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Venus in Aquarius

Venus is about what we cherish. It rules love, beauty, relationships, money, and the things that we value. Aquarius is about intelligence, uniqueness, nonconformity, the collective, and authenticity. With Venus moving through Aquarius since January 2nd, we have been feeling the Aquarian influences in the Venusian areas of our lives. 

Mercury is also retrograde in Capricorn right now, another Saturn-ruled sign, so one of the major ways that this Venus transit through Aquarius will likely play out will be through detached, unsparing examination of our closest relationships. Internally, you may be reviewing your marriage, or partnership, or close friendships through a critical lens for the next couple weeks and reevaluating whether they work for you and are giving you what you need. 

Then, when Mercury goes direct on January 18th, the conversations can begin if they need to occur. What we have observed may not be bad; we may not find our relationships to be lacking. In fact, Venus is a benefic, so it may be that the analysis we’ve done during the past couple weeks has actually given us a sense that our closest relationships fortify us and provide us with exactly what we need, or that we’ve pinpointed small ways they can be even better. But Aquarius is straightforward, and the plainly honest attitude in the air is made even more so by Venus meeting up with Saturn on January 22nd. 

When both parties in a relationship lay bare their feelings and their needs, it can be cathartic and rewarding. Gimme some truth. (John Lennon had an Aquarius moon.) Just be careful, with Mars still in Gemini, to be sincere and not give in to the urge to be defensive, caustic, and needlessly cutting. Once Venus moves into Pisces later in January, our feelings may be overwhelming and free-flowing, so this period of seeing things just as they are, in the light of day, is invaluable. 

The Wolf Moon

Mercury went retrograde on December 29th, so 2023 starts off in the midst of both Mercury and Mars retrogrades. These transits imbue the beginning of the new year with a reflective quality. Start slow.

This is further emphasized by the full Moon, the Wolf Moon, which takes place on Friday, January 6th, at 6:08pm EST, at 16 degrees of Cancer, opposite the Sun in Capricorn. Full Moons are a time for reflecting on our pasts, looking inward, and releasing what we are longer served by. The Moon is also opposite (within 1 degree) the retrograde Mercury, making it even more ripe for thinking about what we want to discard.

And with the Moon in Cancer, its domicile, the air is extra charged. Cancer is a cardinal water sign. It’s strongly emotional, fiercely protective, and highly perceptive. This Moon is also in a sextile with Uranus, meaning that it is in communication with the planet of disruption. All of this indicates that Friday and the couple days leading up to it may feel very tense and volatile, with some long-held and perhaps even repressed, untapped emotions rushing to the forefront of our consciousness.

This is how it may play out for you depending on your rising and Sun signs.

Cancer & Cancer Rising: The ultra-emotional effects of the full Moon may be felt extra acutely for those with it occurring in the first house. If you are harboring thoughts of self-loathing or if there are self-destructive habits that are holding you back from being the person you want to be, this is the time to let them go. 

Leo & Leo Rising: You may be feeling compelled to retreat from everything. If that’s the case, don’t force yourself to be social. It’s ok to spend the weekend in splendid isolation, as Warren Zevon would say. “Putting tin foil up on the windows, lying down in the dark to dream” may be the most productive way to process for the time being.

Virgo & Virgo Rising: Sometimes we give more than we get when it comes to our social circle, and for Virgos, who are predisposed to planning and caretaking, this can be especially true. Take a few breaths before you blow up at your friends for being thoughtless. Let them make the dinner reservations.

Libra & Libra Rising: Is your imposter syndrome preventing you from making a career shift or putting yourself out there in the world? Consider your strengths. You’re a magnetic Libra, so people are naturally drawn to you. Release your insecurities, put yourself out there, and try not to feel weighed down by any old baggage.

Scorpio & Scorpio Rising: You may be feeling very restless right now, either full of wanderlust or in desperate need to escape from your current circumstances. Journaling is a healthy exercise, as is dreaming about long-distance travel so you have something to look forward to. If you do book anything, just double check all the details, and do so again once Mercury goes direct on January 18th.

Sagittarius & Sag Rising:  Feelings of obligation or indebtedness may overwhelm you. If you owe something, it’s a productive time for paying down that debt as best you can. If the debts are imagined or due to old unwritten emotional contracts, think about how you can rewrite those to better serve yourself.

Capricorn & Cap Rising: You may feel extra tender or extra combustible in your one-on-one relationships. Focus on letting go of small irritations and/or productively working through old wounds when it comes to the deeper issues. You may want to save the discussions with your partner until later, though.

Aquarius & Aqua Rising: Work may be more fraught in the days leading up to and on the day of the full Moon, and you may experience challenges keeping your cool with your colleagues. Step away and take time to collect yourself before popping off on an unsuspecting co-worker. They don’t know they are being annoying!

Pisces & Pisces Rising: Sometimes life seems unfair not because of any grave injustice (of which there are multitudes) but because everyone else seems to be doing whatever they want and we feel we cannot. It may be helpful at this time to remember that most people have their own burdens even if you’re not aware of them, and you are also allowed to do what you want. This weekend, shirk your responsibilities to have fun, whatever that means for you (Netflix).

