August 20, 2013, Full Sturgeon Moon in Aquarius - Again

Corrine Kenner and John J. Blumen's
Wizard's Tarot© gives us Lady Moon
in all her enchantment

There’s been much discussion on the web whether or, not our August Full Moon in Aquarius constitutes a true “Blue Moon.”  August's Full Sturgeon Moon is our second Full Moon in the house of Aquarius.  For those who believe that Blue Moons should be calculated In terms of the Zodiac, (two months in the same sign) we fill the bill.  For those of us who prefer the traditional methods for charting a Blue Moon, we've missed the benchmark.  July’s Aquarian Moon occurred at zero degrees and 6 seconds of Aquarius (see blog on July’s Full Thunder Moon).  August's Full Moon in Aquarius occurs at twenty-nine degrees.  According to a calendar cycle definition, a traditional Blue Moon (see Blue Moon blog) is the second Full Moon occurring within a thirty day cycle.  In both scenarios, double sign or double moon, it’s a rare and powerful occurrence.   Look for Taurus, Leo, Scorpio and Aquarius to be most effected by this month’s Full Moon.

During last month’s Thunder Moon, we experienced Aquarius’ quick mind and tendency to color outside of the lines.  This month’s Aquarian Moon sees all of us throwing out the coloring book and trading in our simple crayon box for a full palette of oil pastels.  We’ve discovered the boundaries created by our own minds as we’ve explored our personal power. It’s time to break free of self-imposed restrictions and rewrite some of the more confining rules if you haven’t already.  Now that we comprehend the restriction is of our own making (Eight of Swords), we must move towards understanding that we don’t have to simply accept our neat and tidy limits (Two of Wands and Three of Wands) as the status quo. 

Uranus, Aquarius’ ruling planet, sets up a little bit of a ‘no

Ciro Marchetti's Fool from
"Legacy of the Divine Tarot"©
Shows us the dynamic power and potential in Uranus

pain, no gain’ obstacle course this month.  Saturn, camped out in Scorpio, likes to teach us through the challenge model.  It might get a little bumpy, but it’s truly nothing we can’t handle. Saturn wants us to transform, not to break.  Use Uranus and Saturn’s energy to help you release the parts of your life that aren’t working so well.  The Universe abhors a vacuum and if you release the things that no longer serve you – be it people, employment, or personal belief systems – something better will flow in to fill the void you’ve created.  Just remember to create responsibly.  Uranus, with its revolutionary energy is swaggering around right now. (Read the world news - Uranus and Pluto square off again in November.  We’re experiencing one heck of a build up) Pull through your heart and release with compassion and love.  Don’t be a brat. Shove your ego into a box and stuff it under your bed.

Don't discount Leo's charisma, even
this late in sign. Let the Lion's confidence
ignite your own. RWCS from US Games©

Leo’s charm still gives us the opportunity to persuade and cajole rather hit people in the head with a hammer.  Use your innate skills to rise to a position of leadership and move your goals forward.  There’s definitely some power surges coming with this month’s Full Moon in Aquarius, Part II.  Use your meditation skills, read your tarot and use the Eight of Swords, as well as the Two and Three of Wands for focal points.  You’ll be brilliant!

LADY ORACLE

P.S. Check out my blog on Venus in Libra for the scoop on romance this month.

L.O.

Visit my website   

Venus in Libra August 16th To September 11th - "Love, Sweet Love”

“Once on a high and windy hill
In the morning mist
Two lovers kissed
And the world stood still”

"Love Is A Many Splendored Thing"

(Words by Paul Frances Webster and Music by Sammy Fain)

The Empress is the tarot card for Venus
from Barbara Moore and Aly Fell's
"Steampunk Tarot"©

When Venus comes home to her planetary sign, Libra, she trades in her boogie shoes for a pair of four-inch stiletto heels – flattering, fabulous and perhaps just a tad bit naughty.  Venus blooms best under the harmonious eyes of Libra, though the signs Pisces and Taurus are close runners up.  During her transit through Libra, our planet of love enhances our softer, more charming nature.  We are in love with love itself and naturally explore the romantic side of any situation.  We value harmony in our relationships – personal and professional – and are willing to compromise without drawing battle lines.

