Catalyst Courage: Standing for Truth When It Costs Everything

Some truths cost more than others.

They are not whispered in safe corners or shared only with the willing - they are declared in the open, knowing the price will be exile, chains, or death.

And yet, they are the truths that shift the axis of the world.

Every age remembers its threshold keepers - those who stepped back across the line when they could have turned back.

Stephen before the Sanhedrin.

A philosopher in the streets of Alexandria.

A god-king on the banks of the Nile.

A queen at the gates of the underworld.

They chose to stand, to descend, to face the stones - and in doing so, they set ripples in motion that would outlive empires.

Catalyst courage does not look like safety.

It looks like loss, like endings, like standing alone on the edge of everything you’ve known.

But when the ground shakes beneath you, it is not the end of the road- it is the opening of the path.

Stephen & Paul: The First Catalyst of the Church

In the Bible, in the book of Acts, Stephen becomes the first Christian martyr.

Falsely accused of blasphemy by the Sandedrin, he does not hedge his words or soften them to keep his place in the community. Or, even to save his own life.

But instead, he boldly spoke the truth.

He recounts the story of Israel and points to Jesus, who they had just crucified, as the fulfillment of prophecy, knowing full well that truth would not be received gently.

As the stones fly, Stephen looks up and sees something no one else in scripture has recorded:

Jesus, standing at the right hand of God.

In every other recording, He is seated - but here, He rises as if to honor Stephen’s courage. A symbolic standing ovation.

On the sidelines stands a young Saul, an intern at the time - holding the coats of the executioners. Have you ever wondered why this obscure detail is included?

Saul is a Jew, a Pharisee, and a Roman citizen - a triple threat whose background gives him unparalleled influence.

That day, he is a witness to what truth can cost.

It plants a seed in him that will crack open on the Damascus road, transforming him into Paul, the missionary who will carry the gospel across the Mediterranean and, ultimately, through generations, to us.

Stephen’s courage became the seed of a mission that reshaped history.

Esoteric & Pagan Parallels

This same archetype - the courageous stand that becomes a transformational seed catalyst - appears in many traditions.

Hypatia of Alexandria: The Light Keeper

In 5th century Alexandria - a city where pagan philosophy, Jewish tradition, and Christian theology met in both dialogue and conflict - Hypatia stood as one of the last great teachers of the classical world. A neoplatonist philosopher, mathematician, and astronomer, she taught that the study of the cosmos was a pathway to the divine.

When political and religious tensions rose, Hypatia could have retreated into private life. She could have softened her teachings to appease the rising tide of orthodoxy. Instead, she continued to teach openly, drawing students of all faiths.

Her public murder by a Christian mob was meant to silence her voice - but it became a symbol of resistance. Her name was carried like a banner by Renaissance humanists, Theosophists, and modern mystics.

Her courage preserved a lineage of sacred knowledge that would inspire seekers for centuries.

Her lesson reminds us that standing for wisdom when the world demands silence plants seeds of truth that will long outlast the walls built to contain them.

Osiris: The God Who Would Not Stay Dead

In the Egyptian Mysteries, Osiris ruled as a just and noble king until his brother Set, driven by jealousy, murdered and dismembered him, scattering the pieces across the land. The act was meant to erase him from both throne and memory.

But Isis, his devoted queen, refused to let his story end.

She searched the Nile and desert, gathering each fragment, reassembling him through sacred rites, and breathing life into him long enough to conceive their son, Horus.

Osiris’s death became the initiatory myth of Egypt - a pattern of death, dismemberment, and resurrection that every initiate symbolically walked.

In the temples, initiates “died” to the old self and were reborn into divine kingship, mirroring Osiris’s journey.

This myth reminds us that even when the world tears you apart, what is sacred can be gathered, restored, and reborn stronger than before.

Inanna: The Queen Who Descended

Inanna, the Sumerian Queen of Heaven, chose to descend into the underworld - not as punishment, but by her own will.

At each of the seven gates, she surrendered a piece of herself: her crown, her necklace, her rings.

By the time she stood before her sister Ereshkigal, she was stripped bare, without status or protection.

Ereshkigal struck her dead and hung her on a hook.

For three days, the world above languished.

Through divine intervention and careful bargaining, Inanna was revived and returned to the living world - but not unchanged.

She emerged with deeper sovereignty and wisdom, knowing the cost and gift of her descent.

Inanna’s story became the archetype of sacred initiation: surrender what you think defines you, endure the underworld, and rise with a truth that no one can take from you.

Her lesson reminds us that sometimes the path to your highest power leads straight through the gates of loss.

The Modern Thread

Catalyst moments are not confined to history or myth.

One day, I too stood at a crossroads: remain silent and stay inside a circle, or speak the truth I could no longer swallow - knowing it would cost me belonging and community that I had come to value.

