Full Pink Moon in Libra, April 15th, 2014 – “Blood on the Moon, or Miss Scarlet in the Conservatory With A Candlestick”

Blood on the Moon.  Again. Predictions about this month’s Full Moon with eclipse vary from multiple natural disasters to a full-blown apocalypse.  If any of you saw the 2011 movie, “Red Riding Hood,” you know that catastrophic events are supposed to occur when the Moon turns red.  Must be – I mean, did anyone else read the reviews for that movie? Talk about a career killer. There’s no doubt this is a powerful, yet touchy Full Moon cycle coming up – not going to lie about that. However, the edginess we’ll feel during the eclipse is more likely to have us seeing red rather than foretelling certain doom.  

The Full Pink Moon occurs at 12:42 a.m., PDT on April 15th, in twenty-six degrees of the sign, Libra. Lunar eclipses occur when the Moon passes through the Earth’s shadow.  When this happens, the Sun’s light disburses through the Earth’s atmosphere before reaching the Moon. The higher spectrum lights, such as violet, blue and green fade out and the colors left are orange and red. This is the same effect that gives us big, orange Harvest Moons and pearly, pink Moons during moonrise. There’s no way to actually determine how red the eclipsing Moon will get. It could be anything from a bashful blush to a deep crimson. In either case, the effect only lasts a few minutes, so watch closely. The eclipse begins at 10:58 p.m. on April 14th and reaches its climax at 1:07 a.m. on the 15th.  

Even the most upbeat astrologers suggest that we pay close

attention to the world around us during this volatile month.  On the outset, our Full Pink Moon in Libra is a partnership moon filled with charm and social grace. There’s a naturally empathic element that comes with Libra and this instinctual connection with people lends itself to greater success in relationships. In our personal lives, Libra likes close, balanced partnerships where everybody wins. Expect a boost to your people skills during this Full Moon cycle. However, this Full Moon can also make you feel needy, or as if your partner is sucking all the air out of the room. Relax. It’s a temporary effect brought on by the energetic ebb and flow of Lady Moon.

Eclipses act as an energy reboots for the entire planet, setting the tone of our planetary energy field for the next six months. During the eclipse cycle you frequently feel charges of energy coursing through you, almost more than you can handle. This effect is most intense two days prior to the eclipse and for the three days following it. Channel these high voltage surges into productive, positive actions. Focus on releasing any feelings of pressure that have built up in you this month.  Remember your positive mantra.  If you don’t have one, write one.  You are unique, you are enough and you are love. Pull in and use the energy from the stars of fortune and glory, Arcturus and Spica.  These guys are contributing their energy patterns to the lunar eclipse mix.  Arcturus is the stronger influence, combining good fortune with a powerful need for justice.  Use directed, conscious thought to set positive intentions (#1, The Magician) Again, stay grounded and don’t let chips form on your shoulders because someone will knock them off.

While a Full Moon lunar eclipse is already a powerful

Typical Grand Cross configuration

energetic force, this particular eclipse also heralds the exact squaring of that rare astrological event that’s been hovering over us, the Cardinal Grand Cross.  Remember that a Grand Cross forms when two sets of planets, in opposition (at an aspect of 180 degrees to one another) form two squares (aspects of ninety degrees).  ( See blog : "Cardinal Grand Cross"  )The planets involved in this Cardinal Grand Cross are: Mars, Jupiter, Uranus and Pluto.  The word, ‘cardinal’ simply refers to the type of signs each of these planets currently occupies, or in this case, Libra, Cancer, Aires and Capricorn, respectively. Cardinal signs are the signs at the beginning of each season.

"Osho Zen Tarot"© reminds us to seek
the silence with ourselves to achieve balance

Cardinal Grand Crosses carry very unsettled and challenging energy.  Uranus and Pluto want to sweep all the chess pieces off the board, even if they create wreckage along the way.  Jupiter in Cancer wants to help you rebuild with glorious results, while Mars in Libra wants to charm people into his way of thinking – the quintessential smooth operator. This is great energy, however, don’t hang onto things that no longer serve you, because this energy can metaphorically pull your arms from their sockets if you do. Also, watch out for Jupiter in Cancer’s expansion giving you too much of a good thing while Mars puts those he can’t sway to the sword.

As with any astrological patterns there are highs and lows. You simply need to make adjustments for working with this month’s power flow. Proceed mindfully, stay grounded and you will be brilliant.

