The Lunar Theme for the
November 27, 2008 New Moon

The Responsibility of Choice

The Lunar Month of
November 27, 2008 - December 27, 2008

Nick Anthony Fiorenza

Copyright © 2008 Nick Anthony Fiorenza, All Rights Reserved

Astronomical Myth is a "picture language," imagery that articulates the qualities of cosmic intelligence expressing throughout the greater heavens and through our lives. We are not separate from the greater heavens, from the stars and planets around us, or from our beloved Earth, but are intimate parts of this dynamic, continually unfolding heavenly symphony. This entirety is our cosmic consciousness, the totality of our being. To explore the greater heavens and the heavenly cycles is to explore that which we are--our embracing consciousness and our spiritual evolution.

The stars would not be in the heavens
if we were meant to walk in darkness.

The purpose of the Lunar Planner is to learn to live in the experiential awareness of the present. Although the material below can provide philosophical context for your personal experience, the New Moon is the ideal time to experientially "tune in" to get your personalized lunar month's theme. Then, consciously participate with the changing Lunar Phase Characteristics in the unfoldment of that theme in your daily life using the Lunar Calendar and Lunar Planner Introduction (links at the bottom).

New Moon Phase Characteristics

The New Moon

Our New Moon of November 27, 2008 resides in early sidereal Scorpio, conjoining Mercury and Mars, and nests in the head of the Scorpion.

This lunar cycle is one power house. It starts off with a dynamic set of non-stop alignments continuing from the New Moon through First Quarter Moon, and extending to the Full Moon, due to a large stellium (grouping of planets) in sidereal Scorpio and Sag, including the Sun, Moon, Mercury, Mars, the Centaur Pholus, and the newly discovered Dwarf Planets Ixion and Quaoar, all in Scorpio; and with Pluto, Juno, Venus and Jupiter in Sagittarius.

Just to give you an idea: Immediately following the New Moon, the Moon conjoins Mercury, Mars, Pholus, Ixion and Quaoar. Mercury then conjoins Mars and Pholus. Mars conjoins Pholus. The Moon then conjoins Pluto and Juno. The Sun conjoins Pholus, and then Venus, Jupiter and the Crescent Moon all conjoin--which reveals a key to making passage through this intense menagerie. All of this occurs in the first 3.5 day phase of the Lunar Cycle.

Mercury then conjoins Ixion, while the Moon crosses its North Node to conjoin Nessus, Chiron and Neptune in sidereal Capricorn. The Sun then opposes Pallas in Taurus, which starts a new Pallas synodic cycle, while Mercury conjoins Quaoar. The Sun, Mars and Ixion conjoin on the First Quarter Moon, which creates a very dynamic and potent stimulus to action. Mars and the Sun will then make their conjunctions with Quaoar around the Gibbous Moon; and then, on the Full Moon, Sun-Mars and the Full Moon create a Grand Square with opposing Saturn and Uranus, while Mercury and Pluto also conjoin--need I say more.

The intensity of this lunar cycle continues through Last Quarter Moon and the Solstice, where we finally emerge.

What does all this mean? Let's start by exploring the New Moon Mercury Mars star alignments, which set the theme for this lunar cycle.

Our New Moon, Mercury and Mars nest in the head of the Scorpion, which is created by Dschuba, Graffias, and Al Niyat; and just under the left foot of Ophiuchus (Rho Oph r); he who stands over the Scorpion. Dschuba (Delta) and Graffias (Beta) are the head proper, while Al Niyat is the Arabic for the arteries of the Scorpion, which connect Antares, the heart of the Scorpion, with the Scorpion's head. Also flanking are Yed of Ophiuchus, the hand of death, and Han (Zeta z), the knee of Ophiuchus; Beta and Delta of the Chamaeleon, which lie in the very southern heavens (not shown); the Circini X-1 black hole X-ray source; the Scorpio X-1 black hole X-ray source; and the Herculis X-1 neutron star----one very intense, 3-stage neurological synaptic initiation.

To understand this part of the zodiak, it is helpful to realize the progression in consciousness (the growth of the soul) as we move from late sidereal Libra, through Scorpion and into Sagittarius. Late Libra embodies the claws (chelae) of the Scorpion; the stars Zubenelgenubi and Zubeneschamali, which are the karmic and dharmic seats for humanity. These two stars are also the scales or balance of Libra. They reveal the path of souls' growth through a balance of experience--hence why, as Libra, they are considered the balance of justice. As part of the Scorpion (an older astronomical imaging), they reveal the entrapment of the soul in the re-incarnational clutches of the Scorpion.

The revelation to be gained while in the chelae, is that karmic scenarios are not something to stay in, but provide an opportunity to do it differently, to balance our experience (to choose one's dharmic path). Thus, until we realize we have a choice in how we participate, we stay (apparently) entrapped in the behavioral patterns and karmic relationships of the past. (To lerarn more about the severed Chelae and this mythological imaging see: The Astronomical Truth of the VIrgin.

As we arrive to the head of the Scorpion, which crosses the cusp of sidereal Libra/Scorpio, and is marked by the star Dschuba (also considered the "Tree of Life"), we come to the brain controlling the claws. Here we are asked to graduate to a level of realizing we create our experience and are responsible for it. Here we realize we have a choice regarding our experience. Once we choose to step out from the patterns of the past and to do it differently we become free from the path of soul growth entrapped the chelae. This also marks a graduation from feeling helpless, even justifying why we are entrapped as if victims of life, into the maturation of the soul, of becoming self-responsible. Here there are no longer reasons to place blame outside of self--and it is here where this lunar cycle begins.

Ophiuchus, in the sidereal sign of Scorpio, lies above and on the ecliptic, standing over the Scorpion, which swings quite south of the ecliptic under Ophiuchus. Antares, heart of the Scorpion, defines the center of the sidereal sign of Scorpio, the Serpent Point, and embodies the essence of the Scorpio constellation. Antares lies below the ecliptic as well, in the body of the Scorpion. Because Ophiuchus actually crosses the ecliptic, it is the thirteenth ecliptical "constellation" lying in the sidereal "sign" of Scorpio.

Ophiuchus is the knowledge holder of DNA Illumination and Ascension procedures--one who has attained the ascension from the lower-order forces that perpetuate re-incarnational entrapment. In Greek myth, Aesculapius, the mediciner of the ship Argo, is also imaged as Ophiuchus, knowledgeable of advanced healing processes beyond the cycle of life and death. The Christian resurrected Jesus (Jeshu) also articulates the theme of Ophiuchus.

