in the heavens that happened December 21 – 26, 2012 -- composed of Jupiter in Gemini making 150-degree links to Saturn in Scorpio and Pluto in Capricorn (where the latter two planets are 60-degrees apart) -- will be manifesting in March 2013. The only difference is that instead of the December 2012 Finger of God formation happening in 6 days, the same configuration happens over 22 days in March. This triple confluence of major planets may be pointing to the 2013 prominence of three comets now exciting the astronomical community, bringing earthlings cryptic messages from the Great Beyond, and which may soon be coming to a sky location near you.”

This Full Moon is packed full of aspects. The Moon in Libra will oppose a Sun/Venus conjunction at 8 degrees of Aries, and will oppose Mars and Uranus. These energies will be in effect for the duration of March into the New Moon period. The vibration is dynamically rich, potent, and globally charged.

It’s important to take good care of yourself. Use this Sun/Venus conjunction to awaken the body within as you charge yourself with Light Rays of Love. Be creative yet patient. Do not rush, charge ahead, or allow temper free range. Use caution in all you do for the next week. Take a breath before speaking. Examine your motives before moving forward.

The Sabian Symbol for the Full Moon at 7 degrees Libra:
A WOMAN FEEDING CHICKENS And PROTECTING THEM FROM THE HAWKS

KEYNOTE: The need to face the antagonism of "powers of darkness" as one attempts to feed the mind of as yet helpless and frightened apprentices.
The most basic "Law" of our universe is that every release of new potentialities (or modes of energy) brings about a polarization of effects — that is, the new potentiality will be used both for construction and destruction. It will arouse individuals (or groups and nations) to take a series of steps that will lead some to greater success, others to deeper failure. Whoever makes possible this new release has to accept the karma of both the success and the failure.

At this stage we witness the contrast between the ideal situation envisioned clearly by the creative consciousness (first stage) and what it will be in actual operation; thus the forever-present struggle involved in making it possible for the future-oriented actualizers of an ideal to survive the attacks of tradition-worshiping minds that can only follow the lines of automatic response.

The ultimate message is: GUARDIANSHIP

This sums it up the Full Moon as it illumines the Divine Potential within all of us. We may consider our actions, pay homage to Karma, believe in the beauty of our incarnation, and rise up to this great opportunity to assist humankind. We help ourselves first, of course, by taking the necessary steps to align with Love and Action. We must be careful, remembering to tune into helpers and guides by listening to our own intuition, and by taking necessary risks needed to transform and unfold.

Fiery Aries is on the front burner spewing universal sparks! Within the depths of this momentous time, surrender each day to joy as you accept the mission of your magical life. Honor each challenge offered to you while pioneering your dreams. Take hold of the helm and steer clear of anger, irritability, and impatience. These energies are the lower spectrum of Aries. Embody the highest and truest energy of Aries: Enthusiasm, Magnetism, Rebirth, Joyfulness, and Courage. By doing so you will be in rhythm with the higher octaves of the Universe.

Be well and prosper. You are never ever alone. We are on this galactic journey together!

New Moon (3/11/13)

New Moon (3/11/13)

Astrologer Isha Lerner offers an interpretation of the New and Full Moon phases each month. Please join us every couple of weeks for the latest guidance from the Great Lunar Goddess!  


New Moon today and More...
By Isha Lerner


Dear friends,

This is a powerful New Moon cycle and I would imagine you can feel it. After spending all day Saturday making flower essences on a sunny yet breezy Oregon day I got slammed with this flu virus that’s going around. This has forced me to stop, sleep, and slow way down, and in doing so, I am experiencing the healing journey of this cycle first hand.

We’ve had a huge dose of Pisces in the last few days that’s felt foggy, yet mystical at the same time. Try to let go of worries, stress, and anxieties. Take it easy on yourself as Mercury is still in retrograde motion, traveling between Neptune in Pisces and Chiron. We’re bobbling a bit; however, this can be a great time for dreaming, soaking in your hot tub, poetic inspirations, and creativity, if you can allow it to flow.

I’m thinking of the Inner Child Card, the Five of Swords. With feet planted on a slippery rock, a young prince is holding balance while exploring the terrain where water meets land. Metaphorically, the unconscious is being exposed and change will follow.

If you feel in tune with this metaphor, take some time to reflect and feel the sensations of this energy.

Here’s the Sabian Symbol for the New Moon at 22 degrees Pisces:

A Prophet Carrying Tablets Of The New Law Is Walking Down The Slopes Of Mount Sinai.

Keynote: The need to bring down the level of everyday existence the clear realizations made manifest in a great “peak experience.”

This basic "Law" has to be "brought down." It represents a descent of formative and structuring power, a divine Revelation. This type of revealed knowledge contrasts with the kind of knowing born out of the experience of touch, of feeling, of warmth of contact. This second stage symbol pictures a process to which a religious God-given character has been attributed in the past, but which today is being investigated at the personal and psychological level. The important point here is: what do you do afteryou have a peak experience, an inner revelation? The Keyword MANDATE is appropriate; but the basic problem is how to fulfill it in the “right spirit.”

On Tuesday, the moon slips out of Pisces and into fiery Aries. This marks the beginning of a fireworks month when many planets come together in the sign of Aries.

Use this evening and into tomorrow as a time for relaxation. Contemplate goals for the coming month ahead…but don’t worry.

You might want to listen to the podcast I did with Mark Lerner that outlines this New Moon energy and the events to follow throughout March and onward.

Much love to everyone….and stay healthy!

With love,
Isha Lerner


Full Moon (2/25/13)

Full Moon (2/25/13)

Astrologer Isha Lerner offers an interpretation of the New and Full Moon phases each month. Please join us every couple of weeks for the latest guidance from the Great Lunar Goddess!  


Full Moon in Virgo, February 25th, 2013
Illuminating Child Consciousness in a Changing World

By Isha Lerner

The Full Moon occurs on Monday, Feb. 25, 2013, as Venus conjuncts Neptune. This radiant and dazzling aspect brings a heightened energy perfect for romance, intuitive work, ocean frolicking, and dreaming. In esoteric astrology, Neptune is the higher octave of the planet Venus, the planet of love and beauty. This Moon/Neptune conjunction encourages selflessness as we become aware of our spiritual nature. We can be easily influenced, compassionate and highly sensitive. The door to the inner sanctuary will swing open, and we may feel more receptive and child-like. The ocean of emotions may feel irresistibly gullible.

On a vibrational level, Neptune rules energy medicine, flower essences, color therapy, and all other forms of energy work. It also rules the Divine Heart of Nature and the incandescent aura of light only a flower in bloom can reveal. Imagine the shimmering sweetness of Neptune as it drinks in the fountain of light from the Moon. During the peak of the Full Moon on February 24th, 25th, and 26th, utilize this sheer magnetism to raise the bar on self-realization.

In spite of Neptune’s magical influences, stay alert. This Full Moon may feel overwhelming due to a mid point aspect with Jupiter. Jupiter will transit between the sun and the moon, creating a square to each. By tapping into core emotions, seek to harness raw energy through concentration and discernment, especially as it relates to an ability to stay clear of illusion.

The Full Moon in Virgo gives offers a chance to fulfill a desire to serve. This moon of servicer renders an invitation to move beyond glamour. In a sense, the Full Moon is like a Kind Maiden; a kind hearted energy aimed toward goodwill. One might imagine the fairy tale archetype of Snow White.

We can learn about the energy of the Full Moon through the wisdom of the Sabian Symbol at 8 degrees Virgo:
A Five Year Old Child Takes a First Dancing Lesson

Keynote: Learning to use one’s capacity for emotional self-expression according to cultural standards.

The Process of emotional experience under controlled situations is shown now to demand self-induced, active movement; yet the movements are still conditioned, if not totally determined, by cultural and thus collective patterns. The individual is still responsible to an outer authority yet new perspectives regarding individuation have become imminent.

In a sense, the child-consciousness is still dominated by outer circumstances, but if the child is ‘five years old,’ the implication is that he/she is entering the level of awareness represented by the number 5, the five-pointed star, which outlines the Potentiality of Initiation which may lead to mastery.

Thus, the Neptunian influence calls for sacrifice. In the modern world ‘sacrifice’ has lost its core meaning; to make life sacred. Ultimately, under the influence of the Full Moon, the individual may become more aware of the gift they wish to give to the world. This gift may very well be the dawning of a New Consciousness; the mindfulness found within the art of giving.

The energy of the Full Moon lasts for the next two weeks. Behold its beauty.

On a practical level, collect and organize your thoughts to achieve your dreams. Think about what is truly important in your life.

Tips to consider for February’s Full Moon:

Be selfless and build those around you up.

Understand your strengths and weaknesses to discover what you should work on and be open to learning and improving.

Organize your thoughts and align yourself with your goals to achieve them.

Don’t settle. Go for your deepest desires. When you are full of joy, others will benefit.

Wishing you kindness with each passing day.

Isha Lerner

New Moon (2/10/13)

New Moon (2/10/13)

Astrologer Isha Lerner offers an interpretation of the New and Full Moon phases each month. Please join us every couple of weeks for the latest guidance from the Great Lunar Goddess!  


New Moon in Aquarius: Chinese New Year 2013
By Isha Lerner

The first New Moon of the year signifies Chinese New Year in the Chinese Lunar Calendar. This year, February 10th, 2013, heralds in the Year of the Snake. For more information about the snake year, and how your Chinese animal sign will fare in this auspicious and reflective year, visit our guest blog written by Susan Levit.

The marriage between the first New Moon of the year and Chinese New Year creates a perfectly joyous time for wishing and dreaming. Imagine this potential for rebirth as a seed of the future, ripening as light grows from the inside out. Visualize the bright colors and orbs of golden lanterns adorning Chinese New Year as flowering potentials within your soul.

Enjoy the bounty of this coming week as the New Moon conjuncts Neptune and Venus and shine a light of dreamy sacredness into your heart. This Moon/Neptune conjunction may indicate illusion, escape, or denial. Don’t let this happen to you! Take the high road of Neptune conjunct the Moon and journey toward a clearer understanding of compassion, empathy, and concern for the welfare of others. Combined with lovely Venus, you are sure to feel LOVE; unconditional devotion toward the goodwill of the others.

On a personal level, do something special for yourself. Enjoy a special tarot or divination reading, cook a precious meal and eat by candle light, soak in a hot tub under the stars, purchase something sacred that will hold the energy of the year ahead, offer a gift to a loved one, or find a little red envelope and stuff it with trinkets and place it under someone’s pillow. The ideas for sharing are limitless, as is the energy of this bountiful New Moon in Aquarius.

Enjoy this Sabian Symbol associated with 22 degrees Aquarius written by Dane Rudhyar in ‘An Astrological Mandala.”

A RUG IS PLACED ON THE FLOOR OF A NURSERY TO ALLOW CHILDREN TO PLAY IN COMFORT AND WARMTH.

KEYNOTE: The warmth of understanding that comes to those who, early in life, are open to new possibilities.

We are never left without assistance when eagerly seeking to grow emotionally and spiritually. Even if one does not consciously realize the intent and value of what sustains self-development and cushions the shocks which life provides in a pursuit toward spiritual understanding.

Through a warm APPRECIATION of basic opportunities and even small comforts, we can safely and happily grow into personal maturity.

Also, there is a little glitch associated with this New Moon. The planet Saturn will square the Moon in the early morning, just as the New Moon blossoms into potential. The experience of emotion may burst open like a chrysalis of vulnerability, prompting the cleansing of anything left undone in 2012. Avoid the temptation to feel abandoned, left behind, or unloved. It’s all an illusion. We are never alone; even in our darkest hour.

Remember to honor the light in all you do and seek humble companionship with gratitude. By doing so, you will glow and grow into the sanctity of beauty your destiny offers. Take hold of this opportunity as it ushers you into the year.

All good wishes and the brightest of blessings,

Isha Lerner

Full Moon (1/26/13)

Full Moon (1/26/13)

Astrologer Isha Lerner offers an interpretation of the New and Full Moon phases each month. Please join us every couple of weeks for the latest guidance from the Great Lunar Goddess!  


The First Full Moon of 2013: Love and Unity Fill the Air
By Isha Lerner

The first Full Moon of 2013 is located at 8 degrees of Leo. I’m very moved by the prospects this conspicuous moon carries. Leo, ruled by the Sun, opposite the sign Aquarius, and connected to the Heart/Love energy, presents a juxtaposition of possibilities for the coming year.

The Sabian Symbol at 8 degrees Leo, presented in Dane Rudhyar’s ‘An Astrological Mandala,’ suggests a theme of chaos and revolution.

Keynote: The emotional and ideological attempt to return to a state of non-differentiation and chaos as a prelude to a new type of order.

Leo represents Love, Creative Expression, and Passion; the peak experience of Self Actualization through Personal Expression. Aquarius, on the other hand, is Rational, Mental, and Brilliant; the peak experience of Unity and Group Expression.

We have a coming together of collective ideals stemming from the passion of personal conviction. Individuals must now come together in unity to create the changes desperately needed in our world today. As Dane Rudhyar writes: “…ideally it could show how the vision of a cosmic order might heal the potential conflict between an obsolete Establishment and its challengers. The goal is reached through CATABOLIC ACTION.

I cannot help mention the current tragedy in Newtown, CT. (I can barely write about this tragedy, and I certainly will not trivialize the horror and pain of this event by connecting it with symbols and astrological analysis out of respect.) However, I want to mention the power of Leo, ruled by the Child. This tragedy strikes a deep chord within the collective mind wherein the loss of pure innocence will hopefully energize each of us to take whatever action needed to heal a deeply wounded society. With the moon in Leo, our hearts open wide, offering a vista of Love that is deep and true.

The Moon will create a sextile to Jupiter and a trine to Uranus throughout the coming week. Seek the inner voice of higher ideals and explore the ways you can put them into action. It’s ok to start with small steps. The road to change begins little by little, and, as passion swells, we find our way by remaining true to heart, rational, truthful, and focused on the big picture of Love.

This Full Moon is filled with promise if we dare to open the channels of our higher mind and infuse it with the heart.

 

New Moon (1/11/13)

New Moon (1/11/13)

Astrologer Isha Lerner offers an interpretation of the New and Full Moon phases each month. Please join us every couple of weeks for the latest guidance from the Great Lunar Goddess!  


Astrologer Isha Lerner offers an interpretation of the New and Full Moon phases each month. Please join us every couple of weeks for the latest guidance from the Great Lunar Goddess!

 

 

 

The First New Moon of 2013: A Flowering Potential
With Isha Lerner

The beginning of a New Year is sublime. The tendency is to predict, wish, hope and dream of peace, love, success, and health. It’s a time of vision. On the eve of 2013 I had my own vision for the New Year. It was of an unwrapped gift, shiny with silky ribbon, and brimming with surprise. I wanted to open it right away, however, it offered a reminder of patience for me; a symbol of surprise meant to be savored, treasured, and opened bit by bit.

We’ve arrived at a turning point; and patience is the key. For the first New Moon of 2013 I offer this quote due to the impeccable way it portrays patience:

“A New Moon teaches gradualness and deliberation and how one gives birth to oneself slowly. Patience with small details makes perfect a large work, like the universe."  ~Rumi

The New Moon can be likened to a flowering bulb, buried beneath the ground, receiving the nourishment that feeds its blossoming potential. Imagine yourself a flowering bulb, quenched by the forces of immeasurable prayers, wishes, blessings, and songs that have been offered to the Universe at the turn of the Year. On New Year's Eve humanity united with heart blessings that soften suffering, sweeten the bitter, and embrace the soul with bright hues of hope.

This New Moon in Capricorn offers vision with earnest Will. Capricorn represents the top of the mountain, the climb upward, and its gift the reward that arrives following hard work and perseverance. This New Beginning is blessed with the energy of focus, assisting us as we reach toward goals.

There is noble character in Capricorn; it can appear somber, even serious, in the way a child muscles his or her way toward accomplishments. Capricorn energy is wise, observant, keen eyed, and careful.

The Capricorn New Moon at 22 degrees carries profound wisdom through this Sabian symbol offered in Dane Rudhyar’s “An Astrological Mandala.” Its provocative tone assures patience, hope, and endurance. It suggests we look farther down the path, beyond what has been lost, damaged, or failed, and focus on the precious future blossoming during these unprecedented times.

Capricorn 22 degrees: By Accepting Defeat Gracefully, A General Reveals Nobility of Character.

Keynote: The realization that one may grow through defeat as well as, and perhaps more than, through success.

This symbol presents the possibility of turning apparent external defeat into an inner spiritual achievement.

Much depends on the quality of the will and the inner integrity of the person. We find what seems to be a paradox, but the spiritual life is always paradoxical. What matters most always is Inner Strength.

Mercury is conjunct this New Moon, placing emphasis on mental strategy. Using the game of chess as metaphor, contemplate your next move. Surround yourself with allies and position against strife and defeat. Keep dreams alive, reflect on the consequence of motive and choice, and remain firmly grounded within your ideals. Time will heal and bless all things.

Take a relaxing deep breath, perhaps a long walk, and kindly salute all you have accomplished thus far. The road is wide and open, full of potential for the coming year. Allow the first New Moon of 2013 to settle and soothe your mind as the year begins to unfold. A cup of tea with a good friend would be a lovely way to greet the New Moon.

With love,
Isha Lerner

Full Moon (12/28/12)

Full Moon (12/28/12)

Astrologer Isha Lerner offers an interpretation of the New and Full Moon phases each month. Please join us every couple of weeks for the latest guidance from the Great Lunar Goddess!  


Astrologer Isha Lerner offers an interpretation of the New and Full Moon phases each month. Please join us every couple of weeks for the latest guidance from the Great Lunar Goddess!

 

 

 

The Last Full Moon of 2012
A Stimulus to Growth
By Isha Lerner

I have always found the Sabian Symbol at 8 degrees Cancer interesting and provocative, offering advice I was given early in life, and proven to be effective when I remember to use it. In simple terms, the message suggests to ‘act as if,’ and carry on in life as if we have already become our dream. For instance, if we wish for peace, or love, or happiness, for others or for Self, see it done. Be the peace…be the love… be the happiness…today. In this Fashion, we imitate higher virtues of Universal Love mirrored to humanity through archetypal images such as Buddha, Christ, Goddesses of Every Kind, Mother Mary, etc. These virtuous images serve as the guiding principles of Love that shape the inner core of Divinity, Service, Love and Peace. In this spirit, the last full moon cycle of 2012 offers profound and uplifting guidance for the world. The Sabian Symbol at 8 degrees Cancer gives us a clue to the future:

A Group of Rabbits Dressed in Human Clothes Walk As If On Parade

Keynote: The tendency in all forms of life to imitate higher forms as a stimulus to growth.

This rather strange symbol points to what is essential in all first attempts at developing consciousness and furthering one’s growth through association with those who have already reached a superior evolutionary or mental level. Every seeker looks for an “Exemplar.” In Japan the music student sits in front of the teacher playing an instrument, and carefully imitates his or her every gesture.

At this stage we witness an advanced quest for knowledge and follow along with an earnest quest to give Love and Goodwill to planet earth and beyond.

The Cancer Full Moon is in full regalia with a polarity to planet Pluto. This aspect will catalyze emotions toward the surface. This experience can be especially powerful at the end of the holiday season when families who have come together may reenergize collective patterns and family issues. Pluto digs deep, so be prepared just in case something has boiled up inside of you. Find the place where you may be able to let it go, throw the old emotion into the fires of Pluto’s healing energy, and offer the gift of kindness and freedom to exercise your individuality to yourself.

Also, the Moon Trine Saturn offers a push to help us improve ourselves, be the best we can in all situations, and over lights us with commanding focus and order. Get to tasks and try not to feel pressure. Take it easy.

The Winter Solstice has passed and the days will regain light for the New Year is almost here. Remember… you are the light of your own Universe. The Full Moon in Cancer will light the way as we feel our way into 2013; hopefully washed with the purifying waters of our emotions that heal and cleanse the Heart of Humanity.

Be the Love…

Warmly,
Isha Lerner

New Moon (12/13/12)

New Moon (12/13/12)

Astrologer Isha Lerner offers an interpretation of the New and Full Moon phases each month. Please join us every couple of weeks for the latest guidance from the Great Lunar Goddess!    


Astrologer Isha Lerner offers an interpretation of the New and Full Moon phases each month. Please join us every couple of weeks for the latest guidance from the Great Lunar Goddess!  

 

 

 

The Last New Moon of 2012/December 13th

Empowerment of Individuation

By Isha Lerner

The best feature about the New Moon cycle is Rebirth.

The theme of rebirth has been hugely discussed in 2012 and due to reach the pinnacle of potential on December 21, 2012, a well-publicized date described by some as a spiritual frenzy; for others, a momentous tipping point for humanity.

The New Moon is the darkest phase of the Moon and marks the beginning of a two-week period when the Moon moves away from the Sun and increases in light. As the light increases, the potential to fulfill our dreams is cultivated, and the inner seeds of wisdom that have been planted during the New Moon cycle seek light, take root, and blossom toward the promise of illumination.

No matter where you are or what you are focusing on during this New Moon, seek to identify the signs, the hints, and the messages that may lead you toward greater purpose as you prepare for the last Full Moon on December 28th, 2012.

I’ve been sensing buoyancy in the air, and I have to admit, I didn’t expect to feel this way. Perhaps it’s because I knew I’d be traversing my second Saturn Return this autumn and into 2013, braced for all saturnine stuff that invokes transition at the deepest level. Yes, I feel change, including the deep soul searching associated with an arising Self Awareness, however, I’m enjoying the ride immensely and feel uplifted from within. It’s a great surprise and I love it.

I’m not the only one with these feelings and perhaps you share them as well. I want to write a few keynotes that correspond to this New Moon so you can read their simplicity and apply what you wish to your own life, perhaps clearing space for an increased dynamic of Self Realization. Ponder the ways you may take simple steps toward a new foundation of health, confidence, and light-filled happiness. For instance, I've decided to drink more water for the next two weeks as a way to cleanse my system, take more flower essences so that the water may imprint into my new hopes and dreams, and dance. What might you do as a way to utilize this magnetic energy?

