There is an abundance of water energy this week with the many planets currently occupying the depths of Scorpio and the slowdown of Neptune as it prepares to station direct in Pisces this weekend. Though Neptune will continue to be in Pisces through 2026, its current change of motion is significant. When planets station - or appear to stand still in the sky from our earth-based perspective - we also feel a standstill in the areas of life those planets represent within ourselves. These periods bring those planetary issues to the forefront of our mind and emotions until the planet moves forward again, and can often coincide with a feeling of being "stuck". As Neptune moves forward, we will be able to move forward on our dreams, artistic endeavors, or all things mediumistic with greater clarity and ease. Neptune stations direct this Sunday, November 16. 

With the watery giant Neptune heading towards a standstill and an abundance of personal planets in Scorpio, our emotions are likely to be on high, and there will be no shortage of potentially intense and cathartic emotional experiences (especially for sensitive types). Tears of love, compassion, or sadness will flow for many of us, poured forth as deep sensitivity to beauty and suffering becomes more pervasive in the collective atmosphere. For some, feelings of being adrift or lost in life will be prevalent, as will feelings of helplessness/hopelessness, self-pity, or identification with victim/martyr archetypes. Of course, not everyone will experience feelings quite this dramatic, since much depends on where our personal planets lie within the horoscope. Those with natal planets in Pisces from 0-11 degrees (or those with personal planets/points at 29 degrees Aquarius), or any personal planets/points in the mutable signs of Sagittarius, Virgo, or Gemini, will be especially tuned in to these energies now. And if you're like me, with Neptune playing any key role in your birth chart (yours truly has Neptune conjunct a Sagittarian sun at 0.0 degrees!), you'll be feeling the effects prior to this station direct dramatically, too. 

Some tips for navigating your way through the tumultuous Neptunian waves of emotion:

• Allow yourself to *feel* the feelings surfacing within you; acceptance clears the way for release of emotions without judgement.
• Set aside some quiet time to be present with your feelings; cry, meditate, listen to music, schedule a healing energy session, or anything else that soothes the soul.
• Grounding to reconnect with the physical body is important after any emotional release, and the more intense and deeply cleansing the release, the more grounding you may need! Massage your feet, schedule a massage, take a walk in nature, do yoga/other physical exercise.
• Dancing or drumming are wonderful ways to make use of strong Neptunian/Piscean creative energies in ways that can be emotionally cathartic and keep you in touch with your body at the same time.
• Know that any intense feelings will begin to pass as Neptune moves direct on November 16.

Are you feeling the strong water energies now? If so, how are you moving through these changing energies? I've had a good long cry and will ground and continue my personal healing with Energy Medicine, a LaHo-Chi session/meditation, and a gentle workout later today.

October's New Moon Partial Solar Eclipse in Scorpio is an intense and complex blending of astrological elements that are submerging us deeply into the waters of our own unconscious. Eclipses are powerful agents of change that act to move us through energetic gateways between the present and the future, and since this eclipse is a new moon eclipse, it is an even more powerfully-charged atmosphere for setting long-term intentions. The eclipse, which takes place on October 23rd at 5:51 PM EDT, will bring us face-to-face with the darker undercurrents of our own being. Addressing and eliminating fears and insecurities, breaking away from relationships or relationship patterns that no longer serve us, and committing to embrace our own empowerment more fully will be key themes in the weeks and months ahead. 

The Sun's Ingress From Libra to Scorpio; Sun and Moon in Scorpio

As the sun shifts from Libra into Scorpio on October 23, the vibe changes from outward energy focused on partnerships to energy focused inward toward our deepest feelings, fears, and primal impulses. Socializing and the desire to interact in an accommodating, balanced way are trademarks of Libra, but Scorpio is far more focused on going deep within the self and intimate mergers with another. Although the tone will shift dramatically, many elements are still in place that will highlight partnerships, especially relating to sexual intimacy and shared resources of any kind. The moon also makes her ingress into Scorpio on the 23rd, as the Sun and Moon are at the same degree in the zodiac at the time of the new moon. Moodiness and the emergence of fear/neuroticism/shadow tendencies are always common when the moon enters Scorpio. With the Sun and Moon joining in Scorpio for this eclipse, we have a double dose of emotional intensity that will serve to bring hidden elements of ourselves, secrets, or other unseen factors to the surface into the light of consciousness. Elimination is a key word for Pluto, the ruler of Scorpio, and as such, getting sick is not at all uncommon when we are clearing energies that no longer serve us. We may also find ourselves feeling physically drained or restless. Allowing yourself the time and space to explore that which surfaces now, free of judgement, to assist in accepting what is discovered. This will help tremendously in taking any action you feel is necessary to move forward.

