Full Moon in Sagittarius 21st May 2016

At 22:15 UK time this Saturday 21st May the Moon is at it's fullest at 1 degree Sagittarius. So emotions may have been intensifying over the last few days, dreams may have been weirder or more premonative and may continue to be until next Wednesday. This Full Moon will be close to Mars Retrograde in Scorpio, which adds restlessness or a potential combative feel . High energy, a desire for more excitement or feelings of frustration or impatience are possible influences too. Road rage may be more evident on the roads is another interpretation, especially with Mercury Retrograde. Although it turns direct this weekend, it may still feel very Retrograde for a good week longer. Mars Retrograde conjunct this Moon could rush in, take risks and want action, but the Moon in Sagittarius on the cusp of Scorpio could rush in blindly and with Mars retrograde, plans or passions could be thwarted or regretted with hindsight. This full Moon could still be revealing though as they often are. Pay attention to whatever insights you are shown but don't necessarily put any realisations, plans or desires into action yet. This Full Moon in Sagittarius, on the cusp of Scorpio is both optimistic, adventurous and expressive. Fireworks and a desire to express oneself are possible. It's not a quiet full Moon, although do be aware for some people this competitive energy could be experienced as more covert than physical, (being so near Scorpio, more snake in the grass potentially.) The Sun in Gemini opposite Moon in Sagittarius shows polar challenges between logic and intuition, trying to find the balance between the two could help. A good time to analyse feelings through looking at different ideas or concepts (Gemini) and exploring philosophical theories (Sagittarius) as long as one's ego doesn't get in the way.

Mercury Retrograde in Taurus, May 2016 & New Moon in Taurus 6th May 2016

Mercury the planet of communication, thoughts and short distance travel has been in Retrograde motion (or appearing to go backwards in the sky) since April 28th, it turns direct on May 22nd but the Retrograde influence may take a good week or so after this date to settle, so things feel less thwarted. Taurus is a practical, earthy, sensual, aesthetic yet also stubborn, inflexible sign. Communications therefore may be hard work, creative or practical plans may be frustrated or blocked, some people may be loathe to revisit things they don't want to change. Yet regardless of the sign Mercury is travelling through, reflecting, re thinking, revisiting or even revamping your appearance (as Venus is also in Taurus) could be beneficial and bring about rejuvenating results. Rewind and get a second chance to redo or repeat things could be relevant to some. Of course, like all Mercury Retrograde periods you may find an increase in Mercurial challenges, more miscommunications, misunderstandings with dates or times, misreading information, extra traffic jams or machinery or technological breakdowns, extra computer problems or weird glitches generally. Delays or problems can be expected in financial areas too, as Taurus relates to the 2nd house. So internet banking, paypal etc.. could be more problematic for example. Sometimes having to re-do work can be a blessing in disguise. Sometimes, more often than not, it's simply a pain in the arse. Just being aware to double check information, re read small print before signing anything, make back ups of anything important, concentrate when putting objects away, as they're more likely to get lost (temporarily) and just try to think more carefully about what you write or say, can be helpful. Mercury Retrograde increases the chance of hearing from or bumping into old friends or people from the past.

On a positive note there is a New Moon tomorrow, Friday 6th May, 16 degrees in Taurus. The number 6 itself relates to the Lovers card in the Tarot and to the planet Venus which rules Taurus. Venus is a planet of harmony, love, creativity, relationships, money and balance. So a fortuitous date for this Taurus New Moon. Whenever there is a New Moon it means the Sun and Moon are in close proximity. So with the Sun, New Moon and Venus all in Taurus in grand trine to Jupiter Retrograde (Virgo) and Pluto Retrograde (Capricorn) this could be felt as a positive shift or a new chapter in terms of inner transformation and personal growth. This Taurus energy is positive for enjoying food, creativity or anything sensual. Jupiter goes direct from Mon 9th May so this may be felt as more freedom, good fortune, bonhomie and expansion, moving forward. Common sense and moderation are wise to focus on over the coming months with Saturn Square Neptune, as realism and structure can help avoid pitfalls from self defeating or excessive habits or behaviours. New Moons are a positive time for thinking about new intentions and new plans even if you don't act upon them during this Mercury Retrograde period.

