EcoAstrology: Aquarius New Moon

  

By Stephanie Austin On 2-16-15

Important Dates
February 18: Super New Moon 3:47 PM PST (29º59’ Aquarius)
February 19-21: Mars enters Aries; Venus enters Aries, Venus conjunct Mars (2º Aries)
February 25: Sun conjunct Neptune (7º Pisces)
February 27: Jupiter quincunx Pluto (15º Leo-Capricorn)

February 16, 2015 

Dear Friends,

New moons are optimal times to set intentions, and offer valuable instructions for our evolution. The next new moon, which occurs on Wednesday, February 18 at 3:47 PM PST, is the fifth in a series of six new moons which form at the very first or the last degree of a sign, suggesting that we are in an extended period of initiations, each one opening new pathways and possibilities. The last new moon (January 20 at 0°08’ Aquarius) formed just three hours after the Sun entered Aquarius; this new moon occurs only two minutes before the Sun and Moon move into Pisces. The transition from Aquarius to Pisces expands our identity from being members of the human race to experiencing our kinship with all of creation: plants and animals, wind and water, the Earth and stars. Pisces symbolizes the ineffable, a unified reality which lies beyond concept and conviction; it calls us to heal and open our heart by bringing light to all that has been in the shadow, thus remembering our divine origin and destiny.

This new moon on the cusp of Aquarius and Pisces highlights how we are in the midst of the 'Turning of the Ages.' The twelve astrological ages derive from the precession of the equinoxes, a cycle of 26,000 years called the Platonic or Great Year; each age lasts approximately 2,150 years. Like the Moon, each age gradually waxes and wanes, so there is much debate about exactly when the Age of Aquarius begins. Whatever date one chooses, it is obvious that humanity is in a momentous transition, where old Piscean archetypes and institutions are falling away, and Aquarian ideals and structures are still forming.

This new moon also takes place at the midpoint of the ongoing square between Uranus and Pluto. Midpoints act as triggers, combining and releasing the energies of both planets involved. The fact that this new moon closely semi-squares both Uranus, symbolic of radical change, and Pluto, the energy of total transformation, suggests that the resolution of their upcoming seventh and final square (March 16) lies in our making the shift from the 11th to the 12th phase of the zodiac — to where we not only perceive but fully live the truth of our individuality and our interdependence.

This is also the second of six SuperMoons this year, where the Moon is both at perigee (its closest approach to the Earth) and syzygy (in alignment with the Sun and Earth). A SuperMoon generates greater gravitational and electromagnetic pulls, increasing its effects on the Earth’s tides and tectonic plates, as well as on our physical and emotional bodies, and facilitating larger shifts in consciousness.

February 19 begins the Chinese New Year. For billions around the world, this is a time of honoring ancestors and deities; families gather for reunion dinners and ritually cleanse their homes. Chinese astrology incorporates five elements (wood, fire, earth, metal, water), each with a yin or yang polarity, which combined with the 12 signs comprises a 60-year cycle. The year 2015 is the Chinese year of the Yin Wood Sheep (also called the Goat or Ram). Traditionally, the Year of the Sheep is a peaceful and creative period, when people are drawn to slow down and simplify, to express their artistic natures and follow their heart’s desires. The element of Wood emphasizes qualities of thoughtfulness and caring, morality and tolerance. 2014 was a Yang Wood Horse Year, which stimulated huge upheavals, but also significant growth. 2015 appears to be a time to catch our breath as we adjust to new realities and levels of consciousness. The Yin element encourages us to deepen our roots and nourish our inner life; the Sheep symbolizes a time of healing and strengthening our connection with like minded souls.

Assertiveness, authenticity, and audacity are highlighted for the next few weeks, as Mars, the mythic god of war, and Venus, the goddess of love and beauty, transit within 10º of each other until March 11. Mars moves into Aries on February 19, Venus enters Aries on February 20, and Mars exactly conjuncts Venus on February 21 (2º Aries).

 This combo propels us to break out of codependent patterns and passive-aggressive behaviors. Aries, the first sign in the zodiac, represents the courage to be an individual and the willingness to explore new territory. Impatience, frustration, and anger tell us that some important need is not being met. What are you yearning for? What is missing in your life? Be true to yourself, be completely honest with others, and watch your life blossom. Venus’ and Mars’ passage through Aries greatly turns the volume up on the need for independence and integrity. This passionate, adventuresome energy can also be channeled into creative pursuits of all kinds.What is your heart’s desire? Take a deep breath and go for it.

Watch for heightened intuition, imagination, and other expanded states of consciousness around this new moon, and also around February 25, when the Sun makes its yearly conjunction with Neptune (7° Pisces). Jupiter makes its second of three quincunxes with Pluto on February 27 (15º Leo-Capricorn), revealing where old fears and projections are blocking us from expressing our full potential. Jupiter represents our current belief system; Pluto, the power of the unconscious, and the power of light, love, and truth. This is the second of three quincunxes between Jupiter and Pluto; the first was September 5, 2014 (11º) and the third will be May 21 (15º). A quincunx is an aspect of 150º, requiring that we make a subtle but vital shift in perception; in this case, from perceiving ourselves as humans trying to be spiritual, to knowing that we are spiritual beings having a human experience.

We are alive at an incredible, pivotal time on Earth, learning how to honor both our own individuality and our interconnectedness. This potent new moon calls us to remember:

"We Are the Ones We've Been Waiting For:
You have been telling the people that this is the Eleventh Hour.
Now you must go back and tell the people that this is The Hour.
And there are things to be considered:
Where are you living?
What are you doing?
What are your relationships?
Are you in right relation?
Where is your water?
Know your garden.
It is time to speak your Truth.
Create your community. Be good to each other. And do not look outside yourself for the leader.
This could be a good time!
There is a river flowing now very fast. It is so great and swift that there are those who will be afraid. They will try to hold on to the shore. They will feel they are being torn apart, and they will suffer greatly.
Know the river has its destination. The elders say we must let go of the shore, push off into the middle of the river, keep our eyes open, and our heads above the water. See who is in there with you and celebrate.
At this time in history, we are to take nothing personally. Least of all, ourselves. For the moment that we do, our spiritual growth and journey comes to a halt.
The time of the lone wolf is over. Gather yourselves!
Banish the word struggle from your attitude and your vocabulary.
All that we do now must be done in a sacred manner and in celebration.
We are the ones we've been waiting for."
--The Elders Oraibi, Arizona Hopi Nation

Namaste,
Stephanie Austin
www.EcoAstrology.com
360-379-3060
PO Box 1745 Port Townsend, WA 98368
These new and full moon updates are sent as a service to my astrology clients, students, and friends. To subscribe for 25 updates a year via PayPal, click on http://ecoastrology.com/forecast.html, or send a check for $12 (or more) to Stephanie Austin, Box 1745, Port Townsend, WA 98368, along with your email address. Your support is greatly appreciated!

Stephanie Austin M.A. is a full time astrologer specializing in life purpose, career, and relationship readings since 1986. She also teaches astrology and writes the New and Full Moon column for the Mountain Astrologer magazine. Her background includes a bachelor's degree in Psychology, a master's in Consciousness Studies, and a lifelong involvement with meditation, Nature, and healing. For more information on her astrology readings, eBooks, tutorials, and forecasts, visit www.EcoAstrology.com.