Here is the July calendar with astrological notation and two charts for the new Moon on 3 July 2008, 02:19:30 AM (GMT).

• New Moon Chart
• U.S. Natal/New Moon
  

[Note: this is a partial post -- still working on it. More to come.]
[9:37 PM 7/2/2008 AkDT: I consider this post finished and complete.]

What other astrologers have to say...
Taking a look at what my preferred astrologers have to say about this new Moon:

Jeff Jawer at stariq.com in his New Moon Report:

The annual union of the Sun and Moon in watery Cancer returns us to our roots. It's an emotional cocktail of memories, both good and bad. Let yourself be carried by what you sense inside because motion can purify even the darkest waters. Drink deeply from this stream for it will enrich the present and fuel your aspirations for the future. Nostalgic Venus, the planet of love, is close to the New Moon, sweetening us with images of romance and beauty to sip slowly and share with tenderness

Robert Ayres at Astrological Alchemy says about the new Moon:

The New Moon this month falls in Cancer on July 2. This is two days before our national birthday on July 4. It is an appropriate time for new beginnings and rebirth, both individually and collectively. We are a Cancerian nation and we need to be reminded of the fundamental principles upon which our nation is based.

Cancer embodies the divine feminine and is the universal mother of all life. Everything is generated from her cosmic body. The kingdoms and beings of nature are her life expression. Her inner manifestation is as the powers of consciousness. Cancer is the principle of soul or love. Astrologically, Cancer rules home and family.

Our nation was founded on these Cancerian principles. We are to provide a home and a feeling of family for all people. With the exception of Native Americans, we are all immigrants or descended from immigrants. This country has provided us with a home. The intention is to create a harmoniously functioning society containing every race, ethnicity, and religious background. We are to create world family and plant this seed for all people of the world. Our country has also been extravagantly endowed with the abundance of nature. It is one of the major reasons we are the most affluent country on Earth.

This New Moon is an excellent time to remember the roots of our country and re-energize these fundamental principles. If we are honest with ourselves, we realize we have been abusing and taking for granted these gifts that define us as a nation.

My take..
   ..on the new Moon

With this new Moon Sun-Moon-Venus are conjunct and in opposition to a retrograde Jupiter. The Venus-Jupiter opposition is almost exact.

There is an interesting post from Lara Owen at PlanetaryEnergies.net about Jupiter in Capricorn. Here is an excerpt:

So what does it mean for us that Jupiter now resides in the part of the sky deemed to be ruled by Saturn and symbolised by the sea-goat? For starters, this is the least comfortable place in the zodiac for Jupiter to be. Jupiter and Saturn are antithetical: one expands, the other contracts; one is warm and generous, the other cold and parsimonious. Both influence politics, with Jupiter ruling kings and Saturn despots. As Jupiter is not at ease in the realm of Saturn, it is said to be in a state of fall when in Capricorn (and conversely, is exalted when in the opposite sign of Cancer).

So while Jupiter is in Capricorn, its powers are diminished and operate in a Saturnian way. Thus themes associated with Jupiter in Capricorn are the exposure of previous over-confidence in business and government, the tragic aspect of wealth, the limitation of previous expansions, and generally, chickens coming home to roost.

It being the new Moon this opposition suggests that we'll be working this month with balancing what-I-like (Venus) with what-is-required (Saturn). Then again, when are we not? I get a sense of an awareness of mixed messages impacting personal interests.

   ..on the new Moon as it relates to the U.S. natal chart

The transiting conjunct of Sun-Moon-Venus is in turn conjunct the U.S.'s natal Sun-Jupiter-Venus. The transiting Sun conjunct the natal Sun happens every year at this time and is called a solar return. That the new Moon occurs at this solar return suggests that this year marks a new cycle for the U.S. Possibly it ties in with the elections now being set up by the selection of candidates at the political conventions. Here again we have the same Jupiter in Capricorn talked about earlier. With Jupiter being retrograde, behind-the-scenes influences are probably at play. However, with natal Jupiter direct and exalted in Cancer and elevated in the 9th house, it is far stronger, stating that what we consider truly American will win out.

