The Lunar Theme for the
August 20, 2009 New Moon

Across the Threshold

The Lunar Month of
August 20, 2009 - September 18, 2009

Nick Anthony Fiorenza

Copyright © 2009 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).

Lunar Cycle Overview

Our New Moon occurs in early sidereal Leo, under the auspices of the "Head of Lion." This lunar cycle is one of exploration and it invites us to break trail into new territory. Most importantly, it embodies the "Makemake-Saturn Uranus Synodic Opposition"--the point of "Transition" in the Makemake-Uranus-Saturn 2008-2011 timeline. Makemake, a newly discovered planet, is pronounced MAH-keh MAH-keh. This entire timeline is explored in the article "In Search of the Golden Egg 2008-2011" (available to non-subscribers). The September 2009 transition point occurring in this few-year timeline nests within the context of this dynamic lunar month--explored in this month's Lunar Planner. This lunar cycle starts with a series of lunar-planet triggers and ends with more of the same, including the "Makemake-Saturn-Uranus Synodic Opposition," all making for a catalytic lunar month that propels us--"Across the Threshold." This lunar cycle also embodies the Juno-Uranus synod, which marks the start of new emotionally-based cycle in the "Restructuring of Partnerships" currently underway, and which will explode into a new formation at the end of this year. Also contributing to this unprecedented month of transition, we begin a new Jupiter-Chiron many year cycle on the cusp of sidereal Aquarius, the humanitarian waterbearer and with a theme defined by the principle star, Sadr of Cygnus, heart of the Swan. And of utmost significance, this lunar month also embodies the mid-point of vision and realization in the current 44-year Saturn-Uranus cycle. Consider what you may have initiated 22-years ago and what was occurring in our world at that time, as this lunar month marks the epitome of realization regarding it. All in all, this lunar cycle marks a primary turning where we now begin a rather intense many month acceleration of change, yet ultimately leading to our emergence into a new world paradigm.

Synodic cycles are created when two (or more) planets align in their 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.

New Moon Phase Characteristics

The New Moon

Our New Moon of August 20, 2009 occurs in early sidereal Leo under the auspices of the "Head of the Lion." It conjoins Adhafera, the crest of the Lion's mane, and Al Jabha, the forehead, of the Lion. It also conjoins Alpha and Beta Pyxidis of Argo Navis; Alphard of the Hydra; Suhail Al Muhlif on the sail of the Argo; and the Pup-A Super Nova Remnant on the Puppis of the Argo.

The head of the Lion is composed of several stars and actually extends from Algenubi, the Eye of the Lion and Rasalas, which marks the forehead of the Lion, which lie in late sidereal Cancer, to Adhafera, the mane, and Algeibia, which conjoins Regulus, the Heart or essence of the Leo. The Lion is looking from Leo back across the cusp into Cancer (much like those on a performing arts stage would be looking toward their audience. Subra, the front paw of the Lion lies on the cusp of sidereal Leo.

Adhafera, the Lion's main, and Al Jabhah, Eta Leo, conjoin the themes of Alphard, Suhail Al Muhlif, and the Pup-A Supernova Remnant. Here we might think more in terms of the brain or mind of the Lion, the Lion's persona and how the Lion thinks--perhaps with a sense of aloneness yet with confident audacity.

The stars forming the Head of the Lion are of the trail-blazers, those willing to leave the comfort of mass-consensus, who are self-confident and self-reliant to step forth into unexplored territory; the ones who look for and can envision new horizons, those who discover new possibilities waiting to be realized.

Alphard, Alpha Hydra, is the "Solitary One." Alphard inspires us to step away from the comfort and security of the accepted and agreed upon consensus defining our known reality, to walk a lone path. It asks us to risk our reputations, our work, our lives, and our beliefs, driven by the passion within our hearts, to find new answers to the challenges that we face as we struggle to evolve. Alphard, in conjunction with the head of the Lion, is often of those who, for one reason or another, have self-exiled themselves from the norm, who stand alone, yet who create new ways that the masses would not otherwise pursue.

Often time the work of such adventures and trail-blazers is rarely seen until others later follow or make popular that which they have found, or until time itself brings the future into the present awareness of the masses. These way-showers are sometime long gone, continuing over the next horizon, rarely to be seen. They may or may not be recognized for their tremendous, relentless and lonely pursuits, and they may or may not become famous, but the roads and doorways they open pave the way for others to come, and make possible future generations’ evolutionary unfoldment. They go for gold and claim the crown.

