The Lunar Theme for the
November 16, 2009 New Moon

Spiritual Mastery of Primal Forces

The Lunar Month of
November 16, 2009 - December 16, 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

This New Moon occurs on the cups of sidereal Scorpio, nesting within the clutches of the Scorpion and approaching the Scorpion's head. It conjoins several potent stars including Beta Centauri, and the Nuclear Galaxy AP Libra.

The theme in this few degree band of the zodiak is about doing what ever it takes in assertive physical action to claim our mastery over the powerful forces governing life and death; to ensure our evolutionary freedom from perpetual entrapment in these forces. It demands that we mature in consciousness and take responsibility for our lives and for any entrapments in which we may find ourselves.

This is an intense lunar cycle, one that kicks off a potent year ahead, yet it leads us eloquently through a positive transmutational process. In this lunar cycle, we enter the start of the Saturn-Pluto Square, which continues through August 21, 2010. The first trigger to this square began the day before this New Moon, on November 15, 2009. From this time through the second trigger of three, which occurs on January 31, 2009, Saturn and Pluto maintain a very tight orb, of about 1°. This creates a very potent and relentless aspect--one demanding profound "change" in the very structure of consciousness.

The Gibbous Moon, which starts the pollinating lunar phase, conjoins Eris, while at the same time Juno, the asteroid of relationships and relating, begins a new many-year (synodic) cycle with Eris. Eris, a newly discovered planet is the "great disruptor." Eris, larger than Pluto, was responsible for the entire reclassification of planets and the formation of the new Dwarf Planet category to which Pluto now belongs. Eris forced us to relinquish limiting construct about our reality and to embrace our rapidly expanding consciousness.

As the Sun moves through the Scorpion, and under the auspices of Ophiuchus throughout this lunar cycle, it will conjoin Pholus, Ixion and Quaoar, all of which reside in sidereal Scorpio. This will provide opportunity to learn more about the nature of these newly discovered forces in our lives; and gain more insight into issues surrounding use of power.

Uranus, currently in opposition to Saturn and Makemake, completes its retrograde in this lunar cycle just before the Full Moon. The Full Moon conjoins Aldebaran, the Eye of the Bull, which marks the center of sidereal Taurus, and which reveals the purpose of this lunar cycle. Uranus' direct station marks the time for radical change to accelerate in our yearly cycle, a time to break away from the conforming bounds of that past; and it catalyzes another shift in our very dynamic few-year timeline.

Jupiter and Chiron conjoin later in the lunar cycle as Jupiter makes its way for its final conjunction with Neptune on the December solstice. The final conjunctions of Jupiter, Chiron and Neptune fully engage a new visionary energetic that will aid us to cross what seems to be a vast abyss still ahead.

The entwining cycles of Uranus, Saturn, Pluto and Jupiter will continue to play a very significant role in the tremendous change occurring in our societal paradigm well into 2011. Uranus and Pluto will then take over for a lengthy square extending well into 2015.

Synodic Cycles

I often discuss longer-term Synodic Cycles in the Lunar Planner. 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

This lunar cycle occurs in the continuing "Solunar Sidereal Synchronization" period that began two lunar cycles ago, and that will continue for several more lunar cycles--through April of 2010. This means that each New Moon will reside on the cusp of a sidereal sign. During this time, the Lunar Cycles can be more transformative in nature because the transition from one sidereal sign to the next is also of a transformative nature; and although the nature of each sidereal sign changes throughout the sign, the last degree of the previous sign marks its completion and the first degree of the following sidereal sign embodies the totality of that sign yet to unfold.

Our New Moon of November 16, 2009 occurs on the cusp of sidereal Scorpio, nesting within the clutches of the Scorpion and approaching the Scorpion's head. It conjoins Alpha Lupus, Beta Centauri (Hadar); the Nuclear Galaxy AP Libra; Zuben El Akrab, which lies on the north claw of the Scorpion; and it lies under the neck of the Serpent held by Ophiuchus, formed by the stars Mu and Epsilon Serpentis.

Early sidereal Scorpio teaches us how to graduate from the karmic clutches of naivete, from falling prey as victims to the entrapping forces around us, fighting in struggle to live, and to realize that we experience a wide dynamic of forces that mold our experience; and that it is up to us to claim our mastery in the midst of these forces.

The first few degrees of sidereal Scorpio, approaching the head of the Scorpion, resides in the domain the benevolent Centaur, who teaches the right way to live to attain our self-mastery in the physical world and subsequently to claim our freedom from entrapment in our antiquated patterns and life scenarios.

Here the theme of sacrifice and offerings arise, but sacrifice does not mean self-sacrifice. In the true sense of the word it means to give up a lower office for a higher office. When offering up the lesser (lesser modes of involvement or patterns of behavior), we are also faced with taking on a greater responsibility, moving from victim consciousness, where we feel powerless and merely acquiesce to the conditions of life in which we find ourselves--caught in the clutches of the Scorpion--to taking responsibility for our life scenarios and consciously choosing a life path that supports our experiential growth, our emotional and spiritual maturity, and our physical wellbeing and fulfillment.