LADY ORACLE

January 11, 2014, Mercury Moves to Aquarius – “A Marriage of Intellect and Humanity”

Mercury was the messenger of the gods in ancient times,

Mercury's tarot card, The Magician
A wizard commands all elements
to shape the world he envisions.
From "Wizard's Tarot"©
by Barbara Moore and Aly Fell

fleet of foot and able to cover the vastness of time and space within the blink of an eye. Likewise, Mercury is the fastest moving planet in our solar system.  It travels at a rate of thirty miles per second and completes its orbit of the Sun in a little under ninety days.  There are good reasons for this.  Mercury is the closest planet to the Sun and therefore has the shortest distance to travel to complete its orbit.  Also, the Sun’s gravitational pull is strongest on Mercury and as a result, centrifugal force keeps the planet spinning faster.  

On January 11th, Mercury moves into Aquarius, the sign that governs the tenth house of the Zodiac.  Mercury is exalted in Aquarius which means it is at its peak in terms of power and influence.  Mercury is the planet of communications and intellect and because it moves so quickly, we must stay mindful in which sign of the Zodiac it resides. Under Aquarius’ domain, Mercury’s skills influence the areas of career, reputation and societal structures (such as corporations, government and agencies that benefit the human endeavor).  Mercury in Aquarius is sort of a big ideas type of guy.  Aquarius is an air sign and as such, supports big picture communications.  Corporate structure becomes not only easier to understand, but also to navigate after January 11th. It also becomes easier to have your voice heard, so look for your ideas to earn you advancement. Networking and being an active part of the company team go smoother under Mercury in Aquarius.  We understand all sorts of communications – even the non-verbal kind.  

.

 Star, the Aquarian tarot card, offers hope and a
capricious sense of balance.  All flows where nature intends
She's a perfect partner for The Magician.  From
Barbara Moore and Aly Fell's "Steampunk Tarot"©

Aquarius also carries a strong human component that helps analytical Mercury see into the heart of a person’s motivations.  While Mercury still carries an innate intellectual detachment, here in the tenth house, this messenger of the gods gains perspective and a greater understanding of the human psyche.  This translates into a greater ability to convey that understanding to others – particularly beneficial if you are a writer or otherwise have the ability to influence the thoughts of others.  Fiction writer’s will find their characterizations become richer and more meaningful.  Their plot lines will flow and take on a life of their own.

In relationships, look to uncover the motivations behind your partner’s actions – not necessarily in the manipulative sense.  I’m talking about the ability to understand their underlying need and for both of you to have open and honest dialogue about how both your needs can be met.  Try to pull the insights you gain under Mercury in Aquarius through your heart and not through your intellect.  When you pull information about your relationship through your mind you run the risk of handing it over to your ego.  Engaging your ego is a poor way to resolve any issue.  

Work with this wonderful opportunity to expand your communications this month.  Mercury remains in Aquarius until January 30th so use this time wisely.

LADY ORACLE

Nine of Pentacles - “Authority, Autonomy and Flying High”

RWCS, US Games Edition©
The Nine of Pentacles
What is she whispering to the bird?

The suit of Pentacles represents the element of earth and the material world.  In tarot, nines speak to us of compromise and difficulties, but if that’s the case, why does the woman in the Nine of Pentacles look like she’s doing so well? She stands in a field of dreams made reality – calm and elegant, seemingly without a care.  Is it a facade, or does she really have a nifty investment strategy tucked away somewhere?  

The Nine of Pentacles shows us someone (in this particular case a female, though the card lesson transcends sexual definition) who no longer struggles to secure their day to day existence. As in Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, the basic survival levels, food, shelter, clothing, have been surpassed.  Her current level of security and comfort allows, not only the expression of grace and beauty in her life, but also the ideation of a higher self.  

Clear and sunny skies always offer
encouragement even when you turn inward
RWCS, The Sun, US Games Edition©

A clear sky in the background denotes fair weather.  Two trees frame the world of the card, acting as a gateway to a rich and fertile vineyard.  The woman in the Nine of Pentacles hasn’t passed through the gates to this land without compromises. She is alone, turned away from the sun and turned inward towards herself.  Her right hand rests on a stack of pentacles; her casual possession of them born from her sense of security.  Her head and shoulders rise above the landscape indicating a higher connection with the universal flow.  She is elegant, graceful and assured of her position in the world.  A falcon perches on her left hand.  Its head is hooded like all trained hunting birds.  The hood keeps the falcon calm while it waits the commands of its mistress and the opportunity to take flight. 

