The energies of the New Moon Solar Eclipse in Pisces, which will be exact today at 5:30 AM EDT, are an incredibly intense melding of the flood of emotions associated with letting go, the tension of our past cracking under the pressures of the future's call, and the promise of bold new beginnings that await as we embrace the impending waves of change. Those who will be most impacted by this eclipse are people with planets or sensitive points from 28-29 degrees of Pisces/Virgo/Sagittarius/Gemini, or those with planets or sensitive points between 0-1 degrees of Aries/Libra/Capricorn/Cancer.

The past week has brought the 7th out of 7 exact squares between Uranus and Pluto, potent outer planets that have been working to break up outmoded world structures and societal norms since mid-2012. We've experienced the uncompromising standstill and frustration of limitations as Saturn stationed retrograde one week ago, and are about to move beyond the threshold of the Spring Equinox into a new astrological year later today. Every period brings its astrological influences that translate into opportunities for change and transformation, but it's fair to say that the astrology of "now" is entirely monumental.

A Word On Eclipses

Eclipses are powerful events that usually occur in pairs twice a year, and always bring significant change into our lives. They are said to impact the magnetic fields of the Earth, allowing for "upgrades" in our consciousness and DNA to get us up to speed on our life's mission. Unexpected events, last-minute changes in plans, epiphanies of every kind, emotional breakdowns that lead to unprecedented breakthroughs - these experiences are all more common during eclipses, so rest assured that all is well even if you're feeling lost or unsettled!

It's not uncommon for things that no longer serve us to fall by the wayside in the weeks and months following an eclipse. Regardless of surface appearances, any changes that come forward during and after eclipses are Divine gifts, no matter how painful those losses or separations might be. The more we fight inevitable changes, the more we stand in the way of receiving Divine blessings on the way for us.

Eclipse in Pisces - Cleansing & Renewal Before The Dawn

The culmination of the Uranus-Pluto square alone is enough to create a deep impulse to enact major changes in our lives, but these energies are inseparably woven into the energies of the eclipse. This also happens to be the only Uranus-Pluto square of the series during which neither planet was retrograde. The symbolism indicates beyond a doubt that we are ready to assimilate the lessons of the last three years and move fully into the futures we've been manifesting. 

Combine that with the energies of the Spring Equinox - a time during which the veil between worlds is thinner and we begin another cycle anew - and we find ourselves preparing to step through a powerful cosmic doorway into new worlds. But before we take that step, this eclipse calls us to deeply cleanse and release the past so we are prepared to embrace the future.

This eclipse occurs in the last degree and last minutes of Pisces, the final sign of the zodiac. This is the cosmic realm in which we let our earthly cares slip away and get lost in what we love, share compassion that knows no bounds, and "zone out" into meditative states to experience Oneness with God/Universe/Source. On the shadow side, it's where we can lose ourselves in addictions to escape our earthly problems and where we drown in feelings of helplessness and hopelessness, becoming "victims" of our own illusionary thinking. In the Pisces glyph, the fishes swim in opposite directions, showing the need for union between the physical and spiritual realms. The keys to healing past wounds is release and forgiveness, and one key to healing addiction or depression is often feeling a deep merger with Eternal Love that flows through deep spiritual experiences - prayer/meditation, the arts, and energetic healing work, to name a few possibilities. 

We're all likely to be experiencing profound endings of some kind now - maybe endings of things associated with the "old us" as we were when the Uranus-Pluto square began - and though new beginnings bring hope and excitement, there is a marked sadness in releasing the past. Allowing ourselves to feel the emotions of letting go fully and deeply within ourselves, to sort through our past and release energies and physical ties that aren't serving us serves to renew us in preparation for the dawn. 

An emotional vibe dominates as Neptune, Chiron and Mercury are all in Pisces now. Thoughts may turn to wounding and the search for healing as Mercury activates our desire to face deep hurts and discover new perspectives or courses of action that bring renewed feelings of wholeness. We're also more likely to be facing our own addictions and "ruts," too - whether it's substance use or other habits that keep us from actualizing our greatest potential - so we can take practical steps toward enjoying a more balanced life. 

