THE UPSIDE OF THE CARDINAL CROSS

I didn’t do my usual holiday thing this year. I bought a tree but did not decorate it. I bought presents, but didn’t wrap most of them…just gave them out to people with a sheepish smile and a shrug. I didn’t make my usual holiday goodies or cover my home in decorations. I did not even send out cards. For me, a Cancer Sun/Libra Rising, in the past I would have associated this behavior with a breakdown or some other catastrophic event.

However, I went to more holiday parties, drank more egg nog played more holiday music and wished more people “Happy Holidays” than I ever have before. This made me far happier than an organized holiday or falling in with my usual pattern.

This NYE I have found myself with a chest cold, a messy home and an untrimmed tree I need to put out on New Year’s day, since my partner and I are leaving for a 2 week trip to Europe the night of the 1^st. I won’t be able to clean my house the way I usually do in order to harken the New Year. I won’t be able to smudge my home with sage since my throat is sore, I still have to pack and I won’t be able to make my traditional NYE meal of Pork, Black Eyed Peas, Yellow Rice, Sweet Potatoes and Greens. Nope, this year I’m going to order in Chinese for most of these items (it is possible).

Instead of a house cleaning, I feel my cold is bringing on a soul cleaning. I had a dream last night where I had made amends with each and every person who has ever broken my heart; I have become estranged from or have drifted away from. The scene of the dream was a carnival…One of my very favorite things. I can’t get on my hands and knees and scrub my kitchen floor, so instead I’m letting the chest cold clear out my heart chakra, I’m letting me feel my human-ness and the fact that no, I am not fucking super woman no matter what I pretend.

My life has changed…but more so, my whole perspective has evolved.

Instead I sit, and send out love to all those I have ever loved and those I will love in the future. I sit and plan a trip with my beloved that we are so eager for.

 I sit and embrace the enforced stillness...

CONJURING THE LIGHT-THE WINTER SOLSTICE

It seems so far away, the heat and light of summer. When buried in deep dark nights, it’s easy to feel like the sun is so so far away.

This is why during the Solstice we create the light we seek and desire, and simultaneously (if ruefully) honor the dark and the cold.

The winter, with the dark skies and icy winds that are bleak and barren can be scary and sad. The summer sun is joyful and life affirming, while the winter can make us only think of death and the darkness that nature is foisting upon us.

Ooh…but the lights. The lights of the starry night, of the fire and the heat of the home and hearth … this is what will get us through the winter darkness.

The Winter Solstice is where we need to see the potential in the dark… the cold log and the icy stove to see the flame that could occur to give us heat, light and hope. Where we spend toasty night with friends, family and lovers. The night where we make our own heat, to harken back the sun.

This is the day where we see that the sun is making his way BACK to us, and we need to celebrate his journey, as well as our own resilience in the cold depths of winter.

We need the winter to appreciate the summer sun. It’s like that in life, taking the good with the bad…light and darkness in the eternal tango..

It’s just life mates.

Set fire to the candles, bless the dark and celebrate the light.

FULL MOON FORECASTS FOR ALL SIGNS-BLINDED BY THE LIGHT

This Full Moon falls in Gemini at 4:28 am on December 17th!  I love this chatty, fun and curious moon. It’s jazzy and excited to do, to be and to live. Gemini is ruled by Mercury, the planet of communication, travel, logic and games! This Full Moon you may want to catch up on correspondences, play games or have a lively debate.

This Full Moon is a culmination of the New Moon in Sagittarius; while the New Moon encouraged folks to think differently about the world around us and our philosophies, this Full Moon asks us how to put it into action; Gemini is all about movement and action. This is Full Moon that answers the question that this past New Moon in Sagittarius asks; odds are that you are ready for a new adventure, or at least a new point of view.

However, this is not your typical Full Moon in Gemini; on the same day of this Full Moon, Uranus, the planet unconventionality and lighting bolts of creativity of goes direct in adventurous Aries. This Full Moon will give us flashes of insight and (perhaps) the urge to be rebellious and to do your own thing.

ARIES RISING/SUN: All the activity going on in all corners of your life coupled with Uranus going direct in your sign leaves you as the zodiac’s wild card. God help anyone who tries to help you or give you any advice. It’s not that you are being rude or stubborn (even though folks will probably think that is EXACTLY what you are being) it’s just that you need the space to figure things out for yourself, even though you aren’t even sure what that means yet. You are experiencing a whole new terrain, and that would be you.  You are chatty about your freedom and what you need, that is for sure.