Venus, Sun,  and Moon Stellium in Scorpio 

Venus also enters Scorpio on October 23 to play her part in the eclipse. When the Goddess of Love and relationship, values, and pleasure enters Scorpio's territory, she takes on a whole new level of depth and complexity; romance, friendships, and aesthetics/values are taken very seriously, and she can be downright controlling and neurotic at times. Her desire to merge with others for the purpose of self-transcendence, especially via sexual encounters, is strong. Her involvement in this eclipse at 0 degrees Scorpio - the exact same degree that the Sun and Moon will occupy - bring those themes of partnership and relating forward in dramatic ways. Relationships that have served their purpose are likely to dissolve now, and others may go through a healing crisis of sorts. The surfacing of issues buried beneath the surface of partnerships - especially toxic undercurrents that aren't serving the situation - are likely to emerge for the purpose of healing and release. 

You may also find yourself involved in tense money matters with a spouse or others with whom you share resources, or find yourself working through toxic situations in general. Power struggles are likely, and may take on a covert psychological twist. Know that these scenarios have manifested so you can learn to embody your own empowerment more fully. Trust your instincts and act from a place of integrity and self-confidence when dealing with difficult situations that arise.

Pallas Conjunct Venus, Sun, and Moon

A powerful addition to the eclipse energies is the conjunction of the goddess asteroid Pallas to the Sun/Moon/Venus stellium. As Demetra George writes, Pallas represents higher knowledge, diplomacy and tact in addressing situations, healing techniques such as visualization and meditation, and courage. With her energies so prominently involved in this eclipse, we have additional support to temper any low-vibrational expressions of Scorpionic energy - jealousy, vindictiveness, manipulation/cunning, impulsive destruction, self-sabotage - to bring forward a detached approach and higher expression of wisdom in all parts of our lives. Pallas also represents the ability to manifest ideas into reality - such a wonderfully supportive energy to add to the new moon time!

Pluto, Uranus, the Nodes, and Neptune

Pluto, the eclipse ruler, is nearing another tight square with Uranus, the planet of liberation and revolution. This conflicting energy is sure to bring situations to a head, and the involvement of the nodes calls us out of familiar territory and into the future, into our growth and evolution individually and collectively. Neptune is forming a wide trine to the eclipse stellium - an easy, harmonious aspect - which will aid us in transcending any lower-vibrational patterns and limitations that Pluto is working to eliminate. The Divine Feminine principles are strong with this eclipse, as is our ability to access intuition for a greater feeling of connectedness to All That Is. 

In true water sign fashion, there have also been themes relating to women's rights and the Divine Feminine, conspiracy theories, and secrets coming to light in the collective. It is likely that these themes will continue to be prominent in the coming months. If you feel your fears and paranoia spinning out of control, take a deep breath and know that Plutonian/Scorpionic energy can cause us to feel as though we are in danger when no substantial threat exists; let intuition be your guide.

Eclipse Questions For Contemplation

• In which area(s) of my life am I being called to release the old and step boldly into the new?
• Where can I eliminate toxic habit patterns/emotions to move forward into my potential more fully?
• How can I stand more fully in my own deep inner power?
• How can I integrate a more detached perspective when dealing with relationship partners that allows me to balance impulses for control/other shadow issues with wisdom and intellect?
• How can I activate Divine Wisdom, intuition, and the energies of the Divine Feminine within myself for a fuller and more loving integration of self?

To see what areas of life this eclipse will be impacting you most directly, find the house in your horoscope which contains 0 degrees of Scorpio. The issues represented by this house are likely to undergo major transformations in the coming months. 

**Want to know more about how this eclipse season is working to enact profound change in your life? I would love to meet with you for a consultation! Please see "Rates, Specials, and Contact" for more information.**

This year's final Mercury Retrograde will occur from October 4-25. While it's true that Mercury Retrograde cycles can really wreak havoc on daily communications, technology/internet connections, and travel plans to name just a few things, this is a transit that has the potential to serve us well if we can tap into our inner reserves of patience to review the issues that are coming to the forefront. Review is the key purpose of any retrograde cycle, and since Mercury is the planet of the mind, events will highlight the need for review and careful thought processes in any and all matters involving communication in our daily lives.

