Feb

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February 11, 2010 | 1 Comment

The Valentine New Moon in Aquarius
February 13, 2010

Much more than an event created by Hallmark, Valentine’s Day is a celebration dating from ancient Rome where February 14th was designated as a holiday in honor of Juno, the Queen of the Roman Gods and Goddesses. The Romans also knew her as the Goddess of women, marriage and romance. This year’s Aquarius New Moon checks in within very near hailing distance of that date. As such, we might look at the Juno symbolism in the context of the energy presented to us in our Southland Valentine New Moon.

Perhaps you will remember that last month’s New Moon was accompanied by a close conjunction to Venus. There is a similar effect for this Valentine New Moon as Chiron and Neptune, the higher octave planet of Venus, are both within a 01° conjunction of the New Moon degree. This four planet dance can clearly be seen clustered in the Southland’s fifth house (above) where they are joined by a finally direct Mercury.

One of the significant fields of experience which the fifth house embodies is the expression of romance. Since all New Moons are the start of the moonthly cycle – the seed planting stage if you will, our attention in this chart is directed to the beginnings of romantic considerations, either within an absolutely initial stage, or in the re-commitment to an ongoing romance. The New Moon urges us to look within for that starting point. This internal quest is accompanied by Chiron, who ensures that, after a bit of a bumpy ride, the moment emerges on the surface as a romantic healing, one which, by its position in Aquarius which might best be served through group work. New friendships can go to deeper levels and Neptune, the Sea God, representing the deep unconscious as well as our spiritual qualities, brings the necessary depth and the “higher” element of our Love for and from Spirit to this communal Aquarian moment.

You might also note that the Asteroid Goddess Juno, herself, at 25° Aries, is in a very favorable, energetically creative and exact sextile (60°) aspect to the degree of the New Moon. And right along side of Juno is Eros, stationed at 26° Aries. Aphrodite’s son, (now known to most of us as Cupid) was tasked by his Mother to shoot mortals of her choosing with his magic Love arrows. Juno, that Goddess energy of women, marriage and romance, also enhances the already supportive and spiritually healing Chiron/Neptune conjunction, and Eros is in the perfect position to send his darts of Love into the heart of this Aquarian stellium.

Sounds very nice, huh? Well, under normal circumstances, I’d be jumping up and down with excitement, telling those of you not in a relationship to run out and grab the first guy or girl on the street and prepare for a really good time. But not so fast. This is Aquarius we’re talking about here.

While Aquarius is the sign of fellowship, friendship and the idealized brotherhood of Man, on a personal level, and as the stage setter for a moonth, it is not quite so friendly as it sounds. Considering the planets which rule this 11th sign, Saturn and Uranus, one might expect that the turf (read: sign) which they govern might not be such a comfortable location for the introspective New Moon. On the other hand, and to borrow a phrase,if a New Moon can make it here, it can make it anywhere.

Prior to the discovery of Uranus, and for some time following, Aquarius was ruled by Saturn; not exactly the friendliest of next door neighbors. Saturn was NOT the first “King of the Gods.” That status belonged to the “Sky God,” Ouranos. However, this first Father God had this one flaw: he ate his children (out of fear that one of them would one day replace him). His wife, Gaia, the mother of the devoured “Godlings,” hatched a plot to dispose of him. And the son she chose to castrate, depose and then replace his father as King? Why it was none other than Saturn. A real stellar pair, huh?

Together, Saturn and Uranus impart a decent measure of cold aloofness to Aquarius. Adding to this is the fact that this very different Uranus, unlike every other planet, rotates around the Sun on its side inclined at a 90° angle. Strange. Uranus is nothing if not different. Is there any wonder that there is a natural disconnect between head and heart that occurs in Aquarius, which is perhaps the most “intellectual” of the intellectual Air Signs?

Speaking of Uranus, up there near the 3 o’clock position, at 24° Pisces,it is completely unaspected, meaning that as far as the other planets are concerned, they can’t hear Uranian energy, nor can they help rein in his wilder side. The Uranus energy (eccentric, radical and/or divinely inspired change) is not plugged into or in communication with any other planet. In other words, it’s like a loose cannon. If I didn’t know better, I’d look for a rash of “Love at First Sight” happenings.

Venus and Jupiter

It was only a few days after the last New Moon, on January 18th, that Jupiter made its first crossing into Pisces. His Piscean energies were enhanced when, less than three weeks later, on the 12th, he was joined there by Venus. The fast applying conjunction between Venus and Jupiter is a definite blessing in this chart. Known classically as the greater and lesser Benefics, they are more often than not the harbingers of good things. One of the characteristics of Venus is the element of passional love, while Jupiter often brings expansion to the things it touches. In Pisces, they are both operating at very high levels, Venus being exalted there and Jupiter as this sign’s traditional ruler.

In any kind of a chart a Venus/Jupiter conjunction shows optimism, generosity, an appreciation of beauty and a good sense of humor. This conjunction in Pisces, and especially in our Southland where it falls in the 6th house, asks us answer to its directive to serve. The blessing of loving kindness and compassion so beautifully expressed in Pisces may now find an outward expression through our service to our fellow Man.