TAURUS RISING/SUN: For whatever reason, there hasn’t been a whole lot of conversation about your sense of self worth, and of what is truly important to you. It’s a weird scene for you, to be faced with all the random things in your life that are morphing into something else entirely. In all the flux and hassle surrounding relationships and all the mess that seems to bring, you are finally in a place where you are ready to talk about your needs without sounding autocratic. Not everyone is going to be thrilled about the content of your conversation, but hey you can’t please everyone.

GEMINI RISING/SUN: You have a great deal of energy here, and you are ready to get things going. Often times you guys are fine with minor changes but the status quo staying the same. However, this Full Moon heralds some big changes. Not necessarily externally, but deep inside where you are the most restless. For the past year the universe has REQUIRED you to take on more responsibility and to have a steady hand in all that is happening in your life. The changes are now apparent to others…now you have to find a way to live in the world in a more authentic way of who you are NOW rather then as you WERE.

CANCER RISING/SUN: All you truly need and want is a nap. Maybe a cookie with some warm milk … however you aren’t going to get it. The sad irony of it is if you only could get the much desired quiet time it would give you the space to develop the necessary perspective that you crave. Oh well. Now is not the time for quiet contemplation or building new fortresses around yourself. My advice? Get a little crazy. Be zany and stop trying to be the “straight man” in the comedy that is your life. Go on, be punchy and let folks know that you are going a little batty. Be vulnerable. You’ll get more much needed allies that way.

LEO RISING/SUN: “A Whole New World” is your anthem. You know, from the Disney movie “Aladdin”. Yes it is a whole new way of thinking and existing that this Full Moon has to offer. You have already been on this road for a while, but at times it could have been lonely, like you were the only person in the world who was feeling/thinking all that you were. However, this Full Moon introduces you the fact that there are many out there who share your thoughts, philosophies and lust for life. You’ll meet your true soul clan during this Full Moon.

VIRGO RISING/SUN: You may have been in an unbearable fog for the past few months, where you may have had to do a lot of busy work just to keep your head above water. However this Full Moon has a great big old gift in mind for you: CLARITY. This Full Moon in your tenth house of ambition, career and public image drives home that no, you can’t do whatever you want, that you have responsibilities to the world at large that you have to fufill no matter what dramas have been happening for you. It’s time to shake it off and get down to it. Who knows, maybe this’ll resurrect you.

LIBRA RISING/SUN: “You are biting off more than you can chew” “don’t do anything you will later regret” “what’s gotten into you lately?”

These are all phrases that may have heard lately, and if not, probably will. This Full Moon (and other planetary factors) has you doing, saying and thinking in ways that are outlandish, wild and exhilarating. Other folks will either cheer you on or scold you. You may even think you are losing your mind. No, you are merely CHANGING your mind about things in your life that need to evolve.

SCORPIO RISING/SUN: It’s a draw with you, about how much you can bear to share. It’s a tough balance between sharing too much, or being closed off. However, this Full Moon brings to light the need to be vulnerable, and to communicate your deepest needs and secrets. Oddly enough, the minute you share your deepest wounds, you will manage to help another who is quietly bleeding inside. This Full Moon will also open up a much needed dialoguge about funds, shared resources and business relations. It may not always be a pretty conversation, but one that will give you freedom to make a good next step

SAGITTARIUS RISING/SUN: This Full Moon and other planetary factors are making you want to dive in deep to the heart of your creative and romantic urges: this Full Moon may have you involved in conversations about romance, marriage, unity, children and true love. You may usually run in the other direction when it comes to these conversations, since they may usually do nothing but hamper your sense of freedom. However, this Full Moon has you deeply considering all the trapping of love and marriage. You have an urge to create: could it be a masterpiece, a child, a novel or a life with another?

CAPRICORN RISING/SUN: Here we go; This Full Moon and the other planetary aspects are bringing a lot of conversations about your health, how you work and what makes the most sense for you in your life.  You will want to take on ways to learn new skills that aren’t just what the boss may want you to learn. You are a Capricorn: you need to make sure what you do and learn are done in a way that you OWN and that works for you. Flexibility is necessary in what’s going on; once you bend enough to learn what you need to, you’ll be shocked by how much it helps you in your everyday life to be more effective and successful.

