The Lunar Theme for the
April 3, 2011 New Moon

Portents of Life Changing Proportions

The Lunar Month of
April 3, 2011 - May 3, 2011

Nick Anthony Fiorenza

Copyright © 2011 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 is an incredibly significant and extremely potent lunar cycle. The New Moon of April 3, 2011 occurs in sidereal Pisces amongst a stellium of planets, including Mars, Uranus, Jupiter, Eris and Mercury, all in sidereal Pisces. The New Moon aspects the two largest and most influential planets in our solar system. The New Moon conjoins mobilizing and expansive Jupiter and it lies opposite imposing Saturn, which marks the beginning of a new 378-day Earth-Saturn synodic cycle. Saturn, in sidereal Virgo and conjoining the stars of Corvus, the Raven Messenger, demands we heed and respond to the signs expressing through the natural world around us. This Lunar Cycle impels expansive change and transformation on a grand scale, within our personal lives and in our societal structure. The New Moon conjoins Alpheratz, the head of Princess Andromeda, and Alderamin, the Alpha star of King Cepheus. Making passage through the tumultuous waters of life, and the means to do so, is of issue.

Several other significant events occur in this lunar month as well. Mars and Uranus also make their conjunction on the New Moon, and they conjoin the Vernal Point of Earth's Precessional Cross--again activating our portal of evolutionary transition. Expect the unexpected with stimulus to take creative, spontaneous and radical action, an energetic that will intensify over the months ahead. Mars and Uranus also begin a new 1.9-year synodic cycle at this very significant location in the spherical astrophysical geometry created by the intersection of the galactic plane, the ecliptic plane, and the Earth's equatorial plane.

Juno, the asteroid of significant relationships, and Makemake, a newly discovered Dwarf Planet, begin a new 4.4-year synodic cycle, which marks a significant shift for relationships and partnerships of all types, especially regarding the administration of resources and providing for our material needs. It invites us to redefine how we administer resources in our relations, in business, and between countries. Juno is currently in its retrograde, from mid-January through the end of this lunar cycle, impelling many needed changes in our relationships and how we interrelate in the world throughout this entire period.

Earth and retrograde Mercury begin a new 116-day synodic cycle, stimulating a shift in the logistical aspects of our lives. This new synod conjoins massive and highly active Eta Carina of Argo Navis, a portent of evolutionary change.

Eris, the Great Disruptor, another newly discovered Dwarf Planet, in Cetus disrupting the fear-instilling techno-beuarocratic monster, is a significant player in this lunar cycle, especially on our First Quarter Moon of April 11, when Eris creates stimulus to action in this lunar cycle; later in the cycle when the Sun conjoins Eris, and again, at the end of the lunar cycle, when Mars, Jupiter and Eris all conjoin in the Piscean tumultuous waters of life.

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, the underlying cycles upon which we evolve and which guide our daily lives--based in star-level astronomical astrology and synodic astrology.

"The stars would not be in the heavens if we were meant to walk in darkness." 

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.

Here we are asked to become attentive to the fact that our intent of purpose can be diverted and dispersed by psycho-emotional forces that congest us when toxic physical conditions exist either in ourselves or in our environments, or when we are naive to such forces, or simply in mental-emotional denial about them. Our psycho-emotional fog can then perpetuate confused life scenarios, antiquated involvements, or entrapments that are no longer in our highest interest nor serving our greater well-being, especially regarding soul purpose in the world. This initiatory gate of the Drakon provides an opening once emotional clarity is gained--to escape entrapment in the fear-based monster of collective consciousness.

Conjoining Altais is Tau Cetus, a sign or mark of strength that indicates the emotional strength gained from our emotional trials stimulates our expulsion from what may have been a tormenting and entrapping scenario.

Alderamin, the Alpha star of Cepheus, is the right shoulder of King Cepheus, father of the Royal Family, often portraying one in an authoritative position, and holds a quality of authoritative responsibility. With afflicted alignments, Alderamin can expresses as denial, avoidance, or turning one's head from dealing with the manipulative power plays causing our or other people's entrapment, and a flippant attitude to do anything about them. Here we can live in submission to manipulative forces rather than to stand up for self and for those unjustly held in bondage, even when it is our responsibility to do so. Alderamin ultimately brings aid or solution, but often after an initial aloofness. Alpheratz and Alderamin amalgamate to form a fortunate outcome, but sometimes drawn out through the emotional Piscean waters, and a long period of unwillingness or simple naivete to look at and acknowledge how we are immersed in a pool of psycho-emotional denial, and that our growth and maturity is prerequisite to our greater freedom of being.

Alderamin also conjoins Zeta Cepheus, which is ecliptically south of Alderamin, and the two form a triangle to the Super Giant Garnet Star, Erakis, which lies a few degrees earlier in sidereal Pisces. The Garnet star lies at the head of the King, imparting a quality of royalty, prominence, largeness, passion, prosperity, abundance and wealth.

This is also the location Jupiter's perihelion (its closest distance to the sun in its orbit), and thus Jupiter influence is significant and influential here. Through these stars, from the Garnet Star of Cepheus, through Alpheratz and Alderamin, to Revati of Pisces, we can see the nature of Jupiter's expansive mobilizing force in our lives, suggesting Jupiter supports abundance, has authoritative social influence, is of honor and advantage, and serves to free that which is held in bondage for the manifestation of a greater potential, and it imparts this responsibility.

A Sun-Jupiter synthesis in general impels enthusiastic optimism, resourcefulness and accomplishment. It inspires expansive pursuits in the world that benefit everyone. However, over-reaching or over-indulging is not uncommon, but despite that, they produce a fortuitous outcome. Our Sun-Jupiter New Moon and these star alignments are fortuitous, but we must emotionally surrender and emotionally mature to move ahead into the vaster opportunities ahead.

Sun-Jupiter & the current Earth-Jupiter Synodic Cycle

Jupiter

Jupiter imparts a mobilizing and expansive force. It stimulates fluidity in movement, vitality and enthusiasm. It is of reciprocity--how we receive and re-express that which we have gained as gifts to the world. Jupiter expresses in openness and willingness to touch, palpate and embrace life, people and experience. It imparts a kinesthetic and magnetic quality; and reveals our physical fitness, strength and coordination.

Jupiter motivates us to aspire for something larger in our lives, beyond our current bounds. Jupiter will tend to magnify and expand the qualities of any other planet that it conjoins. Jupiter is often associated with money, but not as much as Venus. This is because Jupiter is a mobilizing force and money is a mobilizing agent.

Jupiter is of higher or natural law, as compared to man’s laws. It is of Spiritual Truth and stimulates action upon our greater truth. Jupiter is serendipitous, opportunistic, fortunate and lucky; with taste for and appreciation of elegance end beauty (along with Venus). It is fun loving, good natured, free and independent. Jupiter provides the ability to participate freely in the material world and in universal flow. Jupiter is of reciprocity.

