New Moon Journal

Galactic Center- journey to your Teacher.

Dear Readers, If you get unexpected missives from me I just wanted to let you know I am moving…e-moving and rearranging that is…I try to back date the post so you don’t get a bunch of notices in your email box. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t.

In the coming days I am harvesting…transferring content from the New Moon Journal web site into this blog. Yes it’s time to say goodbye to the old obsolete web site.

What convinced me was reading the book Small is the new big by Seth Gordon. Especially the chapter called “$243 worth of free e-books, reprinted here at no extra charge to you, my faithful reader.”

Time to do a shamanic journey: I do want to share with my shamanic buddies that today and tomorrow the Sun moves into 15 degrees of Scorpio. We stand collectively at the gate of the Galactic Center–the betwixt and between place, the way in. Where does 13-15 degrees of Taurus, Aquarius, Leo, Scorpio fall in your chart? That’s the way in. Where is 26-27 degrees of Sagittarius in your chart? That’s the point of the Galactic Center for you. This is where the action is. To read more head over to New Moon Journal web site– Galactic Center post.

Fall Harvest: Occurs when the Sun moves into 13-15 degrees of Scorpio- representing fixed Water. In shamanic terms it’s a period of dismemberment. Scorpio is penetrating, transformative and unstoppable when they really want something. The Scorpio decree for this time: 

"I surrender what no longer works for me in  a gentle and loving way. I am moving to the next level in my own evolution. It manifests now."

These energies live within us and around us. We are called to do this cosmic journey four (4x) times a year at when the Sun crosses 13-15 degrees of Aquarius, Scorpio (where we are now), Leo and Taurus. If you don't understand astrology just journey with the intention of going to the galactic center. I invite you to read the rest of this missive below to understand more.

Whether you know how to shamanic  journey or not, you can participate with intent by going into meditation. Create your sacred space within and without, put some quiet music on, ask to be with your Teachers and allow this experience to unfold like a dream. If you want to share, I invite you to comment below.

Astrologer Barbara Palliser has written an excellent post on this time of year. Check this out.

I am vacuuming my way through this new moon in Virgo

The dust is still settling after the BIG window installation here at the Lessirard abode. I can now stand outside and scream for help and my husband can’t hear me with the windows closed. Last Sunday I stood on the patio with the sliding glass door closed yelling for him to come take the puppy. Inside the house, behind the impact glass, he thought I was just making faces at him...doesn't he know my mad face? My garage make over is on the back burner while the house gets put back together. The leaky roof is getting fixed tomorrow (found a good roofer) and then it’s onto major painting.

This is the first day in three weeks I have been able to get into my office and online at the computer. Pulled the plastic tarps off furniture, moved everything back into place to down load 1200 emails. There’s still clutter to bust, cleaning to do, draperies to hang, furniture to move back into place but I grabbed a few moments to write this. Seems like I sit and wonder am I making any head way? ***laugh*** I am vacuuming my way through this new moon…

We should be having a New Moon in Libra…but we are not. I forgot about that until today…Instead of Libra we are having another New Moon in Virgo at 29 degrees. Virgo is about cleaning up, ordering. Two new moons in Virgo begs the question “How am I shifting things to a better state?”

Maybe that’s why I went out this week and bought four new vacuum cleaners in the last three days. A Spotbot for puppy pee, heck paper towels and wool light spray cleaner was not working for me. This thing is way cool. Spot it, bot it, got it. Last night Husband and I sat on sofa next to each other watching the Spotbot do it's magic. Such togetherness.

I bought a nifty new Sears upright vacuum for the house to replace our old 15 year old cannister vac. My #1 question to the saleswoman– “does this vacuum suck up a magic markers?” No lie, our beloved housekeeper of 17 years came to me one day and said the vacuum’s not sucking. Low and behold there’s a Crayola marker stuck in the tube and a whole lot of other things. My husband still laughs at that one. Then with all the construction dust from the windows and mopping I decided to splurge with a new Hoover Floormate Spin Scrubber for the tile floors. Today I spent the morning sucking up dirty black water. The housekeeper was here yesterday. The thrill of it all. Oh yes, I fried our 12 year old shop vac by leaving it out in the rain during Hurricane– no wait- Tropical Storm Ernesto (hey, it was late and I was tired of moving things out of the POD).

This New Moon in Virgo is a solar eclipse at 29 degrees of Virgo, so BAM the Virgo energies at hand are kicked up a notch! Virgo energy with a Libra flare. Grounded thinking, practical wisdom. Get your ducks in a row by taking all the parts you have…then put them together in a cohesive new way. Straighten up and fly right so we can “see how we are attached to our own suffering.” Sounds pleasant doesn’t it? And it’s all playing itself out on the world stage with the Pope, Chavez…and such. What are they thinking???

My question to you is this: “What were you wishing for at the New Moon in Aries on March 29?”  Me? I strongly declared I want out of South Florida ***sigh*** Which set into motion where I am today, in the midst of re-ordering. And with Virgo at 29 degrees passing over my Pisces Sun in the 4th house …My ‘get out of town’ energy is coming up big time this week…I am missing the seasonal change, the Fall weather. For the past five years I have headed to Albany, New York and then to Omega to hang with friends (Shilo) and experience the Fall. The art festival in Rhinebeck, the pumpkins, the corn stalks, walking the land at Omega, the crisp cool air as the leaves change.