During Venus’ transit through Libra, we will be more inclined to actively seek out partnerships. We strive to make our homes calm spaces that foster creative energy.  There will also be clearer signals between people spotting a mutual attraction across the proverbial, ‘crowded room’ and much less need for gamesmanship.  That doesn't mean that we're willing accept crude overtures from the people we find attractive; quite the opposite. Male or female – we'll want romance with a capital 'R' and that includes all the bells, whistles and social niceties.  Sun in Leo lends a little extra gloss to our own patina of charm.  Avoid sounding glib and overly smooth, lest you be accused of being superficial.

The only downside to all this harmonious compromise is the

Libra's tarot card is Justice
from Ciro Marchetti's
"Legacy of the Divine Tarot"©

tendency for people with self-esteem issues to become overly agreeable for the sake of romance.  Healthy boundaries are a necessity no matter who’s transiting what.  If you abandon your own needs for the sake of romantic harmony you end up short-changing yourself and in the long run, build up resentments against your partner (again, personal or professional) and risk engaging in passive-aggressive behaviors farther down the road.

Venus in Libra is a gift of romance and romantic possibilities.  It’s a wonderful way to close out the summer and either relive a little magic from your past, or create some that’s brand spanking new.

LADY ORACLE

Below is my Top Ten Picks for favorite romantic movies.  Make your own list, or borrow some of mine:

1)  Casablanca

2)  Sleepless in Seattle

3)  When Harry Met Sally

4)  Love Is A Many Splendored Thing (You had to have seen that one coming)

5)  A Summer Place

6)  Splendor in the Grass 

7)  Under the Tuscan Sun

8)  Doctor Zhivago 

9)  An Affair to Remember

10) It Happened One Night

Actually, the list is endless!  

Send me yours @ ladyoracle.net

“Border Disputes - Drawing Boundaries That Work”

The goddess archetype, Ishtar,
offers good advice in
Dorreen Virtue's Goddess Guidance Oracle Cards©

If you ask tarot readers what card(s) symbolize boundary issues you will probably get as many answers as there are consultants.  There’s a couple of reasons for this. First, the cards appearing in a reading pertain to instances in the querent’s life, as well as to certain themes.  What might be a boundary issue for one person, might not be one for another.  Secondly, decks are attuned to their reader and while overall themes and keywords run consistently among cards, deck to deck, the nuances are quite particular between a reader and their deck(s).

Boundaries.  We all have them to one degree or another.  However, if they are too narrow, or weak, anybody and anything can cross them and insinuate themselves into our most private selves – usually with the best of intentions.  Friends and family can become too dependent on your support, or too comfortable editorializing on your life.  After a while, no matter how kind or well-meaning they are you put up defenses.

As the pace of our world increases and the size of it decreases we run the risk of more frequently stepping on one another’s toes.  Outrageous reality shows (that have little basis in reality and more to do with ratings and Sweeps) and the anonymity of message boards teach us that not only does our opinion count, but that it counts more than the humanity of the person we’re critiquing.  It’s all too easy to become glib, sanctimonious, or flat-out confrontational.  So, how do we shore up our own borders without building a wall? If history has taught us anything, it’s taught us that walls work both ways.  They keep out intruders, but that also hold us prisoner.

the goddess archetype, Sekhmet, reminds us
of our inner strength.  From Doreen Virture's
most excellent Goddess guidance Oracle©

Border skirmishes occur when we don’t recognize, or utilize our own power and one ego steps on another ego.  Too often we confuse empowerment with being opinionated.  Not even close to the same thing, my friends. Empowerment comes from knowing your own mind – not from a snazzy sound bite catch phrase.  It comes from knowing that your decisions come through thoughtful response and consideration, not emotional reaction.  When you trust yourself and love yourself, no one else’s judgments of your past, present or future hold the same power over you ever again. Like both the King and Queen of Wands, you know, like you know, like you know. 

Life behind walls is safe and secure.  No one can challenge your autonomy if they can’t get close to you.  However, it’s a very lonely existance.  Step out of your ego and into your power by knowing that you and no one else is the hero of your own life.  When you understand this, it is natural to extend the same courtesy to others and let them be the hero of their lives as well.

LADY ORACLE

Shop for decks at my tarot mercantile! Don't see what your looking for? You can order it!

Eight of Cups - "Make A New Plan, Stan"

Tarot's Eight of Cups
RWCS Deck© US Games

There are many reasons and many ways to leave.  Just ask Paul Simon.  Tarot's Eight of Cups shows us the whys and wherefores of a departure set against the backdrop of emotional need.  In the RWCS depiction we see a figure walking away from eight carefully stacked cups that rest on the sand.  Several things become apparent right away.  First, the passion for the situation or relationship is gone.  Note the flat water, the bland expression on the moon.  Even the night sky lacks depth and interest – no clouds, no stars.

