June 23, 2009

A New Moon to Remember: The Sun and Moon join together once a month. This is called the New Moon and it represents the beginning of a fresh 28-day cycle in each sign every year. On Monday, June 22 at 12:35 pm the New Moon in Cancer occurred. This one, though, is special. It arrived just two days after the Summer Solstice (Winter Solstice in Wellington), one of the four critical turning points of the year that begin with each of the seasons. This means that we are starting two cycles at about the same time: the quarterly seasonal shift and the monthly lunation cycle.

The relationships (aspects or significant angles) between other planets and the New Moon color the coming lunar month with their qualities. Monday’s New Moon formed a close opposition (challenging angle of 180-degrees) with Pluto in Capricorn. This tiny distant body has lost its planetary status in the astronomical community but still packs a punch in the world of astrology. Pluto, discovered in 1930 during the Great Depression and the rise of fascism, was the Lord of the Underworld in mythology. It represents death and rebirth, transformation and descent into the dark night of the soul. Pluto is the purifying force, the cleaner who tosses out old ideas, attitudes, beliefs and institutions that have passed their sell date. We can expect some serious upheaval during the next four weeks as Pluto’s rumblings from the underworld pull down unworthy leaders and inefficient projects. Yet no one gives up easily in Pluto’s world so expect power struggles and protracted battles to defend one’s turf.

Cancer is the sign of family, home, roots, foundations, food and subjective feelings. The New Moon’s opposition to Pluto can raise the demons of fear from the deep as safety and security feel threatened. The stock market had a major drop on Monday, perhaps foreshadowing steeper declines to come. Fortunately, there are benefits to this intense pattern as well. It’s excellent for eliminating unhealthy habits like trading junk food for fruits and vegetables. Sure, it’s not fun to face our fears, whether they are real or imagined. However, facing the shadows of self-doubt and desperation can be a significant first step toward changing their underlying conditions. That’s because Pluto brings us to the source of discontent and desire if we are willing to examine our emotions instead of burying them in denial or distorting them with misdirection.

This is a transformational New Moon, one that is likely to touch everyone at the core. Most of us would be happy to paper over the deep crevasses in our culture and in our personal lives. It’s usually too uncomfortable to face them head on. But the New Moon’s message is to descend to where we can uncover the root causes of suffering in ourselves and in failures in the institutions of business and government. This can be a scary journey yet with love and respect for ourselves we will survive it and, perhaps, take a giant step forward toward healing our planet and every person on it.

Co-creating the Future

Rick Levine and I are presenting an exciting seminar on using astrology to live more effectively in these changing times. On March 7 – 13, 2010 we will be teaching in the beautiful colonial town of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico for a limited group of attendees. Whether you’re a serious student of astrology, total beginner or seasoned professional, Rick and I promise to enrich, enliven and educate with astrology’s magical language to help you create a brighter future. Go to Heaven and Earth Workshops for details.

As published here on my Tarot.com blog.

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