Keynotes for New Moon in Sagittarius:

Embody the eccentric and unique waves of inspiration flowing though out the universe. These waves are accentuated by the Uranus/Moon square and direct motion of Uranus on the day of the New Moon. Uranus represents individuality, surprise, revolution, liberation, and awakening. Now is the time to move forward with your own unique destiny.

Find ways to resolve feelings of alienation, separation, or loneliness. These energies are holding humanity back. Accept the life you have chosen and make the very best of your opportunity to experience joy so you may experience your brilliance. Empower the gift of your own Light.

Do not succumb to the ways of old patterns. Self-Containment is the key. Be strong and clarify the values that define your Truest Self. What a joy to be free of expectations and judgments of others.

Find humor and goodwill in all endeavors.

I decided to choose a tarot card for the New Moon, concentrating on the force of love that guides us forward. I asked for a clear message of guidance during this last phase of 212. The card I pulled was The Fool, the tarot card ruled by the planet Uranus. With a cosmic wink to the heavens, I felt reassured that we are definitely on an unprecedented journey toward unknown, and yet to be discovered, regions of new knowledge, creativity, inspiration, intuition, and pure radiance. Take the leap forward and enjoy the flight, and you will, I am certain, find your way.

Brightest Love to All!  

 

Rebirth into Unity Consciousness

By Tara Faulkner

The New Moon on Thursday, December 13, 2012, takes place in the context of a powerful, month-long Finger of God formation beginning four days prior on December 9 and continuing through January 9, 2013. As I have written elsewhere (http://www.ishalerner.com/blog_1/?p=480), this configuration has profound implications for a collective rebirth during the Holy Days of 2012.

For those of you not familiar with the Finger of God, it is typically understood as a Yahweh-type finger pointing in the direction of whatever planetary energies it seeks to emphasize. However, my sense is that it actually functions more like a birth canal of the Great Mother Goddess, and what is being born through the Great Mother into our human realm of experience during this New Moon phase is the highest possible expression of the combined planetary energies of Saturn (grounding and stability), Pluto (deep transformation), Jupiter (spiritual wisdom and blessings) and Venus (love).

To continue with the rebirth metaphor, the New Moon and Sun at 27+ degrees Scorpio (sidereal) are situated at the womb end of the birth canal, adding their own energies of rebirth (New Moon) and illumination (Sun), as they emerge from the depths of the Plutonic Underworld, ultimately into the clear light of Unity Consciousness.

The Sabian Symbol for this New Moon placement reflects the inexorable movement toward unification:

Keynote: The capacity to recognize and pay homage to a Unifying Principle at the core of all existence.

Beyond both outer nature and the realm of the proud ego, a spiritual world exists to which the intuitive consciousness of humankind can pay allegiance. In that world, all manifested entities are seen as aspects of a central Power of Consciousness. It is just such a central Principle of Unity that human societies have sought to revere symbolically in human, all-too-human Kings. In an individual sense, this principle is the Self. At this stage, the presence of a spiritually Unifying factor begins to be sensed by the individual perhaps weary of the outer shows of his culture. An INNER ALLEGIANCE to this Unifying factor begins to galvanize one’s consciousness.

If you feel as if you’re being squeezed in a vice right now, by forces that seem to press in upon you from the outside, please try to remember that this is what birth feels like from the vantage point of the one being born. You might also console yourself with the fact that the birth canal does not go on indefinitely. There is, after all, a moment or birth, when the pressure suddenly subsides and you are finally able to take a deep breath and relax into the light.

Also, it might be helpful to remind yourself that you are not doing this alone. We are all in the throes of the birth process, collectively as a species, at this time. Imagine the huge sense of relief and exaltation when we all take a deep breath together and relax into the warmth of Unity Consciousness en masse. Having faith that such a moment will occur in the not too distant future can help make the present contractions bearable, even therapeutic and redemptive.

Blessings to All…

 

Full Moon (11/28/12)

Full Moon (11/28/12)

Isha Lerner and Tara Faulkner, coauthors of the book The Triple Goddess Tarot, have once again joined forces on behalf of the Triple Goddess, with this bi-weekly report highlighting New Moon and Full Moon phases from both Western and Vedic perspectives.  

Astrologers Isha Lerner and Tara Faulkner join forces to offer their complementary interpretations of the New and Full Moon phases each month – Isha from the Western perspective, Tara from the Vedic. Isha’s approach draws upon thirty years in her practice of Western astrology. Tara’s approach employs the ancient Vedic system of 27 “Lunar Mansions” (each 13 1/3 degrees wide) which are oriented primarily around the stars (sidereal), the constellations and our Galactic Center. Please join us every couple of weeks for the latest guidance from the Great Lunar Goddesses of both Western and Eastern traditions.  

 

A Potential Garden of Eden on Earth

By Tara Faulkner

A partial Lunar Eclipse on Wednesday, November 28, 2012, coincides with the exact moment of the Full Moon at 12+ degrees Taurus (sidereal), just two weeks after the Total Solar Eclipse of November 13, during a revolutionary New Moon in the latter degrees of Libra.

This Solar/Lunar Eclipse dynamic-duo pairing symbolizes a one-two punch – or more appropriately, the one-two step of a beautifully orchestrated dance – in evolutionary terms. Both types of eclipses mark significant transformations, endings or culmination points in our lives, with Solar Eclipses facilitating shifts in our left-brain rational, practical, everyday lives and Lunar Eclipses facilitating shifts in our right-brain creative, emotional lives and souls. This latter type of transformation bubbles up from deep within the unconscious at both individual and collective levels.

Adding to the Lunar emphasis on unpacking one’s emotional baggage, the November 28 Full Moon Eclipse happens to be squaring Neptune, the watery planet of dreamscapes, mysticism and the depths of the unconscious, and Chiron, the asteroid symbolizing the Wounded Healer and one’s higher purpose.

Consider the Sabian Symbol for the Full Moon at 12+ degrees Taurus (sidereal):

A Porter Carrying Heavy Baggage

The individual is now integrated in a social pattern. He has to carry a load – perhaps a load of debts following an ambitious buying spree, or some other social burden. He is the strong man, the man of ambition, who has to take care of the inward turned “woman” aspect of his consciousness, the aspect that seeks to grow a beautiful “garden” of individual selfhood.

The Masculine Principle within each of us is being asked to turn profoundly inward at this time in service to the Wounded Feminine Principle (wounded because She has been submerged in the deep unconscious for the past 5,000 years) so that we might heal on both individual and collective levels, in order to co-create a beautiful garden of the soul, a Garden of Eden on Earth.

In this regard, there is something even more significant happening in the Full Moon/ Lunar Eclipse chart for November 28, 2012: A very tight Finger of God configuration pointing directly at the Moon, with the opposing Sun at its Activation Point, plus Saturn/Venus and Mars/Pluto on either side of the classic Y formation.

What does all this mean? The Finger of God (or the Goddess, in this case) is also known as the Finger of Fate or the Finger of Destiny. It points to the potential for a dramatic shift in consciousness to occur, seemingly against all odds. As astrologer, Wayne Moody, recently explained (in his podcast To Dream the Impossible Dream…), it’s a potent symbol of hope, inspiring us to set our cynicism aside, to begin tilting at windmills in earnest, To Dream the Impossible Dream, with the innocent Beginner’s Mind of a Don Quixote.

When you consider which planets are involved in this particular Finger of God/dess, the picture is complete. Saturn, the planet of karma, responsibility and grounding, is conjoined with Venus, the planet of personal love, values and justice. Mars, the planet of will and vitality, is conjoined with Pluto, the planet of profound, transpersonal transformation. Finally, the Sun, the planet of the Illumined Masculine Self, acts in service to the Moon, the Soulful Feminine Self, associated with deep emotion and the unconscious.

The combined Solar and Lunar Eclipses of mid and late November, 2012, do, indeed, provide a window of opportunity for the co-creation of Heaven on Earth.

 

The Maturation of Emotion and Love By Isha Lerner

Each month the full moon offers an abundance of light that infiltrates the darkened hues of emotion. This particular Lunar Eclipse Full Moon over lights humanity with a grand opportunity for healing and emotional maturation; a fundamental quality of refinement needed as humanity enters a pinnacle of rebirth. In my interactions with a global community, a common thread of concern is expressed as we approach 2013. Most individuals are experiencing a pull toward deep transition; a feeling that is ruthless and unyielding, yet equally uplifting and enchanting. This new energy asks the individual to thrust their soul into the light of a newly birthed consciousness and to hold on to the promise of faith. The light of this full moon is an ally to our quest for wholeness; a flash light onto the map of our destiny, clearing the way for new visions and aspirations. This energy supports the process of personal reflection, healing, clarity, and truth. The dysfunction of emotion may be cleared as we traverse through this passage, making way for a healthy emotional body free from suffering. We are blessed with an opportunity to ‘let go’ and celebrate the virtues of life on earth. The Sabian Symbol for this potent Full Moon offers an amazing message for humanity, suggesting we rise to the call of this momentous occasion of rebirth and emotional maturation.

7 degrees Gemini: A WELL WITH BUCKET AND ROPE UNDER THE SHADE OF MAJESTIC TREES

Keynote: Man’s primordial faith in the hidden sustaining power of life.

In contrast with the ambitious drive for power and wealth we now have the image of the eternal search for that which is at the root of all living processes, i.e. water. This search also demands some effort-raising the water filled bucket-but it is a simple natural effort under the shade of trees which attest to the presence of the life-giving fluid.

The symbol implies A Fundamental Trust In And Cooperation With Life.

This Sabian symbol mirrors beautifully all that humanity must conjure from the deep well of wisdom that lies within the core of being. Our task is urgent; we must go to the well that resides within and pull forth the waters of the soul. This rope may very well represent the Will of the Soul that retrieves and nourishes from within. During this Full Moon cycle and the two weeks that follow, seek attention to all realms of communication. Ask yourself, are you straightforward, honest, and precise with intention? Do you project onto others out of habit or fear? Is your emotional body healthy, mature, and balanced? This Lunar Eclipse will surely guide your way if you wish to ride the wave of its heavenly influence for it represents the beginning of a great healing for humanity. The Sabian Symbol for the sun opposing the moon at 7 degrees Sagittarius offers another aspect of our well being and healing. It pertains to the matters of the heart and unconditional devotion to the mastery of Love.

7 degrees Sagittarius: CUPID KNOCKS AT THE DOOR OF A HUMAN HEART.

Keynote: A Stirring-up of individual longing for romantic love.

This symbol refers to what one might call a personal initiation through an ideal love. Far from being related to social value, ideal love tends to exalt individual characteristics in that it glorifies what seems able to fill poignant and often unconscious needs.

What is implied is a challenge to Emotional Rebirth.

This is a threshold into 2013 with opportunity for keen concentration on the pulse of living and loving well.

With heart,

Isha Lerner

 

New Moon (11/13/12)

New Moon (11/13/12)

Isha Lerner and Tara Faulkner, coauthors of the book The Triple Goddess
Tarot, have once again joined forces on behalf of the Triple Goddess,
with this bi-weekly report highlighting New Moon and Full Moon phases
from both Western and Vedic perspectives.


Astrologers Isha Lerner and Tara Faulkner join forces to offer their complementary interpretations of the New and Full Moon phases each month – Isha from the Western perspective, Tara from the Vedic. Isha’s approach draws upon thirty years in her practice of Western astrology. Tara’s approach employs the ancient Vedic system of 27 “Lunar Mansions” (each 13 1/3 degrees wide) which are oriented primarily around the stars (sidereal), the constellations and our Galactic Center. Please join us every couple of weeks for the latest guidance from the Great Lunar Goddesses of both Western and Eastern traditions.  

 

Super Moon: Rebirth Through the Cosmic Portal

By Tara Faulkner

The New Moon on November 13, 2012, at 2:08 p.m. PST, is an especially potent time of rebirth for the human species for several reasons:

1)      It marks the “Lunar Samhain,” or All Hallow’s Eve, of the ancient, Goddess-oriented, thirteen-month Lunar Calendar. Samhain ritualizes and celebrates the beginning of the descent into the darkness of the Earth/Womb, which reaches it greatest depth at the time of the Winter Solstice on December 21. Samhain is a magical time when the veil is parted between this world and the Otherworld and we are able to access our deepest possible knowing, whether through the use of divination tools (such as Astrology, Tarot, or the I Ching, etc.), or directly through our Third Eye of Inner Sight.

2)      It coincides with a total Solar Eclipse just five minutes after the exact moment of the New Moon, marking a crucial tipping point that is sure to hasten our metamorphosis into a higher and deeper order of being (which some are calling Homo Luminous) by creating space for new patterns to take root deep within the collective field of awareness and providing countless opportunities to release the grief we all carry over our collective loss of connection to the Source of all knowing and unconditional love.

3)      It falls at 27+ degrees of Libra (sidereal), with the following very beautiful and uplifting Sabian Symbol:

A Man Becoming Aware of Spiritual Forces Surrounding and Assisting Him

Keynote: The realization, at any level of existence, that one is never alone, and that the “community” – visible or invisible – is sustaining one’s efforts.

Every individualized organism is part of a larger organized whole, whether or not it is aware of this or of the sustaining power of the whole. A man, however, can deliberately choose to follow the dark path of ego-isolation, which sooner or later always leads to destruction and self-loss in “matter.” At the animal level, the whole biosphere is the community; for the ordinary human being, it is the tribe or the family, the village community, the nation. As the individual expands his consciousness, he may become aware of a spiritual community, even beyond the “noosphere” (the one Mind of humanity), i.e. the realm of pure light of the “Supermind.”

To the man who has ever so little transcended the world of conflicts, and, for a moment at least, experienced the oneness of all existence, this stage should bring the realization of “belonging” to a greater whole. This produces a state of INNER ASSURANCE.

 

Full Moon (10/29/12)

Full Moon (10/29/12)

Isha Lerner and Tara Faulkner, coauthors of the book The Triple Goddess Tarot, have once again joined forces on behalf of the Triple Goddess, with this bi-weekly report highlighting New Moon and Full Moon phases from both Western and Vedic perspectives.    


Astrologers Isha Lerner and Tara Faulkner join forces to offer their complementary interpretations of the New and Full Moon phases each month – Isha from the Western perspective, Tara from the Vedic. Isha’s approach draws upon thirty years in her practice of Western astrology. Tara’s approach employs the ancient Vedic system of 27 “Lunar Mansions” (each 13 1/3 degrees wide) which are oriented primarily around the stars (sidereal), the constellations and our Galactic Center. Please join us every couple of weeks for the latest guidance from the Great Lunar Goddesses of both Western and Eastern traditions.

 

Root Knowledge Blossoming into Nonviolent Revolution

By Tara Faulkner

As is always the case, the Full Moon on Monday, October 29, 2012, occurs exactly in the middle of a lunar cycle that began with a New Moon two weeks prior, bringing to fruition, or fullness, the essential energy of that New Moon. So, just to review, the Sabian Symbol for the New Moon on Monday, October 15, 2012, at 28+ degrees Virgo (sidereal), described a crucial revolutionary moment during which the inertia of the past could be overcome, obsolete structures toppled and the foundation for a collective rebirth established, as long as ROOT KNOWLEDGE was sought with “undeviating determination” on a global scale.

The Full Moon on October 29, at 12+ degrees Aries (sidereal), forms a beautiful 120 degree angle, or trine, with Pluto, which is exactly conjunct the Ascendant, or birth moment, in the Full Moon chart. Since Pluto is the planet associated with revolution, this configuration does indeed symbolize a revolutionary birth moment flowering into full bloom. Synchronistically, within two hours of the exact Full Moon at 3:49 pm EDT, Hurricane Sandy made landfall on the East coast of the US, striking the heart of the US financial center in New York City and bringing in its wake what promises to be one of the biggest storms in US history.

Astonishingly, the Sabian Symbol for this Full Moon placement further develops the theme of revolution:

An Unexploded Bomb Reveals an Unsuccessful Social Protest

Keynote: An immature evaluation of the possibility of suddenly transforming the status quo.

The symbol pictures the result of a particular attempt to resolve the conflict between two concept-feelings of order. Resolution by violence fails because the ego-power at this stage of the process of individuation is far too strong. “The State” thwarts attempts at popular revolution because these are premature expressions of a consciousness which is not free, but can only react “wildly” to constraint and to a central ruling power. It is thus a symbol of immature refusal to conform, in the name of an over-idealistic desire for harmony and peace.  A negative attempt at reconciling the spiritual ideal and the very earthly reality, denying the validity of the latter. It suggests ADOLESCENT FRUSTRATION.

This Sabian Symbol is, perhaps, a cautionary tale, underscoring the need to seek ROOT KNOWLEDGE with undeviating determination, rather than act impulsively, from a relatively superficial and out-of-balance place within ourselves. The message seems clear: only a revolution conceived and executed in the true spirit of nonviolent harmony and peace will succeed.

 

New Moon (10/15/12)

New Moon (10/15/12)

Isha Lerner and Tara Faulkner, coauthors of the book The Triple Goddess Tarot, have once again joined forces on behalf of the Triple Goddess, with this bi-weekly report highlighting New Moon and Full Moon phases from both Western and Vedic perspectives.  

Astrologers Isha Lerner and Tara Faulkner join forces to offer their complementary interpretations of the New and Full Moon phases each month – Isha from the Western perspective, Tara from the Vedic. Isha’s approach draws upon thirty years in her practice of Western astrology. Tara’s approach employs the ancient Vedic system of 27 “Lunar Mansions” (each 13 1/3 degrees wide) which are oriented primarily around the stars (sidereal), the constellations and our Galactic Center. Please join us every couple of weeks for the latest guidance from the Great Lunar Goddesses of both Western and Eastern traditions.

 

Happy New Moon Everyone!

The Sabian Symbol for the New Moon at 23 degrees Libra is:

Chanticleer’s Voice Heralds Sunrise

Keynote: A creative and joyous response to life processes.

The last full moon was potent and energetically charged with an aspect to the Uranus square Pluto. Over the past few weeks you may have explored the ways from which you respond to challenge, be it within yourself or with others. If you’ve had the urge to bust down the barriers of limitation, see through illusions, and shine with new hope, you’re not alone. The air is thick with change; it’s palpable.

This raw energetic force affects children as much as adults….so, those of you with little ones…remember to honor patience. Their sensitive little bodies are moving with the rhythm of this new energy as well.

This New Moon is conjunct the fixed star Spica in the constellation of Virgo. This is the brightest star in the sky and is said to offer the brilliance and creativity. During the darkened hours of the moon in the next week remember to tune into the bright light of Spica. Your deepest wishes and hopes are germinating now and the luminosity of the heavens showers into your dreams with light filled radiance.

New Moon in Libra is just the right time to magically attune to your dreams regarding relationship and love. The New Moon cycle is a perfect time to set an intention with the visions of what is yet to come. I love this time of the month…I feel as though a fresh opportunity is possible.

Libra, ruled by the planet Venus, and conjunct Spica, offer that extra push to explore the realm of love and can assist as you move ever closer to the ultimate union with Heart and Soul. Also, don’t forget to listen to the birds and take a moment to adore the earth.

With love,
Isha Lerner

 

Root Knowledge: A Crucial Evolutionary/Revolutionary Moment
By Tara Faulkner

The essential energy of this New Moon phase, beginning just before dawn on Monday, October 15, will prevail for an entire lunar month until the early afternoon of Tuesday, November 13 PST. This time frame includes the Presidential election on Tuesday, November 6, here in the US, of course, so it seems especially significant that the Sabian Symbol for the New Moon & Sun placement (28+ degrees Virgo (sidereal)) speaks of a crucial revolutionary moment when it becomes possible to “reach the other shore” – a Buddhist reference to enlightenment – as long as ROOT KNOWLEDGE is sought with “undeviating determination” by each of us in our own way. The inertia of the past can be overcome, obsolete structures toppled and the foundation for a global rebirth established.

In his book An Astrological Mandala: The Cycle of Transformations and its 360 Symbolic Phases, esoteric astrologer, Dane Rudhyar, characterizes the Sabian Symbol for this New Moon placement in the following way:

A Seeker After Occult Knowledge is Reading an Ancient Scroll Which Illumines His Mind

Keynote: After a crisis one should seek to realize the renewed consciousness with the primordial Revelation of the Truth of Humankind.

Any revolutionary movement, once it has succeeded in overcoming the inertia of the past and in toppling obsolete structures, needs to tap the most essential realities of what humankind represents and signifies in the universal Order; or else it merely reembodies in a superficially altered manner the very things it has destroyed. This is the crucial moment. In occultism the “Pattern of Man” is an archetypal Power that may be contacted. It must be sought with undeviating determination. After each revolutionary crisis this Pattern and this Power can be contacted – always the same, yet at each cycle perceivable in a different light.

This symbol presents us with the technique required to “reach the other shore.” But each individual, and each group or racial unit, must come in its own way to the ROOT KNOWLEDGE which provides the only safe foundation for rebirth.

May we each dig down to the roots of our own deepest knowing, allowing our actions in the world to flower from that primordial source.


Full Moon (9/29/12)

Full Moon (9/29/12)

Isha Lerner and Tara Faulkner, coauthors of the book The Triple Goddess Tarot, have once again joined forces on behalf of the Triple Goddess, with this bi-weekly report highlighting New Moon and Full Moon phases from both Western and Vedic perspectives.  

Astrologers Isha Lerner and Tara Faulkner join forces to offer their complementary interpretations of the New and Full Moon phases each month – Isha from the Western perspective, Tara from the Vedic. Isha’s approach draws upon thirty years in her practice of Western astrology. Tara’s approach employs the ancient Vedic system of 27 “Lunar Mansions” (each 13 1/3 degrees wide) which are oriented primarily around the stars (sidereal), the constellations and our Galactic Center. Please join us every couple of weeks for the latest guidance from the Great Lunar Goddesses of both Western and Eastern traditions.

A Call to Nature’s Wisdom
By Isha Lerner

The Harvest Moon on September 29th, 2012 represents the gathering of potentials as we continue our earnest pursuit toward renewal, transformation, and self-realization. As we move ahead, one step at a time, our personal actions  have a profound effect on social, spiritual, political, and ecological consciousness in the world. We are given an amazing opportunity to reap the harvest of a dedicated journey toward Awakening. In a recent Facebook post I mentioned that I had been experiencing a Love Affair with Planet Earth. While hiking in nature and viewing the wispy white moon in the sky, I’ve become enchanted with the moon's changing shape as it cycles each month. In awe, I’ve been reminded of the graceful way in which nature lets go and changes without resistance, and how it serves as a mirror to Humanity; reflecting The Way of Wisdom. while demonstrating a peaceful solution regarding change. If we allow change to occur with ease and non-resistance, transformation happens naturally.


