Libra New Moon: A New Balance of Power

The Libra New Moon occurs October 12th at 5:06 pm MST/PDT.  It happens at 19 degrees Libra 20 minutes.  Here’s the chart:  LibraNewMoon2015.

The Scales, Libra’s glyph, is misleading.  The Scales have long symbolized balance.  However, it’s important to note that Libra is learning balance.  Until mastery of this archetype is achieved, Libra experiences imbalance, often to extremes, particularly in relationship dynamics.  The number one contributing factor to unhealthy and unsuccessful relationships is an imbalance of power.  Who has it?  Who doesn’t?  Is it acknowledged and wielded equally?  Is it used to support one another in independent individual development or is it used in ways that contribute to and maintain co-dependence?

To promote relationship balance and equality, Libra must learn to LISTEN!  Since Libra also NEEDS TO BE NEEDED, it often derives its identity, value and worth through others.  In turn, this leads to Libra’s habitual giving to others so that it will be valued for providing what they think others need.  This cannot help but foster co-dependency.  Effective listening allows Libra to give and receive (use power) properly, giving what’s actually needed, not what they think the other needs, which all too often simply reflects their own personal projected needs, thus sustaining co-dependence.

Recent Venus and Mercury retrogrades encouraged a major review of relationship dynamics particularly issues of equality/inequality and balance/imbalance of power.  We can break free of unhealthy relationship patterns and behaviors now.  However, if necessary changes are resisted for too long, some unequal situations, especially in partnerships, could end quite abruptly as this New Moon’s central astrological aspect, an opposition between the Sun in Libra and retrograde Uranus in Aries, highlights.  This revolutionary aspect always demands greater individual freedom.

House Speaker John Boehner on right; House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy on left.

We need look no further than the U. S. House of Representatives Republican caucus for evidence of the surprising and rebellious nature of the energy of the Sun opposite Uranus.  Current Speaker of the House John Boehner unexpectedly announced his resignation last week shocking even his closest political insiders.  His second in command, House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, announced he would run to fill the position and was broadly considered a ‘shoe-in.’  However, in a totally surprising turn of events, the so-called “Freedom Caucus,” lamenting their perceived lack of power as rank and file Republicans, refused to support McCarthy throwing the normally routine process of selection of a new Speaker of the House into utter chaos as they rebelled against what they saw as an automatic ‘coronation’ of the next in line.  In a second and perhaps even more surprising political ‘bombshell’ McCarthy suddenly announced he was dropping out of the race.

‘Sudden.’  ‘Surprising.’  ‘Unexpected.’  ‘Shocking.’  ‘Chaos.’  ‘Rebellion.’  These are all uniquely Uranian words and phenomena.   Because the ‘status quo’ in so many different aspects of our world’s reality ARE NOT BALANCED AND ARE NOT FUNCTIONING IN HEALTHY PRODUCTIVE WAYS, we can expect even more bombshells – politically, economically, socially and culturally, in the coming days, weeks and months!

Explosion at Peace Rally at Ankara, Turkey

A dark and dangerous manifestation of this volatile and revolutionary celestial pattern between the Sun and Uranus, was the twin explosions that rocked a Peace Rally in Ankara, Turkey on Saturday.  Ironically, the Sun and Moon in Libra represent peace; Uranus retrograde in Aries represents chaos.  Uranian energy often ‘blows up’ the status quo, ripping the rug out from underneath us when necessary evolutionary changes have been resisted for far too long.

Evolutionary forces of change can be constructive or destructive.  Unfortunately, when the cry for necessary changes are consistently ignored over time, those who are ignored feel disenfranchised and then often feel it necessary to resort to violence to achieve their goals.  It’s heartbreaking and sad that a Peace rally was so shockingly disrupted by EXTREMISTS (remember Libra rules extremes) who misused power in the most horrific way causing the deaths of nearly a hundred people and injuring hundreds more.

But let’s be realistic.  Extreme inequality relative to the balance of wealth and power is indeed a daily reality for billions of people the world over.  The energy of this New Moon will increasingly and dramatically bring these imbalances to the fore and into our collective consciousness.  The energy of this New Moon is revolutionary and will indeed manifest as change.  The $64k question is, “What kind of change – constructive or destructive?”  Of course the answer depends entirely upon what choices we make personally and globally.

Venus rules Libra and this New Moon.  Currently moving through Virgo, it reflects the need for HEALING.  In order to heal extremism, we must make necessary adjustments in how we relate to one another.  A greater sense of equality and balance must be restored.  Dare I say we must learn to SHARE (Libra) resources and power?  Clearly, we must change how we take care of ourselves, each other and our planet.  To do so we must also embrace a much more honest, equal and realistic view of ourselves and others.  Virgo always serves to realign us with REALITY – often through crises.  Perhaps the growing crises of climate change and refugee migrations will encourage greater sharing and equality among humanity as our need to help one another in order to survive increases.

Venus’ connection to both Uranus and the South Node in Aries reflects the need to let go of selfishness that denies the legitimate needs and desires of others.  Conversely, it’s also telling those who consistently sacrifice their own equally important needs and desires that it’s time to stand up for themselves and stop being a doormat.  Denial of anyone’s legitimate needs is a recipe for imbalance and inequality.  If your relationships are a series of one crisis (Virgo) after another, its time to look at the common denominator:  YOU!  Since the ‘outer always reflects the inner,’ your relationships with others cannot improve as long as you continue to criticize, disrespect, betray, de-value and judge yourself.’

Venus is semi-square the Sun and Moon in Libra.  This symbolizes the need to let go of pain and suffering.  Surrendering to your Higher Self, and accepting and forgiving with gentle care and compassion your very real yet imperfect human self, you can begin the process of necessary INNER HEALING WORK that eliminates the negative mindset that keeps you from recognizing your own worth and value.  Relationships with others can never be equal or healthy as long as you see yourself as ‘less than’ or ‘never good enough.’

