The Lunar Theme for the
March 15, 2010 New Moon

Beyond the Bounds of Limited Mind

Mercury-Uranus New Moon opposite Makemake

The Lunar Month of
March 15, 2010 - April 14, 2010

Nick Anthony Fiorenza

Copyright © 2010 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 conjoins Mercury and Uranus, which lie opposite Makemake, one of our recently discovered planets (pronounced MAH-keh MAH-keh). Our New Moon planetary alignment is Uranus-Mercury-Sun-Moon-Earth-Makemake. This also marks the start of a new 367-day Earth-Makemake (synodic) cycle. Makemake plays a key role in the planetary cycles timeline that began in late 2008 and that continues through early 2011. It is part of the catalyst behind the restructuring of our world paradigm--particularly regarding the administration of resources and exposure of the manipulation of resources in government-big business and banking. The Sun-Mercury-Uranus alignment also marks the mid-point of vision and realization in the current 370-day Earth-Uranus cycle that began in mid-September 2009; the mid-point of vision and realization in the current 116-day Earth-Mercury cycle; and the start of a new Mercury-Uranus cycle; all stimulating a dynamic lunar month of welcomed but perhaps unexpected and radical change.

This Mercury-Uranus New Moon occurs on the cusp of sidereal Pisces, which is marked by "the circlet" of stars that mark the head of the western fish and the star Matar on the left forearm of Pegasus, which lies north of the circlet. Matar is from Al Sa'd al Matar, which means "the Fortunate Rain," and articulates movement from high-mental and social activity of later sidereal Aquarius into the wet, sensual, emotional, psychic and amorphous world of sidereal Pisces.

The Mercury-Uranus New Moon conjunction adds a significant dynamic to this lunar cycle's theme, as does the new Earth-Makemake synodic cycles theme, which is defined by the cuspal stars of sidereal Virgo. The Mercury-Uranus New Moon invites the expression of unconventional, original and inventive thought and concepts. It stimulates the unexpected and spontaneous; and its placement on the Piscian sidereal cusp invites us to trust in the intuitive and abstract--in essence, producing a mind-expanding lunar cycle. The new Earth-Makemake cycle theme, also a part of this lunar cycle's theme, may invite new and radical ideas regarding the administration of financial resources, as well as motivating audacious action to pursue those ideas.

On the Equinox (March 20), a new 378-day Earth-Saturn cycle begins. It also aspects Mars and the mother asteroid Ceres. Mars recently completed its retrograde, and now in this lunar cycle, stimulates movement and action once again, after a few months of what may have seemed in stasis. Hold on and let go as we now accelerate for year of dynamic and refreshing change. Attention turns toward dynamic and nurturing action.

The Full Moon occurs at the end of March in mid-sidereal Virgo, conjoining the star Diadam, the Crown or Halo of the Virgin; Porrima and Vindemiatrix, both of Virgo; and the stars of Corvus, the Raven messenger. This is also Mercury's exalted location in the zodiak as well as the location of Chrion's perihelion (the location in Chiron's orbit that is closest to the Sun). This is a place of prophetic neurological awareness and communication that invites astute attention to the signs occurring in the natural world around us; signs demanding prompt response or a loss of opportunity. Earth and Haumea, another newly discovered planet, begin a new 366-day (synodic) cycle, also under the auspice of the stars of Virgo and the Virgin's consort and protector Boötes. Haumea supports a new birth in consciousness.

The Sun conjoins Eris, the great disrupter, bringing revelation to the reasons behind any set-backs that we may have experienced over the last several months. Eris tends to open us to greater possibilities and realms of awareness.

These are just a few of many events occurring in this lunar cycle. The Monthly Lunar Planner explores the details of these events and more, based in star-level astronomical astrology and synodic astrology.

About Synodic Cycles

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.

The Great Square of Pegasus, and its mysteries (teachings), lies just north of Pisces; and the star Scheat of the Pegasus Great Square resides exactly at 5° sidereal Pisces, marking this primordial point as well. Scheat is of our life fluids, the lymph, or living water of bio-logical life. Lacerta (the lizard) lies further north and is gate-keeper to the Primordial Origin. South of this point is the South Galactic Pole (SGP); i.e., galactic / soul foundation, it lies very close to Alpha Sculptoris, which also conjoins. Although a recent addition to stellar mythical imagery, aptly Sculptor is from the Latin sculpere, meaning to cut or carve (sculpt)--in this case, to sculpt life itself. See the Holy Cross web page and the Holy Cross Movies for more about Earth's Precessional Cycle and the Primordial Origin.

