Nov

13

November 13, 2009 | 1 Comment

As with all things Scorpio, this New Moon is naturally intense. In the chart of this particular Scorpio Moon, however, there are a significant number of astrological indications that point to it as the most important New Moon of the year.

The New Moon in Scorpio is out of this world. Potent to begin with, this passionate and instinctual New Moon is tightly trine the Uranus/Juno conjunction in Pisces, aspects which speak of opening up a radical awakening of a new way of being in partnership and commitment that may become enduring across time. Any New Moon is a time to begin things. Here, it impacts the Uranus/Juno conjunction in spiritually oriented Pisces, representing the sudden and unexpected in relationships. We may be drawn to a new or very unusual partnership, seek excursions into other, more spiritual, dimensions or look for a re-definition of our roles within an already committed relationship in ways that allow more personal freedom and individuality.

The reference to partnership is also noteworthy due to the very recent (10/29) entry of Saturn into Libra, the sign most associated with partnerships, and the sign of its exaltation. It marks the start of a two and a half year period in which it is possible to create a partnership, either intimate or business oriented, that is built to stand the test of time. On the other hand, Saturn will eliminate any partnership with feet of clay.

It is also significant that this is the first New Moon in 27 years, almost to the day, during which Saturn is in Libra. The chart for that New Moon (11/15/1982) showed a tighter than one degree conjunction between Saturn and Pluto. Worth mentioning about this is the fact that during the month of November, 1982, the old Soviet Union began its invasion of Afghanistan. Now, as this column goes to press, and while Saturn is making a “partile” (exact by degree) Square to Pluto, it is the President of the United States who is contemplating sending thousands more troops to that same country. The more things change, the more they remain the same.

Squares Dancing

Notable too is the presence of no less than eight squares (90° angles) between the planets: the Sun and Moon each square Jupiter, Chiron and Neptune, Venus squares Mars and finally there’s that aforementioned Saturn in partile square to Pluto. The general interpretation of a square is that it denotes an obstacle of some sort, although many Astrologers often refer to the square as “The Aspect of Manifestation” because the obstacles in our lives are designed to make us active in the pursuit our growth.

The squares to the Aquarius stellium of Jupiter, Chiron and Neptune are also suggestive of an impulse towards the manifestation of the “healing” properties of those planets, which in turn are linked very strongly to spirit and the spiritual realms and their healing possibilities. If there were ever a time to connect the spiritual with the instinctual, in partnership, this is it. Take note of deep feelings and say goodbye to whatever feels out of place so that you may create the space to attract things more suitable to who you are. The trick is to be patient in refusing all that is not appropriate, and to welcome that which is. It’s Instinct meets Vision meets Inspiration and Freedom, all offering an opportunity to create that sacred relationship – use it or lose it.

The Saturn square to Pluto represents a clash between the immovable object and. the unrelenting force. Here is a battle between two planetary heavyweights. Squares are gear grinds, producing either a braking action, a release, or a rounding of a corner. With this so very tight square (4 minutes from exactitude) coming during the New Moon the moment is ripe for a new turn of events.

Pluto in Capricorn will want to change or dissolve structures it deems unsound, to stealthily delve deeply in into what is currently in place and from there to undermine what it sees as unnecessary. But Saturn, champion of the status quo, in Libra, makes it difficult to overthrow relationships that are already in place. Indeed, it will want to crystallize relationships and work hard at creating the structures through which a relationship can flourish and deepen.

Inevitably, therefore, when we look back on this lengthy Saturn/Pluto square (it actually has been in effect from the end of October through the beginning of April and then will be again from the beginning of August until early September), we will see it as having been one of significant, if uncomfortable change. But change nevertheless.

However, as British astrologer Tony Vowles notes on his Astrology Blog, Libra and Capricorn:

“…do have some things in common – they are both cardinal signs (signs that generate action and movement). They are also both interested in quality, in things being correct and being presented in the correct manner. In other words, image is important. Finance is also an area of commonality for them and points to further difficulty and news in regards to the current global financial crises. We have been seeing a propensity for keeping up appearances, suggesting that everything is ok, and a disinclination to show the mess beneath the surface.”

This Scorpio New Moon suggests that something that has hitherto been a hidden “mess” will eventually break through to the surface. Therefore, we will have to look elsewhere for relief.

Finally there’s the Venus applying square to Mars. Adding this passionate, emotional transit to the already deeply passionate and emotional Scorpio New Moon may seem like throwing gasoline on a burning bonfire, propelling you into that proverbial “too hot not to cool down” relationship that we’ve all heard about. This Venus/Mars combination often manifests as the conflict that arises from differences between romantic and sexual needs. It may, however, be just the right ingredient to prompt you into pursuing an important vocation or creative hobby. In any event, this highly physical energy can be very tricky as you attempt to get the right balance between what you want and what will suit others. In the end it will be a time to air hostilities and seek responsible understanding.