From an evolutionary perspective, Libra initiates a diversity of relationships with a diversity of others for the purpose of discovering who we are as individuals.  Through the natural process of comparing and contrasting ourselves with others, we can come to know and appreciate what’s unique and different about ourselves.  However, thousands of years of patriarchal conditioning, that views everything through the distorted lens of dominance, hierarchy and exclusion, has instead taught us to compare and contrast ourselves with others to determine hierarchical rank:  who’s better and who’s worse, who’s richer and who’s poorer, who’s smarter, prettier, more successful, more powerful.  If you view the world in this way, its inevitable that you will come to false conclusions about worth — both of yourself and of others.

Another major contributing factor to inequality in relationships comes from the conditioning of man-made belief systems or what we call religions.  Of the seven billion people who inhabit our planet, the majority of them believe in one of the world’s three largest religions:  Judaism, Islam or Christianity.  Unfortunately, ALL of these three major world religions teach fundamental inequalities.  They believe in gender inequality teaching that men are superior to women.  They also believe that humans are superior to animals and the environment teaching that mankind has ‘dominion over’ the natural world.  Interestingly, the etymology of both  ‘dominion’ and ‘dominate’ are the same.  They also teach inequality of race believing that some races are superior to others which resulted in the infamous Papal Bull that established the doctrine of ‘Manifest Destiny’ that justified the land grabs and genocide of indigenous peoples throughout the Americas.   Through thousands of years of conditioning influence, these patriarchal man-made religions have institutionalized false beliefs relative to INEQUALITY!

Venus square Saturn in the New Moon chart can help us to throw off these distortions of the truth.  If we choose, we can evolve beyond the social and cultural expectations to conform to these distorted values and beliefs.  As Saturn moves through Sagittarius over the next two years, we’ll ALL be paying much greater attention to what we believe and why we believe it.  Keep in mind that our beliefs form the very basis of how we interpret reality, so if our beliefs are faulty, it stands to reason that the conclusions we reach will likely also be false.

In a perfectly timed ‘As Above, So Below’ moment reflecting Saturn’s transit through Sagittarius, which is focusing human consciousness on a search for greater understanding of the truth, Oprah Winfrey’s OWN Network is launching a seven part series beginning October 18th called, “BELIEF.”

This upcoming series is described as a groundbreaking television event exploring humankind’s ongoing search to connect with something greater than ourselves. This original series invites viewers to witness some of the world’s most fascinating spiritual journeys through the eyes of the believers.  Journeying to the far reaches of the world, and to places cameras have rarely been, “Belief” searches the origins of diverse faiths and the heart of what really matters.  These stories and others will all lead us to ask:  “What do you believe?”  

Of course, I don’t know whether this series will contribute to a greater understanding or further obfuscation of truth.  At the very least, since Sagittarius also teaches the relativity of truth, it may very well offer us an opportunity to expand our understanding of more of the truth.  Either way, it is indeed quite timely!  Read more at: http://www.oprah.com/app/belief.html#ixzz3oIJx12xu

If you are willing to do the necessary inner work of healing, especially regarding the elimination of victim consciousness, this month’s New Moon celestial energies can bring breakthroughs.  If you will take full responsibility for your own choices and actions, and the realities you’ve co-created for yourself, you’ll benefit from heavenly support that brings greater emotional maturity and security.  If you surrender your personal will to your higher Divine Will, then when Venus trines retrograde Pluto in Capricorn on the 22^nd/23^rd, you can reap many rewards particularly in the areas of personal and financial health and well-being, meaningful and right work, happier relationships with others and of course, a mind and heart at greater peace with itself and the world.

Unequal and unbalanced relationship dynamics can heal now.  You know that famous bumper sticker that says, “No Justice; No Peace”?  Justice and peace require a fundamental sense of fairness and equality.  It’s time to let go of distorted values and false belief systems that have conditioned us for centuries to blindly accept inequalities.  Be especially mindful of your beliefs in the coming weeks and how those beliefs dictate the way in which you interpret reality, including how you see yourself and others.  Truth is, WE ARE ALL ALL ONE, EQUAL IN THE EYES OF OUR CREATOR.

The Scorpio New Moon is on November 11th at 10:47 am MST!

Copyright 2015.   Donna Lee Steele and Threshold Consulting.   All rights reserved.

 

Cancer New Moon: Actions Speak Louder Than Words

The Cancer New Moon happens at 6:24 pm PDT on Wednesday, July 15th, at 23 degrees Cancer 14 minutes.  Here’s the chart:  CancerNewMoon2015.  The Crab, symbol of Cancer, carries its home on its back, retreating into its shell when it feels insecure.

Not surprising then is the fact that the evolutionary intention of Cancer is learning INNER emotional security.  This sign teaches that the only true source of emotional balance and well-being is our self.  Emotional security can only come from within.

Cancer rules home, family, ancestry and self-image.  How are these things linked together?  For most of us, family is the original source of our emotional and psychological conditioning.  Family members, particularly our parents, tell us who we are and this, in turn, creates a foundation for how we see ourselves and how we FEEL about ourselves.  Our self-image is established early in life.  Too much criticism can create emotional insecurity; too much praise can create feelings of superiority.  Either way, most of us are taught to conform to others expectations in order to receive love, acceptance and approval.  This sets us up to depend upon outer sources for our well-being.

To evolve through Cancer, we must first become aware of, and then detach from, all outer dependencies, be they people, places or things.  This does not mean we all need to become Hermits in caves!  The evolutionary shift required occurs at the level of consciousness.  Awareness changes from falsely believing that we utterly NEED those outer sources of comfort and protection to be happy and secure, to realizing that we simply WANT them.  In truth, we do not, in fact, need them.

Unfortunately, as security needs are conflated with outer sources, dependency upon them becomes the causal factor for psychological compulsions to control them.  Resistance to the evolutionary lesson of inner emotional security inevitably results in the co-creation, by the Soul, of circumstances that remove or eliminate those outer sources.  This effectively disrupts the cycle of dependency and reinforces the lesson of INNER emotional security.

With Mercury and Mars joining the Sun and Moon in Cancer now, exactly opposite retrograde Pluto in Capricorn, it’s time to either resolve conflicting viewpoints through integration and compromise (can you say an historic nuclear arms agreement with Iran?) or to literally end and throw off old realities and paradigms that are no longer working (can you say re-established diplomatic relations between the United States and Cuba after fifty years of ineffective sanctions and isolation from the community of Western hemispheric nations?).