Sabian Symbol for the Full Moon at 7+º Aries

A Large Woman’s Hat With Streamers Blown by the East Wind

Keynote: Protection and spiritual guidance in the development of consciousness.

The east wind is a representation of Eastern philosophies and spiritual teachings that have been with us for centuries. The eastern wind reflects humanity’s flow toward spiritual awakening as we adapt to new and subtle forces at work within the Soul. Attitudes shift as our Collective Mind (represented by the wind) succumbs to the unsettling forces of unpredictable energies that may feel disturbing or irritating. In fairy tale lore, a hat symbolizes the constructs of consciousness and its color, form, and other characteristics determine the messages brought forward by its metaphor.

In the Sabian symbol the hat is adorned with streamers, acting as forces reaching out and extending with the wind. It's important to note, however, that the streamers are attached to a hat. In order to feel protected, our current need for extension and movement toward change may still require the comfort of known structures from the past. The Large Woman’s Hat may be a symbol of the thought forms of the past, and the body of wisdom we embody i.e. A Large Woman. We may be reminded to review our attachments and to discern our actions. In doing so, our ability to let go and fly freely toward new horizons is simplified.


Allow spirit to guide you as the profound aspects of this Full Moon hold court for the next month and into the New Year. This month the Uranus square Pluto aspect corresponds with the Moon’s influences. Carefully examine your motives, remain flexible, let love to be your guide, stay focused on your dreams, and investigate ways to achieve your highest destiny. This can be the best time of our lives! If we remain calm and centered we can allow the shifting energies of the heavens to work on our behalf. We must seek to remain mindful and avoid negative thinking, stay smart, and most importantly, be love.

Enjoy the beauty of the Harvest Moon! It illuminates a beautiful orange/yellow glow in the early evening sky.

With love,
Isha Lerner


Big Bang Mojo for Global Revolution/Evolution

By Tara Faulkner

The Full Moon this month on 9.29.1929 has major mojo. I can literally feel the intensely transformative energy pulsating toward me as I sit contemplating the symbols associated with it. In fact, every time I look at this chart, I reflexively start to avert my eyes because it feels like I’m looking directly at an explosion: a Big Bang encompassing the entire solar system. First of all, numerologically-speaking, the timing of this Full Moon, 9.29.1929, at 8:19 pm PDT, includes not one, not two, not three, not four, but five 9s, the number of karmic completion, so expect major karmic cycles to come to an endpoint for you on this day of lunar ripeness. Secondly, this Full Moon’s astrological chart reveals a massively powerful and very tightly configured T-Square with the Moon and Uranus exactly conjunct in mid-Scorpio (sidereal), Pluto in mid-Sagittarius and the Sun in mid-Virgo. Uranus and Pluto are doing their revolutionary/evolutionary dance together through the Spring of 2015, so much so that if we could see 2 ½ years into the future, we would not recognize the radically altered world in which we will soon find ourselves. Now imagine these two transpersonal giants (not necessarily in size but in stature) drawing the Sun and Full Moon into their Mother Kali-like dance for a quick kiss on the cheek and a jolt of pure kundalini life force energy.

A summary of the Sabian Symbols for these four planetary placements serves to deepen the story. See for yourself:

Uranus (13 Scorpio): An Inventor Performs a Laboratory Experiment

Keynote: The driving urge toward achievement, which is at the root of civilization.

One must go to the roots of problems of interpersonal or international relations.

Moon (14 Scorpio): Telephone Lineman At Work Installing New Connections

Keynote: The need to establish new channels of communication

The growth of community feeling among separated human beings requires the development of constantly more complex means of interchanging feelings and ideas.

Pluto (13 Sagittarius): A Widow’s Past is Brought to Light

Keynote: The karma of past actions as it affects opportunities presented by a new cycle.

Once a cycle of activity is concluded, much that was unclear or unconsciously motivated can now more easily come to the clear consciousness of mind. It is possible to joyously herald the dawn from high above the actual stresses of existence.

Sun (14 Virgo): An Aristocratic Family Tree

Keynote: A deep reliance upon the ancestral roots of individual character

The power available to any individual in times of crisis and decision has very deep roots in the past.

The Sun, Uranus and Pluto symbols highlight the need to get to the absolute root of the challenges we face, as well as to draw upon the strengths we have cultivated in the past, both on an individual or global scale, in order to arrive at the clearest and most comprehensive understanding of how to move forward from here. From this foundation, the Full Moon symbol describes the need to develop increasingly open and complex channels of communication (possibly through the internet?).

On a personal note, 9.29.1929 happens to be my father’s birthday. He would have been 83 years old on this day had he lived this long. Instead, he died 45 years ago at the age of 38. His shocking, untimely death was a major catalyst for growth among my siblings and me and my mother. The tragedy of it has been gradually composted over the years into a great blessing for each of us, in terms of our spiritual development and capacity for compassion. In a similar way, perhaps, this Full Moon will be a very significant catalyst for the human race. I pray we each do the inner work necessary to transform its potentially shocking, Big Bang force into one of the greatest blessings of our collective life as a species.

 

New Moon (9/15/12)

New Moon (9/15/12)

Isha Lerner and Tara (McKinney) Faulkner, coauthors of the book The Triple Goddess Tarot, have once again joined forces on behalf of the Triple Goddess, with this bi-weekly report highlighting New Moon and Full Moon phases from both Western and Vedic perspectives.

 


Transparency and Innocence Prevail in the End

By Tara Faulkner

On a personal note, the New Moon is always a very powerful time of new beginnings, a time to wipe the slate clean and start afresh, to shed one’s cocoon of self-imposed limitations and finally emerge as a butterfly into the life you are meant to live. Whatever you’ve been holding onto lately (or perhaps for a long time now) that has been getting in your way, this would be a great time to finish composting its toxic residue on all levels and let it go. Start by writing your own version of the Emancipation Proclamation. Clearly state your intention to be completely free of all self-defeating thoughts and behaviors. Describe in detail your vision for a new, more authentic, fulfilling life, then ritualize it in some way. Create a beautiful treasure map of your future and hang it on the wall above your bed. Make a delicious pie filled with your most heartfelt feelings of gratitude for the new life being birthed through you, then host a party and serve it to your loved ones on a silver platter. Write an inspired poem of remembering who you truly are and always have been, then reduce it to a tiny piece of paper, roll it up and slide it into a balloon (of the biodegradable variety), inflate with helium and release into the heavens!

Collectively, this month’s New Moon (September 15, 7:11 pm PDT) seems uncannily on target and potentially very positive for the pre-election season here in the United States. And, for those of you outside the US, this could be good news for you, as well, since whatever happens in the US has a significant impact on the rest of the world, for better or worse. The Sabian Symbol message is clear and consistent from both the New Moon’s sidereal and western placements: Everything that is currently being concealed in the shadows, will soon come to light, presumably within the next 28+ days of the lunar cycle. Transparency and innocence will prevail in the end, for the greater good of all.

The Sabian Symbol for 29+ degrees Leo (sidereal system) reads in part:

An Unsealed Letter

Keynote: The realization by the individual that all thoughts and all messages are inevitably to the shared with all people.

The unsealed letter contains a public message in the sense that when humankind has reached the stage of true spiritual maturity, we actually become participants in the one mind of humanity. Nothing can really be hidden, except superficially and for a brief time. What anyone thinks and deeply realizes becomes the property of all. Nothing can remain permanently “sealed.” Communication and SHARING must always prevail over the will to glorify one’s self by claiming sole possession of ideas and information.

The Sabian Symbol for 23+ degrees Virgo (western system) is described as follows:

Mary and Her Little Lamb

Keynote: The need to keep a vibrant and pure simplicity at the core of one’s being as one meets the many tests of existence.

Though great, spectacular and resolute efforts are needed in order to achieve one’s higher goals of destiny, still the essential quality, as one journeys on “the Path,” is a pure, spontaneous, fresh and nonviolent approach to all encounters. Without such a deep, heartfelt simplicity the seeker after spiritual experiences or Initiation is bound to find himself glamorized by his own successes, and to see his ego feeding on the drama of struggle and victory. The individual whose innocence is fixed upon spiritual realization should genuinely radiate INNOCENCE.

As is the case with any New Moon, the Sun is exactly conjuncting the Moon, so please keep in mind that the Sabian Symbols above are doubly true at this time, plus not only do they describe the basic archetypal energies impacting our emotional bodies and soulful, introspective qualities (Moon), they also describe the energies impacting our overall sense of self/Self and our egoic natures (Sun).

So, please stay tuned and tuned in. More will be revealed.

Full Moon (8/31/12)

Full Moon (8/31/12)

Isha Lerner and Tara (McKinney) Faulkner, coauthors of the book The Triple Goddess Tarot, have once again joined forces on behalf of the Triple Goddess, with this bi-weekly report highlighting New Moon and Full Moon phases from both Western and Vedic perspectives.  


Full Moon/Blue Moon & the Wounded Healer Archetype

By Tara Faulkner

I have been asked about the spiritual significance of the Blue Moon, in general, so before getting into the specifics of the Blue Moon occurring on August 31, 2012 (at 6:58 am PDT), I will address this question. We all know the saying, “Once in a Blue Moon,” which evokes the sense of something rare and, therefore, special. This saying comes from the fact that a Blue Moon, or the second Full Moon in any given month, only happens approximately once every 33 months. In fact, the only way it can happen (within the context of our current Solar Calendar) is if a Full Moon falls within the first couple of days of the month, since Moon cycles are 28+ days long. So, any month in which there is a Blue Moon, is literally bookended by two Full Moons, one at the beginning, and one at the end.

We all know that Full Moons are about things ripening into the fullness of their expression. Everything associated with the Moon is enhanced and heightened at such times, including high and low tides, both within the human body and in the outer world. Inwardly, we feel more emotional, more soulful, more introspective, more feminine (whether we are biologically male or female), more inclined to want to feather our nests. We are also filled with longing for home, including our spiritual Home, our place of origin in the universe. So, when we have two Full Moons in any given month, all such feelings, tendencies, inclinations and orientations are magnified exponentially.

Yesterday, in the wake of Hurricane Isaac, which unleashed its full force upon the city of New Orleans on August 29th, the 7th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, I recorded a podcast with astrologer Wayne Moody about astrological indicators related to hurricane activity in the United States (along the 28 and 35 degree latitude lines). Wayne has been observing such patterns for decades now and has found that these extreme weather events correlate very strongly and with great predictability to certain lunar transits relative to the Moon, Neptune and Uranus placements in the birth chart for the US, especially if these transits happen to occur at the time of a New or Full Moon. In fact, through the astrological lens that Wayne has developed over the years, he was able to anticipate Hurricane Katrina 10 days before it occurred. He also foresaw the distinct probability of Hurricane Isaac 2 1/2 weeks before it made landfall on the Southern Louisiana coast at the mouth of the Mississippi.

During the podcast with Wayne (see link posted below), I shared my understanding of the role that New Orleans may be destined to play on the world stage at this time. I offer this understanding to you now, in the form of several observations I made in a series of blogs written almost two years ago, because it relates directly to today’s Full Moon/Blue Moon. Among other things, I said the following:

New Orleans may have a special, karmic role to play in highlighting issues related to 2012. In particular, it may be destined to play the role of the Wounded Healer on a global scale during these final years leading up to the end date of the Mayan calendar. This theory is strengthened by the Jack of Hearts birth card associated with New Orleans in the ancient, Egyptian divination system known in modern times as The Love Cards. The Jack of Hearts is also referred to as the Christ card, embodying the energy of the Martyred Savior. The citizens of New Orleans have been peering into the gaping abyss of the apocalypse for a number of years now. Perhaps we can learn something about how best to heal from such a catastrophe by examining the best that is occurring there in terms of rebirth and renewal.

In his recent book, Bienville’s Dilemma, Tulane University professor Richard Campanella characterizes the role of post-Katrina New Orleans on the world stage as “the ultimate warning, test case, metaphor, prophetic voice and inspiration” for the times in which we live. This describes the parameters of the Wounded Healer, or Martyred Savior, archetype to a T. Think of the Tower card in the Major Arcana of the Tarot. Lightning strikes the tower from all sides and on all levels simultaneously. The old, outdated structure is completely blown apart. A hurricane moves through town and washes it all away. An opportunity for something entirely new and inspired is inherent in the destruction.

Significantly, in the Full Moon/Blue Moon chart of August 31, 2012, the Moon is conjunct Chiron (the Wounded Healer) in the sign of Pisces (associated with the Christ archetype). Also of great significance is a Finger of God configuration involving the Sun (one’s sense of self/Self) and Mars (will force), pointing directly at Uranus on the descendant (the revolutionary impulse for true freedom on all levels and on a global scale). Astonishingly, when today’s Full Moon/Blue Moon chart is reconfigured in the form of an Astro*Carto*Graphy map, we see that a Moon/Neptune crossing line running horizontally directly through New Orleans, while the Uranus descending line (at which the Finger of God in pointing in the Full Moon chart) runs vertically right through New Orleans, as well.

The Sabian Symbol keynotes for this Uranus placement, in both western and sidereal charts, are as follows:

Western Keynote: First real attempt at self-exteriorization and embodiment in consciousness.  

Sidereal Keynote: Potent compulsion of a great task to be performed. Opportunity seized.

In the days immediately following the devastation of Hurricane Isaac, not to mention the 7th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, let us all be inspired by the Wounded Healer archetype and the people of New Orleans to seize the opportunity before us for real freedom on all levels and on a global scale. Let us awaken one-by-one and collectively from the nightmare the world has become in so many respects (even while there are countless examples of true greatness and beauty among us). Let us become shining embodiments of awakened consciousness. Let us harness the power of our collective will force in alignment with our highest Selves in order to create a true Heaven on Earth and, ultimately, to find our way Home.

(Listen is as Wayne Moody and Tara Faulkner discuss the deeper meaning of Hurricane Isaac, the vortex of energy known as New Orleans, and events that may play out on the national stage in the next couple of weeks: http://www.ishalerner.com/home/is2/page_37334_250/reflections_on_hurricane_isaac_more_11522_hrs._830.html.)

 

New Moon (8/17/12)

New Moon (8/17/12)

Isha Lerner and Tara (McKinney) Faulkner, coauthors of the book The Triple Goddess Tarot, have once again joined forces on behalf of the Triple Goddess, with this bi-weekly report highlighting New Moon and Full Moon phases from both Western and Vedic perspectives.

 


Achieving Harmony Between Our Instinctive and Intuitive Natures

By Tara Faulkner

The New Moon phase beginning on Friday, August 17, carries the archetypal energy represented by the Strength Card #8 in the Major Arcana of the Tarot, to the nth degree, no matter which way you look at it. To begin with, the New Moon and the Sun are conjunct in Leo on August 17, both in the western system of astrology (25+ degrees Leo) and the sidereal system (1+ degree Leo). Secondly, from a numerological standpoint, August is the 8th month and the #17 also reduces to an #8.

For anyone not familiar with the Strength Card, it is associated with the planetary energies of the Sun, ruler of the constellation Leo, and depicts a woman fearlessly peering into the mouth of a Lion with a halo in the shape of a horizontal #8, or infinity symbol, hovering above her head. I love this imagery because it suggests a woman who has achieved that elusive and all-important harmony between her earthy, animal, or instinctive, nature, represented by the Lion, and her more transcendent, intuitive faculties, represented by the halo over her crown chakra.

Synchronistically, this symbolism is mirrorred in the Mayan system of astrology, where the Mayan starglyph for August 17 happens to be Jaguar #8 – since it would not be a stretch of the imagination to suggest that the Jaguar is the Central American version of the Lion, plus, again, we see the symbolism of the #8, representing justice, harmony and balance. According to the Maya, the Jaguar energy is feminine in nature, is associated with a deep love of Mother Earth, and is directly tied to the source of all Earth energy. The Maya often call on the spirit of Jaguar Woman to assist them, especially when in need of healing, since She is believed to possess great powers of intellect, strength of character, and the ability to see in the dark, both literally and metaphorically.

Similarly, in the Vedic system of astrology, the New Moon and Sun of August 17 fall in the Lunar Mansion known as Magha, or “The Mighty One,” associated with the third eye of the Lion. Magha combines the energies of the South Node of the Moon and the Sun, thus mystical leadership, telepathy and the ability to draw upon strengths cultivated in past-lives can result. Its ruling deities are the Pitris, the original progenitors of the human race, who function as guardian angels giving protection in the event of major calamities on earth.

Back in the 1940s, the Sleeping Prophet, Edgar Cayce, channeled information about the past-life implications of both Sun and Moon placements in the constellation Leo, which may be relevant for us during this current New Moon phase. After first noting that Leo symbolizes the quality of consciousness characterized by strength, creativity and virility, plus a special sense of pride and dignity, he made the following observations, which, astonishingly, include a reference to the Mayan pyramid builders on the plains of Central America:

Reading biographical or historical novels about European royalty, daydreaming about the courts of Kings and Queens of modern Europe or ancient times and other grandeurs of the past may bring to your conscious mind memories of previous incarnations when you were at the forefront of things. Hence to this very day there probably remains within you considerable inner strength along with a strong feeling for behind-the-scenes intrigues as well as a powerful sense of individualism. These qualities are probably connected with your past life experiences involved – directly and indirectly – with leaders of society and government.

You are also likely to have an above-average interest in the great artistic and spiritual accomplishments of the grand cathedrals and great churches of Britain and Europe, as well as the ancient temples of the Mediterranean world. In addition, you may have been one of the higher-ranking Vikings who, like other royalty, also had an exciting lifestyle. And in far earlier times, during and after the last days of Lemuria and Atlantis, you may have been among the Incan pyramid builders in the mountains of South America, the Mayan plains of Central America, and of course, Egypt, the land which is virtually synonymous with great pyramids.

Presumably, as a species, we have all of the above considerable strengths to draw upon during this New Moon phase in Leo. And this is a good thing because the New Moon chart for August 17 has some challenging aspects to it, as well, in particular, a T-square in the heavens formed by slow-moving Pluto and Uranus, plus fast-moving Mercury. This could indicate something akin to a global epidemic of misinformation and miscommunication.

The Sabian Symbol of 1+ degree of Leo (sidereal astrology) reinforces this possibility:

An Epidemic of Mumps

Keynote: The infectious spreading power of individual crises through a collectivity

What does an epidemic imply? The broad meaning of an epidemic is that one individual, if infected by a certain type of disease, can spread the disease to a vast number of persons in his environment, and in some cases all over the globe. Here we are dealing with a process that affects the entire society; this obviously points out that the whole of humankind is potentially affected by, and thus, consciously or not, cannot help being involved in the critical situations faced by an individual or special group of people.

The Sabian Symbol for 25+ degrees Leo (western astrology) suggests a positive outcome, however. The heading for this New Moon and Sun placement is: After The Heavy Storm, A Rainbow.

 

Full Moon (8/1/12)

Full Moon (8/1/12)

Isha Lerner and Tara (McKinney) Faulkner, coauthors of the book The Triple Goddess Tarot, have once again joined forces on behalf of the Triple Goddess, with this bi-weekly report highlighting New Moon and Full Moon phases from both Western and Vedic perspectives. 


Astrologers Isha Lerner and Tara (McKinney) Faulkner join forces to offer their complementary interpretations of the New and Full Moon phases each month – Isha from the Western perspective, Tara from the Vedic. Isha’s approach draws upon thirty years in her practice of Western astrology. Tara’s approach employs the ancient Vedic system of 27 “Lunar Mansions” (each 13 1/3 degrees wide) which are oriented primarily around the stars (sidereal), the constellations and our Galactic Center. Please join us every couple of weeks for the latest guidance from the Great Lunar Goddesses of both Western and Eastern traditions.  

Embracing the Wisdom of the Body

By Tara Faulkner

We have a very voluptuous, full-bodied and earthy Full Moon this month at 16+ degrees Capricorn (sidereal) right on the Ascendant, or birth moment, of the Full Moon chart for August 1, 2012, forming a beautiful Grand Trine in the element of Earth with Jupiter in Taurus and Mars in Virgo. The essential energy of this Full Moon is a thorough grounding in and respect for the body, a “waking down” into full embodiment, in order to counteract the tendency toward escapist forms of transcendence.

The Sabian Symbol for this Full Moon placement has to do with escape from bondage to social inhibitions through reliance upon the wisdom of the body. Similarly, the Sabian Symbol for Jupiter (at 16+ degrees of Taurus) is all about cultivating the virtue of spiritual warriorship in order to undo the ignorance and suffering created by the modern, Western mind, which sees itself in opposition to the body and embodied experience, in general. Finally, the Sabian Symbol for Mars (at 22+ degrees Virgo) speaks of the need to work skillfully with one’s animal, or instinctive, nature in order to fulfill one’s destiny.

In Vedic astrology, the Lunar Mansion for this Full Moon placement is know as Shravana, “The Star of Learning,” associated with the Goddess Sarasvati, the Goddess of Learning. This Lunar Mansion combines the energies of Saturn and the Moon, indicating the need for discipline in relation to the journey of one’s soul toward its fullest expression. Its symbol is the ear, reflecting the ability to hear the subtle, etheric realms. It is also connected with the Bodhi tree, the Buddhist version of the Tree of Life, where the Buddha attained enlightenment through listening to the voice of the divine within while simultaneously touching the Earth in order to ground himself in the reality of time and space. In this way, he came to embody the Middle Path between the extremes of body-denying asceticism, on the one hand, and spirit-denying hedonism, on the other.

During this Full Moon phase, let us each remember to ground ourselves in the reality of our embodied experience, to extend our roots as deeply as possible into the center of the Earth, even while reaching toward the stars and beyond.

New moon (7/18/12)

New moon (7/18/12)

Isha Lerner and Tara McKinney, coauthors of the book The Triple Goddess Tarot, have once again joined forces on behalf of the Triple Goddess, with this bi-weekly report highlighting New Moon and Full Moon phases from both Western and Vedic perspectives.