Journal entry dated 30 June 2008
Category: Whatis Aquarian

Here are two charts for the full Moon on 18 June 2008, 5:31 PM (GMT).

• Chart based on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT)
• Full Moon in relation to U.S. natal chart

What my preferred astrologers have to say...
Taking a look at what other astrologers have to say about this full Moon:

Jeff Jawer at stariq.com in his full Moon report:

The Full Moon in adventurous Sagittarius is normally associated with overdoing everything. However, its close conjunction with Pluto shades optimism with fear, inhibiting its exuberant spirit. Eccentric Uranus' square to this Sun-Moon opposition adds another layer of uncertainty. Inner feelings and outer events turn suddenly, undermining a sense of continuity. However, flexibility and a willingness to explore unfamiliar territory can lead to freedom for those able to take chances, turning chaos into creativity.

Robert Ayres at Astrological Alchemy says about the full Moon:

The Full Moon falls in Sagittarius on June 18. The Archer is the opposite sign of Gemini and, as with all full moons, it is about balancing, harmonizing, and integrating opposites. The Sun, the king of the day, is fully reflected by the Moon, the queen of the night. The Sun represents the conscious aspect of our being and the Moon represents the subconscious. The Moon in Sagittarius wants to illuminate our innate wisdom. All knowledge and wisdom is structured inside each of us. Life is a process of bringing into conscious awareness that which we already possess. Life is designed to be a process of awakening.

This Full Moon falls in Sagittarius 27 degrees and the keyword for this decanate is Illumination. Illumination refers to a state of consciousness of knowing higher truth. It is a state of truly understanding life. Many people live in ignorance of these higher truths and as a result their lives are filled with pain and suffering. The illumination of Sagittarius wants to be lived in our daily lives. This Full Moon is about walking our talk. We have to live it in every thought, feeling, and action.

Venus is conjunct the Sun and Pluto is conjunct the Moon. Uranus is in square aspect to all four of these planets. This is a very stressful combination of planets which can result in sudden, explosive changes. Venus rules money and values and the Moon represents our subconscious patterning for desiring safety and security. Our thinking about money needs to change.

The Full Moon is also part of a mystic rectangle. Moon/Pluto is trine Saturn/Mars and sextile Dragon’s Head/Neptune. Sun/Venus is trine Dragon’s Head/Neptune and sextile Saturn/Mars. This beneficent configuration of planets provides the opportunity for positive transformation. This powerful Full Moon is intensified even more by Mercury going direct and Summer Solstice happening two days later.

Change is happening. We can either resist it or embrace it. Let’s consciously work with it. Identify the needed changes in your life and go for it. Enjoy!

[Marge's note: Mr. Ayres description of this full moon is so on target.]

My take..
   »on the full Moon

There are a number of patterns, the two I chose to mention are

• Several (3) variations of mystic rectangle with Sun, Moon, Venus, Neptune and Pluto as the constants; Saturn, Mars and Mercury as the variants. These rectangles involve the elements fire and air -- a masculine expression. According to theReal
  Astrology.com (toward middle of page)

  A Mystic Rectangle is formed when two pairs of oppositions are sextile each other. The result is an aspect pattern that includes two sextiles, two trines and two oppositions. A Mystic Rectangle will always be in the same polarity, either masculine (Air and Fire) or feminine (Earth and Water). This is another "soft" aspect pattern in that it does not generate friction, discomfort or a need to take action. What a Mystic Rectangle does offer, however, is an extremely strong sense of balance and structure, of harmony between the four planets involved. Finding this balance is not a given ­ it will still take conscious effort and awareness. However, working with the Trines and the Sextiles will help to make more sense of and find the point of integration for the two oppositions.

  Working with a Mystic Rectangle takes some practice because in order for it to hold up, all four planets must be working together and supporting each other. It is common for individuals with Mystic Rectangles to struggle with the two Oppositions, see-sawing back and forth between the opposing planets. Once the point of balance has been found, however, it becomes increasingly easy to maintain, and a well integrated Mystic Rectangle can be the most unflappable of aspect patterns. Once an individual has integrated a Mystic Rectangle, it represents a core of strength for them, and a solid foundation that can be a great gift in handling whatever else life throws at them.