Debilitated Jupiter can express as a fear of travel, movement or expansion. It can express a fear of loss or lack, thus hoarding in nature. It can be spiritually shallow. In its acute expression, Jupiter can be gluttonous, zealous, exaggerated, showy, and hypocritical.

Jupiter governs muscle coordination and motor skills; the muscles, ligaments, the lymph, buttocks and the legs, which are the pump for the lymphatic system. Associated brain centers are: Animation / Life--cortex, psyche, soma energy centre, and hypothalamus. Sensory Locomotion--mid-cortex, the kinesthetic and sensory motor area.

The Sun-Jupiter conjunction, which occurs just after the New Moon, on April 6, also marks the mid-point of vision and realization in the current Earth-Jupiter synodic cycle that began on September 21, 2010, presented in the September 8, 2010 Lunar Planner. This was a compounded synod with Uranus. Thus, a new Earth-Jupiter 400-day synodic cycle began; a new 370-day Earth-Uranus synodic cycle began; and the very significant new 13.5 year synodic cycle began. This compounded event catalyzed a tremendous wave mobilizing expansive, radical and unexpected change in our lives and in our world, we are just now (2011) starting to ride this wave and engage in this entire new cycle. All of this occurred in early sidereal Pisces, which is more about the masses, the emotional, the palpable, water, our origins and our commonality. It is about reuniting infusing our spiritual with our primordial origins. It also brings special emphasis to water and all related water issues. Jupiter is at home in Pisces, thus strengthened in its mobilizing and expansive role, and thus significantly magnifies the force of Uranus' radical effects in our lives, breaking us away from the antiquated structures of the past. This event also conjoined the Vernal Point of Earth's Precessional Cross, producing a primary activation of Earth's greater precessional cycle--reaching into the depths of the evolutionary cycle of the soul collective on Earth--thus initiating another level of acceleration of evolutionary change.

The New Moon - Earth-Saturn Synodic Cycle

Saturn

Saturn is of structure, form and time. Saturn’s force tends to solidify and concretize, to halt that which is moving. Saturn is slow and methodical. It imparts a need to be responsible, accountable, dependable and stable. Saturn also forces us to confront our fears and address our karmic issues.

Saturn, in its clear and evolved expression, provides the ability to create a solid foundation and stable form. It brings the capacity for concentration and moderation and the ability to apply past principles and knowledge constructively. Saturn instills confidence in one’s knowledge; and honors family and soul heritage.

Saturn in its diminished expression can be controlling, wanting to own others and dictate behavior for them. It can be oppressive, righteous and jealous; fearful of casual intimacy, touching and embracing, which instead must be controlled. It can produce an inability to be self-responsible and own up to life experience as being one’s own creation; thus resulting in victim consciousness where we blame life or others for our life experience. It can express a denial or avoidance of genetic and family heritage, such as fear or resistance use one’s birth or family name. It can produce an inability to ground, concretize and structure life; or produce difficulty with physical things, as well as well as with structure, organizations, legalities, and bureaucracies.

Saturn when acute or hyper can be obsessive, especially with the past, dogma, and belief structures. It is rigid, inflexible and can result in paralysis, broken bones, and physical deformations. It can be an inflictor of bondage, pain and injustices.

Primary associated bio-energy centers: Brain centers: Inherent Mental--brain stem and mid-brain. Skeletal structure, the hips, teeth, nails and hair--all calcium based organs.

The new 378-day Earth-Saturn synodic cycle starting on our April 3 New Moon occurs in sidereal Virgo. It of course completes our last Earth-Saturn cycle that began on the equinox of March 21, 2010, presented in the March 15, 2010 Lunar Planner. This new cycle principally conjoins the stars of Corvus, the Raven Messenger, including Algorab, Minkar, Al Chiba and Kraz. Also conjoining is Eta Draco; Beta Hydra; Beta Volans; and the Quasar 3C279 in Virgo.

Corvus is of high intelligence, ingenuity, imagination, insight and adaptability. The brains of Ravens are among the largest of any bird species. They are problem solvers, inventors and are highly opportunistic. Corvus is the keeper of secrets and a knowledge holder, but is also a prophetic revealer--the "raven messenger bird" to those who are spiritually and physically attuned, and who ask and listen. Corvus reminds us to pay attention to the signs or messages naturally expressing through the world around us moment-by-moment. The signs found in the simplest of life experience can have meaning if we are willing to be attentive to them. In fact, we can even ask to receive guidance simply by briefly holding the intent to inquire and then letting it go. It is the sincere projection of clear intent that vibrationally invokes a response from the world around us. Corvus is a protector as well, of both the animal and human worlds, and will forewarn of approaching danger to avert unnecessary mishaps, as well as to affirm fortuitous opportunities, meetings or events so we may act accordingly. Corvus invites us to maintain acute attentiveness to everything occurring around us; to read the signs in the moment occurring in our everyday lives; and to adapt accordingly.

Conjoining Algorab and Corvus is the beautiful Sombrero Galaxy and the Quasar 3C279, which lies exactly on the ecliptic plane, along the spinal column of the Virgin, its spinal placement again articulating the natural mechanism or neurology of subtle energy communication.

Quasars (Quasi-Stellar-Radio-Source) are not only visible objects, but they emit a wide band of photons (light particles) throughout the electromagnetic spectra, from the infrared up through human's visible range of light, through the ultra-violet (UV), the gamma rays range, and into the radio range of the electromagnetic spectrum. Their multi-spectral emanations tend to stimulate an awareness that extends beyond or pierces our rather narrow band of visual perception, thereby offering new non-conforming possibilities of conceptual thought. They can express as images or non-conforming forms that can draw us into a transcendent perceptual exploration, which then motivates new behavior or a new expression fitting to our expanded awareness. In general, we might think of quasars as providing stimulus for alternative creative conception and expression.

Quasar 3C279 can manifest as imagery in the natural world for those perceptive enough that can be interpreted as "messages through nature," which must be listened to and acted upon, as nature’s expression is the guidance itself at this zodiakal longitude.

The Hydra, in general, is of transcendent forces, those stirring at a sub-conscious level. Beta Hydra along with Xi Hydra were the Chinese "Tsing Kew" meaning "Green Hill" (Allen). Beta Hydra, conjoining Algorab of Corvus is of warnings regarding subtle forces that may lie hidden just below the surface of our conscious awareness, or just around the bend or over the hill along our paths. Here is where we find Corvus providing messages about such potential encounters, not only for our protection and/or guidance, but also for the protection for all life in the natural world that we might injure if we are not cautious and attentive. Beta Hydra invites us to submerge into a more subtle state of perception, to be attentive to our surroundings' natural expression, to perceive that which we do not yet see.