Aries & Aries Rising: Your past, especially the wounds stemming from early life and the parenting you received or lack thereof, may be unusually present for you at this time. If you are reading this, I’m assuming you are an adult. Thinking about how your adult self can now heal your younger self can bring catharsis. The concept of “reparenting” oneself gets discussed a lot in the woo zeitgeist, but this would be a good time for considering doing so.

Taurus & Taurus Rising: This Moon may bring feelings of frustration with not being listened to or not being able to get your point across. You may feel like you’re just banging your head against a proverbial wall. This is a good time for reassessing how you communicate. It might be you, not them. And it also might be them, and if that’s the case, better to take a beat, be adaptable, and try again later.

Gemini & Gemini Rising: The astrology of the start of the year and this full Moon encourage you to take stock of where you are putting your money, time, and energy. Are your investments aligned with what you actually care about? You may be tempted to shop and spend money carelessly to chase emotional fulfillment, but this is a good time for thinking about what it is you actually want and really need to feel satisfied.

Hang in there! Once Mercury goes direct on January 18th, we should all be thinking with a little more clarity that will help us to look forward. And remember, astrology is open to interpretation and does not predict the future. Rather, whatever is going on here on Earth can be thought of as a reflection of what’s happening in the universe and vice versa and should be taken with a grain of salt.

Capricorn Season, Winter Solstice, and a New Moon

This week is packed and auspicious. I’ve actually been eyeing this week for quite some time because there are a couple sign changes, a New Moon, and it’s the solstice! Lots of possibilities for new beginnings here. 

On December 20th, Jupiter, the planet of expansiveness and growth, often associated with luck and success, is changing signs and moving back into go-for-it, headstrong, bold, fiery Aries from dreamy, artsy, moody Pisces, and will be transiting through Aries until mid-May. Whereas Jupiter may have been bolstering your creative and contemplative side since late October, Jupiter being in Aries will likely coincide with more action and can-do energy for the next few months. 

On December 21st, the Sun moves into Capricorn. Capricorn, like Aries, is another sign of action, but it’s an earth sign, so it’s more grounded. It says, “Let’s get our act together and do this, according to plan.” This is the season of taking things seriously.

With the Sun moving into Capricorn, December 21st also marks the Winter Solstice and thus is the shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. The days only get longer after this, and we get more sunlight from this point forward until the Summer Solstice in June. Huzzah! I have been really into pagan carols lately. If you are so inclined, on the Solstice, I recommend giving a listen to Leigh Ann Hussey and the Black Oak Coven’s The Homebrewed Book of Pagan Carols, Vol. 1: Winter. Fun stuff, lots of wassailing. 

Then, on Friday, December 23rd, at 5:17 am EST, there is a New Moon in Capricorn. New Moons are typically a time for planting the seeds of what we want to make happen, and given that this New Moon is in the sign of Capricorn, a sign of doing, and making a 90-degree angle to Jupiter in Aries, another sign of doing, and happening so close to the Solstice, this makes it especially potent.

Now let’s dig in to see what this may portend for each sun and rising sign.

Capricorn & Capricorn Rising: New Moon, new you (I say this every time, but any time the New Moon falls in your sign, that’s the case.) The New Moon occurs in your 1st house of self and identity. This is a good time for self-examination and reflection. If there are actions you have wanted to take with regard to your inner or outer self (e.g., improving your health habits, coloring your hair, piercing your nose), you may feel more compelled to do so now. This is a good time to get a jump start on any New Year’s resolutions you would want to make. With Jupiter moving into your 4th house of your roots, home, and family, between now and May, you may see family members getting good news or succeeding at their efforts, or you may experience positive changes in your home environment. 

Aquarius & Aquarius Rising: The New Moon is taking place in your 12th house, so this could be a good time for meditating on our deepest thoughts and what you keep hidden within yourself. If there is inner turmoil, the Solstice and New Moon mark a time to delve further inward and do whatever is most cathartic for you, whether it’s journaling, meditating, or channeling your feelings through an intentional crying session. From now until May, Jupiter will be moving through the 3rd house for you, which lends an expansiveness to your communications and localized, neighborhood-based interactions. You may also see an increase in the short-distance, domestic trips you take over the next few months, and if you have siblings, increased positive communication with them. They may receive some good news or see projects come to fruition. 

Pisces & Pisces Rising: This New Moon could coincide with the seeds of new friendships being planted. If there are any community groups or book clubs or knitting circles that you have been thinking about getting involved with, you will want to take those steps now. Joining new groups or making new friends at this time could ultimately lead to a sense of fulfillment or reward down the road. And Jupiter will be entering your 2nd house of money, values, and resources, so you may also see a more literal payoff over the next few months, especially if you were born during the day. It’s a good time for laying the groundwork for a new job or a raise and selling yourself. 