The Centaurian training is not merely an intellectual understanding of these principles but is wisdom gained through an experiential journey moment-by-moment that leads us to true inner transmutation at a neurological level. Such wisdom results in the inner realization that makes self-mastery of the primal forces of life actualized and right action crystal clear. Here we learn to assemble the wisdom gained from our life experience as personal intent, and use that intent to mold the raw creative forces of life that define our experience.

Beta Centauri is the principal entry for our New Moon theme. Beta Centauri lies south of the ecliptic on the sidereal cusp of Scorpio. Beta Centauri embodies the essence of the "experiential transformational process." This is a way of living that allows the death of one way of life and a rebirth into a refined way of living, a purer, cardinal way of being. This is a life-long journey of personal (mental, emotional and physical) refinement, and it is the prerequisite to true spiritual self-mastery in the material world. This is body wisdom gained only by doing, not by amassing information that is not lived.

The benevolent and wise Centaurians are teachers, leaders back to the original cardinal virtues embodied by the Southern Cross. As Alpha Centauri articulates the master Centaur, the teacher, the shower of the way, Beta Centauri articulates the process itself, the way. Beta Centauri requires that we do whatever is required in the physical world, in assertive action, to achieve our paths of self-mastery in the world--exemplified by Ophiuchus, who stands over the Scorpion and holds the serpent, with the neck and head of the Serpent reaching for the Northern Crown, an image that articulates attaining freedom from entrapment in the cyclic re-incarnational process of soul growth and from our karmic-based patterns of the past.

Alpha Centauri, the main star of the Centaur, is a binary star system, with two suns in close orbit. It is known as the "Alpha Centauri AB" system. Alpha Centauri is the fourth brightest star in the sky but it is the closest star to our star system. As can be seen in southern hemisphere, Alpha Centauri and Beta Centauri are called "the southern pointers" because they point to Crux, the true Southern Cross, embodiment of the four cardinal virtues, the unadulterated pure intent of the soul.

Although not confirmed by astronomical observation, it is believed, given the similarities to our Sun and through computer modeling, that Alpha Centauri harbors terrestrial planets, orbiting around either of its suns that compose binary Alpha Centauri, or perhaps in larger orbits around the entire binary system. It is also suggested by some astronomers that Alpha Centauri is one of the best possibilities for harboring extraterrestrial life on a potential orbiting planet.

Some people in the extraterrestrial / UFO community, believe (perhaps know) that extraterrestrials from Alpha Centauri have already visited Earth, and more so that they are currently in our solar system's vicinity, waiting for us to be ready for open communication and co-participation. Some people believe these beings are highly intelligent, spiritually mature, and hold a great love for Earth and Earth's evolving race. Perhaps when we are no longer quarantined from such open communion due to perpetual warring amongst ourselves, our rampant governmental corruption, and the suppression of extraterrestrial-related information, we will soon graduate into extraterrestrial awareness and be able to openly participate with our Centaurian friends. How it must sadden them to watch such pain ensue on Earth and have to wait.

From Earth's perspective, we will see our Sun make its passage through the entire sidereal sign of Scorpio in this lunar cycle. The entire sign of sidereal Scorpio is about education regarding the responsible use of creative force. Scorpio's higher octave is about claiming our spiritual mastery over the forces governing life and death, as exemplified by Ophiuchus, who stands over the Scorpion; and by Alpha and Beta Centaurus, which nests below the cusp of sidereal Scorpio--the Centaur who upholds the essence of the Southern Cross.

Also adding to the theme of this lunar cycle are: the nuclear galaxy AP Libra; the irregular galaxy NGC 2915 of Chamaeleontis, the shapeshifter; Beta Lupus, the contortionist; and Zuben el Akrab, Gamma Libra, which lies on the arm of the northern chelae. Zuben el Akrab is of poisonous critters, creatures, or viruses of the underworld, or of such scenarios in our lives. These all compose the potent cusp of sidereal Libra-Scorpio and they conjoin the principle stars Beta Centauri, Alpha Lupus, and Unukalhai of Serpens. The opportunity potent AP Libra offers is found in the stellar themes of all of these conjoining stars. Here carnal forces coalesce to create whatever type of scenario is required to challenge us to master these forces and free ourselves from any patterns and naiveté that may perpetuate our entrapment.

Beta Lupus and the Irregular Galaxy of the Chameleon bring the ability to morph, to shapeshift, to change as the situation requires. In its lower order expression however, this can be used to avoid what is required to claim one's true self-mastery, or to manipulate a situation. In its higher expression, used in self-mastery, it brings the ability to work with primal and carnal (incarnate) AP-Lib forces in a way that accesses the transformative power they or a situation offers. In this octave, we are relinquishing a lesser form or human mold for a refined, more empowered form that is in tune with the natural creative forces of life and death, intimately participating and merging with them. It is this that the mythical image of the Centaur placing Lupus the beast with conscious deliberation upon the Altar of the Centaur (Ara) articulates.