The Suhail stars of Velorum, on the sail of the Argo, are always indicative of refined subtle energies or currents at work that function at the level of the soul's greater evolutionary journey--those transcendent to the dramatics of the terrestrial incarnational world. These are the currents those found breaking trail often attune to.

"Suhail, among the Persians, is synonymous for wisdom; as in the Al Anwar i Suhaili, the Lights of Canopus. Also a personal title taken in Arabia as a symbol for what is brilliant, glorious and beautiful." (Allen)

Suhail al Muhlif is Suhail of the Oath. Conjoining is the Pup-A Supernova Remnant of Puppis on the stern of the Argo, which enters the ecliptic just before Regulus, the heart of the Lion. Both entries add a transcendent galactic (soul-level) context to the conjoining theme of Alphard of the Hydra, the solitary one, and the stars creating the head of the Lion.

Suhail al Muhlif and Pup-A are indicative of soul oaths made and set in motion long ago, of soul level missions set out upon that transcend one's incarnational sojourn--missions to open doorways and portals which allow us to reach for and achieve a greater fullness in life. The soul oaths taken are to maintain our personal integrity to our souls' directives, to see to our evolutionary fulfillment in regard to our purposes in the world--to be of the Kahi Nub of Canopus, meaning the Golden Earth--to become what is beautiful and glorious. Pup-A also provides the inspiration and motivation to demonstrably live our soul oaths, to stand forth humble yet proud in that purpose.

Pyxidis is the Crow's Nest (or compass) of the Argo, the galactic ship. Alpha Pyxidis, just into sidereal Leo, conjoins Subra, the paw of the Lion, and Alpha Pictoris. The stellar qualities of Alpha Pyxidis ask us to peer far beyond the common world to navigate through potential problems or obstacles upon our exploration. Pyxidis inspires us to find the map obscured in the sand, to see the picture waiting to emerge from the obscuring fog into visible sight, and to take an abode, place, vantage, or perspective from which we can see and find distant lands. Pyxidis indicates a process, one that requires patience, foresight, and perceptual attentiveness. Although this often is a lonely process, it is one serving our greater evolutionary journey, and as well, the journeys of our colleagues and companions. Pyxidis has little interest in the superfluous pursuits of the common world, always seeking new ground, looking forward, gazing ahead through time, to see through the present limitations into the depths of what can yet become.

Mercury & Makemake

Immediately following the New Moon, Mercury and Makemake conjoin. Makemake's mythology is fitting for our New Moon theme. Makemake (pronounced MAH-keh MAH-keh) is the Polynesian name for the creator god of humanity in the mythology of the South Pacific island of Rapa Nui (Easter Island). Makemake is the chief god of the Tangata-Manu Ceremony at Orongo. An annual ceremonial competition was held in which islanders would compete to be the first to get a sea swallow egg from a precarious breeding site of the seabirds at the tiny islet of Moto Nui. This was a high-adventure contest requiring contestants to traverse dangerous cliffs and swim through shark-infested waters--needless to say not all contestants survived. The winner was honored with the title Tangata-Manu (bird-man). The chief of his clan was to lead the Rapa Nui people for the year. The last birdman competition took place as late as 1867. The Tangata-Manu competition was part of the Make-Make tribe of Orongo Village. Although new to our planetary family with its astrological character yet to be verified, I tend to see Makemake as supporting the discovery of, or uncovering of that which, is nourishing in the material / physical realm of life, of that which provides our fundamental physical sustenance, of economics; and involving the leadership and politics governing the "fundamental provisions for the people." We might also surmise a quality of audacious braveness and physical agility in discovery, considering the perilous cliff-hanging egg-hunting contest. Makemake plays an extremely significant role in the 2008-2011 timeline, and in the transition occurring in the global economic paradigm.

Within the first phase of the lunar cycle, the Moon conjoins Orcus, Pallas, Saturn, Makemake, Mercury, Ceres and Haumea--stimulating a dynamic start to the emergence of this lunar month's theme. More about Haumea & Makemake.

Sun-Orcus

The Sun conjoins Orcus, while the Crescent Moon conjoins Haumea on August 23. The Sun-Orcus conjunction marks the mid-point of vision and realization in the current Earth-Orcus synodic cycle.