 


Astrologers Isha Lerner and Tara McKinney join forces to offer their complementary interpretations of the New and Full Moon phases each month – Isha from the Western perspective, Tara from the Vedic. Isha’s approach draws upon thirty years in her practice of Western astrology. Tara’s approach employs the ancient Vedic system of 27 “Lunar Mansions” (each 13 1/3 degrees wide) which are oriented primarily around the stars (sidereal), the constellations and our Galactic Center. Please join us every couple of weeks for the latest guidance from the Great Lunar Goddesses of both Western and Eastern traditions.

Become “The Star of Renewal” by Following Your Own True North

By Tara Faulkner

The 29-day lunar cycle that begins with the New Moon on July 18, 2012 (at 2+ degrees Cancer (sidereal)), appears to be quite a mixed bag. On the one hand, the Moon conjunct the Sun in its own sign, in the angular house of committed relationships and marriage, is a beautiful thing. Especially when you consider that this particular placement falls in the Lunar Mansion, Punarvasu, meaning “The Star of Renewal,” in the Vedic astrological system. It combines the very harmonious energies of Jupiter (blessings and spiritual inspiration), Mercury (discernment and communication) and the Moon (the soul, deep emotion, the natural rhythm of things, the Feminine), suggesting that through the medium of inspired, soulful discernment and speech, the self is purified and reborn. Along these lines, its presiding deity is the Mother Goddess Aditi, who tends the ground from which healthy seeds eventually bear fruit.

On the other hand, this New Moon phase is somewhat overshadowed by a tight T-Square between mischievous Mars (potential aggression and volatility, plus self-assertion and will force), Pluto (deep transformation through descent into the Underworld) and Uranus (lightning strikes of illumination and the revolutionary call to freedom).

The Sabian Symbol for our current lunar cycle reflects this interplay of apparently contradictory energies, indicating a challenging period of realignment and reintegration, a period that tests one’s will and commitment, following a profound transformation into a new level of consciousness:

A Man Bundled in Fur Leads a Shaggy Deer

Keynote: The need to overcome stagnation and “cold” during trial of endurance

This rather enigmatic symbol has suggested an exploration in arctic regions; but it seems more relevant to see in it simply the difficult phase imposed by the new allegiance upon the reoriented consciousness. In India, the deer was the symbol of Brahma, the Creative God. The antlers represent the extension of the mind-power located in the head. The new path may lead to cold regions requiring insulation from harsh circumstances. There may even be a desire to escape from new responsibilities. The will leads the mind on toward the spiritual North of the soul.

A period of trials is implied. The focalized mind may seek to escape its limits by venturing forth toward an idealized goal – the North Star, perhaps. This represents a TESTING OF THE WILL.

The overriding message of this New Moon phase is: continue to follow the guidance of your soul, your own True North, and you will become the living embodiment of “The Star of Renewal,” a stellar inspiration for all to behold.

 

Full Moon (7/3/12)

Full Moon (7/3/12)

Isha Lerner and Tara McKinney, coauthors of the book The Triple Goddess Tarot, have once again joined forces on behalf of the Triple Goddess, with this bi-weekly report highlighting New Moon and Full Moon phases from both Western and Vedic perspectives.  


Astrologers Isha Lerner and Tara McKinney join forces to offer their complementary interpretations of the New and Full Moon phases each month – Isha from the Western perspective, Tara from the Vedic. Isha’s approach draws upon thirty years in her practice of Western astrology. Tara’s approach employs the ancient Vedic system of 27 “Lunar Mansions” (each 13 1/3 degrees wide) which are oriented primarily around the stars (sidereal), the constellations and our Galactic Center. Please join us every couple of weeks for the latest guidance from the Great Lunar Goddesses of both Western and Eastern traditions. 

The Full Moon Heralding A Global Independence Day (7/3/12)

By Tara Faulkner

On the eve of the 4th of July Independence Day celebration here in the United States, the Full Moon at 14+ degrees Sagittarius (sidereal) is conjunct Pluto(!) which most of you know by now is squaring Uranus for the next three years, inspiring and inciting the world to random (and not so random) acts of revolution/evolution and spontaneous cries for freedom on all levels. Certainly, the tie in between this Full Moon and the Pluto/Uranus square qualifies as a major synchronicity for this reason alone! But wait, there’s more. As if to reinforce the focused intensity and intentionality of this Full Moon phase, a Finger of God/dess configuration points directly at the Full Moon, with the Sun directly opposing the Moon, plus Venus and Mercury on either side, adding the energies of illumination, love and discernment to the sense of culmination and the full ripening of one’s soul. Sagittarius adds an element of spiritual attainment and expansiveness to the mix.

The Sabian Symbol for this Full Moon placement emphasizes the importance of being in sync with social and planetary rhythms as we anticipate the many twists and turns ahead:

The Ground Hog Looking For Its Shadow On Ground Hog Day

Keynote: The value of anticipating new turns of events and ascertaining future projects

In our modern industrial society where policy changes and decisions often take several years to reach full actualization, it has become essential to plan with an eye on future developments. Such planning requires a study of past trends and the extrapolation of the results. What above all is implied in the symbol is a sensitivity to social and planetary rhythms, and the need to ensure at least relative safety by planning ahead. In it’s highest form, the knowledge required is “eonic consciousness”...

It is truly astonishing that Dane Rudhyar wrote the above words in the early 1970s and yet they carry such a prophetic and timely message for us today. According to Rudhyar, “eonic consciousness” is an advanced level of consciousness, associated with the end of a large cycle of time (such as the end of the Mayan Calendar?), that is able to disentangle complex, interpenetrating patterns and systems without losing sight of the essential wholeness of life.

This is precisely what is required of us now. It is also precisely what is indicated by the Finger of God/dess formation, involving Mercury, the Sun, Venus and the Full Moon, with the Full Moon conjunct Pluto and squaring Uranus, in the July 3, 2012, Full Moon chart.

 

New Moon (6/19/12)

New Moon (6/19/12)

Isha Lerner and Tara McKinney, coauthors of the book The Triple Goddess Tarot, have once again joined forces on behalf of the Triple Goddess, with this bi-weekly report highlighting New Moon and Full Moon phases from both Western and Vedic perspectives.  


Astrologers Isha Lerner and Tara McKinney join forces to offer their complementary interpretations of the New and Full Moon phases each month – Isha from the Western perspective, Tara from the Vedic. Isha’s approach draws upon thirty years in her practice of Western astrology. Tara’s approach employs the ancient Vedic system of 27 “Lunar Mansions” (each 13 1/3 degrees wide) which are oriented primarily around the stars (sidereal), the constellations and our Galactic Center. Please join us every couple of weeks for the latest guidance from the Great Lunar Goddesses of both Western and Eastern traditions.

New Moon June 19th, 2012
By Isha Lerner

Expansion and Love

Long ago a friend said something to me that I’ll never forget. It’s a simple thought, one that many have encountered before, but for that split second of time when this idea was presented to me, I felt free. I was sad about something….I don’t remember for what reason now, when my friend, with wise compassion said: “You may feel sad, but I suggest you act otherwise. Act as if you are content…be what you wish for and enjoy your day.” The suggestion bolted me into a buoyant sense of freedom within and I realized in that moment I was not tethered to this static state of sadness. I could, and did, act as if I were joyful, and this shift allowed joy to stream into my heart.

This little vignette of life is mirrored today during this New Moon. On a collective scale we are prompted to “Act As If.” This stellar thought is magnified by the waves of the Sabian Symbol, energized by 29 degrees of Gemini.

The First Mockingbird of Spring

Keynote: The creative exuberance of the human soul in response to basic life experiences.

What this symbol refers to is a kind of virtuosity granted to those willing to leap into the truest gift of their nature. What are the virtues of your destiny? How may you offer support and optimism to society? Under the influences of this New Moon we may begin anew with fresh perspective. The Mocking Bird imitates the sounds it hears and weaves them into its own expression. You may do the same. Look beyond self-doubt and send out a sacred call to serve the world with greater wonderment and joy and express the song of life in your own unique way.

This is one of my favorite quotes connected to the Wheel of Fortune card in the Triple Goddess Tarot.

How shall I begin my song in the blue night that is setting?
In the great night my heart will go out,
Toward me the darkness comes, rattling,
In the great night my heart will go out.
~Papago Medicine Woman Chant

I share this quote from the Wheel of Fortune card, ruled by the planet Jupiter, because this New Moon is in Gemini, the zodiacal sign where Jupiter, the great benefactor of the Soul, also currently resides! Jupiter bestows joy, grants expansion, and opens the door to new opportunities. Today is a wish day and it is quite certain the outcome of your deepest longings will rise like the Sun within your life.

As we progress along the road to greener pastures, remember to reflect on the notion that the dream that lives within us is as real as our waking day.

Soon Venus will move forward and our relationships will reveal the healing bestowed upon each of us. If obstacles were encountered in the area of love and harmony, resolution and clarity will be restored. During this New Moon a great healing beckons us forward and we are encouraged to journey toward the opening doors before us.

 

Heralding the Dawn of a 3-Year Revolutionary Period

By Tara Faulkner

The New Moon (6.19.2012 at 8:02 a.m. PDT) is at 4+ degrees of Gemini (sidereal), conjunct the Sun. The Moon represents your very soul, as well as your emotional nature (including your level of emotional intelligence), your degree of sensitivity and vulnerability, your personal unconscious, your childhood experiences (including any unresolved trauma), your ancestry, your roots, even your past-lives, plus your ability to nurture and be nurtured, as well as your sense of home and what you need in order to feel truly at home in the world. All of these associations with the Moon are being brought to the foreground for the sake of a profoundly revolutionary transformation heralded by this New Moon phase, as indicated by the Sabian Symbol for its placement at 4+ degrees of Gemini:

 

A Revolutionary Magazine Asking for Action

Keynote: The explosive tendency of repressed feelings and root emotions

Every movement overstressing one direction calls forth in time an equally extreme movement in the opposite direction. This is particularly true at the level of the dualistic mind symbolized in the zodiac by Gemini. What is rigidly bound in form and convention tends to explode into formlessness. It may do so violently, if socially oppressed – through revolution – or at the psychological level in psychosis; or it may withdraw inwardly into the mystical state in which one identifies with an unformulatable Reality.

…Whether the revolutionary action is violent or peaceful, bitterly resentful or loving, the one desire is to REACH BEYOND ESTABLISHED FORMS.

The key to working with this powerfully transformative energy in a skillful way is hinted at by the above sentence: “What is rigidly bound in form and convention tends to explode into formlessness.” Clearly, what is being called for at this time is the very opposite of “rigidity.” In fact, on both individual and collective levels, what is most needed are such qualities as flexibility, fluidity, spaciousness, open-mindedness, creativity, spontaneity, emotional maturity, courage, discernment and balance, in order to navigate our way between the extremes of destructive volatility, on the one hand, and the ungrounded disconnect characteristic of spiritual bypassing, on the other.

This New Moon phase heralds the official beginning of a profoundly revolutionary phase in our evolution as a species, symbolized by a series of seven exact Pluto/Uranus squares (in Capricorn and Aries, respectively), the first of which occurs this coming Sunday, June 24, culminating almost three years from now in the final exact square on March 17, 2015. The people we will have become and the world we will have co-created by the end of 2015, would be unrecognizable to us now, if we were able to see that far into the future. By cultivating all of the qualities listed above, however, we will be able to dance with the fierce winds of change as they occur day by day in order to become the people we are meant to be.

Full Moon (6/4/12)

Full Moon (6/4/12)

Isha Lerner and Tara McKinney, coauthors of the book The Triple Goddess Tarot, have once again joined forces on behalf of the Triple Goddess, with this bi-weekly report highlighting New Moon and Full Moon phases from both Western and Vedic perspectives.  


Astrologers Isha Lerner and Tara McKinney join forces to offer their complementary interpretations of the New and Full Moon phases each month – Isha from the Western perspective, Tara from the Vedic. Isha’s approach draws upon thirty years in her practice of Western astrology. Tara’s approach employs the ancient Vedic system of 27 “Lunar Mansions” (each 13 1/3 degrees wide) which are oriented primarily around the stars (sidereal), the constellations and our Galactic Center. Please join us every couple of weeks for the latest guidance from the Great Lunar Goddesses of both Western and Eastern traditions.


Full Moon June 4th, 2012

By Isha Lerner


This is a magnificent time to listen to the birds. Why? This Full Moon with a Lunar Eclipse conjoins with a rare Venusian visit. I am calling this full moon; The Festival of Nature. In esoteric groups this full moon has been known as the Festival of Humanity. My twist on this full moon is inspired by the assistance nature provides, through Venus, as our collective heart is activated. It’s a kind of fierce love. Mars will square the Venus/Sun Conjunction and creates a T Square to the Moon in Sagittarius. When I tune into to this dynamic I see Mars as a kind of spear, or cupid bow, that is driving its force of Will into the heart and emotion of relationship, personal needs and desires.

Some studies have shown that bird song may lead us into a harmonic space. By joining with bird song and the tree spirits you may calm and soothe the force of resistance to grow during his time of new rhythms and shifts on earth. If dissonance is stirred within the feeling world during this next week, trust chaos and see it as the potential for a new human design. We may imagine this design as New Life leading us toward inspired perspectives. Nature can be your guide. Nature needs us; we need nature. Our earth alignment can anchor this New Love/New Design. By taking care of our earth we take good care of our Self. When we walk the earth, we massage Her body and in turn, we are healed. Be with Her in the open bounty of this full moon and drink in the elixir of fresh stirring of the Soul.

The Sabian Symbol for 15+ degrees Sagittarius:

The Ground Hog Looking For Its Shadow on Ground-Hog Day

The value of anticipating new turns of events and ascertaining future prospects.

The eye is on the future. Moving forward (Moon in Sagittarius) is imperative and new forms of communication (Sun in Gemini) are on the horizon. What does the symbol of the Ground Hog looking for its shadow indicate? To me it implies a rhythm or cycle that has its place and time, and in some instances, when the ground hog encounters its shadow, the shadow itself is the message or what is yet to come. This is profound and so accurate as we meet this full moon and all it implies during a Lunar Eclipse. Our shadow is the indicator. The future is clear. We have been given a sign to carry on, to pursue, and to allow the warmth of the heart to lead the way through the unknown depths of shadow.

New Moon (5/20/12)

New Moon (5/20/12)

Isha Lerner and Tara McKinney, coauthors of the book The Triple Goddess Tarot, have once again joined forces on behalf of the Triple Goddess, with this bi-weekly report highlighting New Moon and Full Moon phases from both Western and Vedic perspectives.  


Astrologers Isha Lerner and Tara McKinney join forces to offer their complementary interpretations of the New and Full Moon phases each month – Isha from the Western perspective, Tara from the Vedic. Isha’s approach draws upon thirty years in her practice of Western astrology. Tara’s approach employs the ancient Vedic system of 27 “Lunar Mansions” (each 13 1/3 degrees wide) which are oriented primarily around the stars (sidereal), the constellations and our Galactic Center. Please join us every couple of weeks for the latest guidance from the Great Lunar Goddesses of both Western and Eastern traditions.

The Light of the World is Illumined

By Isha Lerner


Even

After

All this time

The sun never says to the earth,

You owe

Me.

Look

What happens

With a love like that,

It lights the

Whole

Sky.

         ― Hafez


The energy of this New Moon moves through my body this morning as I seek to write the primary highlights associated with it. I feel like I want to write poetry, a song, or maybe write nothing at all. The New Moon at 0+ degrees Gemini offers quiet reflection through a normally active Gemini influence that focuses on communication, language, and verbal expression.

The power of this New Moon serves as an umbilical to galactic consciousness. The ancient Maya inscribed this cosmic event when earth, sun, moon and Pleiades align, as monumental. At this stage of evolution great forces of change are at work as light and shadow unite.

The Sabian Symbol at 0+ Gemini mirrors the opportunities encoded in this New Moon:

A Glass-bottomed Boat Drifts Silently and Easily Over a Constantly Shifting Panorama of Marine Wonder.

Keynote: The revelation of unconscious energies and submerged psychic structures.

Our psychic antennae are stronger than ever! The boat symbolizes the foundation or structure from which we may perceive the invisible and hidden aspects of our mind, heart, and soul. We are guided on a mystery tour by the translucent forces of inner knowing. A new dimension of reality has arrived and this wondrous New Moon serves as a light filled doorway that leads toward a progressive territory of brilliance.

This entry point may lead us, once again, into an opportunity, if we choose, to voluntarily move forward into a terrain of a brightly lit future. The brighter the light, the deeper the shadow; at this juncture of human consciousness we may shed old patterns, seek new ways to relate with one another, and respect nature as our teacher. Chaos and harmony will be our guide and hand in hand they teach, reveal, and create the new.

In practical terminology a solar eclipse is a special new Moon, when the Sun and Moon and Earth line up on the same plane in space.  The beauty of this event offers a firework in the sky called a "Ring of Fire;" occurring when the flare of the sun is made more evident by the shadow of the earth/moon line up.

For those lucky enough to witness this beauty, may the force be with you. And may the grace of your intention light the way for all of us on earth.

With love,

Isha Lerner

 

In Openness to Love’s Urgings, A New Quality of Being is Revealed, Rendering Old Patterns Obsolete

By Tara McKinney

We have an extraordinarily potent and transformative New Moon phase beginning on Sunday, May 20th (at 4:47 p.m. PDT). It’s exceptionally powerful for several reasons: 1) It happens to fall in the early degrees of Taurus (sidereal), where it is exalted in the Lunar Mansion Krittika; 2) This phase coincides with a Venus retrograde cycles in Taurus (which Venus rules), encompassing Venus’ Transit of the Sun on June 5th; 3) The New Moon coincides exactly with a Solar Eclipse, which happens to be in alignment with the Seven Sisters of the Pleiades Constellation; 4) The Sabian Symbol for this New Moon is associated with the Christ mythos of universal Love and transfiguration.

New Moon Exalted in Taurus:

The New Moon of May 20th, 2012, falls within the Lunar Mansion known as “Krittika” (according to the Vedic astrological system), in the early degrees of Taurus, where the Moon is most at home and, therefore, most powerful and benefic. The ruling deity for this placement is Agni, the God of fire and transformation. Its symbols are the flame and the sword of truth. Krittika represents the determined and tenacious will to achieve greatness. It bestows the spiritual power to burn or cut away illusions in order to get to the deepest possible truths, on behalf of the disenfranchised and for the sake of social justice. Princess Diana’s Venus resided in this placement. It combines the energies of the Sun, Mars, Venus and the Moon.

New Moon Phase Coinciding with a Venus Retrograde Cycle:

Throughout the Venus retrograde cycle, from May 15th to June 27th, 2012, Venus will be in its own sign of Taurus (sidereal), which it rules. This gives the Venusian New Moon of May 20th an extra boost of power and beneficence. Making the Venus retrograde cycle even more rare and special, at this time, is the fact that Venus will actually cross the face of the Sun on June 5th. This crossing is know at the Transit of Venus, though its actually an eclipse of sorts, although Venus' distance from the Earth means the entire face of the Sun will not be obscured. Instead, Venus will appear as a tiny dot gliding across the Sun. When a planet enters "the heart of the Sun" in this way, its energies are illuminated, enhanced and celebrated, like an actor spotlighted at center stage, with arms upraised receiving a standing ovation in recognition of its stellar performance.

New Moon Coinciding with a Solar Eclipse

At the time of the New Moon on May 20th, a rare solar eclipse alignment will take place between the Earth, the Sun and the Seven Sisters of the Pleiades Constellation. Many indigenous cultures consider themselves direct descendants of the Pleiadians. Eclipses always signal change. It’s as if the Solar System is being rebooted and catapulted into a new paradigm. As the stellar template of the Pleiades renews itself in relation to the Earth and its inhabitants, new crystalline geometries will be birthed into the world to assist us with the accelerated evolutionary process in which we are currently engaged.

The Sabian Symbol for the New Moon:

This May 20th New Moon’s Sabian Symbol, which features the archetypal energies of the Christ mythos, speaks eloquently for itself:

Taurus (7 degrees): The Woman of Samaria at the Ancestral Well

Keynote: The meeting of the traditional past and of the creative spirit pointing to the future.

The symbol refers to a most important, but usually narrowly interpreted (or interpreted away!) episode of the Christ mythos. Early in his ministry, Jesus meets a Samaritan woman at an ancestral well. This woman belongs to a tribe despised by the Jews, moreover, she is unmarried and therefore on the fringe of even her own society. It is to just that kind of woman that Jesus reveals that he is the Messiah: “I am He,” a revelation that he apparently will not bestow even upon his disciples, at least not in words.

What does this mean? Jesus, as the Avatar incorporating the Christ-Impulse, came to replace the old tribal order with a new order based on universal Love. It is not to representatives of, or even to men still attached to, the old order that Jesus could reveal his spiritual, evolutionary and society-transforming status; they had instead to reach a point where they could discover his avatar-ship – as did Peter just before the Transfiguration scene. But to the woman of Samaria – who, in her openness to love’s urgings, had already repudiated any narrow subservience to the old order – Jesus could reveal his function. The highest meets the lowest when this lowest is free from traditional bonds and open to love. The creative future descends first to that which has become chaos. An old order is never open to a new Revelation until it has accepted disorder in the name of that Power which subsumes all forms of order, i.e. Love.

A NEW QUALITY OF BEING is revealed which renders the old patterns obsolete.

Conclusion

The New Testament contains a single, indirect reference to the Pleiades in Revelations 1:16. This passage describes a vision of the coming of the Messiah – who holds, in his right hand, “seven stars.” In the Major Arcana of the Tarot, the Star Card, XVII, embodies and bestows the blessings of the Seven Sisters, who symbolize the peace and tranquility of our heart’s home, an opening to grace and the oneness of all beings. A naked woman, representing the Divine Feminine, kneels before a sacred spring infused with Pleiadian starlight. Soon she will drink deeply of the life giving waters, contained in the cup she holds in her hands, and be renewed. Above her the Seven Sisters dance in the night sky.

During this profoundly transformative New Moon phase beginning on May 20th, allow your self to be bathed in the Venusian energies as never before. Allow your self to be lifted up and transported to a place and time, both within and beyond space and time, where unconditional Love prevails and no more suffering of any sort is either necessary or acceptable for all the beings of the Earth.