Aries & Aries Rising: With the New Moon taking place in your 10th house of career and legacy, it could coincide with changes in this area. If you’ve been wanting to get a new job, this would be a good time to put yourself out there, send out your CV, and network. Jupiter will be moving into your 1st house, which could really boost the vibes and energy you need to succeed. One word of warning for Jupiter in your first house, though, is that Jupiter means growth, so with Jupiter in this area of your chart, it could literally manifest through growth of the body, so if you are not hoping for an expanded physical form, it would be wise to pay attention to being fit and stick with an exercise routine. 

Taurus & Taurus Rising: The 9th house, which is associated with spirituality, teaching and learning, long-distance travel, and publishing, is where this New Moon is occuring for you. It’s an auspicious time to start endeavors in these areas. If you have been wanting to learn more about any area of philosophy or religion, it’s a great time to dive into books on those topics or sign up for classes. It’s actually a great time to sign up for classes of any kind, given the educational aspect of this part of your chart. Also, if you have been itching to travel, book the trip. With Jupiter moving into your 12th house, you may be experiencing a psychological awakening or growth in the spiritual plane over the next few months. If you have been wanting to go to Esalen or do an Eat Pray Love-type thing, now’s the time to set those wheels in motion. 

Gemini & Gemini Rising: With the New Moon in your 8th house, you may want to reassess your finances and especially your debts, loans, bills, repayment plans and also what is owed to you by others. You can review the arrangements and if there are beneficial changes you can make, it’s a good time to do that. Jupiter moves into the area of your chart concerned with friendships, community, networks, and hopes and dreams, and brings some growth, progress, and/or luck to this area until May. You may find yourself expanding your friends circle or connecting with a new group of people that share your interests. You could find yourself on a path toward fulfilling some of your loftiest goals through new relationships and friendships initiated in the next few months.   

Cancer & Cancer Rising: The New Moon in Capricorn occurs in your 7th house of partnerships. There is potential to take a serious look at the partnerships you’re in and what you want out of these, and to begin working toward those ideals. If you are not in a relationship with a significant other, this could mean the partnerships you’re in with clients, or with your best friend. Jupiter goes into the part of your chart that focuses on career and the imprint you leave in life. This makes for a pretty big moment over the next few months. You’ve been laying groundwork for bigger things in this area and this is when you likely start to see the fruits of your labor ripen. You may step into a leadership role during this time. 

Leo & Leo Rising: The 6th house, associated with daily work, routines, and health, is the area of your chart where this New Moon occurs for you. This makes for a nice, practical New Moon, and it’s a great time for making a to-do list. What do you want to get done and cross off your list between now and next month? It’s also a good time for reflecting on your routines in general. How can you work smarter and not harder? (Capricorn loves both!) With Jupiter traveling through the part of your chart associated with long-distance travel and learning, this is a great time for taking trips, especially those that expand your perspectives and teach you something. It’s great for spiritual journeys as well. 

Virgo & Virgo Rising: Capricorn is a fellow earth sign, so with the New Moon there, it appeals to your own practical nature, but it gives you an extra spark to get you moving. It’s occurring in your 5th house, the house of creativity, joy, and fun. Reflect on the things that bring you joy and truly make you happy. Virgos love lists, so write one and make a point to integrate these activities into your life more than you already do. Jupiter will be in your 8th house of the stuff (money, trauma, sex) we get from and give to other people. Jupiter’s thought to be a benefic planet, so if you have been having some hardships in this realm, those may ease up now, and you may even see some unexpected and nice news related to this. If you’re in a relationship, your partner may have some financial luck.

Libra & Libra Rising: This New Moon may bring the start of something new with regard to your family and/or home. You may move, or start looking for new places, or a family member may experience a new beginning. This is a time of starting and starting over, and if you have some strained family relations, you can take steps to heal or strengthen those (if that’s something you’re hoping to do). With Jupiter in your 7th house for the next few months, you’ll have positive feelings with regard to your partnerships. If you’re in a relationship, you could see a renewed bond and happiness, and if you are not in a relationship, you may meet someone in the next few months. 

Scorpio & Scorpio Rising: With the New Moon in Capricorn, it’s speaking to your Scorpio placements in a helpful way, and represents a time to think about your own conversations, the ones you have regularly, with colleagues, neighbors, friends, and siblings. How can you communicate in a way that’s clearer, more grounded, and more straightforward? Jupiter moving into Aries means it will be going through the part of your chart dealing with work, routines, and health. It’s a great time for trying a new and more robust fitness regimen. Work also may get easier over the next few months, and changes you make to your routine now will likely have a sustained positive impact.

Sagittarius & Sag Rising: The New Moon will be in your 2nd house of money and resources, so this can mark a time of new beginnings for your finances. If you want to manifest more money, whether through a new job, a raise, or through some other channel, this is a good time to do that. There is a great affirmation/mantra that I recall the truly excellent astrologer Jessica Lanyadoo recounting once on her Ghost of a Podcast (highly recommended listening), something like, “Money is attracted to me, it wants to be with me. I like money, but money LOVES me.” I say that now and again. It’s fun. You may want to say that too, especially on the 23rd. With Jupiter moving into your 5th house, the next few months may also get easier for you, especially if you were born during the day. It’s the house of pleasure and joy, a great place to have Jupiter traveling through. However, if you don’t want to have a child, be extra careful between now and May, because this house also encompasses children. 

