by Maya del Mar
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Note: A VOC Moon period is when the Moon is making no further major planetary aspects before it changes signs. Moon and its aspects are strongly associated with our everyday behavior, and without those aspects to direct our course, we are left much more free to pursue our own ends in our own way. It is like youre driving down the freeway and find the road signs removed for awhile. On the one hand, plans may go awry, you may miss your exit; on the other hand, inner work is greatly favored as those external "instructions" are reduced.
Times used are EST, because the overall influences for the United States are centered in Washington DC. UT, or Universal Time, is the time given in ephemerii, and it corresponds to Greenwich Mean Time, the time used at the Greenwich Observatory in London, England.
I use Eastern Standard or Eastern Daylight time in Daykeeper, which corresponds to the time used in the eastern quarter of the United States. To get UT, add five hours to EST, and add four hours to EDT.
TUESDAY NOVEMBER 1. (A reminder: the character of a new moon lasts through a four-week cycle.) New Moon at 10 Scorpio occurs at 8:25 p.m. EST. This is the Day of the Dead, and we plunge through the veilinto hidden dimensions of mystery and of transformation. It is the season of Samhain, considered by the Celts and others to be end of the old year, and the beginning of a new one. In fact, in the northern hemisphere, death and decay is all around us, and at the same time the buds are sprouting on the woody plants, even where blizzards are raging. Check out those tiny brave buds for a glimpse of the future. Spring will come. Spring does come. And we have to let the old die, and make room for new growth. Scorpio understands that nothing really dies. Life changes form, and becomes food for new life. Decayed plants, for instance, become soil, food for the teeming microbial world, and nourishment for new plants. We all remain as spirits on other planes, and are vividly alive in the hearts of our progeny. Day of the Dead, when we honor our ancestors, recognizes the richness and importance of this season.
The cycle of life is at its years peak now, and Scorpio understands this cycle intimately. Birth and death are its close companions.
Crises attend Scorpio, often life or death choices. Crises are coming booming down on us now, not only because of Scorpio, but also because we begin several months of a more or less fixed grand cross configuration. This configuration is often called the cross of crucifixion, because we are forced to make choices which seem difficult or impossible. Whatever we do, we must give up something which is dear to us. That priority list Ive been talking about will become very useful. And it will change, as life moves on.
Now, at the Scorpio New Moon, we sow seeds of power. What kinds of power? Jupiter in Scorpio can give us magical power, and Pallas in Scorpio is a powerful strategist. Opposite them is Mars in Taurus, pushing to produce and preserve. This polarity is all about the energy cycleresources and how we turn them into life and into profits. They both tend to hang on. Scorpio can become obsessive, and Mars in Taurus can get stuck in a rut.
The other fixed sign polarity, which can be in conflict with Scorpio-Taurus, is Aquarius-Leo. This polarity promotes interest in the broad outlines of society, as well as in individual personal expression. Mentally-oriented Aquarius can get too theoretical, e.g. Dick Cheney, who thought invading Iraq was a great idea. Ego-oriented Leo can become carried away with arrogance, as did Bill Clinton. Neptune and Saturn now in those signs can either ground us, or push us off the deep end. Our choice.
Squares are for building, and fixed squares are for building something permanent. The potential now is to use the high sides of each of these signs to begin to build a sustainable world (Taurus-Scorpio) which is eminently livable (Aquarius-Leo).
Fixed signs are power signs, and this square can also be used to further develop the corporate-run state in which we live. Question: Can you? Can I assume the power within us? This is what Saturn in Leo is asking us to do, now and for the next two years. This is a time of testing, testing the seat of power. Neptune in Aquarius can help us to gather with others of like mind. Community and organizing are essential.
This New Moon also sets us into a strong Sagittarius energy field, and Sagittarius is the visionary sign. Let us call in sources of vision for a better world. (Again, Crystal Pomeroys column is a wonderful help with vision.) Neptune can help, if we quit giving its energy away to state spin.
Fixed squares always mean struggle, and perhaps our biggest struggle now is to reclaim our power, and reconnect with our higher selves. An example of this is Bay Area parents developing attractive programs and jobs for their teenagers to substitute for the appeal of military recruiters.