Nuclear Galaxies of the BL Lacerta Category, of which AP Libra is one, exude powerful primordial forces. AP Libra is a part of the southern chelae (claw) of the Scorpion, reaching from the Scorpion’s head, via Brachium (Sigma Libra) to Zubenelgenubi of Libra--the south claw--the karmic seat for incarnating souls.

AP Libra forces can lure us into intense carnal and karmic-based scenarios. However, these experiences provide the transmutational force that serves us to claim our self-mastery in the incarnate world, to free ourselves from lower-order patterns of behavioral and from our past karmic entrapments by learning to master those forces.

AP Libra forces are only entrapping when we are naive about them due to our lack of experience with them. The forces here are however very active at the physical, psychic, and carnal levels, and it requires the physical clarity and empowerment only gained through carnal experience that leads to our personal empowerment and subsequent attainment of evolutionary freedom--gaining spiritual prowess over such forces. AP Libra is a radiant powerhouse of primordial forces holding us in the entrapment of the Scorpion’s clutches until we gain this mastery, until we awaken from our naiveté about the power of such forces. AP Libra's primordial forces generally resonate through the root chakra, from what could be considered the controlling, carnal, sexual, survival-based realms of life. AP Libra (with the Irregular Galaxy of the Chameleon, the Shapeshifter; and Beta Lupus, the Contortionist) can manifest as squirming grotesque creatures or scenarios that seem destructive or poisonous to life, if their transmutational elixirs are required.

AP Libra is not a negative force, it simply is primordial. How we participate with this force is of issue. Avoidance of it can simply result as denial of life, with intensified physical contortions resulting, like cancerous, neurological or sexual related problems both physical and emotional. Participating in and through the carnal aspects of life is a basic lesson for the incarnating (incarnate / in carnal form) soul. AP Libra forces can be deliberately used with manipulative intent, or they can be used with pure intent to aid ourselves to claim our self-mastery and freedom from entanglements that keep us bound from our highest creative ideals and expressions. In its lower octave, AP Libra’s resonance can engage us in a struggle that simply perpetuates our entrapment. The lesson here is to cultivate the inner refinement and awareness of the dynamic at play so we can avoid this deadly game.

When mastered and empowered (as taught by Beta Centauri and Unukalhai of Serpentis), AP Libra can manifest as exquisite intimate experiences that lead us to higher levels of personal transformation, healing, intimate creativity, carnal maturity, spiritual growth and personal freedom. Here this raw primal force is used responsibly and with mature carnal and spiritual prowess. Sacred sexuality refers to a spiritual expression of sexuality that honors that participation in and through the carnal world in total openness, honesty and sexual intimacy, opens a portal to our true divinity--our undivided nature with our Source.

Either way, the nuclear forces of AP Libra (and stellar friends) serve as an initiatory teacher--forces that challenge and test us to see if we have done the inner work to become free from life's entrapments and to ultimately attain our evolutionary freedom as illumined beings immersed in Divine (undivided) Love. It is this to keep in mind as we move through the experiences of this lunar cycle.

A Multifaceted Portal in Consciousness

This New Moon aspects the principle planets creating the intense and transformative few-year timeline we are currently in the midst of. The Lunar Nodes are also a part of this New Moon geometry, making this New Moon and lunar cycle of poignant significance and creating a multifaceted and transformative portal in our 2008-2011 timeline. The New Moon is sextile to the North Lunar Node; is square to Neptune (Jupiter and Chiron); is trine to Uranus (Juno); and is sextile to Makemake. Also closely aspecting are Eris, Varuna, Sedna and Quaoar.

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 November 20 resides in sidereal Sagittarius. It conjoins Ascella of Sagittarius; and Alphecca Meridiana (Alpha), Beta and Gamma of Corona Australis, the Southern Crown. This ecliptical longitude lies just before that of Vega of Lyra, which begins the last decan of sidereal Sagittarius.

Ascella, Zeta Sagittarius is a binary star system, and is the third brightest star in Sagittarius. Traditionally meaning the armpit, it more so marks the center of the Zen Archer. It along with Nunki, conjoins Alphecca Meridiana (Alpha), Beta and Gamma of Corona Australis, the Southern Crown (counter part to Corona Borealis, the Northern Crown). The Southern Crown, being composed of a semi-circle of stars, lies just under the Zen Archer. "Hipparchos new it as the Caduceus or Herald's Wand of Peace; and Ptolemy as the Southern Wreath. It was illustrated as a simple wreath by Bayer; and illustrated as a plain heart-shaped object in the Alfonsine Tables. It has also been referred to as the Crown of Sagittarius (Corona Sagittarii), originating from the outspreading sun's rays in crown like form shown around the Gandharvas, the Aryan celestial horses that are suggested to be the forerunners to the Centaurs." (Allen). The Gandharvas were all male and the mates of the all female Apsaras, both of a pure unadulterated nature. The Apsaras were akin to beautiful water or forest nymphs, and the Gandharvas were ethereal beings of the air, forests, and mountains known for their musical and mystical skills and skill with the forces of nature. The Gandharvas were also stewards of Soma, the golden nectar or ambrosia of the gods.