Full Moon in Scorpio 22nd April 2016

The Moon is waxing towards a Full Moon this Friday 22nd April in the passionate water sign, Scorpio. (2 degrees) From today until around 4 days afterwards, heightened emotions, increased sensitivity, restlessness, disturbed sleep and extremer feelings are all possible. As Scorpio is an all or nothing sign, people's reactions are likely to be more full on than usual. That's no excuse though for extreme behaviour, outbursts or power plays. Scorpio also has the potential to be very controlled and disciplined. Increased appetites, sexual energy or fear for some people may elevate as the Moon brings emotions to the surface. Full Moons often illuminate or bring revelations. Whenever there is a Full Moon it means the Moon is opposite the Sun which will be in Taurus. So themes could be transformation, mystery, the taboos (Scorpio) versus security, peace, form, practicality and creativity (Taurus) With unusually high number of Retrograde planets over the next several months, there will be a feeling of extra time to analyse and reflect on these profound external changes and deep inner realisations that are taking place for most. I read an interesting post by Gregory Rozek "many retrograde planets makes the world appear to slow down. It feels like you are living in a different dimension with less inner uncertainty."

Pluto Retrograde April 17th 2016

Pluto will be turning Retrograde in Capricorn on April 17th/18th until September 26th 2016. Retrograde influences regardless of the planet is about reviewing, revisiting and many other 're' associated words. Capricorn earth's energy is a practical, materialistic, ambitious sign. Pluto is linked to the Underworld in mythology and issues that are buried or deep down, so can relate to subjects like psychology, mining, detective work, analysis but also dramatic transformation. Pluto when Retrograde may be felt even more intensely as Pluto rules Scorpio and Scorpio energy is extreme, never wishy washy or mild. What may this all mean for people? Well, these months could be a positive time for looking deep within at what you want to transform. It could be a period akin to the Phoenix rising from the ashes, breakthroughs, positive changes, detoxing or regeneration are possible experiences too. Reform or changes to one's psychological behaviours that may affect one's physical body are possible too, so detoxing could be an option or letting go of addictions or negative behavioural patterns. It is a beneficial time to go deep within our souls to review things especially as Jupiter (an optimistic, spiritual/religious, philosophical planet) has also been Retrograde in earthy, health conscious Virgo since January and will be until 9th May. Jupiter trine Pluto around June 26th is a peak, positive influence for self dedication and a win/win effect. Mars in Sagittarius will be Retrograding too on 17th April until June 29th (entering Scorpio on May 28th, until it returns to Sag on Aug 2nd.) Mars Retrograde may simply be felt as plans being thwarted or it being harder to keep up the drive to succeed. None of these Retrogrades are to be feared though. Mars Ret is a great time for planning and stategizing especially as Mercury will be Retrograde too from 29th April in Taurus (until May 22nd) which I will write about in more detail another day. Mercury Ret in Taurus can bring about slower thinking, delays with money or practical matters and communication may seem more gritty, cumbersome or blocked.

7th April 2016 New Moon in Aries

Today's super New Moon is in Aries at 18 degrees. New Moons are considered to be a positive time to set new intentions or to implement something. Obviously it doesn't mean do something just for the sake of it but with the Sun, Venus and Uranus also in Aries it could be a good time to embrace Aries optimistic, pioneering, go getting energy. A sense of excitement or anticipation or a desire for change or action, may be in the air for some people as Uranus is conjunct (close to) the New Moon. Uranus is about shaking things up and Aries doesn't sit on his laurels. Itchy feet, a desire for independence and breaking from the past are other possible influences some people may experience especially as Chiron is still conjunct the past South Node in Pisces. So some people may feel ready to forge ahead, break free from past wounds and to be emotionally honest. If anyone is going to take action it's probably wiser to get things moving before Mars turns Retrograde on 17th April and Mercury turns Retrograde on April 28th. If you can put important events on hold till July onwards, even better but sometimes in life you can't so don't worry just know you may need more gusto or elbow grease to get things moving and just leave more time for delays etc like always with Merc Ret periods. This New Moon may feel exciting for some but unsettling for others as Pluto is square this New Moon in Aries conjunct Uranus. Unexpected upheavals could arise or change being forced upon us. Try to go with the flow, as best you can and know things will feel slower and there will be more time to digest events with the soon to be inner planet retrogrades.