Mercury and Mars

Add to this mix a burst of Martian testosterone expressing itself through the opposition between Mars and Mercury. This very dynamic pair can also be very argumentative, which may lead to sloppy thinking that fails to look deeply enough into the details of the moment at hand. Considering the context, it would be wise for those of you who embark on a romantic Valentine’s weekend with a new lover to be wary of an affair that is “too hot not to cool down.”

It would also be wise to remember that Mars remains the lead planet in this chart’s Locomotive pattern, in much the same way as he was last month when I wrote: “…that it’s his energy that drives this moment to become self-actualized. And he’s just bursting with energy, being a Fire planet in a Fire sign (Leo).” That message holds true in this chart with the exception that adding Mercury to the mix will make him want to tell everyone about it.

The Sensitive Mars/Uranus midpoint

Perhaps the most sensitive point in this chart is the Mars/Uranus mid-point at 29°30″ Taurus/Scorpio. In the first place, this degree lies mid-way between the two encompassing planets in the Locomotive pattern which automatically brings it to attention. Secondly, it is the mid point between two “Malefics,” Mars and Uranus; one might say, smack dab in the middle of the proverbial “rock and a hard place.” Thirdly, I would ask you to consider the individually volatile status of both of those planets in this chart. I mention this as a caution to those with a planet or sensitive point at those degrees in their charts. With the opposition from Mercury helping set Mars off (often found in “accident charts”), were I you, I might not stray too far from home this weekend.

Saturn and Pluto

The tight, long term square between Saturn in Libra and Pluto in Capricorn continues to be in effect in this chart. Known as the Lord of Karma and the Lord of Death respectively, when these two powerhouses conflict with each other they sound a background chord of a struggle to re-shape the world in which we live. This struggle might not be seen as “to the death,” because Pluto happens to be in Capricorn, the sign ruled by Saturn, in a sense, softening that blow. But the cycle does coincide with major shifts in the global landscape as an outmoded structure is replaced with something new. Of course, the Old (Saturn) doesn’t really want to change or transform (Pluto), so this is seldom a time of smooth
transitions.

For the individual, there is often an internal shift that creates a new way of seeing the world, perhaps creating the necessity to let go of something so that transformation can occur. Our personal challenges will force us to face those issues that aren’t working in alignment with our deeply held values. In this context it might be understood that entering into or reshaping an emotional involvement is an appropriate undertaking sometime during this long lasting transit, which will be in effect until late August of this year.

When is a Yod not a Yod

A word about the two non-yod patterns that appear in this chart. A so-called Yod is formed when there are two planets, 60° apart from each other, each pointing towards a single planet 150° away from both. (Note: 60°+150°+150°=360°) In much astrological literature the Yod is referred to as a “Finger of God” pattern, implying that the chart’s “owner” is somehow endowed with a forward moving, driving force pointed to accomplishment, as indicated by the planet “on point.” In such a case the individual is driven to action with no moment of indecision.

In this chart we see two such apparent Yod patterns. (Mars in Leo Sextile [60°] Saturn in Libra, both Inconjunct [150°] to Venus/Jupiter in Pisces.) The second pseudo-yod is between Pluto in Capricorn, which is approximately 60° from Venus in Pisces, while Pluto and Venus are both Inconjunct [150°] to Mars. Look carefully at the chart above and you may be able to discern the two patterns.

The problem is that in neither of these two patterns is the “heavier” or slower moving plant the one that occupies the “point.” One of my early teachers, the irascible Al Morrison, was very insistent that for the energy of a yod to work the energy of the two planets at the “base” positions must flow toward the point planet.

According to Morrison, the Quincunx (150°) energy naturally flows from the faster to the slower planet. Therefore, the Yod, which is made up of two Quincunxes must follow the same rule. In doing so, the “true” yod provides quick, decisive and uncompromising thought.

A Quick Look at the Sabians

26 Aquarius: A Garage Man Testing a Car’s Battery with a Hydrometer. Dane Rudhyar gives the following for his “keynote” for this degree:

Skill in applying Knowledge of natural laws to the solution of everyday
problems resulting from life in our technological society.

Simply, we must apply our mind, knowledge and discernment to the situation at hand.

And as usual, please allow me to direct you to my pal Lynda Hill’s excellent page on the Sabians for this New Moon.

Again, if you do not know your own chart and would like to see which house is most likely to be affected by this New Moon, might I once again recommend Astrolabe’s quick, easy and accurate chart calculation page. Having a copy of your own chart will enable you to see which house this Valentine New Moon, or any other set of transits, appears in your chart for a suggestion of how you might best employ its energy.

In Summary

Take the time during this New Moon, perhaps in meditation, to look at the ways in which your heart and your head can work together to activate the LOVER WITHIN, so that you may find the love of another and for yourself.

And a Final Note…

to say thank you to my outstanding wife, partner and friend, Jan, for giving me the 10 best years of my life. Happy Anniversary, sweetheart.

Johnny Mirehiel is a 40-year student of spiritual, metaphysical and astrological ideas. Internationally known as the discoverer of the astrological chart of the Harmonic Concordance, he is a member of the San Diego chapter of NCGR and he has been accredited by The International College of Astrology as both an astrological practitioner and teacher. He now plies his trade in the high desert of Southern California.

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New Moon in Pisces, March 15, 2010 : ncgrsandiego.org on March 12, 2010 5:36 am
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