This particular Mercury Rx cycle begins in the sign of Scorpio, which is known for its probing emotional depth and intensity. As an archetype, Scorpio craves depth interactions that lead to security on the emotional and soul level, while working to bring any shadow issues to the light that are in need of release and healing. With the planet of the mind and communications here from September 27 to the beginning of Mercury's retrograde period, we're likely to find ourselves engaged in dialogue about profound and honest feelings, secrets/taboo issues, and the more mysterious aspects of life. Whatever may surface at this time in relation to our own shadow issues, if it does, will be up for addressing when Mercury moves back from its short stay in Scorpio and into Libra on October 10. Expect issues of balance to be prevalent in relation to how we communicate our deepest feelings/fears, passions and desires, and to have an opportunity to do important work in relation to how we balance these emotions within ourselves. This may also signal a time of addressing those issues within partnerships. We'll get much more of a chance to delve even deeper into the darker aspects of life and our own consciousness when Mercury moves back into Scorpio on November 8. With the pair of eclipses coming up - both during this retrograde cycle and highlighting themes of empowerment and self-assertion/balance in relation to others - we can be sure that issues up for review in key areas of life for each of us will play a pivotal role in the weeks, months, and even years ahead.

Today's new moon is particularly powerful due to the major planetary influences that it coincides with. I focused on the archetype of Virgo in Part 1 of this series, but the other astrological forces at play now are what really make this new moon a particularly significant event!

Mars-Saturn Conjunct in Scorpio

The most potent of the current influences is the conjunction of Mars and Saturn in Scorpio. Mars is the planet of assertion of will, action/drive, physical stamina, and potential restlessness or aggression. In short, Mars represents the principle of action. Unchecked by other planets, Mars will take the shortest possible route to what it wants in haste - which may end poorly if foresight is not employed - but Mars is the fire and very necessary primal will that ignites our passions and propels us forward.

Saturn, on the other hand, is the planet that symbolizes realism: it is the hard-line master teacher of the zodiac, showing us how to apply the lessons of patience, discipline, and hard work to make visions a reality. Unlike Mars, Saturn rarely acts in haste. Those with strong Saturnian influences in their birth charts are pragmatic, goal-oriented, and are geared toward valuing that which is "tried and true," i.e. the traditional. When Mars joins with Saturn, the energetic qualities may be best described as "militaristic". Mars brings the drive and ambition to make things happen, and Saturn gifts us with the concrete logic and dedication to use that passion to create tangible results.

When transiting in Scorpio, this duo brings forward a very deep, probing, and tenacious vibe. Scorpio is the sign associated with mystery, sexuality/intimacy, spirituality, healing/regeneration, and deep inner power. Issues in these areas are likely to surface for us all in different ways now, depending on what is being activated in an individual's birth chart. From my observations, many people are currently engaged in intensive healing work, the depth and importance of which have become especially clear since this conjunction peaked on Sunday. Additionally, this meeting brings the end of a two-year cycle that began in August of 2012, providing some kind of review or "test" of the life lessons we've been learning since then. The Virgo New Moon brings us an opportunity to commit to addressing these issues in our daily lives on a long-term basis to transform ourselves from the inside out.

New Moon Opposite Neptune in Pisces; Mercury Opposite Chiron in Pisces

These oppositions suggests that we all may be feeling more compassionate and connected to a sense of unity on the transpersonal level. Though compassion is necessary for taking right action to heal ourselves and the world, these aspects are likely to activate increased sensitivity to pain and suffering, and may lead us into illusionary thinking or resorting to escapist methods for coping. Though it may temporarily help us evade unpleasant feelings, escapism or addiction is not truly a solution, since we must be fully present in our bodies to make change tangible change happen in our lives - another lesson Saturn provides.

The blessing of these oppositions is that we have an opportunity now to use our heightened sense of connectivity to the unconscious realms to activate more of our innate healing potential. Chiron, the planetoid of deep wounding and holistic healing, shows where we have the deepest wounds to heal in this lifetime, and when its energies are activated in the birth chart, we have a profound opportunity to go deeply within to heal these wounds and emerge with a more integrated sense of self. This is prime time for scheduling an energetic healing session, doing meditation, or participating other spiritual-based energy shifting practices that can assist you in transmuting past/current pain and suffering for a more joyful life.

Mercury Sextile Mars-Saturn

Mercury in Virgo - the sign of its exaltation and the second of its two ruling signs - is also forming a powerful sextile aspect to the Mars-Saturn conjunction. This is providing even more "oomph" to the already heightened mental and communicative abilities many of us are tapping into now: cue the focused, discriminating thought processes; increased abilities to be honest about what's serving us and what isn't; and more impressive capabilities in our mental processes in every way.

In all, this Virgo New Moon holds tremendously transformational potential for those who choose to act on the opportunities presented now. This is the beginning of a two-year cycle of healing, transformation, and growth at the deepest levels! To find out the areas this New Moon is impacting you most directly, locate 2 degrees Virgo in your birth chart; for the Mars-Saturn conjunct, look to 17 degrees Scorpio. Happy New Moon, and be blessed!

How have you been experiencing these influences most directly? Feel free to share in the comments section below!