Happy Solstice and New Moon, everyone! 

The Week of December 11th: Mild Weather

Last week’s full moon in Gemini brought with it some huge news stories. In the past few years, there have been very few quiet news weeks, but last week’s news seemed to come at a breakneck pace.

Just in the U.S. alone, the Trump Organization was found guilty of tax fraud and Raphael Warnock won the Georgia run-off on the same day, the day before the full moon. On the morning after the full moon was exact, Brittney Griner was released, and then the next day, Kyrsten Sinema announced she was leaving the Democratic Party.

Not surprisingly, there’s a feeling of a bit of a full moon hangover right now. However, the week of December 11th through December 18th, 2022 is relatively mild, astrologically speaking. 

On December 12th, the Sun, which is in Sagittarius, is sextiling Saturn in Aquarius, so the Sun and Saturn are making a 60-degree angle to each other and having a conversation. The Sun represents the self, and Saturn is about structures, systems, and responsibility. This is a useful aspect for thinking about the rules and the structures you have set for yourself and leaning into the structure, especially where it most benefits you. This is also a time when you may be feeling more authoritative and taking yourself more seriously. You got this. 

On December 14th, the Sun enters a square with Neptune, which is at 22 degrees of Pisces. I’ve written about my Neptune struggles before. The planet is now direct and moving at an agonizingly slow speed over my natal Venus, Mars, and Midheaven. With the Sun and Neptune in a 90-degree angle, you may experience some murkiness and misunderstandings today, and you may find yourself questioning your goals, yourself in general, and/or what you want to do. You may also just feel tired. 

Also on December 14th, Mercury, which is in Capricorn, forms a square with Chiron in Aries. Chiron was once thought to be an asteroid but is now considered a comet, and it’s probably the most commonly tracked non-planet or luminary (i.e., the sun and the moon) in popular astrology. It’s known as the “wounded healer” and relates to our traumas, our sensitivities, and the scars we carry with us. (Read more about Chiron here.) With this transit, you may be thinking about words or actions that sting or haunt you, or you may actually experience some hurtful behavior or hurt others, whether intentionally or not. With both Mercury and Chiron in cardinal signs, it could be a productive time for taking action by journaling about painful thoughts or talking to your therapist (evergreen advice). 

Finally, on December 17th, Mercury will move into a trine with Uranus in Taurus. Trines are generally thought to be the most fortuitous aspect made by two planets, and with Mercury, the planet that rules thinking and communication, and Uranus, the planet of innovation and disruption, in this relationship, it could be a good day for grounded, practical conversations about change, given that both of these planets are in earth signs. You may also experience some good news or unexpected but helpful communication.

That’s it for this week! It’s a nice week of down time between the full moon, next week’s new moon, and some of the more tricky astrology that will occur at year end.

This Week: a Full Moon in Gemini

This week, on Wednesday, December 7th, at 11:08pm ET, there will be a full moon in Gemini at 16 degrees. Full moons occur when the sun is exactly opposite the moon. In astrology, an opposition is thought to mark the culmination or climax of a cycle. Thus, full moons are generally a time for emotional releasing and letting go.  

Because this full moon is in Gemini, it is ruled by Mercury, which will have just ingressed into Capricorn. So it’s a transit that will be about communication, but Mercury in Capricorn is direct and no-nonsense, no beating around the bush. And to top it off, this full moon will be conjunct Mars, which is still retrograde and which will also be at 16 degrees Gemini. It could illuminate the themes that have marked the Mars retrograde period, which began back in late October. Given its placement in Gemini, it’s a good time for the release of emotions through words, but because of the Mars of it all, they may be fraught. It may not be pleasant. So while Gemini is the chattiest of signs, journaling or thinking purposefully about the stuff you want to let go of may be the best course of action for this full moon. Conversations could be helpful, but care must be taken not to pop off, get too angry, or say things that you can’t take back and may regret later. 

What are we releasing, related to Mars? Below are the themes that this full moon may pull focus to, depending on your sun and rising signs: 

For Gemini & Gemini rising: This will occur in the first house for you, the part of the chart most identified with the self (your personality, identity, physical body, and appearance). What part of yourself is dragging you down? This full moon, think about what is serving you and what isn’t. It could be an excellent time for cleaning out your closet, or on a deeper level, meditating on what you want to let go of to prepare for the new year. 

For Cancer & Cancer rising: The full moon is taking place in the part of the chart related to shadows, mental health, things going on behind the scenes, sleep, and dreams. Have you been having trouble sleeping these past couple months? This is a time to try to relax and get some rest. If there are things in your life that are making you particularly anxious or causing unrest, this is a good time to work through these issues through meditation, journaling, or therapy.

For Leo & Leo rising: This could be a cathartic full moon for thinking about the friendships and the groups of which you are a part that are sucking up more energy from you than they are giving you. It’s OK to release the feeling of obligation to others in order to give yourself some space or some time back. 