I chose to stand. And to honor truth.

The loss was real, but so was the abundance: clarity that cut through illusion, freedom from the weight of compromise, opening of my gifts, and mission that could only be born on the other side of that decision.

The pain of these crossroads moments is not something to bypass or brush aside.

Loss is real. Grief is real. There is an ache in walking away from what was familiar and comfortable, even if it was no longer aligned.

Allow yourself to feel it fully - because bypassing unacknowledged grief only hides in the shadows and slows your growth.

But do not let it be the place you pitch your tent.

The void it leaves is not meant to remain empty - it is the fertile ground where new relationships, new opportunities, and a deeper self take root.

Honor what you’ve lost, but keep your eyes on the horizon of what’s being born.

The Quiet Courage of the Crossroads

The stories of Stephen, Hypatia, Osiris, and Inanna are dramatic, visible, and often violent turning points.

But life does not always hand us a stage and an audience when it asks us to be brave.

Sometimes, the catalyst comes in the form of a private conversation that shatters an illusion.

A job you can no longer ethically remain in.

A relationship you know you must release.

A truth that burns in your bones but would cost you connection if you spoke it.

These moments will not be recorded in scripture or myth, but they are no less sacred.

The ripple effects of a single act of integrity - even unseen - can shift the landscape of your life and the lives of those around you.

Here’s the Invitation:

When you find yourself at such a crossroads- whether it’s the kind history remembers or the kind only you and a handful of others will ever witness - pause and look deeper.

Ask yourself:

• What courage is being asked of me right now?

• What would standing in truth look like here?

• How might this decision ripple far beyond what I can see?

Because even the smallest acts of courage plant seeds.

And though you may never see their full bloom, they have the power to change the course of lives, lineages, and futures.

When the choice comes - whether in a public square or in the quiet of your own heart - take the step.

Not because it is easy, but because it is the only way to walk into the life that is truly yours.

Sun Trine Mars: The Alchemical Awakening of Willpower and Purpose

Last night, the Sun formed a trine to Mars, a sacred turning point in the synodic cycle of Mars, marking a significant shift in the journey that began in November 2023. This moment is not just an astrological transit—it is an initiation, an emergence from the deep underworld of Mars’ recent retrograde. Though Mars stationed direct nearly a week ago, it has remained suspended in stillness, recalibrating in the liminal space between death and rebirth. But now, he awakens with a renewed vision as an evening star, ready to ascend with newfound purpose and direction.

Esoterically, the Sun represents the divine intelligence, the higher will that illuminates our path. It is the source of our creative vitality, the beacon that guides us toward our soul’s evolutionary journey. Mars, the embodiment of raw willpower and assertion, has undergone an initiatory descent, shedding layers of old conditioning, outdated ambitions, and unconscious patterns that no longer serve the evolving self. This trine acts as an alchemical spark—a merging of spiritual clarity (the Sun) with the purified desire nature (Mars). The question is: how will you direct your will moving forward?

This is a pivotal moment to listen deeply. What desires have reawakened in you? What call to action is arising now, unmistakable in its clarity? This moment is not about impulsive force but about conscious momentum—one that is attuned to your spiritual directive. The vision emerging now is the one you will carry forward until January 2026, when Mars begins its next synodic cycle.

Reflect on what has been evolving in your life since November 2023. Where have you been internally forging strength, resilience, and a new understanding of your own drive? With Mars in water, this shift is felt emotionally, offering renewed clarity, magnetism, and optimism. You may notice an energetic surge over the coming days, a sense of certainty returning after a period of uncertainty.

Honor this turning point. Let your will align with your higher vision. The fire of Mars now moves with purpose—let it guide you forward with courage, trust, and unwavering clarity.

Venus Retrograde & The 8th House: A Foster Parent’s Reflection on Love, Loss, & Transformation

Eight years ago, under an entirely different Venus cycle, I opened my home to my first foster child.  I knew in my heart that I would undoubtedly love whatever child we were placed with, but I did not know then how much this journey would shape me as the children who passed through my doors.  Now, as Venus retrogrades through my 8th house again – the house of deep bonds, transformation, and shared resources – I find myself closing this chapter of my life with a full heart and a deeper understanding of love, loss, and the nature of true connection.

The 8th house is often associated with shared resources, but its meaning runs much deeper.  It governs the spaces in life where we merge with others – emotionally, spiritually, financially, and even karmically.  It is the house of deep bonds, transformation, and the things we give and receive that forever change us.  In many ways, foster care fits seamlessly into this symbolism.  It is not just a system of shared legal and financial responsibility, but a very real exchange of love, care, and emotional investment.  The children placed in my home were never just temporary guests; each one of them became a very real part of my heart, my energy, and my life in ways that far transcend the physical.  And, they always will be carried as part of my deeply treasured life story.  Love, loss, and healing all exist here in the 8th house, intertwined.  And perhaps nothing has shown me the power of love, surrender, and connection more than fostering.