Its interesting to note that so much of the conversation about these two events (as well as others like the Supreme Court’s recent decision upholding the right to same sex marriage in all fifty states) centers around whether people believe they increase or decrease personal or national SECURITY!

Just like individuals, nations also have a self-image.  This New Moon pattern that includes Mars and Mercury at 14 degrees Cancer, connects directly with the U. S. Sun at 14 degrees Cancer in our nation’s natal chart.  With oppositions to Pluto at 14 degrees Capricorn, its also time for America to evolve its national self-image, adopting a greater sense of maturity and self-responsibility (Capricorn).  This will facilitate the development of greater INNER emotional security for our nation.

Although Mercury/Mars opposite Pluto will no doubt bring intense communications (can you say emotional outbursts?!) actions will speak louder than words now, although the words are probably going to be pretty loud as well!  Even as I write this post, a woman is walking the streets of my neighborhood loudly yelling (Mars) for her lost dog (Mercury rules pets)!  And of course, one need look no further than talk radio and cable news shows to further confirm the current level of ‘over-the-top’ emotional histrionics!

Mercury/Mars opposite Pluto also reflects the need to ‘walk your talk.’  The bottom line is that actions are much more powerful than words this month.  Say what you mean and mean what you say, but more importantly, take ACTIONS and make CHOICES from a place of personal power, self-responsibility and emotional maturity.  Act and choose from a place of INNER EMOTIONAL SECURITY.

We will ALL be challenged in the coming weeks and months to ‘up our game’ relative to achieving and maintaining a sense of emotional stability and security.  Let’s be clear; we’re all feeling somewhat emotionally insecure in the face of enormous revolutionary changes happening the world over.  These ongoing changes are increasingly contributing to uncertainty and insecurity, individually and collectively.

And yet, the hermetic law of correspondences that teaches As Above, So Below, and As Without, So Within, necessarily leads us back to ourselves as the source of those changes.  We now know through quantum science that it is our own consciousness that creates our reality.  Our outer world simply reflects our inner world.

Through Cancer, we learn to feel safe and secure within, no matter what’s happening ‘out there.’  Indeed, the more we accomplish inner emotional security, the more peaceful our world will become.  The New Moon in Cancer encourages us to do the inner work required to establish and maintain inner peace and stability.

Remember that evolution implies and requires change.  And change ALWAYS creates some level of anxiety and turmoil as old familiar paradigms go into flux.  Chaos reigns for a time as old structures dissolve making way for a new order to take shape, emerge and manifest. What’s changing in your life? What old patterns are disintegrating? What do you need to feel safe and secure?

For many people recent upsets and unexpected surprises have indeed wreaked havoc severely undermining emotional security.  However, its these very crises that are facilitating a necessary and growing awareness of what must change for personal evolution to continue.  The very purpose of crises is to bring about critical changes and adjustments!  New and different choices must be made in order to resolve the crises.  It’s time to break free of the past and to move forward in new directions!

Thankfully, the Sun and Moon in Cancer are joined by retrograde Chiron in Pisces and retrograde Saturn in Scorpio.  Altogether, these planets are forming a Grand Water Trine, the most positive and benevolent celestial pattern possible relative to emotional experiences.  This Grand Water Trine emphasizes and supports emotional expression.  It will be easier than usual to share your deepest and most heartfelt feelings.  Likewise, confronting your greatest fears will be a little less scary.  Accepting complete responsibility for the realities/experiences you have co-created for yourself will smooth the way and become the ultimate path to healing.

Additionally, three planetary changes in direction, as well as one planetary sign change, will also support this month’s theme of developing greater INNER emotional security.

Venus is powerfully ‘standing still’ in the heavens now as she prepares for her biannual retrograde which will occur between 0 degrees Virgo and 14 degrees Leo, from July 25th to September 6th.  The purpose of this Venus retrograde period is to review and reflect upon past crises associated with resources and relationships and to learn greater self-love.  After all, if you don’t love and value yourself, it is not possible to co-create outer relationships and financial realities that love you and reflect your true value!

On the following day, July 26th, Uranus in Aries will station retrograde until December 25th, reversing course from 21 degrees Aries to 16 degrees Aries.  Personal revelations are due and will lead to radical discoveries and revolutionary changes, affecting individuals, nations and the planet.  Pay very close attention to repetitive thoughts or ideas that just keep coming into your mind.  These repetitive thoughts are emanating directly from your Soul as it attempts to point you towards your intended future.

And Saturn in Scorpio, retrograde since March 14th, stations direct or forward in motion again on August 1st/2nd, depending on your time zone.   Saturn’s final transit through late degrees of Scorpio reflects the need to confront unresolved fears and wounds associated with losses, abandonments and betrayals that resulted in feelings of powerlessness.

Remember, that Grand Water Trine and its supportive energies will help you muster the courage to dive in and dive deep to uncover and heal all those buried hurts and traumas.  This is the path to personal re-empowerment.  For those inclined to meditate (also superbly supported by retrograde Chiron in Pisces in the Grand Water Trine) you may wish to check out a free 21 Day Meditation Program hosted by Deepak Chopra and Oprah Winfrey at http://www.chopracentermeditation.com.   It began on July 13th but you can still register and begin participation at any time throughout the 21 day program.

AND finally, on August 11th, Jupiter enters Virgo for a little over a year, increasing personal and global crises! while simultaneously expanding understanding of ourselves, each other and the world.  As Jupiter moves further into Virgo over the coming months, it will form a mutable ‘T-square’ with Saturn in Sagittarius (as of late September) and Neptune in Pisces.  This planetary pattern will enforce the need to embrace reality and face the truth.  This will be particularly true regarding the need to make different choices relative to climate change and environmental degradation that increasing threatens the health of our planet and all its inhabitants through extreme weather events and disease.  https://www.yahoo.com/health/earths-degradation-threatens-major-health-gains-124204503917.html

Successful change is always rooted in reality; rose colored glasses do NOT promote healing.  Even if it’s painful, let go of outer dependencies in order to continue to grow and evolve.  Let go willingly knowing that they have served and completed their purpose.  Bless and release them lovingly, grateful for what they taught you.