For Virgo & Virgo rising: The full moon will be lighting up your tenth house of career and legacy. This is a time to consider what you have been giving to your career. Are you doing what you want to do? How does what you put into it affect you? If there are parts of what you are doing as a career that are emotionally draining or unfulfilling for you, think about how you can potentially shed those. 

For Libra & Libra rising: Given that this full moon in Gemini is occurring in your house associated with philosophy, learning, and publishing, and it’s a Mercury-ruled full moon, think about what you have been writing, researching, and revising. It could be a good time to let go and put it out into the world. Reflect and submit or post if it feels right.

For Scorpio & Scorpio rising: This full moon offers potential for being shrewd about the money and time you owe or feel you owe to others. What are you getting out of the subscriptions you pay for? If nothing, cancel. It’s also a good time for setting boundaries and letting go of feelings of obligation to others who are demanding too much of your emotional energy. 

For Sagittarius & Sagittarius rising: You may find yourself having tough conversations with your partner or in your closest relationships at this time. If the relationship has run its course, it could be the right time to end things. However, if it is not, to get most out of these discussions emotionally, be measured and be mindful of the Martian energy that may be pushing you to be blunt and forceful in ways you may regret later. 

For Capricorn & Capricorn rising: What’s not working when it comes to the stuff you’re doing every day? That could be work, or your health routine, or how you’re taking care of your pet. Think it through and consider making small adjustments to reduce or eliminate what’s making you unproductive or unenergized in these areas. For example, if you aren’t keeping up with your morning exercise routine because the sun is rising later, try moving your workouts to a different time of day.  

For Aquarius & Aquarius rising: This full moon is occurring in the area of your chart associated with joy, creativity, fun, and children. If you have kids, you might be careful to temper any emotional outbursts at them this week because they may not actually deserve the tongue-lashing you want to give them. And with the moon here, it’s a good time to think about what issues or hang-ups you have that are preventing you from having a good time. This is a time to examine and let go of what’s impeding you from experiencing joy. 

For Pisces & Pisces rising: You may find yourself tempted to engage in some emotionally fraught conversations with family at this time. Tread lightly, but if there are family members that are causing you pain, you are allowed to set boundaries and withdraw, even just temporarily, in a way that protects you. 

For Aries & Aries rising: The full moon is occurring in the part of your chart that is associated with themes similar to those ruled by Gemini: communication, your local neighborhood, the conversations you have regularly, short trips you take, your commute. Is there something that isn’t serving you when it comes to the way you communicate or the ongoing conversations that are part of your regular routine? Or if there’s a trip you make regularly, is it exhausting you? This could be a time for thoughtful adjustments and editing in these areas. 

For Taurus & Taurus rising: This full moon takes place in your second house, which is associated with your values, resources, and money and finances. Think about your income and expenses, and how your budget contributes to or takes away from what you really love. This Mars retrograde has been a time for reconsidering and reflecting on these themes, and if there are things you’re ready to cut out or change, this would be a good opportunity for those realignments. 

For everyone, Wednesday and Thursday may feel volatile. The best advice is try to stay grounded and calm. The astrology gets a little nicer on Friday, December 9th, when Venus and Jupiter form a square, so the two benefic planets are interacting, and things will feel a little lighter.

Disclaimer: of this may ring true and some may not. As my astrology teacher, the brilliant Annabel Gat, has taught me, astrology was created by human beings, so it’s imperfect. The notes above are my interpretation of what the full moon could mean, but please disregard anything that doesn’t resonate.

Week of November 27th: Astrological Combo Platter

There is a lot going on in the sky during the week of November 27th through December 3rd. None of the transits are huge, show-stopping moments, which we had a run of over the last couple months, but each brings its own unique qualities, with ups and downs throughout the week. 

One of things that I have found to be very challenging about learning astrology is understanding and being able to synthesize the complexities of multiple aspects occurring at the same time, both in the transits in the current sky and in the birth chart. This week’s outlook has several overlapping transits that speak to each other. I am looking at them both individually and how they interact. 

Mars, which is retrograde in Gemini, will be making a trine to Saturn, which is direct in Aquarius, on November 28th. But Mercury and Venus, both in Sagittarius, are in the mix, as they will be opposing Mars and sextiling Saturn. Trines are transits where planets are at 120 degree angles and are generally thought to harbor harmonious connections between the planets. Oppositions, where planets are opposite one another, are not necessarily difficult but they can often indicate some friction, some oppositional energy. Sextiles, where planets are at a 60 degree angle, are usually helpful in that the planets speak to each other in a way that can help enhance their more positive characteristics. 

Mars is retrograde, so this is the second of three times this transit to Saturn will occur. With both Mars and Saturn in air signs, the energy here is one of innovation, outside-the-box thinking, and communication. Mars, the planet of action, is in a free flowing aspect with Saturn, the planet of structure. Mars and Saturn are considered malefics in traditional astrology, but both planets offer lessons. Mars, which rules action, aggression, physical energy, and war, can be wild. Saturn offers rigidity, structure, rules, and boundaries. In a trine, the rigidity of Saturn can actually help harness the fierceness of Mars and channel it in a productive way. With this transit, it’s a great time for organizing, and thinking and speaking about the structures and systems in your life and how to give them power and energize them. If there are projects you have been thinking about tackling that require organization and working methodically, step by step, this trine can lend a supportive energy for that. 