Scorpio can be the greatest of healing signs, and the time is now:
Jupiter, Sun, Moon, and Pallas Athena in ScorpioUse for transforming, healing, and asserting authentic power.
Mars in TaurusUse for going deeply into self, reviewing and redoing how we can best apply our energy.
Neptune in AquariusUse for humanitarian visioning, where the individual is central, and for the gathering of those individuals into effective groups.
Saturn in LeoUse for reclaiming our own command centers.
This configuration has extra power, for it picks up on the energy of the great fixed grand square Solar Eclipse of August 1999. Pallas now exactly conjuncts the Eclipse Mars, Neptune exactly conjuncts its Uranus, Mars exactly conjuncts its Saturn, and Saturn now is in Leo, the sign of the Eclipse. Remember the path of that total eclipsefrom New York through Europe, the Mideast, and on to the Pakistan-India border. This has been the path of U.S. attempts at conquest including and since 9-11.
Watch it during the next several days, weeks, and months.
This is a very powerful new moon. Saturn in Leo carries the center of gravity, and dominates the chart. Saturn at 11 Leo closely squares Sun and Moon. We can be sure we are in for much work, both destroying and building. Saturn here conjoins an energy-draining black hole, and at the same time is open to a tremendous influx of information through its connection to several pulsars.
In the chart set for Washington, Saturn is in the second house of money, values, and resources. In fact, the entire grand cross sits in money houses. The precarious financial condition of the U.S. may receive a shake-up during this next month. Mid-November is a likely time.
Relationships, particularly governmental, will be stressful. Family relationships, also, may be difficult. Scorpio can aggravate frustration by bringing up buried subconscious urges in all of us.
Juno, a major relationship energy, turns retrograde today. Juno often represents fear, terror, and victimization. She now conjoins the U.S. Mars, and we might learn more about military dissatisfaction with their treatment and their work. Torture is a Juno purview.
November will be a difficult month. However, squares are very creative, and we can use the arena to work towards our goals, with persistence, savvy, and integrity. We can also give ourselves a break occasionally. Remember that great personal growth and soul development can come through our tests.
The Sabian Symbol for 10 Scorpio is
A FELLOWSHIP SUPPER REUNITES OLD COMRADES. The overtones of human relationships based on a community of work or experience. The social feeling of communion, plus all that it engenders, arises after the act performed together. Activity is at the root of consciousness. Activity in common generates social consciousness and cultural patterns which become set in the form of institutions. A group personality emerges, which displays characteristic features and gives birth to collective emotions and values. The value of COMRADESHIP is emphasized.
This is a provocative idea which is very valid. The Bush gang has used it well.
WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 2. Moon continues in mysterious Scorpio, and we want to focus on inner levels. Two new dynamics are set in motion today, following the New Moon, and Junos retrograde turn. One of them is Sun moving to square Saturn in Leo, energizing Leos need to take charge. The other is Neptune in Aquarius today connecting with Scorpio Moon, and preparing to square Mars in Taurus. Tension is building up, and probably apprehension regarding conflict to come. Moon is VOC after 9:05 a.m. EST, and we have many options about how to use todays energy. Be on the lookout for the temptations of addictive behavior.
THURSDAY NOVEMBER 3. Moon enters Sagittarius at 8:55 a.m., and we move right ahead. Promotion, preaching, and propaganda are featured now. This is a good day for travel, and for communication. Our last two days dynamics continue, and we will want to talk about whats going on.
FRIDAY NOVEMBER 4. Moon continues in inspirational Sagittarius today, with aspects which connect us to the wider world. Todays theme is the opposition of Juno to Pluto. (See General Influences for more on this potent combo.) Somebody, lacking power to protest, is on the hot seat. We also get a feel for Ceres in Sagittarius, as Moon crosses over it. It may represent the political nurturing which Harriet Miers has provided to GW Bushand that he hoped she would continue to provide.
SATURDAY NOVEMBER 5. Capricorn is coming into our radar screen, which means getting serious and tending to business. Venus enters Capricorn early this morning, and Moon enters Capricorn at 1:17 p.m. EST. Two respectable and ambitious ladies join this afternoon to share feelings of devotion and affection. With Capricorn, every move has purpose.