Honoring Your Feelings & Manifesting At The New Moon Eclipse

You may be feeling especially emotional now, and if so, you're right in line with the celestial vibe. Withdraw and spend time alone if you can; honor yourself and allow feelings to flow. This will be a deeply cleansing and cathartic eclipse for many, so allow yourself to be present in experiencing intense emotions free of judgment. Spend time in prayer or meditation; get an energy healing session; make music; write poetry, paint, journal, or do anything else that soothes your soul. Give and receive love freely, knowing that all that occurs in the coming weeks is for the Highest Good - all really is well.

Since this eclipse is an extra-potent new moon, the time is ripe for dreaming big and exploring your heart's desires. Allow yourself to connect with intuition and listen in for Divine guidance that points the way to the fulfillment of your desires - with all the incredibly psychic Pisces energy permeating this event, there are incredible epiphanies awaiting those who open to receive! Light a candle and say a prayer, write intentions in a journal, or simply focus on your desires fully, allowing the Universe to assist you in manifesting them over the coming weeks and months. Because eclipse energies continue to work the most intensely for 1-2 weeks afterwards, allow time to process events and realizations and set your intentions when the time feels right. 

**Want to know where this eclipse is bringing powerful endings and incredible new opportunities into your life? I'm available for 1-1 astrology consultations in-person and via Skype! Email [email protected] to learn more.**

© Jen Howell,  Bright Star Astrology & Healing Arts, 2015. Unauthorized use or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author/owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to this site and writer with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

We are quickly approaching the Winter Solstice on December 21, a sacred time of year when new energetic portals for awakening the very structures of our DNA and sacred life missions are more accessible to us. It is a time of great inner and outer stillness, of reflection on the past year, and a time rich with cosmic potential for exploration of our soul’s desires. This solstice is especially significant, as it coincides with a New Moon in Capricorn, making a profound depth of peace and vision-seed planting even more available to us in the void from which all potential is birthed into form.

This year's Solstice/New Moon combined event is the beginning of a powerful cycle of manifestation and conscious creation that we can connect with for powerful results in 2015 (the last time a Winter Solstice coincided with a New Moon was in 2003, and the next will be in 2033!). Themes that are central to Capricorn such as dedication, commitment, and realism will all play out in the many planetary connections that are grounded in this sign for the new moon.

Stellium in Capricorn: Getting Serious in Career, Relationships, and Life Purpose

The Sun ingresses into Capricorn for the official First Day of Winter at 6:03 P.M. EST; the Moon joins the Sun at zero degrees Capricorn for the coinciding New Moon at 8:26 P.M. EST. Since Capricorn is a sign that centers on putting in the effort to make our dreams a reality, we will be supported in birthing our inner visions in profound ways over the coming year. This weekend and the days that immediately follow are an ideal time to create a quiet, meditative space to explore inner dreams and visions...and then make a list and action plan to see those dreams through to completion! Capricorn and Saturn impel us to review facts, stick to a plan, and endure any trials or hardships we might meet on the path to achieving our goals with strength and composure. 2015 will be a year of building dreams from the ground up, and will be especially auspicious for career and "life mission" types of endeavors. The birthing pangs may be uncomfortable, but Saturn teaches us that the work is well worth the satisfaction of seeing our long-term goals through to completion.

Perhaps the most significant energies woven into the existing New Moon themes are those brought by the stellium of Venus/Pluto/Mercury in Capricorn. Expect issues around relationships, money/shared resources, secrets, or deepening of commitments in personal and business partnerships to take center stage. These issues, in addition to possible lower-vibrational expressions of jealousy, manipulation, or power struggles began around December 17 and will continue through the Solstice. The asteroid goddess Vesta is also involved here, calling us to examine our interactions with others/our own values and material resources to align them with choices that benefit our whole selves. With Saturn at the final degree of Scorpio, honest assessments of needs and wants in relationships will bring necessary endings and subsequent new beginnings.