In a world filled with so much turmoil and conflict, I am reminded of a local church banner that says, “There is no way to peace; peace is the way.”  That peace begins within for each one of us…

This article is written a summary of my live public presentation that explains and analyzes the energies and influences of the New Moon in-depth.  The audio recording is available in CD or mp3 file formats for $15.  Contact me if you wish to purchase the audio recording.

 

The Leo New Moon occurs on Aug 14th at 7:53 am MST!

Copyright 2015 Donna Lee Steele and Threshold Consulting All rights reserved.

 

 

Libra New Moon: Balancing Extremes

The Libra New Moon occurs on Tuesday, September 23rd at 11:14 pm MST/PDT.  It happens at 1 degree Libra 7 minutes.  Here’s the chart:  LibraNewMoon2014.  Libra initiates a diversity of relationships with a diversity of people. Through contrasting and comparing ourselves with others, we realize who we are as individuals. Each individual is unique.  AND all human beings are intrinsically equal. Just as parents know their children are each different in their own unique way, most also love and value all of their children equally.

Libra’s symbol, the scales, leads us to believe that this sign is inherently balanced.  IT IS NOT!  Libra rules EXTREMES.  It needs to learn balance!  Libra is the sign of relationships and of learning how to relate to others as an equal; not submissive to or dominant over others.

Unfortunately, our collective reality is rife with extremity.  It seems to have manifested everywhere in the human experience from our politics, which are extremely polarized in countries the world over from the United States, to Scotland, to Afghanistan, to the the Middle East.  Its even re-emerging once again in growing mistrust and geopolitical conflicts between Russia and the United States and Europe reminding many of the Cold War.  Its present in zealous religious ideologies that have produced dangerous extremist factions/terrorists, and in our economies through extreme wealth disparity and income inequality epitomized by the 1% vs. 99%.  And its reflected in global climate changes resulting in extreme weather events worldwide.  Indeed the word ‘Extremist’ has become commonplace in our daily life.  Clearly, we could ALL benefit from learning how to balance more effectively!

Libra lessons are primarily concerned with the dynamics of effective listening and appropriate giving. Because Libra is a sign that ‘needs to be needed’ it often gives to others in ways that promote co-dependency. Cultural conditioning encourages projecting  personal needs onto others and expecting others to fulfill those needs.

Projections inevitably lead to ineffective listening or listening through a ‘filter’ of personal needs. This often results in inappropriate ‘conditional’ giving motivated by “I will love you IF…”  Resources, time, attention and even love are given only on the condition that the recipient adequately fulfills your needs in return.  To listen effectively requires turning off the filter of personal needs.  Only then you can really hear what your partner is saying about their needs, wants and desires.  Listening effectively enables Libra to give appropriately, based upon what others really need, not what Libra thinks they need, which more often than not, maintains relationship co-dependency.  In matters of giving and receiving, Libra learns to first question whether it will promote independence or co-dependence and then chooses accordingly.

Venus rules Libra and therefore this New Moon. Venus is currently in Virgo opposing retrograde Chiron and retrograde Neptune both in Pisces.  These oppositions reflect relationship wounds and disappointments.  Most of us have at some point in our lives experienced profound disillusionment with a a partner or some relationship.  But most of the time, this results from those very projections just mentioned. Far too many cultures condition us to believe that our needs will be met, indeed that our ultimate fulfillment, will come only when we meet the ‘right person.’

Of course, this projection of ‘ultimate’ meaning onto mere mortals (our human partners) inevitably ends in disappointment when we realize they’re human – just like us – and not the defacto God/Goddess we want them to be.  Keep in mind that we not only have relationships with others, but also with our self and with the Divine Source that created us.  Whether you call this Source The Creator, Great Mystery, God, Goddess, Allah, Hunab Ku or The Cosmic Mother, your relationship with that Divine Source is truly the only ‘ultimate’ relationship capable of providing ‘ultimate’ meaning!

In Virgo, Venus spurs an intense inner self-analysis that discerns what self-adjustments must be made in order to resolve crises, heal feelings of unworthiness and increase emotional well-being. Doing so will minimize the projection of needs onto others and the resultant conditional giving – that leads to co-dependency – that leads to crises!  Keep in mind that the evolutionary path for Libra is found in its opposite sign, Aries.  Aries is about discovery of SELF.  In short, taking responsibility for your SELF, working on your SELF, healing your SELF and focusing energy and attention on your SELF allows for a personal metamorphosis that can eliminate co-dependency. Ironically, SELF-development often results in healthier relationships that are more balanced, peaceful, equal, fair and just.

Together, Virgo and Pisces symbolize reality vs. illusions and therefore symbolize the resolution to delusional, idealized thinking.  Take off those rose-colored glasses and get real!  See things realistically, not idealistically or as you wish them to be.  And stop the denial, which is choosing not to see at all.  Embrace reality.  See others as they truly are remembering that ALL human beings are imperfect.  Life is imperfect.  We’re all EVOLVING, including the Divine Source that created us.  Apply the compassion and forgiveness of Pisces and the discernment and natural analytical abilities of Virgo to SELF-improve.  Heal your self and you’ll heal those disappointments that were created by delusional thinking.

Thankfully, the upcoming Aries Full Moon/Lunar Eclipse on October 8th provides the energy and opportunity to culminate old relationship patterns.  Learn to take better care of yourself YOURSELF and your relationships will flourish. This lesson applies to all manner of relationships from one-on-one partnerships between family members, friends, and lovers, to foreign relations between nations.

The asteroid Pallas Athena (feminine wisdom) joins the Sun and Moon in Libra now.  It too symbolizes the need for greater relationship equality and balance particularly between the sexes.  This can only be achieved through a re-integration and reclamation of long-lost feminine values and perspectives.  We need look no further than the current NFL domestic violence and abuse headlines to realize the need for a greater awareness and understanding of the centuries-old reality of devastating imbalance between men and women.  Sadly, this imbalance exists not only in our homes, but also in our workplaces, our places of worship, in governments and in society as a whole.  To heal our relationships with each other, with the Divine Source, and with our planet, will require no less than a profound re-balancing of archetypal energies between the Divine Feminine and the Divine Masculine.