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

This new Earth-Saturn synodic cycle, adds to, compliments and provides perspective to our Pisces Jupiter New Moon; and to the theme of the new 13.5-year Jupiter-Uranus watery and emotional wave (tsunami) just emerging. It brings significant emphasis to watching, perceiving, and listening to the message from the natural world; as well as to our responsibility to heed those messages and act upon them. This is an incredibly significant and potent lunar cycle and New Moon planetary alignment (Jupiter-Sun-Earth-Moon-Saturn; with Mars, Uranus, Eris and Mercury flanking the Jupiter-Sun conjunction). Forewarnings or omens expressing from nature and from the Earth--a conscious living being--are provided for a reason, and here they are of a very serious nature with drastic life-changing ramifications. Again, Earth Speaks and we must listen!

These events occur just after the midpoint of realization in the current Jupiter-Saturn synodic cycle that began in 2000, presented in the previous lunar cycle. Jupiter-Saturn cycles play a principle role in our societal cycles of growth.

Mars and Uranus

Mars and Uranus also make their conjunction on the New Moon, and they conjoin the Vernal Point of Earth's Precessional Cross--again activating our evolutionary transition. This conjunction impels decisive, independent and spontaneous creative action and response, especially regarding matters associated with our evolutionary transition. Radical non-conforming action is a significant facet added to our New Moon theme, and it is required to mobilize and expand into the vaster waters in which we now find ourselves. They, also conjoining Scheat of the Great Square of Pegasus and Alpha Sculptoris, require we use our life force to sculpt our lives in radically new and refined ways.

Crescent Moon Phase Characteristics

The Crescent Moon
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 April 7 resides in early sidereal Taurus. It lies just past the Pleiades and conjoins Mirphak of Perseus and the foot of Perseus, composed of Zeta, Atik, and the potent X-Perseus Neutron Star. South is the Quasar 3C110 in Eridanus, the River of Life.

Perseus expresses through the first decan of sidereal Taurus. Perseus was born of immortal Zeus and the mortal princess Danae whose father, King Acrisius of Argos, locked her in a dungeon in fear of a prophecy that if Danae bore a son, he would kill the King. Zeus enters the dungeon as a golden shower impregnating Danae. When King Acrisius finds Danae with Perseus, he locks them in a wooden chest and puts it out to sea. The chest drifts to the island of Seriphos and is found by the brother of the island's king, Polydectes. Polydectes takes them in and raises Perseus.

Perseus is later led off on a diversionary mission to slay Medusa by Polydectes who had designs to force Danae to marry him, but during his initiatory journey, Perseus slays Medusa and fulfills his destiny to save and marry princess Andromeda. He also accidentally kills his grandfather King Acrisius, fulfilling Acrisius's fate. Perseus returns to protect his mother Danae from the forced marriage with Polydectes, the Seriphos king. He creates the city and rules a kingdom that bores the Persian world. He and Andromeda bore a family as well. Hercules was descendent of Perseus and Andromeda through their son Electryon. (Robert Graves, et. al.)

Perseus, in the story of Andromeda and Royal Family, is the hero who slays Medusa, the Gorgon with seven snakes for hair, and then frees the princess Andromeda from being devoured by Cetus the Sea Monster after she was sentenced to her death by Poseidon and chained to the rocks by the sea. This was due to Queen Cassiopeia's boastful and arrogant claim that her daughter was more beautiful than Poseidon's Neriads, the nymphs of the sea.

In this process Perseus overcomes his fears and claims his personal power by slaying Medusa. Anyone looking directly at Medusa turns to stone. Perseus instead uses the reflection of Medusa in his shield, and thus avoids this fate. This articulates Perseus slaying his own fear, as it is fear that freezes us in our own tracks.

Perseus then befriends Pegasus, and learns to fly upon this magical horse, demonstrating his capacity to rise above the tormenting emotional fear-based world in his self-mastery. He then flies over Cetus, with Algol, the head of slain Medusa in his hand (cuspal Taurus). Cetus turns to stone and shatters into the sea. He then frees Andromeda to fulfill their destiny.

Mirphak, Alpha Perseus, a fortuitous star, the elbow of Perseus, embodies the totality and success of all that our hero Perseus embodies. Mirphak inspires responsible action to claim the true gift from the inner refinement we have gained through our past initiatory fires. Here we must acknowledge that our trials had to precede stepping forth into a greater fulfillment and our future destiny.

Conjoining Mirphak is the right foot of Perseus (created by Atik, Omi Perseus; Zeta Perseus; and the intense neutron star, X–Perseus). Zeta and X-Perseus bring a powerful capacity to infuse the spiritual power gained from our initiations in life and to manifest our longer-term purpose and destiny in the physical world. This point in the ecliptic impels bold and dynamic physical action, and heroic deeds.

Also adding to this theme is Quasar 3C110 of Eridanus, the River of Life. Eridanus is of the soul's evolutionary journey through incarnate life. Eridanus is a very long constellation, starting at the star Kursa, which lies near enterprising Rigel of Orion (in late sidereal Taurus), and winds its way from Orion, backward in the ecliptic (east to west), through Aries where it reversing direction twice, then continues into Pisces and completes its journey in sidereal Aquarius at the star Achernar, the river's end. The stars of Eridanus reveal the nature of the trials and rewards the incarnating soul encounters throughout life’s winding and initiatory sojourn. Quasar 3C110 of Eridanus, conjoining Mirphak, Miram, and the foot of Perseus, inspires the creativity to remold what may have been a physical barrier into the very means to accomplish our greater purpose.

Sidereal Taurus is of Earthy and material matters: of building, business, construction, the home and family, property, stability and balance; is fixed in its ways, industrious, persistent, determined, laborious and enterprising. Earlier Taurus is of creative initiative, and supports the seeding of ideas. Our Crescent Moon invites us to ground our New Moon theme into dynamic and bold physical action in our daily lives, and in how we physically live and participate on Earth.

The New Juno Makemake Synodic Cycle

Juno, the asteroid of significant relationships, and Makemake, a newly discovered Dwarf Planet, begin a new 4.4-year synodic cycle on April 9 just across the cusp of sidereal Virgo and conjoins Benetnasch (Alkaid) of Ursa Major and Zaviava of Virgo.

Juno

Juno, goddess of love, 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 in mutual support and unconditional love to allow each other to grow and change through whatever issues surface. Potential Juno issues manifest as superiority / inferiority complexes and inequality issues. More about Juno.

Makemake

Makemake (pronounced MAH-keh MAH-keh - “e” is pronounced “ay” in Polynesian) is the Polynesian name for the creator god of humanity in the mythology of the South Pacific island of Rapa Nui (Easter Island). Makemake was recently discovered on March 31, 2005. Based upon an exploration of Makemake’s orbital parameters and its recent role during the 2008-2011 economic turn, Makemake appears to bring attention to leadership issues, especially regarding the administration of resources; and in areas involving economics, finance. It may also impel strategic planning and enterprising action to create environmental conditions that ensure a healthy, prosperous and abundant life for groups or for the people in general. Makemake may also act to sort out those who are truly worthy of being in a leadership role from those who are not. More about Makemake.

Benetnasch (Eta, Ursa Major) is the Tail of the Great Bear. The Arabic name for Benetnasch is Alkaid, which means "the leader." Benetnasch expresses one of the classical seven rays. Benetnasch teaches that leadership is about facilitating the self-empowerment and freedom of others rather than about exerting manipulative force that controls others, mistaken as leadership and being in power.