In our stellar image, Ophiuchus stands with the serpent (Serpentis) coiled around his body and held in his hands. The neck and head of the serpent reach toward the Northern Crown (Corona Borealis), which lies above the Chelae (claws) of the Scorpion. The neck (Unukalhai) and head of the snake embody the essence and wisdom of living true to soul, in one's true self-mastery. Ophiuchus is exemplar of mastery over the powers of life and death, master over the very raw creative forces of life. Ophiuchus embodies bringing this interplay of forces to a greater spiritual fulfillment. The astronomical symbol of Ophiuchus is the caduceus--the medical, entwined double serpent upon a staff or spine--also the double helix of the DNA.

Ophiuchus and the sidereal sign of Scorpio are associated with the soul's education regarding the use of sexual creative forces and raw creative power. This entire image of Ophiuchus standing upon the scorpion with this magnificent snake reaching for the North Crown represents claiming our self-mastery to attain evolutionary fulfillment out of the karmic-based reincarnational process. This is to become ascended in vibration, an illumined being free from perpetuated reincarnational entrapment.

The New Moon, Mercury and Mars lie between the longitudes of Yed of Ophiuchus and Han of Ophiuchus.

Yed, the Hand of Death, does not refer to a dark sinister force out for our demise, but to realizing we have moment-to-moment choice regarding our "steps at hand." It is here where we put to death, in a sense, an entire modality of being, the personality-level egoic self-important façade justifying our life experience as if a victim of life, and start to participate from the maturity a soul-aware being, responsible for our experience, our actions, and their results. Han, the left knee of Ophiuchus, articulates this transmutational process in consciousness.

Until we actualize this transformation, life may seem merciless under the left hand and leg of Ophiuchus, and over the head of he Scorpion, as if sentencing us to continued experience in the claws of the Scorpion, but really only until we have this inner revelation. If this is the case, we may find lessons surrounding fear, paranoia, self-importance and victim consciousness--all merely facets of one state of consciousness.

The power of this band of the zodiak is provided by the three potent X-ray black hole sources, which penetrate matter and experience. The Circini X-1 neutron star black hole, the Scorpio X-1 black hole, and the Hercules X-1 neutron star black hole provide a three stage initiatory portal in the progression of consciousness as we move from Dschuba, the head of the Scorpion, to Antares, the heart of the Scorpion, which embodies the essence of sidereal Scorpio, and finally to Galactic Centre (across the Sag cusp) where full galactic-reinstatement can occur, the full integration of soul-awareness.

The phenomena astrophysicists call Black Holes can be thought of as very deep pools of consciousness, places we can enter if we dare, and return (or not) forever changed. Black Holes have an all or nothing nature to them and offer no in-between. To enter a black hole in consciousness requires relinquishment of lesser modes of being, of the attachments associated with our existing lives. This requires the willingness and personal integrity to go deep within our consciousness, to allow a disintegration of the constructs of self we hold, of what we think ourselves to be, and to emerge with a far deeper sense of our true selves, the truth of our souls. We then must then bring that awareness back into our life expression. The successful feat can result in an inversion or flip in consciousness--with an 'aha' of great magnitude, one that can change our lives forever.

To vibrationally shift from the theme of Dschuba to that of Antares--from understanding the principle of how we create our life experience and demonstrate choice to change the patterns of the past, to the embodiment of the principle at heart level--requires passage through these three black holes. To have the resonance to enter these black holes and emerge transformed requires we first embrace the theme of Dschuba, having fully graduated from victim consciousness, to taking responsibility for our life experience.

Circini X-1 is an x-ray binary star system with a powerful and dense neutron star orbiting around a normal (main sequence) star. Chandra (x-ray observatory) observations reveal powerful rotational forces in the Cir X-1 accretion disk (an inward spiraling disc of stellar material surrounding the neutron star) are blasting high-velocity winds back out into space at speeds near 7.2 million km/hr. The intense inward collapse of a neutron star along with its powerful simultaneous x-ray emissions can produce a dynamic and demonstrable attractive/expressive response astrologically. Circini X-1, in the constellation Circini lies upon the galactic equator, at the feet of the Centaur.

Circini X-1's placement reveals that a choice must be made to align with the path of the soul or the path of personality convenience, and that this choice must now be experientially demonstrated. Circini X-1, specifically conjoining Dschuba and Graffias, the head of the Scorpion, and Yed Ophiuchus the hand of death, reveals that the path of personality merely leaves us circling in the repetitive rounds of our past patterns of growth. To choose the path of the soul is to step off of the karmic-based wheel of life and into a Phi spiral of evolutionary progression.

To live the teachings of the Centaur and to walk the path of the soul requires we take full responsibility for our incarnational experience and master the primal forces creating and destroying life. This first initiatory stargate provides opportunity to demonstrate the choice made to walk the higher path of soul, that of self-mastery and self-responsibility--to begin to anchor in this choice at the experiential-cellular level of self.

The transformation occurring at the Circini X-1 initiatory phase can make one seem complacent because motive changes to act for soul purpose rather than personality interest. However the soul-level personal empowerment is not yet full integrated at this level of the initiatory process to do so.

Beta and Delta Chameleon separating Cir X-1 from Sco and Herc X-1 (in ecliptical longitude) articulate a metamorphic shift where personality facade melts away and soul self emerges. This is a very personal and experiential area of the zodiak regarding conscious use of our creative power and sexual energy; and our personal transmutation and self-mastery.

Scorpio X-1, the second stargate, can stimulate a state of high excitement and emotional drive expressing as unconscious abandon for the less-masterful individual who has not yet matured to a level of self-awareness, and as a healthy passionate sensuality and altered ecstatic awareness for the self-masterful. Scorpio X-1 has a resonance providing conscious access between the waking a dream state--the hypnagogic realm; also what may be consider the tantric and shamanistic realms. Sco X-1 invties to cultivate this capacity and to fucntion from this expanded perceptual awareness in every day life.

Northern Herculis X-1 invites us to become self-aware and knowledgeable in the application of our primal and carnal nature. Hercules X-1 is an X-ray emitting neutron star, a star that has collapsed to such a magnitude that highly energized particles are forced outward creating a relentless and intense drive, one that also inspires the amalgamation of our creative forces to achieve a greater awareness, rapture, and freedom of being; as well as a desire for knowledge and spiritual prowess regarding the primal, carnal and dreamlike forces of life. This is the resonance between the base chakra and the pineal gland or epiphysis, the epiphany center of the brain. This is why sacred sex can fill the body with light in rapture and ecstasy by allowing "thine eye to become single"--meaning to fully turn on the pineal, to open the all-seeing eye of creative illumination.

Did you know that the pineal gland begins to crystallize in many
children by the age of six due to a stifling of creativity!