North of the Southern Crown, and above the Zen Archers head, is Scutum, the Galactic Shield of the Holy Cross, which articulates that which the Zen Archer lives and is willing to die for--the greater spiritual truth about the evolutionary cycle of the Soul (Galactic Center and the Gate of God, which reside in early Sagittarius)--to ensure the evolutionary fulfillment of the soul. This theme amalgamates with that of the Southern Crown.

I tend to consider this few degree band of the zodiak, consisting of Ascella, along with the primary stars of the Southern Crown to embody the "heart" of the Zen Archer, not the physical heart, but the "pure intent" of the Archer--that from which he comes. This also embodies the ability to open our perceptual ability (pineal) to see beyond the bounds of the solidified world, and to emerge into a fluid multiplicity of opportunity, articulated by near by Vega.

Our crescent Moon invites us to get centered and undaunted in our intent and focus, to live and breathe it, so as to be able to pierce the veils of delusion and the rampant manipulations occurring in our world; to see through the illusion of boundaries, and to hit the target of our highest ideals and vision--for a new extraterrestrial-aware level of consciousness to reign in our lives and on Earth.

This is also the current ecliptical longitude of one of the two Celestial Equatorial / Galactic Equatorial nodes. (This is where Earth's equator crosses the galactic plane. (These nodes move with Earth's precession.) Nodes, or the nodal axes, of interacting spherical astronomical systems are where energy translates from one system to another: in this case, where galactic awareness becomes directly accessible by Earth-plane consciousness. It is a very lucid point in the ecliptic.

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 November 24 at a very auspicious and pure point in sidereal Aquarius.

The Moon conjoins Enif of Pegasus; Sadalmelik, Alpha and Ancha, Theta Aquarius; Fomalhaut of Pisces Aus.; and influencing is Deneb of Cygnus.

Aquarius, the humanitarian waterbearer, nourishes the body of humanity, articulated by Pisces Australis and the star Fomalhaut (which conjoins Deneb of Cygnus, also Sadalmelik of Aquarius and Enif of Pegasus). One of the "Four Royal Architects," Fomalhaut is the administrative seat of the aquatic quadrant of the heavens. Fortuitous Fomalhaut embodies the essence of sidereal Aquarius--inspiring future vision for an evolved humanitarian-based society. Fomalhaut inspires new ideas and pursuits in the art-sciences and in social issues of the world. It is of the human populous and the flow of resources within that populous that creates a wholesome human condition.

The word 'social' is derived from the Old French or the Latin 'socialis', meaning 'allied', or from 'socius' meaning 'friend'--good words to describe the essence of Fomalhaut and Aquarius. Here all are recognized as allied friends, as one human family.

Sadalmelik, Alpha Aquarius, is the "lucky one of the kingdom." Sadalmelik creates an air of recognition and acceptance in the kingdom of human affairs--especially for those involved in the arts and sciences. Sadalmelik brings fortuitous opportunity for those with humanitarian interest, and who are in those arenas where such interest can be expressed. Ancha, Theta Aquarius, just below Sadalmelik is the waterbearer's talisman on his belt or thigh and articulates this fortuitous capacity for fulfillment.

Enif of Pegasus, the nose of the magical flying horse, brings intuitiveness and sensitivity to the humanitarian / Aquarian pursuit. Enif is characteristic of altruistic people, those with the intuitive awareness to recognize what is of essence, of value, and worthy of humanitarian support. It is of those who are capable of providing material and financial support and who have the sensitivity to do so. A fortuitous star, Enif asks us to follow our intuition to do that which is truly supportive to our greater well being and to those around us.

Lying in the northern heavens upon the galactic equator we find Cygnus the Swan, also called the Northern Galactic Cross. Deneb, tail of the swan, is the principal star of Cygnus and marks the top (head) of the northern galactic cross. Deneb is the first primary star that Earth's pole encounters in Earth's precessional cycle. It is the messianic head of the precessional Cycle of the Holy Cross--of the evolutionary cycle of the soul. Administrative Deneb, a star more than a hundred times the diameter of our Sun, with a very high luminosity, governs the first of the seven heavens (evolutionary epochs) in the Earth's precessional cycle. Deneb embodies our unadulterated androgynous pure soul essence before fragmentation into race, sex, or creed. Deneb inspires us to stand in the awareness of our pure soul essence, in this wholeness and to participate from the maturity of unity consciousness, unbiased and beyond the segregations and categorizations common to modern-day mass-consciousness.

We can certainly see, moving from our New Moon's intense placement on the cusp of Scorpio, to our Ascella Crescent Moon, inspiring us to apply the pure essence of intent and heightened perceptual ability of the Zen Archer; to the stimulus of the all-embracing humanitarian-focused action provided by our First Quarter Moon, that this lunar cycle is definitely inspiring us to emerge from the crumbling old world paradigm governed by miss-use of power, corruption and greed. It fits well with our entry into the Saturn-Pluto 270° square, which marks the point of "need to change" in the Saturn-Pluto cycle that began in 1982, and one revealing the type of change required in the very foundation and functional aspects of our world and in our lives.