Benetnasch expresses the old dictatorial and totalitarian stream of consciousness that was predominantly dominant when Earth's polar alignment was tilted (had fallen) furthest from the galactic plane in Earth's great precessional year (about 6000 years ago). Thus Benetnasch is of this long-established totalitarian governing paradigm--generally of a patriarchal nature. It is of political-religious factions of big business.

In its old form and when expressing with influence of the stars of late Leo (the tail of the Lion, the racket of Canes Venatici and the hot air of Antilia), Benetnasch articulates those who tend to act as manipulating and controlling godheads, which perpetuates a dogmatic societal structure that keeps individuals from becoming self-responsible, and from evolving into their own self-mastery. It is of leadership that dictates what is right for people and what they should do by using dramatic and diversionary propaganda, rather than supporting others to make their own choices in freedom. It can be of the self-proclaimed saviors of the world who try to amass their blind followers for their own interest in maintaining a position of power and wealth. The days of dictators, gurus and followings, perhaps at one time served the sleeping masses, but they are now manipulative and suppressive to the emergence of a new soul-aware consciousness on Earth.

When expressing with more of Virgo's influence (and the stars of Coma Berenices, Crateris, and Velorum), and for the more mature and spiritually awakened, Benetnasch articulates leadership that provides opportunity for people to live in the freedom of their own choices and to become self-empowered, and to awaken in consciousness rather than acquiescing as blind followers.

Conjoining Benetnasch is Zavijava, which lies nearly on the ecliptic. Although a star of Virgo, Zavijava lies outside the realm of Virgo proper, before the head of the Virgin. It does not offer the clarity and purity of awareness common to the rest of the Virgo stars. Zavijava is of a passive and submissive character, articulating the blind and naïve followers of the Benetnasch directive / big business and government. These are most often innocent naive unquestioning people who get swayed by the diversionary dramatics of their manipulative leaders and believe in the miss-information they are being fed.

Benetnasch and Zavijava ask us to examine and discern whether we are blindly following self-proclaimed totalitarian authoritarian political-religious rulers and gurus and their propaganda or if we are seeking a deeper fulfillment based in and guided by true spiritual principles--trusting our own inner guidance.

As business or political leaders, Benetnasch and Zavijava ask us to examine whether we are dictating behavior and are creating followings, or if we are facilitating the self-empowerment and freedom of those under us or those we may govern. They ask us to evolve how we are using power and our positions of authority-- to learn that being in a position of power is a position of service.

This new cycle marks another shift for relationships and partnerships of all types, from those personal to those global, especially regarding the administration of resources and providing for our material needs. It invites us to look at how we administer resources in our relations, in business and between countries. Is it from the immaturity of dominance and the need to control resources, or are we going to co-participate as equals and with mutual respect when it comes to our resources. Obviously as a world, we have a way to go. However, in our personal relations, and for those more mature and spiritually aligned who may be business or political leaders, we can choose to do it differently--as it takes those who are willing to demonstrably lead the masses in this difficult transition, let alone to even know what a new way might look like. The recent devastating catastrophe in Japan is but one motivator for the world to change. Juno's (geocentric) conjunction with Makemake occurs from December 2010 through July of 2011, bringing up these issues about the administration of resources and providing for our material needs in all of our relationships. This Juno-Makemake cycle is one of many planetary cycles with Makemake occurring over many years, if not decades, that may help to motivate a redefinition in our global financial paradigm.

Mercury's new 116-day Synodic Cycle

Although the Sun and retrograde Mercury align in sidereal Pisces, the synod of two planets occurs looking from the Sun toward the planets, which in this case lies in sidereal Virgo. (This sign reversal only occurs for the inner planets, Mercury and Venus. See Synodic Cycles). The synod conjoins Seginus and Muphrid of Bootes; Alpha Volans and near by in longitude, and of extra-influence due to its massive size is Eta Carina of Argo Navis.

Mercury

Mercury is an expressive and intellectual force. It drives our need to organize, rationalize, categorize, and assemble our world into a coherent understanding. It is the significator of the intellect. It governs our sequential and logistical processes, our learning and reasoning abilities, our mental focus and concentration, our language skills, reading and writing, and our communication skills, how we speak and articulate. Mercury effects some motor skills associated with coordination and dexterity; and governs the neurological system, mental processes and memory.

Bootes, the Virgin's consort and protector, stands over the Virgin giving birth, over the cusp of Virgo-Libra. Bootes stands against the fallen corrupt (Benetnasch) totalitarian world powers that have demonstrated the inability over and again to ensure evolutionary fulfillment, with the continual destruction of the peoples of the Earth and typical catastrophic outcomes. The body of Bootes stands between the pure lucida of the Virgin (Spica) blocking the attempted manipulations of corrupt (Benetnasch) world powers. Bootes ensures the proper use of creative and reproductive energies and all that is involved in creating the proper environment for our harmonious evolutionary unfoldment.

Muphrid, the left foot of Bootes, is the facilitator to the transmutational process involved in the new birth from the Virgin. Seginus, the left shoulder of Bootes, lying north of and conjoining Muphrid, is of strength and responsibility. Muphrid and Seginus lie over the lower spinal sacrum (sanctum) of the Virgin and the Virgin's womb. Seginus and Muphrid inspire responsible action to provide personal and intimate support by making possible and ensuring proper energetic environments and bio-logical 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, that is, so that souls have the opportunity to express their highest potential and can achieve evolutionary fulfillment. This area of the Virgin is also about health, food and agriculture, and ensuring the physical biological purity supporting the expression of our greatest potential.

Bootes is of strength and responsibility. Bootes functions not by outward force but by spiritual awareness and astute intuitive prowess in the application of the knowledge (Nekkar, the Head of Bootes) about environmental issues and transcendent subtle forces. Bootes’ action is based from a place of wisdom, receptivity and sensitivity to the situation at hand, action associated with planning, preparation, and strategy.

Lying between Muphrid and Seginus (in latitude) is the seyfert galaxy NGC 5548. The seyfert galaxy NGC 5548 in Bootes express as an intensely focused purpose. It brings power to be confident on our inner convictions undaunted by external affairs of the human world. It provides an explosive power to overcome obstacles we may encounter and to ensure our safe passage and new birth.

One of the brightest stellar explosions ever seen occurred in March of 2008--called a gamma-ray burst (GRB 080319B). It conjoined Seginus and Muphrid in Bootes, and was just south of Seginus. This explosion energized and emphasized the theme of Seginus of Bootes for humanity in 2008. Its is also interesting to note that this is ecliptical longitude of Makemake’s aphelion; and its was slightly later that year that began the avalanche of events catalyzing the restructuring of financial banking arena and exposure of massive fraudulent activity in that arena that began with the Uranus opposition to Makemake and Saturn starting in the latter half of 2008, with the Uranus-Makemake opposition continuing into early 2011.