This day will feel very good, and loving. At the same time, there will be some startling news or revelation.
SUNDAY NOVEMBER 6. Capricorn Moon continues with fine aspects. Continue to enjoy the weekend by doing something which is really meaningful to you. Late tonight and early tomorrow morning, the T-cross of Sun, Mars, and Neptune happens. Music, movies, and sleep are likely activities tonight for most of us. However, lights will be burning in Washington, with Mars on the midheaven activating things. In Washington, Jupiter and Saturn form a mundane square. So we do, in effect, have a fixed grand cross strongly expressing now in Washington.
Moon goes VOC in Capricorn at 3:18 p.m. What might desperate people do? Especially with a VOC moon, and an out-of-bounds Venus removing normal restraints? Neptune can take the easy way out.
MONDAY NOVEMBER 7. Moon is in lively Aquarius today. Our minds will be busy, and we will want to share with friends. Around noontime, Mars squares Neptune. We might feel irritable, or paralyzed in our actions then. This is the first turn of a Neptune-Mars cycle which began last April. At that time the final bankruptcy bill, designed by the credit card companies, was passed. We definitely see Neptunes undermining hand at work in that.
Tonight, Moon squares Jupiter to make us feel optimisticperhaps overoptimistic. Perhaps the select few are feeling optimistic, as in the aftermath of the bankruptcy bill. With todays combination, addictions can attractand undermineus. The oil supply may also be in the news.
TUESDAY NOVEMBER 8. Moon is in Aquarius, activating the grand square all day long. Both action and frustration accompany this restless moon.
First Quarter Moon at 17 Aquarius occurs at 8:57 p.m. EST. Moon conjoins Neptune, and it would be easy to turn to addictions to quell our disquiet. Sun and Mars oppose one another, referring to the bottom line, and inviting conflict and argument. Moon and Neptune square them both, likely undermining whatever action they may attempt. This is not an auspicious start for the grand cross nor, on the other hand, for Arnold Schwarzeneggers attempted takeover of California government. In Washington, the fixed cross is again in money and resource houses, showing whats on peoples minds. Vesta rises in Cancer, showing a need to protect resources.
The Sabian Symbol for 17 Aquarius is
A WATCHDOG STANDS GUARD, PROTECTING A MASTER AND HIS POSSESSIONS. The development of the capacity to protect oneself and to safeguard ones individual rights under complex social pressures. (Ed. Note: this reminds me of pre-revolutionary times in the U.S.) Under present day social conditions, the individual person needs protection against the ever-growing encroachments of society upon his theoretically recognized right to lead a private life free from public interference. It is in contrast to a prior symbol depicting the power of big business and the totalitarian implications of large-scale organization. At a deeper occult level, it also reveals the need to protect oneself against astral intrusions and perhaps black magic. The more creative the person, the greater is his or her NEED FOR PROTECTION.
This is an Aquarian symbol, but particularly appropriate now, for Scorpio is very connected to the occult and to black magic. I suspect that during these times, we do need to guard against black magic.
WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 9. Moon is VOC in Aquarius today. This is a help in assimilating yesterdays intense Quarter Moon, with retrograde Mars the standout. This is also an idea day. Talk with others, and write down your ideas. They will give you something to ponder when Mercury turns retrograde next week. At 7:32 p.m. EST, Moon enters Pisces. Flow with the world tonightmaybe through a movie or music.
THURSDAY NOVEMBER 10. Moon continues in sensitive Pisces, and we are connected with the universe. Let your imagination flow. Open up your heart to unconditional love. If you can, put yourself in or near water sometime today. This day will feel good, and its especially good for travel.
FRIDAY NOVEMBER 11. Early this morning there can be a power glitch, as Moon squares Pluto. At 10:33 a.m. EST, Moon goes VOC and spends the rest of the day drifting in Pisces mystery. This would be a good Friday to take off for yourself. (Friday is also Venus day, time for pleasure.) At 10:22 p.m. Moon enters Aries, and we feel more outgoing.
SATURDAY NOVEMBER 12. Moon is in independent Ariesthe go-getter, the starterand we plunge into life again. Much energy is available, and we are apt to feel adventurous. Its time to take risks.