The Earth-Uranus Synodic Cycle's Midpoint

From Earth's view, Uranus (and Mercury) lie on the far side of the Sun, which means that this is the mid-point of "vision and realization" in the current 370-day Earth-Uranus synodic cycle that began in mid-September 2009; and the mid-point of vision and realization in the current 116-day Earth-Mercury synodic cycle.

Uranus is a freeing force. Uranus inspires change, spontaneity, and the expression of individuality. Uranus is radical, non-conforming, and electrical; is uninhibited by convention and establishment. Uranus brings the ability to break away from the past or the established; to explore and create new frontiers in consciousness. Uranus has a future focus and orientation, is of appreciation of excellence and perfection. Uranus stimulates a higher mind prowess--telepathy, clairvoyance, alternative thinking, mental quickness and alertness, and all super-consciousness functions and mechanisms. Uranus brings the ability to explore and work with higher principles, orders, and sciences.

The Earth-Uranus synod was one event in the coincidence of several events creating the "Makemake-Saturn Uranus Synodic Opposition." This event consisted of a compounded planetary alignment (Uranus-Earth-Sun-Saturn-Makemake) that marked a primary turning in the nature of the nearly two-year long Saturn-Uranus series of five oppositions, the last to occur in July 2010. Not only did this start the new Earth-Uranus cycle, it also marked the start of a new 32-year Saturn-Makemake synodic cycle.

This event also occurred during the Uranus-Juno conjunction and near the start of the new Juno-Uranus synodic cycle, which occurred exactly on the cusp of sidereal Pisces in "the circlet" of Pisces--our current New Moon theme. The Juno-Uranus conjunction and the new Juno-Uranus synod marked a time of radical changes in relationships and partnerships of all types. Also occurring was the Saturn-Uranus 44-year cycle midpoint--the peak of a cycle that began in June of 1988. All of this was presented in the August 20, 2009 Lunar Planner and in the 2008-2011 timeline.

This New Moon, and this lunar cycle, can bring revelation regarding what the meaning of the current Earth-Uranus cycle's theme, and the Juno-Uranus cycle's theme, mean in our lives; especially regarding any significant transitions taking place in our lives since mid-2009--cycles that have themes identical to this lunar cycle's theme--all defined by cuspal Pisces. Although the nature of these themes may express uniquely in each of our lives, we have dynamic stimulus to break from the conformity of the past and to make radical changes in how we interrelate (Juno); and in how we address our fundamental and emotional needs in life (cusal Pisces).

Seeking sameness leads to separation.
Honoring uniqueness leads to wholeness.

The New Earth-Makemake Synodic Cycle 

The New Moon planetary alignment is Uranus-Mercury-Sun-Moon-Earth-Makemake, thus the Sun-Earth-Makemake alignment initiates a new 367-day Earth-Makemake synodic cycle. Makemake is currently crossing the cusp of sidereal Virgo, but is north of the ecliptic entering Coma Berenices, and lies under the auspices of Benatnasch of Ursa Major. The new Earth-Makemake synodic cycle theme, also a part of this lunar cycle's theme, provides perspective to our cuspal Pisces Mercury-Uranus New Moon by bringing attention to the administration of financial resources in our lives, and providing for our basic physical needs.

Makemake's current placement is a part of that which has and is bringing to light the manipulations and restructuring occurring in government-big business, banking and global finance. Although newly discovered, and thus with minimal verifiable astrological influence, Makemake appears to bring attention to leadership issues, especially regarding the administration of resources, and to the need for strategic planning and enterprising action that ensures a healthy, prosperous and abundant life. Makemake plays a key role in the planetary cycles timeline that began in late 2008 and continues through early 2011; and which involves the restructuring of our financial world paradigm. (Presented in the 2008-2011 timeline.) Makemake is the Polynesian name for the creator god of humanity in the mythology of the South Pacific island of Rapa Nui (Easter Island). More about Makemake.