Full Lunar Eclipse in Libra - 23rd March 2016

If you've been having weird or vivid dreams and have been feeling extra sensitive, moody, irritable, depressed or out of kilter over the last several days it may well have been due to the waxing Full Moon, which culminates in a Lunar Eclipse (the Earth coming between the Sun and the Moon) tomorrow, Wednesday 23rd March at 3 degrees Libra. The influence of the Full Moon can be felt four days afterwards too but with a Lunar Eclipse the effects can be experienced for up to 3 months. A Full Lunar Eclipse is like having a spot light shining on what needs attention or may need to change. Full Moons and Eclipses are not to be feared, they simply amplify whatever is already present. The unexpected upheavals or changes, positive or negative, are rarely mild but it can be an exciting time too. With the recent Sun in fiery, self orientated Aries in opposition to this Moon in idealistic, indecisive air sign Libra matters related to relationships with our self, others and balance in life generally may come to our attention. Saturn Retrograding from 25th March in Sagittarius, until August, adds to this Libra Lunar Eclipse's influence of reviewing and reflecting about responsibilities and commitments as well as relationships and what no longer serves us. Jupiter Retrograde in Virgo in square to this Saturn in Sagittarius over the coming months may highlight themes linked to restrictions on freedom, re evaluation of laws, our inner beliefs and spiritual truths or how we wish to expand new horizons or systems. It may be helpful to know not to over extend ourselves or to take short cuts during this Saturn square Jupiter period. Just as Solar Eclipses can bring about positive new beginnings in coming months, lunar eclipses can bring matters to a head or an end and feel more emotional and sentimental.March is a full on month with lots of big changes and re structuring on the horizon for many.

Solar Eclipse in Pisces, 8th March 2016

Tomorrow Tuesday 8th March's New Moon is in Pisces, it is also a Solar Eclipse (when the Moon is directly between the Earth & the Sun) so it is like the sky's light will be switched off temporarily and with this may come feelings of opportunities being taken away. New Moons bring positive opportunities for new beginnings and Solar Eclipses are like amplifying these influences three fold so it speeds things up and moves events forward. Pisces is sensitive, imaginative, artistic, intuitive, spiritual, escapist, confused and indecisive and with Pisces Sun conjunct the South Node which relates to matters of the past (11th March) and Chiron on 24th (the planets of wounds and healing) it may be hard to ignore past matters relating to emotional wounds or healing.

Solar eclipses can bring about great upheaval or force us to look at options we wouldn't have chosen or considered but with great changes, new chapters can manifest over the months as a result. The effects of a Solar Eclipse can be 3-6 months, or sometimes even one year. Events can also be forced to be changed during Solar Eclipses due to being eclipsed by other major factors. A good example by astrologer Bill Meridian is when "Charles and Camilla who were supposed to marry just before an eclipse…and then the Pope died so that they had to change their wedding date!"

People with planets at 14 to 24 degrees of the Mutable signs (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces) are most likely to be effected but this really depends on the individual natal chart.

As well as the conjunction between the South Node and Chiron, the past North Node is also conjunct to Mercury (17th March) and Ceres (24th March) as well as Venus (29th March). So past matters related to healing, new ways to communicate and deal with wounds from the past and issues related to nature and nurture (from Ceres) are themes that may arise. Ceres can also be about food and clothing as well as nurturing, so some people may embark on a change of appearance or a new food programme. This powerful emphasis on the South Node (karmic past) can force us to look at the old patterns of behaviour and how to approach these past pains in a new way. Letting go is a theme of this month.

Mars (the planet of action, energy, challenge, passion) has recently moved into Sagittarius a forthright, brave, adventurous energy until 27th September. Mars usually moves through every zodiac sign around 6-7 weeks but is in Sagittarius for months because it retrogrades from 17th April until 29th June. Mars retrograde means actions or plans may be thwarted or delayed, some plans may back fire, lose the drive to succeed or fail to happen at all. Some people may find they need to work extra hard to get things moving. Mars retrograde is a positive time though for planning projects or stategizing or getting ready to launch something when Mars goes direct and re enters Sagitarius on 2nd August. Mars will be reentering Scoripio during this Retrograde period on May 28th. Mars in Scorpio is persistent, determined, great at in depth preparation and investigating.

So, March is not a mild, easy going month with this Solar Eclipse (reminds me of the slash and burn agricultural technique) and the Full Moon, Lunar Eclipse in Libra 3 degrees on 23rd March (in opposition to the Aries Sun) with Jupiter square Saturn will throw many into a quandry about what decisions to make and what is no longer serving us. Self versus relationships will be relevent for many. I will write more about this month's Lunar Ecipse nearer the time which won't be easy as it can force us to look at our shadow self and the effects are generally felt for around 6 weeks.