Venus, the planet of love, relationships, and value, is now, yet again, retrograding through this house for me.  Retrogrades ask us to look back, reassess, and bring closure to significant chapters of our lives.  With Venus retrograde in my 8th house, I find myself revisiting the immense emotional depth that fostering required – the sacrifices, the love, and the inevitable process of letting go.  This isn’t just a logistical ending; it is a moment of reflection on what fostering has meant to me on a soul and evolutionary level.

Retrogrades also reveal where our understanding of love, connection, and reciprocity has shifted.  In 2017, when I first became a licensed foster care parent, my understanding of parenting, love, and the shared resource system of foster care, was radically different than it is today.  I saw love as something that I could share and pour into these children, hoping to give them stability and healing.  But now, eight years later, I see love as something far more complex and nuanced – something that can’t be always be measured by physical permanence but by the impact that we leave on each other’s hearts.  This Venus retrograde is allowing me a beautiful gateway to process that; to honor this transformation and to decide what I choose to carry forward from this journey. 

I have learned so many lessons on this path, but perhaps the most significant that stand out to me are the following:

The Transformative Power of Love

Loving a child who isn’t biologically yours, who arrives with their own history, their own fears, and their own story, teaches you something profound about love: it is not about possession, but presence.  Foster care stripped love down to its most essential form – meeting the basic emotional and physical needs of a child, being fully present, and choosing to love even when you know that it is temporary.  When you love with an open heart, expecting nothing in return, you become part of something far greater.

Each child who entered my home changed me in ways that I could never have predicted.  I had to learn to become selfless in ways I had never been asked to be before, to sit with my heartbreak, to hold very real space for tiny souls carrying invisible (and sometimes not so invisible!) burdens.  But, more than that, I learned deeply about transformation.  Love isn’t just something we give – it is something that when we allow ourselves to be open and truly vulnerable, has the power to deeply reshape us, soften us, and encourages us to grow into the best versions of ourselves. 

Letting Go 

One of the hardest lessons of fostering, was learning to let go – of expectations, of attachment, of the belief that love alone can fix everything.  When you work within the confines of a deeply flawed and imperfect system, you quickly realize that no amount of love, stability, or care can always guarantee the best outcome.  You learn that justice is not always served, that safety is not always ensured, and that some endings feel heartbreakingly incomplete. 

Losing a child you’ve cared for is a grief that few understand, yet foster parents navigate this heartbreak regularly.  It is a lesson in surrendering to the unknown, in trusting that love was enough – even if only for a short time, to make a positive impact.  Love in the 8th house asks us to accept that transformation often comes through loss.  It teaches us that just because something isn’t permanent doesn’t mean it wasn’t powerful.  And in that, there is a sliver of peace.

The Beauty of Connection

If there is one thing I’ve learned from the children that I’ve had the joy of having, it is that love is not about walls, bloodlines, or guarantees – it is about openness.  A baby does not care who you are or what you have; they do not question whether love is safe or conditional.  They simply trust.  They reach for you with tiny hands, rest their head on your shoulder, cry out when they are in need, trusting that you will respond instinctively, and love with an unguarded heart.

That kind of love is a gift.  It is raw, unfiltered, and pure in a way that few things in life are.  And when you allow yourself to love them back with the same level of openness, it changes you.  It teaches you that connection is the most beautiful, fragile, and life-altering thing that we have.  It strips away the cynicism, the fear, and the barriers we build around our hearts, reminding us that the most profound transformations happen when we allow ourselves to be fully seen, fully vulnerable, and fully present.

The Value of Love in Our Own Identity

Being a foster parent shattered so many of my old beliefs about love, worth, and identity.  Love, at its core, is not transactional.  It is not something we earn, nor is it something we are owed.  It simply exists and is a choice to give and to receive.  It is available to all of us, not because we have done anything to deserve it, but because we are here.

Fostering has shown me that the scars of our past do not have to define us.  Many of the children who entered my home carried deep wounds – some visible, some not.  Yet, they all thrived in some new way when given safety, consistency, good nutrition, time, and love.  It made me question: If they could heal, if they could grow despite all that they had been through, why couldn’t I?  The 8th house is a space of deep psychological transformation and through this experience, I’ve learned that healing is not only possible, but necessary. 