Venus and Pluto also form a sextile to Chiron, the asteroid of wounding and holistic healing. With Chiron in the deeply empathic sign of Pisces, the opportunity for deep healing in relationships of any kind will be available now; this aspect could open the doorway to sexual healing or healing that results from merging with the right people in any way, shape, or form. We might also experience significant changes in our relationship energies and approaches during 2015, since Capricorn deals with structures and organization. However, discrimination would be wise here; Pisces may pull us into destructive choice patterns for the sake of escapism rather than truly spiritual experiences that bring healing. We may experience victim/martyr consciousness as a result of these aspects, as well as the release of buried emotions that have held us back until now. Allowing feelings to surface without judgment for the sake of inner cleansing will clear the way for a greater integration of self.

Uranus, Mars, and the Nodes

Uranus stations direct at the Solstice, giving us the drive and innovative vision to take radical action in all areas of life (especially in career and partnerships)! Venus adds her partnership/money/aesthetics-centered energies to the ongoing Uranus-Pluto square, bringing the likelihood of profound and empowering awakenings in these areas. Mars also forms a sextile link to Uranus and the nodes, igniting our impulse for action that frees us from constraints of the past. We are moving into greater alignment with Cosmic Consciousness, and the unprecedented astrological patterns at play act as catalysts to move us forward on our journey into love and Oneness on Earth.

Saturn in Sagittarius

As Saturn’s time in Scorpio draws to a close, feelings of fear, restrictions, cynicism, and self-doubt are surfacing for many. This provides an opportunity to examine our deepest doubts and shadow to embrace the truth of our own worth and goodness more fully when Saturn moves into Sagittarius on December 23. We will all have an opportunity to define and crystallize our truth – and act in full alignment with those truths – and can turn big dreams into reality by taking advantage of this powerful placement.

Key Questions for Contemplation

• Am I willing to set aside sacred time and space to for rejuvenation and to explore my deepest desires now?

• What dreams and visions are emerging from the stillness within me? Am I willing to explore and honor them, trusting that the Universe supports me in making all choices that are aligned with my Highest Good?

•  What practical steps are necessary to manifest my dreams into being? How can I take regular, consistent action to see long-term goals through to completion?
  
•  Am I being called to release a relationship/relationship patterns that no longer serve me? Am I being called to deepen relationship connections for a higher purpose at this time? Am I willing to merge with others in forming powerful partnerships to further my own growth and evolution and aid in the collective growth and evolution of Human Consciousness?
  
• Am I being called to bring a greater depth of healing into my life? If so, are there others in my family, circle of friends, or community who can assist me in this process?
  
• How can I liberate myself from past limitations to share more of my authentic self with the world? Am I willing to begin releasing feelings of insecurity, fear, and self-doubt to step more fully into alignment with my truths and life purpose?
  

Today's Full Moon in Gemini highlights a complex weave of energies that can provide us with opportunities to integrate facts with belief, knowledge with philosophy, and to allow reflection and discussion to open up new avenues for healing from a higher perspective. Though the full moon occurs at 7:27 AM EST today, we've been in a period of intense build-up of these energies since midweek, and are likely to be feeling these effects until Sunday, when the moon moves into the much quieter territory of Cancer.

Themes that are surfacing now are inextricably linked to the energies of Chiron - the asteroid that represents our deepest wounds and the need for holistic healing - by way of a square between the Sun, Moon, and Mercury. Chiron is closely linked with Sagittarian themes of wisdom and teaching, creating a mutual reception between the philosophical Sagittarius sun and a Gemini moon that craves knowledge. With Chiron in the empathic waters of Pisces, we have an incredible opportunity to swim through any past or current pains that are surfacing and perceive them in profound new ways. If we allow ourselves to feel deeply into our hurts and observe realizations that rise into our consciousness without judgment, we can analyze the roots our pain and attain new levels of awareness. Though Chirotic lessons are traumatic, they offer incredible evolutionary gifts. With so much high-minded and optimistic Sagittarian energy in the mix, we can view situations from a vantage point that allows us to move beyond grief or outdated beliefs while seeing the spiritual truths these lessons have blessed us with.