Not this year, I graduated in May. ***sigh*** It’s still a hot, humid 92 degrees here in sunny South Florida. My inner child is screaming “I want Fall weather!” Hush there child. I am grateful the latest hurricanes have veared away. Inwardly and outwardly I am pushing and moving, cleaning and purging things here at the Lessirard house. This Virgo experience is still unfolding, but there is now more light and less dirt at the end of the tunnel. I am getting through the Moving On process and putting parts together in a new way. The curious thing is I have never proceeded in this fashion before in my life, I am more a ‘spur of the moment’ woman. More Pisces then Virgo. In 1992 there was such a drive within me to be near water, so we put our house on the market and it sold in two weeks. Heck our last move was five minutes across town to a house with a very large swimming pool. But after watching my friends Shilo and Osi go banana's in their long distance moves, I decided to start early. (I don't know where we are moving.) I am learning a lot about me in the process.

At this new moon in Virgo I am seeing the power of my intentions declared in March. What were you thinking about back then? Those of you in the VisionKeeping process may want to really check in. Many times people come to session and say, “it’s just not working, I decided I want to do this. I set my intention and nothing is happening.” Yet when we tie this “wanting” energy back into their charts/heart’s and the moon cycle, a pattern is revealed, usually you haven’t cooked enough. That is what astrology is about ‘right timing.’

You see there are three crosses in astrology– Cardinal, Fixed and Mutable. Right now we are moving into the Cardinal energies. We have been in mutable energies for the past month. Think of mutable as getting your engine revved up at the starting gate but the flags not down yet telling you to go. It can be frustrating. When the Sun moves into Libra on Saturday, be ready.

The Cardinal Cross is represented by the signs Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn. The Sun, or the CEO of your chart is making key aspects in your chart at this time of year. Where is 0 degrees of Libra in your chart? What house is that on? Cardinal energies want action, movement. Aries gives you the momentum. Cancer asks you for an emotional commitment (move that emotional body) ‘sea of emotions’, Libra asks for you to seek a balance in your life with a joyful heart (get your thinking aligned) and Capricorn provides the structure, provided you’re grounded (that’s Saturn working and learning us all). Highly intuitive people don’t like to be grounded. To those intuitives…. remember you need grounding energies to manifest your heart’s desire. Aries and Libra (Equinoxes) , Cancer and Capricorn (Solstice) work together in sacred partnership. Get all four aspects working together, in-sync and you start to manifest big time. For this new moon I called on an old and dear friend. Angelic Messenger cards where the first tool I used when I ‘woke up’ in 1993.

“The key word is Challenge: Accepting spiritual initiation as the birthing of your dreams.

This energy is here because you are now undergoing a period of spiritual initiation in order to give a specific presence and form to your dreams, hopes, and expectations.

This guidance suggests that you are being called to finish up old business, both physical and spiritual, in order to move forward with your life physically and spiritually. You are also being guided to relax and accept the guidance that is coming to you from your angelic teachers rather than feeling you must do everything for yourself and by yourself. This card deals specifically with the fulfillment of certain specific dreams and/or aspirations that you've felt were to be part of your life, offering your personal skill and spiritual insight to be of service to humanity.” – Angelic Messenger Cards

What does that mean for you at this New Moon/Solar Eclipse in Virgo? Well lets say at the Aries New Moon (fire) you want to get out of the town. There is a drive to do something, be creative. Spring is about new beginnings. By the Cancer New Moon you’ll be facing the bottled up emotions (water), the emotional attachments that connect you have borne fruit. By the Libra new moon you’ll be called to balance out the head (thinking) and the heart (love). In the Libra energies we gather up, it’s a practical harvest this year with so much Virgo energy at play. Don’t be surprised that by the Capricorn new moon you have your bus ticket in hand heading North.

That’s how one works the cardinal cross. Figure out what you want, plug into the energies at hand and then stand back to observe. Our thoughts set into motion things we do and don’t want to manifest in profound ways. At this new moon the energies are potent…it’s a solar eclipse. Stay aware of what you are thinking about!! Virgo is ruled by Mercury, the communicator. People are saying what they think. Libra is ruled by Venus. Libra also rules war. Think of the scales of justice…balance.

Check out April Kent’s blog for more about this Virgo New Moon. Thanks April for the mention! She’s got some great resources listed for this eclipse. I am headed that way to read her blog now…

Explore the world behind your eyes. Our circle begins again on Wednesday, January 11, 2006

Our weekly circle begins again Wednesday nights starting January 11, 2006 at 7:00 pm. The cost is $15 per week. If paid in advance $70 for seven weeks. This circle is open for two sessions and then closes to new members. We close the circle to build power within the community allowing us to go deeper into the Work.