 

Full Moon (5/5/12)

Full Moon (5/5/12)

Isha Lerner and Tara McKinney, coauthors of the book The Triple Goddess Tarot, have once again joined forces on behalf of the Triple Goddess, with this bi-weekly report highlighting New Moon and Full Moon phases from both Western and Vedic perspectives.

 


Astrologers Isha Lerner and Tara McKinney join forces to offer their complementary interpretations of the New and Full Moon phases each month – Isha from the Western perspective, Tara from the Vedic. Isha’s approach draws upon thirty years in her practice of Western astrology. Tara’s approach employs the ancient Vedic system of 27 “Lunar Mansions” (each 13 1/3 degrees wide) which are oriented primarily around the stars (sidereal), the constellations and our Galactic Center. Please join us every couple of weeks for the latest guidance from the Great Lunar Goddesses of both Western and Eastern traditions.

The Creation of a True Heaven on Earth

By Tara McKinney

The Full Moon on May 5th, at 8:35 p.m. PDT, is at 21+ degrees Libra (sidereal). This month’s Full Moon phase happens to begin on Cinco de Mayo, which, numerologically, is a 5.5.5 day this year. Five is the number of adventure and of seeking new experiences in the realm of duality, consequently, it is the number most associated with the human race. Cinco de Mayo, on the other hand, has historically been a day when citizens of the U.S. and parts of Mexico celebrate the cause of freedom and democracy.

This Cinco de Mayo Full Moon is conjunct the Ascendant, or birth moment, of the chart (within less than 4 degrees), again in the beautiful Venusian constellation of Libra. Typically, New Moons are associated with birth, while, conversely, Full Moons are associated with coming to fruition or completion. However, in this case, because of its close proximity to the Ascendant, the Full Moon of Cinco de Mayo is simultaneously about the birth of something new, possibly true freedom and democracy(?), and its ultimate flowering.

This Venusian Full Moon heralds the beginning of an intensely powerful series of astrological configurations over the next couple of months, which will surely transform our lives in profoundly sublime and radical ways. These including: the New Moon/Solar Eclipse of May 20th; the Full Moon/Lunar Eclipse of June 4th; the Transit of Venus of June 5th; Venus rising as the Morning Star on June 7th; the Summer Solstice of June 20th; and, last but not least, the exact Uranus/Pluto Square of June 24th

The Sabian Symbol for this Full Moon is especially tender and heartfelt as it speaks about the possibility of creating a true Heaven on Earth:

A Child Giving Birds A Drink At the Fountain

Keynote: The concern of simple souls for the welfare and happiness of less evolved beings who thirst for life renewal.

Man, who has built the fountain – perhaps on arid land and through skillful work – gives the live bestowing water to the thirsting birds. He does not go to the sea, but he brings the purified, drinkable water to the birds needing it. The connection between “child” and “birds” implies a spontaneous, naïve rapport at the spiritual level, a soul touch at the level of pure feelings.

What you received from the infinite, you can give to the finite beings that thirst for it. Man does not need to destroy nature’s wilderness through greed and carelessness; he can transform this wilderness into a garden, whose singing fountains will attract birds. Key word: SOLICITUDE

At this time of metamorphosis, we are both the child offering the nectar of the infinite to the thirsty bird and the bird gratefully receiving such nectar from the child. Let us rejoice in the many blessings that are raining down upon us as we stand at the threshold of a beautiful new world.

 

New Moon (4/21/12)

New Moon (4/21/12)

Isha Lerner and Tara McKinney, coauthors of the book The Triple Goddess Tarot, have once again joined forces on behalf of the Triple Goddess, with this bi-weekly report highlighting New Moon and Full Moon phases from both Western and Vedic perspectives. 


Astrologers Isha Lerner and Tara McKinney join forces to offer their complementary interpretations of the New and Full Moon phases each month – Isha from the Western perspective, Tara from the Vedic. Isha’s approach draws upon thirty years in her practice of Western astrology. Tara’s approach employs the ancient Vedic system of 27 “Lunar Mansions” (each 13 1/3 degrees wide) which are oriented primarily around the stars (sidereal), the constellations and our Galactic Center. Please join us every couple of weeks for the latest guidance from the Great Lunar Goddesses of both Western and Eastern traditions.

 

Nature and Humanity Unity

By Isha Lerner

Welcome to the New Moon energies of Taurus!

There is a splendor in the air when the sun and moon join together in the abundant richness of Venus ruled Taurus. This new moon in Taurus motivates us to observe the bounty of nature, enjoy the embodiment of your earthly potentials, and offer gratitude for this precious time on earth. The word April comes from the Latin aperio, meaning ‘I open.” This New Moon in Taurus elicits a call to Humanity, acknowledging the channels of light that extend throughout the heart of the Universe and into the Divine Core of our being. In reality, the most precious treasures in life are limitless and free. Taurus reminds us to examine our beliefs regarding the material plane and to cherish the natural gifts of life that blossom forth from the Garden of the Soul.

The New Moon in Taurus plants the cosmic seeds of promise into the hearts of Humanity. There is a fullness containing the luminous potential of Love held within the quiet darkness of Taurus New Moon. Can you feel this energy moving gently in your life today? The energy of the New Moon continues for five days as it gently cracks open into a crescent beam of light. Watch the sky for the sliver of beauty that beholds New Beginnings.

I had an earthquake dream last night. I often dream of earthquakes. They shake and rattle my body, insisting I refresh my awareness regarding change, stagnation, and the inexplicable reality of the Power of Nature. I woke up from this dream today and pondered the monumental shift of consciousness over-lighting humanity as we progress through 2012.

Wherever the New Moon in Taurus falls in your own individual astrology chart a unique opportunity is offered, encouraging you to bring new ideas and inspirations into form. You may ask yourself, “What do I value?” “What do I hold dearest to my heart?” “How may I serve the collective through the service that flows through my heart?” These questions will align your Soul with the clarity of Divine Source and may assist you as you move toward manifesting dreams.

The Sabian symbol for the New Moon at 2 degrees Taurus is: An Electrical Storm.

This symbol reminds me of the Tower Card, Trump 16, in the Major Arcana of the Tarot. Lightening demands attention. It is bold, unforgiving, and cracks the heaven open with waves of light. Likewise we can receive powerful flashes of insight to help us through these challenging times. In the words of Henry, David Thoreau:
“Knowledge does not come to us in details but in flashes of light from heaven.”

Ultimately, the empowerment of this New Moon offers each individual an opportunity to ground vision into form.

Below are a few important astrological aspects in the New Moon chart. These energies will reverberate through our being throughout the remaining month of April and into May.

Saturn opposite Vesta: Saturn provides the form and structure to that we may focus on our creative projects. Go for it!

Mars opposite Neptune and Chiron: Do not hesitate to boldly pursue Truth and the shattering of the illusions that have perpetuated suffering. It’s time to heal, honor, and release the past. Become a warrior of the highest principles of Love.

Venus Conjunct South Node: It’s all about Love here. We are to recognize nature and the beauty that embraces us all. The origins of harmony and peace reside within the potential of this New Moon.

Become all that you can be!

With love,
Isha Lerner

 

The Rebirth of the Spiritual Warrior/Wounded Healer Archetype

By Tara McKinney

What do you get when you cross a Spiritual Warrior with a Wounded Healer? Answer: The essential archetypal energies of the New Moon phase beginning Saturday, April 21st. Just after midnight on that day, the New Moon and Sun are exactly conjunct at 7+ degrees Aries (sidereal), in a fiery Grand Trine/Kite formation with Pluto in Sagittarius and Mars in Leo, opposing Neptune and Chiron in Aquarius. A Grand Trine in the fire signs of Aries, Leo and Sagittarius lends great ease to the flow of potentially volatile energies, which are, instead, channeled into passionate life force, exuberant creativity, mystical insight, focused intensity and a strong, courageous will. The Rebel without a Cause or Clue is transformed into the triumphant yet humble Spiritual Warrior who, having attained much wisdom, compassion, mastery and skill, through many close encounters with her own core wound, has heeded the call to awaken and fulfill her destiny for the greater good of All.

In this case, the core wound under consideration is of a collective nature and may have its origins in numerous past lives in the communal context of the ancient Middle East, according to Edgar Cayce’s channeled information regarding the Moon in Aries placement. In Cayce’s words:

Of course, Mars is the primary planet associated with the sign of Aries. This makes Mars and martial urges of special significance to you this lifetime. Therefore, depending on whether or not you apply your will, responding to conflict situations with directness and force are likely to be among your subconscious urges. These urges are from your prior experiences in the realm of Mars and from one or more past lives in the harsh, ancient desert culture of Israel and neighboring Arab lands.

The Sabian Symbol for this particular New Moon in Aries advises the cultivation of spiritual energies in order to restrain or rein in one’s more impulsive, headstrong tendencies. Its keynote message is: “Protection and Spiritual Guidance in the Development of Consciousness.” Along these lines, the Lunar Mansion for the Moon at 7+ degrees Aries, Ashwini, is symbolized by the head of a horse, representing a headstrong nature which must be tempered with a high degree of spiritual maturity gained over many past lives. Ashwini is known as “the Star of Transport,” indicating that the power and strength of the horse can transport us to transcendent dimensions to the extent we have learned to relate harmoniously and respectfully with our more instinctive, animal natures.

The message is clear: the challenge of this New Moon phase is to embrace and heal one’s woundedness in order to become the type of skillful warrior the world needs now, one whose broken heart has broken open with utmost compassion for all who suffer.


Full Moon (4/6/12)

Full Moon (4/6/12)

Isha Lerner and Tara McKinney, coauthors of the book The Triple Goddess Tarot, have once again joined forces on behalf of the Triple Goddess, with this bi-weekly report highlighting New Moon and Full Moon phases from both Western and Vedic perspectives.

 


Astrologers Isha Lerner and Tara McKinney join forces to offer their complementary interpretations of the New and Full Moon phases each month – Isha from the Western perspective, Tara from the Vedic. Isha’s approach draws upon thirty years in her practice of Western astrology. Tara’s approach employs the ancient Vedic system of 27 “Lunar Mansions” (each 13 1/3 degrees wide) which are oriented primarily around the stars (sidereal), the constellations and our Galactic Center. Please join us every couple of weeks for the latest guidance from the Great Lunar Goddesses of both Western and Eastern traditions.

 

Full Moon in Libra, April 6th, 2012
The Storm of Love
By Isha Lerner

With the Full Moon in Libra on April 6th, 2012 approaching, a powerful dynamic within human relationship is brewing. The Full Moon’s astrological chart contains a T Square between Mars, Venus and the Chiron/ Neptune conjunction. Wow! Let’s first look at the quality of Libra, the zodiacal sign, ruled by Venus, symbolized as the scales of justice. Libra seeks balance through relationship and the polarization of gender. With Mars square Venus rattling the cosmos, a tremendous chemistry within the cosmos provokes tension and passion. Attuning to the higher forces of this polarity may offer keen insights into the matters of the heart if we take the time to explore the tension that exists between Power and Love.

The Sabian Symbol at 17+ Libra is:

(LIBRA 18°): Two Men Placed Under Arrest

KEYNOTE: A breakdown in the constructive relationship between the individual and society, and the expectable result.

This symbol may sound negative, however, it illustrates the power displayed between individual desire vs. the authority of the collective. The individual is rendered a task, and by law of cosmic order, is prompted to search deeply into the subconscious. This journey is represented by the Neptune/Chiron conjunction, an astrological aspect that prompts one to retrieve true compassion. By doing so, the individual may come to realize the illusions that separate them from others. It is then; and only through this conviction, that one may merge with an All Loving Universe. Good and balanced relationships prosper when an all-encompassing trust in Love prevails. The core message of the symbol can be summarized as: Facing The Consequences.

As mentioned, the Full Moon of April 6th aligns the balancing forces of Venus with the fiery Will of Mars. This magnetic duo stirs up a storm, an emotional weather pattern that may arrive unexpectedly. Seek conscious attention toward outer conflict as the T-square pattern of Neptune/Chiron, Mars, and Venus push against the balanced refinement of Moon in Libra. The Neptune/Chiron conjunction serves as a mirror, reflecting a Moon stung by the force of desire seeking refuge from pain. This Full Moon carries fierce truth; a raw and palpable invocation for Universal Understanding.

Preceding the Full Moon, take note of your relationships and the composition of emotion you project in relationships. Take hold of the transference between your own desires and the needs of others. As always, something magical is afoot, and it just might sweep you off your feet.

Little Known Facts: The April Full Moon is known as the Full Pink Moon because it traditionally heralds the appearance of the moss pink, or wild ground phlox -- one of the first spring flowers. The April Full Moon is also known as the Sprouting Grass Moon, the Egg Moon, and the Fish Moon. All of these descriptions are symbolically associated with religion and the holidays and festivals of April.

 

 

The Power of Purity, Simplicity, Sensitivity and Innocence

By Tara McKinney

Those of us living in the Western Hemisphere will not be able to see the Full Moon at its ripest moment this month, since this event occurs at 12:19 p.m. (on April 6) on the West Coast of the US and in broad daylight throughout the Americas. If we look up and part the clouds, however, we will see the Sun directly overhead radiating longing and affection toward its beloved, lunar dance partner on the other side of the planet, visible in the Eastern Hemisphere.

The Full Moon is at 23+ degrees Virgo (sidereal) at the bottom of the chart in the 4th house of the archetypal Mother, exactly opposing the Sun at the very apex, or “high noon” part of the chart, in the 10th house of higher calling in the latter degrees of the constellation Pisces. This is one of the most gentle and tender, yet powerful, Full Moon/Sun configurations possible, since both Virgo and Pisces are known for their extreme sensitivity, yet they are located in angular houses known for their potency and broad scope of influence.

The Sabian Symbol for this Full Moon placement reflects the themes of inviolate simplicity and innocence associated with the Virgin/Virgo Goddess:

Mary and Her Little Lamb

Keynote: The need to keep a vibrant and pure simplicity at the core of one’s being as one meets the many tests of existence.

Though great, spectacular and resolute efforts are needed in order to achieve one’s higher goals of destiny, still the essential quality as one journeys on “the Path” is a pure, spontaneous, fresh and nonviolent approach to all encounters. This of course is Jesus’ entreaty to his disciples – that they should be like “little children.” Without such a deep, heartfelt simplicity the seeker after spiritual experiences or Initiation is bound to find himself glamorized by his own successes, and to see his ego feeding on the drama of struggle and victory…Beyond individual prowess and social eminence, the individual whose innocence is fixed upon spiritual realization should genuinely radiate INNOCENCE.

In the Vedic system of astrology, the Full Moon this month happens to fall exactly on the cusp between the two highly-sensitive and refined Lunar Mansions, Hasta and Chitra. Hasta combines the energies of Mercury and the Moon and is associated with the constellation Corvus, which is observed in the sky as an open hand giving blessings to humanity. Chitra, on the other hand, no pun intended, is the most mystical of all Lunar Mansions, with a profound desire to explore the inner caverns of the soul. Called “the star of opportunity,” its name means “the brilliant” or “the beautiful.” Its symbol is the Moon-like pearl.

The Full Moon in Virgo this month bestows her many blessings – of empowerment through purity, simplicity, sensitivity and innocence – upon a grateful humanity. She casts her pearls, not before swine, but before her beloved children, eager to receive the milk of kindness being offered at this time by the Great Virgin Mother Goddess, the divine feminine who is both immaculate and pregnant with all possibilities.

New Moon (3/22/12)

New Moon (3/22/12)

Isha Lerner and Tara McKinney, coauthors of the book The Triple Goddess Tarot, have once again joined forces on behalf of the Triple Goddess, with this bi-weekly report highlighting New Moon and Full Moon phases from both Western and Vedic perspectives.

 


Astrologers Isha Lerner and Tara McKinney join forces to offer their complementary interpretations of the New and Full Moon phases each month – Isha from the Western perspective, Tara from the Vedic. Isha’s approach draws upon thirty years in her practice of Western astrology. Tara’s approach employs the ancient Vedic system of 27 “Lunar Mansions” (each 13 1/3 degrees wide) which are oriented primarily around the stars (sidereal), the constellations and our Galactic Center. Please join us every couple of weeks for the latest guidance from the Great Lunar Goddesses of both Western and Eastern traditions.

Sudden Awakening to Your Soul’s Purpose

by Isha Lerner

(Note: Isha is in Japan at the present time. Under the circumstances, she has asked me to share this brief New Moon posting from her Facebook wall with all of you, in lieu of the longer and more in depth analysis she would be offering if she were home.)

Yesterday I led a workshop in Japan entitled “Astrology and Flower Essences: Heaven on Earth,” where we discussed the Moon Phases and the flower essences that correspond to each phase. We are approaching a New Moon, which will be in the sign of Aries on March 22nd. The New Moon beckons New Beginnings and in Aries, conjunct the planet Uranus, (planet of sudden change and unpredictability), we find ourselves at a pivotal time for Awakening.

What new and precious gifts do you have to share with the world? Prepare for a month that can open YOU to the full flowering of your Soul's Purpose. Be the pioneering Spirit that can change, in humble but significant fashion, the world around you. This is a time of Liberation.

The Clarion Call to Revolutionary Transformation

By Tara McKinney

The New Moon is at 8+ degrees Pisces (sidereal) in a stellium with Mercury, the Sun, Uranus, Vesta and the Ascendant in the first house, squaring Pluto on the Midheaven at the apex of 2 beautiful Grand Trines! WOW! I’m not sure where to begin to unpack this powder keg of revolutionary potential. We have the energies of discernment (Mercury), identity and will (the Sun), soulful new beginnings (New Moon), revolutionary change (Uranus), the inviolate feminine (Vesta) and rebirth (Ascendant), all blended together in the house of Self, enhancing and tempering the raw transformative power of Pluto, which is extremely well-placed at the top of the chart in the tenth house of Higher Calling in the expansive sign of Sagittarius.

The fact that all this energy is contained within the spiritually-advanced Jupiterian and Neptunian signs of Pisces and Sagittarius indicates this powder keg has the potential to blow our hearts and minds wide open without leaving any literal death and destruction in its wake. All this, in preparation for the even more mind and heart opening month of June, when the first of seven exact conjunctions between Uranus and Pluto will take place on June 24th, less than three weeks after Venus transits the Sun for the last time in the next 105 years!

The Sabian Symbol for this New Moon placement is so right on target it defies rational understanding, especially when you consider that Dane Rudhyar published this information in 1973. I will leave you with his words:

A Girl Blowing A Bugle

Keynote: A call to participation in the service of the race, as an evolutionary crisis approaches.

This symbolic picture presents another aspect of the emotional relationship between the individual and the collectivity of human beings. It can also be related to the old feminist movement or the present women’s liberation. In traditional symbolism the woman refers more specifically to the biological and psychic aspect of human life; she is seen primarily as the mother, and/or the intuitive or psychic type of person. A new race of human beings may well be slowly unfolding some of its potential of consciousness and fulfillment. The individual who envisions this evolutionary development “sounds the call.” He or she is both seer-herald and mutant. In that sense such a human being is both an individual true to her original nature and a dedicated person – dedicated to the future she holds in latency as does a seed in mutation.

A new form of consecration emerges of the individual to the Whole. Tomorrow acts through today; it SUMMONS humanity to rebirth.

Blessings on your journey during these most auspicious and transformative of times.

 

Full Moon (3/8/12)

Full Moon (3/8/12)

Isha Lerner and Tara McKinney, coauthors of the book The Triple Goddess Tarot, have once again joined forces on behalf of the Triple Goddess, with this bi-weekly report highlighting New Moon and Full Moon phases from both Western and Vedic perspectives.


Astrologers Isha Lerner and Tara McKinney join forces to offer their complementary interpretations of the New and Full Moon phases each month – Isha from the Western perspective, Tara from the Vedic. Isha’s approach draws upon thirty years in her practice of Western astrology. Tara’s approach employs the ancient Vedic system of 27 “Lunar Mansions” (each 13 1/3 degrees wide) which are oriented primarily around the stars (sidereal), the constellations and our Galactic Center. Please join us every couple of weeks for the latest guidance from the Great Lunar Goddesses of both Western and Eastern traditions.

Full Moon in Leo: March 8th, 2012

From Total Independence to True Relationality

By Tara McKinney

The Full Moon at 24+ degrees Leo (sidereal) on Thursday, March 8, is at the apex of a fiery Grand Trine with Pluto in Sagittarius and Jupiter in Aries. The Full Moon in Leo always carries with it the flavor of strength, virility, nobility, pride, dignity, creativity, self-reliance and fierce independence. This particular Full Moon is also heavily seasoned with a transformative Plutonic emphasis originating from very near our Sagittarian Galactic Center and the Spiritual Warriorship of expansive Jupiter combined with Martian Aries.

Along these lines, the Sabian Symbol for this Full Moon placement describes the need for “total independence from our surroundings and utter self-reliance” as we enter more deeply into spiritual levels of experience and attainment:

A Large Camel is Seen Crossing a Vast and Forbidding Desert

Keynote: Self-sufficiency in the face of a long and exhausting adventure

The camel here represents a living organism that is able to sustain itself independently of its environment at the start of a trying journey. The organism carries within itself what is absolutely needed for survival. At the deeper human level of consciousness, it is easy to see the value of self-reliance and self-sufficiency as one enters the occult Path leading to a more dynamic and inclusive realm of existence.

The camel carries water within its body, and it is said that the dromedary is able to utilize the matter stored in its large protuberance as food. The suggestion here is that in order to be released from bondage to the “old world” we should be completely self-contained emotionally; having absorbed the mental food which this old culture has given us, we are ready to face the “desert,” nothingness, Sunya…until we reach the “new world.” We need TOTAL INDEPENDENCE from our surroundings and utter SELF-RELIANCE.

According to the channeled insights of the Sleeping Prophet, Edgar Cayce, typical past-life associations with the Moon in Leo placement stem from lifetimes as: members of royalty or high ranking officials in ancient or modern Europe; great artists involved in the creation of the grand cathedrals and churches of Europe, as well as the ancient temples of the Mediterranean world; and/or pyramid builder in the mountains of South America, the Mayan plains of Central America, and of course, Egypt. As the portal of this Full Moon opens wide, we may expect to be drawing upon collective memories of such times in order to accomplish our own 21st century equivalents of the great cathedrals, temples and pyramids of old.