Mars & Orcus

Mars (now direct) and Orcus begin a new 1.9-year synodic cycle on March 18-19 just past Regulus in Leo and conjoining Megrez of Ursa Major. Orcus lies south of the ecliptic passing through Hydra and Sextans. Orcus, Pluto's counterpart, was recently discovered in February of 2004. Orcus and Pluto have nearly identical orbital sizes, orbital periods (year), and orbital inclinations. However, Orcus' orbital plane's orientation in our solar system is tilted in the opposite direction from Pluto's. Orcus' orbit clearly reveals Orcus to be a compliment to Pluto. Like Pluto has a primary moon, Charon, so too does Orcus have a primary moon, named Vanth.

The Complimentary Orbits of Orcus nad Pluto

Although the astrology of Orcus is just starting to be explored, from the stellar alignments at the time of its discovery on February of 2004 in late sidereal Cancer, and its path deep through Hydra and passing under the auspices of the Head of the Lion, we can see that Orcus is working with the theme of exploration, of uncovering a blueprint or map that leads to a new picture, a new reality; to emerge from the belief structures and constructs of mind that are merely based upon the convenience of our collective consensus. In doing so, Orcus may force us to confront the fear and loneliness encountered when leaving the apparent safety of mass consensus and choose to live the path of soul. Orcus may be helping us to uncover secret paths obscured by the sands of time, perhaps even oaths we made long ago to enter into the depths of unexplored territory, into new realms of consciousness, that lead us to a new law of life--eventually to a law or orientation that is in integrity to Heart. Orcus, although Pluto like, seems to express a quiet profundity, almost unnoticed as it serves us to get in touch with our deeper soul essence and purpose--the oaths of our souls. We will gain more insight into the astrological role of Orcus as the astrology of Orcus plays out over the years ahead. More about Orcus.

Orcus is the first planet that Mars initiates a new synodic cycle with since the new 780-day Earth-Mars synodic cycle began earlier this year (on January 29); and since Mars completed its retrograde (on March 10).

This new Mars-Orcus two-year cycle stimulates creative action to initiate a new tack upon our courses in life, with a new perspective, specifically in living true to our souls' purpose in life--why we are here on Earth.

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 a 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 March 19 conjoins the asteroid Juno and resides in sidereal Aries. The Moon and Juno conjoin Zibal of Eridanus; Gamma of Triangulum; Tish of Cassiopeia; and Tycho’s Super Nova Remnant also in Cassiopeia. This is also the exalted location in the sidereal zodiak for the Sun.

Juno is the asteroid of covenant relations and partnerships of all types. Mature Juno is of diplomacy, mutual respect and equality. Juno issues may express as superiority-inferiority complexes, one-upmanship, defensiveness, lack of self-confidence, arrogance and judgment of others; unconscious manipulation, power struggles, jealousy and possessiveness. More about Juno.

Our Juno Crescent Moon invites us to relinquish any emotional insecurities based around potential Juno issues, and to expand up this lunar theme in partnerships of mutual equality. We may find ourselves in a stalemate without cooperative and respectful participation with others.

Tish is the whip of the Queen. In the myth of the Royal family, the intolerant queen, has become crusted with anger and frustration due to finding herself in-between the tormenting forces of both the manipulative gods and her own emotional insecurities and arrogance--and is at loss with how to deal with either. It is this spiteful arrogance to have her way that sentences her daughter, the princess Andromeda, to be chain to the rocks at the sea, waiting to be devoured by Cetus--the technobureaucratic monster created by collective human consciousness. When the whip of spiteful arrogance is used, it often snaps back only to scar one’s own hand, especially when applied with vengeance. Lowering ourselves to this level or resourcefulness, using a tool found only in the dramatics of the monstrous world, will only lead to our own demise. Here we have a statement of something we must surrender to receive that which we are due--righteous arrogance, the attitude that keeps us from our very own fulfillment.

Zibal marks a pause, a point of consideration, along Eridanus, the river of life, inviting an introspective moment while Triangulum invites us to look beyond the dramatics of those around us and of own life scenarios to realize any entrapping conditions manifest in our lives are but a reflection of the projection of our own fears of lack--a principle key in the revelation found along the river of life.

Tycho's supernova remnant inspires the expansion from egoic / victim consciousness, where we believe we are victims of other beings, ones that are responsible for our condition and ones that must come to save us from it (or devour us as food as some people believe), to realizing that we are not separate from all that is, that we are intimate and inseparable parts of this great symphonic expression of consciousness. Here we are inspired to realize we create our reality and to become responsible co-creators. Here in the "Initiatory Gate of sidereal Aries," we learn to become responsible for our human condition as well as to claim our freedom from its apparent bondage, bondage that we ourselves create.