The presence of Mercury and Mars conjoining our New Moon brings emphasis to how we think, the logistics in our lives, how we communicate, the creative action we take in our lives, the use of power, and the motivation to actively use our personal power with intelligence while embodying the theme of this lunar cycle--to make responsible choices that change our life experience. As the saying goes: if we want today to be different than yesterday, we must choose an action that is different than yesterday's.

The Centaur Pholus

Pholus, about 18° north of the ecliptic in Ophiuchus, is the first to be conjoined by the Moon, Mercury, Mars and Sun--a series of compounded alignments starting on the New Moon of Nov 27 and continuing through Dec 1.

Pholus was discovered on Jan 9, 1992, about 14 years after Chiron. After this time a number of other asteroids were discovered in this area of our solar system--bringing the realization that Chiron was just one Centaur. Pholus is the second most important of the Centuars after Chiron, hence the name given to the second Centaur discovered.

Just as Chiron embraces the orbits of Saturn and Uranus and is consider a key or bridge between the two planets, Pholus creates a significant cross-resonance with Saturn and Pluto, thus creating a link between the realms of Saturn and Pluto. The Centaur's are associated with healing; and Pholus with the alchemy of transmutation, often veiled in a cloak of mystery, but facilitating transition from life to death; or an aspect of self that must die.

In myth, Pholus, a friend of Hercules, guards the centaurs' vineyards and their wine, and like Chiron, was mortally wounded by an unexpected coincidence. It is suggested by some astrological research, that Pholus brings an unusual ability, or an unexpected experience or gift catalyzing profound or radical change (Robert v. Heeren und Dieter Koch).

Fitting with the above, I had found strong indication during a Sun-Pholus conjunction and the death of a loved one that Pholus gently and compassionately helped one "mortally wounded" make passage in a seemingly mysterious or shrouded way, obscured to most except to the mystic or seer, in a way that might not otherwise have occurred without an introduced "apparent" mystery or confusion surrounding a medicinal agent. I find this interesting considering Pholus crosses both Uranus and Neptune's orbits (the unexpected and veiled), and creates a link between Saturn and Pluto ( passage from the structure of what once was). More on Pholus.

Pholus exactly conjoins Han, Zeta Ophiuchus (z), and is within a fraction of a degree to the longitude of Antares of Scorpio. Although Zeta is the third brightest star of Ophiuchus, it does not have a proper name in the astrological community, but is often referred to by its Chinese name Han. Han, as mentioned, articulates the transmutational / alchemical process discussed above. This seems fitting to the theme of Pholus in general--a beneficent friend helping to facilitate such a transition.

Antares, heart of the Scorpion, lies a bit south of the ecliptic, but marks the center of the sidereal sign of Scorpio. Antares lies directly opposite Aldebaran of Taurus--both being two of the Four Royal Architects of the Heavens. Antares, the 15th brightest star in the heavens, is about 700 times the size of our sun, and is one of the largest stars. It is quite elongated with a polar diameter about 63% of its equatorial diameter, red in color, said to rival Mars in brightness when they are seen together.

In classical astrology, Antares is the star of war and weaponry, and with expounded meaning, to challenge the established opposing politics (an arena common to the Antares / Aldebaran axis) with tenacious adamancy. This is especially in regard to taking a stand against the established conditions of our personal lives and against the established order or authority directing our lives when those conditions or that authority are no longer in our best interest nor supporting our evolutionary freedom and fulfillment.

However, It is only the less aware whom mistake this power point in the ecliptic to mean fight or destroy what one still perceives as forces outside of self required to combat. Antares marks a point of empowerment in sidereal Scorpio, a point of immanation. Those who have embraced their initiations and claimed their self-empowerment, who have graduated from playing victim in the entrapments common to the claws of the Scorpion, and who have learned to take responsibility for their reality, which occurs at the head of the Scorpion, this is a place of self-empowerment. Here at the Heart of the Scorpion, one claims their immanence, the inseparable nature of life, having reconciled the forces within and without, who knows of their oneness and of the inseparable permeability of the Creation Force--as is exemplified by Ophiuchus, who demonstrably stands over the Scorpion, the exemplar of this wisdom.

Either way, Antares motivates us to take responsibility for our reality, for the lives we create, and to "take a stand" for our truth and live it.

Pholus, a very welcomed player in this lunar cycle, this mysterious alchemist, may help us make a required transformation in consciousness. In the outer world, perhaps helping to catalyze some surprising events surrounding death and transformation, ones that may perhaps seem ominous, but that may actually be required in the greater evolutionary scheme of things--we will see.

Crescent Moon Phase Characteristics

Expanding on the Theme

The hours before the Crescent Moon provide a time when we relinquish patterns of the past that would limit our creative ability to expand on the lunar theme now unfolding. The Crescent Moon is the time when the sprouting seedling sloughs off its protective coat of the past and emerges in its new expression. As the Crescent Moon unfolds, the growing phase of the lunar cycle begins as we start to amalgamate our personal creativity with the original lunar theme.

Venus Jupiter, and the Crescent Moon conjoin on Dec 1 in the last couple degrees of sidereal Sagittarius--an event not to be missed. The threesome can be seen just as the Sun sets in the western sky. The Venus Crescent Moon conjunction is a unique event. The reason for this occurrence and when they occur can be found in the article: E-motions of the Heart. Jupiter joining the Venus-Crescent Moon synchronization makes this event extra significant and provides a significant ingredient as we move through the dynamic intensity of this lunar cycle.

Venus and Jupiter can best be summed up as an expansive heart. Benevolent Venus is a harmonizing and balancing force. She is magnetic, sensuous, and is of harmony and equipoise. Venus is of love, compassion and unconditional acceptance. Venus inspires appreciation of beauty, art and abundance. She asks us to trust in self, to have courage and self-confidence in the intuitive knowing of our inner truth, intent, and purpose. Venus is of openness and intimacy, and invites us to embrace new experience, to receive and give love.

Jupiter is of a higher natural law, not man's law. Jupiter is spiritually expansive, a mobilizing, kinesthetic and magnetic force creating fluidity in movement. Jupiter inspires freedom, independence, openness and trust. It creates vitality and enthusiasm; is sociable and abundant, and invites us to reciprocate our gifts and value to the world. Jupiter is serendipitous, opportunistic, fortunate, fun loving and good natured. Jupiter has a taste for and appreciation of elegance and abundance.

It is easy to see why Venus and Jupiter amalgamate well as they do with the Moon; and occurring in late sidereal Sag is an ideal place. The Venus-Jupiter-Crescent Moon conjunction creates the force to rely upon and move with as we begin to apply our creative intelligence and creatively expand on this month's lunar theme.

