In my mind, today's Full Moon Eclipse in Libra marks the beginning of the end of the tumultuous Uranus-Pluto square. These two planets play an enormous role in today's eclipse, which centers on embracing personal liberation and our deepest sense of power in a way that can bring balance the collective. Anyone with personal planets between 12 - 16 degrees of Libra, Aries, Capricorn, or Cancer will be feeling the eclipse effects most intensely. 

Today's eclipse occurs at 14 degrees of Libra, the sign of relationships, harmony, and diplomacy. Grace, artistry, and compromise are all hallmark traits of those who have strong Libran energy or a prominent placement of Venus in the birth chart. Since today's eclipse is a full moon eclipse, the focus is on relationship already, and Luna's passage through Libra amplifies that focus. 

Think of full moon eclipses as exceptionally powerful full moons. The veil between worlds grows thinner and the Universe works to catch us up to speed on our life paths. Eclipses will often toss us on or off the current path for our Highest Good if we don't heed our inner knowing, and situations not aligned with our callings may dissolve in the weeks following an eclipse. 

The Earth stands between the Sun and Moon during full moon eclipses, creating a temporary "block" in the solar-lunar relationship.  This alignment provides us with incredible opportunities to be objective and honest about anything that holds us back in our relationships and how we choose to express ourselves within that framework. Whether we're addressing 1-1 relationships or our role in society, issues centering on how we express our authenticity in relation to "other" will be the focus.

Aries, the sign that opposes harmony-loving Libra, is bringing some serious cosmic fire to this eclipse. The transit of the South Node through this warrior territory is doing especially powerful karmic clearing work, considering that Mercury, the Sun, and erratic Uranus surround it. The South Node in Aries impels us to release angry, impulsive reactions and move in the direction of inner harmony. If you've been finding yourself giving in to less than level-headed impulses that compromise your equilibrium, consider it your signal - and a Divine opportunity - to realign with peace. 

Today's eclipse is calling us to find a way to blaze brave new paths for ourselves that create harmony within, to shed impulses that lead to chaos and the perpetuation of an "us vs. them" mentality. It won't come without its struggles, since Pluto, the planet of destiny, deep empowerment, and the things we repress due to their overwhelming power squares off with the Sun and Moon. This aspect creates incredible tension as those buried feelings and potential power struggles come to a head.  Many of us have come up against situations that have made us feel powerless since Saturn turned retrograde on March 14. Pluto's slowdown takes it deeper, bringing us down to the roots of old beliefs, fears, or compulsions that hold us back, as well as stripping away that which has always been illusionary. Pluto also represents how we express and channel our sexual desires and a sense of primal power. If we let any "brick walls" and emerging impulses act as teachers, we can get honest about where we need to take back our power and embrace feelings we need to honor or release. When we delve deeply into ourselves and accept or transmute what we find at our core, we can get on with the business of living from the unshakable spiritual power center that is our birthright.

This also brings forward another interesting dichotomy, since Libra is about societal norms and conformity. Pluto and the current Arian energy revved up by individualistic Uranus calls us to challenge those norms within and without. Some will be soul-searching to uncover just what taboos might exist in their mind and be afforded with opportunities to see whether they hold up in the light of truth or not. A prime example of this is the current focus on same-sex relationships due to the passage and ongoing debate over Indiana's Religious Freedom Restoration Act. It shows the complexity of issues our current astrology is imploring us to address: What are our personal beliefs? How do we stand up for those beliefs? How can we honor our beliefs while respecting the rights of others to walk their path free of harassment and shaming? Are we willing to live and let live, knowing that when we do, we could be one step closer to ensuring peace and harmony for all people? We will see the best and worst in power struggles relating to these issues in politics and in our personal lives as this eclipse works to move us into a future of genuine equality.

With eclipse ruler Venus in her natural domain of Taurus, she highlights the core need to honor our bodies and connect with the wisdom of Mother Earth. As Emily Trinkhaus wrote in her recent TMA article Venus, Mary Magdalene, And The Re-Emerging Sacred Feminine, the key to Venusian empowerment is in rooting into our physical, sensual selves without shame and in allowing spirit to flow through (which links us back to Pluto...!). We might also feel called to root into what we value, and to cultivate greater financial and material stability. Mars, also in Taurus and at the Sun/Venus midpoint, suggests that the key to working with current challenges and empowerment issues is through slow and steady action. If we choose to stay the course without compromise and embrace the knowing that honoring our authenticity leads to healing, peace and progress will be ours.

It's also important to mention that this eclipse is connected to events from April 4th of 1996, when an eclipse occurred in the same sign and at the same degree. Can you link realizations and experiences your "now" to what was transpiring then for a greater sense of connection and meaning?

To find where this eclipse is calling you to move more fully into your authenticity and to cultivate harmony, find the house that contains 14 degrees of Libra. This house, the house that opposes it, and the house that contains Pluto at 15 degrees Capricorn are areas in which you are called to embrace individuality, balance, and inner power as the Uranus-Pluto square breaks up old ground to propel you forward into destiny.