I’ve also learned that family is not defined by DNA, but by choice.  It is built in the quiet moments – bedtime stories, shared meals, inside jokes, and whispered reassurances in the dark.  Love is what makes a family, not paperwork, not names, not even time.  And yet, the world often struggles to see past labels.  I’ve witnessed firsthand the biases, the limitations imposed by ignorance- people who believed certain children weren’t investing in, saw them as broken, troublesome, less than in some way, or not worth the time to invest in connection.  The looks that were given if one child looked obviously unrelated, acted out when triggered by an invisible trauma they knew nothing of, or showed emotional immaturity far beneath their biological age due to stunted emotional growth from trauma or neglect.  Often, just the mention of “foster child” resulted in a change of demeanor and body language in other parents I interacted with – to the point that, with time, I stopped sharing my story openly to avoid the judgement and bias.  Every single child who walked through my door shattered these stigmas, time and time again.

This Venus retrograde is asking me to re-evaluate what love has taught me about myself, about others, and about what truly matters.  It is reminding me that love is the greatest resource we have to give, and the only one that multiples when shared.  It has taught me that the greatest transformation only happens when we meet another with an open, vulnerable heart, devoid of expectation or return.  And it has taught me deeply about the sacrificial and humble nature of true love and devotion.  Obviously, these lessons translate differently in different types of healthy relationships.  But, the essence of the lessons remains the same.  And the integration of them allows for a greater, deeper, and more transformed understanding of love in its purest forms.

We all share pieces of ourselves with others – through relationships, caregiving, mentorship, and love in its many forms.  What relationships or experiences in your life have shaped your understanding of love and shared responsibility?  Venus retrograde is the perfect time to reflect.  I’d love to hear your thoughts – drop a comment or share your own reflections on love, letting go, and transformation. 

The Balance of Brilliance: Self-Growth Under the Leo Full Moon

Wednesday, February 12th, 2025 Leo Full Moon at 24 Degrees at 8:53am EST

Key Aspects:

·      Opposite the sun, Mercury in Aquarius

·      Square Uranus in Taurus

·      Mars (Rx) in Cancer trines Saturn in Pisces

Themes to focus on under the energy of this Full Moon:

·       Where Uranus is shaking you awake and asking you to pay attention?

·       What is dimming your soul light and ability to shine?

·       Where you are not being yourself and in full integrity and authenticity?

The last Cancer Full Moon came to illuminate the way forward into our year. Then, to quantum leap us into new timelines and a new future vision, was the Aquarius New Moon, asking us to assess where we stand in our authenticity and break free from comparison and social conditioning.  Now, to help us to take big, brave, bold steps towards our future, is the Leo Full Moon. Like all of our moons so far this year, this full moon is working with Uranus, the Great Awakener, who really wants us to listen.

This Leo Full Moon is the perfect mix of Aquarian and Leo energy.  While both signs teach us to embrace authenticity, Aquarius (collective authenticity) and Leo (personal authenticity) is about balancing individuality with the need to connect with, and contribute to, the world around us. 

Leo represents the raw, unfiltered expression of the self.  It allows us to tap into the deep inner wisdom of our heart.  It rules creativity, play, and the courage to shine.  Leo is about being seen and celebrated, and standing boldly in the spotlight of one’s own truth.  It teaches us that genuine authenticity comes from embracing one’s personal desires, talents, and passions, unabashedly – and without external validation.  It is the courage to make up your life in any way that you desire.  And, it is asking you to look at where you are still playing small and giving your power away.  Whatever it is that you are doing, thinking, dedicating your money, energy and thoughts to – that is what has your power.  Does it align with what you truly want in your life?  Because if its counter to that – if its destructive or toxic in any way, that is what it means to give away your power.  And Leo wants you to deeply explore your desires. By becoming aware of what or who you give away your power to, you can reclaim it.  Leo asks you to fully embody and express yourself authentically – even if it means risking rejection or standing alone.  Trust that anything surfacing right now is doing so for your highest good.  Any vulnerability you may be feeling is intended to help you experience a deeper level of intimacy with yourself.

Leo is, at its essence, about radical self-love.  This moon is illuminating any places of self-betrayal that may be lingering in your life.  Are you hiding or seeking validation for yourself?  If so, where?  Radical self-love and acceptance means you are able to be fully yourself around the people closest to you.  If you are in relationships that you aren’t your full, authentic expression of self, or you’re in a situation where you are not standing in your own power, there may be a situation or power struggle that surfaces to force you to see and acknowledge this dissonance and make changes.

The polarity opposite, Aquarius, seeks authenticity also, but from a different perspective – through the lens of alignment with a higher vision.  Aquarius is less concerned with personal recognition and more about staying true to one’s values, even if that means going against the grain.  Aquarius’ authenticity isn’t about ego – it is about being uniquely yourself while also uplifting and improving humanity as a whole. 