Venus, Jupiter and the Crescent Moon in the last few degrees of sidereal Sag, at the Sag-Capricorn cusp, lie under the auspices of Lyra, harp of the Angels. Venus and Jupiter conjoin Sulaphat, Gamma Lyra; the tail of Aquila the Eagle; and Alpha and Beta Pavo, the Peacock.

Sulaphat, one of Lyra’s stars, is the tortoise shell upon which the strings of the harp stretch. Sulaphat embodies ancient wisdom regarding the principle of resonance in the harmonics of sacred geometry and associated artsciences. Sulaphat embodies all that is of physical resonance and emotional tone. We find support to become fully and harmoniously resonant to our spiritual truth, highest ideals and visions, to formulate this into eloquent expression and bring it into demonstrable material manifestation. Alpha Pavo is of integration, illumination, and beauty; is enduring and immortal, and brings inspiration to express the beauty that we are, and that which we seek, into physical form.

This geocentric conjunction of Venus and Jupiter on the Crescent Moon of Dec 1 creates the palpable manifestation of the Venus-Jupiter synodic cycle that just started on October 22. This conjunction also fully mobilizes the tri-fold progression involving Venus, Pluto, Juno, and Jupiter--one of extreme significance for relationships.

Excerpt from the September 29, 2008 Lunar Cycle:

The Venus-Pluto synod (Oct 6, 2008); the Venus-Juno Synod (Oct 13, 2008), and the upcoming Venus-Jupiter synod (Oct 22, 2008), all occurring in this lunar cycle, create a tri-fold progression that begins a several month cycle in the refinement of our passion and truth of the heart used as an applied force to steer and direct our future. It is a time supporting a significant maturing, transformation and expansion for relationships.

The Venus-Pluto synodic cycle on the Gate of God first provides a separating of the ways for individuals and relationships not living true to heart, who are not mutually aligned in their heart's desire and have fear to change, and it opens profound passage for those living from their heart's truth. It may also mark a significant change regarding all Venus-Pluto matters, especially fear-based issues surrounding abundance, wealth and resources. The Venus-Juno Nunki synod invites new relationships of mutual compatibility to form and for those already existing to address and refine any issues of incompatibility. The Venus-Jupiter synod sets it all in motion with a powerful expansion of heart; to move into a greater flow in the manifestation of purpose.

From Earth's view (geocentric), Venus will conjoin Pluto, Juno and Jupiter in November 2008, in the following lunar cycle, which is when this will become more palpable, but it is these (heliocentric) synods occurring now that reveal the longer-term and underlying themes unfolding in consciousness that these planets are creating.

Several events lead us through the remainder of the inspirational quarter of the lunar cycle and into the creative action quarter, which starts on the very dynamic First Quarter Moon.

Mercury conjoins Ixion in Scorpio on Dec 2. The Moon crosses its North Node and conjoins the Centaurs, Nessus and Chiron, along with Neptune in sidereal Capricorn on Dec 3-4. The Sun opposes Pallas on Dec 4, which also means that from the Sun's view, Earth and Pallas align, which starts a new Earth-Pallas synodic cycle. Mercury conjoins Quaoar on Dec 4; and then the Sun, Mars and Ixion conjoin on the First Quarter Moon of Dec 5.

It is worthy to note that Chiron, Nessus and Neptune have been in cahoots (conjoining) for quite a while--related to the obscuration, uncovering and healing of abusive-sexual related issues, those long obscured. Chiron and Neptune began a new, rather long, synodic cycle in 2006 (about an 80-year cycle) (pointed out by Melanie Reinhart) in early sidereal Capricorn (a zodiakal area of covert self-focused interest, but also about magnifying such issues). Chiron overtakes Neptune's orbit in 2010, starting a new (~75 year) Chiron-Neptune synodic cycle in early sidereal Aquarius. Nessus, due to the nature to the threesome's orbits, does not overtake Neptune. None of this is of particular pretence in the context of our Crescent Moon other than by indirect relation to the suppression and re-emergence of the feminine, and more so regarding the suppression and re-emergence of that which is native, natural and sacred to life (Indus-early Capricorn)--so perhaps an exploration and article for another time.

The New Pallas Synodic Cycle

The Sun (and Mars), Earth and Pallas align in sidereal Taurus on December 4, which marks the start of the new 516-day Earth-Pallas synodic cycle. The theme of this longer-term cycle is defined by the star alignments in sidereal Taurus. These include the stars that create "the Shield," a sub-constellation of Orion; The Gamma star of our northern Camel, and the principal star Kursa of Eridanus, which marks the start of the River of Life.

Synodic cycles are created when two (or more) planets align in thier orbits around the Sun. The synodic cycle theme, defined by the planets involved and the star alignments at the time, will unfold until the two planets align again, marking the completion of the synodic cycle and the beginning of the next one.

There are many synodic cycles with unique astrological themes occurring simultaneously creating a harmonic symphony of creative unfoldment in consciousness. Synodic cycles can be thought of as longer-term underlying currents, much like the backdrop chorus of a symphony, providing the underlying astrological context guiding our evolution.

Learn the basics about Synodic Cycles & Synodic Astrology

This is a protective and nurturing few degree band of the sidereal zodiak, especially for those beginning new journeys or creative endeavors in their lives. The asteroid Pallas always plays a demonstrable role in one's astrological chart. The nature of immature Pallas expresses as judgment, spiteful withdrawal, and/or adamant side-taking. Mature Pallas finds solution through the artistic expression of our creative intelligence by honoring both sides of the coin. More on Pallas.

The asteroid Pallas played a very key role in the Saturn-Uranus Opposition, which occurred in the previous lunar cycle of Nov, 2008 (the first of five Saturn-Uranus oppositions). Material about this was presented in the Oct 28, 2008 Lunar Cycle and the article: The 2008 US Presidential Election of Nov 4, 2008 & the Uranus-Saturn Opposition.

The previous Pallas 459-day synodic cycle, which began on the last Quarter Moon of Sept 2, 2007 in mid-sidereal Aquarius, created an inner need for creative solution with more of a humanitarian focus for the betterment of all human conditions. Thus, Pallas' participation in the Saturn-Uranus Opposition was Pallas' final effort in the theme of that cycle. (It is interesting to consider the emergence of a more cooperative humanitarian-focused effort amongst countries regarding the global economy; as well as an issue occurring during the US presidential election.) The focus of Pallas now is that of providing protection and nourishment in a very physical way in business and commerce while beginning new projects in our journeys in life (the Taurus / Camel / Kursa placement), especially regarding enterprising entrepreneurialship (revealed by nearby Rigel of Orion, which conjoins Kursa).