Mercury’s also in Libra now and is getting ready to experience its final retrograde of 2014 from October 4-25 traversing from 2 degrees Scorpio back to 16 degrees Libra. This emphasizes the need for balanced communication in relationships.  Conversations are likely to be powerful, deep and intense as individual needs, desires and values are reflected upon and shared with significant others.  People from the past may show up to remind us of old relationship dynamics.  What worked?  What didn’t?  It’s quite the opportune time to confront and heal those old relationship wounds.  Find the courage to speak from your heart AND the patience and maturity to LISTEN to others whole-heartedly.

The most significant New Moon (Sun and Moon in Libra) aspect is an inconjunct (150 degree angle)  with Neptune in Pisces.  Unfortunately, this celestial pattern correlates to many of our global crises including climate change, identity theft, the prison industrial complex, chemical warfare, the growing Ebola outbreak, pharmaceutical drug-pushing, religious extremism, political fraud, corruption of the media, police brutality and environmental degradation.  These issues threaten every culture and nation on the planet.

Fortunately, this same celestial pattern between the Sun, Moon and Neptune also correlates to a burgeoning spiritual awakening for humanity as a whole.  Just one recent example of this is the marches in cities and countries worldwide this past weekend, including nearly 400,000 people in New York City, demanding that world leaders take action NOW to address and alleviate climate change.  Add to this North Carolina’s ‘Moral Monday’ marches over the past year and South Carolina’s ‘Truthful Tuesday’ marches and the political transformation underway in Ferguson, Missouri which has also become the catalyst for law enforcement reform.  Municipal police departments nationwide are adopting the use of personal body cameras to be worn by their police officers, forever changing the extreme power imbalance between the police and citizens.

Perhaps one of the best examples though of a change in consciousness is to be found in Naomi Klein’s newly released book entitled, ‘This Changes Everything’ that identifies capitalism as the primary culprit underlying and driving most of our global crises.  This book promises to become as seminal a work as Rachel Carson’s, ‘Silent Spring’ was in the 70’s which cited industrial chemical pollution as devastating to our environment.   Humanity is indeed waking up!

The New Moon’s semi-square to both Jupiter in Leo and Ceres in Scorpio symbolizes the need for a greatly expanded vision of caring, cooperation and collaboration, not conflict and competition, to overcome struggles to provide for the needs of refugees, the disease-stricken, and all those who are disenfranchised socially, politically and economically.

Pluto in Capricorn just completed a five month retrograde/review of what is and isn’t working in our individual and collective realities.  Now we can move forward with greater insight, awareness and understanding. Recognizing what quantum science has proven over the past decade, that consciousness creates reality, we can now make different, more informed choices that will co-create a new and improved reality.  We CAN balance extremes, especially in all our relationships.  Yes, human beings are imperfect.  AND, we’re also uniquely endowed with the ultimate power – the power of free will choice.

Choose equality.  Choose peace.  CHOOSE BALANCE…

This article is a summary of my live presentation/analysis of the New Moon chart in an approximate hour-long audio recording that includes dates/descriptions of significant upcoming astrological events for the month. The audio recording is available in CD or mp3 file formats for $15. Contact me if you wish to purchase the audio recording.

The next New Moon is a Solar Eclipse in Scorpio October 23rd at 2:57 pm MST!

Copyright 2014 Donna Lee Steele and Threshold Consulting. All rights reserved.

Spectacular Lunar Eclipse in Libra

A rare total lunar eclipse occurs tonight and will be visible across the Americas beginning at about 11:00 pm and lasting until about 3:00 am MST/PDT in the United States.  The Full Moon will be exact at 12:42 am MST/PDT at 25 degrees 16 minutes of the sign Libra.  Here’s the chart:  TotalLunarEclipseinLibra2014  This eclipse is the first of four total lunar eclipses in a row between now and October 2015 being referred to as a ‘tetrad’ or ‘group of four.’  Lunar eclipses occur regularly every five and half months.  But this lunar eclipse begins a TOTAL lunar eclipse ‘tetrad’ which is a rare phenomenon since lunar eclipses are not always total – where the Moon passes precisely (not a little above or a little below) the exact alignment of the Earth and Sun resulting in a complete or total blockage of the Sun’s light upon the Moon’s surface.  Additionally, what makes this tetrad rare is the fact that total eclipses of the Moon don’t often happen successively, let alone four in a row.

This lunar eclipse is further distinguished by Pluto stationing (standing still or ‘stationary’) to turn retrograde today just eight hours before the eclipse at 4:44 pm MST/PDT.  AND since the eclipse occurs across the Aries/Libra axis its also energizing the once-in-a-lifetime Grand Cardinal Cross that will reach precision for the second of three times in just a week from April 20th to the 23rd (first time was December 25-30, 2013 and the third will be June 14-25, 2014).  Finally, the fifth of seven ongoing exact square aspects (90 degree angle) between Uranus in Aries and Pluto in Capricorn will happen next week on April 21st.

That’s a WHOLE LOT of celestial energy!  Astrology always reflects reality through the hermetic principle of “As above, so below.”  Coincidentally, there’s also a WHOLE LOT going on in our world right now!

The primary influence of this Libra lunar eclipse is a culmination of old relationship patterns and behaviors that are no longer working.  Libra is the sign associated with learning how to be in relationships as equals which helps us to achieve and maintain balance.  But Libra is also the sign of extremes!  It’s LEARNING balance.  The polarized state of our national and global politics, cultural norms, religious beliefs and economic ‘realities’ are extraordinary examples of current EXTREMES!  We’re at a cross-roads needing to make new choices about how we treat one another and how we treat our planetary home — the natural world that sustains us.  Clearly the path we’re on has reached the limits of sustainability.