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 November 28 in late sidereal Pisces; and conjoins dramatic Eris, the great disruptor. Eris (pronounced "ee-ris") was discovered on Jan 5, 2005, the discovery was announced on July 29, 2005; and it was formally named on Sept 13, 2006. Eris, larger than Pluto, was responsible for the entire reclassification of planets and the formation of the new Dwarf Planet category to which Pluto now belongs. Its discovery upset the entire astronomical and astrological world; and Eris demonstrated, right from the start, its no-nonsense astrological role as the great disruptor.

Eris was discovered south of the ecliptic in Cetus, the Technobureaucratic Monster of Collective Human Consciousness, entering late sidereal Pisces, in the belly of ole' Cetus. Being a very slow mover, Eris is still making its passage through the gut of Cetus--disrupting fear-based collective human consciousness and the technobureaucratic monster driving it.

Compared to Pluto, Eris has an extreme orbital inclination (~44.079°) as well as a greater eccentric orbit, almost twice as long as it is wide. Eris' extreme eccentric orbit swings inside the orbit of Pluto (as well as inside the orbits of the other newly discovered Kuiper Belt Objects) much like Pluto's orbit swings inside Neptune's. Eris is slower moving than Pluto. Eris's year is equivalent to 560 Earth years, whereas Pluto's is about 248. All of this suggests that Eris may cut through our consciousness in an even sharper, more intense and dramatic way than Pluto, but in a longer process.

Although Eris is the great disruptor, it clearly is not without purpose. Eris opens us to see beyond the finite bounds of our current perception, beyond the bounds we place upon ourselves. In doing so, we are left to redefine and reorganize our world view to embrace a far vaster reality--a view more fitting to our rapidly expanding awareness.

This Eris Gibbous Moon may bring revelation and discussion that we may not be going where we once thought, or by what seemed apparent based on the prominent collective belief propagated by mass-media. Perhaps it may even bring experience to catalyze yet another change of direction in our personal lives, an upsetting of the apple cart. Yet again, as Eris steps in, he tears apart our limiting constructs and definitions of life--false beliefs that simply must go--so we may open our eyes to see and embrace a far vaster universe than we knew before.

Our Gibbous Moon and Eris conjoin Baten Kaitos of Cetus, the technobureaucratic monster of collective human consciousness, the whale of human emotional experience; and Revati of Pisces.

Baten Kaitos is the belly of ole' Cetus. South of Baten Kaitos is Fornax (the furnace), which provides the perpetual fire (digestive juices) for our transmutation while participating in the belly of ole' Cetus--in the wet, sensual, and emotional world of human affairs. Alignments with Baten can indicate the need to embrace the emotional aspects of mortal life and to emerge in transmuted form. The value here is to be able to participate from the wisdom of having been there, and to claim the potential rewards, the abundance that life has to offer in all of its forms. Here lies the theme expressed in the story of Jonah and the Whale.

Lying above Baten Kaitos and Cetus lies Revati, Zeta Pisces. Revati literally means riches, money, wealth, and financial resources. Prominent alignments with Revati can indicate material wealth gained from participating in the dramatic psycho-emotional world of human affairs--where the bucks are. This zodiakal longitude is also the exalted location for Venus--bringing attention to the relation of the flow of abundance and living from the heart. It also reveals why Venus is prominently involved in financial matters; as seen in economic astrological forcasting.

The Eris Gibbous Moon also aspects our potent New Moon geometry: Eris and the Gibbous Moon square the lunar nodes with Varuna on the South Lunar Node; lies opposite to Pallas; is sextile to Jupiter-Chiron-Neptune; is semi-sextile to Juno-Uranus; and is inconjunct with Ceres. Although the entire geometry creates a dynamic energetic, the T-square part is the potent adn revelaing aspect. It brings our attention to Eris, that is to the need to break the bounds of limiting mind and its constructs, and perhaps to the disruptions in our lives, especially those of an economic nature. Yet this is only the apparent issue, which can be distracting from the underlying crux. The key here is to apply Varuna-South Node (or the patterns revealed by this placement) in a new way revealed by the North Node placement. (The Lunar Nodes are like a magnetic compass revealing the direction to move, or path of action.)

The Varuna-Lunar South Node conjunction lies in late sidereal Gemini, nesting between Castor and Pollux. The North Node lies in late Sagittarius, conjoining the stars of Lyra. Varuna's recent arrival into humanity's awareness in 2000 may have been a part of our motivation to take serious action regarding ecological conditions in the world--making blatantly clear that we must change our ways--to nature's way, although Varuna's full astrological influence is not entirely clear. More about Varuna. In this light, we have the Twins (Gemini), Pollux, the ambassador, and Castor the administrator, working hand in hand for the betterment of humanity. This entire energetic needs to be applied toward the theme in late Sagittarius: composed of Sulaphat and the Starseed Ring Nebula of Lyra; Delta Aquila and the Neutron Star SS433 of Aquila; and Alpha Pavo, the Peacock.