Astrologers might like to take note of Pallas' very significant placement the natal chart of president elect B. Obama--creating a Finger of God with Saturn pointing to Uranus--quite fitting to his motivation--also with Vesta in an aspect of strength with Pallas (60°); in trine (210°) with Saturn; and with an inner challenge (270°) of focus, dedication, clarity and commitment (Vesta) to make radical change (Uranus).

First Quarter Moon Phase Characteristics

Initiate Action

The First Quarter Moon of each lunar cycle draws an external stimulus to initiate action as we move from the inspirational quarter of the lunar cycle into the action quarter.

This First Quarter Moon occurs on December 5 sidereal Aquarius, while the Sun conjoins Mars and Ixion, just slightly past its opposition to Pallas--an extremely potent dynamic.

Ixion, one of our new Dwarf Planets, lies about 1° south of the ecliptic nesting between the legs of Ophiuchus. This lunar cycle's conjunctions with Ixion starting with the Moon on November 28; Mercury on Dec 2-3 just after the Crescent Moon; and culminating with the very potent Mars-Sun-Ixion conjunction on the First Quarter Moon of Dec 5.

Being relatively a new discovery, Ixion's astrological influence is not yet fully apparent. However, to date, Ixion has a rather bad rap. There seems to be more and more evidence that Ixion has an oppressive and sexually manipulative tyrant type character, especially toward the feminine. Ixion may reveal our need to take responsibility for our life and death scenarios; and seems to lend insight into malicious and deceptive power plays between authoritarian figureheads and the tyrants of the world. More on Ixion.

In this light, with Sun, Mars and Ixion lying in opposition to Pallas, which is of a feminine character, sounds like a serious challenge against the feminine principle and to those with a mature Pallas energetic--those seeking solution beyond sidetaking. Here we may see attempts to suppress the healthy Pallas expression (described above); to get "her" to back down, to spitefully retreat, or worse yet to engage in battle. Thus, this is something to watch for in self as well as in the world, especially for females. The need here is to rise above the conflicts and express artistic creative intelligence that leads to solution beyond the dualistic opposing forces and patriarchal domination, especially that created by the totalitarian figureheads of the world, rather than getting sucked into conflict and non-action. This dynamic is however a part of our "external stimulus to action" in this lunar cycle.

Ixion, the Sun and Mars lie over the body of the Scorpion, but in the constellation of Ophiuchus. They conjoin several entries at this zodiacal longitude: Restaban of Draco and Saran, a shoulder of Hercules.

This is a big plus for our intense scenario. Restaban (Beta) and Etamin (Gamma) of Draco create the eyes of the Dragon. Draco is the constellation that encircles and guards the northern pole of our ecliptic. Both stars are of a high administrative order overseeing the initiations of the incarnate soul. They lie north of and express through Hercules and Ophiuchus (shown in the New Moon star chart above). Restaban expresses between the Head of Hercules (Ras Algethi) and the Heart of the Scorpion (Antares) into sidereal Scorpio. Etamin, also the head of the Egyptian Hippopotamus, the primordial mother, expresses just into sidereal Sagittarius and oversees the heart center of our Galaxy (Galactic Center).

Restaban, overseeing the initiations and evolutionary progression occurring in this part of sidereal Scorpio, opens portals and pathways in the physical world for those who have truly embraced the initiations of life, who have aligned with the path of soul rather than the convenient path of personality gratification, and who demonstrate their self mastery and responsibility (Saran of Hercules) to live true to self and in service to others, as our Hercules exemplifies--portals that are otherwise blocked to those of immature selfish intent or who are resistant to or in denial of the initiations of life.

In this light, the tyrannical may find it is not so easy to exercise their ignorant manipulative and suppressive tactics, or if they do, they may find the repercussion not so pleasant.

The solar conjunctions of Mars and Ixion also mark the mid-point of vision and realization in their respective synodic cycles. The Earth-Mars 780-day synodic cycle began on Dec 24, 2007 in sidereal Gemini at the foot of Castor. The theme of this 780-day Mars cycle is presented in the Dec 9, 2007 Lunar Cycle.

Excerpt from the Dec 9, 2007 Lunar Cycle

The new Tejat (foot of Castor) 780-day Mars synodic cycle (hallmarked by the Full Moon) initiates a creative and powerful movement by those making this metamorphosis and acting for the principles articulated in this lunar cycle's theme: especially by Ras Algethi and Orcus--those in service to educate and lead our return to living in harmony with natural law and the sacredness of life. It suggests a time may ensue in which the patriarchal governing forces may start to favorably shift by those who have been in the closet, but who have been preparing and making the inner metamorphosis required to now emerge in the world, who are even destined to emerge. A turning of priorities and the nature of leadership is, it would seem to me, at hand as we now move into the next level of acceleration of Global Change....

Considering the theme of this Mars cycle, Mars' synthesis with Ixion may express as a mixed bag; both those heralding a new form of leadership with those of a totalitarian, tyrannical and suppressive nature. However, they now stand side by side; and considering overseeing Restaban, we may start to see a separating of ways between the two, with the "new male" leaving the others to wallow in their initiatory trials.

The First Quarter Moon's star alignments in sidereal Aquarius, as it approaches Uranus (severing us from the conformity of the established past), reveals the nature of our stimulus to action, which is the real crux behind any drama potentially created by the Sun-Mars-Ixion opposition to Pallas. The Moon conjoins two very principle stars: Achernar of Eridanus and Ankaa of the Phoenix.

Eridanus is the River of Life, and Achernar, Alpha Eridanus is the end of the river. Achernar indicates fulfillment, completion, integration, and rewards from what has been gained from the long and winding incarnational journey of life. Achernar reveals we have paid our dues, we have arrived from the winding tumultuous river of life to the ocean of being.

Ankaa, Alpha Phoenix, is the lucida of the Thunderbird. Ankaa embodies the essence conveyed in the symbol of the phoenix rising from the ashes of the trials of the long and winding road in full illuminated glory. In another mythical imaging, Ankaa is the talisman upon the staff of the high priest-scientist Aaron, brother of Miriam and Moses. The Ankh / Ankaa is emblematic of the fulfillment of a journey, a mission begun long ago. It is Aaron’s amulet of power--having claimed the wisdom and fulfillment from a very long journey. Ankaa is also the emblem of Universal (Uranian) Love.

Thus our stimulus to action is to step forth into a new humanitarian inclusive form of participation rather than one exclusive and based in self-interest alone; it is one demanding a new way of using our creative power, and one that challenges the feminine (the woman of the world) to stand forth in their power as co-equals with the masculine and for both in unity to artistically express a creative intelligence that, quite simply, dissolves the dualistic and conflicting mentality of the past.