AQUARIUS RISING/SUN: This Full Moon may bring love and romance into your life in a very real way; you may be surprised by who you are falling for. Chances are the object of your affection is not the type of person you are usually attracted to. Perhaps your feelings of love and romance may be undergoing a sea change that is scary but feels ….right?

You may also feel like you are waking up in a particularly profound way. Perhaps for way too long you have been going along with the motions, with the ideas that others have put before you on how to be. It’s going to be a wild rid for a good long while…

PISCES RISING/SUN:  This Full Moon brings you a great deal of information about your home and family life. Yes, you will need time to process it all, but understand that whatever is happening won’t go away just because you ignore it. You are going to have to find a way to make your home life and family situations work for you, rather than finding a way to meld into the situations and dynamics that occur. Lend your brand of magic to the situation and see what flourishes.

NEW MOON IN SAGITTARIUS FORECASTS FOR EACH SIGN/RISING-AIN'T NO SIN TO BE GLAD YOU'RE ALIVE

This new moon in Sagittarius lights up a part of your life (and chart) in a way that makes you feel like wherever this new moon happens is all you've ever wanted. Truth be told, I think this new moon brings to light a hope and dream that may have had to go on the back burner due to the many demands put on you of late due to cardinal cross madness and Scorpio season. For the past few years anything Sagittarius has been treated like a well-behaved child; adored, yet ignored.

However the weight that comes with this new moon portends the Saturn shift into Sagittarius that happens at the end of 2014. It's a sneaky new moon.

The trine to Uranus in Aries is the wild card that you have seen coming all along. Lean into this energy; it will give you such a boost.

Chiron makes a square to this new moon; touching on this desire of this new moon might hurt like hell, but in the way rubbing alcohol and salt burns, cleans and eventually heals a deep wound.

You've got 2 weeks to use the power if the new moon to do what needs to be done.

Sagittarius energy has that knowledge, more than any other sign (I believe) that the now is precious, and that tomorrow is never promised.

ARIES SUN/ARIES RISING: This new moon will encourage you to step out and live life out and loud. You may not even be terribly interested in how you might be perceived…for too long of late you had to toe the line. You are ready to get out and get wild. This new moon will drive you to book a trip, to get on a plane to just GO SOMEWHERE. The world has had a foot on your throat for way to long…get out there and see just how big the world is.  For all you know you might meet or become a yogi. You might be shocked by what your travels have to offer.

TAURUS SUN/RISING: ah…you are so independent and stoic. Folks know that when the chips are down you are the one to go to…the one who can handle the hard stuff. Money and shared resources may come up for you with this new moon. You may get money where you didn’t expect it.  This new moon also brings up your need to know the secrets that are being held by your loved ones…or even the ones you keep. This moon has your emotional I.Q changing, where you feel an ache…but you keep the bad stuff bottled up… you? Need intimacy? Actually, yes you crave it but hate telling anyone that. That’s the rub of this new moon.

GEMINI SUN/RISING: It’s been busy being you. You have (I personally think) had a crash course in productivity and the endless tedium of details. You have had to learn how to manage your life and health the hard way. However, now you have the window to be romantic, and bask in the love of a partner who has been rooting you on through your hard times. Annnd… you may now realize that linking up OFFICIALLY with your partner may be the smartest thing you can do. This New Moon makes you WANT to BE the lover and partner you have always wanted to have. After all, you have to become what you want in order to get what you want.

CANCER SUN/RISING: That’s it. No more excuses for why you can’t get to the gym, or eat a nourishing meal, or handle your own business instead of those that seem to need you in order to survive, or just do something that is healthy for you mind, body and spirit. This moon finally gives you the kick in the booty that you need. Yes, being of service to people is necessary, but you can’t save the world when all you’ve had to eat for the day is a cup of coffee and a power bar. This new moon brings out the need to help others outside of those that demand your help; it’s also a prime time to get in touch with your inner divinity.

LEO SUN/RISING: It’s been a busy time for you, what with dealing with your demons and the demands of family and work. It’s been a challenging balancing act that puts your firmly at the helm. You shine bright under pressure, and have been able to incorporate your life changing epiphanies that have been hitting you left, right and center (but in a good way I do believe) This new moon takes the focus onto what brings you joy. This moon is also prime for helping your find your soul mate (or really bond with the one that you love). Maybe a child is involved… could you be ready to conceive? It could be a creative project or a child. Take the time to figure that one out for yourself.