More on the Gemini Full Moon...

Though the Sun-Chiron square is bringing lower energy levels for many, the Gemini moon ensures that things keep moving within and without! Heightened feelings of nervousness and anxiety are par for the course when luna moves into Gemini. This sign is ruled by Mercury, The Winged Messenger in mythology, which zooms around the sun in a mere 88 days - that's 28.9 miles per second! Those with prominent Gemini/Mercury placements in the birth chart have minds that match that speed. We all get a taste of how it feels to experience typical Gemini traits when luna ingresses here; an upswing in mental activity, phone calls from friends or networking opportunities, and an increase in short trips are heightened anytime the moon travels through this sign. But a Gemini full moon increases this energy dramatically, and many people will be experiencing the "thought tapes" on continuous rerun and much mental restlessness now. Anything that quiets and soothes the mind will be beneficial this weekend!

A refreshing splash of energies is present among the mental/physical exhaustion and emotional pangs. Mercury is trining Uranus, the planet of uncompromising individuality and lightning-quick flashes of genius. This brings the possibility for fresh ways of perceiving situations and brilliant new insights and ideas. Our ability to rise above emotional attachments and approach issues in radically different ways is also supported by Mars in Aquarius (the sign ruled by Uranus). 

The August 25 New Moon in Virgo coincides with some very powerful and influential planetary placements. These deeply intense energies - especially the conjunction of Mars and Saturn in Scorpio - will influence a two-year cycle beginning now, as well as a culmination and new level of commitment to issues that surfaced around the Virgo Full Moon in March. I'll discuss the other planetary influences in Part 2 of this article, but for now, I would like to share my perspective on the Virgoan Archetype to bring the meaning of today's new moon more clearly into focus.

As an astrologer and energy healer, Virgo is one of the signs I find to be the most fascinating. She has three ruling planets: Mercury and the asteroids Vesta and Ceres. Mercury is the planet of the mind/communications/teaching and learning, lending itself to Virgo's keen gift for discrimination and analyzing/organizing the details of any given situation. But Virgo is so much more than pure analytical prowess, and certainly not all about sexual virginity: The Virgin (or more fully, "The Pure One" in ways pertaining to the whole self) possesses a richness and depth that cannot be gleaned from studying Mercury alone, and for this, we turn to her co-rulers. 

Vesta is the asteroid that symbolizes the traditional High Priestess archetype. In ancient times, these were the women who performed sacred rites and rituals to assist individuals with merging their physical selves with their Higher Selves; they facilitated the embracing of sexuality as a path to spiritual enlightenment and empowerment, the cultivation of spiritual awareness as a means to live a "whole" life that worked in tandem with emotional and physical health. Their role was to aid in the purification of Self on every level through introspection and sacred ceremony. When viewed from this perspective, the term "vestal virgin" could indeed refer to the woman who has committed to self-purification via deep analytical introspection to continually improve oneself, not the stuffy, sexual virgin as we've likely heard via "pop astrology" stereotypes.

Ceres, Virgo's third ruler, brings the meaning of this sign full-circle. She is the asteroid symbolizing our ability to unconditionally care for and nourish ourselves and those around us. Ceres is The Great Mother, linked not only to unconditional love of self and other, but to family relationships, nutrition, and physical health and wellness. Demetra George writes that Ceres "...uses the feminine creative energy to birth and sustain new life forms" and "...presides over the fertility of the Earth and the procreation of her peoples." In mythology, she was the mother of Persephone, who was abducted and taken into the underworld by Pluto. This asteroid represents not only our call to sustain ourselves and the earth through love and self-care, but to understand that a key part of nurturance is in letting go of things, people, or situations that we cannot control, and that sharing is a key part of looking after one another.