Secondly, the figure walking away wears a red cloak and boots.  Red is the traditional color of love and passion.  Clearly, this person is taking these emotions with them as neither can be supported in a bland and characterless environment.  More obscurely, if you invert the card, the red cloak and boots roughly resemble the shape of a physical heart. ( Seriously.  I checked lots of on-line medical images of hearts to come up with this one. Humor me.) Right-side up you have an inverted heart.  This could represent a heart no longer engaged, one that is broken, or one simply in turmoil.

The cups themselves also tell a story.  They rest on sand – certainly not the best foundation for a complex structure. At first glance we can see the eight cups separated into two numbers, five and three.
In tarot, fives express loss and conflict, threes show the deepest meaning of the element, which in this case is water, or emotions.  In short, we have a person struggling with something that no longer promotes their growth and development as an individual.

All is not lost for our hero in red, however.  He carries a wand, representing the action he takes, which in this case is leaving the situation behind and heading for something better, perhaps more challenging.  At least it will be more interesting.  Note that the ground while rocky, is firmer than sand and has a rugged flavor to it.  There is every chance that our hero (you, of course) will be able to build something lasting with a much more solid foundation.

Whether you are contemplating ending a relationship, a friendship, or changing a work situation, you can draw a lot of comfort from the Eight of Cups.  Let the traveler within you guide your steps.  Try a meditation focusing on the images in this card.  Use the eight as the significator in a good old-fashioned Celtic Cross spread.  Remember, a journey, even a particularly difficult one, happens one step at a time.


LADY ORACLE

Check out my website!  

Palladini Deck available - Tarot Mercantile!

Mercury in Leo, August 8th - August 23rd - “Communications and Creativity”

There’s a little of the proverbial silver tongued devil in all of us

when Mercury visits Leo.  How much depends on whether or not you have Leo in your natal chart.  If you do, consider a career in sales, or running for political office, because you, my friend, have a superior gift of gab, especially right now.  Mercury in Leo effects all of us in varying degrees.  All of us will notice that in the next couple of weeks we’ll have more of an urge to speak up and get our message across to the world.  The problem arises when we allow ourselves to be influenced by Leo’s negative side, i.e. the ego.

The Sun is ruler of the sign, Leo
The Sun;s tarot card shows us a joyous,
element kind of happy
RWSC US Games©

There are essentially two ways we communicate – through our sense of self, or through our heart.  When you engage your sense of self, or ego to help you determine how, or what you communicate, you put yourself and your feelings of self-importance before the truth of any message you’re trying to convey.  Our ego demands to be fed first and its favorite meal consists of feelings of entitlement, rightness and superiority. The heart is another matter entirely.  Communications from your the heart, sans ego, looks for the truth in all matters.  You more keenly discern a situation and it becomes easier to respect the needs of others and to response to those needs instead of simply reacting to them. 

Enough with the cautionary tales already!  Mercury in Leo is

Mercury's Tarot card is The Magician
Now tell we how cool Leo in Mercury is!
RWSC US Games©

here for us to enjoy and enjoy it you will.  The stories you relay to others will be more colorful, your humor, quicker and your enthusiasm, infectious.  Mercury in Leo carries great creative energy as well.  Dust off your sewing machine, dig out that manuscript you started last summer.  Express yourself in a myriad of ways: Gardening, cooking, painting or general fix up.  The message from Mercury this month is very clear.  Engage in life, honestly and directly.  No sulking, no hiding.  You have something to say.  Express it positively and with love.

LADY ORACLE

August 6, 2013, New Moon In Leo - “A Roar of Confidence ”

#8, Strength is tarot's ruling card for Leo
from Barbara Moore and Aly Fells
"Steampunk Tarot"©

Our New Moon at 14 degrees Leo arrives at 2:51 p.m., PDT, on Tuesday, August 6th.  New Moons set the emotional tempo for the upcoming lunar cycle and likewise, they give us all a chance for a fresh start.  This New Moon, as the Zodiac sign implies, comes with a bit of a bite.  Which is good in this case.  As the harmonious flow of the Grand Water Trine recedes into memory, our assessment of our lives, as well as ourselves, has taken a turn towards self-doubt.  (see blog on August's Astrology Trends) However, this month’s leonine New Moon offers us a healthy boost to our confidence while Mars in Cancer nudges us into action and Jupiter in Cancer urges us to sing out. The Lion’s natural confidence asks you to reflect on all the positive things about yourself during the New Moon.  Learn to appreciate your talents and add this information to your storehouse to combat moments of self-doubt.  