• And there is a YOD, formed by Mars in Leo, Jupiter in Capricorn, and Uranus in Pisces. Mars is at the point; the triad of Chiron-North Node-Neptune sits at the midpoint between Jupiter and Uranus. It's a tight structure and speaks of creative activity (Mars) supported by visionary, innovative approaches (Uranus), possibly undermined by old-fashioned, conservative or self-serving interests or philosophies (Saturn).

   »on the full Moon as it relates to the U.S. natal chart

In the U.S. natal chart, the YOD described above encompasses the natal Moon with tansiting Mars in opposition to both the Moon and the asteroid Pallas Athena. Here matters concerning the home, women, emotional responses and skilled trades and tradespeople are accentuated, and may be unduly stressed.

The Solstice

On Friday the Summer Solstice will occur. This is the time of year when days are longest. Here in Anchorage the Sun sets at 11:43 PM, rises at 4:20 AM. In Fairbanks, the Sun doesn't set, but rides along the southern horizon; officially the Sun sets at 12:48 AM, rises at 2:58 AM. But I've been there and it doesn't set.

So, what does this all mean? To the ancients it meant a great deal. Stonehenge was built to commemorate, no celebrate, the solstice. Please take the time to look at this site and you will get an idea of its power.

Meanings are what astrology is about. In our everyday lives, we emphasize facts and logical results. But what good is all the information in the world if it has no meaning? It's up to each of us to find the meaning in our own lives.

Journal entry dated 16 June 2008
Category: Whatis Aquarian, Astrology

Here is the June calendar with astrological notation and two charts for the new Moon on 3 June 2008, 07:23:30 PM (GMT).

• New Moon Chart
• U.S. Natal/New Moon
  

What other astrologers have to say...
Taking a look at what my favorite astrologers have to say about this new Moon:

Jeff Jawer at stariq.com in his New Moon Report:

The New Moon in Gemini seeds a multitude of ideas and opens new channels of communication. Yet with its ruling planet Mercury stuck in reverse until the 19th, avoid information overload to maintain a semblance of intellectual order. Vivacious Venus joins the New Moon, adding beauty and social skills, enlivening relationships and artistic impulses. A supportive sextile from Mars in dramatic Leo adds a playful tone favorable for flirting, empowering creativity and enriching self-expression.

Robert Ayres at Astrological Alchemy says about the new Moon:

The New Moon this month occurs in Gemini on June 3. The Twins represent the principles of polarity, duality, and opposites. All of life is based in duality: light/dark, spirit/matter, positive/negative, masculine/feminine, etc. The opposites are two different expressions of the same reality; you cannot have a coin without the two sides of heads and tails. They help to define each other. You cannot truly know the light without knowing darkness, the positive without knowing the negative. In truth, opposites are complements of each other which together result in wholeness. But at a lower level of consciousness, opposites are perceived as adversarial and conflict ensues. We must learn to engage, understand, and embrace opposites. They are what we are seeking to complete ourselves and give us wholeness.

...

The New Moon conjunction of Sun and Moon is joined by Mercury and Venus. This conjunction of four significant planets adds power and focus to this event. Mercury, the planet of mind and Venus, the planet of heart, provide us with a wonderful balance to begin this lunation cycle. Mercury is retrograde, so beware of miscommunication, disruption of travel plans, and breakdowns of machines. Mercury is retrograde from May 27 through June 20. Mars is in sextile aspect to this group of planets, which facilitates putting our thoughts and ideas into action.

The New Moon falls in Gemini 13 degrees and the keyword for this decanate is Fidelity. Fidelity refers to the principles of loyalty and faithfulness. It wants us to be loyal and faithful to the truth as well as to our opposites in order to create and maintain wholeness. Be open to needed changes in your thinking. It is time to try to understand and integrate the opposites in our lives.