Some tarot analysts view the hooded bird as a symbol of the

The Magician reminds us that we
can combine all the elements to create the
life we want. RWCS, US Games Edition©

lady’s darker nature held in check by her strength of will.  Others believe the bird represents stifled creativity and dreams – a necessary sacrifice some would say in attaining goals.  I disagree. I prefer Alfred Hitchcock’s explanation for why the bird is there.  In his masterpiece of environmental horror, “The Birds,” Hitchcock uses a lone seagull circling high over the town of Bodaga Bay to present a bird’s eye view of the movie’s world. In the Nine of Pentacles, the hunting bird is the omnipresent eye that gives our lady a broad over-view of her territory.  Her bird symbolizes imagination, creativity and focused skills.  Instead of representing a dark side, the bird lifts the woman beyond her own limited perceptions allowing her to implement her talents.  The bird’s hood represents not only her control, but her discretion as well.

Meanings for the Nine of Pentacles include discipline, self-reliance and sacrifice to obtain a goal.  The problem with using the word ‘sacrifice’ in what otherwise is a motivational card is that people frequently misunderstand the meaning of the word.  Its root word is ‘sacred,’ not ‘suffer.’  Too often people shy away from their dreams because they believe they must sacrifice – suffer a deprivation – to reach them.  Not so.  The woman is the Nine of Pentacles knows her worth, both inside and out.  She may appear to be alone, but so for all of us who take on a new challenge in life.  Ultimately, the burden of succeeding rests upon our shoulders, no one else’s. 

Use the positive messages about success and reward in the Nine of Pentacles to keep you on target no matter what type of goal you set for yourself.  Meditate by focusing on the imagery of this card and, like the falcon in the picture, you’ll soar above your perceived limitations.

LADY ORACLE

Mercury in Scorpio, September 29th to December 4th - “Communication Via Steamroller”

The Magician is tarot's card for
Mercury. This depiction is from
"Wizard's Tarot"© by Corrine Kenner
and John J. Blumen. Great deck!

Today, at 4:38 PDT, Mercury entered the house of Scorpio.  Though we all feel the effects of this cosmic pair-up to a greater, or lesser degree, those of us with Mercury in Scorpio in our birth chart will feel these effects most strongly.  What can we expect?  For starters, Mercury in Scorpio is a relentless truth seeker.  It senses a lie underneath a ton of camouflage and shows no mercy when exposing that lie to clean air and sunlight.  There will be no word mincing, and no tolerance for frivolous promises with Mercury in Scorpio – just straight talk that drives right to the heart of the matter.  

Mercury in Scorpio turns all of us into students of human nature.  Mercury picks up on emotional subtext more easily in the 8th house of the Zodiac.  It loves to ferret out information, especially if that information leads to intrigue, or better yet, solves a mystery.  Mercury in Scorpio particularly likes to flirt with the supernatural and the psychic arts.  Think of Mercury in Scorpio as the Shaggy and Scooby Doo of the Zodiac. 

In the workplace, Mercury and Scorpio’s keen powers of

Scorpio's ruling tarot card, Transfiguration (Death)
from "Wizard's Tarot"©

observation, along with their characteristic bluntness, presents a two-edged sword.  Their straight-forward insights may sound judgmental, even pessimistic.  Their blunt speech can be perceived as micro-management. Think about the energy of the Knight of Swords here, but, also remember that Mercury in Scorpio loves a good strategy rather than simply charging into the fray with their sword waving. Mercury in Scorpio is blunt, but never random or reckless in their critique – which is why the stinger goes in so deeply.

The Knight of Sword who turns
bluntness into an art form
from "The Wizard's Tarot"©

The insights into the human condition that we receive while Mercury is in Scorpio can make us want to jump up on a soapbox and inspire the masses with a stirring speech, or, at the very least, compose an earthy torch song. There’s a surprising amount of romance packed in this Zodiac pairing – along with a love for a good argument.  Notice I didn’t say debate.  Debates have rules and tend to be more analytical.  Repeat, Mercury in Scorpio loves to argue.  They will not let us surrender until our opponent is on the mat.

Mercury in Scorpio is a powerful cosmic pairing and we can gain much ground by being insightful and by using our intellect to further our goals during this period.  Strive for diplomacy and keep in mind that Mercury goes retrograde October 21st through November 10th.  See blog: "Mercury Retrograde, Tarot and You"    to learn what this means and gain some techniques to help you through this sometimes tricky period.  Be brilliant.

LADY ORACLE

The exceptional "Wizard's Tarot"© is a great deck for those interested in the link between astrology and tarot.