Alpha Volans conjoins Muphrid and Seginus. Volans (Piscis Volantis), the unique flying fish, generally found in warmer tropical oceans, is known for its winglike pectoral fins that allow it to glide through the air. Volans, residing quite south under the keel of the Argo, resides in the area of the heavens associated with navigational mapping and directing of the evolutionary currents that guide our lives. The flying fish mythically articulates an extraordinary force, the ability to gather the momentum and build up the speed to make the leap into and glide through a new realm of experience, one not common to itself. Generally the flying fish is leaping into the air to avoid its predators, adding the element of strategically creating an alternative environment for a safe passage. Primarily however, I tend to take Volans to articulate the soul in its submerged transcendent environment about to birth into visible form--a theme of the Virgin. Volans conjunction with the thigh of Bootes and the sacrum of the Virgin brings awareness about the subtle but powerful soul-directed primal / sexual / creative forces guiding our lives and the need to participate with powerfully directed intimate sensitivity of intent to pierce the limiting envelope of our existing perceptional bubble and birth a new life expression.

Eta Carina enters the ecliptic in late sidereal Virgo and due to its massive and extremely active nature, it significantly and prominently influences the latter part of Virgo; the womb (inner sanctum) of the Virgin, and the themes of Spica and Archturus and of Muphrid and Seginus.

Eta Carina is Lord of the Waves (the Akkadian Ea (Ia), the Sumerian Enki, chief god of the city Eridhu--he who warned Noah), generally is considered the foreteller of impending catastrophe, but also the instructor of the way through such evolutionary transitions. Eta is also associated with the Sirian amphibious fish-man "Oannes," who taught the Chaldaeans, both esoteric science and that which would civilize their lives, from building cities and temples to agricultural technique (Robert Temple, "The Sirius Mystery" / Blavatsky, "Isis Unveiled"). Eta embodies the esoteric Gnostic wisdom behind what to most is merely the mystery of life or unfathomable acts of God. Oannes is the emblem of priestly, esoteric wisdom; he comes out from the sea, because the 'great deep', the water, typifies...the secret doctrine." (Blavatsky, "Isis Unveiled")

Due to Eta’s strong X-ray spectrum and galactic equatorial orientation, it expresses significantly at the soul level--stimulating an awakening on Earth to our greater purpose as sentient souls responsible for Earth's safe evolutionary outcome. As a part of Argo Navis and the Argo's keel, Eta is of navigational matters regarding the evolution of the entire soul collective on Earth.

Eta Carina's impending Super Nova explosion, is a portent of evolutionary change and impels environmental preparation for such change. It also indicates that something with far greater potential and magnitude can and will birth through the human form--a far greater expression of consciousness. Eta stimulates our need to prepare for and to become capable of this greater expression of consciousness, to create a inner bio-logical environment that is capable of a higher expression of consciousness as well as one that can support such a physical birth.

This new Mercury synodic cycle brings our attention to ensuring the proper environmental conditions in our lives to support not only a new birth in consciousness, but also to ensure protection from any potential calamitous upheavals that may occur in the process. On a personal level it impels a strong sense of responsibility to ensure the protection and well being of our selves and the peoples of the world, including our biological health and the health of the human populous. This is quite fitting with Saturn's Corvus synodic cycle theme--heeding the messages expressing through nature and through the world around us.

First Quarter Moon Phase Characteristics

First Quarter Moon
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 April 11, a day before the Sun-Eris conjunction. The Moon, in late sidereal Gemini, conjoins Castor and Pollux, the Gemini Twins. Also conjoining are: Adrara and Muliphen of Canis Major; and Gomeisa of Canis Major.

"The Twins" are marked by the two principal stars: Pollux, the immortal extraterrestrial one, and Castor the mortal terrestrial one, the extraterrestrial incarnate. These two stars, which mark the Twins' heads, lie in the last few degrees of sidereal Gemini. The Twins stand upon the galactic equator at a 60° angle to the ecliptic plane, with the "Feet of the Twins" lying in earlier Gemini, upon the "Gate of Man". Thus, Gemini is a galactic constellation and an ecliptical constellation, which inspires the expression of soul purpose through the daily activity of humankind--the theme of the Gate of Man. Sidereal Gemini is of high intensity intellectual communication, information, commerce, goods and services, and of their exchange. The Twins are of partnerships in mutual cooperation participating in the human world, one of linking and uniting through our daily affairs in the world. The Twins work hand-in-hand for the betterment and evolutionary fulfillment of humankind.

Although the Twins (Castor and Pollux) are of communication and human betterment, they have in some legend been at odds with each other, a bit argumentative. Here is the Gemini trait of competitiveness, debate, arbitration, and negotiation, but ultimately leading to agreement and solution.

Castor is the liaison or manger in the world of daily human affairs, and is of partnerships and cooperation. Castor brings resources and people together that serve to get logistics accomplished in the world of business and commerce; whereas Pollux is more of the ambassador and leader, bringing a greater awareness to the efforts of Castor, and uniting groups and factions with concern for the greater evolutionary fulfillment of all parties.

This is also location of Saturn's North Node, bringing emphasis the responsibility aspect of Castor and Pollux; and to our new Corvus Saturn synodic cycle.

Conjoining Castor and Wasat from the south is Muliphen (Mirza) and Adhara of Canis Major, a part of the hindquarter of Canis Major. The Arabic Adhara means virgins (and should not be confused with Aludra, the pure one of the bread, which is nearby in longitude but not in distance). Adhara is the aid, assistant or manager, those in a liaison position in larger cooperative groups or organizations. Adhara inspires co-participation and the emergence of colleagues and friends to lend a hand to Castor's efforts. Adhara and Muliphen inspire people, partners, and soul mates that have disappeared or withdrawn to re-emerge as a steady and dependable presence. Also conjoining is Delta Monoceros, a star of the Unicorn, inviting us to embrace the unique gifts and talents of all participants.

Gomeisa is assistant to the principal star of Canis Minor, Procyon, which also conjoins Pollux and which marks the sidereal Gemini-Cancer cusp. Procyon is of larger groups and organizations working for the betterment humanity in business and commerce. Gomeisa can indicate those with special expertise in the area of negotiation and communication, sometimes those that assist such efforts behind the scenes.

Our First Quarter Moon stimulates action toward public relations and linking together in larger groups or organizations that can serve a purpose far greater than separate parties can accomplish alone. Here we find motivation for the coordination and exchange of resources and information between individuals and groups, and the planning of more encompassing joint ventures. The Eris-Sun First Quarter Moon may also stimulate action to address any disruptions that may have or that might otherwise occurring in our lives, should we not link together in a greater effort. It may also be disruptions in our lives that provides our stimulus to action, perhaps economically driven.