My take..
   ..on the new Moon

Trine the stellium in Gemini is the small grouping of Chiron-North Node-Neptune at the bottom of the chart, in Aquarius. This group closely aspects Mercury in Gemini and all three bodies are retrograde (the Lunar Node is a point in space where the Moon's orbit crosses the ecliptic). Generally a trine is considered beneficial, and a source of artistry/creativity. But the tone here is different. There is the introversion of the retrograde and, also the ruler of Aquarius, Uranus in Pisces, is square Mercury. There is a mutual reception between Neptune in Aquarius and Uranus in Pisces that relates them, as well. The two are not quite compatible -- Uranus and Aquarians preferring freedom and focus; Neptune and Pisceans preferring to drift mentally and be bound physically to something or someone.

I found this about the Neptune/Node combination in Midpoints: Unleashing the Power of the Planets by Michael Munkasey:

These themes indicate your retreat from the friendship, advice, and counsel of others to a more private world where you hold the exclusive membership. When you need the time and the space to be with yourself away from the influence of others, when you need an opportunity to be by yourself, or when you need to be free from the ties and obligations that others create, then you can draw upon the power of these patterns. They denote confusion about the intentions of others, the way you shy away from and intentionally avoid meetings with associates, and your opportunities to gather friends together for inspiring meetings or ventures. When you exhibit shortcomings due to meeting others, when confusion abounds within groups or clubs, or when deceit and misleading arguments are used during or about such exchanges, then these issues may be active and working.

   ..on the new Moon as it relates to the U.S. natal chart

The stellium discussed above joins with the stellium in the U.S. natal chart, placing eight planets and the Part of Fortune in the 8th House. Please refer to the 9/11/07 post, titled "New Moon @ 18° Virgo 24," for a list of 8th house matters.

The Chiron-Node-Neptune group conjuncts the U.S.'s natal Moon in the 4th house (home, land, mining).

In closing here is a quote from Dane Rudhyar's The Astrological Houses: The Spectrum of Individual Experience:

The eighth house is a very important house, but one that is hard to interpret in an individual's chart. It is in terms of eighth house types of experience that a person has to make perhaps his or her deepest and most vital choices. These choices will affect not only the individual, but society as a whole. In that sense, the Existential philosophers are right in saying that every man is responsible for the whole of mankind.

Journal entry dated 30 May 2008
Category: Whatis Aquarian

Here are two charts for the full Moon on 20 May 2008, 2:11:54 AM (GMT). Note that the time is *not* adjusted for daylight savings.

• Chart based on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT)
• Full Moon in relation to U.S. natal chart

What the real astrologers have to say...
Taking a look at what other astrologers have to say about this full Moon:

Jeff Jawer at stariq.com in his full Moon report:

The Scorpio Full Moon is filled with emotion that's sometimes violent or extreme. This time, however, its boiling intensity is cooled by an opposition to loving Venus and a square from spiritual Neptune. Romance, compassion and fantasy are more likely than fury, yet there is some danger of delusion or useless self-sacrifice. Fortunately, inventive Uranus makes a favorable trine to the Full Moon, showing a new way to merge that makes it possible to melt into others without losing yourself.

Robert Ayres at Astrological Alchemy says about the full Moon:

The Full Moon falls in Scorpio on May 19. The Scorpion, the opposite sign of Taurus, rules the principles of death and rebirth or change. It represents the periodic need to release and let go that which no longer serves us. It is the image of clearing clutter, both internally and eternally. This is the time to take stock of what needs to be released out of your life. This is the second Scorpio Full Moon in a month, so this intense energy of change is strongly emphasized.

In addition, the Sun/Moon opposition is in 29 degrees of both signs. This provides another layer of intensity to this event. This means that there is an urgency to complete the cosmic intention. The keyword for this Full Moon in Scorpio is Attainment. It is the third or spiritual decanate of this sign and its message relates to the need for us to open up our soul to the light. There is also a need to balance the inner and the outer, the spiritual and the material. Inner work and self-transformation are required now.