Other celestial bodies in Libra affecting the lunar eclipse pattern are informative.  They include Mars (the God of War), the dwarf planet Ceres and the asteroids Juno and Vesta.  Ceres, Juno and Vesta are all heavenly bodies that represent feminine archetypes associated with unconditional love, nurturing/nourishment, partnership commitments, fidelity and passionate spiritual devotion.  For thousands of years patriarchal conditioning has suppressed and marginalized women resulting in extreme imbalances in our relationship with half of the planet’s population, with our stewardship of the environment and in our disconnection to ‘Gaia’ the quintessential feminine consciousness of our planet Earth.  Needless to say, humanity’s habitual war-like tendencies clearly also contribute to relationship imbalances!  While some are still calling for military responses to current global events (can you say Ukraine, Syria, Iran and North Korea???), its time to respond differently if efforts are to succeed.

The Grand Cardinal Cross is a planetary configuration comprised of four planets, each in a cardinal sign (Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn) that are square one another (90 degrees) and opposite each other (180 degrees).  Squares and oppositions are tense angular relationships whose energies are often conflicted or challenging.  Squares reflect important choice points.  These choices have to do with deciding what actions to take or whom or what to believe.  Oppositions bring issues to a head forcing either a completion or separation of existing circumstances.

Its important to understand that cardinal energy typically manifests through a dance of two steps forward, then one step back.  This is because cardinal energy instinctively initiates actions that move us in new directions.  But new experiences are often stressful because they take us into unfamiliar territory which can be frightening.  We take a step back to regroup and re-establish security when that security has been upset by moving forward in new ways.  Ultimately, through feedback received after taking those initial steps, we’re able to decide which new directions we are meant to continue moving towards.

Uranus in Aries square Pluto in Capricorn has been THE planetary ‘base note’ anchoring the Grand Cardinal Cross.  This astrological influence began in 2008 with Pluto’s entrance into Capricorn for sixteen years.  Remember 2008 was when the global economy began to dramatically contract.  In 2010, Uranus entered Aries and began forming its square angle/aspect to Pluto.  It first entered Aries in May and stayed until August when it went retrograde moving back into Pisces over the fall and winter of that year.  It returned to Aries for a stay of seven years on March 11, 2011 within hours of the 9.0 earthquake off the coast of Japan that was followed by the enormous tsunami that crippled the Fukushima Diachi nuclear power plants that are still damaged and leaking radiation to this day.  These extraordinary events are associated with two of the most powerful elements of our current global social structural paradigm (Capricorn):  how we generate power and how we operate our global market driven economies.  Both have and will continue to need radical reforms if they are to be sustained in the future.

Jupiter has been in Cancer since June 2013.  It has been reflecting our increased emotionality and growing insecurities both personally and collectively as the world around us continues to change in dramatic and sometimes unexpected ways.  One of the most important choices we all face right now is whether to embrace these changes with optimism and excitement or dread and fear.  Choose to move forward anyway even in the face of fear!  Holding on to the past will only bring pain and confusion.  Evolutionary changes are necessary now.  Resistance will only ensure an increased likelihood that these changes will ultimately be forced upon us.

Mars entered Libra in December 2013.  Typically it takes only two months to traverse a sign.  Its current retrograde cycle (March 1 to May 19, 2014) will prolong its sojourn in Libra for eight months ending in August this year.  Mars rules Aries, the sign opposite Libra.  Mars rules war but is currently in the sign of peace!

Interestingly, when planets are retrograde, their energy naturally gravitates towards the opposite sign to facilitate its own evolution.  Aries/Libra is the relationship axis of the zodiac.  These two signs represent self (Aries) and our relationship with others (Libra).  These two signs are always trying to find the right balance between independence/freedom and commitment to others.  Intuition is the guiding force necessary to achieve this balance.  When we’ve spent too much time alone, our intuition will let us know and prompt us to connect with others and be more social.  On the other hand, when we’ve been hanging out with others and socializing so much that we’ve lost track of our own individuality, then our intuition will alert us to the need to spend some time alone so we can reconnect with our own needs and wants.  Be mindful of your intuitive urges in the coming days and weeks to find the right balance between yourself and others.

The bottom line of all this energy is this:  WE ARE LIVING IN EXTRAORDINARY TIMES!  Ancient cultures the world over have shared their prophecies about this being a time where humanity will experience a quantum leap forward in consciousness towards a much greater understanding of the truth of our experiences and our reality.  Perhaps the most exciting breakthrough of our times is the discovery by quantum physicists that human consciousness affects what reality is experienced or manifested.  Put simply, we now know that consciousness creates reality.  We are indeed CO-CREATORS.  We create our reality in every moment through the uniquely human capacity of free will choices.  The trick is to choose CONSCIOUSLY instead of unconsciously.  This requires that we pay attention to what we’re thinking, feeling, believing and doing.

The Libra Lunar Eclipse is a harbinger of great change.  The heavenly patterns are reflecting important choices we now need to make in order to evolve and grow.  Its time to let go of what’s no longer working.  Its time to choose different ways of being and doing.   We have the power to change our world, solve our problems, heal the planet and restore peace and balance in all our relations.

Its time to choose anew.  What will you choose?

Blessings, Donna

 

 

 

 

 

Other planetary influences symbolized through the Grand Cardinal Cross

Libra New Moon

The Libra New Moon happens on Friday, October 4th at 11 degrees Libra 56 minutes at 5:34 pm MST/PDT.  Here’s the horoscope:  LibraNewMoon2013.  The symbolic glyph for Libra is the scales of justice, weighing and balancing hearts and deeds.  But Libra is NOT inherently balanced.  In reality, Libra is the sign of extremes.  It is learning balance.  Most commonly, Libra learns balance through its relationships with others.

Libra initiates a variety of relationships with a diversity of people and through the process of comparing and contrasting, comes to know itself as a uniquely different individual.  Through its relationships with others, Libra learns to treat others equally and to be treated equally by others.  You might think this is a simple task.  It isn’t.  Maintaining harmonious relationships requires a balance of power as this balance utterly dictates the reality of the relationship.  For illustrative purposes, take just a moment and think about a few important relationships in your life.  Now thinking about each of these people, answer the following questions as they relate to the balance of power in these relationships:  Who has the upper hand most frequently?   Who’s really in charge?   Who most often gets their way and who most often gives in?  How’s that workin’ for ya?  Perhaps something has recently occurred that’s now demanding that some adjustment(s) be made?