On Tuesday, Mercury in Sagittarius will oppose Mars and sextile Saturn. With Mercury opposite Mars, you may see friction and the culmination of some curt or tense communication and arguments. Mars is piercing (it rules needles and sharp objects!), so your interactions with others may be a little spiky mid-week. Venus is close behind Mercury and will oppose Mars on Wednesday, so you may experience this spikiness in your relationships. However, since both Mercury and Venus are in a sextile with Saturn, which can help if you ask yourself how you can organize your thoughts and take two beats in a way that can help you temper your temper.

On Thursday, Mercury in Sagittarius will be squaring Neptune, which is in Pisces. This will help smooth the edges of our communications, but again, with Neptune, it can make things a little blurry. The advice most astrologers give when it comes to Neptune transits with Mercury is to double check details and in discussions or agreements with people, if you have to deal with them under this transit, make sure you ask clarifying questions and verify your understanding of the arrangement or situation. Neptune is often associated with deception. It can also indicate heightened paranoia or anxiety, especially in our thinking and even in dreams, with Mercury in aspect to it. Then Venus catches up and squares Neptune on Saturday. Much of the same advice applies with this transit, with particular emphasis on relationships and anything involving finances. You may be well served by waiting to seal any deals until next week. However, with Neptune in Pisces, where Venus is exalted, you may find yourself wanting to explore creative pursuits. This is a good time for finding inspiration and making art. 

Neptune stations direct on Saturday as well, so it will start to retread the territory it covered earlier this year. Let’s hope that will coincide with a shift and some forward momentum in our creative and spiritual lives. It gets close to 28 degrees of Pisces before it begins to go retrograde again in July of 2023. 

New Moon in Sagittarius

A new moon occurs when the moon is between the sun and the Earth. From Earth, we don’t see the part of the moon illuminated by the sun, and therefore it appears to be shrouded in darkness and isn’t visible in the sky.

In astrology, when two planets (or in this case, luminaries) are aligned, they form a conjunction. From an astrological perspective, conjunctions are times of beginnings and commence new cycles. The sun in astrology represents the self and our vitality, and the moon represents our emotions and inner lives. New moons that are not eclipses are generally considered to be a time to take stock, consider next steps, and initiate the first steps toward making plans and achieving goals. Think of the darkness of the new moon as a time for thoughtful contemplation on new phases and resets.

On November 23rd, there is a new moon in Sagittarius. Sagittarius is ruled by Jupiter, the greater benefic planet, which is associated with luck, success, expansion, and growth. This new moon takes place on the heels of a Sun-Jupiter trine and a Mercury-Venus conjunction, also in Sagittarius, earlier in the week. Sagittarian energy is rangy and fiery and is often focused on learning and teaching, traveling, philosophizing, and socializing. It’s the anthropology student of the zodiac. It can also be flitty, flirty, and flaky. But since new moons are about beginnings, this is a good time for contemplating and laying the groundwork for new areas of growth, spirituality, writing, teaching, learning, or traveling that you want to pursue.

Below are some quick notes on how this may affect you based on your sun and rising signs.

Sagittarius & Sagittarius Rising: New moon, new you. What have you been thinking about lately? Have there been any parts of yourself that you have been wanting to change? Take this opportunity to think about yourself and your identity and to take a leap that you have been considering. You may decide to mix it up with a new haircut or change up your style or to do some self-exploration.

Capricorn & Capricorn Rising: This is an auspicious time for contemplation, embarking on new tasks behind the scenes to work toward what you want, or starting some inner emotional excavating through therapy. For you, this new moon is the 12th house of things unseen. Taking up a new meditation practice may be especially helpful to you now.

Aquarius & Aquarius Rising: This new moon is in your 11th house of friends, community, and hopes and dreams. You may feel called to journal, vision board, or manifest. Where do you want to be in the future? This is also a great time for getting involved in a community group or association that does work you admire or for starting a book club with friends.

Pisces & Pisces Rising: This marks a great period for you to think about your career and/or the long-term imprint you want to make. Sagittarius season is prime time for learning, so if you have been ready to make some career moves, this would be a good time to take a resume-writing workshop, read advice about asking for a raise and/or promotion, or combing through job boards to see if anything calls to you.

Aries & Aries Rising: For you, this new moon is occurring the the 9th house, which governs many of the same themes that are associated with Sagittarius, making it an especially advantageous time to start new writing projects, sign up for classes, and indulge yourself by reading and learning more about the topics that pique your interest.

Taurus & Taurus Rising: This new moon is lighting up (through darkness) your 8th house of other people’s money, sex, trauma, and baggage. If you have been considering paying off some debts or loans, go for it. You may also find yourself receiving some money or goods from other people unexpectedly. This is also a great time for energy work and talk therapy or therapeutic practices that may help you start to work through an emotional subject that you may be hung up on.