SUNDAY NOVEMBER 13. After an intense morning, Moon goes VOC in Aries at 2:07 p.m. Poke around in the byways today. Find some new place to explore. Be patient and leisurely. Mercury is stationary; it will turn retrograde around midnight. There could be communication glitches, delays, and misunderstandings today due to the station.
MONDAY NOVEMBER 14. Mercury turns retrograde at 12:42 a.m. EST at 11 Sagittarius. It will back up into 25 Scorpio, and turn direct again on December 3. Mercury stations are in fire signs this year, but still they need to pick up a review of emotionssignified by water signs. Here we have Mercury in Sagittarius, the sign of inspiration and vision, and then Mercury ducks back to Scorpio to check the nitty gritty of the times. And nitty gritty it is, for Mercurys main input as he turns is the Saturn-Mars square, a harsh aspect. It is close now, and will be exact on November 18. Retrograde Mercury has much to ponder. Basically, where are we? How did we get here? Where are we going? Vesta with Pluto may give our sense of security a shock.
Moon is in practical Taurus, with many helpful aspects. This Moon traveling through Taurus highlights the Mars-Saturn square, particularly after 7:00 p.m. EST.
We are in the Full Moon power zone, and this is the time to get our solid Taurean intentions and future-oriented Sagittarian visions together. What do we want for Mother Earth? How can we cooperate with her?
This is Condoleezza Rices birthday. She has some heavy changes in store for her this year.
TUESDAY NOVEMBER 15. Full Moon at 24 Taurus occurs at 7:57 p.m. EST. This is the degree of a pulsar, which means that much information will be coming in, and that the media will be involved. It is also very close to the fixed star Algol, which promotes intense and sometimes violent energy. This powerful degree is also close to the Lunar Eclipse of November 19, 2002, which was the day the Senate passed the huge Homeland Security bill.
More emphasis on this Full Moon is given by the degree of Sun now exactly conjoining the Lunar Eclipse of May 16, 2003. This was the day that Bush filed for the 2004 Presidency. Mercury was retrograde then. Indeed we have seen that retrograde theme in action in this Administration. Situations begun with a Mercury retrograde often have changes or corrections with another retrograde Mercury. Revelations concerning Bushs presidency are in the cards now.
So far this moon family has involved GWs peccadilloes, and news on global warming. It is likely to be a climate issue and its consequences which brings his mismanagement to a head. A womanor womenwill also be involved.
And of course with Taurus, we have financial issues. Moon just passed over Mars in Taurus to give it oomph, and now it forms a Finger of God with Vesta and Pluto. Fate enters in the form of Juno, the angry and abused wife, conjoining the U.S. Mars and GWs North Node. More oomph. This chart is a full house, an anything-can-happen kind of chart. U.S. prisoner torture is another Juno issue.
Rising is Cancer, close to the U.S. and GWs Suns, showing that the nation is personally involved. On the Midheaven is Pisces, conjoining Cheneys Moon.
As if this isnt enough action, Uranus at this moment is turning direct. Uranus is an unpredictable energy, full of surprises, and a direct station, as now, is his strongest position. It turns direct conjoined the U.S. Ceres at 7 Pisces. Hopefully national sympathy and compassion will be re-aroused.
This is Uranus final pass at 7 Pisces. It is now on its way to squaring the U.S. Uranus at 9 Gemini for the 3rd and final time. With every pass there have been very negative (extra negative) actions by the Bush Administration, especially of a kind which isolate the nation (e.g. appointing John Bolton as UN Ambassador). The last time this square occurred, Katrina came. The final square will be January 27.
Well, what surprise does the Administration now have in store? (Patrick Fitzgerald may be able to tell us.) I must say that when I first heard the Valerie Plame story, a couple of years ago, I thought that this is the incident which will backfire on them. Well see.
The Sabian Symbol for 24 Taurus is
AN INDIAN WARRIOR RIDING FIERCELY, HUMAN SCALPS HANGING FROM HIS BELT. The aggressiveness of human instincts when fighting for their earthly base of operation. The symbol seems to imply that violence and aggressiveness are basic components of human nature at the level of the emotions along with a deep-seated identification with a particular culture which insists on regarding men of other cultures as potential enemies. At the emotional level man apparently still has to believe in VIOLENCE FOR SURVIVAL.