All in all, we have a new form of leadership emerging, a new breed of people and relationships who have been gestating for a long time an a variety of life areas, but who are now stepping forth onto stage to actively participate in the tremendous global change that is at hand. The time has come for the emergence of the "cultural creatives" as revealed by many recent and very significant planetary configurations--like:

• The discovery of planets like Orcus, Quaoar, and Haumea, which are quietly working at a far more embracing level of consciousness and leading us to our greater evolutionary fulfillment.

• Jupiter's role in creating a significant mobilization and expansion in human consciousness in 2007 as it moved through sidereal Scorpio starting new 13-year cycles with Ixion, Quaoar and Pluto.

• The new 32-years Orcus-Saturn cycle which began in August 2007 "helping us to uncover secret paths obscured by the sands of time, perhaps even oaths we made long ago to enter into the depths of unexplored territory, into new realms of consciousness, that lead us to a new law of life--eventually to a law that is in integrity to Heart"

• Pluto's passage over the Gate of God & The Full Moon Pluto Solstice Portal of June 2008, which provided a significant acceleration of consciousness on Earth and began a primary "separating of the ways."

• The recent Venus-Pluto-Juno-Jupiter synods on the Gate of God inspiring a re-ordering / maturing in our relations, as well as motivating new types of partnerships and relations to emerge, not only of a personal intimate nature but also those political and of business.

--to mention just a few examples.

Gibbous Moon Phase Characteristics

Attraction & Involvement

The 24-hour period just before the Gibbous Moon is a time of perseverance, of pushing through in the midst of the action quarter of the lunar cycle. The Gibbous Moon is when the pressure releases and we enter the Pollinating Phase of the lunar cycle, which begins a social and communicative time of magnetic attraction.

This Gibbous Moon occurs on December 9 in early sidereal Aries. It also conjoins Vesta, asteroid of clarity, focus, dedication and commitment. At the same time, the Sun conjoins Quaoar.

The Gibbous Moon conjoins Tyl of Draco; Mesartim and Sharatan of Aries; the Pinwheel Galaxy in Triangulum (right); and the giant Fornax-A Elliptical Galaxy (shown below).

Tyl of Draco lies in the far northern Heavens. Tyl is one of many stars composing Draco the Dragon which lies coiled around and guarding the North Celestial Pole. Tyl (along with Nodus Secundus—Delta Draco) makes the convolution in the Dragon’s neck, here concerning primordial transformation of the soul through the experience of human life. Tyl is the human cry for fulfillment at a very fundamental level. Tyl is the cry of desire for one's physical needs to be met, for one's truth to be heard, and for one's dreams to be realized. Tyl is the burning cry in the initiatory fires of life.

Quaoar in the Sun's Light

The Sun and Quaoar, in sidereal Scorpio, conjoin Sabik of Ophiuchus on Nov 9. Quaoar lies exactly over Sabik, in both ecliptical longitude and latitude.

Quaoar motivates our return to the "sacredness of life," to a way of life that is in harmony with the fundamental forces governing nature, to see the inter-connectivity in all things, to have respect for natural order and to live in harmony with this order, in wholeness and in the flow with the natural world. More about Quaoar.

Quaoar's passage over Sabik of Ophiuchus was presented in the previous lunar planner, when Venus conjoined Quaoar. In brief, Sabik, on the right thigh of Ophiuchus, closely conjoining Ras Algethi, the Head of Hercules, reveals a powerfully transformative location in sidereal Scorpio, one offering a significant transmutational experience due to the alchemical intermixing of elements, often of a sexual, genetic, biological or botanical nature. Sabik is also of medicine, healing, medical research and the art-science of alchemy. You can read more about Sabik in the previous lunar planner.

The Sun-Quaoar conjunction also marks the mid-point of vision and realization in the current Earth-Quaoar synodic cycle, which began on June 8, 2008, also conjoined Sabik. Sun-Quaoar conjunction is an ideal time to realize the nature of Quaoar's role in our lives.

Also see "The Synodic Cycles of Pluto, Ixion & Quaoar - a Historical Timeline & Astrological Exploration from 1982 through 2020."

Issues surrounding healthcare are also very much related to Sabik, and with Quaoar and Ixion's long term passage in mid-Ophiuchus. Quaoar motivates our return to a natural way of life, and Ixion may be associated more with big-business in health care; i.e., drug companies and insurance companies in particular. I am not sure about all countries, but the synthetic drugging of America is rampant with adds to the mass populace to buy a new drug for every symptom under the Sun--and of course each with their disclaimers about the zillions of extremely detrimental side effects--and if they don't work: chop-chop, cut out a few parts. It amazes me that people still buy into such heinous approaches to heath. Synthetic chemicals (including food additives) generally have a reversed molecular spiral that suppresses neurology and is life-draining. Such drugs merely suppress symptoms (a sign of a greater discord within), and create more chronic (long-term) degenerative conditions and eventually death. This is in contrast to alive and raw plants for example, natural-food-based remedies, which have a complimentary molecular spiral to the human body and are life-promoting and supportive of the true healing process. The rampant drugging of people on Earth is sure way to wipe out a culture.

Mars and Quaoar conjoin on Nov 11, just after the Sun Quaoar conjunction of Nov 9; hopefully motivating action that supports our return to the "sacred way of living" one attuned to natural law.

Full Moon Phase Characteristics

The Full Moon Grand Square
Vision, Enthusiasm, & Realization of the Theme

The Full Moon exactly conjoins Bellatrix of Orion, which lies just south of the Bull. Also conjoining are Alpha and Beta Camelopardalis, the Camel; and AE Aurigae and the Flaming Star Nebula.

Bellatrix, Gamma Orion, is the Female Amazon Warrior, the conqueror, star of the Amazon. Bellatrix holds excellent capacities in "strategic planning," (in contrast to Betelgeuse, the male warrior, whose capacity is more about response in the moment). Classically, Bellatrix is lucky in administrative accomplishment--in civil, political, and military office. Bellatrix is especially favorable for women, and brings a loquacious quality. The rising of Bellatrix announces the rising of the more brilliant enterprising star Rigel, the left foot of Orion.

The northern Camel (Alpha and Beta conjoining Bellatrix) articulates the nature of this zodiakal band in Taurus well. The Camel spreads wealth around the world through commerce and business, is a resilient, enduring, hard working and intelligent beast of burden with the ability to go for days without water before becoming distressed, one suited for long and arduous journeys. This also articulates the planning and administrative nature of Bellatrix and the tenaciously persistant and enduring nature of Taurus in general.

Although the actual Saturn Uranus opposition (the first of five) occurred in the previous lunar cycle (and played a key role along with Pallas in the U.S. presidential election), Saturn (Leo) and Uranus (Aqu) are just a couple of degrees past their opposition, with Saturn creating an exact "T-sqaure with the Sun (Sco) and Moon (Tau); and with Mars creating a (270°) square with Uranus--all creating the Fixed Grand Square (as shown above).

