Mars Finally Stations Direct!

I don't know about you all, but this has been one intense retrograde for me this time around. I’m doing a bit of a happy dance this morning as Mars officially stations direct today in Cancer at 17 degrees. Unlike other planets coming out of retrograde, Mars takes a bit longer to gain momentum and start moving again. So, while he is officially direct today, we might not actually feel this change until he starts gaining speed and movement around March 8. He will be fully out of his shadow around the end of May.

Mars is in his fall in Cancer, meaning that its energy is more indirect, protective, or emotionally driven, instead of its usual assertive, forward moving nature. So, as he stations direct, these energetic themes will be amplified, making it an ideal time for deep reflection and redirection of personal willpower.

As he moves out of his internal deep dive in retrograde, it is a great time to reflect on the insights, reflections, and downloads have you received this transit. Some of the themes that may have come to the surface may have included the following:

The Power of Emotional Willpower

Cancer is ruled by the Moon, which governs our subconscious, emotions, and instincts. Mars stationing direct here asks us, Are you moving from a place of true emotional security, or are you reacting out of fear and defensiveness? It’s a really potent opportunity to contemplate the duality of protection vs. projection; learning how to fight for what nurtures you without letting emotional reactivity drive your actions. What triggers and patterns have you identified this retrograde season?

Healing Ancestral Patterns

Cancer rules the home, family, lineage, and ancestral roots. Mars here brought a courage and encouragement to deep drive and explore and confront inherited wounds; especially any that surround masculinity, protection, safety, and emotional expression. What surfaced up for you here? What generational patterns or cycles have you recognized and are you choosing to break? Are you acting from your own inner authority or are you carrying outdated family expectations?

Where Have You Been Holding Back?

Mars retrograde can often be a time in which we feel like our energy dips, our drive is stifled, and our assertiveness quieted. As he stations direct today, you will begin to notice a shift in your energy, slowly building momentum as he gains motion, and you likely will find yourself inspired with decisive action of some sort. What have you been inspired to pursue?

Divine Masculine Healing & Reclamation

Cancer represents the Divine Feminine, and Mars, the Divine Masculine. My natal placement is Mars in Cancer, which means he is in his fall here. Often described, as the energy of a warrior trying to run in water - not very effective! This placement often speaks to a wounded masculine energy that has been taught to suppress emotions or express them in unhealthy, destructive ways. I can tell you, that in my own life, this is emphatically true. I have struggled with expressing myself and my emotions authentically nearly all of my life. I was primed at a very young age to ignore my body and my emotions and instead to focus on the energy and needs of others and what needs to be done from a perspective of survival, productivity, and “success”. As a result, I often used to dissociate; a pattern that took me decades to recognize and heal. This retrograde season has been a big awakening to me of the connection between these two and the importance of recognizing my own desires - allowing them to flow and finding a voice and aligned energy to empower them. Mars stationing direct is an opportunity to redefine masculinity and power in a way that integrates emotional intelligence, find strength through vulnerability, and empower protective, nourishing leadership. How has this theme shown up for you? What healing have you found and what steps are calling out to you for action?

The Sacred Warrior Archetype

Mars in Cancer isn’t a brute force warrior - he isn’t found on the front lines of a classic battle. He is a guardian, a protector, and a spiritual warrior who passionately defends what is sacred. What is worth fighting for in your life? What legacy of protection and security do you want to build for yourself and those who you love and come after you? How do you want to nourish those that matter in your life?

Realignment of Purpose After Emotional Recalibration

Today’s stationing moment is a pivotal point - an invitation to step into action. But in the energy of Cancer, it may not be in the way that you expect. Instead of charging ahead recklessly, the energy of Mars in Cancer drives us to tap into our intuition and take emotionally aligned movement forward. So, before taking action in the next few weeks, ponder for yourself, your intentions and whether or not the energy deeply aligns and is authentic. Does this path make me feel safe and emotionally fulfilled? Am I taking action from a place of love or fear? How can I integrate deep nourishment into my ambitions?