Each seasonal cycle works with a particular theme given to Michele by her Spirit Allies, based on the time of season and current energies at play. Winter is now here and we are preparing the ground for our spring planting. Working with shamanism as a daily practice and  We’ll be working with Jacquelyn Small’s book -the Sacred purpose of being human. During the 7 weeks you will learn how to:

• Release stuck emotions through "inner work" designed to heal your past.
• Identify pseudo-personalities that masquerade as your true self.
• Create the inner space required for a spiritual awakening to occur naturally.

The Winter Solstice ~ the Sun enters Capricorn

The Winter Solstice on December 21, 2005 at 1:35 pm est the Sun enters Capricorn

It is just before sunrise on a cold December day some three thousand years before the coming of Christ. For those crouched at the heart of the mound it must seem as though light has been banished forever. Then suddenly a tiny sliver of sunlight strikes the stone slab at the back of the chamber. Slowly it widens, climbs upward, illuminating a number of mysterious carvings- circles and spirals, zigzag patterns. For people crouched in the center of the great mound every symbol has meaning. But by far the greatest significance is the return of the Sun itself. The light that enters the dark womb of the earth brings with it the promise of warmth and life to come. -John Mathews from The Winter Solstice

Click here for a pdf of this text with pictures to print.

The 12 Days of Christmas is a template to review this past year’s actions and intentions. Recapitulation ~ a creative time to seize the coming year. Wednesday, December 21, 2005 we celebrate the Winter Solstice of moving from darkness (shadow) to light (divinity). Cross culturally this time heralds the Sun's return as it enters Capricorn. "Capricorn- admits the soul into life and then allows it to return to its former god-like state [the child of wonder and grace]." (Mathews, p. 40) At the time of the new moon in Capricorn we at the midpoint of the twelve days of Christmas ~ the days between Christmas Eve to Epiphany on the 6th of January that "really exist outside of linear time. [These days] are in a sense, the fruit of the past year, and one day for each month that has past." (Mathews, p. 173).

January 6th is Epiphany a celebration in the Christian faith as the day the three wise men arrived to see the Christ child after their long journey. The Wise Men represented the shaman’s and priests of their tribe coming to honor the new King.

The New Moon/ Solar Eclipse in Aries April 8, 2005

Ancient astrology was body based and biological. In the beginning astrology was a felt experience but after the beginnings of patriarchal civilisation, astrology became a science. . . .by watching and recording the astrological passage of the moon through the signs of the zodiac,  you get to now how the signs feel. You reconnect with the elements (fire, earth, water, air) and how these energies stimulate your body, mind, emotions and spirit.  Then the energies move out of science [masculine/logic] and back into the feelings [feminine/intuition]. –Shakti Woman- the new female shamanism by Vicki Noble.

Aries represents:

• New Beginnings- blazing new trails, initiating, high energy, taking action, innovative approaches.
• Self-focus- the physical body, survival issues, instincts, ego, assertiveness
• Innocence- honesty, authenticity, impulsiveness, straightforwardness
• Self-discovery-exploration, taking risks, eagerness, competition
• Independence-self-direction, self-reliance, autonomy, self-sufficiency
• Courage-leadership, strength, vigilance, boldness
• Disengaging, Self-absorption, vanity, anger, impatience
• Health-acne, eyes, head/face/scalp/brain, headaches and dizziness.
• Finding a clear yes and a clear no.

  ACTION. This is the time of year to put new projects into motion. As you can see I have been tweaking the journal. I decided to try out a blog format. It’s more flexible, easier to update and has a whole lot of bells and whistles like commenting and subscribing. At the end of this missive there is a spot to comment about this new format. Let me know what you think.

  At this New Moon Venus, Sun and Moon are in Aries. Venus attracts. Venus is the planet that has to do with our values and our ability to share what we have. . .rather than holding on, it is now time to let go and share. Venus works in sacred partnership to your Mars energy. Mars rules Aries. From the archetypal power of Venus you are called to claim your heart’s desire, and then Mars moves into action off that desire. Think of the fairy tale princess (Venus) waiting for her white night (Mars). Where is your white night? Is it time to get out of the castle and do for yourself? Share who and what you are about? Jupiter is in Libra asking for balance and harmony.  Can you expand into your relationships and still maintain your Self. Value your Self?  Or do you merge and get lost in the process of relating. Boundaries are highlighted at this lunation. Saturn is in Cancer making his final push forward leaving in July of 2005. Is there a structure in place -Do you feel safe and secure now?  Saturn rules Capricorn. Cancer is ruled by the Moon. The energetic partnership of Capricorn and Cancer represent the mother and father energies in the chart.  The intuitive and the rational. Saturn gives your intuition the structure, a foundation to work from. Saturn is a grounding force.  Mars the ruler of Aries in moving through Aquarius. . .asking and giving action energy for new forms to be built.

  Mercury in retrograde March 19 - April 12, 2005:

  What gift has Mercury retrograde bestowed upon you these past three weeks? Weird things may have happened. Look at the omens, read the signs, get the subtle messages the Universe is trying to share. If you can't figure it out, then talk to a friend, share from the heart. Get grounded so your communications and intentions make sense. Through right communication Venus attracts peace- peace of mind, peace of heart. Because this is a spiritual period representing restoration, look for breakthroughs in understanding. This awakening may come from out of the blue, yet it is a mystery that was seeded in the spiritual plane for a very long time, ready to manifest on the physical level. Stay true to your own spiritual process and the tools that have been anchored in you since 1987. This is a powerful time individually and collectively.