Lyra, in general, is of the art-sciences, of ancient Hermetic wisdom regarding light, sound and the harmonics of geometry; and Vega, the principal Lyrian star is of evolutionary 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. Alpha Pavo is of integration, illumination, beauty, is enduring and immortal, and brings inspiration to express the beauty that we are and that we truly seek into physical form. Delta Aquila and SS433 invites a global perspective--as the saying goes "think globally and act locally." SS433 invites us to see one encapsulated world, rather individual components; or one holographic view of time and space, rather than a linear line in time through space.

One of the first things that strikes my mind regarding this geometry, is humanity's need to shift from trying to fix or repair things that seem to have gotten broken, and instead to create an entirely new way, with new vision; to realize our global infrastructure / economy was dismantled for a reason--it no longer serves us and would limit our paradigm shift if it were to remain in place. We do not need to fix it, but instead we need to focus our attention on creating a new way, a new humanitarian-based infrastructure that will serve us in our emergence into a new world paradigm. Thus we need spiritually mature visionaries, not technical repair teams trying to reapply antiquated systems. And certainly we need to stop miss-placing our focus on the dramatics of a crumbling world, upon that which has been dismantled, and get on with creating a new way fitting to the new paradigm beckoning us. At a personal level we need to do the same, to co-participate in new ways. In fact, that is the "means" to the solution.

The Eris-Moon sextile to Jupiter-Chiron-Neptune suggests that these two energetics are working together in an allied fashion, in a position strength; i.e., that which is being dismantled in our lives and in our world is working along with the motivation to mobilize and expand upon our dreams, visions, and inspiration; creating a bridge to cross an abyss. The Juno-Uranus conjunction, lying in the middle is the "means." It suggests the answer is to be found in new and radical ways of interacting, communicating, and in new unconventional groundbreaking ways of partnering, not only in our personal lives, but certainly in business, in politics, and in the global economy. This entire geometry, deceptively obscured by the dramatic disruption, discord or inconvenience in our lives (Eris) offers a highly creative opportunity--one in which we must rise to the occasion.

The Time of Global Change is at Hand.
What is the end of the World for some is a New World for those who realize it is.

Juno and Eris: Relating & Relations must Evolve

A couple of hours after the Gibbous Moon, also on November 28, Juno and Eris begin a new 4.37-year synodic cycle in late sidereal Pisces. Their heliocentric conjunction (which defines a synod between two planets) occurs in exact same location as our Eris-Gibbous Moon (within a fraction of a degree)--and thus it has a Baten Kaitos-Revati theme--about financial resources.

Curious timing! This synod heralds a prominent longer-term shift in relationships and partnerships of all types, and of course it occurs in the midst of the (geocentric) Juno-Uranus conjunction opposition to Saturn-Makemake; square Pluto timeline. See In Search of the Golden Egg: 2008-2011 timeline.

Juno and Eris are a paradoxical pair indeed. Juno is the asteroid of covenant relationships, soul colleagues, and true lovers. In the 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.

So does the Eris-Juno synthesis imply a dismantling of relations? Not at all. First keep in mind that this is a synodic cycle not a geocentric conjunction, thus it is about the current Juno-Eris underlying theme working in relationships over the next few years. (Juno will make its geocentric conjunction with Eris on February 5, 2010.)

Eris may over turn the apple cart in relations, but if it does it is for a reason--specifically to ensure we mature in our capacity to interrelate, and in this case surrounding financial issues (Revati). Juno, in its lower octave, or less-evolved mode, will express as 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 the reverse); dictating behavior--telling others what they should or should not do--minding others' business instead of one's own. A form of denial of Juno issues within self can express as a need to fix others or have them change or leave, instead of working on the issues within that surface while in partnership, and choosing to grow. Mature Juno expresses in mutual support and unconditional love to allow each other to grow and change through whatever issues surface. Other Juno issues are meddling; fear of abandonment, rejection or betrayal; inability to draw or participate with equals and true colleagues; hiding behind teacher-student relationships (on either side) or in any relationship of inequality or non-compatibility; partners drawn are those providing intense lessons only for both parties, rather than providing true, mutually supportive growth in equality and participation together in life purpose.

So if these are the types of things we experience in our relations, whether in our personal relations or those of a global nature, especially surrounding economics, and in mass consciousness and the bureaucracies of the world, Eris will do its work--to be sure. The thing to remember is why--we must emotionally mature in our capacity to interrelate or be forever quarantined while we continue to war over the distribution of wealth and power.

Uranus Direct

Uranus completes is retrograde on December 1, 2009, which marks the full commencement of the current Earth-Uranus synodic cycle that began in September of 2009. This was a facet of a compounded event: the Makemake-Saturn Uranus Synodic Opposition, presented in the 2008-2011 timeline. This means that the Uranian force helping to break us from the conforming bounds of our antiquated societal mode will now move forward--creating an acceleration of change, and as well, opportunity.