The Full Moon forms a grand cross with Saturn and Neptune opposed to each other and squaring the Sun, Moon and Venus. These aspects highlight the likelihood of fear and confusion trying to impede the needed changes. There is also strong support for wise and enlightened action. This is represented by a mystic rectangle formed by the Sun/Venus/Jupiter/Moon/Mars combination providing the energy of mastership and dynamism for alchemical change.

We are at a significant crossroads and it is important to remember that it is always better to do something rather than nothing in these situations. Enjoy!

Robert Wilkinson at Aquarius Papers says about this year's full Moons in Scorpio and the festival of Wesak:

Yes, this is an amazing Cosmic moment in time! Due to the degrees where last month's and this month's Full Moon falls, we have been blessed to have TWO Wesak Festivals this year. Traditionally the Wesak Festival is considered the Full Moon of May since it celebrates the birth and enlightenment of the Buddha, Himself a Sun in Taurus and Moon in Scorpio. However, for the first and last time in many years, we're having two Full Moons, one in April and one in May, triggering the first and last degrees of those signs.

This Wesak falls on May 19, 7:11 pm PDT, 10:11 pm EDT. That means it's May 20 in Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia. A quick look finds Scorpio rising in Santa Monica and Vancouver, Sagittarius in NYC and Miami, Aries in Amsterdam, London, and Johannesburg, Taurus in Istanbul, Gemini in Tallinn and Baghdad, Cancer in New Delhi and Perth, Leo in Melbourne, and Libra in Maui. ...

My take..
   »On the full Moon

An overview of the aspects shows a number of patterns:

• A grand trine: Moon-Mars-Uranus
• A grand trine kite: Sun-Moon-Venus-Mars-Uranus
• Three grand crosses, the most notable: Sun-Moon-Venus-Saturn(out of sign)-Neptune
• Over 14 working wedges (check out the pictures here, posted by stellium)
• Over 11 T-wedges
• A mystic rectangle: Mercury-Saturn-Neptune-Pluto
• Three T-rectangles
• a Yod: Sun-Mars-Pluto (Pluto is the focus)
• and more

But what interests me is the conversation (i.e., conjunct) between Mercury & Ceres. A description of Ceres is below. I see her as representing corn here, our perceived rescue from the looming oil shortage. The media has been talking about corn a lot lately and the rising gas prices are a hot topic for many of us. Note that Mercury (the talk and the talker) is in the 2nd decan of Gemini, which has a Libran influence, and Ceres is in the 3rd decan of Gemini, which has an Aquarian influence. The talk centers around accepted solutions that probably won't work, but Ceres indicates something new. With Uranus in Pisces, something related to water and chemicals is indicated. Take a look at this ("Algae: 'The ultimate in renewable energy'").

Here's a fine description of the asteroid Ceres as an astrological entity from astrologycom.com:

The great mother, or the principle of unconditional love. Ceres (Demeter) is the goddess of fertility, of the crops (we get the word "cereal" from Ceres). The myth of Ceres and the loss of her daughter Proserpine (Persephone) explains the cyclic rhythms of nature and the deeper mysteries of death and resurrection, the human soul and metempsychosis. Ceres and Pluto thus have a connection, as in mythology Pluto, Lord of the Underworld, abducted her daughter Proserpine, Goddess of Spring [more on the classical myth of Ceres and Proserpine]. Ceres rules the cyclic structure of the natural world and the rhythms of womanhood and fertility, parenting and reproduction. The emergence of her influence in recent times has brought a resurgence of interest in the Divine Feminine, adding a dimension of awareness and nourishment. Notwithstanding, Ceres, the largest of the asteroids, is clearly a serious malefic, especially when afflicted, which anyone can see from examining her position in disaster charts. Even a quick reading of the mythology also reveals that, in her sorrow and grief, she can actually blight the entire world – in order to regain what she has lost. The placement of Ceres in the chart is a harbinger or loss, but always holds out the promise of return. Under new astronomical definitions, Ceres, the first discovered of the asteroids, has now been classed as a "dwarf planet". She has this in common with Pluto also...!
"Astrologically, Ceres describes the ways in which we face the issues of self-worth and self-esteem, relationships to our parents and children, attachment, dependency, loss, separation, rejection, grief, sharing, work and productivity."