  Mercury moved into Aries at the beginning of the March. Mercury represents the way we think- the little me (ego) and the greater me (ego merged with spirit). Mercury started his retrograde process on March 19 at 15 degrees of Aries.

  What house is 15 degrees of Aries in? Now the Sun and Moon are there, Venus is also there as well.

  Mercury travels backward until April 12, then goes direct. Mercury in Aries- the energy of thinking and action going retrograde/backward. This alone can feel like chaos. Think of a cartoon character running forward with an unknown rubber band around his waist, reaching the limits and then being jerked backward. That's Mercury retrograde. It is sometimes gentle, sometime chaotic. LOL.

  Mercury in retrograde calls us to think again, this is a do-over, issues you thought you had addressed may be up for additional healing offering understanding and clarity.  Expect aha’s by the Full Moon in Scorpio on April 26th.

  As Uranus (awakens) moves through spiritual Pisces and

  Neptune

  (dissolves) moving through visionary Aquarius this next seven years be ready for astrology to move back into the feeling state, the intuitive side of astrology. The twelve Zodiac signs within your chart act as a filters for the planets, energizing that planet with additional purpose- the signs put the zing in the energy. They are archetypal forces that can be worked with actively within and around you.

  Our hearts have healed in so many ways. Libra an air sign is ruled by Venus representing the Heart chakra- the 7th doorway of marriage and partnership. LOVE.

  The theme at this lunation is “transmutation of life into Love”- Dane Rudhyar. Ask “Who am I in relationship to you?”

  “Where do I merge?    How do I lose myself?”

  Being loved and in relationship with another person stirs up our Mars energy because relationships reflect our divinity and our shadow. Libra works in balance with Aries. Aries represents the first doorway of life and the first year of your life. The Way. Libra calls for balance and harmony in relationships. The sacred other who you meet along your Way. The sacred marriage occurs between Mars and Venus at your 1st and 7th doorways within your own chart. Two points in the Cardinal Cross. To find balance go to the center, your center and there is Masculine and feminine in balanced harmony. Mars gets his marching orders from a healed heart. Venus beckons and magnetizes, mars initiates. Your inspirations come through the upper chakras and synthesize in your heart center. How these visions manifest into reality is determined by the health of the Venus and Mars energies within you. To be intimate I must first know myself. Libra called us to this task at the Full moon on March 25. What are you ready to plant?

  Mercury, the communicator who represents the way we think, is currently retrograding in Aries. When Mercury retrogrades our normal day-to-day thinking process goes underground for renovation; this happens in the first ten days so we can go to a deeper level. Mercury went retrograde Saturday March 19. Ten days of darkness/chaos, going inward in order to move outward.

  There are three crosses within the zodiac. At this Aries new moon lets discuss the Cardinal Cross. Houses 1^st (Aries), 4^th (Cancer), 7^th (Libra) , and 10^th (Capricorn) are considered action houses because this is where you are called to initiate- the cross of initiation. Here you are called to express the divinity within you- your divine will- through your creative processes. You are spirit seeded with a divine plan of action to manifest out in the world (world service). Aries celebrates the Easter/Passover season. . .the Spring Equinox.  Aries is about passion. The Cardinal Cross in esoteric is called the ‘Cross of Christ’ whereupon the Spirit is crucified. Each time you step outside of your fear based thinking, you meet this cardinal cross with courage and strength to make things happen- just as you pushed your way into this world to be born. The symbol of the cross offers a doorway at the sacred center- the heart, the synthesizer of the four doorways-

  1^st house (Aries ruled by Mars)  and 7^th house (Libra ruled by Venus)

  4^th house (Cancer ruled by the Moon) and 10^th house (Capricorn ruled by Saturn)

  Aries represents new beginnings and teaches us how to enter into creation- even in its most primitive state. You are called to step out of your safety zone this month in Aries- to pioneer something new. In Cancer we learn to manifest our bounty as part of humanity. In Libra we learn to legislate our life here on earth- in Libra we see the results of our actions taken in Aries. In Capricorn we take initiation- the seed to start again.

  In January did you make New Years resolutions, only to see the intentions fall by the wayside? What if your subconscious mind has been working quietly behind the scenes getting those seed thoughts from the new year ready for planting? After working with the natural rhythms within and my natal chart there is a time, a season and a reason- it takes the psyche time to integrate and come to terms with the intent. Now I am ready to plant the seeds.  Aries marks the beginning of the new year- the Spring Equinox in the North.  You may want to reflect on your own New Years resolutions and see if this is rings true for you.

  Mars the ruler of Aries knows what you want and what will energise you- offering a clear yes or clear no about your path. Mars informs you when you are on the right path by giving you energy (yes); if you are on the wrong path you’ll have an energy drain (no). Planets in the first house or the sign Aries inform you of your own life, where you are gifted at finding a clear yes and a clear no. (Campbell, p. 300).

  Engage your Will. 