Uranus and Pluto
lines run right down the Mississippi Valley. This indicates that
this New Moon stimulates much energy there.
WEDNESDAY
NOVEMBER 16. We
have a snappy Gemini moon today, and the whole world is on the move,
lasting well into the evening. Time to communicate.
THURSDAY
NOVEMBER 17. Quicksilver
Gemini Moon continues, with lots of action. The ladies continue
to be prominent. Yes, these four big asteroids are archetypes for
women, but they also refer to what we often call feminine concernsbut
are really everyones concerns: safety of the home and home
territory, harmonious co-operative relationships, nurturing of everyone,
and running a tight ship, so that society works. Quality
living, we might say. When these asteroids are prominent, daily
life, life as we actually live it, is impacted. That often indicates
a big event, which changes society. For instance, high-priced gasoline,
heating oil, and gas WILL change our daily lives this winter. We
will be challenged in every one of those four departments of living.
Venus trines Mars to make this an extraordinarily creative day.
Good communication is favored. So is working out a strategy to deal
with the challenges of the season. With Mercury retrograde, we can
review what hasnt worked in the past, and plan more astutely
now.
FRIDAY
NOVEMBER 18. Moon
is VOC in Gemini until 2:42 p.m. EST, when it enters the family
sign of Cancer. Within the next 12 hours it will create a grand
water trine, and emotions will flow freely. Within that context,
Mars squares Saturn to give a very hard push to an authority which
doesnt want to budge. However, the many greased wheels today
will help effect a turn. Mars freshly into Taurus, and Saturn freshly
into Leo have already squared one anotherat the end of July.
More U.S. prickliness was furthered then, with Bush appointing John
Bolton, who hates the UN, as UN Ambassador, and Condoleezza Rice
creating a department for the demise of Cubaa
Cuban Transition Coordinator. Venus in Capricorn tells todays
story. She is in the sign of government, but opposes the U.S. (and
Bush) Sun, and squares the Nodes in the sky. What she does will
be noticeable, challenging, and it will have far-reaching consequences.
This is a Venus, remember (General Influences),
that is out of control.
SATURDAY
NOVEMBER 19. Moon
continues in Cancer, with easy aspects. Enjoying home is very appealing
today, maybe including cooking a special meal.
SUNDAY
NOVEMBER 20. Moon
in Cancer does make for a stay-at-home weekend, perhaps including
time with extended family. This is a good day for completing a project,
also good for bringing up serious subjects with family. In addition,
this is a day of illumination, perhaps through intimate conversations,
or more likely through the newsor a combination of the two.
The night will be exciting.
MONDAY
NOVEMBER 21. Moon
in Leo puts us through the tension of the fixed cross again. Four
times each month, when Moon moves through a fixed sign, we feel
this tension in some form. Leo tends to be confident, and with Moon
through Leo, conjoining Saturn, were not quite sure of where
we stand. Are we acceptable? Are we doing OK? Is our domain safe?
We will therefore work hard to prove ourselves. We will expend much
energy today. Tonight Sun enters Sagittarius, and the energy field
is lighter for the next month.
TUESDAY
NOVEMBER 22. Moon
continues in Leo, and Sun is now in adventurous Sagittarius. They
are both fire signs, and both approach life with enthusiasm and
passion. However, that passion is dampened. For one thing, Saturn
turns retrograde, and its contracting influence is very strong
today. For another thing, Moon not only conjoins repressive Saturn,
but also opposes Neptune (fixed cross). Neptune is associated with
oceans, fog, and clouds, all of which dampen fire. There will be
a lot of steam. Sagittarius is a time of travel, exploration, and
broadening of horizons, and our lives become more expansive on the
one hand (Sag), and more restrictive on the other (Saturn retrograde).
Perhaps the cue is to broaden our inner horizons even though our
outer horizons may be restricted. Neptune is excellent for connecting
with the mystical and spiritual.
WEDNESDAY
NOVEMBER 23. Moon
is VOC in Leo, and spontaneous expression is favored. Nobody up
here is telling you what to do, Leojust how you like it. But
this afternoon we buckle down to work, as Moon enters Virgo at 1:41
p.m. EST.