The Equinox, Saturn and Ceres

The Equinox occurs on March 20 (17:32:13 GMT / 10:32 AM MST). This means that the Sun is square to the fixed galactic axis of Earth's precessional cross (the Gate of God / the Gate of Man). Due to Earth's precession, the square (or perfect cross) is now slowly drifting apart. The vernal axis is now 0° 07' from its perfect square. The location of the Sun on the equinoxes and solstices is a function of the moving vernal axis, which will continue to move further from its exact square to the fixed galactic axis as Earth's precessional orientation continues to drift. This movement is very slow, about 1° in 72 years. The point of importance here is that we are now entering the last quarter in Earth's ~25,000-year precessional cycle; and are now entering the time of "Initiating Change" in the evolutionary cycle of the soul collective on Earth. In addition, Earth's pole is just beginning to lean back toward the galactic plane, which supports our return from 12,000 years of temporal darkness and apparent separation, and toward a unified and illumined awareness. More about the timing of Earth's Precessional Cross.

The New Earth-Saturn Synodic Cycle

The Equinox Sun also lies opposite to Saturn and squares Ceres, which lies on the Gate of God (5° sidereal Sagittarius). This means that the Sun, Earth and Saturn align, which initiates a new 378-day Earth-Saturn synodic cycle. The Earth-Saturn synod occurs the day after the equinox (March 21-22), but all aspects remain within a degree orb. The last Earth-Saturn cycle began on March 8, 2009 in late sidereal Leo, presented in the February 25, 2009 Lunar Planner and in the 2008-2011 timeline article. This previous Saturn synodic cycle was key in the Saturn-Makemake Uranus opposition, which brought emphasis to the upheaval, restructuring and exposure of the covert and manipulative shenanigans occurring in the old totalitarian government, big business and financial paradigms.

The new Earth-Saturn synodic cycle occurs in early Virgo (about a degree past the current location of the anti-vernal point). Earth and Saturn lie between the longitudes of the North Galactic Pole (NGP) (5° sidereal Virgo) and our Super Galactic Center (SGC). These entries and a few principal galaxies at this zodiacal longitude define the theme of this new Earth-Saturn cycle. Conjoining are: a pair of spiral galaxies called "The Eyes," NGC 4438/35, which lies in Virgo; the brightest galaxy in the Coma Berenices Galactic Cluster, NGC 4889; and Galaxy M87, which marks the center of our Super Galactic cluster of galaxies.

This few-degree location in sidereal Virgo might be considered to embody the high spiritual essence of the Virgin. It is of light, illumination, of spiritual integrity and of soul / source guidance and awareness--creating an energetic quite different from the placement of the previous Earth-Saturn synod. (Also see the Spiral of Earth-Saturn synods.)

Coma Berenices (halo or crown of the Virgin) embodies our spiritual essence and soul guidance. The North Galactic Pole (NGP) resides in Coma (5° sidereal Virgo). This is the northern point of the polar axis around which our entire galaxy spins. The NGP defines a principle geometric relationship between our ecliptic plane and our galaxy. Astrologically, the North Galactic Pole brings confidence, stability, and guidance for the greater evolutionary purpose, mission and fulfillment for all souls.

The Eyes, a pair of spiral galaxies (NGC 4438/35) of Virgo, is an appropriate name base on their bright beauty peering through a chain of galaxies, but also suggests a watchful Spiritual Power or Divine Intelligence expressing through this Super Galactic Portal (SGC)--the essence of the Divine Mother principle.

Super Galactic Centre might be considered that spiritual essence from which life precipitates in our entire galactic neighborhood--a place of spiritual nourishment.

Our Galaxy, the Milky Way, is a whirling disc composed of hundreds of billions of stars, of which our sun is one, spinning around a dense and massive bulge of stars called the Galactic Nucleus or Galactic Centre. Our galaxy is one of about 30 galaxies comprising a cluster of galaxies called our "Local Group." The galaxies in our Local Group gently revolve around each other much like organisms floating in a protective embryonic fluid.

Our Local Group is merely one galactic cluster of many that comprise yet a large group called our "Local Super Cluster." All of these embryonic clusters, harboring many evolving galaxies and forms of life, are like protective cocoons floating within the care of our Local Super Cluster.