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 Dec 2, 2009, just after the Uranus station. The Full Moon lies in mid-sidereal Taurus and conjoins Aldebaran, which marks the center of sidereal Taurus. Aldebaran, Eye of the Bull, is one of the "Four Royal Architects" bringing order to the heavens. Directly opposite Aldebaran is Antares, Heart of the Scorpion. Both of these stars mark the centers of their respective signs. The other Royals are Regulus of Leo, Heart of the Lion (Leo), the law-giver; and humanitarian Fomalhaut in sidereal Aquarius.

Aldebaran holds the vision for global leaders and world servers inspiring the administrative planning of world affairs, specifically for physical logistics and a global infrastructure designed to support humanity through evolutionary unfoldment and global change. Prominent alignments with the Aldebaran / Antares axis can express into the business and political arenas and is of their leaders.

At a personal level, Aldebaran is of business and the home, of vision and action for our physical wellbeing. Aldebaran indicates involvement with physical places, abodes, and projects supportive of our modalities of living. Aldebaran also inspires businesses that support our family and friends. Aldebaran inspires us to take the physical action required to manifest our visions in the physical world. Our Aldebaran Full Moon brings revelation to the purpose of this lunar cycle's theme, which started on the cusp of sidereal Scorpio--the use of our creative power should be to create a healthy and nurturing infrastructure supportive to the wellbeing of all people--seems kind of obvious.

Pholus, Ixion and Quaoar

As the Sun moves through sidereal Scorpio in this lunar cycle, we will experience its conjunction with Pholus, Ixion and Quaoar, all of which reside in sidereal Scorpio. These solar conjunctions mark the midpoints of vision and realization in the respective Earth-Pholus, Earth-Ixion, and Earth-Quaoar synodic cycles. These solar conjunctions start after the Full Moon and occur on December 4, December 7, and December 11 respectively.

The current Earth-Pholus, Ixion & Quaoar synodic cycles, all residing in sidereal Scorpio began in the May 24, 2009 lunar cycle. All of these cycles are about use of power and the creative forces governing life and death. These cycles are discussed in the May 24, 2009 Lunar Planner.

Sun-Pholus

The Sun and the Centaur Pholus conjoin on December 4, which can also bring more insight in the astrological influence of Pholus. Pholus was discovered in 1992. After this time a number of other asteroids were discover in this area of our solar system--bringing the realization that Chiron was just one Centaur. Pholus is the second most important of the Centaurs after Chiron.

Just as Chiron embraces the orbits of Saturn and Uranus and is consider a key or bridge between the two planets due to their harmonic orbital resonances, Pholus' aphelion also synchronizes with Saturn's orbit, but it extends beyond the orbit of Uranus, crosses that of Neptune, and harmonically resonates with Orcus' orbit--Pluto's compliment. Pholus thus links the realms of Saturn and Orcus while passing through Uranus and Neptune.

The discovery chart of Pholus suggests its arrival into our awareness brings the unexpected, fortuitous, and magical; it acts in a unique and mysterious way, like that of a black sheep or white stallion; and is also involved with destined partners and their soul-level bonds; as well as with medical herbs, potions, and the mysteries of their application.

I have found strong indication during a previous Sun-Pholus conjunction and the death of a loved one that Pholus gently and compassionately helped one "mortally wounded" make passage in a seemingly mysterious or shrouded way, obscured to most except to one observant to such mysteries. It happened in a way that might not otherwise have occurred without an "apparent" confusion surrounding an introduced medicinal agent, which seemed to have facilitated what otherwise would have been a prolonged and painful death. This passage was clearly in the greater interest of the souls involved (Orcus)--and in this case, freeing the mortal lives of two eternally entwined souls. Learn More about Pholus.

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, of living that which we have been learning.

The Disseminating Moon occurs on December 5 in early sidereal Cancer. The Moon conjoins Alsciaukat of the Lynx; the irregular Galaxy M82 in Ursa Major; Samoht, Alpha Monoceris of the Unicorn; and Aludra, Eta Canis Major. Curiously this ecliptical longitude is also the location of Pholus' North Node.

The outstretched Lynx lies just north of sidereal Cancer. Alsciaukat is the proverbial thorn in our side. However this is a blessing that brings us into a place and time where a unique and unexpected portal of opportunity can present itself. The thorn is to remind us to stay in ever-present attentive alertness to see such opportunities and to seize the moment.

Aludra, Wezen, and Adhara lie under latter sidereal Gemini and early Cancer, and create the hindquarter of Canis Major. Although of this Sirian constellation, Aludra and Wezen are a pair of their own class. They lie much further in distance than the other stars thus being of their own realm. Aludra served Hipparchus to make his famous astronomical reckoning about the precession of the equinoxes. Aludra is also the only star of the constellation that lies across the Gemini-Cancer cusp. Aludra is the singular of Al Adhara, the Virgins--hence, a pure one of the breed. This is the white stallion, the black sheep, the unique person who does not fit in. Aludra most often time manifests a person who appears through unexpected space-time portals, with the magik provided by Alsciaukat and Alpha Monoceris. The Aludra individual seems strikingly unique in some way--out of the ordinary.