Adding a deeper layer to our understanding of this Full Moon at 24+ of Leo, according to the Vedic system of Astrology, this Full Moon placement falls within the Lunar Mansion known as Purva Phalguni. As I have explained in previous postings, the 27 Lunar Mansions of Vedic Astrology are at least five thousand years old. Forming an ancient backdrop to the twelve constellations of the zodiac, they tell the story of the Sky Goddess as she dances through the sky in her various manifestations, linking the cycles of the Earth with stellar reference points deep in the galaxy.

Five thousand years ago, the Lunar Mansion Purva Phalguni, or “Sacred Marriage Bed,” occurred at the time of the Summer Solstice, combining the energies of Venus and the Sun, and marking the marriage of the Sky Goddess to her divine consort. The symbols associated with this Lunar Mansion are the male and female sexual organs: the lingham and the yoni. From the sacred marriage bed of Purva Phalguni, descending souls are said to receive their dharmic marching orders before taking birth.

The Vedic perspective on this Full Moon placement strikes me as more balanced and timely, given the combination of Venutian and Solar energies described, as opposed to the undiluted Solar energy represented by a consideration of the constellation Leo alone. Is it ever possible to be totally independent from our surroundings and utterly self-reliant, after all, or isn’t that notion part of an old paradigm we are currently in the process of outgrowing? It seems the time is ripe for the archetype of the rugged individual to finally and fully give way to the relational metaphor of the sacred marriage of divine masculine and feminine principles.

As the Moon comes into its Fullness on March 8, take some time to reflect upon your own progress out of the prison of false expressions of “self-reliance” and into the new world of true relationality, mutuality and interdependence. Perhaps the “dharmic marching orders” we are receiving collectively at this time are about nothing other than this.

New Moon (2/21/12)

New Moon (2/21/12)

Isha Lerner and Tara McKinney, coauthors of the book The Triple Goddess Tarot, have once again joined forces on behalf of the Triple Goddess, with this bi-weekly report highlighting New Moon and Full Moon phases from both Western and Vedic perspectives.  


Astrologers Isha Lerner and Tara McKinney join forces to offer their complementary interpretations of the New and Full Moon phases each month – Isha from the Western perspective, Tara from the Vedic. Isha’s approach draws upon thirty years in her practice of Western astrology. Tara’s approach employs the ancient Vedic system of 27 “Lunar Mansions” (each 13 1/3 degrees wide) which are oriented primarily around the stars (sidereal), the constellations and our Galactic Center. Please join us every couple of weeks for the latest guidance from the Great Lunar Goddesses of both Western and Eastern traditions.

 

New Moon in Pisces: February 21st 2012

Dreaming the Vision of Love

 By Isha Lerner

 “Behold, a sacred voice is calling you. All over the sky a sacred voice is calling you.” Black Elk

 A new moon occurs when the Sun and the Moon are at the same degree and located in the same astrological sign in the heavens. It offers unity between the light of the sun and the luminescent glow of the moon and represents a glorious seed of potential.

 This month’s New Moon occurs at the same zodiacal degree as transcendent Neptune, the planet of visions, dreams and sacred compassion. If you haven’t focused on the ethereal beauty of the Soul lately, you most likely will during this lovely conjunction. Neptune begs for clarity, boundaries, and prayers, and if met with a complete surrender to higher understanding, Neptune will heal. Your thinking may feel a little fuzzy in the next few days, but I urge you to allow this energy to flow; Neptune isn’t so much about the head as it is the pure Light of the Heart.

 The New Moon in Pisces is receptive, quiet, compassionate, soothing and watery. Neptune rules Pisces and it’s essence offers a journey into the Source of Divine Guidance. A wondrous truth within is gestating within you now, and during the sweetness of this New Moon, you must listen. The master planet Jupiter will align at 5 degrees of Taurus during the New Moon, creating a sextile between the sun, moon and Neptune. The dynamic of this sextile, which is a 30 degree harmonious aspect, offers stability, goodwill, and expansion to your life as you touch the deep essence of your Inner Self. Therefore, this New Moon generates creative potential for Contemplation.

 Finding time for yourself is accentuated during the New Moon in Pisces due to a Mars retrograde cycle. Mars rules raw energy, action and passion, and during this retrograde cycle we may feel withdrawn, a need for more rest, and careful not to over extend. If you feel melancholic, don't worry. The process of self reflection is sometimes mistaken as depression, however, it is more likely a call to the Soul beckoning the individual to explore beyond the boundaries of denial, self-annihilation, and confusion. Bode yourself a gift of  humility today by entering the gateway of the unconscious where a sacred truth awaits.

 The Sabian symbol for the New Moon at 3 degrees Pisces is:

 Petrified Tree Trunks Lie Broken On Desert Sand

 Keynote: The power to preserve records of their achievements, which are inherent in fully matured cultures.

 Keyword: Indestructability

 One might wonder how this symbol connects with the sacred dimensions of the New Moon conjunct Neptune. It is most provocative and mind expanding when explained in the text below written by Dane Rudhyar:

 “When a vast group of individuals succeed in building a culture with strong institutions which express themselves in significant symbols and works of art or literature, such an effort of many generations is rarely lost altogether. In one form or another, records of this culture endure or are mysteriously preserved, simply because they reveal the place and function of this particular culture in the long process of unfoldment of the potentialities inherent in archetypal HUMANITY.”

 That which has stabilized within the Soul cannot be destroyed nor forgotten, and the inherent factors of Love, expressed in art, music, architecture and literature, passed on from generation to generation lives within each individual. It resides within the DNA of our planet and is indestructible from harm due to human mistake and carelessness. This essence is pure light and its source is available to every living thing on earth.

 We are living within a grand plan; a foundation built upon the principles of Love, and upon this foundation we thrive together. This New Moon restores something deep within, offering the retrieval of wisdom, compassion, and core understanding. Please find some time to reflect. Your truth will arise and bless you. Love is not the answer; it is the only way.

 From heart,

 Isha Lerner

Full Moon (2/7/12)

Full Moon (2/7/12)

Isha Lerner and Tara McKinney, coauthors of the book The Triple Goddess Tarot, have once again joined forces on behalf of the Triple Goddess, with this bi-weekly report highlighting New Moon and Full Moon phases from both Western and Vedic perspectives.  


Astrologers Isha Lerner and Tara McKinney join forces to offer their complementary interpretations of the New and Full Moon phases each month – Isha from the Western perspective, Tara from the Vedic. Isha’s approach draws upon thirty years in her practice of Western astrology. Tara’s approach employs the ancient Vedic system of 27 “Lunar Mansions” (each 13 1/3 degrees wide) which are oriented primarily around the stars (sidereal), the constellations and our Galactic Center. Please join us every couple of weeks for the latest guidance from the Great Lunar Goddesses of both Western and Eastern traditions.

 

Full Moon in Leo: Dynamic Play in Action

By Isha Lerner

The light of the Full Moon at 18 degrees Leo casts its glorious luminosity on the Heart Center of Humanity. Leo represents the heart of our galaxy and the ever present light that fuels the passions of the Soul. The warm creative spirit of the Lion, represented by Leo, symbolizes the majestic power of Love offered to each individual during this phase.

The Sun, ruled by Leo, is opposite the Moon at 18 degrees of Aquarius, conjunct Mercury in the Full Moon chart. This Leo-Aquarius polarity deals with the balance between all that is personal (Leo) and all that is impersonal (Aquarius). The energy of the Leo Moon is creative self-expression while the Aquarius Sun rules groups and objectivity. The Leo Moon is proud and intensely individual--not content with simply being just one of the team. The Aquarius Sun, while individualistic as well, values independence and the team. The Full Moon illuminates this conflict.

The Sabian Symbol for the Full Moon is:

A Houseboat Party.

Keynote: The enjoyment of temporary freedom from the rigidly structured social behavior.

I love this symbol and it happens to be my Juno position. Those of us born in 1954 may enjoy this Full Moon symbol as it contacts our Juno, the asteroid representing relationship and marriage. Perhaps this is a splendid time to explore the truest desires of the Heart. Also, for those with Sun, Moon and Ascendant at this position, this is a great week to let down your hair and play.

For everyone, even if Leo is not dominant in your personal chart, seek pleasure. Look to the Moon as a resource for nurturance and let go a little. Explore the charismatic charm of Leo and balance that with the brilliance of bringing out the qualities of the Original You!

 

The Birth of Intuition Out of the Ocean of Pure Awareness

By Tara McKinney

The Moon comes into if fullness on February 7, 2012, at 1:54 p.m. PST in the latter degrees of Cancer (sidereal) in the Pisces decanate. As is always the case with a Full Moon, the Sun is directly opposing it, in this case, in the latter degrees of Capricorn exactly conjunct Mercury. The Sun/Mercury conjunction here brings the combined qualities of illumination and discernment to the already enhanced, intuitive energies of the Full Moon.

A Cancerian Full Moon is in its own watery, maternal element, which makes it especially full, as if in the process of giving birth to itself out of the great ocean of pure awareness. This notion is supported by Edgar Cayce’s channeled material on the past-life implications of the Moon in Cancer placement:

At least one of your past lives was an intensely emotional one, probably lived during matriarchal, close-knit cultures where the lineage was female and children were much more dependent upon their mother or their maternal relatives. Also, working with nature in producing or growing things, on one hand, or, on the other, helping to bring fruit from the mental forces of groups (classes and masses) of people could bring you, and them, many manifold increases. 



Adding an even more overtly mystical dimension to this Full Moon on February 7, is the fact that it happens to fall in the decanate of Pisces, as mentioned above. Below are Edgar Cayce’s prophetic words on this particular Moon placement:

The sidereal Moon in the decanate of Pisces is co-ruled by Neptune and Jupiter. This points to one or more parallel lifetimes in which you were dedicated to spirituality, humanitarian, healing-oriented and spiritual, mystical endeavors. Of likely special interest to you in your present life are mysticism, spirituality and most movements toward Oneness and the mysteries of Life and Nature, including dreams and mystical kinds of music and art.

The Vedic system of astrology adds another dimension to our understanding of this Full Moon in the latter degrees of Cancer, as it happens to fall in the Lunar House known as Ashlesha, associated with the constellation Hydra, the coiled female water snake. Ashlesha represents the kundalini, or serpent fire, coiled at the base of the spine. Its presiding deity is Agi, the serpent of wisdom. Ashlesha combines the energies of Mercury and the Moon and is, therefore, deeply mystical, magnetic, sensual and shamanic, descending into the depths before ascending to the heights of a full and complete rebirth process.

The Sabian Symbol for 25 degrees Cancer echoes this theme:

A Will-full Man is Overshadowed By a Descent of Superior Power

Keynote: The response of spiritual forces to the integration of personality through positive, willful endeavors

We are dealing here with a man who uses his will and positive imagination in facing his life problems. To him comes a pentecostal descent of power. He receives the “mantle of power,” the grace (baraka in Sufi philosophy) or the Providential assistance which can make him a true leader in his culture.

In this symbol, we witness a more transcendent expression of “success.” It is not merely external success (as is given by society to its prima donnas), but a spiritual response, a sign of inner strength and uncommon ENDOWMENT.

Clearly, during the Full Moon phase beginning on February 7, we are being asked to take the plunge into the great ocean of pristine awareness, emerging with dramatically enhanced intuitive abilities on a collective level. If possible, spend some time meditating on or near a large body of water at this time. You may be surprised by the insights and skills you are able to remember and reclaim from our very ancient and glorious past.

 

New Moon (1/22/12)

New Moon (1/22/12)

Isha Lerner and Tara McKinney, coauthors of the book The Triple Goddess Tarot, have once again joined forces on behalf of the Triple Goddess, with this bi-weekly report highlighting New Moon and Full Moon phases from both Western and Vedic perspectives.

 


Astrologers Isha Lerner and Tara McKinney join forces to offer their complementary interpretations of the New and Full Moon phases each month – Isha from the Western perspective, Tara from the Vedic. Isha’s approach draws upon her long-standing relationship with the Moon’s cycles and aspects as a mirror for the Divine Feminine, cultivated over the past thirty years in her practice of Western astrology, which uses the Earth, our Solar System and the zodiacal signs (each 30 degrees wide) as its primary frames of reference. Tara’s approach employs the ancient Vedic system of 27 “Lunar Mansions” (each 13 1/3 degrees wide) which are oriented primarily around the stars (sidereal), the constellations and our Galactic Center. Each Lunar Mansion is associated with an aspect of the Goddess as she moves through the seasonal cycle, undergoing ritual death and rebirth. Please join us every couple of weeks for the latest guidance from the Great Lunar Goddesses of both Western and Eastern traditions.

The Year of the Lucky Dragon

By Isha Lerner

On January 22, 2012, we celebrate a New Moon in Aquarius and the Chinese New Year. This initiation into 2012 is perfectly aligned with the very auspicious and transformative year of the Lucky Dragon.

In the words of Shelly Wu, Chinese Astrology expert:

Dragon years are traditionally filled with pageantry, festivals and elaborate celebrations. These years hold potential extravagance, grandiose ambitions and futuristic enterprises that soar to the forefront with drama. The essence of Dragon years is “unpredictability,” and the average Dragon year will be exhausting, bringing both spectacular victories and some memorable defeats.

Unlike the other animals of the Chinese zodiac, the Dragon is a mythical creature, and the sign of good luck and vital health. Unlike the frightening Dragons of Western mythology, Chinese Dragons are benevolent creatures who live in the heavens and command the cosmos: wind, mist, rain, thunder and lightning.

The beginning of this auspicious year presents a New Moon at 3 degrees Aquarius, the sign of brilliance, liberation, and mature individuality. This New Moon carries a revolutionary message for humanity, as indicated by this Sabian Symbol from Dane Rudhyar’s Astrological Mandala:

A Deserter From the Navy

Keynote: The individual’s self-realization through a crucial repudiation of a collective status that has become unbearable.

Man refuses to accept the type of cultural patterns derived from his society’s specific approach to local circumstances and to the universe as a whole, and in another sense, from its particular relationship to the all-human collective Unconscious.

With a Mars retrograde pattern, this New Moon sets the tone for humanity to break free of the bondage of the past through a pioneering approach to realizing new ideals and visions. Mars, the warrior, makes a trine to Mercury, the messenger, catalyzing the will to take action on the basis of well-conceived strategies and inspired vision. A New Moon, especially the first one of the year, seeds the potentials that will germinate and bear fruit throughout the entire year. It’s time. That’s all I can say.

Pick yourself up by your own bootstraps and travel with those of us who have prepared for these astonishing time as best we can. The unexpected and miraculous are upon us.  

Aquarius is rational, logical and brilliant. The Moon is feeling, caring and emotional. As we ride the back of the Lucky Dragon, the seeds of change of this first New Moon unite the often-at-odds worlds of thinking and feeling in a true marriage. In fairy tale lore the dragon typically represents an opportunity to conquer fear, obstacles and limitations. Through this heroic process, the protagonist is given the gifts of enchantment and joy. Go for it! And be joyous!

With love,

Isha Lerner

 

New Moon (1/22/2012, 11:39 p.m. PST): True Freedom Through a Disciplined Surrender to One’s Guidance

By Tara McKinney

With the New Moon at 8+ degrees Capricorn (sidereal) conjunct the Sun, in a T square with Saturn in Libra and Jupiter in Aries, the message is clear and consistent from several different sources and divination systems: it’s all about finding the balance point between the freedom and expansiveness of Jupiter and the discipline and gravitational grounding of Saturn, during this very auspicious lunar phase. In a similar vein, the Love Card for January 22 happens to be the Five of Diamonds: the one who seeks to find his/her worth through a reconciliation of the desire for freedom with the need for security and a sense of accomplishment. Since the number 22 is the most powerful of all master numbers, combining the expansive, intuitive insights, spiritual understanding and visionary nature of the 11, with the practical, instinctive nature of the 4, the ability to successfully turn one’s dreams into reality is highly indicated at this time.

The Sabian Symbol for this 8+ degrees Capricorn New Moon placement, An Angel Carrying A Harp, suggests that the path to a balancing and integration of the contrasting energies of transcendence and immanence lies in attunement to one’s angelic guidance:

Keynote: The revelation of the spiritual meaning and purpose at the core of any life situation

This picture simply says that “heaven is within us.” All we have to do is be open and listen to the total harmony of life, a harmony in which we play a part that is necessary to the completeness and meaning of the whole. In order to do this, we have to surrender our seperative ego-consciousness and flow with the universal current which, to the religiously minded person, is the Will of God.

The Vedic system of astrology repeats this theme of opening one’s self to divine guidance during the opening of this New Moon in Capricorn portal, which happens to fall in the Lunar House known as Uttara Ashadha, representing the completely integrated manifestation of god-like power, not so much through our personal efforts but “with the appropriate alliances and support of all the gods.” Ruled by the Sun, this placement is known as the “universal star,” reflecting deep humanitarian concern, as well as the desire for spiritual and socio/political liberation for all races and classes of people.

Not surprisingly, Abraham Lincoln had his natal Moon in this placement. No doubt, he was at the height of his own divinely-inspired powers during his presidency, which coincided with the Civil War and his efforts to bring an end to slavery in the US, as expressed perhaps most eloquently in his luminous Gettysburg Address: “Four score and seven years ago, our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.” These words echo down to us now, across the generations, and we are being asked to follow our own deepest guidance to ever truer expressions of the democratic impulse that began with The Declaration of Independence.

 

Full Moon (1/8/12)

Full Moon (1/8/12)

Isha Lerner and Tara McKinney, coauthors of the book The Triple Goddess Tarot, have once again joined forces on behalf of the Triple Goddess, with this bi-weekly report highlighting New Moon and Full Moon phases from both Western and Vedic perspectives.  



Astrologers Isha Lerner and Tara McKinney join forces to offer their complementary interpretations of the New and Full Moon phases each month – Isha from the Western perspective, Tara from the Vedic. Isha’s approach draws upon her long-standing relationship with the Moon’s cycles and aspects as a mirror for the Divine Feminine, cultivated over the past thirty years in her practice of Western astrology, which uses the Earth, our Solar System and the zodiacal signs (each 30 degrees wide) as its primary frames of reference. Tara’s approach employs the ancient Vedic system of 27 “Lunar Mansions” (each 13 1/3 degrees wide) which are oriented primarily around the stars (sidereal), the constellations and our Galactic Center. Each Lunar Mansion is associated with an aspect of the Goddess as she moves through the seasonal cycle, undergoing ritual death and rebirth. Please join us every couple of weeks for the latest guidance from the Great Lunar Goddesses of both Western and Eastern traditions.


Full Moon in Cancer January 8th/9th of 2012

The Full Moon at 18+ degrees of Cancer highlights the theme of relationship and the nurturing dynamics a thoughtful and conscious relationship can produce. The Sabian Symbol over lighting the Full Moon reads:

Cancer 19 degrees: A Priest Performing a Marriage Ceremony

Keynote: The ritualization of productive interpersonal relationships.

The meaning of this symbol clarifies our need, as a humanity to seek a progressive way of relating that can move us beyond duality within the form of a sanctified or committed union. Within the sanction of any given form of relationship, be it a marriage, a business association, sibling relationships, and family ties, we are reminded during this Full Moon phase to Love beyond borders, to give through our soul’s truth, and to embrace the notion that each relationship is uniquely placed in our life as a means to de-polarize the notion that we are separate from one another. In the oneness of spirit, this Full Moon opens the portal so that we may reach a greater understanding of relationship and the truest meaning of unification and acceptance.

During the Full Moon phase and the days following you may have a heightened feeling of emotion. Your sense of belonging may be questioned and you may have a feeling of restless abandon. This is due to the Saturn square Moon aspect, offering one to explore fears that may hinder the ability to merge and connect with others.

This is the first Full Moon of 2012. It seems it’s placement beckons humanity to seek relationships in a new and self-reflective manner. It isn’t about illusion and deception; it is about clarity…the clarity offered when the individual is at peace within the context of a unified vision of wholeness and self nurturing.

Happy Full Moon everyone. Welcome to the door of opportunity that 2012 offers. Our relationship with one another is essential as we enter the New Year. Much Love.

New Moon (12/24/11)

New Moon (12/24/11)

Isha Lerner and Tara McKinney, coauthors of the book The Triple Goddess Tarot, have once again joined forces on behalf of the Triple Goddess, with this bi-weekly report highlighting New Moon and Full Moon phases from both Western and Vedic perspectives.  


Astrologers Isha Lerner and Tara McKinney join forces to offer their complementary interpretations of the New and Full Moon phases each month – Isha from the Western perspective, Tara from the Vedic. Isha’s approach draws upon her long-standing relationship with the Moon’s cycles and aspects as a mirror for the Divine Feminine, cultivated over the past thirty years in her practice of Western astrology, which uses the Earth, our Solar System and the zodiacal signs (each 30 degrees wide) as its primary frames of reference. Tara’s approach employs the ancient Vedic system of 27 “Lunar Mansions” (each 13 1/3 degrees wide) which are oriented primarily around the stars (sidereal), the constellations and our Galactic Center. Each Lunar Mansion is associated with an aspect of the Goddess as she moves through the seasonal cycle, undergoing ritual death and rebirth. Please join us every couple of weeks for the latest guidance from the Great Lunar Goddesses of both Western and Eastern traditions.

New Moon (12.24.2011, 10:06 a.m. PST): The Dark Mother Kali Gifts Us with Her Fierce Compassion and Wisdom

By Isha Lerner

The energy of the New Moon at 2+ degrees of Capricorn, conjunct Pluto, is extremely potent and fierce, yet it is illuminated by protective influences of goodwill and light since it follows the Winter Solstice on December 21st, and precedes a direct moving Jupiter on December 25th.

The vision that comes to mind is of Mother Kali, Goddess of Transformation and Destruction, gathering her resources and wisdom before awakening into another cycle of Transition and Rebirth. I noticed that we will end 2011 with a powerful New Moon, and, in turn, complete 2012 with an illuminated Full Moon on December 28th, 2012.  The light of the human heart will be lit in the coming year, and this New Moon on December 24th, 2011, suggests that prayerful attunement will bring forward the Inner Sight of our Future, the realization of Truth, and the discovery of progressive solutions for the sake of goodwill and healing on all levels.