Relationship crises will abound this month as these necessary adjustments are made between friends, lovers, adversaries, enemies, families, neighbors and even nations.  Saturn in Scorpio will bring up deep and powerful emotions and feelings.  Uranus in Aries will want to have its own way no matter what.  Saturn’s trine to Chiron in Pisces will have some looking for a savior and some looking for a scapegoat.  But Saturn also represents the need to grow up and to take complete responsibility for your own actions – including the choice to be in the relationship in the first place!  Relationship crises have/are occurring and choices must now be made about how to change and move forward – together or alone.

With the fourth of seven square aspects (from June 2012 to March 2015) between revolutionary Uranus in Aries and evolutionary Pluto in Capricorn coming up on November 1st we are approaching the mid-point in the current window of opportunity for a quantum shift in human consciousness prophesied for this time.  Reference the recent about face in the confrontation between the United States and Syria, as well as the new potential thaw in US/Iran relations as evidence of a quantum shift in human consciousness that’s well underway.  As above, so below.  As within, so without.   Science now knows that consciousness creates reality.  Our shifting collective human consciousness is indeed creating new realities that are different than our past realities of continuous warfare and dominance over others.  How is your reality shifting?  How is it changing the way you think and behave?  This extraordinary time in human history is empowering radical changes in our world, one person at a time.

Libra is ruled by Venus which is currently in Scorpio and just completed a square aspect (90 degrees) with Mars in Leo.  Venus and Mars are also associated with relationships as these two planets represent women and men respectively.  The square that just occurred between them also symbolically represents the energy of crisis forcing choices and decisions about how to proceed or move forward with necessary changes to the relationship.  Old relationship patterns are breaking down; new ways of relating are now required.  Many relationships are currently renegotiating balance of power issues.  We need look no further than the growing rift between the ‘establishment’ and the ‘Tea Party’ wings of the Republican party in the United States to see evidence of a relationship ‘adjustment’ relative to power sharing that’s currently unfolding.

Obviously, such relationship changes and adjustments require serious discussions between the parties involved.  What’s important in these discussions is a recognition that EVERYONE involved has legitimate needs and desires that must be met in order for the relationship to be successful.  How they are met and in what order is not so important as striving towards a final tally that ‘feels’ fair to all involved.  Some relationships are just naturally equal.  No one really ‘keeps score’ but things always seem to just feel even.  Some relationships are inherently unequal like bosses and employees, or parents and children.  But in the end, EVERYONE involved has legitimate needs that must be met!  So its time to talk about what’s working and what’s not working and to find the intestinal fortitude to be forthright and honest in declaring and standing up for your own wants and needs.

It will also be equally necessary to sincerely listen (a key Libra lesson) and make an effort to truly hear what the other person is saying they need and want!  When effective listening occurs in relationships, appropriate giving and receiving follows.  Proper giving and receiving is a PRIMARY FACTOR in both establishing and maintaining a healthy balance of power within relationships.  Inappropriate giving is often the unwitting result of a classic Libra attribute — the need to be needed!  But too much giving creates a sense of duty, obligation and ultimately resentment when the receiving party begins to feel that they OWE the giver.  The balance of power is disturbed and undermines the health of the relationship.

Mercury (information and communication) just entered Scorpio (deep emotions and trust issues) where its slowing down for it’s final retrograde of 2013 from October 21st to November 10th. This influence powerfully supports the process of digging up, revealing or otherwise exposing facts and truths that have been buried or hidden or just kept secret.  It will help us confront and discuss our deepest needs and desires so healing can occur.  Information shared in this way will prove to be crucially important to decisions being made now especially regarding important relationships.

And finally, eclipse season is upon us again!  On October 18th a Lunar Eclipse occurs at 25 Aries and two weeks later on November 3rd a Solar Eclipse happens at 11 Scorpio.  Eclipses always energize and accelerate the manifestation process so events associated with them typically turn out to be quite important in scope or consequence.  These two eclipses herald an upcoming change in the focus of our collective human consciousness shifting our attention from the power of resources (the people in power) to the power of relationships (the power of the people).  Can we finally transcend the need to dominate others in order to feel secure?  Can we finally begin to see others as equals?  The celestial patterns are encouraging such evolutionary progress but of course, as always, we must make the free will choice to do so…

Finally, this New Moon pattern also includes an exact inconjunt (150 degrees) angle between Saturn in Scorpio and retrograde Uranus in Aries.  The inconjunct angle is yet another crisis indicator!  This aspect represents crises that occur as a result of being blocked by outer circumstances or forces that powerfully and effectively oppose what you’re trying to accomplish.  This pattern is designed to make overly willful or overly egotistical people think twice about HOW they are going about pursuing their goals.  It will block any and all efforts by these people to move forward unless and until they learn to equally consider the needs of others.

So take time this month to reevaluate what you really need and what you really want.  Find the courage to openly, honestly and effectively communicate these needs and wants to the important ‘others’ in your life.   And finally, become a much better listener when it comes to hearing what others are saying they really need and want.  Dig deep to find and face your own fears especially regarding relationships.  And know that the most successful societies in human history have been characterized by a shared commitment to consistently considering and meeting EVERYONE’s needs, not just those of a chosen, privileged few!

This article is a brief summary of my live presentation/analysis of the New Moon chart in an approximate hour-long audio recording that includes dates/descriptions of significant upcoming astrological aspects for the month. The audio recording is available on CD or mp3 file formats for $15.  Contact me if you wish to purchase the audio recording.

 The next New Moon is at 11 degrees Scorpio and is a Solar Eclipse!  It occurs on Monday, November 3^rd at 5:50 am MST/PDT.

Copyright 2013        Donna Lee Steele        All rights reserved.

Taurus New Moon Solar Eclipse

The Taurus New Moon occurs on Thursday, May 9th at 5:28 pm MST at 19 degrees Taurus and is a SOLAR ECLIPSE!   Here’s the astrological chart:   TaurusNewMoonSolarEclipse 2013

Eclipses are powerful New Moons (solar eclipses) and Full Moons (lunar eclipses).  We’re already in ‘Eclipse Season’ as we experienced a Lunar Eclipse two weeks ago with the April 25th Scorpio Full Moon.  The Taurus New Moon Solar Eclipse will soon be followed by another Full Moon Lunar Eclipse on May 24th at 4 degrees Sagittarius.