Samoht, Alpha Monoceris, is an Egyptian star name, actually older than the constellation Monoceris. Samoht means "one who has traveled far." Alpha Monoceris appears dimmer than Beta Monoceris, however Beta is a triplet star system, thus its brighter magnitude is due to the combined light from all three components. Alpha Monoceris is brighter than any of the three components of Beta, thus rightfully holds the Alpha designation.

Monoceris, the Unicorn, is of a species not common to earth--one magikal and mystical. Alpha Monoceris brings fortuitous situations, experiences or involvements quite out of the ordinary, which often appear unexpectedly. They may manifest while traveling or appear to come from another time or from a distant location. The spiral of the Unicorn's horn embodies its magic, but for it to manifest in our lives, we must live in the power of our uniqueness, not in denial of it. Alpha Monoceris invites us to be open to the unexpected and unique; and to relate to such experience without need to fit the experience into mass consensus or the norm. The synthesis of Samoht and Aludra can manifest as unexpected meetings with very unique people.

Irregular galaxies like M82 of the Great Bear tend to express as some type of abnormality, distortion, or uncommon trait regarding the conjoining stellar themes--hence the unexpected nature of the thorn in the Lynx, of the unexpected portals presenting themselves (the conjoining Unicorn), and of the unique people native to this area of the zodiak (Aludra). M82 invites us to release any prejudices and limiting perspectives about the differences and oddities found in the multiplicity of our individuality. It requires we pull forth the totality of our own oddity from our true soul essence into our incarnational expression to allow the gift of this uniqueness to manifest. Generally, this is an all or nothing deal, there is either total acceptance or total rejection of the unique situation that is occurring. M82 also provides opportunity for the uniqueness of our individuality to have a role or place in the world, but self-acceptance must be realized and the unique opportunities presenting themselves seized.

At this zodiakal longitude we find the ideal ambassador between countries, races, species, and worlds--the morph. We also find opportunities to amalgamate our uniqueness in ways that can dissolve the barriers in front of us and that serve our mutual wellbeing or purpose. We must, however, relinquish any preconceived ideas, beliefs and hesitancies that would limit the expression and fulfillment of the uniqueness of our souls. It is common for very unique and unexpected encounters to occur with alignments here as well as for unique people to just show up in our lives with whom there is a special and mutual attraction.

Our Demonstrable Moon invites us to be attentive and to trust in our uniqueness and in the unique paths or opportunities presenting themselves. Now is the time to claim the gift of this lunar cycle and live it.

Sun-Ixion

The Sun and Ixion conjoin in the early hours of Dec 7, the day of Dec 6 may provide more insight into Ixion's astrological nature. Ixion was discovered in 2001 in sidereal Scorpio, on the left foot of Ophiuchus and over the head of the Scorpion.

From Ixion's mythology, tyrannical Ixion, at the least, would seem to be related to the suppression, manipulation, and the exploitation of women. And more specifically about those in authoritarian positions being brought to justice for deeds involving the suppression and manipulation of people, especially women, as well as the tyrannical destruction of people for one's own end. Ixion would also seem to be prominent in malicious and deceptive power-plays between authoritarian figureheads; power-plays drawn out with karmic repercussion. I do see this theme in what I suspect was a karmic scenario that had to play out between the presidents Bush and Saddam Hussein--as I allude to in the related article "The Synodic Cycles of Pluto, Ixion & Quaoar: A Historical Timeline & Astrological Exploration 1982 - 2020."

Keep in mind, Ixion's role is just beginning to be explored in the astrological community. Myth and astrological placements at the time of discovery only lend insight into the true nature of a newly discovered planet or asteroid. Only time-tested research will reveal Ixion's true astrological influence. Learn more about Ixion.

Jupiter & Chiron

Jupiter and Chiron conjoin on December 7 as Jupiter overtakes Chiron on its way to make its final conjunction with Neptune, which occurs early in the next Lunar Cycle on the solstice (December 21). Jupiter's final conjunction with both Chrion and Neptune fully engages the compounded Jupiter-Chiron-Neptune synodic cycle that began in August 2009 on the cusp of sidereal Capricorn-Aquarius--defined by Sadr of Cygnus, heart of the Swan. These last Jupiter conjunctions with Chiron and Neptune add the impulse to make the crossing suggested by this synodic theme.

"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." See Jupiter, Chiron & Neptune.

Jupiter's final conjunction with Neptune in December also marks Jupiter's completion in sidereal Capricorn. Jupiter will now start to move through sidereal Aquarius as it makes its way to conjoin Uranus starting in May 2010 and continuing through early 2011, a time period where we will experience an expansive mobilization of the changes we are making now. Jupiter's conjunction with Uranus will be a welcomed and beneficent change in the cycles occurring over these few years. The expansive and mobilizing force of Jupiter merging with progressive and high-minded force of Uranus, will bring optimism and re-establish a positive outlook in the world. It should stimulate a time of new discoveries and expansive opportunities.

Last Quarter Moon Phase Characteristics