Gemini & Gemini Rising: What seeds do you want to plant when it comes to new or existing relationships or partnerships? This is a great time to think about what you want in a relationship and to manifest that. Geminis do not shy away from being social, so strike up conversations with anyone who you may have your eye on, or if you are in a relationship, engage in both flirty and meaningful discussions with your partner.

Cancer & Cancer Rising: This is an excellent time for thinking about your daily routines and setting intentions for things you want to change or refresh. You may be interested in learning some new Excel skills for work or enrolling in a new exercise class, and this is a good time to do those things. Good habits you form now will have a good chance of sticking.

Leo & Leo Rising: Do things that bring you joy. If you love to write, start your novel or even just your morning pages. If you love to listen to music, or watch Netflix, or try new recipes, indulge those interests. This can also be a time for new romance, or for making time to have really great sex with your partner.

Virgo & Virgo Rising: It’s a good time to call your mom or mothering figure (or, if that person is not reachable, to call on the legacies they have left behind). You may find yourself becoming interested in your family history or lineage and this would be a great time to create your ancestry.com account (#notanad). You are also likely to have success with home projects or home moves initiated now.

Libra & Libra Rising: The new moon is providing helpful circumstances for any communication you want to initiate. Consider starting a blog or newsletter, or just reaching out and connecting a disparate group of friends via a new text chain. Socializing could be especially fruitful at this time.

Scorpio & Scorpio Rising: This new moon is taking place in your 2nd house of money, income, and resources. This would be an auspicious time to take stock of your financial portfolio and think about your long-term goals and what milestones you can hit to help you achieve those. Plant the seeds for your future financial sustainability. Check out Suze Orman.

(As I’ve said before, please keep in mind that astrology is all about interpretation. It’s not fortune telling. So take everything with a grain of salt, and if something doesn’t resonate, discard it.)

Neptune Transits

This week, the week of November 14, 2022, we are feeling the effects of a Mars-Neptune square, which is exact on November 19th. As discussed in the previous post, Mars is currently retrograding through Gemini, and now it’s reached the point where it is approaching a 90 degree angle to Neptune, also retrograde, in Pisces.

Neptune is the planet that represents dreams, visions, spirituality, nebulousness, and dissolution, and it’s currently in moody, dreamy, sensitive Pisces. Neptune is in its domicile in Pisces, meaning that it’s at the sign where it feels at home (Neptune rules Pisces in modern astrology), so it’s even more Neptuney than it would be in another sign. When Mars and Neptune square each other, there’s some movement around things ruled by Mars, but in a Neptunian fashion. Globally, this could be action, from activism to violence, around religion or deeply held beliefs, but since Mars is retrograde, actions could be thwarted, or there could be false starts. Personally, this transit could manifest as low energy and exhaustion, and it might confuse our thinking or our arguments.

I have a Venus-Mars-Midheaven conjunction, all within 1 degree in my natal chart, in the later degrees of Pisces. This aspect alone is complicated, and whenever a transiting planet is aspecting this conjunction, it hits these points in my chart like dominoes. Since 2021, Neptune has been rolling back and forth over them. And what I have found from this is that Neptune forces a reckoning, but in a much different way than Saturn, Uranus, or Pluto. Neptune shrouds everything in a fog. Given that Neptune was the Roman god of the sea, Neptune gets a lot of water metaphors assigned to it, and they really are the best way to describe its effects. From my experience with Neptune in a prolonged conjunction in relation to my chart, it’s like having a list written in ink on lined paper, then submerging that paper in water. You can still kind of make out the written words for a bit, but after a while, all you see are traces of the shape of the handwriting, and the color of the ink has bled into the water. Then even the lines on the paper disappear.

For me, this transit coincided with me questioning my values, my purpose, my legacy, and what I want to do with my life. No big. I have spent the last year and a half navigating through this murkiness, inching along. I’ve been doing a lot of navel gazing. I’ve been booking sessions with anyone who can offer me some guidance about myself and my path, including an empath, an astrologer, a tarot reader, and a psychic who told me about my past life. Their words have been enlightening, but ultimately only I can determine what I want to do and how I want to live. Determination is a Mars thing, though, and Neptune is conjunct my natal Mars for a year and will continue to cross over it until 2024, and I still feel like I’m working it out.

That’s sort of how this Mars-Neptune square may feel. We may feel like we’re working at something, but we don’t yet know what, and our impeded efforts make it feel like we are moving through sludge. Neptune aspecting Mars in Gemini indicates a dissolution of our plans and difficulty clearly seeing and stating our goals.

As someone who finds safety and reassurance in control, the way Neptune is positioned in relation to the Venus-Mars-Midheaven in my chart has been somewhat harrowing. In traditional astrology, Mars and Saturn are known as the malefic planets (while Venus and Jupiter are the benefic planets), and going through this transit, I have wondered if Neptune is a malefic too. But Neptune is the planet of dreams, and the lessons of Neptune are valuable; it teaches us to let go of things, it dissolves entrenched ideas that don’t stand up to scrutiny, and by shrouding things in a fog, it forces us to focus to persist through the haze.