Eclipses interrupt the constant stream of cosmic energies bombarding our planet.  These extraordinary celestial phenomena are like new heavenly ‘program downloads’ that regulate the evolution of human consciousness and dramatically ‘move’ events in the world personally and collectively.  Things happen at an accelerated pace as eclipses unfold!

While New Moons always ‘seed’ new beginnings, this New Moon/Solar Eclipse is conjunct the South Node which always requires that we let go of something from the past in order to move forward.  The Taurus New Moon/Solar Eclipse promises new directions but only if you’re willing to let go of what no longer serves you.  So expect issues and people from your past to show up just to remind you of what needs to be released — for good!

Taurus is the sign associated with the Soul lesson of SELF-RELIANCE.  This sign teaches you how to value your self enough to fully self-develop natural talents and abilities and to pursue what has real personal meaning in ways that allow you to garner the resources necessary to survive.

Yes, Taurus is about money.  In fact, the Bull is Wall Street’s symbol for financial wealth.  But most importantly, Taurus represents your relationship with your self which is what creates your own unique individual vibratory frequency (personal magnetism) which in turn is THE CAUSATIVE FACTOR for whom and what you attract in life.

With Mercury, Mars, the asteroid Pallas Athena and the South Node of the Moon ALL conjoining the Sun and Moon in Taurus for this New Moon, there’s going to be a LOT of focus on survival (like the three Cleveland Ohio woman held captive for over a decade who just survived that tragic ordeal).  Resources, values and self-reliance in relationships will all come into prominence this month.  Pay attention and notice how many times over the coming weeks you hear the words, ‘survival’ ‘resources’ ‘meaning’ and ‘values!’

What do you value?  Are your relationships truly meaningful?  Does your work reflect your personal values?  Do you adequately value your self?  Does your Boss?!  Do you trust that you can rely upon your self to attract all the resources you need to not only survive, but to thrive???

This New Moon opposes Saturn in Scorpio which will bring up fears of lack and old wounds associated with abandonments, losses and betrayals.  Memories of failed relationships and lost resources may resurface to taunt and haunt you but their real purpose is to spur inner confrontation, healing and release of those traumas for good.  Saturn may also manifest through limitations due to oppressive authorities or ‘the system.’  However, there’s enormous metamorphic and evolutionary opportunities for growth if you’re willing to make the effort (Taurus is naturally inclined to be lazy) and to do the work which means facing your worst fears and empowering and believing in yourself enough to take charge of your life and move forward towards what you really want and know you deserve.

All of the Taurus planets are assisted by trine aspects (120 degrees) to retrograde Pluto in Capricorn and sextiles (60 degrees) to Neptune and Chiron in Pisces.  Take complete responsibility for your life and your reality.  After all, you’re the one who co-created it through the quality of your own consciousness!  Ask for spiritual guidance (Pisces) to help you heal, to help you release old vestiges of victim consciousness and to support you in the achievement of personal goals.

Expect LOTS of helpful new resources, new information and new relationship connections to show up as well.  In fact, as Mercury, Mars, the Moon, the Sun and Venus all move through Gemini over the coming weeks forming stressful aspects to both Pluto and Saturn, you may find yourself utterly overwhelmed with new information and needing to make some important adjustments to what you have previously thought or believed!   Perhaps the most important self-adjustment you can make this month is to stop giving your power away to outside forces like family, friends, workplaces and society that want you to conform to their values and expectations.  Events this month will all conspire to help you achieve greater self-reliance and self-empowerment.

All of these dynamic heavenly forces are laying the groundwork for the third of a total of seven Uranus/Pluto square aspects (90 degrees) between June 2012 and March 2015.  This third Uranus/Pluto square occurs on May 20th at 11 degrees Aries/Capricorn.  Breakdowns and breakthroughs relative to old patriarchal paradigms (like the global economic collapse due to corruption, the marriage equality movement and the Arab Spring/Summer) will continue to occur the world over.  I’ll be writing another post on this upcoming Uranus/Pluto square soon…

Tremendous evolutionary forces are afoot!  Revolution is in the air!!  What will you do with the transformative influence of this New Moon/Solar Eclipse?!

A Rare Venus Retrograde: Money and Relationships in Review

SPECIAL CONFERENCE CALL/TELECLASS

 May 12, 2012 from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm MST/PDT*

$20 includes conference call and MP3 file or CD

On May 15^th, Venus begins a remarkable retrograde in the sign of Gemini that lasts until June 27^th.   Venus retrogrades are the most infrequent of any planet in our solar system.   This upcoming retrograde will be especially rare since Venus will also transit (eclipse) the Sun on June 5^th completing an extremely unusual eight year Venus cycle that began on June 8, 2004.  The last time this kind of Venus event occurred was in 1882; it won’t happen again until 2117!

 Venus rules two signs, Taurus (feminine) and Libra (masculine), and is associated with both money and other people.   Our experiences with both will be highly energized during this retrograde period prompting an intense and honest inner review of how well we’re managing our resources as well as how happy we are with our relationships from the most casual like friends and co-workers to the most intimate including lovers and family.  And although Taurus and Libra natives will feel this retro the most, all of us will be affected in some way. 

 Join me for an insightful and inspiring 90 minute telephone presentation on the archetypal meaning and influence of Venus retrograde.  I’ll explain the connection between Venus, core essential personal needs and values, and experiences with money and relationships. You’ll learn how to take advantage of the tremendous opportunities ahead for achieving greater inner peace and outer prosperity and more loving and meaningful personal and professional relationships.

Call 928-779-1210 or contact me today to register and specify your preference for either an MP3 file or CD.  I’ll reserve your place on the call and provide conference call telephone number and access code information.  If you’re unable to join the call, you can still purchase just the MP3 file or CD copy of my presentation.      

*Remember to adjust the conference call time to your own Time Zone!