The Sun-Eris Conjunction

Eris

Eris, the Great Disruptor, has a radical and interceding nature, overturning our current perception, but with purpose, so we may expand and redefine our perceptual view of the reality in which we live. Eris, discovered in 2005 in Cetus, was responsible for the formation of the new “Dwarf Planet” classification and the reclassification of Pluto to Dwarf Planet status, the family to which Eris, Pluto and the asteroid Ceres now belong. This caused quite a commotion in both the astronomical and astrological communities. However, this proved to be appropriate as additional new Dwarf Planets were discovered shortly afterward.

Mythologically, Eris is the Greek god of strife. Eris’ daughter, Dysnomia, is the name given to the moon of Eris. Dysnomia is said to be the “spirit of lawlessness”--disruptor of civil order. Eris, however, had two daughters, Dysnomia and the opposite and peaceable one, Eunomia, who ends strife. Dysnomia is also the name given to a nominal recall (dys) disorder--a memory problem associated with naming (nouns); the inability to retrieve names when needed--”its on the tip of my tongue.”

Eris demonstrated, right from the start, her no-nonsense astrological role as the great disruptor. Although the discovery of Eris created discord at first, a new order followed with the new classification of Dwarf Planets (fitting to the theme of her daughter Eunomia). This is significant when considering Eris’ astrological character.

Discordant Eris provokes change by upsetting the status quo, by upsetting the apple cart. Although Eris can create a disrupting commotion, upsetting our existing, limiting and antiquated structures of consciousness. She opens us to see beyond the finite bounds of our current perception, beyond the bounds we place upon ourselves by arousing and challenging our egoic defenses. 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.

Eris extreme elliptical orbit causes Eris to change speed rather drastically over long periods of time. Eris moves rather slowly through sidereal Pisces, a fraction of a degree per year. Eris lies quite south of the ecliptic moving north-eastward up through the bowels of Cetus, the Technobureaucratic Monster of Collective Human Consciousness. Eris’ discovery in Cetus indicates Eris is disrupting the fear-driven bureaucratic world of mass consensus to help our emergence from the belly of the ole’ whale into a new world paradigm. Being a very slow mover, Eris is still making its passage through the gut of Cetus, currently conjoining Revati of Pisces and Baten Kaitos of Cetus and is continuing to disrupt fear-based collective human consciousness and the technobureaucratic monster driving it--perhaps continuing to increase the unrest with the status quo in the human populous. More about Eris.

The Sun-Eris conjunction conjoining Revati and Baten Kaitos marks the mid-point of vision and realization in the current annual Earth-Eris synodic cycle that began in October of 2010.

Related Eris Articles:
Eris, The Great Disrupter, Revati & the Global Economic Crisis
The Path of Eris & The Eris Synodic Cycles 2003 - 2016

Gibbous Moon Phase Characteristics

The Gibbous Moon
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.

The Gibbous Moon occurs on April 14 in mid sidereal Libra, 4° from the asteroid Juno. It conjoins Alioth of Ursa Major; Beta Sextans; Suhail Velorum; and Zosma of Leo.

Alioth is of personal will and the application of it. As one of the seven rays of the Big Bear and of the world powers, Alioth teaches us to responsibly use personal will to effect our courses in life. Alioth also teaches us about the forceful use of will and ramifications of it. Alioth teaches us that our personal actions alter the evolutionary currents that create our souls' evolutionary destiny. Alioth impels the use of personal will and our need to initiate personal action. The adjoining Seyfert Galaxy NGC4051 in Ursa Major adds a potent underlying force driving dynamic action. Thus, Alioth can express as forceful and manipulative use of power merely for personal gain, or when mastered, it can express as personal will attuned to Divine Will in phenomenal accomplishment that responsibly steers our evolutionary course.

The Sextant is about navigation. It reveals our need to determine our present position / situation, to set our bearings, and to take a new tack toward the direction we wish to move with conscious consideration for the changing evolutionary winds and currents upon which we must navigate.

Much like sailing, changing winds require the application of personal will to change the boat's tack to continue toward our longer-term destination. Without acting and make directional changes, we capsize. This requires the assessment of our current position and heading, and of the changing conditions around us--the weather, waves, winds and currents--to responsibly set a new tack along our journeys in life.

Chort, at the hind of the Lion, along with Zosma, can taint our expression and confuse our actions due to toxic conditions or an unrefined awareness.

The Suhail stars of Velorum, on the sail of the Argo, are always indicative of refined subtle energies or currents at work that function at the level of the soul's greater evolutionary journey--those transcendent to the dramatics of the terrestrial incarnational world. These are the currents those found breaking trail often attune to. "Suhail, among the Persians, is synonymous for wisdom; as in the Al Anwar i Suhaili, the Lights of Canopus. Also a personal title taken in Arabia as a symbol for what is brilliant, glorious and beautiful" (Allen). Suhail Velorum is of the transcendent or subtle energy currents that underlie the material world, those that support our greater incarnational sojourn.

This is a windy and fiery area of the zodiak, one that can stimulate dynamic creative expression, yet it is easy to be misled in our actions if we are not clear within self and set our course. It is easy to become diverted by the dramatics whirlwind or glamor in the world around us. Our opportunity is to attune to subtler guiding currents that can guide us in right action and in the right direction that is attuned to and in harmony with accomplishing our greater pursuits in life.

The Sun enters sidereal Aries on April 15.

The New Mars-Uranus Synodic Cycle

Mars and Uranus begin a new 1.9-year synodic cycle in sidereal Pisces on April 17, 2011. The Mars-Uranus synods progresses around the ecliptic about 7 to 8 degrees per synod, this being the first in sidereal Pisces. This one, at 6° 10' sidereal Pisces lies about 1° past the vernal point of Earth's Precessional Cross, thus creating and activation our portal of evolutionary change. 5° sidereal Pisces marks the Primordial Origin of Earth's ~25,000-year precessional cycle. Also conjoining are Scheat of the Great Square of Pegasus; Alpha Sculptoris and The Sculptor Galaxy.

Mars

Mars is an initiating creative force, of sexuality, vitality, life force, and power. In its mature expression, Mars stimulates our capacity to respond in assertive action. It is of leadership, self reliance, and victorious. It is audacious, brave, instinctual, passionate and willful. For the less mature, or when poorly placed in a chart, Mars can express as the awry or ballistic use of power, lack of self-control, abuse in all if its forms, and with selfish motive and greed that is based in the fear of not surviving or not being provided for. The Mars aspect of self (sacrum, base chakra, adrenals sexual organs) is the area generally held in most judgment by many people--due to this force having been used destructively and manipulatively in the history of the solar system resulting in aberrations and devastation of life; hence often dubbed the planet of war. Because of this, total rejection and lack of love is often projected toward the Mars quality / base chakra of self--alienating it even more.

Uranus

Uranus in the chart reveals where and how we break from the conformity of the past. Uranus is radical, spontaneous, and electrical. It supports the expression of our uniqueness and originality.