Mars Retrograde

Mars went retrograde on October 30th, and as a relatively new astrologer who is still learning, it was a little difficult for me to get a handle on what Mars going retrograde would mean. Mercury goes retrograde more frequently, so it’s much more familiar; it’s about communication breakdowns, misunderstandings, haywire travel, technical glitches. But what about Mars?

Action, determination, assertiveness, aggression, spark, forward momentum, and libido are all associated with Mars. When Mars retrogrades, this terrain is likely going to be retread and can be unspooled. Actions taken during this time may be lackluster. Things you want to launch might have a harder time getting off the ground. Sex drives diminish.

Mars is going retrograde through Gemini. I think of Mars in Gemini as being mentally astute and tart tongued. The people I know with Mars in Gemini natally are verbal warriors, argumentative and critical but keenly perceptive and funny. Mars in Gemini is quick wit that can be cutting, too deeply cutting if unchecked.

So with the transiting Mars going back through Gemini, it’s a time to watch words. Take a breath and think before speaking. You will likely say things with more of a punch than intended and you may want to take it back later. For Bravo watchers, this is Lisa Barlow on a hot mic venting that Meredith has slept with half of New York.

The house where this lands for you will add some extra depth to how you will potentially experience this.

Aries & Aries Rising: Aries is the sparky sign of the zodiac, and it’s ruled by Mars, so you may feel the effects of this Mars retrograde more than some. With Mars rx in the 3rd house, this will feel a lot like a Mercury retrograde for you, but on steroids.

Taurus & Taurus Rising: This is happening in your 2nd house of money, resources, and things you value. You may feel stalled in your career, or you may feel like you’ve been trying to build savings but to little avail. That’s OK. Keep focusing on your budget. I would suggest not making big purchases when Mars is rx, but reevaluate where you spend money and, maybe even more importantly, time.

Gemini & Gemini Rising: You may feel the Mars retrograde physically. Your energy reserves will likely be depleted. It’s OK to rest now. Do yoga instead of HIIT or kickboxing.

Cancer & Cancer Rising: During this period, you may feel more isolated than usual, and you may also experience some setbacks in areas you have been either working in “behind the scenes” or covertly, or even possibly in areas of mental health. It’s beneficial to get rest, meditate, and connect with your dreams.

Leo & Leo Rising: You may feel out of sync with a friend or social group. Instead of fuming at the 37 texts your group chat is sending at 11:30pm, turn your notifications off. This could also serve as a good time to be rethinking and reconsidering your hopes and dreams for the future. The plan can be tweaked and launched when Mars is direct again.

Virgo & Virgo Rising: This is happening in your 10th house of career and legacy. Time for some adjustment and recalibration in whatever you are putting your efforts into in this area. This is a good time for revising your website or resume, but in draft form. Go back to it and look at it with fresh eyes a few times between now and January.

Libra & Libra Rising: If you have long-distance travel plans, pack your patience, and if you make big future travel plans during this time, my advice is to make them with a grain of salt. This is a wonderful time to revisit any writing projects you have may have previously started and rereading and revising them.

Scorpio & Scorpio Rising: Mars going retrograde through the 8th house may have you facing some unpleasant things popping back up related to bills you thought you paid or taxes you thought you did correctly. The 8th house also includes inherited things, both money and traumas, so you may also be faced with some unpleasant memories or deeply harbored feelings. You may feel better working through those issues through journaling or therapy (evergreen advice).

Sagittarius & Sagittarius Rising: This could be a bumpy time in your close relationships. The notes above about watching your words apply doubly, because letting your temper flare and popping off could cause strife with your loved one(s). Your sex life may also suffer a bit, but this is a good time for thinking about what you really want out your sex life, talking about it diplomatically with your partner, and asking them what they want.

Capricorn & Capricorn Rising: Take care of your health during this time, and try your best (knowing that it’s very difficult) to be patient at work. Everyone is going to be experiencing this Mars retrograde, so everyone will feel a little off-balance, and for you, that may manifest most prominently with your colleagues.

Aquarius & Aquarius Rising: This is occurring in your 5th house, which is the house associated with children, fun sex, romance, and creativity, so you may see some creative projects stymied, some dampening of your libido, and if you have kids, some particularly fraught energies with your children. Take deep breaths, think outside the box, and remember that it will be over in a few months.

Pisces & Pisces Rising: There could be some flare ups with your family during this time. Try not to totally verbally eviscerate your most annoying family members during the holidays, which unfortunately will occur during this period. You may also see home projects stalled, but you may want to use those opportunities to reconsider the things you had hoped to do. Maybe you’ll think about them in a different way, and delays will be a blessing in disguise.

Mars goes direct on January 12th, which at this point isn’t THAT far away!

(In accordance with NY State law, the above post is intended for entertainment purposes only. Astrology is all about interpretation, and this is my interpretation of what could potentially happen during this period, not what WILL happen!)