The Saturn "T-square"

A "T-square" generally indicates that a crisis requires immediate attention, and often motivates significant accomplishment. Yet the action point here, based upon our full moon realizations about this lunar cycle, is Saturn in late Leo. With the nature of Saturn (structure and form, what is established) being in concert with the strategic planning nature of Bellatrix, this invites a slow and well thought out, even documented, plan of action, despite the urgency of the crisis. It demands identifying all possible scenarios and their potential ramifications before taking action.

Considering the significance of this Full Moon Grand Square it is worth going into a bit of detail here to help elucidate the environment in which this predicament (Saturn's placement) occurs.

Saturn's placement at the hind of Lion conjoins Denebola, the tail of Leo, and Denebola 's adjoining stars.

An overview of this Zodiakal band:

Denebola, Beta Leo; Alpha Antilia, of the air pump, Avior of Carina, Argo Navis; and Alkes of Crateris, the cup of salvation, express through the last few degrees of sidereal Leo, creating a diverse polarity of energies that set the "back stage" of Leo. On the Leo-Virgo cusp is Benatnasch of the Great Bear, Cor Caroli of the Barking Dogs, M51 the giant diversionary whirlpool galaxy, and Zavijava of Virgo.

Alkes / Crateris is the “the Golden Chalice,” the “Cup of Salvation” while Denebola is of a foul breeze, indicative of smoke screens and diversions. Denebola is also of the colon physiology and intestinal toxicity, along with earlier Zosma and Chort, all creating the hind of the lion. This area of the Leo is of those behind the scenes, of the political religious figures manipulating the affairs of the world. As the old saying goes, if some one offers salvation from the human struggle, they most often are selling something. To grasp the greater theme of this dynamic, an overview of the surrounding heavens is appropriate.

North, above Denebola, the tail of the Lion, is the tail of the Bear, of the constellation of Ursa Major, although lying just across the cusp of sidereal Leo into Virgo. Benatnasch is the tip of the Bear's tail and is the administrative seat of the fallen lords directing the affairs of the Earth--this image articulating the essence of the old totalitarian and dictatorial paradigm on Earth. This mythical imagery is derived from the time when Earth's pole had fallen its furthest from the plane of galactic light in its 25,000-year precessional cycle, which occurred about 6000 years ago, and thus passing over this area of the zodiak--hence a fallen lord. Under the Benatnasch directive, the world powers have over and over again demonstrated the inability to ensure the safe ascension of Earth and Humanity by perpetuating the continual upheavals, wars, and destruction of the peoples of the Earth throughout the ages. Also conjoining Benatnasch, just into sidereal Virgo is Zavijava, which is of the innocent but naïve followers of the manipulative egoic figureheads, following the self-proclaimed political religious gurus of the world.

Close to Benatnasch is the constellation of Canes Venatici, the barking hounds or hunting dogs, articulating the diversionary tactics are those of commotion and grand spectacle, ensuring the attraction of one's attention, the lure of the false prophets and spiritual / political illusionists. Cor Caroli is the Alpha star of Canes, and conjoining is M51, the giant whirlpool galaxy, expressing simply as loud and grand global proportion spectacle, but totally as diversionary tactics. The paradox here is this racket is indicative of the place not to go, and more paradoxically yet, it keeps the false one’s from finding the real Cup they spout to be in possession of anyway. Examples are a government covertly selling war arms to the very country they are fighting in the name of eradicating the war mongers, or covertly selling drugs to the country's drug lords while presenting to the public their cause is to fight the drug problem. Or the guru spouting spiritual principle to sell their wares or create their ego-gratifying followings.

It is not uncommon for such beings to pretend they are doing that which supports the greater freedom by creating dramatic and glamorous humanitarian projects (the barking greyhounds) or stage shows performed in the name of spiritual growth, when what is hidden within these projections of smoke is that which is designed to maintain an egoic position of control and manipulation over the masses who are merely blind pawns in a game of who's following the biggest ego on Earth. Here we are asked to look behind the white garment these beings wear, and peer deeply into the dramatic facade of their projects to see the trap of diversion designed to mislead and control. We are asked to look at our own insecurities within to see why we would follow such antics to start with rather than to cultivate the purity and integrity to claim our own grail by following the truth in our hearts. These self-proclaimed often call themselves Masters and lead others to address them as such without question so that they may then dictate action for and direct their follows to do their biding for their own manipulative purposes.

Moving a little further along this ecliptical longitude, into the constellation of Virgo, lies Coma Berenices, where our Super Galactic Centre (SGC) lies--our greater spiritual center in which our galaxy floats. Here the theme radically shifts to the greater evolutionary fulfillment for all beings, beyond the dramatic interplay of forces on Earth.

Curiously conjoining Denebola and Benatnasch, but marking the Leo-Virgo cusp and lying south of the ecliptic, transcending the egoic stage setting of late sidereal Leo, is Alkes of Crateris the Cup. Here we find the way, the salvation, the greater spiritual fulfillment that we seek laying silently submerged under the diversionary shenanigans perpetuated by the egoic figureheads on stage.

The mixed theme here indicates either genuine spiritual figures or leaders, or hot–air wanna–be guru types: those spouting a lot of self important head tripping spiritual principle, but without any real substance or true wisdom. The issue of discernment arises, which is required to see the illusionists and diversionists from those of real spiritual value--to grasp the grail of Alkes through the smoke of Denebola and the hot air they spout which is articulated by conjoining Alpha Antilia, the air pump swirling the smoke. Only the pure of heart can hold the real Grail.

For those willing to delve even further south--that is, to transcend the egoic stage altogether--we find Avior, Epsilon Carina of the Argo Navis and Delta Velorum on the sail of the Argo. These two stars are associated with the underlying spiritual truth and wisdom that does lead to our greater fulfillment and well being, a truth far hidden from the ego–driven wanna-be spiritual-political self-proclaimed authorities who spout principles they do not live. Here lies the true spiritual sage who most often is one without need to be on stage, one who is often found behind the scenes simply living their spiritual truth. These are the ones working with transcendent currents of wisdom (Delta Velorum) that influence the surface world in genuine ways--those who make a real difference but who do not need to at personality level. Avior is the true sage, the awakened soul, one fully cognizant of their soul (galactic) mission, a mission transcendent to the smoke and follies common to the global stage.