The Sun-Orcus conjunction is also fitting to this lunar month's theme. Orcus is Pluto's compliment. Orcus' orbital parameters suggests that Orcus addresses how we are applying our personal will for the greater well being of all humanity; how we are contributing to human society. Orcus seems to motivate us to use our day-to-day lives, our daily activity, for soul's greater purpose on Earth--to live true to the Oath of the Soul. See a new and in-depth exploration of Pluto and Orcus. This Sun-Orcus conjunction brings our awareness to this issues and its occurrence on the pre-Crescent Moon aids to stimulate the engagement of our creative process with this lunar month's theme in this context.

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.

The Crescent Moon of August 23 conjoins Haumea and occurs in sidereal Virgo. They conjoin Kraz of Corvus the Raven; and Beta Volans. The stars of Corvus inspire us to use our intuitive capacity and to be attentive to and heed the signs around us, those occurring in natural world around us, in our everyday affairs. Here, the metaphorical images of the events in our lives provide our guidance.

Volans (Piscis Volantis), the unique flying fish, generally found in warmer tropical oceans, is known for its wing-like pectoral fins that allow it to glide through the air. Volans, resides quite south in the heavens, under the stern and keel of the Argo, which is associated with navigational mapping and transcendent forces and evolutionary currents that direct our lives. Volans is associated with our soul-ar plane (not earth plane), specifically, laying the foundation that supports our souls' uninhibited true expression--the capacity to pierce the limiting envelope of our existing perceptional bubble and birth into new life expression or realm of consciousness.

Haumea, another of our newly discovered planets, lies north of the ecliptic and is just approaching the foot of Bootes, the Virgin's consort and protector. Haumea was recently discovered in December of 2004, and her two moons (Hi'iaka and Namaka) were discovered shortly after in 2005. Haumea's formal name was approved on September 17, 2008.

Haumea seems to have a propensity to intercede with dynamic motion from a state of equilibrium and poise to support a new birth in consciousness with a greater spiritual awareness about the fundamental primordial forces of life. She appears to have a role in helping to reorient world powers' militaristic destructive use of power and resources into a nurturing force that supports and protects life, home and family; and that aids humanity's emergence into a spiritually and primordial aware state of being. At a personal level, Haumea inspires the application of our personal attributes and resources for the same principles. More on Haumea.

Haumea's placement inspires us to take personal responsibility for the environment and for our personal environments in which we reside; and to create the environmental conditions supportive for a new birth in consciousness. Haumea's influence to birth a new life adds significantly to our Crescent Moon as we engage our creative process with this lunar month's theme.

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. Our First Quarter Moon occurs on August 27 in sidereal Scorpio, just past Dschuba and Graffias, the head of the Scorpion and under the left foot of Ophiuchus. The Moon conjoins Yed Posterior of Ophiuchus; and the Circini X-1 Black Hole / X-ray source.

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 Scorpio and into Sagittarius. Late sideral Libra embodies the claws (chelae) of the Scorpoin; 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.

As we arrive to the head of the Scorpion, which crosses the cusp of sidereal Libra/Scorpio and which is marked by the stars Dschuba and Graffias, 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 the life scenarios in which we find ourselves. Once we chose 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.

Ophiuchus stands over and upon 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 (not sign) of the zodiak.

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 exemplifies one who has demonstrably claimed self-mastery over the very raw creative forces of life and death. 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--the double helix of the DNA. 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. Ophiuchus also articulates the Christian resurrected Jesus (Jeshu).

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 freedom from our self-created karmic-based reincarnational patterns, and our evolutionary fulfillment.

Yed, the hand of death, does not refer to a dark sinister force out for our demise, but it does reveal that something must die--an entire modality of being, the personality-level egoic self-importance façade justifying our life experience as if we are victims of life so we can participate from the maturity a soul-awakened being, responsible for our experience, our actions, and their results. Han, the left knee of Ophiuchus, articulates this transmutational process that must occur in within self.

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 personally merely leaves us on the circular and 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.

Our First Quarter Moon's placement creates a rather intense and serious, yet passionately and sensually driven external stimulus to action--to participate from a place of self-mastery and demonstrably create the lives we want.

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 August 31 in sidereal Sagittarius and lies under the auspices of Lyra, harp of the angels / angles. It conjoins Sulaphat of Lyra; and Alpha Pavo, the Peacock. This is a point of high-vision, creativity, with a broad spectral resonance that reveals a multiplicity of opportunity for solution and fulfillment.