It is especially relevant to note the Sabian Symbol for this New Moon placement:

Three Rose Windows in a Gothic Church, One Damaged by War

Keynote:  The necessary realization by any individual making a violent use of collective power that it will lead to the inevitable destruction of some of the values ensuring group-integration.

This symbol may refer to the notion that the disruptive unconscious forces which have been lying latent within the heart of humanity are in desperate need of reckoning. The human soul is said to be three-fold. Which part of it are we destroying? Which aspect of the divine must we bring into the light of our awareness and seek to reconcile within? In what ways has the sacred trinity been harmed by the forces of ego, personal will, greed and power? Within the deep silence of our own inner sanctuary these answers must be found. The New Moon in Capricorn invites us into the bottomless labyrinth of the Dark Mother Kali. Here the Mother of all Creation tells us her secrets and whispers her words of wisdom in each and every living heart. We must listen.

May the New Moon bring you closer to the Divinity of your Soul.

Love to you in 2012!

 

New Moon (12.24.2011, 10:06 a.m. PST): Spiritual Nourishment from the Great Mother on the Eve of Rebirth into a New Age

By Tara McKinney

The New Moon this month happens to fall on Christmas Eve, the day symbolizing the Eve of Rebirth after the Winter Solstice descent into the depths of the collective psyche (on December 21st in the Northern Hemisphere), followed by three days of stillness and contemplation in the darkness of the Underworld. With the New Moon and Sun conjunct at 8+ degrees of Sagittarius (sidereal) in the Aries decanate, trining Jupiter in Aries, again in the Aries decanate, this process of rebirth is best accomplished through drawing upon all the spiritual resources at our disposal, both inner and outer, related to the Spiritual Warrior archetype.

Given that this particular New Moon is located in the lunar house Mula (or Root), which is conjunct the Great Mother/Black Hole at the center of our galaxy, I’d say we have entered a time of unprecedented blessings in the spiritual nourishment department. In fact, with the great abundance of charged particles spewing out of the Galactic Center these days like streams of Mother’s Milk, which are constantly impacting our pineal glands and being absorbed into our overall energy systems, it really doesn’t get much better.

The Christmas Eve imagery or rebirth out of the Underworld described above is mirrored in the Sabian Symbol for this New Moon in Sagittarius phase, especially if we embrace the notion that human beings are but children in the grand evolutionary scheme of things:

A Mother Leads Her Small Child Step by Step Up a Steep Stairway

Keynote: The need in any social situation to assist the less evolved in their management of the problems which society requires its members to solve.

Man builds stairs and therefore is responsible for assisting the child to climb them step by step. Social and cultural living is not “natural.” The child must first be taught by example, then helped along as he imitates as well as he can the grownup’s behavior. Climbing stairs is only an illustration of a general process. Every generation must involve itself in teaching the next even the simplest skills needed for social existence.

From a past-life perspective, Edgar Cayce provided information about the Sun and Moon in Sagittarius placement which highlights a very significant post-Atlantean lifetime we may also draw upon collectively during this Christmas Eve New Moon in Sagittarius portal:

In your deeper meditations you might recall urges and impressions of migrating at the time of the Deluge of Atlantis (commonly called the Great Flood) to other, safer lands to begin a new life and a new age of history. Under circumstances when great expanses of space, including the seemingly endless expanse of oceans, brought you the most insightful and contemplative experiences of your mental being, it was then that spiritually you probably gained the most.

As a still relatively young species, let us collectively take the hand of the Great Mother at the center of our galaxy, who offers her spiritual nourishment and wise counsel more than ever at this time, as well as the hands of our own wise selves from previous lifetimes, in order to ascend to the heights of our evolutionary promise and potential on this Eve of a New Age of History.

Blessings to all for the New Year and beyond!


 

Full Moon (12/10/11)

Full Moon (12/10/11)

Isha Lerner and Tara McKinney, coauthors of the book The Triple Goddess Tarot, have once again joined forces on behalf of the Triple Goddess, with this bi-weekly report highlighting New Moon and Full Moon phases from both Western and Vedic perspectives. 

 


Full Moon Eclipse: Total Power Surge Toward Full Illumination

By Isha Lerner

On December 10th 2011 a Total Lunar Eclipse is upon us and it’s exciting! The Full Moon at 18+ degrees Gemini is introduced as the planet Uranus moves direct for the first time since it went retrograde on July 9th, 2011, at 4 degrees Aries. Uranus will then go direct at 0+ Aries activating this Sabian Symbol:

A Woman Just Risen from the Sea. A Seal Embracing Her.

Keynote: Emergence of new forms and of the potentiality of consciousness.

The force behind this symbol, especially as it relates to the high vibrational energy of Uranus, is a reminder of the wondrous times ahead. It’s inspiring to observe the dynamics of the last Full Moon of 2011, and it’s key that we understanding its underlying potential. The image that comes to my mind is of a cosmic electric chord; the power surge is on! I visualize starry lit rays of light beaming down on humanity, plugging us in to the potential of 2012. We are going to discover new forms of life and potential on earth; the circuit board for healing, intuitive development and brilliant invention is on! What a time to be alive!

The actual Full Moon Eclipse takes place at 2:33 PM GMT at 18+ Gemini. The Sabian Symbol for the Full Moon Eclipse is: 

A Large Archaic Volume Reveals Traditional Wisdom

Keynote: Contacting the all-human planetary mind underlying any cultural and personal mentality.

If we think of the Full Moon as a ripe blossom preparing to offer its light of wisdom to the world, we may imagine ourselves its tiny seeds, nurtured and nourished by the emanating light it offers. All of humanity may receive this inspiration and I believe our antennae will be charged up: ready receptors eager to receive new information that will unlock many of the hidden mysteries of the universe. Much will arise from the unconscious and from behind the veil in 2012.

Full Moon Eclipses are powerful, and Total Full Moon Eclipses are even more profound. They cover the entire face of the Moon as the Earth lines up between the Sun and the Moon, deflecting the Sun's light through our atmosphere and changing the light and the energy before it reaches the Moon. The Earth's shadow covers the Moon's face, blocking out the Sun's light. Our own "dust” obscures the face of the Moon. Metaphorically, we could say our human shadows (our polluted collective psychic atmosphere) are projected outward onto the Moon's surface, where they are fully illuminated. 

We might meditate during the occurrence of the Full Moon and ask ourselves: How do our fundamental beliefs and actions shape our truest values? We may wish to begin planting the seeds for a New Year vow; a declaration of new beginnings and blessings.

Love and blessings…

 

Full Moon: Collective Enjoyment Born of the Feeling of Belonging 

By Tara McKinney 

We will be entering a Full Moon phase on Saturday, December 10, coinciding with a Total Lunar Eclipse, at 24+ degrees of Taurus (sidereal) in the decanate of Capricorn. For those of you not familiar with the decanate system, the way it works is that each 30-degree sign of the Zodiac is divided into 3 increments of 10 degrees each, corresponding to the 3 Zodiacal signs associated with that element, respectively. For example, since the Full Moon of 12.10.2011 happens to fall in the third 10 degree arc of Taurus, which is an earth sign, it is in the decanate associated with the third, or last, of the earth-signs: Capricorn. 

What Edgar Cayce has to say about soul reprogramming and self-purification associated with the Moon in Capricorn decanate is very relevant to us as a species at this moment in our collective evolution: 

The decanate of Capricorn…is ruled by Saturn. Saturn is the all-important realm to which the soul casts itself for purging and cleansing. Your likely sojourn between earth lives in Saturn's realm points to a major experience of soul reprogramming and self-purification. This brings into your present the essential of a "fresh start" lifetime…You will have special opportunities for spiritual progress through the mature way in which you face heavy changes and responsibilities. 

No doubt you would agree that the possibility of a “fresh start” is certainly what is needed at this time. Throughout our long evolutionary process, the human race has never made a leap in consciousness without being absolutely required to do so by our material conditions and circumstances; without being caught between a rock and a hard place. We find ourselves in such a predicament once again in these final weeks before the ringing in of the 2012 New Year. 

The Sabian Symbol for this Full Moon/Total Lunar Eclipse moment points to what is possible once we have wiped the evolutionary slate clean: Collective enjoyment born of the feeling of belonging. 

A Vast Public Park 

Keynote: The cultivation of natural energies for collective use and recreation At this final stage of the sequence focusing on emotional-cultural values, we witness the positive and impressive results of man’s collective endeavor to live in peace and enjoy moments of relaxation. The public park is designed and kept for the enjoyment of all the people of the city. 

This is a symbol of COLLECTIVE ENJOYMENT. The individual finds in the products of his culture an emotional enhancement born of the feeling of “belonging” to a large, organized, peaceful whole.

 

New Moon (11/24/11)

New Moon (11/24/11)

Isha Lerner and Tara McKinney, coauthors of the book The Triple Goddess Tarot, have once again joined forces on behalf of the Triple Goddess, with this bi-weekly report highlighting New Moon and Full Moon phases from both Western and Vedic perspectives. 


New Moon: Compost Challenging Experiences for the Sake of Future Flowering

By Tara McKinney

We will be entering a New Moon in Scorpio (sidereal) phase this week on Thursday, November 24th (Thanksgiving Day here in the U.S.), at 10:10 p.m. PST. The “Sleeping Prophet,” Edgar Cayce, channeled some important insights about the past-life meaning of the Moon and/or Sun in natal Scorpio, which can be understood in collective terms and applied to our circumstances today:

Long ago you may have been part of the once mighty Mongolian people of the ancient Gobi desert, or among the culturally advanced Chinese. From such lifetimes as these, you have the ability to perform what is expected of you and to do what is necessary without being held back by your feelings or by considerations of a personal nature. This is a strength you inherited from one or more past lives in these remote Asian cultures, whose people shared this self-denying trait.

Bear in mind that Mars is the planet of energy, power and war which rules or best symbolizes the essence of Scorpio. It may not be surprising then, that you may have been a Mongolian warrior who fought to the death for your tribal leader without hesitation or concern for your own injury or pain. Above all, in these Asian past life settings, you had dignity, as you learned to cope with harsh conditions and challenges without wasting your energy on your personal needs.

Though Edgar Cayce left this planet almost seven decades ago, his prophetic words still resonate, inspiring us to draw deeply upon our inner resources as a species in order to conduct ourselves with great dignity, discipline and self-sacrifice at this time. The Sabian Symbol for this New Moon placement echoes this theme, while adding the quality of inventiveness:

Phase 219 (Scorpio 9 degrees): Dentist at Work

Keynote: Overcoming the negative results of social practices and ego-cravings

In order to properly evaluate and interpret this symbol, we should realize the meaning of the teeth.  Permanent teeth appear normally at age 7, when, according to some occultists, the personalized individuality of the child – the ego – takes full control of the physical organism.  The teeth are used to tear down foodstuffs so they can be digested and assimilated.  Social living and cultural patterns impose upon us certain habits of eating, arouse desires for unwholesome or denatured  food, force us perhaps to eat in tense circumstances and hurriedly.  This results in tooth decay far more frequently than should be inevitable through aging.  The symbol therefore shows us how society and civilization, which may indirectly cause tooth decay, then have to invent means to skillfully repair the damage.

Life in society both perverts and repairs, destroys and rebuilds – truly a vicious cycle.  Man is compelled by social needs to display INVENTIVENESS.

Whatever difficulties you may encounter at this time, cultivate your inner strength and resourcefulness in order to turn challenging experiences into compost out of which something beautiful may grow in the future.

 

Full Moon (11/10/11)

Full Moon (11/10/11)

Isha Lerner and Tara McKinney, coauthors of the book The Triple Goddess Tarot, have once again joined forces on behalf of the Triple Goddess, with this bi-weekly report highlighting New Moon and Full Moon phases from both Western and Vedic perspectives.

The Full Moon of November 10, 2011


By Isha Lerner

The Sabian symbol for the Moon in 19 degrees of Taurus and for the Sun in 19 degrees of Scorpio is taken from “The Sabian Symbols in Astrology by Marc Edmund Jones.

Taurus 19 (The Moon) A newly formed continent This symbol suggests that new experience may shape a new reality. Inherent in this symbolism is an awareness of the constant reworking of cycles, and dramatizes the fact that man re-establishes himself continuously within the lineaments of each new realization of powers and opportunities The keyword is: Originality.

Scorpio 19 (The Sun) A parrot listening and then talking This symbolizes the raw substance of intelligence, and it suggests that we are mirror a mass collective thought form. Inherent in the symbolism is sensitivity to the continual reworking of reality on the ideal or imaginative side, and to the opportunity the individual may have for selecting or rejecting every essential element of his make-up. Man continually projects the image in which he creates himself. The keyword is: Conventionality.

The parallel between these two distinctive symbols offers humanity a rare opportunity to move out and beyond the scope of attachment while remaining aware and conscious the need to listen, respond, and ground the changes into true meaning and potential.

The Full Moon energies offer an exciting shift as we ascent into a phase which represents inner strength, perseverance, endurance and care. According to Buddhist tradition, the Buddha was born on a Taurus Full Moon, and left the body on a Taurus Full Moon after attaining Enlightenment. However, a moon in Taurus also brings fixation, materialism, and greed, culminating in a number of world events. For example, all-time record high tides plague Thailand in the Chao Phraya River, a sea level rise is on the brink for Washington DC, and Turkey is recovering from a 7.2 magnitude earthquake. Politically, Occupy Wall Street continues a mission to bring reform to a corrupt financial system.

 These events coincide with the November 10th full moon in Vrishabha, or Taurus. This moon looks to be a transcendental turning point for the evolutionary shift with the world transit of Uranus square Pluto as the parallel axis. This energy coincides with the Mayan prophesies whose theme echoes a need to resolve the conflicts involving issues that seek to diminish an attachment to fixed structures in an effort to promote growth and purity, regardless of the costs. This energy is why we see political tension and change in the universe as spirits hunger for this shift in consciousness. This full Taurus moon squares Neptune (hope) and Chiron (release), inviting us to look within, evaluate our lives, and let go of what we no longer need.

This full moon is telling us to think in, out, around, above, and below the box to imagine all possible outcomes, to see which one will reinvent our lives.

The Samhain New Moon (10/26/11)

The Samhain New Moon (10/26/11)

Isha Lerner and Tara McKinney, coauthors of the book The Triple Goddess Tarot, have once again joined forces on behalf of the Triple Goddess, with this bi-weekly report highlighting New Moon and Full Moon phases from both Western and Vedic perspectives.

Shamanic Descent and Rebirth Inspiring Artistic Expression

By Tara McKinney

On Wednesday, October 26th, we will experience a Samhain New Moon in Libra (sidereal). Samhain is the ancient name for the Pagan New Year now commonly known as Halloween and celebrated on October 31st. (According to tradition, however, Samhain actually spans several days, ending on November 11th.) In the ancient Pagan tradition, the New Moon immediately preceding Samhain was known as a Samhain New Moon. It served as a portal opening into a liminal period between the Samhain New Moon and Samhain, itself, which was called No-Time or the Time Between.

This No-Time or Time Between is a magical interval during which the old must die before the new can be born and a New Year can begin. Mundane laws of time and space are suspended, along with consensus reality, and the veil between this world and the Otherworld becomes very thin. This is a time for communicating with one’s ancestors and departed loved ones, as well as for studying and practicing the rituals of shamanic descent and rebirth taught by the ancient Mystery Schools. It is a time for embracing the Dark Mysteries of the Dark Mother and her consort.

In ancient times, these mysteries were the deepest source of inspiration for the arts in places like Italy and Greece, so this is also a time for diving deep into the well of your own creative imagination and bringing forth new wonders of artistic expression. Edgar Cayce channeled the following very relevant past-life information regarding the Moon in Libra placement from which to draw further inspiration:

 

You may remember in your deeper meditations and dreams, experiences from long ago when you were among great artists, sculptors, poets, and craftsmen of ancient India as well as the more recent leaders of prosperous, classical Greece. Even later day Venice, Florence and other Italian cities developed some of this love of culture, beauty and appreciation of art which you were closely involved with then and which you find rewarding still.

The Full Flowering of Spiritually-based Community (10/11/11)

The Full Flowering of Spiritually-based Community (10/11/11)


By Tara McKinney

The sidereal chart for October 11th shows a beautiful Full Moon at 24+ degrees of Pisces in the Pisces decanate (last 10 degrees of the sign) in the 11th house, symbolizing the full flowering of spiritually-based community. My all-time favorite placement for a Full Moon, or any Moon, for that matter, is in the latter degrees of Pisces. Possibly, this is because my own Moon is in the Pisces decanate, so I feel right at home. But I think there’s more to it than that. Here’s what Edgar Cayce has to say on the subject from the standpoint of past-life experience:

The Moon in Pisces points to prominent soul journeys in the interlife realms of Jupiter and Neptune, and to one or more parallel lifetimes in which you were dedicated to spirituality, humanitarian, healing-oriented and spiritual, mystical endeavors. Your experiences then may have brought you prominence or notoriety in spiritual causes ranging from the Essenes and Gnostics around the time of Christ to Eastern temples and ashrams and later, medieval or modern monastic life.

Of likely special interest to you in your present life are mysticism, spirituality and most movements toward Oneness and the mysteries of Life and Nature, including dreams and mystical kinds of music and art. These interests and urges are intensified from lifetimes where the sea or large bodies of water played a large role, as well as from your soul experiences between earth incarnations in the realms of Neptune and Jupiter.

As is often the case, the past-life information from Edgar Cayce related to Moon cycles lines up nicely with the corresponding Sabian Symbol for this Full Moon placement. This particular Sabian Symbol is especially significant because it is the 355th symbol in the vast 360 degree cycle of the zodiac, leading directly to the series of five symbols which conclude the cycle, symbolizing “the final consummation of the process of actualization of the potency inherent in the original Creative Act.” In keeping with the theme of spiritually-based community, below is the description of the Sabian Symbol for 25 degrees Pisces:

A Religious Organization Succeeds in Overcoming the Corrupting Influence of Perverted Practices and Materialized Ideals

Keynote: The power of the soul to intervene in the personal life and to induce necessary catharses.

…Every man is a church that has the Soul as its God, but most men forget the Soul and live according to dogmatic rules and habits which not only have become empty of meaning, but very often have been perverted by the demands of the emotional nature, and by the ego with its rationalizing intellect. A purging or catharsis is needed to restore not only fresh and creative spontaneity, but even more the contact with the Soul and the God-ordained dharma.

As the Full Moon locks into its exact position at 7:06 p.m. PDT on Tuesday, October 11th, a portal opens, giving us ready access to the beautiful, blended energies of mystical Neptune and expansive Jupiter, along with the possibility of a true, spiritually-based community for all of humankind. As this occurs, we draw upon our collective database of times spent in deep meditation and spiritual practice in the temples, ashrams and monasteries of earlier times. We engage in a process of remembering, reclaiming and recreating from the depths of our Souls for the greater good of all.

 

Inviolate, Alchemical Healer (9/27/11)

Inviolate, Alchemical Healer (9/27/11)


By Tara McKinney

The New Moon is at 9 degrees 58 Virgo (in the sidereal system) this month, exactly conjunct the Sun, of course, but also in a packed stellium with Mercury, Venus, Saturn and Juno, all in the first house in Virgo! Virgo represents the original, archetypal Great Goddess before she split into all the various, kaleidoscopic aspects of the Divine Feminine: self-contained, whole and complete unto Herself. This is a description of Mother Earth, the feminine aspect of the life force, itself, which doesn't need anything or anyone else in order to be complete. Another aspect of this feminine life force is Sophia, the Goddess of Wisdom, who is said to have existed before the emergence of any male deities.

The Sabian Symbol for the New Moon position also points to the source field beyond duality which is the Mother of us all:

Two Heads Looking Out and Beyond the Shadows

Keynotes: The growth of true understanding, born out of the transcendence of duality even while immersed in the world of duality.

The mind operates inevitably in this world of conflicts, oppositions and duality. Yet when the opposites realize that they are complementary aspects of the one Reality which sustains and encompasses all dualistic modes of existence, they are able then to look away from internal conflicts and beyond the shadows these conflicts generate. They may come to realize the One Consciousness-Force…as the Creative Unity, source of a new cycle of manifestation. 

In a deep philosophical sense, we witness here the mind attempting to jump beyond the very shadow it inevitable casts upon all experience; i.e. the SELF-TRANSCENDING ACTIVITY OF THE MIND.

The Mercury ruler of Virgo describes the intelligent and analytical nature of this sign, but as an earth sign this intelligence is used in a practical way, working with matter and substance in order to perfect and heal it through various alchemical rituals. Edgar Cayce touches on this aspect of Virgo in his channeled material on the past-life associations with Sun and Moon in Virgo:

Long ago, one of your likely past lives was in an ideal nature setting, where you were known for your courage and for your ability to heal. This experience may have been in South or Central America as a member of one of the native cultures in the Amazon forest of Brazil or the Aztec Indians of Mexico…Mercury is the planet which rules or symbolizes the essence of the sign Virgo. Higher levels of learning and teaching, then, have been yours in these lifetimes.

A portal opens wide at this time into the very potent Great Goddess matrix of that which can never be violated: your essential nature, your original face before you were born. Return to the Cosmic Womb now, but with all of your faculties of Self-awareness intact. Tap into your intrinsic healing abilities at this time, cultivated through the collective experience of countless lifetimes lived in harmony with the Earth. You are an alchemist and Mother Nature is both that which gives birth to you and your medium of expression. Listen to the virginal, immaculate place within yourself, then go wherever you are guided to go and do as you are guided to do.

 

 

Full Moon in Aquarius (9/12/11)

Full Moon in Aquarius (9/12/11)


By Tara McKinney

Right Use of Technology: The Cautionary Tale of Atlantis

On September 12th (at 2:27 am PDT), we will experience a very Uranian Full Moon at 25+ degrees of Aquarius (in the sidereal system). Adding to the revolutionary, lightning bolt-like power of this Aquarius Moon, it also happens to fall in the decanate of Aquarius (also in the sidereal system). In the early Monday-morning hours, a portal opens into the Atlantean age of our ancestors and former selves. Through this window of opportunity, we gain ready access to both the technological genius of that exalted age, as well as the lessons learned by the abuses of power and excess that led to its sudden reversal of fortunes and ultimate destruction. We are reminded once again about the right use of technology through the cautionary tale of Atlantis. The Sabian Symbol for the Full Moon placement reflects this:

A Garage Man Testing a Car’s Battery with a Hydrometer

Keynote: Skill in applying knowledge of natural laws to the solution of everyday problems resulting from life in our technological society.