Mars Squaring Uranus

The (270°) squaring of Mars (the power of creative action) and Uranus (radical departure from the conformity of the past) creates an intense inner drive to use personal power to manifest change--now. This creates quite a paradox with the Saturn Full Moon T-square part of this Grand Square, which wants time to plan--and quite bit of tension. Uranus is of course at home in sidereal Aquarius, and now resides at the mouth of the fish (humanity in need of nourishment). Mars, having made a rather dynamic passage though sidereal Scorpio, with its encounters with the Sun, Pholus, Ixion and recently Quaoar, is arousing quite a stir in our lives and in the world. Mars (and the Sun) are now at a more empowered location in sidereal Scorpio, having been through the initiatory process of earlier Scorpio.

Mars still conjoining Quaoar, and the Sun, just past the longitude of Quaoar and Sabik of Ophiuchus, now reside on the right foot of Ophiuchus (created by Xi, Omi, and Theta Ophiuchus, which straddle the ecliptic). This ecliptical location is of bold demonstrable action from a place of self mastery and personal empowerment.

Mars specifically conjoins the Ara Black Hole, X–Ray Source V821 of the Centaur's Altar; Eta and Zeta of Ara; and a couple of other potent entries--the X-Ray emitting Nova of 1977, V2107, in Ophiuchus; and the massive X-Ray eclipsing binary star / black hole nesting in the tail of the Scorpion.

The Sun, just two degrees further along in ecliptical longitude from Mars, conjoins Massym, on the arm of Hercules, which is of strength in achievement; Atria of the southern triangle; and Theta Ophiuchus of the foot of Ophiuchus. Less than two degrees further is Ras Alhague, the head of Ophiuchus, which embodies the wisdom of Ophiuchus, he who has attained mastery over the creative and destructive forces of life.

A key requirement revealed by Mars' conjunction with the Ara Black hole is to willingly and consciously surrender all grief, guilt, and resentment of the past and to act from a place of emotional maturity and experiential wisdom. The synthesis of Mars with the Sun, indicates taking a very active, visible, and lead role in catalyzing change. This action is not one to be taken lightly or blindly, but encompasses the stimulus to action and associated issues created by the Mars-Sun-Ixion conjunction on the First Quarter Moon; and the revelation provided by the Sun-Mars conjunction regarding the current Earth-Mars synodic theme which began upon the Foot of Castor--all presented above.

Although Grand Squares can feel like we are being confined in a box while being pulled from four very different sides, I tend to call them "Soul Gates" because they require full self-mastery to "allow" self to be stretched in such tension so as to make successful passage through the square. They provide a tremendous opportunity for the infusion of a greater level of soul awareness and a dynamic expression of that awareness in accomplishment. The grand square quadrature is a very stable configuration, a platform from which we can rise.

Mercury and Pluto on the Gate of God
"Open Your Mind"

Two hours after the Full Moon, Mercury conjoins Pluto who still stands as sentry upon the Gate of God at 5° sidereal Sag. The Moon activates Mercury and Pluto's conjunction by opposition as it passes over the Gate of Man at 5° sidereal Gemini several hours later on the day of "Realization of the Theme," which occurs during the 24 hour period after the Full Moon. This should prove to support quite a revelation--even an intellectual "aha" of significant magnitude--a mind openner. More about Pluto, its discovery, astrology, and Pluto's Moons.

Disseminating Moon Phase Characteristics

Manifestation & Demonstration

The hours leading up to the Disseminating Moon generally is an accelerated and busy time of last minute preparation that leads into the birth point in the lunar cycle, the time of bearing the fruit of the cycle, of claiming its gift.

Our Manifesting Moon of Dec 15 lies at the mid-point of sidereal Cancer, just before the Lunar South Node. The Moon conjoins Asellus Bor. and Aus., which mark the ass of the Crab; Sigma Puppis of the Argo; Delta Hydra and the Pulsar CP0834, which create the Brain of Hydra; and Gianfar of Draco, the poisoned place. This is also the exalted location for Jupiter.

Cancer, commonly the crab today, is also the Egyptian Scarabaeus, an image that articulates the theme of humanity's emergence from darkness, dogma, and delusion and the reawakening back to light. The Scarab is an appropriate mythical figure, as no one knows the exact time of the emergence of the beetle from its snuggle in its own dung, because it does not seem to follow any natural cycle in nature. This theme also applies to our individual emergence from the family nest or from the collective consciousness that we co-create. The Scarab is a symbol of regeneration, transformation and re-birth, of being self-created, or self-made, to rise from itself--hence humanity's association with the beetle emerging from its own dung.

Asellus Aus. and Bor., the southern and northern stars that create the ass of the Crab are of being encrusted in old and antiquated patterns, personal and collective dogmatic belief structures, and sticky modalities of being that perpetuate stasis. Classically they are considered to be unfortunate stars with a somewhat stubborn nature. They can stimulate a desire to nourish, fortify and accumulate to such a degree that one can get self-consumed in their own pile of stuph'.

Delta through Zeta Hydra and Pulsar CP0834 create Hydra's head. Hydra's head indicates a multifarious undermining source of destruction (every time Hercules took off one of Hydra's heads, it immediately grew another).

Pulsar CP0834, in the head of Hyrda, does not lie along the galactic plane as most pulsars, and so may influence our biological personality workings and primordial response more so than being a guiding beacon for the soul. It may reinforce our repetitive, monotonous, subconscious patterns that perpetuate stasis--those parts of ourselves that undermine our ability to change, but it can also make visible those patterns that we need to change, a constant reminder that the repetitive undermining experiences in our lives are manifest from our own tenacious belief structures.

Gianfar, Lambda Draco, on the tail of the Dragon, is the poisoned place and conjoins the stars of Hydra's head, a multifarious source of undermining. Gianfar is of neurological currents, specifically those emanating from "poisons of the heart" that manifest cellular patterns within ourselves that relentlessly destroy all we touch through endless battering of our courage, optimism, and strength--destroying us through sheer exhaustion. Here we are asked to realize how unresolved bitterness of the heart can perpetually avert us from the fulfillment we seek.

Jupiter exalted at this longitude indicates the requirement to mobilize greater spiritual / physical truths and principles to address such poisonous conditions--otherwise a mere combative approach simply antagonizes the onslaught.

In essence, to claim the gift this lunar cycle has to offer requires we must relinquish any antiquated beliefs that things can't be different, beliefs held onto due to our own bitterness, in order to overcome the multifarious forces that keep us from emerging into a greater light of being.

The Moon-South Lunar Node lies opposite Venus-North Lunar Node. The lunar nodal axis is much like a magnetic compass, in this case pointing us to move from any sticky emotional patterns and beliefs and into a free heart space open to receive.

Sun Sagittarius

The Sun moves into sidereal Sagittarius on December 16, just after the Disseminating Moon.

Last Quarter Moon Phase Characteristics