The Locomotive Chart Pattern

Speaking of Mars, it is interesting to note that it is the leading planet in what Marc Edmund Jones identified as the “Locomotive” pattern. According to Jones, this pattern indicates a “…a lack or a need, of a problem to be solved, a task to be achieved in the social and intellectual world [and a] self-driving individuality [that] exhibits a dynamic and exceptionally practical capacity.” In Jones’ view then, Mars would be the one planet vital in the analysis of this chart. Positioned in the eighth house in our Southland chart, Mars supports the Scorpio New Moon as Scorpio is that house’s natural ruler and Mars is the traditional ruler of Scorpio. Here, Mars wants to lead the action, especially with its Leo flair for showmanship, and that action is directed to the resources available through, once again, partnerships.

As suggested before, this Scorpio New Moon chart points to a moment of spiritual depth. This too is all the more reinforced by the 8h house Mars in as much as in spiritual terms the eighth represents the “doorway” into spiritual consciousness. And this is the direction in which this Mars would lead us if we were but willing to enter there, especially within the auspices of a New Moon meditation.

New Moon in the Eleventh House

For us in the Southland, the New Moon occurs in the eleventh house. This is the sector associated with networking, making contact, group activities, income earned from business and, most importantly, with our highest goals and aspirations. In this latter sense, it represents those associates who we have chosen to help us attain those highest goals. In metaphysical terms it corresponds to our “soul group,” those who we are meant to connect with both in physical form and in the spirit world. With the New Moon here, focus is on making contacts and reaching out to others in the spiritual, social and/or professional sense. Heightened awareness of your position in life within the context of the group, rather than through self-centered focus, is attainable with this position of the New Moon. Goals that involve networking, making connections with others, joining or strengthening ties in a group project/activity, and nurturing good will are the focus this “moonth.”

An Out of Bounds Moon

Our psychic nature is in rhythm with two important Moon cycles: the familiar lunar phases, and a second cycle – the up/down or North/South movement defined in terms of declination or distance from the celestial equator.

This month’s New Moon is also rather unique in as much as it is the first one this year in which it is “Out of Bounds” (OOB). This term refers to the Sun’s annual movement which sets the “boundaries” of the Zodiac from the Tropic of Capricorn (23 deg South 26 min) at the Winter Solstice, to the Tropic of Cancer (23North26) at the Summer Solstice. While the Sun always moves within these boundaries, the Moon and the planets can, but rarely do, move “Out of Bounds.”

When the Moon is Out of Bounds we experience more latitude imaginatively and creatively. When the Moon is Out of Bounds, South of the celestial equator, it is “in the underworld.” This is a good time to go beneath the surface of things, to do in depth research, change habits or renovate the inner world. It marks a period of time when we may experience emotional challenges relating to any area of life where we are being blocked or where we are hiding something from ourselves. Long held secrets may be revealed – intentionally or inadvertently – when the Moon is Out of Bounds South.

When the New Moon is “riding low,” as it is here, our inner world is illuminated and the unconscious is energized so individual, group, and global patterns of thought are brought to awareness and may be reformulated. This is of particular significance during this psychically rich New Moon in Scorpio, also known as Lunar Samhain, making it a great time to be still and tune into higher wisdom. Traditionally, this is time to relinquish the hold of the past year, to let go of all the things that you want to discard and to open yourself to the vision of how you want the New Year to be. With no lunar light and the Scorpio New Moon OOB South, the veil between worlds is at its most crossable, making all kinds of spirit communication possible, allowing us to turn our “vision” inward, to take a look around the personal interior, and ponder realms we can’t see with our eyes.

The Sabian Symbol for this New Moon

This is an incredibly perceptive new Moon, not just because it is in Scorpio (which is enough in itself) but because so many of the Symbols speak of getting below the surface of what’s going on. This New Moon is very much about digging; emotionally, mentally and spiritually. The Sabian Symbol is Scorpio 25: An X-Ray Photograph Helps With The Diagnosis. This speaks of penetrating insight piercing through external appearances, pure understanding, incredible insight and revelations.

In closing, may I direct your attention to Lynda Hill’s page which delves into the symbology of this degree as well as another thorough look at its portents for the month? Linda’s work is always impressive and informative.

See ya next time
Johnny

Comments

1 Comment so far

Jim Hopper on November 15, 2009 1:56 am
Johnny,
Good job.
James