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. Here we find the inspiration to re-tune the physical and emotional aspects of our lives. We find support to become fully and harmoniously resonant to our spiritual truth, highest ideals and visions, and to express them into demonstrable material manifestation as we are about to cross the cusp into sidereal Capricorn. Alpha Pavo is of integration, illumination, and beauty, is enduring and immortal, and brings inspiration to express the beauty that we are and that we truly seek into physical form.

Full Moon Phase Characteristics

Vision, Enthusiasm, & Realization of the Theme

The Full Moon marks the culmination point in the lunar cycle, the climax, the point of excitement and celebration. The hours leading up to the Full Moon provide a time of "vision and enthusiasm." The time just after Full Moon is a one of "realization of the lunar month's theme," a time to kick back and relax, to allow our realizations to surface in consciousness.

Our Full Moon occurs on September 4 in sidereal Aquarius. It conjoins Hydor of Aquarius, which marks the Urn of the Humanitarian Waterbearer. The Moon also conjoins Alpha Hydrus (not to be confused with Hydra), Zeta Phoenix; and influencing are the stars at the top of Cygnus, the galactic cross; as well as Achernar of Eridanus and Ankaa of the Phoenix.

The Urn of Aquarius is of humanitarian philanthropic foundations, organizations, and business vessels through which material and financial support can flow for future-oriented humanitarian focused projects and for the nourishment of an evolved human society flourishing in the arts and sciences.

Hydor is the first and most prominent star of the humanitarian stream, the outpouring, and the essence of this nourishing and supportive humanitarian flow. Note as well that a human's ability to receive also requires a vessel, that is, creating an effective means to receive.

This is also Neptune's exalted location in the ecliptic, which dissolves differences into universality and inspires creative vision and high-ideals.

Achernar and Ankaa conjoin, and although a couple degrees from the Moon, these principle stars influence our Full Moon theme. Achernar is the end of the river Eridanus. Achernar is of fulfillment, completion, integration, and rewards from what has been gained from the long and winding journey in life (such as in the completion of a project, a leg of a journey, the of life itself). 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 the journey. Ankaa is also the emblem of Universal (Uranian) Love.

Directly conjoining our Full Moon and Hydor of Aquarius is Alpha Hydrus. Classically, Alpha Hydrus is the tail of Hydrus, yet some modern renderings show it as the head. Hydrus is a very southern constellation, lying at the south ecliptic pole. As such, it is of the soul collective's fundamental essence--a protogenoi of life, specifically the fundamental nourishing primordial waters form which life emerges. Alpha Hydrus articulates our fundamental basic needs of life--that which the entire human family requires for its basic existence--the needs of the people to live--that which should be denied to none. Yet such fundamental needs are denied to so many, and this is why we have such a need for a total restructuring of our world paradigm.

Thus, our Aquarian Full Moon's vision and realization brings perspective to and reveals the purpose of this month's lunar theme at the Head of the Lion, the more embracing purpose for breaking trail.

Jupiter, Chiron & Neptune & the new Jupiter Chiron Synodic Cycle

Jupiter, Chiron and Neptune have been conjoining in the latter few degrees of sidereal Capricorn, at the cusp of sidereal Capricorn-Aquarius. The first Jupiter-Chiron-Neptune conjunction was presented the April 25, 2009 Lunar Planner: "Beneficence - The Crossing Begins." It was triggered by the Last Quarter Moon of the April lunar cycle, which initiated a several month period with a mobilizing, expansive, optimistic and opportunistic force to create and cross a Chironic bridge across the Saturn-Uranus abyss (opposition).

Now, in the midst of their retrogrades, Jupiter, Chiron and Neptune will begin new and compounded synodic cycles (Jupiter-Chiron Sept 4 / Jupiter-Neptune Sept 19). Jupiter and Chiron begin their new synodic cycle on Sept 4, hours after the Full Moon, on our day of realization in the lunar cycle. Jupiter and Neptune will began a new synodic cycle on the following New Moon.

This compounded Jupiter-Chiron-Neptune synodic cycle is another reason why September 2009 creates a primary turning or transition. The Jupiter-Chiron-Neptune 2009 cycles are quite significant. They occur 30° away from Uranus (Aquarius-Pisces cusp). The 30° aspect (semi-sextile) provides and opportunity for growth. Harmonically, these are two energetics that want to ally in strength.