Uranus, in its clear and evolved expression, brings the ability to spontaneously change and to create new frontiers in experience and consciousness. It is the true pioneer, uninhibited by convention and establishment (Saturn). Uranus inspires the expression of our unique individuality in radical confidence. Uranus instills a future-orientation and humanitarian focus; and embodies quickness and alertness of consciousness often producing a lightning-like creative mind when prominently aspected. Uranus provides an ability to work with higher orders and principles--providing a higher-mind prowess for telepathy and all super-consciousness functions and mechanisms. Uranus instills an appreciation of excellence and perfection. It is the applier of the higher sciences and inspires new discoveries in technology and consciousness.

Uranus in its chronic expression can manifest as fear to change, to be spontaneous, or to take radical steps. It can express as judgment of other’s uniqueness and gifts, or of one’s own eccentricities and uniqueness; which covers a fear of being accepted or rejected, of being persecuted, and thus expresses as seeking sameness as a means for gaining acceptance. It can manifest as expressing other’s truths and philosophies rather than one’s own. An acute or hyper Uranian energy can express as instability, erraticism and hyperactivity, with an inability to follow through--ungrounded electrically.

Primary associated bio-energy centers are: Nervous system and higher brain centers--mental ability, prefrontal and frontal lobes; neurological and synoptic circuitry, and associate mechanisms; bio-electrical and light impulses, and heart firing.

The Great Square of Pegasus is created by Markab, Scheat, Algenib and Alpheratz (occurring in that order in ecliptical longitude). The principles and qualities embodied in each of these four stars reveal the requirements for our psycho-physiological preparation to become free from the bounds limiting us from participating in a more fulfilling and purposeful expression in the world. This "refinement of self" allows us to rise above the bounds of the psychic-emotional entrapments common to collective human consciousness in accomplishment of soul's greater mission or purpose on Earth. These four stars have long been associated with the feet of a table or stand, thus a supporting foundation or stage upon which something else transpires, is supported, or rises from.

Scheat reveals the essence of sidereal Pisces, and brings attention to the waters of life and to the purity of our body fluids, especially the "lymph," which means Flowing Spirit of the Living Water of Life. Scheat pertains to all waters of the world, but also to body fluids, especially water's relationship to the purification of the physical vehicle and the body's requirement for refined life force energies to express through the fluids molecular matrix. Alignments with Scheat ask us to consider what we are doing with our primordial life force, how we are using our Chi / Xi, our primal energy. Scheat also asks us to integrate our primordial essence with the spiritual essence--to realize they are one flowing life-giving force.

Lacerta, the lizard, lies along the galactic equator, just over the Great Square of Pegasus, and is gate-keeper to the Primordial Origin. Lacerta embodies the knowledge of primordial and elemental forces which mold consciousness itself into organic form; awareness that precedes thought itself.

The Primordial Origin is the most northern point along the galactic plane from the ecliptic (entering the ecliptic at 5° sidereal Pisces). When Earth's north celestial pole (NCP) resides at this location in Earth's ~25,000-year precessional cycle, Earth's pole is most parallel to the galactic plane. Thus the pole of the Earth lies at rest, imbued, unified, in the plane of galactic light. This is also when Earth's vernal axis in the ecliptic lies exactly upon the galactic equatorial axis--with the vernal point residing on the Gate of God (5° Sag) and the anti-vernal point residing on the Gate of Man (5° sidereal Gemini)--the time when the precessional cycle of the Holy Cross is at its zero point--when the two cross members are as one. As Earth's precessional cycle ensues, Earth's pole lifts from its slumber in the plane of galactic light and begins to awaken as it makes it precessional round. At this time, the cycle of Earth's precessional Holy Cross begins--as well as the "evolutionary cycle of the soul." It is for these reasons that I suggest that this marks the beginning or zero-point of Earth's precessional "Great Year"; and this, in part, is why I dub the most north point along the galactic plane as our "Primordial Origin."

Southern Sculptoris, is the sculptor's studio. Alpha Sculptor and the Sculptor Galaxy conjoin and embrace the South Galactic Pole (SGP), and they articulate the formation of human life from the primordial waters of life, molding clay into human form. Alpha Sculptor stimulates our need to create our lives from the primordial forces of life. The SGC resides directly south of the most northern point along the galactic equator--the Primordial Origin at 5° sidereal Pisces.

Recall that Mars and Uranus also (geocentrically) conjoined on our New Moon, adding to this lunar month's energetic. The Mars-Uranus conjunction and this new 1.9-year synod cycle impels prompt and radical assertive action in leadership in response to evolutionary change, and for that which supports harmonious evolutionary change. It supports radical transformation in leadership to those who are in-tune with Earth's evolutionary transition. It also brings attention to water and water related issues; and to new discoveries and technologies related to water. On a more personal level, this new cycle invites us to use our creative power and life force in radical new ways that support our personal evolutionary transition, and the reintegration of the spiritual and primordial forces in our lives.

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 April 17-18 in early sidereal Libra. It lies in the constellation of Virgo, which extends into the first half of Libra and lies at the upper thighs of the Virgin. It conjoins Izar of Bootes; Delta Centaurus and Centaurus X-3, Neutron Star; and The Theta Carina Cluster in Argo Navis.

The area of zodiak east and west of cuspal Virgo-Libra (Spica) is very much about environmental conditions. Later Virgo is more about our inner bio-logical environment, health and well being. Early Libra is more about our outer geological environment. Both are about creating and ensuring environmental conditions that support the pure birth of souls and the evolution of souls in their greatest potential.

Theta Carina "Vathorz Posterior" (of old Norse-Latin origin), means "Succeeding One of the Waterline" referring to the Galactic Equator upon which the Argo sails. Theta Carina lies in the Theta Carina Cluster, a bright open cluster of about 60 stars. The Theta Carina Cluster is sometimes referred to as the Southern Pleiades. Slightly north of Theta Carina is a giant stellar nursery surrounding the nebula NGC 3603, one of most compact clusters of young, massive stars in our Milky Way.

Theta Carina is a part of the Diamond Cross of Argo Navis, formed and headed by the supergiant star Miaplacidus (Beta), along with Theta, Upsilon and Omega Carina. It, like the Souther Cross, which is protected by the Centaur, does not have a central star in the center, thus forming a diamond more so than a cross. You must be south of 20° north latitude on Earth to see it. The Diamond forms the keel and hold of the Argo. These stars are about designing and establishing the stability and environment that support a pure birth in consciousness and our evolutionary fulfillment. The Diamond inspires the mapping for special places, sites, centers, and the proper timing for work supporting our evolutionary fulfillment.

Miaplacidus, and the stars of Carina's Diamond, embody the artscience of astronomical Earthgrid mapping work--both in space and time (where to be when). "Mia" is of greater universal flowing waters of Source and "Placidus" is of grid-navigational-mapping. Thus, Miaplacidus involves the navigational mapping of cosmic evolutionary currents--evolutionary intelligence and how it expresses in time and space. More succinctly, Miaplacidus inspires us to find and ensure a harmonious environment in space and time for the pursuit of our purpose and our greater fulfillment and wellbeing.

Theta Carina and the Theta Carina star cluster are specifically about establishing the proper environment for a pure birth in consciousness and of a soul into incarnate form. It is of knowledge, secrets, record-keeping, writing, and the articulation of intelligence regarding these environmental and evolutionary matters.