  Fire in your belly! 3^rd chakra, the will center. Mars rules the 3^rd chakra- the solar plexus- the fire in your belly. If your water element is out of whack how can the fire be born- you’ll find yourself in anger rather than passion. Reaction vs. pro-action. The 3^rd chakra is the seat of eating disorders and weight issues. Our Mars is afflicted in some way. Look at all the press recently on Super sizing and Gluttony. Anger is associated with Mars- external solutions (spending, eating, drinking, exercising) are ways to mediate the strong feelings that manifest from the 3^rd chakra. The ability to speak your truth is related to the 5^th chakra. Women started speaking up in the ‘70’s demanding equal rights, equal pay. In their righteous anger they demanded change from a patriarchal society. Cancer moved through Saturn in 1974-1975. Those issues are with us still, now it is time to kick it up a notch. You may find your limit and nurturing skills may need to be strengthened. Obesity and gastric bypass are the talk of the nation because we as a society live at the 3^rd level of consciousness. This is a time where the tools (external solutions) of the past won’t work anymore. You are being asked to grow up.

  A healthy person with a strong 3^rd chakra knows who they are within the Universe and can look up to the heavens with her feet planted firmly on earth. Then the Will center bestows great pleasure, spiritual wisdom. She knows she belongs, her mind and emotions are a working unit through the heart. She has the will/intent to carry her intentions out into the world.

  Remember your belly button and the deep connection to mother. This center is your connection Spirit and Mother earth. If this will center is blocked, the person can not feel their feelings. This is the center is where we cord into others (through relationships) because there is a split between the heart and the mind. Feel the ‘fear’ in your belly. . .feel the ‘fire’ in your belly. The belly is the seat of your inner knowing. Gut reactions. Clairsentience. (Excellent books to read are Karla McLaren’s Emotional Genius and The Pathway by Laurel Mellin).

  A dream has been cooking you for a very long time. Eons. It is now time. How do you want manifest that dream? You have the talent. You have been seeded. Fire or fear. In any case like the book says feel the fear and do it anyway. Now. Take aim and follow through- engage your will. The power of your will in harmony with spirit creates Divine Will- Thy will and mine are one. (Brennan, Hands of Light,  p.140).

  “Go forward with your goals, plant the seeds, remember your connection to Spirit and how the seed not only serve you but humanity as well.”

  In Aries you are called to create from your passion- to manifest in service to your vision (remember Aquarius- and your point of Light). The best time to plant these intentions is at the new moon in Aries. Aries is cardinal a fire sign, ruled by Mars- a sign of new beginnings representing your pioneer energy. Where Aries is in your chart you forge ahead and lead the way.

  Where is Aries?

  What is in your 1^st house?

  Where is your Mars? That is where the action is.

  In Aries we set the tone for the next 12 month cycle with passion. The fire within feeds us until the Fall Equinox in September. If I am decorating a room, the foundation has to be good order for the other elements to work. My vision/intent is the seed that sets the foundation, I have to know what I am going to do, there has to be a plan of action to manifest the vision. In interior design I’ll make sketches/renderings, create plans from my vision. I then gather my support team, the carpenter, the painter, the upholsterer. I share my vision and give them the plans. . .I set this into motion through my intent. And with my force of will the vision manifests and grounds into being. The room materialises as the team works together.

  Think of television show Trading Spaces. Action, focus, courage. In Aries we go from thinking to doing. This is a Solar Eclipse. In April of 1986 there was a solar eclipse at 20 degrees of Aries. Nineteen years ago.

  Sam

  e sign, same degree. Other than age, what are you offering in service to humanity now? How have you changed? The Moon stands before the Sun and absorbs all the light, then she reflects this back to us. This eclipse energy will be working and learning us for at least two years.

  Power is the ability to use energy.

  In the body: Ego is force. It is important to know that Aries and the first house/doorway is representative of our lower nature, the egoic self. Fiery Aries is passionate, but too often our Aries is fuelled by anger, sadness, grief, guilt. We defend to protect our fragile state. There is a ‘little you’ someplace in the equation. Mars rules Aries. Unheated it represents a “me first’ attitude- war, vanity, anger, impatience. Mars and Venus are planetary pairs that work together- the sacred masculine and feminine. Mars in the body is represented by the 3^rd chakra- the seat of power, the will. Venus is represented by the 4^th chakra, the seat of love. The lower nature of ego must transcend into the heart. The heart creates a bridge to the higher centers. Heart disease is the number one killer in

  America

  . As a society we live from our lower three chakras, and stop short of the heart.  The bridge is broken, and war breaks out within and without.  The heart center is responsible for mediating the energies coming and going through the emotional, physical, mental and spiritual bodies. When one is connected to deep intimacy with self and others there is passion and power born from moving through and transmuting the anger, pain and suffering. Divine Love. The balanced ego merges with soul energy = power.