#10, The Wheel of Fortune, Jupiter's ruling card
from Barbara Moore and Aly Fell's
"Steampunk Tarot"©

The 6th is your chance to set the tone for your interactions during the rest of this month.  Mercury moves into Leo on the 8th while we’re all still feeling the effects of the New Moon.  Mercury in Leo gives us a chance to open up ours lines for strong and clear communications.  Resist any temptation to roar your requests or opinions.  Confidence doesn’t naturally include a boastful swagger.  Confidence comes from understanding and accepting what makes you tick.  True confidence requires that you be genuinely grateful for your talents and a little humbled by your accomplishments, because you recognize that there are an amazing group of people in your life who help you make everything possible. Lead with sincerity and follow up with compassion and this month’s New Moon will set the tone for a successful August. 

LADY ORACLE

HELPFUL RELATED BLOGS : 

Dark of the Moon

http://ladyoracle56.blogspot.com/2012/04/i-feel-dark-moon-rising-meditation-with.html

Helpful Crystals 

http://ladyoracle56.blogspot.com/2012/04/crystals-every-person-needs-part-2.html

"Steampunk Tarot"© Available For Sale Through My Tarot Store!  Fabulous Deck - Deep and Crystal Clear for Readings!

Buy Today!

Astrology Trends for August 2013 - “I Think I Can, I Think I Can”

Jupiter's ruling card, #10
Wheel of Fortune romShadowscapes Tarot©
by Stephanie Pui-Mun Law and  Barbara Moore

Remember the “Little Engine That Could?”  If not, it’s important that you do. The first days of August leading up to the New Moon in Leo may have all of us doubting our own power and potential.  While Santa Claus Jupiter remains in Cancer, offering both optimism and expansion of our world, the planets, Mercury and Mars also in Cancer move to block by amplifying our inner critic.  Mercury wants to know if we’re sympathetic enough.  Mars wants to know if we have the staying power to succeed in our goals.  On the upside, Leo’s natural swagger will be a little easier to control.  However, the true lesson of these three planets in Cancer is to believe in yourself.  You are important and are here in this place and time by design, not as the butt of some great cosmic joke.  Everything you need to make a difference in this life is already inside you.

The New Moon is Leo arrives on August 6th (more on that later) and we’ll grab for our chance at a fresh start like the brass ring on a carousel.  On the 7th Jupiter opposes Pluto in Capricorn, activating the notorious Uranus Pluto Square (see blog, “September Full Harvest Moon - 2013” http://ladyoracle56.blogspot.com/2012/09/septembers-full-harvest-moon-2012-7.html ) .  As a point of interest, the

Pluto ruling card, #20, Judgment
from Aly Fell and Barbara Moore's
Steampunk Tarot©

last time Pluto was in Capricorn was in 1776.  Does that year ring a bell?  Yes, the pun was intended. You can stop groaning now. Mercury enters Leo on August 8th and we’ll all benefit from the gift of gab.  Watch the sales commissions soar. Those actually born with the Sun in Leo will become more like silver-tongued devils, but oh, so charming.

Venus' ruling card, #3, The Empress
RWCS Deck, US Games©

As the effects of the Grand Water Trine diminish, the Grand Trine between Jupiter, Saturn and Chiron (think tarot’s #5, the Hierophant) comes to the forefront, peaking on August 21st.  There’s tremendous healing energy here.  Whether you’re concerned with health of body, mind or soul, use this configuration’s energy to meditate and promote healing for yourself or loved ones.  The Sun enters Virgo on the 23rd, but more on that later.

Venus comes home to Libra, her ruling sign, on August 16th.  It’s a beautiful thing.  Air sign Libra brings Venus into her own by granting us the ability to create harmony and beauty around us.  We form and reform strong partnerships.  True romance is in the air – literally. Don’t be surprised if you see the proverbial stranger across a crowded room.

Other points of interest this month include a Full Moon in Aquarius - part deux, and the rocking and rolling Perseid Meteor Shower ( see blog on shower -  http://ladyoracle56.blogspot.com/2012/08/perseid-meteor-showers-august-11th-to.html  ).    As you can see we’ve got great stuff coming this month.  Remember to utilize  this month’s energy patterns to create lasting, positive change in your life. Be patient and loving with yourself and with others.

LADY ORACLE


Buy great tarot decks at Lady Oracle Tarot!