Mars for me is in both Cancer, as well as my 12th house. The house of my subconscious, past life karma, hidden strengths, and spiritual integration. So, not only has this been my Mars retrograde, but it is also, my Mars return. It has been full of deep awakenings and reflections; self sabotaging habits have bubbled up for awareness, I’ve had a deeply embedded fear surface for healing, and I’ve recognized an ancestral wounding pattern in my life that I know I am purposed to help heal. For at least 3 generations that I can confirm and trace, the women in my family have carried deep wounds of childhood emotional neglect (CEN). Mental illness runs in my maternal line and was the source for both my mother - her mother was in and out of a mental institution during most of her childhood, leaving her emotionally unfulfilled and devoid of deep maternal nurturing, emotional safety, and the beauty and validation of rich emotional aliveness. She, as a result, battled her own mental illness issues of Borderline Personality Disorder and likely (undiagnosed) Bipolar disorder. As the oldest of 3, I became the parentified child of the family; I vividly remember in Kindergarten being left alone to care for my sisters for the first time. Standing on a chair at the sink washing dishes and feeding my younger sister her dinner in her highchair. This pattern continued as I had my first “job” after school in 3rd grade cleaning houses and buying my own clothing on layaway at the Mulberry Bush. I felt so proud buying clothes that no longer had safety pins in them for buttons like the hand-me-downs from the well meaning church friends who donated them. But, it was the little actions like this that validated, and embedded patterns of self-sufficiency, work over emotional tending, and self-subjugation in me at a very, very young age. On my own, since before I graduated from high school, these patterns only became more deeply embedded and normalized, that it was not until decades later that I became aware that I was even doing them and that my operating system was so far out of sync with healthy behavioral patterning. And, while I have done an enormous amount of healing and work, I am aware that I still have more to do. This retrograde season has reminded me of the importance of self-care; taking time for myself, calling back my own energy, being vulnerable enough to be open to receiving love, and that I do not need to self-subjugate my own desires just to appease others. And, while I have not birthed my own children - all 4 of mine are adopted from foster care - 3 of the 4 (the 4th being one we have had since birth) carry trauma from their own childhood emotional neglect from well before coming into our home. That pattern of ancestral wounding? Well it found my lineage even if it wasn’t through traditional means. A fascinating discovery and one that again, I know, I am purposed to help heal this lifetime. But, to do that, I have to heal my own wounds and inner child first. So that I can be fully present, authentically aligned, and deeply nourishing to their own emotional world and needs so that their struggles and future can look different from my own. What a gift. Yet, what an enormous mountain. And that, is my Mars challenge this lifetime.

This all might sound relatively straightforward, but for me these are profound jewels that I’ve unearthed. And, that is my treasure this season. What have you mined for yourself this retrograde and how will you honor your new discoveries by your actions this year? This, my friends, is how we work with the sky and make internal shifts and growth in our own life. And over time, these small shifts and steps lead to profound transformation.

Wishing you all the magick, desire, and growth you so deeply crave and deserve this Rx season. Remember that Mars in Cancer isn’t asking you to take warrior action - instead it is asking you to dive deep, align with your innermost emotional truth - and tap into the wisdom of your heart to lead the way forward.

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.

Full Moon in Cancer - 1/13/2025

The full moon occurs at 24 degrees of Cancer on Monday, January 13th, at 5:26pm EST. This moon carries some magick with it and will be potent. The lunar nodes change signs just two days earlier and this full moon is beginning a story that will unfold through 2027.

Aspects:

• Opposes the Sun and Pallas Athena in Capricorn & Pluto in Aquarius

• Conjunct Mars (still retrograde!) in Cancer

• Sextile Uranus in Taurus & the South Node in Virgo

• T-Square with Aries Stellium - Chiron, Eris, Hygiea squaring the Moon

• Trine Neptune & the North Node in Pisces, Juno in Scorpio, & Astraea in Sagittarius

The last Gemini Full Moon came to help each of us tell and begin to live a new life story. Then, to set the tone for our year ahead and move us into deeper purpose & potential, was the Capricorn New Moon, offering us action oriented and supportive energy to achieve our goals. Now, to illuminate our way forward is the Cancer Full Moon.