The Coma-Virgo Cluster, one of the larger members of the Super Cluster, a highly non-uniform galaxy cluster, and the closest to us, is comprised of many hundreds of galaxies, ranging from giant and massive elliptical galaxies and spirals like our Milky Way, to dwarf galaxies, hundreds of times smaller. "Sub-clusters of galaxies" are seen to be forming around the major galaxies in the Coma-Virgo Cluster (around Messier 87, Messier 86 and Messier 49), which have yet to coalesce into new galaxy clusters of their own, revealing the continuing creative unfoldment of the Coma-Virgo Cluster.

Recent observations also reveal a sparse population of stars in the intra-cluster space of the Virgo Cluster--the space between galaxies in the cluster. Also found within this population were several hundreds of planetary nebulae wandering within the gravity field of the whole cluster. Planetary nebulae are stars, much like our own sun, but in their final dying phase. At this point in their (old soul) lives, they eject their outer layers, the experiential mass they had accumulated, and unveil their small and hot stellar core, which appears as a "white dwarf star"--their coalesced wisdom, their naked essence. The intra-cluster population of floating stars and these "old soul cosmic wanderers" are a new revelation articulating yet another facet of our Super Cluster and the astrological character of our Super Galactic Center.

The Coma-Virgo Cluster lies at the center of our Local Super Cluster. "Super Galactic Centre" (SGC) is a term that refers to a point in the Virgo Cluster that marks the centre of our entire Super Cluster. The supergiant galaxy M87 in the Coma-Virgo Cluster is believed to mark or lie very close to the Super Galactic Centre. M87 has a halo extending out to at least 65 kpc (more than 200,000 light-years), which is more than twice the size of our own galaxy. Our galaxy, nested in our Local Group, lies about 50 million light years from the Super Galactic Centre in the Coma-Virgo Cluster.

If this is not expansive enough for one's mere mortal mind, this vast field of consciousness, which suspends an unlimited number of galactic clusters, all unique with their own galaxies and their diverse star systems, is also filled with "Dark Matter," matter that we do not see. Space, at one time thought of as empty, is finally recognized to be comprised of substance--perhaps a step toward recognition of the Creative Intelligence permeating space, time and matter. Honoring this underlying or transcendent nature of reality, astrophysicists have come to call Dark Matter, "Quintessence," a term once used by Aristotle to describe the eather. We call this, all of the astrophysical diversity we have come to detect, this field of magnificent stellar creation, our "Known Universe"; and what we see in it, is but through our very limited, electromagnetic-spectrum, lightspeed-dependent modality of perception. Yet still, it appears this Known Universe is too but a bubble of perception amongst an infinity.

This synod definitely marks a significant shift in the Earth-Saturn spiral of synodic cycles. Stoic Saturn expresses a concretizing and solidifying force. Saturn motivates structure, conformation and confidence; and for us to be responsible, dependable and stable. Uranus opposite Saturn had been challenging the already established systems and structures to change--radically, and will continue to do so for the next few months. However, Jupiter will soon move to conjoin Uranus as the last Uranus-Saturn opposition comes to its completion mid-year. Thus, in addition to this new Saturn synodic theme engaging now, which invites responsible allegiance to a purer, more spiritual truth, and to establish foundations based in this purity, the Jupiter-Uranus conjunction, starting in early June and continuing into early 2011, will mobilize and expand upon the changes already occurring in the existing political, business and financial societal establishments. This all indicates an evolutionary progression leading us from the last two years of dramatic antics; with a refreshing change of tone occurring this year.

Ceres also creates a T-square to the equinox Sun-Saturn opposition; and Mars trines the Sun, is sextile Saturn, and is inconjunct to Ceres. This Equinox Geometry brings attention to Ceres, mother of the asteroids (now appropriately recognize as a "Dwarf Planet). Ceres, the mother of the main asteroids, brings awareness to how we nurture and to that which is truly nurturing to us. Ceres embodies mothering and agricultural qualities and brings attention to our relation with the Earth, the land, and the seasons. Ceres can also indicate where we have attachments and need to let go; or where we may experience oscillations from lack to abundance, fertility to bareness. The inconjunct between Mars and Ceres invites a active creative solution for that which is truly nurturing. More about Ceres.

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 March 23 in sidereal Gemini and conjoins Tejat, the foot of Castor.