The several month Jupiter-Chiron conjunction and the synod occurring now are also quite significant because of Chrion's harmonic relationship with Saturn and Uranus. Chiron's orbit is highly eccentric. At its perihelion (closest point to the Sun), it lies just inside the orbit of Saturn. At its aphelion (farthest point from the Sun), it lies close to the orbit of Uranus. Thus, two significant "orbital harmonic resonances" occur, linking Chiron with Saturn and Uranus. For this reason, Chiron creates a bridge, way, or link between the realms of Saturn and Uranus--from the old, established, concretized, stoic realm of Saturn to the new, unconventional radical, electrical, spontaneous realm of Uranus. As we move outward in our solar (system's) consciousness, we move from Saturn to Uranus. Uranus breaks us from the conformity of the past, opening us to new realms of possibility. Thus Chiron escorts us in this process, often helping to create the way across the Saturn-Uranus abyss. Chiron can indicate where personal healing or transmutation is required. More about Chiron.

This Jupiter-Chiron synod marks a primary shift in the midst of the bridge we are now crossing, a bridge that we are still forming over what may appear as a massive mysterious abyss. Jupiter's expansive and mobilizing force not only brings tremendous support and optimism to cross this bridge; but Jupiter will move to conjoin Uranus starting in June of 2010. Jupiter will play a key role in the entire Makemake-Saturn-Uranus cycle from May 2010 through March 2011. Jupiter's presence will be responsible for the next major shift in the 2008-2011 timeline--creating the September 2010 Synodic Synchronization--"the mobilization of change."

This new Jupiter-Chiron synodic theme occurring now resides exactly on the cusp of sidereal Capricorn-Aquarius, and is defined by the principle star Sadr of Cygnus, heart of the Swan (heart of the northern the galactic cross). The cusp of sidereal Aquarius is marked by the wing of Cygnus the Swan, which extends from Sadr, the heart of the Swan, to Gienah, the tip of the wing. We also have the Veil (Lacework) Nebula residing on the wing near Gienah.

This point in the ecliptic is where we are motivated to strip off the cloaks of personality-based facades and shenanigans to reveal true heart-level self and to live from our deeper hearts' truth for the greater nourishment of all. Sadr, the heart, and Gienah, the wing of Cygnus, lifts us from a self-centered exclusive focus to a more embracing and inclusive level of participation. This marks the start of the true humanitarian facet of the zodiak.

To live a lie in attempt to protect others from their own emotions is to deny others the opportunity for their own growth, as well as to deny our selves the opportunity to grow and change. This act lowers our resonance into a sympathetic vibration, which only perpetuates conditions we would really like to change. Living true to self is the real gift we have to offer each other. To be humanitarian is not about self-sacrifice or creating dependence, it is about living in our personal integrity and supporting others to do the same. From this stance we allow a natural spiral of creative growth to carry us forward into a new humanitarian-based era.

Also marking the cusp of sidereal Aquarius and conjoining Sadr of Cygnus is the Quasar 2134+004, which resides in Aquarius. This Quasar inspires us to enter deep within self and to bring forth our unique substance and soul essence that is of true value to each other and to the world, rather than projecting just superficial skin-deep appearances or false facades common to earlier sidereal Capricorn. Here we are motivated to demonstrate our capacity to participate with true humanitarian vision, with interest for all rather than for the manipulation of an exclusive few.

This helps to elucidate the purpose of our current global economic healing crisis and where the underlying planetary cycles are attempting to lead us!

Mercury Retrograde

Mercury begins its few-week retrograde period on September 6-7, 2009. In the midst of its retrograde, a new 116-day Earth-Mercury synodic cycle will begin (In the next lunar cycle). Most significantly, Mercury's retrograde cycle conjoins Saturn (three triggers)--creating a sub-cycle in this longer timeline that is fully supportive of redefining the logistics of our existing economic paradigm; as well as the structure and form of our personal lives. This Mercury-Saturn logistical restructuring period runs from mid-August through early October.

The Turning for Relationships
The new Juno-Uranus Synodic Cycle.

Juno has been in a retrograde cycle conjoining Uranus, and is responsible for the massive and radical restructuring of relationships and partnerships of all types--those of a personal nature, in business and those political. This Juno-Uranus synod creates another of our major shifts catalyzing this September's turning. It occurs exactly on the Disseminating Moon of September 8, 2009.