It is available for purchase through Lady Oracle Tarot

#1, The Magician or, "Linking Merlin With the Divine"

#1, The Magician - my personal
favorite depiction from "The
Wizar'ds Tarot"© by Corrine Kenner
and John J. Blumen

In tarot, The Magician bears witness to the fundamental truth he we are always connected to our divine creator.  The depiction of the Magician in RWSC decks shows us a wizard standing at his work table.  He has the power of all the elements literally at his finger tips as symbolized by the suits in tarot’s Minor Arcana: Wand, Cup, Sword and Pentacle (fire, water, air and earth respectively).  

The Magician represents consciousness, directed action and intentional creation.  He stands at his work table, his wand held aloft while his other hand pointed to the earth.  He is a living conduit between the power of divine consciousness and Its physical manifestation on earth.  He embodies the words on the Emerald Tablet, “As it is above, so it is below.”  Unlike Fool, the Magician doesn’t nonchalantly toss his consciousness over his shoulder, moving through life on a whim.  He takes responsibility for his

life force and his gifts by using them to shape his world.  Flowers grow around his table - signs that the power of his potential is in full and directed use.  He blooms where he’s planted.  He shows us that our gifts are the currency by which we purchase our dreams. If you waste your gifts, or let them stand idle, you not only bankrupt yourself, but you squander all of your potential.

We are conduits for cosmic energy.  It passes through us for

use in creating actualities - job, lifestyle, or to effect lasting change in the world around us. Our personal power must be allowed to flow freely guided by our directed thought.  Otherwise we create chaos in our lives and the lives of those around us.  Often we want to hold fast to our power base, fearing it will disappear.  However when you act as a conduit, you carry current from an infinite source - a universal power plant if you will.  Think about the batteries you bought last year for your emergency flashlights.  They are still in the package, their power contained.  What is their shelf life? Are they still good?  Just as the charge in an unused battery will eventually dissipate, so will the consciousness or cosmic power you struggle to contain.  As with water, electricity and air, there must be a flow through.

From "OSHO Zen Tarot"© by Deva Padma,
we see the #22, The World - a culmination
of the hero's journey.

Today ask yourself: Am I part of the Divine flow?  Do I direction to my power and manifest things that benefit myself as well as those around me, or do I react to whatever direction life takes me and create chaos in my wake?  This is a magic day and you get to decide what you will do with it. 

LADY ORACLE

I Feel A Dark Moon Rising - Meditation With the High Priestess

Corrine Kenner and John J. Blumen's
depiction of Lady Moon, or tarot's
#2, The High Priestess from "Wizard's Tarot"©

Wasn't it bad enough to coping with Mercury Retrograde this month?  Now we have to endure (cue the organ music please) the dark of the moon.  Today I received several emails and calls from friends and clients who confided that they were having an 'off' day.  Some flat out said they felt weird.  Considering it's three days before the new moon, I'd say that's fairly typical.

What exactly is a dark moon and what good is it?  Glad you asked.  From new moon to full moon we say the moon is waxing and from full moon to new moon it's waning.  As the moon turns in orbit, its illuminated surface turns to directly face us (waxing to full) and as it completes its rotation the unlit side reappears and the lighted portion disappears (waning to dark) once more.  The last portion of the waning crescent moon disappears completely to the naked eye about three days before the new moon.  This month, Saturday, April 21st marks the start of a new lunar cycle, so for 18th, 19th and 20th we're in the dark, so to speak.

We feel more introspective during the dark of the moon.  We're

#1 The Magician from "Wizard's Tarot"©
by John J. Blumen and Corrine Kenner

more prone to retreat from friends and family and do a little soul searching.  That's a good thing too, because we need a chance to center ourselves for the manifestation opportunities that come during the waxing moon.  The dark moon can effect everyone differently on different months.  Some months pass and you wonder what all the fuss was about.  Other times you will feel like your skin is too tight and your aura is sore to the touch.  Whatever happens, honor your feelings.  That's not giving you permission to be rude, mind you, but a little retreat is good for the soul.

In the tarot deck, The High Priestess represents unconscious thought and intuition.  Where The Magician's colors are bright under the direct light of the sun, hers are more subdued by the indirect light of the moon.  She sits quietly in her chamber in meditation and contemplation, yet it's during the dark of the moon that she makes her strongest connection to her psychic gifts.  Her example can guide us on the moonless nights.  When you feel edgy and restless don't seek to escape, go inside yourself.  You are after all, your own best friend.



LADY ORACLE