At 5:11 p.m., Moon at 2 Virgo makes its Last Quarter encounter
with Sun in Sagittarius. We have here two mutable signs, both
changeable and flexible. They are also both communicative, and there
will be news to share, perhaps surprising news. The months
important aspects persist, and although this may be last quarter,
we are not through with anything. We can contemplate, however, what
we have learned in the last three weeks, and what we can carry into
the future. Sagittarius is, after all, a visionary sign.
In Washington, Gemini is rising, the degree of the U.S. Uranus,
an emotional, defensive energy. This is also the degree of fixed
star Aldebaran, which confers strong aggressive energy. This can
result in success, but only if there is no compromising of integrity.
With moral compromises, negative results are likely. A tendency
toward turmoil may accompany Aldebaran, and we do see that with
the U.S.
Neptune is on the midheaven, which promises deceptive propaganda,
and a pursuit of visionary ideas which are likely illusory. Remember,
Neptune is also associated with oceans and oil, both universal and
hard to pin down. Neptune in an air sign shows that the hurricane
threat is still with us.
The Sabian Symbol for 2 Virgo is
A LARGE
WHITE CROSS DOMINATES THE LANDSCAPE. The wisdom and compassion
which only the experience of suffering and isolation can bring.
The individual must have gone beyond the state of ego-subjectivity
in order truly and objectively to see and to discriminate.
He must have learned detachment, and it is a lesson that no one
can learn without the crucifixion of the ego-centered emotional
life. In the occult tradition, the eye that sees must
be washed by the blood of the heart. The mind itself has to be
left behind and seemingly destroyed in order that compassion and
understanding may rise from the depth of the innermost being:
a LIBERATING ORDEAL.
THURSDAY
NOVEMBER 24. This
will be an interesting Thanksgiving. A few things stand out in terms
of a traditional family gathering. One is that Virgo likes to cook,
and serve too (and be recognized for it), and those of us who are
lucky are likely to have a great meal. And a healthy one, for Virgo
is tuned into health. Perhaps for some it may be their first all-organic,
or vegetarian, Thanksgiving meal. Virgo is also very discriminating,
and if we are with family, we may see them with new eyes, especially
in light of the Sabian Symbol for this Quarter Moon. We will be
active, and maybe traveling, for planets in tow today are energetic.
And we will come to some new conclusions, for Retrograde Mercury
conjoins Sun. Retrograde Mercury also gives the potential of people
from our past coming into todays experience. It will be a
good, and perhaps revealing, day.
FRIDAY
NOVEMBER 25. Moon
continues in Virgo, and we are motivated to clean up any remaining
mess. We may find ourselves irritable this morning as we experience
a T-cross in mutable signs, which may be overly stimulating to our
nervous systems. Women are featured today, in tense relationships.
Take time for centering. Moon goes VOC in Virgo at 1:09 p.m. EST.
SATURDAY
NOVEMBER 26 and SUNDAY NOVEMBER 27. Moon
is in Libra, and the vibe is much more sociable than it was yesterday.
On the other hand, Mercury has returned to Scorpio, and our tongues
may be much sharper. This Mercury is great for digging into things,
especially any historical issues with Mercury retrograde. This would
be a wonderful weekend for an illuminating seminar, where participants
shared and discussed subjects important to them, perhaps their own
lives.
MONDAY
NOVEMBER 28. Moon
is VOC in sociable Libra until 11:33 a.m., when it enters Scorpio
and thereby takes its plunge into the dark depths. And begins its
trek of stimulating the fixed cross. Exciting news will come through
the communication channels today. It might have to do with world
economics and climate. How much do we love the earth? Our families?
Our lives?
TUESDAY
NOVEMBER 29. Moon
continues in intense Scorpio, and this day is dominated by Neptune,
the planet of mystery and meditation. We may not be as mentally
alert as wed like to be, but intuition is working well. Dreams
tonight may be vivid.
WEDNESDAY
NOVEMBER 30. Moon
and Mercury have an emotional conjunction this morning (10:16 a.m.),
and then Moon goes VOC until it enters Sagittarius at 5:32 p.m.
EST. We begin then our countdown for the New Moon tomorrow morning.
Tonight is arguably the most visionary night of this year. Keep
your intuitive senses open.
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