When we combine the influences of Mercury, Vesta, and Ceres, we begin to see why a multi-faceted crystal is a symbol of Virgo. In more direct terms, she deals with all manner of aspects that relate to the merger of Heaven and Earth. We are each called to rise to the challenge of healing and purifying and integrating our whole selves to achieve this - and have within us the full capability to do so - so long as we look after all the parts of ourselves. Holistic wellness and full integration of mind, body, and spirit is truly the key to understanding the Virgoan archetype and of applying the highest expression of Virgo energy in our lives. 

It becomes easier, then, to glean an understanding of what this new moon symbolizes for us at the most basic level: it's about getting down to details, organization, and reviewing current lifestyle and daily habit patterns in all ways to move forward in a holistic fashion. This is a prime time to take a close look at your current life goals, lifestyle, and wellness on all levels. Some key questions for this New Moon might be:

• Are you ready to commit to taking the the steps to achieve new career goals, or in beginning new endeavors in your personal life? Are you ready to "get down to details" in order to make your dreams a reality?
• Are you honoring your body by eating foods that nourishing you and drinking plenty of water? Do you give your body the exercise/rest that it needs? 
• Are there emotional issues surfacing that are in need of healing now? Are you willing to make the journey within to release the past and embrace the new? Are you receiving and giving the emotional support necessary in your most important relationships? Are you ready to commit to doing this more fully if need be?
• Do you have a spiritual practice that connects you with a greater sense of the whole of creation such as meditation, yoga, or receiving healing energy work? Are you willing to explore new ways to cultivate mindfulness and a greater sense of peace and Oneness in your life?

When we bring one area of our lives into balance, we are supporting all other aspects of our lives. This is the highest expression of Virgo's energy , and through intention-setting and taking action to achieve our goals, this energy is available to us now in profound ways.

If you had a hectic start to your week, you're not alone! The moon's passage through Gemini from late afternoon on Sunday, August 17 through the early morning hours of Wednesday, August 20 caused disconnect and frustration with all things Mercurial for many people - myself included! The beginning part of this week - especially Tuesday - felt like a mini-Mercury retrograde. If you're familiar with astrological cycles, you'll know that when Mercury is retrograde, the things that Mercury rules - communication, speaking and learning, travel, and the transport of anything from one point to another - are significantly impacted, and usually in ways that bring frustration, "wild goose chases," and so on. 

But Mercury is indeed direct, and in a very organized and fastidious earth sign - Virgo - with its next retrograde cycle beginning on October 4. If that's the case, why all the confusion and frustration this week? There are two significant reasons for this, one being equally as influential as the other. 

The first of the two is that Mercury, the planet that rules Gemini, has been in opposing Neptune in its home sign of Pisces. Neptune represents compassion without borders, dissolving the perceived differences between people and all living things. Because of its ability to activate within us a heightened sense of intuition and mediumship abilities of every kind (including the creative "channeling" done by artists, actors/actresses, spiritualists, and dreamers) by blurring the lines of physical reality to connect us with higher realms of consciousness, it can also bring a certain "fog," a lack of clarity and "spaciness". When Neptune and Mercury connect - especially if it's a hard aspect such as the currently waning opposition - achieving clarity of communication can be challenging. One's capacity for memory recall can be fuzzy, and it's easy to space out on facts and details. It's a wonderful time for connecting to the collective unconscious by way of meditation, spiritual practices, artistic activities, and engaging in eloquent self-expression, but not so supportive of honing in on details! Some of the common difficult tendencies I've observed during Mercury-Neptune transits are an increase in people's inattentiveness while driving (and having to reign in my own wandering mind while driving!), internet connectivity/communication issues in general, a tendency to get caught up in dreamy/unrealistic thinking and "laze" the day away, and a laissez-faire tendency toward organization and promptness.