  Opposite Aries is Libra. Libra ruled by Venus is the 7^th doorway of marriage and partnership. LOVE. Who am I in relationship to you? Where do I merge? How do I lose myself? Being loved and in relationship with another person stirs up our Mars because relationships reflect our divinity and our shadow. Libra works in balance with Aries. Aries represents the first doorway of life and the first year of your life. The Way.  Libra calls for balance and harmony in relationships. The sacred other who you meet along your Way. The sacred marriage occurs between Mars and Venus at your 1^st and 7^th doorways within your own chart. Two points in the Cardinal Cross. To find balance go to the center there is Masculine and feminine in balanced harmony. Mars gets his marching orders from a healed heart. Venus beckons and magnetizes, mars initiates. Your inspirations come through the upper chakras and synthesize in your heart center. How these visions manifest into reality is determined by the health of the Venus and Mars energies within you.  To be intimate I must first know myself. Aries calls us to that task at this new moon. What do you want to plant?

  Power attracts, whereas force repels. Because power unifies, it has no true enemies, although its manifestations may be opposed by opportunists whose ends it doesn't serve. Power serves others, whereas force is self-serving. True statesmen serve the people; politicians exploit people to serve their own ambitions. Statesmen sacrifice themselves to serve others; politicians sacrifice others to serve themselves. Power appeals to our higher nature, force to our lower nature. Force is limited, whereas power is unlimited. Power vs. Force by Dr.

  David

  Hawkins

  Power radiates from within, transmutes into energy that heals, restores and revitalises the self. Soul essence is a loving, propelling energy of divine will, a purpose and power that flows through your spiritual consciousness. The ego is still present but the ego is called to harmony and balance shifting from force to power as it serves rather than competing. You become defenseless because there is nothing to defend against.

  The power of your own Aries energy is called forth at this new moon. We have entered the three spiritual festivals at the full moon in March (Easter), April (Wesak), and May (Goodwill). These are important times on the planet and within your own psyche. We are all being tested by the weight of living.

  David

  Hawkins book Power vs. Force is a good example of working with the Power of Presence. After a spiritual awakening Dr. Hawkins was able to transmute the most horrendous mental illness in his patients just by his sacred witnessing. The Power of his Presence. At the Aries new moon we are called to the doorway of remembering the Power of Presence – step into our divinity hold steady in Light. At this New Moon you are called to pioneer, to lead and plant your seeds.

  “Aries is the sign of male authority and it pushes on forward into positions of power through the pioneering of new fields and purposes; here do we find the quality of initiative. The more evident trait of Aries is intense activity, fired by ambitions, projective energy which must take command . . . Aries purifies thinking and raises thought power, compelling correction and advancing toward truth. The essence of Aries is the urge that impels persons to new ideas, plans, thoughts or proposals.” (Price, p.76)

  In the Tarot this Aries energy is represented by the Emperor card- the doer, the visionary, the leader, the builder. We all are leaders and builders, so this month check the Aries area of your chart. This is where the action is.

  Where is Aries in your chart?

  What planets there?

  ‘Take heart at this lunation, because comfort and salvation can be found in the most unexpected places.’ The creative process is fed by your Aries spirit. It is fed with your heart and soul. The Power of your Presence. Your creative intentions are needed now more than ever. So at this New Moon in Aries- what creative seeds do you want to plant for harvesting in the fall?

  At this new moon you are called to manifest your divinity in a greater capacity with your creative efforts leading the way. What are you longing for that needs to be planted in the spring for harvesting next fall?

  Your chakra system is fast tracking this power (Mars rules Aries)  energy to manifest your heart’s desire (Venus rules Libra). You are being fast tracked.  If the farmer holds onto his seeds in the spring and refuses to let them go, there is no fruit in the summer, no seeds for the fall. What have you resisted? How are you holding on? Surrender it now.

  The Sabian Symbol for 20 Degree Aries from Lynda Hill’s book:

  A YOUNG GIRL FEEDING BIRDS IN WINTER.

  

  KEYNOTE: Overcoming crisis through compassion.

  Commentary: The Young Girl Feeding Birds in Winter is an image of care, innocence nurturing and benevolence. Promises of nourishment to those who need it –emotionally, physically, or spiritually will help this situation improve. Sometimes it may feel like the cold winds are around us, yet we can find joy through doing thing for others. Long talks with either strangers or friends in need can being a sense of nurturing, reassurance, satisfaction and love.

  Oracle: Someone is possibly in need of help, someone who may even be the cause of their own problems. However, there are those who stubbornly resist moving on or changing their habits, even if it is to their own detriment. Employing non-judgmental help can lead others to trust and respond. You may be required to continually show love and dedication, even when it may be tiring or time consuming to do so. Perhaps there is a feeling of having to step out into the cold to help others. It is rewarding to provide nourishment for those who need it. However thing of what would happen if you withdrew you time and energy? Things done for others often have an unexpected spin-off. On completion you realize you’ve had fun and you feel really good about yourself. Nourishment can come in the form of food, water, words, advice, etc. Be careful that what’s being fed is in fact nourishing for those receiving it. There may also be a need to be alone and do simple and compassionate things. If the message provided by the Symbol is not clear, then try feeding the birds outdoors, or at least through open windows and see what the exercise inspires.

  Keywords: Nurturing innocence. Feeding energy to situations that feel cold, helpless and lost. Small efforts bring their rewards. Codependent relationships. Nurturing. Helping those less fortunate or smaller. Taking time out for others. Doing things without the thought of reward. Enjoying nature. Trying to find friends or company.