The foot of Castor is composed of Tejat, Eta Gemini, IC 444--a large emission nebula, and Dirah (Tejat Posterior) Mu Gemini. Tejat, Dirah and IC 444 portend eminence and renown, and will make visible that which has been suppressed, oppressed, hidden in the closet, but destined to be seen.

Alignments with the foot of Castor indicate that it is time to come out of hiding, to become visible, to stand forth in the limelight, and to make self visible, available, and approachable. This can also indicate the need to emerge from our own mental obscurations and illusions. Tejat may indicate it is time to claim one's role in the physical world, and to take the steps at hand that are required for the physical unfoldment of what we want and for our participation in the world. It is time to do what is required. Tejat can also indicate those who are physically marked in some way: including birth marks, genetic marks, or other unique features including tattoos, and especially jewels; or it may reveal marks or signs indicating it is time for demonstrable action.

As Tejat brings to the surface that which has been suppressed, we may see parts of our selves that seem rather dark and opposing to our emergence--the fears, hesitancies, and blockages within our selves that we must step through into our paths of fulfillment in the world. Tejat asks that we be willing to walk through the shadows of self to claim our power and place in the physical world. The more we express the truth of who we are openly in the world the less forces attempting to suppress that truth have any power.

Venus & Eris

Venus conjoins Eris on March 24, triggered by the Moon, which makes a separating square from the twosome. Perhaps fleeting but worth mentioning to observer more about the nature of Eris. In this case, perhaps we might experience a minor disruption of that which is heart-related or in areas of life associated with money. This occurs in later sidereal Pisces exactly where Venus is exalted, conjoining Revati of Pisces and Baten Kaitos, the belly of ole' Cetus. More about Eris--the great disruptor.

Gibbous Moon Phase Characteristics

Attraction & Involvement
The Gibbous Moon & Vesta

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 March 26 in late sidereal Cancer and conjoins the asteroid Vesta.

Vesta is the asteroid of focus, dedication & commitment; of physical, emotional, and mental clarity; of self-respect; and of sexual openness and of its mysteries (knowledge). Vesta brings a capacity to be pure within self at all levels for the expression of one's highest potential and true Essence. Vesta is of strength, purity, and perfection--of total dedication to purpose. Vesta brings attention to that which is of true importance and will ignite and burn away that which is not so we can become clear. More about Vesta.

The Vesta-Gibbous Moon reside in an area of late sidereal Cancer that is past the crab / scarab, and llies under the stars forming the head of the Lion (Leo), which pears over the cusp of Leo back into the sands of Cancer. The Vesta-Moon conjoins Algenubi, eye of the Lion, and Rasalas, crown of the Lion; Tania Aus. and Tania Bor., which creat the hind foot of the Great Bear; and Pherkad of Ursa Minor.

Adventurism, exploration, breaking new trail, to go where we have not gone before, to get on with it--to engage, are all themes here. These are actions that require the courage of self-conviction, of belief in self, and in our paths in life; to have the inner confidence to step away from the convention of mass consensus and beyond the boundaries of known self.

Algenubi, Eye of the Lion, best embodies the theme of this few degree band of the ecliptic. Algenubi is of "breaking trail." These are the explorers, pioneers, and adventurers with little interest or contentment to merely fit in with those performing on the worldly stage. They want to go beyond the norm in accomplishment and are undaunted in the face of perilous explorations, and they are proud to demonstrate it.

Also conjoining Algenubi and Rasalas is the hind-foot of the Great Bear composed of Tania Bor. and Tania Aus., which brings a strong sense of the power of conviction--that which propels us beyond our current, accepted stance in life, beyond what has been achieved before. This is a power point in the zodiak; a place to leave the comforts of our existing reality behind and to confidently surge into new and unexplored territory.

Vesta's presence inspires clarity, focus and conviction of purpose to break new territory and to discover new paths into the future--a wonderful way to start the pollinating phase of this lunar cycle.

Vesta is currently retrograde and will return direct later in this lunar cycle. A new Earth-Vesta (Regulus) synodic cycle began in the midst of its retrograde on February 18, 2010, presented in the previous Lunar Planner.

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.

Full Moon Phase Characteristics

The Full Moon
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.