Centaurs X-3 lies exactly on the galactic equator, just above the Theta Carina open star cluster of Argo Navis. Both align closely with Miaplacidus, the Beta star of the Argo. Cen X-3 contributes significantly to the theme of early sidereal Libra, accessing galactic currents that provide a greater evolutionary context for evolving souls that transcend this mere lifetime. The attractive force encountered here transcends the mere present moment.

Here we may find unique events or portals occurring in space and time that can change our evolutionary experience and destiny if we are willing to leap into an abyss. Opportunities presented here allow us to walk away from the mundane, from what is established in our lives, from what seems to make sense to onlookers. They require a leap into the void with the knowing there are subtle but greater soul-level currents that can carry us to our greater fulfillment. Learning to move in intimate trust and harmony with these forces is a key dynamic of this part of the zodiak.

Izar, Epsilon of Bootes, at the waist or middle of Bootes, requires us to become perfectly centered to take a leap of faith and slip through a spacetime opening that can lead to a place of far greater beauty and fulfillment than we had known before.

Our Full Moon brings realization about this rather significant and potent Jupiter-Saturn lunar cycle, to the need to address our environmental conditions and attune our selves to perhaps what may becom massive evolutionary change. It invites us to re-strategize our lives and our living condition, and to make changes fitting to the accelerating changes occurring in our world.

Disseminating Moon Phase Characteristics

The Disseminating Moon
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 21 in sidereal Scorpio conjoining the Centaur Pholus. Conjoining stars are Ras Algethi of Hercules and Sarin of Hercules; Pholus conjoins Sabik of Ophiuchus.

Pholus

The Centaurs are somewhat rogue and radical in nature, believed to have entered into the realm of our outer solar system from the outside. Since the Centaurs do not have their own strong orbital resonance, they generally have unstable orbits and are greatly influenced by the orbital resonances of the larger planets, and thus synchronize with the orbits of the larger planets, acting as unique escorts from one planetary realm to another.

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.

Pholus may help to lead us from the conforming bounds and limitations of our past, to make the radical changes in our lives, to pierce the veils obscuring our more transcendent soul purpose, and to awaken to that purpose and live it. Conversely, Pholus may also help us to ground and concretize that purpose in the world. Pholus seems to help us refine our sense of responsibility to living true to soul’s oath.

Pholus can manifest as unusual ability or an unexpected experience that can catalyze profound change. Pholus often works in a mysterious or shrouded way, and often manifests in a whirlwind of confusion as some type of catalyzing agent, sometimes medicinal, that makes possible a transition or passage that otherwise would not occur. More about the Centaurs.

Hercules stands upside down in the northern Heavens, north above Ophiuchus, with his feet (foundation) in the celestial dome (seven Heavens), in the realm of the gods, and with his head and hands at work in the realm of humankind aiding those in the incarnate world struggling to claim their freedom from perpetuated mortal entrapment.

Ras Algethi is the lucida (brightest star) of this constellation and marks the head of Hercules. Ras Algethi embodies the wisdom of Hercules (derived partly from his heavenly heritage and partly from his challenging Earthian experience) and contributes significantly to the Ophiuchus / Scorpio theme. Hercules is one seeded from another realm but who is intimately aware of the human dilemma, the struggle and its cause (the alchemical amalgamation of those from the heavens with those of the Earth). His beauty and intelligence he gains from Alcmene his mother and his wisdom of evolutionary matters along with his shrewd sagacity he gains from Zeus is father. The motivation behind his undaunted and bold actions expresses from experiencing the human struggle and knowing the heavenly freedom possible. His presence upon the incarnational plane is of a service capacity, a mission of evolutionary proportion--to ensure our evolutionary freedom both personally and for all souls on Earth. Ras Algethi impels an accomplishment oriented drive to excel or to achieve something phenomenal, greater and freeing. The best is never good enough.

Sarin, the shoulder of Hercules, along with Kornephoros, is of strength and responsibility to aid others in their pursuit for freedom. Both Ras Algethi and Sarin lie over Ophiuchus, the illumined one who stands in self-mastery upon the Scorpion. Hercules helps and teaches others to claim their self-mastery and freedom from the dominion of others and from false beliefs placed upon them.

Sabik is the second brightest star in Ophiuchus and is a binary star system, with one star rotating around the other in an 88-year cycle. Sabik, on the right thigh or loin of Ophiuchus, closely conjoining Ras Algethi, the Head of Hercules, reveals a powerfully transformative location in sidereal Scorpio, one offering a significant transmutational experience due to the alchemical intermixing of elements, often of a sexual, genetic, biological or botanical nature. Sabik is also of medicine, healing, medical research and the art-science of alchemy. Conjoining Sabik are the potent entries: V2107, the Nova of 1977, also in Ophiuchus; and a dynamic X-ray eclipsing binary star in the tail of the Scorpion, 3U1700-37, one of the brightest identified X-ray sources.

Sabik of Ophiuchus, and surrounding entries, can stimulate involvements that lead to our greater bio-logical well-being and illumination--especially regarding transmutation of our experience and our human condition from a lower-order to a more refined state of being. This level of transmutation in our lives requires full unconditional acceptance and integration of our past experience, so the bio-energetic patterning we hold within can be inverted to re-express its compliment--thus allowing a new expression that subsequently draws new fulfilling experience. This process in esoteric science and physics is called time-reversal or phase-conjugation. In advanced healing and meditative techniques, this is a means of producing the opposite but properly phased cellular pattern or signature within self that cancels (actually fulfills) the existing pattern we embody. Generally, this is an all-or-nothing deal requiring our unconditional willingness to embrace the healing / transmutational process. The choice is ours.

Sabik can also simply indicate a threshold to cross or transition to make, generally regarding a change in our neurology, how we act, or in our capacity to take action to change and evolve.

Our Demonstrable Moon brings our attention to being in service to others to aid them their pursuits in life. It may also inspire us to act as catalysts that support the passage through what may be calamitous or confusing life scenarios. It also brings our attention to the means to make passage through our own metamorphosis, perhaps with mysterious elements or people showing up in our lives who may have this capacity to aid us in our metamorphic crossing.

Mercury Direct, Venus-Uranus,
and a Lunar T-square with Mercury, Mars and Saturn

Mercury completes its retrograde on April 23, at which time our new mercury 116-day synodic cycle fulling engages. Venus and Uranus also conjoin at the same time several degrees earlier in sidereal Pisces. Stationing Mercury and Mars also conjoin and are opposite Saturn; and the Moon squares the opposition, creating a T-square, with the asteroid Juno also aspecting. The entire dynamic motivates action to move from that which is old, no longer functional, or antiquated in our lives; and it also motivates change in relationships and in the logistics of how we co-participate in our lives and in the world. This becomes a part of the fruit of this lunar cycle and of our Demonstrable Moon.

Last Quarter Moon Phase Characteristics