Both of the signs help provide axis balance.  Leo reminds Aquarius that authenticity isn’t just about ideals and intellect, but that it must be embodied and expressed with heart and passion.  And Aquarius, reminds Leo that authenticity is not just about the self, but must be aligned with a greater vision and purpose.  Together, they both teach us that true authenticity requires both personal courage (Leo) and a commitment to something beyond self (Aquarius).

As the sign ruled by the Sun, Leo represents our radiant core– the raw essence of who we truly are. The Sun represents our vitality, our self-confidence, and our heart centered leadership.  This Moon carries the power to help you break free from anything dimming your light. It offers us an invitation to reconnect with what lights us up inside and share that magical spark with the world.  Still in Aquarius Season, we are also reminded that we are energetic beings with our own unique frequencies. Leo reminds us of the incredible power of heart centered consciousness– that our heart creates an electromagnetic field more powerful than any other part of you, extending far beyond your physical body and touching everyone around you. This Full Moon invites you to tap into this remarkable power. Remembering that when you operate from your highest Self, you remain constantly connected with your heart’s wisdom.  And, that when you align with your heart's frequency, you become a beacon of light for others. You naturally inspire others through your authentic expression of love, gratitude, and acceptance.  Think of your heart as your energetic messenger to the world– now is the time to raise its vibration and clarify its expression.  Your individual light becomes part of the greater awakening of consciousness on our planet.

Following your heart requires courage. Unlike your mind, your heart isn't interested in perfect plans, spreadsheets, or nitty, gritty details. The heart speaks to us through the lens of emotion – through joy, love, compassion, and yes, sometimes through pain or fear. Leo teaches us to embrace all of these feelings with strength and self-love. You have the power to face anything within yourself with compassion and understanding. By tapping fully into the expression and wisdom of your heart, you step into your natural ability to lead and inspire others. While we often think our mind runs the show, it's actually our heart that knows the way forward. Your heart connects you to life's purpose and the infinite wisdom of the Universe. Your mind is simply along for the ride.

This Full Moon also invites us to heal through inner child work. Leo energy naturally connects with the pure joy of childhood, bringing to light any wounds around love, approval, and courage that formed in our early years. Spend some time exploring your inner child and their needs this week.  What do they need to feel truly loved? Let them know they are perfect exactly as they are. Reflect on your earliest experiences with love - were you taught that love had to be earned? Did you learn to seek approval from others? This Full Moon supports you in healing these old patterns and remembering that you deserve love simply for being you. Let Leo’s energy remind you that you are always enough and you are always worth of love, just by being you.  Feel into this truth and recognize that you have the power to give yourself any unconditional love that you may have missed as a child.  Start peeling back those layers of wounding and show that child within you the radical, unwavering, and unconditional love and self-acceptance that we are all hardwired to need and watch your healing begin to unfold.

Leo energy also helps to remind us that our own uniqueness is our superpower. We each have special gifts and talents that only we can shine and share out in the world. Each of us carries a unique message from our heart that needs to be expressed. True leaders inspire through authenticity, lighting up any room they enter with their presence. As you begin to follow this lead, and share your gifts freely, watch how your own authentic energy inspires others. When you share your true self without hesitation, you give others permission to do the same. Leading through love and authenticity literally has the power to create ripples of positive change throughout the collective consciousness.  This Full Moon asks: Are you ready to take up your space? Are you willing to be seen in your full radiance?

There are several aspects in the sky during this Leo Full Moon, which create powerful opportunities for breakthrough and transformation.

The Moon and Sun Square Uranus in Taurus, bringing revolutionary breakthroughs in how you express your authentic truth. This energy will shake up anything blocking you from shining your brightest light. Uranus loves to surprise us with sudden insights and unexpected changes– all designed to wake us up to our highest potential. You may feel called to break free from situations, relationships, or beliefs that have kept you playing small.  

While unexpected changes may feel unsettling, trust that any disruptions are actually intended to guide you towards living more fully from your heart. Uranus in Taurus specifically helps you revolutionize your relationship with your values and self-worth, supporting you in claiming your natural right to shine radiantly. 

Mercury is also conjunct the Sun in Aquarius, illuminating new, brilliant ideas about how to share your unique gifts with the world. This may offer new insights and clarity about your future, helping you see innovative ways to create positive change through your self-expression. This alignment supports you in articulating your truth in ways that inspire others and contribute to collective evolution. You might receive amazing insights about your path forward or suddenly understand how to communicate your heart's message more effectively. It is a powerful time for brainstorming, writing, speaking your truth, and connecting with others.  Especially after the Mercury-Sun cazimi we just had Sunday, this energy will be felt potently.  In conjunction with Uranus, expect to be offered an opportunity to look at something through a completely new and innovative lens; to think outside the box in a way you perhaps haven’t before.  And, applying this energy to Leo, this will enable you to learn to shine even brighter, perhaps, in a new, unique way.