The Full Moon occurs on March 29-30, 2010 in mid-sidereal Virgo and conjoins Diadem, Alpha Coma Berenices; Conjoining Diadem is The Antennae (of the Ark) Spiral Galaxy NGC 4039 of Corvus the Raven. This is also the location of Chiron's perihelion. Vindemiatrix and Porrima of Virgo are also principal here, marking the center of sidereal Virgo; and this is also the exalted zodiacal location for Mercury.

Diadem of the Virgin (Alpha Coma Berenices), which lies just north of the Virgin's head, and the Antennae (of the Ark), the Spiral Galaxy NGC 4039, in Corvus the Raven, the messenger bird, which lies just south of the Virgin on the back of Hydra, work intimately together. Diadem is the jeweled crown above Virgin's head. Ornate Crowns in antiquity were designed with specific metals, jewels, and geometries to accentuate the wearer's telepathic and clairvoyant capacities, and for their communion with transcendent realms of consciousness. Diadem accentuates our capacity to attune to our spiritual / soul guidance which communicates through the magnetic forces of nature, through the world around us, as articulated by the stars of southern Corvus the messenger bird. Diadem and the Antennae of Corvus reveal the importance of being attuned to the natural world to receive our guiding impulses.

Quote from ESO: Mythology.

According to mythology, Berenice was the daughter of royalty. She was married to her brother, Ptolemy Euergetes, an ancient King of Egypt. When he went off to war, she offered her hair as a sacrifice to gods, if they grant him a safe return. As Ptolemy returned successfully, his wife had her beautiful tresses ceremoniously clipped and she placed them on the Altar in the temple of Venus. As the evening's festivities continued, the locks were stolen and placed among the stars. Some say Venus herself was the thief, while others think it was just the Greek astronomer Konon of Samos (247 BC), who made up the whole story in order to comfort Berenice when she heard of the theft. Some other versions of the story said that the hair was turned into a hair-star, or comet. The origins of the constellation's actual position in ancient times are actually unknown, some controversy surrounded the location, until the great Danish astronomer Tyho Brahe (1546 - 1601) in 1602 settled the matter by recording its present position. The ancients had the constellation overlapping with either Leo's tail or Virgo. Although lacking quite bright stars, the constellation is unusually beautiful because it contains the remarkable Coma Star Cluster. There are also several interesting double stars, variable stars, the globular star cluster M53 and the famous cluster of galaxies. ESO-Mythology

Corvus, combined with Crateris, has also been imaged as the "Ark of the Covenant." Although the Ark can be considered a technological transceiver for extraterrestrial communication, or a measure of arc in precessional (God's) time, it also has to do with our personal attunement. Our spinal columns are vertically arrayed antenna systems, the most sensitive of all, which receives gravitational waves encoded with cosmic intelligence that the Earth receives and expresses from Earth's core outward. These waves of guidance culminate in our cranial structures where they are then refocused to our pineal glands, neuro-endocrine transducers that translates this information into that which the pituitary, the master control center of the brain, can use. Being a clear, open and grounded vessel is required for perception of these subtle energies. Following them is yet more important.

Vindemiatrix and Porrima mark the centre of sidereal Virgo and embody a significant facet of sidereal Virgo. This is also the exalted seat of our winged messenger Mercury, significantly adding perspective and understanding to the nature of the stars at this ecliptical longitude. Mercury is the vessel by which these stars function in their highest expression, that is, through the neurology of communication and logistics, and all that Mercury characterizes.

Mercury is a significant indicator used in astrological forecasting for agricultural commodities. Its exalted location lying in the midst of sidereal Virgo, sign of wheat and the harvest, explains why--something that is missed in tropical astrology, which would place this ecliptical location in the tropical sign of Libra. Planetary exaltations only make sense in the sidereal zodiak.

Porrima stimulates our ability to have the foresight to see future probabilities. Vindemiatrix, just north of Porrima, classically the Harvester, indicates the time is at hand, and that the timing of our actions is of essence. "This star is said to confer great powers of thought and an exacting, severe nature" (siderealist Andrés Takra). Both stars lie over Corvus the Raven, the messenger bird. Corvus communicates through all of nature, and asks us to read the natural world, to listen to and observe the signs expressed in daily life from the world around us.