Do you want to understand yourself and your current circumstances in profound new ways? I offer 1-1 consultations that provide key insights into your life path and how the planets are working to enact incredible change in your life now! Email me at jhowell1221@gmail.com 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.

Virgo: The Analyst. The Perfectionist. The Holistic Healer. The Provider of Practical Nurturance and Service. The Goddess Who Merges Heaven and Earth.

As you can see from those descriptions, Virgo is so much more than the modern stereotypes would have us believe. She has the reputation of being the prudish one, the chaste and pure physical virgin who cleans and polishes the floors every Saturday morning before 10 AM without fail. But in reality, Virgo is so much more than that. At the most basic level, Virgo is the archetype that represents the mastery of skills, and the perfect clarity of perception and honest self-assessment to know what needs to be done in order to move closer to creating something ideal. At best, she strives for purity of form on all levels. The Virgin is really about the creation of structures that are as clean, streamlined and well-functioning as possible so things flow beautifully - think of having a healthy, grounded physical self so spiritual energies of love, compassion, and intuition can dance through, creating a merger of Heaven and Earth. 

Her deepest longings and motivations, conscious or unconscious, are to create vessels through which Divinity can flow freely: a sublime work of art, a beautiful home, an award-winning stage performance, the truest essence of her own Goddess-self. 

As a lightworker and healer, I believe that we are moving toward a greater sense of Oneness and merger of Heaven and Earth, and the pursuit of ideal form in any endeavor is a respectable one that moves us closer to that goal. We wouldn't achieve anything of quality or lasting value without it. We all want to achieve something great, whatever that happens to be based on our unique gifts and talents. But the darker side of this impulse is the spiral downward into true perfectionism - the perpetual self-judgment and fear of not attaining perfection to the point that we don't achieve what we're fully capable of because we don't even try...or get so far and quit outright because we don't think we can do thing "A" as well as others. It's the sort of brutal self-honesty that renders us prisoners in our own unrealistic perceptions of what is "good enough," and what is not.

Having said all that, enter this full moon's dominant theme: the release of crippling self-criticism and the need to give unconditional love and appreciation to ourselves. It's no surprise that I've read articles by numerous astrologers who have honed in on this issue, and one very candid article by Jessica at Moonkissed Astrology that describes her own struggle with high standards really resonated with me in particular (Jessica, by the way, is a brilliant astrologer that I happen to look up to quite a bit as I continue to hone and refine my abilities as an astrologer!). Sure, we're likely to have a greater focus on health/wellness and focusing on routines now since those issues are connected to Virgo too, but deep struggles with perfectionism seem to dominate this time around.

Jessica's struggles aren't necessarily all that different from my own. On Tuesday night, I found myself in an all-out meltdown in a session with a longtime spiritual mentor, excavating layers of perceived helplessness, shame, and failure. Not surprisingly, we discovered that the root of my suffering was the fact that I was not recognizing and appreciating all that I have accomplished, and trusting in all that I am honing, refining, and creating now. Like others who have strong Virgo energies in the birth chart (mine is a Virgo midheaven, along with heavy Capricorn/Saturn influence on my Mercury), I have battled with crippling perfectionism for years, and am slowly beginning to tunnel out. These tendencies certainly aren't cornered to one part of my life, either: they have dogged me in body image/health and wellness, musical abilities, academics, and so much more.

Maybe by way of the influences of Pluto and Chiron, in combination with the incredibly magical and synchronistic energies that the Jupiter-Uranus trine is bringing into this cathartic full moon, Tuesday's session was a real epiphany for me. I was faced with two choices: indulge in my own Plutonian feelings of darkness and hopelessness, or diligently end the negative self-talk and get real about all the incredible things I've got going. Maybe for the first time ever, I really "got" just how important it is to acknowledge all the things I've accomplished, and the need to clearly see how primed I am for success of all kinds in the future. I'm discovering that real liberation lies in loving me unconditionally - perceived faults and all - and in extending some robust appreciation to myself for all the hard work I've done. I'm slowly learning that it's safe and beneficial for me to let go of harsh self-judgment, if for no other reason than it just doesn't feel good. I'm learning that it's safe and beneficial for me to share my gifts while working to improve my abilities, as humbling and intimidating as that may be sometimes - that's the healthy way to express Virgo's energies. 

If you're feeling like you aren't enough, I'm here to tell you that you are indeed enough - you are exactly who and where you are supposed to be in this moment - and that it's prime time to let all that other stuff go. This full moon is calling us to release the self-imposed restrictions of our own expectations and to do what we can, where we're at, with the resources and skills we have now. If we want to achieve our highest potential and let our Divine gifts shine, it's essential that we build a foundation of self-love in much the same way we would extend love and appreciation to another. 

**What are you experiencing at this full moon time? Are you willing to love and approve of yourself and release unrealistic expectations that hold you back? Wishing you love, light, and blessings this day and always!**

© 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?
  

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.**