The Moon also opposes Mercury in Aquarius, creating a powerful bridge between your heart and mind. This alignment helps you find the perfect balance between feeling and thinking, allowing you to express your emotional truth with clarity and wisdom. While oppositions can create tension, this one offers a beautiful opportunity to integrate your emotional intelligence with your intellectual understanding. You're supported in finding ways to communicate your feelings clearly while maintaining awareness of the bigger picture. This aspect will help you share your personal truth in ways that contribute to collective awakening.

Mars (still retrograde!) in Cancer Trines Saturn in Pisces and offers a beautiful flow of energy that will support you in taking aligned action. Mars in Cancer connects you deeply with your emotional wisdom, encouraging you to move forward in ways that feel nurturing and authentic. The retrograde motion invites you to dive deeply into your innermost world and refine how you assert yourself and take action. Saturn in Pisces adds spiritual depth and grounding power to your efforts, helping you build lasting foundations based on your intuitive guidance. This trine creates an easy flow between your emotional wisdom, spiritual insight, and ability to create concrete change in your life.

Together, this energy helps to amplify the moon’s potential for growth and awakening. The square to Uranus breaks open any limitations holding you back from your full expression. Mercury aspects illuminate your path forward with clarity while helping you communicate your truth effectively. And the Mars-Saturn trine supports you in taking practical steps aligned with your heart's wisdom.

Where the Full Moon happens in Leo is the part of your chart you are meant to shine into and illuminate.  Think about how you are learning in life to shine in this house of your chart.  Because again, this Full Moon is going to give you a breakthrough about it.  This is a powerful time for transformation.  What you choose to do with that invitation, is completely up to you.  You might experience unexpected revelations about your path forward or feel called to express yourself more boldly than ever before. However this lands for you, welcome these shifts - they're helping you align more fully with your authentic self and highest potential.

Journal Reflections:

·      Where are you holding back your gifts, your voice, or your presence?

·      Are you leading from your heart or are you stuck in ego battles and pride?

·      Where do you seek validation and how can you validate yourself instead?

·      What childhood passions or creative pursuits have you abandoned but may bring you joy to reconnect with?

·      How do you respond to being seen and celebrated?

·      How are you embodying joy, play, and pleasure in your daily life?  How can you invite more?

·      How are you uniquely meant to shine in this world?

·      Where do you let fear of failure keep you small?

·      Where do you dim your light to make others comfortable?

Nodes of Fate Officially Change

Today the nodes of fate officially change. This is the closing of a chapter of our lives looking at the balances between our relationship with others, and ourself as the Nodes transition from the Aries/Libra axis to Pisces/Virgo. With the North Node in Pisces, our collective future destiny is to find deep connection to our soul, immerse ourselves in the spiritual and sacred, live in full trust and surrender, knowing that we are always fully supported and guided, and follow our intuition and deep internal wisdom. The South Node in Virgo asks us to leave behind patterns of overthinking, worrying, and trying to control and hold on to things that are ready to be let go of. It is asking for us to loosen our grip of control, micromanaging , perfectionism, and overworking tendencies. Letting go of the pressure to have everything align, make sense, and be figured out. Encouraging us to sit in stillness, tap into our inner wisdom, and be in the flow.

Revolutionary Renewal: Embracing the Aquarius New Moon’s Call for Change

Aquarius New Moon – 9 degrees of Aquarius on Wednesday 29, 2025 at 7:26am EST

Interesting Aspects:

• Uranus – (Modern) Ruling planet for this full moon is at 23 degrees Taurus.  Is currently retrograde and will station direct the day after.  Uranus represents the higher mind or the observer, while Mercury represents the ordinary mind (negative thoughts, broken records, brilliant ideas, etc).  Uranus represents the part of us that watches everything happening inside us and does not judge it. Saturn (Traditional) Ruler of Aquarius provides the grounding needed to build lasting change while Uranus inspires radical shifts and fresh perspectives.  Both rulers carrying the dual power of structure and rebellion.  This balance reminds us that innovation often requires honoring the lessons of the past while fearlessly breaking free from outdated systems that are holding us back.

• Aquarius Stellium: Conjunct the sun, Mercury, Chariklo, and Pluto

• Trine Jupiter (still retrograde) in Gemini and Black Moon Lilith in Libra; creating an air grand trine.  This supports the energy of fearless self-expression, radical new ideas, and an amplified ability to challenge norms while maintaining diplomacy.  It is an excellent energy to support intellectual breakthroughs, further explore our visions for the future, and reclaim our personal power through our words and ideas.

• Square Vesta in Scorpio – this creates a tension between innovation and deep, focused devotion.  It calls into focus our inner sacred flame; what it is we are called to be in service to.  And may also help surface hidden truths or subconscious attachments that are holding you back from personal freedom (Aquarius).