   »On the full Moon as it relates to the U.S. natal chart

The Mercury-Ceres conjunct talked about earlier is posited in the U.S.'s 8th house with transiting Pluto in the second. This is a clear reference to supply and demand. Pluto is the ruler of the 8th. Many consider Pluto the indicator of the oil industry. With it posited in the 2nd, the suggestion is that there's a plentiful supply of oil (right now). This in turn suggests that the market is being manipulated. That Mercury-Ceres are in opposition by house verifies that the talk is about corn, as opposed to oil, and is affecting demand.

Journal entry dated 18 May 2008
Category: Whatis Aquarian, Astrology

Here are two charts for the new Moon on 5 May 2008, 01:18:30 PM (GMD).

• New Moon Chart
• U.S. Natal/New Moon
  
• Also being posted is the May calendar with astrological notation.
  

What other astrologers have to say...
Taking a look at what my favorite astrologers have to say about this new Moon:

Jeff Jawer at stariq.com in his New Moon Report:

The conjunction of the Sun and Moon in the fertile mid-spring sign of Taurus (fall in the Falklands) is a time to get back to basics and reconnect with the earth. Answers come through the senses, so feed yourself with smells, sights, sounds, touches and tastes that remind you of how pleasurable life can be on this beautiful planet. Honesty comes through the body to help you clarify your values and start gathering resources to reach your goals.

Robert Ayres at Astrological Alchemy says about the new Moon:

This month the New Moon falls in Taurus on May 5. The conjoining of the Sun and Moon in the sign of The Bull emphasizes planting the seeds of intention for the improvement of finances. Taurus rules the creation of wealth and abundance.

It is a fixed earth sign and is connected with the drive to fulfill our physical needs. The physical body is the vehicle of the soul and spirit but has legitimate physical needs. We all require food, clothing, and shelter. Taurus rules our ability to work with the Earth to provide for these necessities. The Bull is one of the most fertile, creative signs of the zodiac. ...

The New Moon falls in Taurus 15 degrees and the keyword for this decanate is Struggle. The struggle that is highlighted now is this: if our work or career does not reflect our dharma, or spiritual purpose, then we are out of sync in correctly aligning spirit with matter. It is essential that we adjust how we create wealth and abundance with our higher spiritual ideals. Remember, the law of karma rules everything we do and it affects the money that we make and whether or not it brings fulfillment.

My take..
   On the new Moon

This new Moon, being widely conjunct its ruler Venus, looks pretty benign. There is a grand trine in Earth signs between Venus in Taurus, Saturn in Virgo, and Pluto in Capricorn, suggesting that even though activities away from home may be restricted due to high gas prices, you can find real enjoyment in simpler pleasures. Because of the Plutonian influence, enjoyment may be intensified.

   On the new Moon as it relates to the U.S. natal chart

This new Moon is applying to the U.S.'s natal Vesta in the 7th house.

According to Bob Marks at BobMarksAstrologer:

Vesta's placement in the horoscope shows where and how we can be dedicated, where we can focus our energies to the greatest effect. But it also shows where, periodically, we have to withdraw and "recharge our batteries." If we don't, we will become drained, and even sick.

That the new Moon falls in the 7th house emphasizes its associations. In a natal chart the 7th indicates marriage and partnership. In a mundane figure, it represents (Devore, Encyclopedia of Astrology):

• the public as an organized social unit
• the social consciousness of the people
• the relative status of the nation among the nations of the world
• conditions, circumstances and events affecting a nation's social evolution
• those who cooperate with or oppose the people, esp. those assuming the status of public enemy
• anything that contributes to or interferes with public harmony
• public support of the nations's foreign policy and the reactions of foreign nations thereto
• international disputes
• war and peace
• public relations
• public gatherings
• meetings between and dealings with strangers
• the status of women in the nation, particularly the public attitude toward marriage and divorce [this was written in 1947]

Journal entry dated 04 May 2008
Category: Whatis Aquarian, Astrological Calendar, Alchemy