opposition closing in to exact on the day of the United States presidential election. If that wasn't enough potential tension for that day, November 4, we also have Mars square Neptune (dampened energy? confusion? work for ideals, dreams?—yes, to that last. There's always an upside potential). Mercury exits Libra and enters Scorpio (changed thinking?), and the Moon is void of course from 1:47 am (EST) when most of the nation will be sleeping, to 7:01 pm when most of the polls will have closed. So, what might the void reflect? Nothing happens? Well, something significant is definitely happening, but the imagination boggles at what the potentials might be of how it all pans out, especially after such a contentious political season in the midst of worldwide financial crisis. In thinking about these astrological indicators, I had to laugh a little when our Time magazine just arrived in the mail with its cover story, "7 Things That Could Go Wrong on Election Day." Well, we'll see, when the time comes, but meanwhile creating positive energy certainly does no harm and may help, especially if enough people are working to create it.
Ritual for New Moon in Scorpio
I'll repeat a New Moon ritual idea that I wrote years ago for another New Moon that closely preceded election day. In it I pointed out that the the Eagle, a primary symbol of the United States, soars higher than any other, and as such is emblemic of high ideals, and symbolic of strength, courage and power. With wings spread on the US national seal, the eagle holds in its talons on the right, the olive branch of peace, and on the left, arrows that show readiness to fight, when necessary, so that freedom and peace are preserved. With power comes great responsibilty. So, let's light a white candle during this New Moon and visualize the American Eagle soaring in Spirit, as we call on Spirit for guidance that we who vote and those who are elected will be thoughtful, courageous and responsible in our decisions
Crescent Moon, 24 Sagittarius 59, November 1 at 8:01 pm EDT
It's the eve of Neptune's station direct, and the last day of daylight savings time. It's also All Saint's Day, the day after traditional Halloween. My Circle will hold our open Samhain rite (for the convenience of a Saturday, although the true cross-quarter of Sun at 15° Scorpio does not occur until the day following First Quarter Moon... November 6 at 8:10 pm. And remember, the time "falls back" to standard time at 2:00 am on November 2.
First Quarter Moon, 14 Aquarius 07, November 5, 11:03 pm EST
This is the "crisis of action" phase, but the aspects of this day are more suggestive of a slow wind-up that could reflect a more stressful energy over the next day or two. In any case, it is now the cross-quarter, so here's my links for my articles on Samhain lore and ritual:
Lore of Samhain
Personal Samhain Ritual
Gibbous Moon, 2 Aries 54, November 9 at 5:29 pm EST
This Sunday begins potentially a phase of quite productive days, when we can leave behind the stresses and/or confusions of the week past and use the Aries energy to get a fresh start. Build on that as Moon moves to steady Taurus, sign of Full Moon.
Full Moon, 21 Taurus 15, November 13 at 1:17 am EST
At 0:39 EST am, less than an hour before the exact time of Full Moon, we have a nice sextile of Jupiter-Uranus. Sextile has been called an aspect of opportunity, and Jupiter-Uranus has been associated with "sudden (Uranus) luck (Jupiter). Well, most of us will likely be sleeping, then, and onward though Moon's square to Neptune (1:43am EST), followed by Sun square Neptune (7:32am EST). Dreams could be very interesting on such a night--definitely worth keeping a pad and pencil next to your bed to help you jot down the gist of your dream on awakening. Dreams often convey very thought-provoking messages and/or useful insights.
As for Full Moon ritual experience, I would choose the evening prior to this Full Moon, November 12, so as to work into the applying aspects of that evening (Moon trines Jupiter (9:24 pm), then sextiles Uranus (9:26 pm), and trines Saturn (10:50 pm) prior to that Jupiter-Uranus. Applying aspects are always stronger, and especially with all the challenging aspects following Full Moon to Void of Course, I'd rather set my intent into motion at a time when the earlier flowing aspects are included. So, preferably on the evening of November 12th, let's invoke the energy of Taurus Full Moon for a longer term goal. The path of Taurus calls for steady stick-to-itiveness
Ritual for Full Moon in Taurus
Our Full Moon in Taurus Goddess is earthy, sensual, steady and determined, able to make longer term plans and stick to them until she gets what she wants. A dream, an idea, a wish becomes a goal—an tangible beginning—when you organize a plan of action and set it into motion. Then, of course, you must carry out the plan (with perhaps some editing and readjustment as needed) until your goal is achieved.