• Dark Goddess Energy – Eris and Medusa oppose Black Moon Lilith, Hecate is square, Persephone is conjunct Pluto.  This speaks  to deep truth, wisdom, shadow work, transformation, and radical awakening.  Deep sacred feminine energy at work to help support our growth.

The last New Moon in Capricorn came to set the tone for the year ahead and move us into deeper purpose and align with our potential.  Then, to illuminate our way forward was the Cancer Full Moon encouraging us to lean into our intuition, nurture our inner home, and empower us to step fully into our path ahead.  Now, to quantum leap us into new timelines and a new future vision, is the Aquarius New Moon.  The first new moon of Aquarius with Pluto fully ingressed and present, this New Moon is visionary, bold, and ignites the new Plutonian energies of Aquarius.  It offers serious momentum for transformation.  This is the first meeting of both the Sun and Moon in Aquarius and she will be loud and revolutionary.  Adding even more magick, it aligns with the Chinese Lunar New Year and the Year of the Snake which is a “9” in Numerology.  The number 9 as well as the Snake, represent letting go of what no longer serves us to make space for what we wish to call in next.  It is symbolic of transformation and Scorpio energy (ruled by Pluto).  This energy is all about shedding our old skin and stepping into higher frequency.  And while Plutonic/Scorpionic energy can be quite intense, Aquarius helps us remain objective and detached (two of its gifts!), trusting that any shedding that is happening right now is for our greatest good. 

Represented by the Water Bearer, Aquarius is an air sign that pours forth the wisdom of creation to encourage humanity towards a better future. It teaches us that our individuality is not separate from the collective – it is what enriches and uplifts it.  It encourages us to break free from limitations, embrace our own unique purpose, and imagine a brighter future for ourselves and the world.  The astrology in the sky supporting this New Moon creates a powerful moment for deep emotional healing, creative expansion, and stepping into the unknown with faith, optimism, and wisdom.

Under the energies of this new moon, I want to encourage you to really look towards the future and get very real and clear about what exactly you want for your life.  And, I want you to make sure these intentions are big, bold, and expansive – ie. they should stretch you in some way.  Make sure that the intentions you set for yourself this new moon are fully in alignment with the vision and desire you have for yourself ahead.  Trust what you are being called towards and look, to your long-term future and what you want for yourself, over the next year, 5 years and maybe even the full 19 years that Pluto will be in Aquarius.

Don’t look for quick fixes at this moon or things that may temporarily make you feel a bit better about your life. Although useful at times, this moon wants something much deeper, more visionary, and for you to take a courageous quantum leap and expand into new territory.

It is time to stop playing small.  Dig deep into your soul and call forth the desires that most deeply resonate with you and the life you wish to manifest ahead.  Do you feel stuck and deeply crave more fulfillment? Instead of writing an intention to feel unstuck, perhaps dig deeper.  What did you used to do – perhaps even years ago, as a child, that made you feel most alive, in the flow, and truly connected?  Was it playing unabashedly, drawing, hiking, making music, or ­­­­­travel adventures that you most remember fondly?  Tap into that creative spark inside of yourself and bring it to life in some way this new moon and rediscover your joy.  The vitality you fuel from that simple step could very well be the spark that will next help you tap into a passion project that offers you a job change in the near future or raises your vibration enough that you start attracting new opportunities or even a new partner.  Sometimes it is the little, but meaningful, steps that we take that help re-align us to our life path and start the internal motion we need to move us closer to our larger dreams.  The only thing you need to do is lean into your soul self and trust that you are never given a dream without also being given the means to achieve it.

With Saturn, the traditional ruler of this new moon in Pisces conjunct Venus, and Uranus, the modern ruler of this new moon sextile Venus, Neptune and the North node in Pisces, you are going to be able to access deeper levels of consciousness and receive wisdom, direction, guidance, and answers that can’t be accessed or understood on a human level.  All of this Aquarian and Pisces energy is asking us to move into the intelligence beyond our human consciousness and to tap into the sacred, the spiritual and the Divine.  Venus, as of yesterday, entered her pre-retrograde shadow in Pisces.  She is inviting us to blend spiritual dreams with practical commitment.  Asking us to heal emotional wounds, cultivate unconditional love for ourselves, and to build a solid foundation for both our creative and relational growth. 