The second reason for this chaos was the moon's Void of Course status in Gemini on Tuesday. When the moon goes void, all activities and plans made or undertaken during that time are considered to be "null and void," usually quite unpredictable in outcome. A void moon in and of itself can create a certain kinds of confusion or mental fog depending on the sign the moon is in, and when paired with the current Mercury-Neptune opposition, it can really create mayhem, frustration, and unexpected changes on the mental/intellectual and communicative level. 

Here are some of the ways these energies manifested in my life this week, particularly on Tuesday while the moon was void:

• Unexpected schedule changes and confusion at home led to a second day of chaos in following through on scheduled activities (Monday's schedule was thrown off by a trip to visit a relative who was having emergency surgery out of town - Gemini reconnections and Neptunian themes of self-sacrifice and compassion)
• Unusual wireless internet connectivity issues necessitated my being on a service call for a good portion of the evening before I could make good on work plans
• Dinner was postponed due to my housemate and I having forgotten to prepare any food for the week (Neptune-Mercury)
• An abrupt change in weather threw off outdoor plans
• A friend's flight was delayed due to weather, a very common occurrence during Mercury retrograde cycles 

In addition, I found myself connecting with people via email/phone/text messaging almost frenetically throughout the passage of the moon through Gemini, as if the Universe was guiding me to play "catch up" just as usual...only this time I experienced much difficulty in connecting with people at the scheduled times and was playing perpetual phone tag! I also made calls to learn more about international calling plans in lieu of making a close connection with someone on Twitter (how very Geminian is that?!) and made calls to gather more information on items for my business space. Though none of these events were necessarily life-changing in and of themselves, they further clarify for me the impact that astrological configurations have on our daily lives (and also serve as a reminder that no, we're not going crazy - it's just the planets at play!). 

The rest of this week has felt quite different, since Mercury-Neptune opposition continues to wane and the moon has moved from very mentally active Gemini into the home and heart-centered sign of Cancer. Though a powerful Mars-Saturn conjunction continues to intensify in Scorpio, we'll be able to enjoy a much-anticipated quieter inner/outer atmosphere and a gradual increase in mental clarity over the next couple of days. Breathe in the peace, and be blessed!

The big astrological news of this weekend is the movement of Mercury into Virgo. Mercury has had its time to enjoy bold self-expression in Leo, and now it's time to get down to business! Virgo was traditionally thought of as the sign of The Virgin, but Virgo doesn't relate to a literal state of sexual virginity; it is the sign of purification, integration, and is the archetype of The Analyst. Anyone with prominent Virgo in their birth chart will be known for their attention to details and ability to organize all the pieces together into one coherent whole in an impressive way. This is also the sign of "The Perfectionist," and though the desire to attain new states of purity or "perfection" are necessary and admirable, it can manifest as unnecessarily harsh expectations of perfection that we project onto ourselves or those around us.

With Mercury in Virgo until September 2nd, we're likely to be feeling impelled to get down to the details and make concrete, logical plans for putting our plans into action. Thinking is likely to take a much more rational and analytical tone for the rest of this month. You can utilize this transit productively by getting reorganized in any area, cleaning, focusing on physical/emotional/spiritual health and wellness, create detailed plans on how you’d like to accomplish short and long-term goals, etc. There may be a tendency to overanalyze situations or get caught up in minute details; mindfulness is key, and pulling back to take a “Big Picture” view of situations if you find yourself getting mired in details can be very helpful!

The moon is in Taurus through tomorrow morning - a sign known for its love of sensuality and all the pleasures of life - but is equally as known for its pragmatism and down-to-earth approach in accomplishing goals. With Mars moving into a tighter conjunct with Saturn - both planets being in the deep and tenacious sign of Scorpio - the current energies bode very well for giving us the sustained drive and grounded, methodical approach to make hay on our visions!