Full Moon is an aspect of opposition—Moon in Taurus reflecting the light of Sun in Scorpio. Scorpio, too, is a determined, powerful fixed sign, capable of strong accomplishments, but is also one that has self-destruct potential at times. So a challenge of this Full Moon may involve resolving some conflict between what you feel you want with what you are actually ready to do to make it happen. Don't be afraid of squares and oppositions. They are the action aspects—nothing much happens without them—it's up to each of us how we direct the energy within our own realm of personal control. We may not be able to do much about how they reflect wider world events, but we always have a choice in how we will respond, and act, within our personal realm.
This Full Moon can be a very good time to think though a plan for achieving a longer term goal, and then invoke Full Moon energy to set the plan into motion. Your Taurus Moon plan would anticipate your willingness toward responsible, disciplined follow-through. Spend the earlier part of November 12th in serious thought and research, perhaps also in consultation with others who are involved or could help, and then write it down, with anticipated time frames for various stages. Then let your first step be to go out beneath the Full Moon and call down her energy to charge your plan, and most of all, you with the will and the determination to bring the plan to full fruition.
This is a simple, solitary rite—no rhymes, no tools beyond you and your written plan. It is sensual and can be very powerful in feeling. Draw down the Moon! Catch her light between your upstretched hands, take a deep breath and bring the energy down over your entire body and over your written plan. Feel the energy—it is strong, palpable! Then gather earth energy, bring it upward and share it with Moon, as you will share what you create though your plan with others.
And pay attention to your dreams tonight!
Disseminating Moon, 9 Cancer 28, November 16 at 6:10 am EST
This phase, beginning on Sunday in Cancer, sign of home, seems easy enough, even comfortable , but once Moon moves into Leo on Monday, Neptune could become a dominate theme, with Mercury square Neptune, no aspects all day Tuesday, then Moon opposite Neptune on the morning of Last quarter day. Outer world could reflect the confusion, such that despite the disseminating theme, this does not seem the best time for presentations. It could be a very good time for your personal creative work though, even inspiring.
Last Quarter Moon, 27 Leo 56, November 21 at 4:31 pm EST
The astrological "weather" in this phase, too, are likely to be more favorable for personal creative work. Moon soon moves into practical Virgo, and something may need revision, or even to be let go of and replaced with something more effective. A trine of Jupiter and Saturn favors the continuation of your intent for well-considered and disciplined work toward your longer term goal.
Balsamic Moon, 16 Libra 45, November 23 at 11:13 am EST
Our final lunar phase of this cycle begins in the air sign of balance and ends with Moon again in Scorpio. Most aspects are flowing, easing work energy even though the phase theme is one of winding down--but also one that favors experimentation. A "seed" planted in balsamic phase often sprouts in the phase cycle to come.
Notable among aspects within this phase is the movement of transformational Pluto back into Capricorn on November 26, this time for a lo-o-ong stay—until 2024! When one considers the Sagittarian theme-related changes that have come about during Pluto's passage through that sign (in religion, law, foreign affairs, higher education, the publishing industry), one can now speculate on what Pluto might reflect during his long transit of the sign most associated with big governmental and corporate institutions.
On a personal level, all of we who have personal points (Sun, Moon, Ascendant, Midheaven) in the very late degrees of Sagittarius, Gemini, Virgo or Pisces could likely relate major life changes from which we're just emerging. Greet Pluto, now, you who have personal points in the first degree of the cardinals: Capricorn, Aries, Cancer, Libra. From one who's "been there," it wasn't always easy (but what is?), still...it's good, with potential of better. We always have choices.