Whenever Pluto, Lord of the Underworld, meets the moon, we are always taken deep into our subconscious, where we encounter our shadows, all that we have hidden from ourselves and others, as well as, our deepest emotions.  And, as this new moon truly wants to free you to move into a new timeline, you may feel this energy even more so. Pluto shows us where we resist change and is the planet responsible for the death, rebirth and transformation process that breaks down and reshapes our ego, taking us closer to our soul. But Pluto will only strip what is out of integrity and alignment with your soul’s path.   Pluto teaches us through pain or purpose. If you’ve been avoiding what you know needs to change in your life you may feel it intensely this new moon, as not only Pluto but also Uranus tries to free you from what is no longer in alignment with your soul.  This will be especially true with so many planets in Pisces, the final sign of the zodiac asking you to let go of anything that has expired on a soul level so that you can move on and into new timelines in your life.

I have a natal Pluto complex and I can attest to this – Pluto is an energy I have come to have great respect for.  There have been many dark nights of the soul in which I have been brought to my knees through the wrecking ball like energy of Pluto in my life.  But, over time, I have learned to surrender to this energy.  Even, when it is hard.  Trusting that he is there to bring me closer to my authentic self and the path that I was designed to walk.  Sometimes, we get comfortable and out of alignment.  Pluto will help snap you back closer to your purpose.  That snap is always a bit less harsh when we surrender to it vs. a reckoning through force.

You may notice lots of past memories or habits surfacing to be healed and released.  There is a huge opportunity for healing at this new moon as Chariklo, the cosmic midwife, and wife of Chiron, is conjunct the moon. Here, she holds space for our deep healing and supports us through big life transitions. She will help you with any deep healing that you need to do so that you can move to the next stage of your evolution.

Once you’re in alignment with the changes that need to be made and the places in your life that need transformation, Pluto will call you forwards with purpose and take you into the next level of potential and empowerment in your journey.  You’ll suddenly be able to see the world differently and find new out-of-the- box solutions, insights and inspiration coming through to help you along your way. This is when you’ll be called to rise as Uranus pushes you to be more authentically you, as that is what will ultimately create all of the shifts and changes that you are desiring in your life.

This new moon is a call to deep authenticity, truth and who you want to be in this new world, and all of this can only come from the inside. Jupiter’s supportive trine is bringing a hopeful, optimistic energy where literally anything feels possible. Especially as Jupiter is currently retrograde in Gemini, asking us to find an inner expansion around our stories and inner narrative, as the internal dialogue and stories we tell ourselves directly determine what is and isn’t possible. Make your inner story is one that is rooted in belief and trust that anythingis possible for you when you are in alignment with your soul’s path. This may take time, work and effort, but if something is in alignment with your soul it’s already yours – you just need to align your current life with the timeline in which that thing already exists.

Begin to follow more of what is true and aligned for you, even if it feels far away right now, and free yourself from the past and limitations in your life - anything, including people, behaviors or beliefs that you have outgrown, so that Uranus doesn’t need to do it for you.  When Uranus stations direct, tomorrow, the day after this New Moon, it asks you to break out and set yourself free of anything that has been restricting you or holding you back. It’s like releasing the bow from the arrow on the trajectory toward your destiny.

Under this new moon you have gotten clear on what you want from your future, Uranus will show you what you still are allowing to hold you back. You may feel this as frustration, anxiety, deep emotions or simply Uranus coming in to pull the rug out from under you and bring sudden changes to help free you. In a similar way to Pluto, Uranus will only break up what is old, stuck and stagnant, but he often does this in a way that feels unexpected, sudden and, in ways, that you weren’t prepared for.

This new moon also reminds us that it is our energy that creates our reality.  The frequency that we maintain is what we will attract back to ourselves.  We are being asked to get very clear about our energy.  And, it is opening a portal – an invitation- to choose our own vibration intentionally and to align it with our intentions and desires.

This is a moon to tap into miracle consciousness, to dream big and envision a new world – for yourself, and for others. You came here at this time for a reason and it’s now that you begin to be called forward to find out exactly why. Be part of the revolution, the change, the shift. Take a quantum leap towards your soul and trust that you’re going to get caught. As the visionary trailblazer Ralph Waldo Emerson reminds us:

Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.

You are creating your own future under this new moon, make it a future that you deeply desire and want.

It’s time to explore, dream and discover.   This new moon is calling you to create the future that you desire by authentically following the call of your soul.

Journal Reflections:

• What does living authentically mean to you?

• How do you embrace your own uniqueness?

• What dream or vision do you have that challenges the norm (ie. societal expectations) and how can you step towards it?

• What thought patterns and systems limit your freedom ad authenticity?  What emotional patterns or beliefs around love are you ready to release?

• What is your current body vibration?  What frequency are you putting out into the world?  What vibration are you intentionally cultivating each day?

• How does that vibration reflect what is happening within you?

• What are 3-5 things that you can do to change your vibration?

• What top 3 things consistently lower your vibration?

I am the architect of the unseen.

I root my vision into the Earth and carry it forward with love.

   I trust my vision, carry my purpose, and am guided by the light of my own vision and desires.