The essence of this zodiakal band, comprised by all of these conjoining entities, expresses through the higher mental capacities associated with the ability to for-sense future probabilities. This prophetic ability is with specific purpose--for action in the present. This is much more than receiving simple impulses of premonition, but is about how our attentiveness "extends" or reaches from the present into the future and why this is of value. The purpose of such eves-dropping into the future provides advantage in how to use our personal will (the lesson of Zaniah of Virgo) in the present. The purpose of such future-seeing is so that we can act appropriately now "to meet" the future events in preparedness, which are already precipitating from the realm of probabilities. This extension to perceive the immediate future is basically our capacity to widen or extend our present moment, much like the physical eyes naturally see what is ahead. Amalgamating attentiveness to the natural messages (Corvus) occurring in the moment with attentiveness to our inner impulses and feelings or visions (Porrima) is a part of our capacity to harmoniously navigate through life--to arrive in tune and in time for that which is just around the corner.

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 April 2 in the first few degrees in sidereal Scorpio. There are several entries here: The Draco Dwarf Elliptical Galaxy UGC10822; The Circinus Spiral Galaxy; Zuben Hakrabi of Libra, on the southern claw of the Scorpion, which leads to Zubenelgenubi, the southern claw and karmic seat for humanity; Delta Lupus; Alpha Chamaeleon; and Alpha Centauri.

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.

The near by Circini Spiral Galaxy at the feet of the Centaur reveals a choice must be made: either to align with the higher path of the soul, fulfilling our greater purpose on Earth, or a path of personality convenience.

Also conjoining from the southern heavens is Alpha Chamaeleon, generally a symbol of adaptability, change and new beginnings, the Chamaeleon articulates the ability to adjust to any situation, but not through subservience or acquiescence, but in mastery of self and with intuitive sensitivity and individuality.

In essence, as we move through the first few degrees of sidereal Scorpio, as we approach the head of the Scorpion (marked by the stars Dschuba and Graffias), we are asked to graduate to a level of realizing that we create our experience and are responsible for the life scenarios in which we find ourselves. Once we choose 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 Scorpion's claws. This also marks a graduation from feeling helpless, even justifying why we are entrapped as if victims of life, placing blame outside of self, and into the maturation of the soul, of becoming self-responsible--perfect for our demonstrable Moon.

The New Earth-Haumea Synodic Cycle

The Sun, Earth and the newly discover planet Haumea align on April 5-6, which marks the start of a new 366-day Earth-Haumea Synodic Cycle. The previous Earth-Haumea Synodic Cycle was a compounded cycle with Venus and was presented in the March 26, 2009 Lunar Planner.

Although we are just beginning to gain verified information on Haumea's astrological influence, I present an in-depth exploration of Haumea in the article "Haumea and Makemake." In brief this exploration suggests that Haumea's propensity is to intercede with dynamic motion from a state of equilibrium and poise to support a new birth in consciousness, especially the use of the fundamental primordial forces of life. Haumea also appears to motivate action 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 these same principles.

Haumea moves rather slow, so the Earth-Haumea synods progress through the ecliptic currently by about 1° per synod. Haumea is north of the ecliptic approaching Muphrid, the left foot of Boötes; and also conjoins Seginus, the left shoulder of Boötes. This synod occurs in late sidereal Virgo, and is also influenced by the stars of Corvus--our Raven messenger bird. Thus, the theme of this synod, as well as the next couple, is quite similar to the previous one--in essence defined by Seginus.

Seginus, the left shoulder of Boötes, is of strength and responsibility, and it conjoins Muphrid, the left foot of Boötes. Seginus and Muphrid inspire responsible action to provide personal and intimate support by making possible and ensuring proper energetic environments and physical conditions are created, maintained and not interfered with by meddling forces. Seginus will not hesitate to rebel against manipulative authority; yet this is to ensure an unadulterated and pure birth can occur form the Virgin--so that souls have the opportunity to express their highest potential and can achieve evolutionary fulfillment. This could not be a better place for Haumea's passage during these few years.

Boötes, the Virgin's consort and protector, is of strength and responsibility. Boötes functions not by outward force but by spiritual awareness and astute intuitive prowess in the application of the knowledge about environmental issues and transcendent subtle forces. Boötes' action is based from a place of receptivity and sensitivity to the situation at hand, action associated with planning, preparation, and strategy. Muphrid and Seginus lie over the lower spinal sacrum (sanctum) of the Virgin and the Virgin's womb--protecting these principles and those of sacred sex, its purity, and the secrets behind gestation, birth, and life itself.

Last Quarter Moon Phase Characteristics