  The Caution: Wanting to wind approval. Creating a dependence with others that has to be maintained. Feeling bleak, lost and alone. The need to continually rescue others. Doing anything to be liked. Finding it impossible to stop giving. Not being able to say “no”.

  What does this SYMBOL say to you?

  You are invited to copy this journal and share it with others of like mind and spirit. If you have any questions please e-mail me at michele at sharedjourneys.org.

  References for the New Moon Journal

  Angeles Arrien. 1987. The Tarot Handbook.

  Alice Bailey. 1974. The Labours of Hercules- An Astrological Interpretation. Caroline Brent. 2004. on the web at Celestial Timings.

  Brenda Brush, PMAFA. 2003  Brush up with Brenda Astrology Class.  For a weekly tape from the Wednesday night class call 954-922-7222.

  Kathleen Burt. 1999. Archetypes of the Zodiac.

  Elizabeth Rose Campbell. 2003. Intuitive Astrology.

  Thom Cavalli, Ph.D. 2002. Alchemical Psychology.

  Demetra George

  . 1994 Finding our way through the dark.

  Lynda Hill. 2002.  Special Edition The Sabian Symbols as an Oracle.

  Marc E. Jones, PhD. 1993 The Sabian Symbols in Astrology.

  Alan Oken. 1990. Soul Centered Astrology.

  John

  Randolph Price. 1993. The Angels Among Us.

  Jan Spiller. 2001. New moon astrology.

  Jacquelyn Small. 1991. Awakening in Time.

  Art credits:
  Aries Zodiac Image

  Fire in the Belly

  Bird Feeder Hat by Eco-artist Erica Fielder

Last Quarter Square- Reorientation.

Validation~ proof, confirmation, strength or power in general, sound, well grounded on evidence or principle, effective, justness.  This week you may find validation, confirming something you already know within yourself to be true. The Universe supports you in your decision. Substantial progress is being made. This is a time of empowerment. Act on what you know to be true for you. Proof will be in the synchronicity of events that will further validate.-Universal Cards by Juliet Hubbs

Dear Moon Dancers,

If you are wondering why you are getting this missive, it is part of the new moon work. I am sharing these words because of our conversations we have had over the past weeks. This is the last week of the Pisces New Moon. How are you doing?

This is a week of weeks representing the Sun/Moons Last Quarter Square ~ Crisis in consciousness ~ Reorientation ~ Winter Phase ~ Quiet reflection

Things have quieted down. You are assimilating the changes that have occurred in the last 21 days as you prepare for the next new moon cycle. This is a week of reflection. The seed has been birthed and you need to consider your next step. The sign Sagittarius/Capricorn and its location in your birth chart will show you the Way.

Remember some new moons will be more challenging than others depending on your birth chart. One month you may be filled with inspirations- the seeds will come forward through your imagination, inspirations and intuition.  Other months it may be quiet. Dane Rudhyar calls this time the crisis in consciousness for you are now on an inward journey.  For women this represents a time in our menses when we may find ourselves pre-menstrual– the light moving to dark as the Sun withdraws his energy and the moon goes still. Intuition is highlighted. During this week you may need to be quiet and not get over stimulated. You are moving to complete this current cycle and start again at the new moon in Aries. Stay aware (excerpted from main workbook pages 46-47).

Mercury in Aries is retrograde until April 9th. When Mercury goes retrograde our normal consciousness is out to lunch. We are in a holding pattern until next Saturday- so don’t beat yourself up over not moving full steam ahead. Once Mercury is through you’ll be good to go.

This is a week to validate your self and your heart energy in some tangible way. Heart work. Have a heart. Reflect on your heart’s desire.

Unconscious values of Venus include:

• wanting what everyone else wants
• wanting something you can't have
• wanting something someone else has
• wanting something JUST because someone else has it
• wanting something or someone all to yourself
• wanting anything in excess- drink, drugs, food, money, sex
• wanting things exclusively because they are a challenge
• not knowing what you want
• indiscriminately giving away what you have
• wanting everyone else to want what you want
• forcing everyone else to want what you want
• forcing your version of truth onto everyone else

The shadow of Mars, which rules Aries is with us- can be aggressive, domineering, intolerant, hasty, arrogance, warring representing a “me first”.  Mars shows where you expend your energy. It shows your sexual drive. Masculine energy.  Wanting, merging and consuming.  Some are called to be center stage for, and the archetypal representative of, humanity’s collective shadow.

Unconscious to consciousness. . . this energy calls us out of the trance. The shadow coming into the light of day for healing. OJ Simpson represents men’s violence towards women. Michael Jackson’s violence towards children.  Women and children. Venus ruled by earthy Taurus- mother, daughter, sister, virgin these are all forms of the sacred feminine. Last June Venus held a meeting with the Sun at 18 degrees of Gemini, it was called the Venus Transit.  Click here to read more about this on the web site. March 30, 2005 marked the Full phase of the Venus/Sun conjunction. Venus and the Sun are now in opposition just like a full moon phase. In 10 days issues and answers will become apparent. Gemini wants cooperation. Venus attracts. . .she rules the heart center. Illumination. Venus is the gatekeeper to your upper and lower chakras.

