Full Moon in Leo ♌. At the New Moon (last New Moon was on 2/2) there is no light in the night sky - likewise we may be in the dark in some area, yet we have inspiration to plant a seed, imagine possibilities, and embark on a new cycle of growth. At the Full Moon, there is a full body of light in the night sky - light is shed revealing what has unfolded and allowing sight of the new reality that has grown forth.

The Sun touched Neptune ♆ before moving into Pisces ♓ (ruled by Neptune) tomorrow. This is one of a series of planets already or soon to meet Neptune, then enter Pisces - supporting the momentum for all things mystical - connecting with the divine, listening to intuition, and contemplating unconditional love. At the same time, it is equally important to be aware of blind spots, use discernment, & stay grounded.

*side note: obviously referring to the Sun or Moon as “planets” is not technically correct, but a a matter of speech in astrology... When astrology was developed in ancient times, it was based on observing the bodies of light in the sky from earth’s perspective...

Interpreting astrological symbolism cannot predict character per se. It only suggests influences with many possible manifestations. Each placement and aspect in a birth chart can be read on the high side and the low side. It is my practice to always focus on the inherent higher potentials, but occasionally I am reminded to stay alert to the more negative possibilities.

That goes for interpreting current planetary transits (influences) happening for an individual as well. There are often both high and low manifestations at the same time, which sometimes may only be fully understood after the transit has passed.

Many ask how astrology works. Here is the best explanation I know of: “True without error, certain and most true: that which is above is as that which is below, and that which is below is as that which is above, for performing the miracles of the One Thing; and as all things were from One, by the mediation of One, so all things arose from this One Thing...”  

~The Emerald Tablets of Hermes

Chiron, the Wounded Healer, enters Pisces after traveling through Aquarius for 5 years. After completing a process of refining social structures & social freedoms, Chiron in Pisces represents a personal & collective shift towards healing wounds related to spirituality: the next few years should be rich with opportunity for dissolving the illusory sense of separation, from others and from the Source of all being.

The masculine archetype is heating up right now as the Sun ☉ touches fiery Mars ♂ in the sky at 15º Aquarius. The warrior god is all about taking decisive action towards a desire and breaking new ground, with confidence and courage. This energy is shining bright and may be strongly felt, either internally or around you. This only happens once every two years. Enjoy the heat and intensity! And hopefully the heat and intensity can be enjoyed without any hurt involved...

A New Moon at 9:31pm. The dark sky at this phase of the lunar cycle is like a blank canvas providing an opportunity to start over and create something new... It is in Aquarius, the archetype of CHANGE - wanted or not, and possibly shocking. It is needed. The task in Aquarius is to discover one’s current inner truth, even if it is radical, and be stubbornly dedicated to it.

With the Sun, Mars, Neptune, and Chiron all also in Aquarius, and Mercury entering Aquarius tomorrow (Feb 3), the Aquarius archetype is unfathomably intense right now.

Saturn (planet of hard work and karma) retrograde in Libra (sign of partnership, justice, and harmony) is a major review period. It can correlate with taking a hard look at the reality of a relationship, or its absence; remind us of old ties that may need tending, or of ethics in love we wish to reclaim and uphold... For Libra peace is the sacred goal, but we are urged to be thoughtful & loving as we grasp for it.

The Balsamic Moon - the very last phase before the New Moon. In the planting cycle this phase corresponds to the plant dying away; something comes to an end. Time to let go. At the same time you have already planted seeds and have a subtle perception of a new beginning to come, even though it has yet to take form....

Today I happened to see this remarkable video reminding me of the Sabian Symbol for 1º Aries: “A woman has risen from the water, a seal has emerged also, and is embracing her.” Then I realized Jupiter is moving from 0º to 1º Aries right now. Amazing synchronicity. Note that the seal is perfectly personifying Jupiter in Aries. Jupiter = warmhearted and jovial; Aries = bold & courageous, yet innocent.