Juno is the asteroid of covenant relationships, soul colleagues, and true lovers. In an astrological chart, Juno indicates the nature of the issues and opportunities in significant relations of all sorts: those that are of a personal nature to those of political leaders and nations of the world. Mature Juno is diplomatic, tactful, cooperative, and mutually trusting. Mature Juno expresses with a sense of equality within self that provides the ability to draw true partners and those of equality into one's life. There is an acceptance of another's truth or opinion without need to challenge or debate. There is an ability to honor and support others in their own choices and decisions. Mature Juno expresses self-confidence in humbleness and without defense.

Potential Juno issues are: Superiority / inferiority complexes - competitiveness, defensiveness, lack of self confidence, arrogance and judgment of others; unconscious manipulation of others - power struggles seeking contention; betrayal, bitterness, spitefulness and standoffs; jealousy and possessiveness; one-up-man-ship--validating self by invalidating others (or reverse); dictating behavior--telling others what they should or should not do--minding others' business instead of one's own. More about Juno.

The new Juno-Uranus synod occurs exactly on the cusp of sidereal Aquarius-Pisces in "the circlet" of Pisces, a circle of stars that marks the head of the western fish. Here we cross the cusp into the palpable wet emotional world of the masses and of life. Lying north of the circlet and marking this Piscean cusp is the Matar on the left forearm of Pegasus, which marks the gush point in the zodiak. Matar is from Al Sa‘d al Matar--the Fortunate Rain--which articulates movement from high mental and social activity of later sidereal Aquarius, and the vulnerability to psychic manipulation and entrapment that living in the mind alone can cause, exemplified by the Zetas of Reticuli, which mark the end of Aquarius, to the wet sensual emotional world of Pisces and the aquatics.

This new Juno-Uranus cycle moves us from the intellectual gymnastic head-tripping that had been occurring amongst relations to one that is driven from a feeling / gut level--thankfully. This new cycle should help get us in touch with what really matters.

Juno's retrograde conjoining Uranus and opposing Makemake and Saturn is also squaring Pluto, which began on July 10. The second Juno-Pluto square occurs on September 11, 2009. Juno, Pluto and Saturn will then make a dramatic T-square on December 28, 2009 through January 1, 2010, bringing this period of restructuring for relationships to a climatic finale. Pluto is the force that must fire (the harmonic tension) in this T-square. In addition, the Moon will oppose Pluto on December 31, 2009, fulfilling this T-square to create a Grand Square--to be discussed in the December 2009 Lunar Planner.

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.

The Disseminating Moon occurs on September 8 in early sidereal Aries and conjoins Kaitain of Pisces, the knot tying the two fishes of Pisces together, (which lies just into the first few degrees of sidereal Aries); Mirach, Beta Andromeda, the sash of the princess (which lies just north of Alrisha); and Mira of Cetus.

Kaitain (Alrisha), Alpha Pisces, is the knot of emotional attachment in the mortal world, of being tied together. Mirach, the belt, sash, or chord of Andromeda the Princess signifies a bond of strength. Mirach indicates betrothal of those destined to be together, and specifically is the declaration of commitment uniting them. Mirach is of the bonds in partnership that make it possible to live our highest potential and divine destiny. Mirach can literally imply tying the knot in matrimony, but more specifically it is about bonds of the soul, a star of union and of soul mates, of making it possible, through committed union, for two to be or do something greater than either can be or do alone.

Although Mirach conjoins Kaitain, the knot based on emotional affection and sometimes entanglement, Mirach, being a bond of strength, does not imply a union in any negative sense, although their combined energy can express--and sometimes confusingly--as entanglement. If we have done our work while passing through Pisces, getting emotionally clear, our capacity for discernment should reveal the difference.

Mira (Omicron) Cetus is the breathing neck of Cetus, sometimes said to falsely emulate the royal Aldebaran because its period of brilliancy is highly undependable, but at times it can approach even the true magnificence of Aldebaran. Mira expounds upon the theme of (Kaitain and Mirach). Mira entices the appreciation for what could be the magnificent and attractive glitter, the beauty in the dramatics of the human world. Mira can also indicate a celebration, party, reception, the glitter and fanfare of a union. One however can also be deceived by Mira, blinded by emotional and psychic ambiguity. In this case, it may just be an expression of hot air, all show but no true substance or enduring power. Either way, Mira is a favorite variable star of astronomers due to what can be a spectacular show indeed.

Last Quarter Moon Phase Characteristics