What does that mean for you?

Where is 18 of Gemini in your chart? That is where the gift is from the Venus/Sun meeting last June.  Gemini rules thinking, day to day communication. You are called to balance the light and the dark thinking within you. Alan Oken in his book Soul Centered Astrology states “Let instability do its work.  The unpredictable changes, instability in human relationships, and the lack of cohesion in our lives offers lessons about harmony.” The lessons of Gemini frees up the personality (little me) to my Greater Story. The Venus Mysteries were held sacred by the Ancients.

Venus seeks to unite and blend, merge and harmonize through the creative expressions of our heart and mind. Soul infused. Venus rules earthy Taurus representing self esteem, self worth. Venus rules Libra representing balance and harmony in all of our relations. Her energies represent the lunar forces merged with the sacred feminine. Isis, the High Priestess card in the Tarot deck is representative of Venus energies. It is the principle of intuition, self-trust and self-resourcefulness. The journey homeward or return to the oneself.

I deeply value and honor the human being that I am.

The archetypal power of Venus rules sexuality, magnetism, beauty, grace. Venus also rules our relationship to food, eating. Eating disorders among women. Nurturance. How we feed our selves. Venus in Libra calls us to balance two opposing forces, to create harmony. The two opposing forces within our personality and soul mirrored in our sacred relationships- the other.  There are four keywords to the cardinal forces Aries- creation; Cancer- manifestation; Libra- legislation; Capricorn- initiation. The new moon is in Aries is on April 8th.  Saturn the ruler of Capricorn is traveling through Cancer- initiation with manifestation and finally Libra- making laws. Jupiter is transiting Libra asking us to expand, learn to find and balance our truth. We all legislate- making rules for ourselves based on what is truth to us. Then we project those rules/truths onto others. Get a group in consensus and we legislate. Truths can also change over time. Legislation needs to change as well to reflect those new truths.

Think back to 1990. What was happening for you then? Saturn was in Capricorn. Much was coming to the surface about family dysfunction. The battering of women. Wounded inner child, incest, eating disorders, women and children being violated. Feminine energies of Venus –wounded. In 1990 Terri Schiavo suffered a heart attack. In the months leading up to this incident family members say she was extremely thin, wasted. Some say her heart attack was from an eating disorder. No one talks about this in the press.  Did you know we are in the full phase, full moon of those experiences from Saturn in Capricorn from 1989-1991? Venus wants to legislate. Harmony. She is calling us to affirm I deeply value and honor the human being that I am.

In the press we see this disorder within playing out nationally in the Terri Schiavo case . . .the forces are polarised -right to die vs. right to life. Terri Schiavo is dead, but the passions stirred by the fight over her life will shape the political debate for a long time to come. Karen Ann Quinlan.

On April 15, 1975, twenty-one-year-old Karen Ann Quinlan attended a party where she ingested sedatives and alcohol (Neptune).  She went into cardiopulmonary arrest (Venus-4th Chakra heart energy) and became unconscious (Mercury/Mind) eventually falling into a persistent vegetative state. By 1985 there was a fierce court battle for Karen’s right to die.  In April of 1975 Saturn was in Cancer. Saturn is now in Cancer again, bringing up these same issues- our own relationship with life and death. Saturn is the father energies (yang), Cancer represents the mother energies (ying). Saturn is leaving Cancer in July 2005, we are getting deep lessons now.

In 1990 twenty-seven year-old Terri Schiavo may have forced her body to throw up and her potassium dropped.  She went into cardiopulmonary arrest (Venus-4th Chakra heart energy) and became unconscious (Mercury/Mind) eventually falling into a persistent vegetative state (dream state of Neptune).  I am sad that Terri’s family and husband couldn't’t compromise. Shamans learn how to die. There is a huge fear of death in our culture.  As I look at the bigger picture, the archetype of death, life, consciousness. . .here’s Pluto in Sag healing another issue that polarizes us. This is a 4th chakra issue, heart centered, Venus disorder calling for order. Anorexia, bulimia, heart attack, lost of consciousness, vegetative state, money, quilt, shame, blame. . . this family (husband, mother, father, sister, brother) each hold a shadow piece. . . in essence Terri wanted help. . .she started killing herself long before the physical heart attack. . . it starts with her own relationship to nurturance- food. I feel sad no one heard her.  She is a mirror to us all about our own consciousness, issues with life and death. Our bodies, hearts and souls. Venus is speaking to us.

No one talks about what Terri did to herself to create this. . .sadly no one was listening to her, or doing anything about it. Feeding tube. What is the symbology of Terri’s body dying from an eating disorder in which she was starved, just as she starved her body in her conscious waking life.

How are you feeding yourself?

How are you starving yourself?

Where is the beauty in your own life? Nurturance. Issues of nurturance.

What is Venus trying to share with you? These same lessons were with us off Karen Quinlin’s death in 1975 when Saturn was in Cancer, now Terri Schiavo.  These lessons are with us again, going to a deeper level. Truth changes. Let instability do its work. That is what polarity does. In Terri’s passing there is a huge learning for all of us. I feel grateful and blessed. I am honored by her life and her struggle.

In loving support,

Michele