VIRGO SUN/VIRGO RISING: You’ve been fired up lately, and being bewitched by marriage/partnership issues. Maybe the one you love just isn’t who you thought they would be…. false advertising or maybe your partner/spouse is having a serious change in life. No bother, the worry about that is done for the moment. It’s time for you to worry about your family and your home. Or re-create it into a less chaotic, wild version than what it is now. Chances are you have had some deep thinking time to decide what you want that to look like. Perhaps this is the prime time for you to become a real estate mogul. I could totally see you making magic happen…

LIBRA SUN/RISING: I’m no longer so worried about you, Libra. Why? Because you are finally finding your voice. You are coming out of the woodwork and letting people know you are here. You are finally finding your groove in your love life, your public image and your self worth. BUT… now you realize it’s time to start a whole new project. CURSES you may yell at the heavens, shaking a fist. However, this project is to up your earning potential and to let folks know what you have been through. It’s time to write it. It’s also time to go back to school to up your moneymaking skills…and it’s time to hit the road. Travel for crying out loud…

SCORPIO SUN/RISING: The hardest working sign in show biz. At least these days. Having had so much planetary focus on you and what you need you are ready to take on the world. The focus on your health, your daily routines and your relentless drive to create philosophies and beliefs that mirror what you feel and think, rather then what you are told to think/feel. Now, you are ready to get paid the big bucks. You are ready to negotiate. This new moon has the vibe that asks you to figure out how much you value yourself, and what brings you comfort.

SAGITTARIUS SUN/RISING: This new moon you are in the spot light (finally!) You are feeling inspired, and in a great place where you are able to recognize that your family and past do not define you. I know you may not want to think that anything has ever had control over you, but….

This new moon gives you full reign to be fully self-expressed. Are you making sure that you are living as honestly and creatively as possible? Are you traveling and enjoying yourself? Think about that and get back to yourself. A new exciting personal goal is being conceived…

CAPRICORN SUN/RISING: These days you are ready for a change, or at least a breather. This new moon takes you into a quiet place, where you need to gear up for your next step. With so much of your life shifting under your feet, you need to take the moment to rest up. Chances are things have slowed down so much that you have no other option but to do just that. With the way your life has changed in the past 5 years, you get the rare moment to stay still and maybe, just maybe heal yourself.

AQUARIUS SUN/RISING: You are in a position to open up your social circle. Could you be joining a book club, or taking a class? If so it would be a good thing for you to do. The ne w folks that you may be meeting these days will widen your horizons. The key thing here is that over the next week or so, the new people you meet and the new activities you undertake will bring you luck. You might have some self worth issues triggered here, or even money concerns. Don’t let that stop you from heading on to your next phase of evolution. Don’t let your fears stop you from your growth.

PISCES SUN/PISCES RISING: This new moon is amazing in that it gives you that boost that you have needed for a long time in regards to your work life and your public image. What public image you may ask… the one that you may have had to let fall fallow while you handled the day-to-day issues of reconfiguring who you know yourself to be. Chances are you may be about to embark on a whole new career…or managing your public persona. The more you talk about your big ideas the more you will be able to bring good things your way. It’s your ace in the pocket.

MOON IN SCORPIO - THE LAST HURRAH

The shift into fire season has already begun and will continue once Mercury enters Sagittarius on December 4^th.

However, we still have now. The Moon, Mercury and Saturn hook up in Scorpio this weekend, on the brink of the New Moon on Monday that happens in Sagittarius as well.

It’s a weekend to dream big. There is a fire trine (an easy aspect) between the Sun in Sagittarius and Uranus in Aries; in this transit, it will be easy to be egged on to go big or go home…make wild plans for a future that seems so wide and full of possibilities. In the dark of the moon before the new cycle starts, it’s a beautiful time to go ahead and plant crazy seeds for an adventurous future.

You have the Scorpio season to thank for that. All this time, where we have had to delve into the deep, where we have had to be unmercifully uncomfortable, where we may have felt broken and hopeless…it was the Scorpio phase of making sure that you dealt with any deamons that may trip you up in the future, that may sabotage you on your journey’s to great beyond.

The rest of the weekend, make sure that when you are in the process of planning and dreaming for a seemingly impossibly magical future, give thanks to the darkness that rode you, make peace with an imperfect past, and thank the past version of yourself that made this future possible.

Hear that clapping? Hear those folks rooting you on? It’s your deamons, glad you made your great escape.