Here we see a man using his analytical mind to check up on the operation of the machine his inventive genius produced. This simple commonplace operation is used here as an indication of how deeply technology involves us in small matters which in some circumstances could make the difference between life and death – i.e. a mechanical failure in a car on a crowded freeway. The need for “management” therefore is seen to affect every detail of our individual lives; this applies as well to the complexities of interpersonal, social and political relationships, because our modern society is indeed like a huge machine speeding on dangerous ground. Safety depends on available power.

This symbol tells us that we constantly need the use of our intellectual power of observation and analysis to check on the effectiveness of the energies at our disposal. It is a symbol of mental deficiency.

Past-life information channeled by the psychic Edgar Cayce for the sidereal Moon in Aquarius is remarkably similar in content to that of the Sabian Symbol above. (I often find that this type of synchronicity between the two systems, by the way.) Significantly, Cayce once noted that the information which I share with you below is true of a great number of souls who incarnated in the twentieth century (especially since World War II), with memories spanning many millennia between the present time and the ancient Atlantean civilizations:


Your Moon in sidereal Aquarius makes for the application of your mental self, so that there are tendencies for you to analyze carefully any given project, or any undertaking dealing with the material world…

The planet ruled or symbolized by Aquarius is Uranus, which is the purely Atlantean planet. In other words, Uranus is the principal theme of Aquarius, and because Uranus is the realm of a distinctive Atlantean nature, then Aquarius is the zodiacal sign best symbolized by thoughts, personalities and activities akin to the series of prehistoric "space age" civilizations known as Atlantis.

For example, you may once have been involved with scientific discovery and invention, and therefore in the present have the potential again for investigating more scientific or technical areas like computers, engineering, inventing, research, astrology and parapsychology, space travel and the like.

Other similar experiences and abilities with high technologies ranging from electronics in medicine to communications are close to you in terms of your interests and abilities, yet are far away in time.

 

Reclaiming Our True Nobility (8/28/11)

Reclaiming Our True Nobility (8/28/11)


By Tara McKinney

At the start of this New Moon phase, the Sun, Moon and Venus are all conjunct in the constellation Leo (in the sidereal system), as well as in the Leo decanate. Many of you may be familiar with the work of the psychic, Edgar Cayce, but may not be aware that he channeled quite a lot of past-life information regarding the meaning of Sun and Moon placements in the constellations and decanates at the time of one’s birth. What he had to say about the Sun and/or Moon in Leo, below, is all the more potent given that both the Sun and Moon, plus Venus, are in Leo for this New Moon, plus all three planets are in the Leo decanate:

Leo symbolizes the consciousness wherein there is strength, creativity and virility, as well as a certain headstrong or willful nature in how you apply yourself in relationship with others.


For instance, reading biographical or historical novels about European royalty, daydreaming about the courts of Kings and Queens of modern Europe or ancient times and other grandeurs of the past may bring to your conscious mind memories of previous incarnations when you were at the forefront of things. Hence to this very day there probably remains within you considerable inner strength along with…a powerful sense of individualism. These qualities are probably connected with your past life experiences involved -- directly and indirectly -- with leaders of society and government.


You are also likely to have an above-average interest in the great artistic and spiritual accomplishments of the grand cathedrals and great churches of Britain and Europe, as well as the ancient temples of the Mediterranean world.


In addition, you may have been one of the higher-ranking Vikings who, like other royalty, also had an exciting lifestyle. And in far earlier times, during and after the last days of Lemuria and Atlantis, you may have been among the Incan pyramid builders in the mountains of South America, the Mayan plains of Central America, and of course, Egypt, the land which is virtually synonymous with great pyramids.


The Sun is the ruler or symbol of Leo, and represents strength and soul force. So, from the Sun's influence and the past life experiences summarized here, you are inclined to have a special sense of pride and dignity which, depending on how you apply your will and the ideals you have set for yourself, can either enhance or hinder your relationships with others (and hence either advance or retard your soul growth this lifetime).

 

Full Awakening Inspired by the Full Moon of Our Collective Vision (8/13/11)

Full Awakening Inspired by the Full Moon of Our Collective Vision (8/13/11)


By Tara McKinney

The Full Moon is at 26 degrees 40 of Capricorn (sidereal) this Saturday, August 13, 2011, at 11:57 a.m. PDT, which happens to be my niece, Ember’s, thirty-third birthday, BTW. What a great gift to have a Full Moon on the day of your Solar Return, especially when your name is Ember and the Sabian Symbol for the Moon’s location describes rising “like fire,” impelled by a collective vision. See below:

Sabian Symbol: Pilgrims Climbing the Steps Leading to a Mountain Shrine

Keynote: The ascent of the individualized consciousness to the highest realizations reached by the spiritual leaders of its culture.

We hear a great deal now about “peak experiences,” but this symbol tells us that they depend to a very great extent upon following a path which many have trod before, under the inspiration of the great Teachers and Sages of our race. The shrine is built by the unceasing dedication of perhaps generations of men. The pilgrimage is hallowed by the devotion of many, even though each person finds on his own mountaintop what to him seems a unique and transcendent revelation.

In this stage we witness the rise of the human consciousness…It is man’s supreme task to rise like fire, impelled by a vision he shares with his companions. The keyword: UPREACHING.

Setting aside the anachronistic “man” language for a moment for the sake of this analysis, the sentence that really seems to encapsulate the essence of this particular Full Moon is the one about the pilgrimage being hallowed by the devotion of many, though we each find what seems like our own unique and transcendent revelation on our own mountaintop. This captures very well the acutely paradoxical nature of our times as we attempt to find balance on the head of the evolutionary pin between the apparent polarities of individual and collective experience.

According to the Law of Attraction, we each “create” our own reality, yet this is an oversimplification of the way the world actually works according to the laws of quantum physics, for what we are actually engaged in is an act of “co-creation.” It can never be otherwise. No one is ever truly an island unto him/herself, especially when it comes to the evolutionary process in which we are all inextricably engaged. We are each waves in the great, communal ocean and it is important that we never lose sight of our dual identities as both individual waves and integral parts of the ocean, with its bottomless depth and infinite breadth. What this strongly suggests is that full awakening can only be achieved through full immersion in our collective experience and vision.

We stand poised on the shoulders of all who have come before us, human and otherwise, while shoulder to shoulder with all who are alive right now. Take a deep breath and allow yourself to be strengthened by this vision as the Full Moon of August 13 opens a portal to the next stage in humankind’s individual/collective rebirthing process. The Sun/Venus conjunction near the Midheaven in Cancer directly opposing the Moon makes this an especially nurturing, loving and illuminating time of surrender into what lies beyond.

 

Nourishment from the Great Mother (7/30/11)

Nourishment from the Great Mother (7/30/11)


By Tara McKinney

In my last installment, I described the Sun and Moon as celestial lovers, eternally engaged in a passionate dance of illumination and revelation with one another. During the New Moon phase of the dance, they are very up close and personal with one another. In fact, in astrological terms, they are exactly conjunct.

During this particular New Moon on July 30th, the Sun and Moon are conjunct at 13 degrees 15’ Cancer, according to the Vedic system of calculation. This locates the two of them in the Lunar Mansion Pushya, meaning “to provide nourishment,” symbolized by the udder of a cow. The New Moon is in its own sign of Cancer here, reinforcing the theme of the Great Mother providing milk and nurturance to her children. Also, Jupiter happens to be exalted in this Lunar Mansion, indicating that what is actually pouring forth is of the highest spiritual order. The flower is another archetypal symbol associated with Pushya, representing the “flowering of consciousness” that is accomplished here. Through positive effort, hard work and discipline, Pushya increases good karma a thousand-fold. Under the influence of this Lunar Mansion, the spiritual warrior gets her marching orders and sets out to fulfill the most sublimely-inspired aspects of her destiny with a thousand angels watching her back!

In perfect symmetry with the symbolism of the Great Mother pouring forth her wisdom in order to inspire and nurture the human race on our collective evolutionary journey, the Sabian Symbol for this placement is:

A Very Old Man Facing a Vast Dark Space to the Northeast

Keynote: Fulfillment in Transcending and Changeless Wisdom

This symbol describes the wise old man, an archetypal figure found in all systems of symbolism. In occult terminology the Northeast is the direction from which spiritual cosmic forces enter the earth sphere…This is the (traditionally) spiritual state. The wise old man faces the changeless reality, the true North, which for us is located in the Northeast direction. He faces the great Void, that apparent Darkness which is an intense Light, invisible to our senses.

Implied is that by consistently and for a long time meditating on the changeless and spiritual reality at the very core of all experiences one can attain the supreme and age-old wisdom. We see in the symbol a way beyond appearances and toward PERMANENCE IN TRUTH.

During this Full Moon phase, emulate the example of the wise old man. Align yourself with the ultimate “true North,” the Center of our Galaxy, the “great Void,” the Great Mother. Receive her milky (i.e. Milky Way) nectar and allow yourself to be nourished and inspired into spiritual warrior action for the greater good of all.

 

The Heights of Spiritual and Humanitarian Attainment (7/14-15/11)

The Heights of Spiritual and Humanitarian Attainment (7/14-15/11)


By Tara McKinney

In archetypal terms, from the vantage point of the Earth, the Sun and Moon are celestial lovers, eternally engaged in a passionate dance of revelation with one another. So, when the Moon enters its Full Moon phase every 29 days (or any other phase, for that matter), it always does so as an expression of this eternal dance, giving new, epic meaning to the saying, “It takes two to Tango.”

In Astrological terms, the Moon only becomes fully luminous, and therefore revelatory, in opposition to the Sun. To continue the dance metaphor, complete illumination happens when the two partners involved in the dance reach a certain distance from one another and then pause directly facing one another. It is only from this vantage point that ideal conditions exist for truly seeing one another. In the case of the Sun and Moon in opposition, the Sun shines the light of his awareness and devotional gaze directly upon the Moon. The question is: What exactly does he behold at such times? What does the Moon reveal to him? In general terms, it’s always something different and always something amazing, to be sure.

This particular Full Moon is at 28 degrees 27’ Sagittarius according to the Vedic system of calculation. This puts it in the early degrees of the Lunar Mansion Uttara Ashada, known as the “Universal Star,” reflecting deep humanitarian concern and fairness to all races. Not surprisingly, Abraham Lincoln had his natal Moon in this placement. How appropriate then that the Full Moon of July 14/15 is not only in the sign of Sagittarius (and the decanate, or last ten degrees, of Sagittarius), associated with the highest of spiritual aspirations, but also in the 9th house, likewise associated with the heights of spiritual attainment, and conjunct the Midheaven, associated with one’s true calling, or in this case, the highest possible calling for humanity as a whole.

Edgar Cayce channeled the following past-life information about the meaning of the Moon in Sagittarius (in the context of Vedic astrology):

Jupiter as Past-Life Planet points to a prominent soul journey between earth incarnations in the realm of Jupiter, called Brahmaloka in Vedic astrology. Your Jupiter sojourn demonstrates that you have reached a high level of development toward a universal consciousness among all men and women. Your special Jupiter sojourn also indicates you have a strong inner commitment to faith, optimism and group causes potentially affecting large numbers of people. Past lives in humanitarian or spiritual service and ministry, religious, royal and priestly affairs are likely, especially lifetimes in Egypt and the Holy Land.

The message is clear: This Full Moon opens a portal and issues a clarion call to all of humankind, quickening the evolutionary impulse toward spiritual attainment of the highest order for the greatest good of all people, of all races, classes, national identities, genders, sexual orientations, etc. Many of us draw upon collective memories of glorious lifetimes spent together in ancient Egypt and the Middle East at this time. During this Full Moon phase, open your crown chakra wide and let yourself be bathed in the charged particles of Jupiterian empowerment and inspiration. It’s what the world needs now.

 

New Beginnings Through Facing the Shadow (7/1/11)

New Beginnings Through Facing the Shadow (7/1/11)


By Isha Lerner & Tara McKinney

Isha:

A new moon teaches gradualness and deliberation and how one gives birth to oneself slowly. Patience with small details makes perfect a large work, like the universe.   Rumi

At 9 degrees Cancer, this is the final eclipse creating a grand square with Uranus in Aries, Pluto in Capricorn, and Saturn in Libra. The previous two eclipses were all about encouraging humanity to be courageous in opening to personal growth opportunities and deeply soulful transformation. Those wishing to stay centered and on the middle path are advised to pay attention to the details of their lives with a keen eye during this New Moon cycle.

Uranus in Aries is revolutionary and ruthless. Uranus provokes change and wants it now! These two energies personify a pioneering quest for New Land. Metaphorically, this land represents the foundation of our inner embodiment on an emotional level. Pluto in Capricorn signifies a structure shift. Pluto rules the mystery of the unknown: the silent depth at the eye of the cyclone. Capricorn connects us with systems via money, the military and constructs of the physical world. When these two forces align, culture paradigms shift and new realities come into focus; painful growth opportunities may insist upon surrender. Saturn in Libra exemplifies the world of form, relationship and balance. Who are you in the world? What is the key to furthering the cause of social justice?

These planetary energies form a grand square with the New Moon in Cancer, creating a point of resurrection and release from tension, power shifts and creative genius. The New Moon in the sometimes turbulent, watery sign of Cancer pushes and pulls at the chords of our past. Letting go of the multi-layered patterns and complexities of the subconscious is the sure path to freedom during this New Moon Phase. We can either choose to be the masters of our fate or fall into the grip of struggle and suffering. The last phase of the eclipse cycle creates an energy portal allowing for awakening.

The Sabian Symbol from Dane Rudhyar’s book, An Astrological Mandala, offers the following description for 9 degrees Cancer:

A Large Diamond in the First Stages of the Cutting Process

Keynote: The arduous training for perfection in order to fully manifest an ideal

Tara:

In the early morning hours of July 1st, 2011, we have a beautiful portal opening in the heavens, and it speaking directly to the Triple Goddess in each of us: a Solar Eclipse and a New Moon occurring within sixteen minutes of each other at 1:38 and 1:54 a.m., PDT. A New Moon of this type is known as a “Syzygy Moon.” The word syzygy is most often used in reference to the alignment of the Sun, Earth and Moon at the time of a New or Full Moon. In more esoteric terms, however, syzygy is the joining of any two entities (witnessed from the vantage point of a third) without losing the individual characteristics of either one. This idea brings to mind the ancient iconography of the yin/yang mandala, representing the Heiros Gamos, or Sacred Marriage.

This Syzygy New Moon is exactly conjunct the Sun at 15+ degrees of Gemini, according to the Vedic system of astrology, in the Lunar Mansion Ardra. Lunar Mansions are similar to constellations, except they orient themselves around the Center of the Galaxy rather than our solar system, plus they are only 13+ degrees in arc rather than 30. They are the astrological remnants of a time before the emergence of Patriarchy, more than 5,000 years ago. Picture the Triple Goddess in her myriad manifestations, dancing around the astrological wheel bestowing her many blessings and you will have the gist of it.

The Lunar Mansion Ardra is associated with the fixed star Sirius. The presiding deity is Shiva in his fierce form as the Lord of the Storm and God of Destruction. Ardra reflects the clarity that comes after a spring rain storm or a good hard cry. Its name means “the moist one.” Its symbol is the teardrop.

The Syzygy New Moon in Ardra forms a Grand Square with Saturn, Pluto and Uranus. Grand Squares tend to get a bad rap because they are comprised of nothing but squares and oppositions, forming a giant crucifix, suggesting difficulties, conflict, struggle and even martyrdom. But it’s important to keep in mind that at its highest frequency of expression a Grand Square is the sacred geometrical template for the Tree of Life: the non-anthropomorphic symbol for God, representing the binary, yin/yang code for Life, itself.

The branches of this particular Tree of Life configuration are Saturn and Uranus, spreading out at 90 degrees angles from its trunk. The Sun/New Moon conjunction in Ardra is at the crowning apex of the trunk, while Pluto holds the root position in the Lunar Mansion Mula, known as “the root star.” She represents the gateway or black hole at the Center of the Galaxy. This is the womb of Kali, the Divine Mother, the Goddess of Destruction who lives in the kingdom of the dead.

Combine all of the above with the catalytic synergy of Pluto, Saturn and Uranus, associated with descent into the Underworld, destruction of old paradigms that no longer serve, and revolutionary change, respectively, and a clear picture begins to emerge: this New Moon is about a birth of something that will bring about the death of something else, or vis versa, or both. In any case, it’s an intensely powerful, shamanic Moon wanting to experience everything with profound emotional depth and intensity; willing to confront its shadow and exorcise its demons.

Rest assured the portal that opens through this Syzygy New Moon process allows divine guidance and inspiration to enter directly into the Earth realm from our beloved ancestors on the home star Sirius.

Appropriately enough, the Sabian Symbol for this New Moon (according to the Vedic system of calculation) is:

A Woman Activist in an Emotional Speech Dramatizing Her Cause

Keynote: A passionate response to a deeply felt new experience

 

Introduction to The New and Full Moon Forecast     (May 17, 2011)

Introduction to The New and Full Moon Forecast (May 17, 2011)


By Isha Lerner & Tara McKinney

Isha:

My colleague, Tara McKinney, and I are teaming up to offer a biweekly interpretation of the energies of the New and Full Moons each month as the Moon travels through the zodiacal heavens and aspects various planetary alignments. Each month these alignments sound a vibratory note on the tuning fork within the human body, creating a ripple effect of Lunar waves that trigger the unconscious as well as the emotional realm of experience. A stream of creativity is awakened by the moist undercurrents of the Soul. Understanding Moon cycles is a powerful way to live in sync with the divine chorus of one’s deeper knowing.

When I lived in Hawaii in the mid-70s, I was enchanted by the fertile beauty of nature, but what equally took my breath away was the tapestry of the sky that sparkled like a jewel above the warm caresses of the ocean. It was there, living on an island, surrounded by the spacious sky and sea that I first began to notice the rhythms of the Moon, the movement of the planets and the grace of the solar light. One bright night, gazing at the fullness of yet another magnificent Hawaiian Moon, I innocently asked, “Are there more full Moons in Hawaii?” It certainly seemed so.

Of course, I understand that there is just one spectacular Moon that graces the landscape of the night, whether in Hawaii or the Mediterranean. I have come to cherish my relationship with the Moon’s cycles, the ebb and pull of its nature, and the way it mirrors the Divine Feminine to the inhabitants of Earth. As an astrologer I have learned the language of the Moon and the various stories she has to teach in each individual’s cosmic birth map.

This month the full Moon will occur May 17th, six days after the launch of the Inner Sight/ILE’s new, merged website on May 11th. This full Moon follows a special Venus/Jupiter conjunction, a prosperous and joyous meeting between the Venusian principles of the Goddess and the expansive qualities of the great Sky God.

The full Moon on May 17th is complex and dynamic. The Sun/Moon opposition forms a T-square with the planet Neptune, planet of high inspiration and spiritual depth. In its lowest manifestation however, Neptune can produce illusion, despair and disappointment. Beware! Look to the highest potential of your creativity with this powerful square so that you may reap the benefit of this energy field. My vision sees it as a musical triangle. This sweet instrument, when tapped gently, creates the exquisite tone and frequency and attunement. This is your challenge for the two weeks that follow the full Moon on May 17th: Listen carefully to the truest calling of your intentions and allow the force of Neptune to guide you into the stream of grounded ideals and dream, free of distortion and wishful projections.

Tara:

I first really took notice of the power of the full Moon in my late twenties when I worked on the crisis hotline at a shelter for battered women. I was shocked to discover that episodes of domestic violence were much more frequent at the time of the full Moon each month, but I had to admit it was true. One of life’s greatest ironies, I mused: “The Moon is such a beautiful embodiment of the Divine Feminine and source of inspiration and empowerment for women, and yet in its fullness it seems to provoke violence against women.” After some reflection, I came to understand that high tides are just as turbulent within the human body as they are on the high seas, as any woman who has ever really paid attention to her own ebbing and flowing emotions around the time of the full Moon can attest. On the far side of menopause now, I have noticed that the full Moon experience is a lot like having a period, but without the cramping, bloating and loss of bodily fluids. Emotionally, it seems pretty much the same.

The full Moon on May 17th is a Beltaine Moon, no less, and Beltaine is said to be a time when the veil between this world and other, parallel worlds and dimensions is especially thin. Each Spring, during the time of the Beltaine Moon, the ancient Celts would light great bonfires and engage in certain pagan fertility rites, if you know what I mean. So, the May 17th full Moon functions like a threshold or portal into a time of ripening on all levels: of greater optimism, prosperity and abundance, as well as of deepening intimacy with one’s own powers of perception and inner knowing. Anything that has been just below the surface of your awareness but hasn’t quite broken through into the light of day should make itself known to you at this juicy, fertile time.

In the system of Vedic astrology there are 27 “Lunar Mansions,” each 13 1/3 degrees wide and oriented around the Galactic Center. Each Lunar Mansion is associated with an aspect of the Goddess as she moves through the seasonal cycle, undergoing ritual death and rebirth. The May 17th full Moon is in the Lunar Mansion known as Vishakha, ruled by the planet of optimism, expansion and spiritual ripening: Jupiter. In line with the fertility theme characteristic of the Beltaine Moon, Vishakha is represented by a large, blossoming tree with spreading branches connecting the constellations of Libra and Scorpio, ruled by the zodiacal lovers, Venus and Mars, respectively. This confluence of the energies of Jupiter, Venus and Mars facilitates an integration or sacred marriage of the inner feminine and masculine principles. Consequently, one grows in influence and produces great fruit through the passage of time and the process of maturation.

Given the extreme acceleration of time at this point in our evolutionary journey, it’s important to bear in mind that great progress can be made in a relatively short period. Everything is speeded up, including the process of spiritual maturation. It’s as if we are all in a great river with a mighty current, flowing toward the ocean. Don’t fight the current. Surrender to it and allow yourself to be carried along to your ultimate destiny.

 

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