The moon is at home in her ruling planet of Cancer. As the cardinal sign of water, Cancer carries profound potency. This full moon is calling us home and asking you to begin from a place of well nourished rest, introspection, connection, and deep grounding. Only from a place of deep authenticity and owning all parts of yourself in love and complete acceptance, are you able to fully tap into the innate wisdom of your soul’s calling, connection and purpose, and fully co-create the reality ahead that you wish to bring in.

The nodes which have just changed signs are prominently supporting this full moon in sextile and trine, echoing the affirmation that this begins a new chapter in the story of our lives. The deep water of Cancer & Pisces encourages us to lean into stillness, our deep, innate inner wisdom and connect with our Higher Selves & purpose. To truly sit in surrender and flow. While the South Node in Virgo, encourages us to move past any blocks that may delay this connection: overthinking, worry, perfectionism, and control. The North Node in Pisces asks us to lean into full trust of our divine intuition, faith, and fully trust and surrender to divine timing. And, to embrace unconditional love, forgiveness, and interconnectedness.

With Chiron in Aries, we are also being asked to heal wounds of unworthiness. In other words, releasing a need to look outside of ourselves for approval, validation, or anything else external that you may be using to fill a void of feeling “enough”. The Moon in Cancer reminds us that this fulfillment will only come from being deeply grounded, loved, and at home, within yourself. Nothing external will ever fill your void of self worth and love, but you. And as you accept this and journey fully back home to yourself, fiercely embracing your own love and worth, only then will you see that you no longer seek as much from the outside world and that all you need, has, and will always be, found within you.

One of the most magical aspects of this Full Moon is that she squares Chiron at 19 degrees of Aries. This is the exact same degree point of the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, in which Chiron was conjunct. This offers us a huge opportunity to close old stories and heal old wounds and patterning. It asks us to get really curious and reflect back to themes of self worth. Where have you been living from your worth wounds and playing small? Where have you been allowing stories of not being good enough or limiting beliefs hold you back from achieving your wildest dreams?

Chiron is also conjunct the dwarf planet Eris & asteroid Hygiea and creates a T-Square with the Sun/Pluto and Moon offering a powerful opportunity for deep self healing and stepping into your power. At the heart of this tense aspect is a profound healing medicine. The breaking of old patterns. Eris, who was said to cause the Trojan War out of rage that she was always relegated to outsider status, is standing arm in arm in a conjunct aspect with Hygiea and Chiron - the two most potent healers of the zodiac and Greek pantheon. Let Eris show you boldly where your soul purpose lies and what patterns need to be released for you to advance on your path. These energies call you into deep forgiveness, healing, and empowerment.

Another magical thread forms as this Full Moon creates a sextile to the exact degree point of the Virgo Full Moon Lunar Eclipse that will happen on March 14, 2025. What we begin now, will be transformatively affected to this first eclipse in Spring and continue through 2027.

So, how are you becoming your own safe space and sanctuary? How are you nurturing your inner child and yourself today, this full moon, and every day? Unless we come from a place of wholeness, we cannot operate at our fullest potential. Not in relationship, not in work and service, and not in connection with our gifts and with ourselves.

We are being asked this year to live fully guided by our intuition and the Universe. Following the signs, synchronicities, and fully trusting our soul to lead the way. Our main motivating force for this year is spiritual awakening and commitment to our spiritual practices and soul growth - truly finding and stepping into our soul mission. As the Moon opposes Pluto (in an out of sign conjunction) this could not be more loud and clear. Pluto is about to spend his first full year in Aquarius since 1779 and is breaking the chains of patriarchal injustice and bringing the power back to the people. He is reminding us of who we truly are - powerful co-creators, having a human experience. Pay close attention to where you give your power away and live from the outside in. This Full Moon is calling for you to anchor in your own essence, truth, and soul, and to remember that the outside world is a direct reflection of our own inner world. It is a powerful call home to yourself, your sovereignty, and to fully claim what you desire, living in a way that is true to who you are and who you are here to embody.

To help us with this is Uranus, who is sextile to this full moon, shaking the foundations of your life and asking you to free yourself from anywhere that you aren’t fully free to be all of yourself. It is our wake-up call to action, to be authentic and ensure we are in alignment in our life, no longer playing small. In true Uranian energy, you may find yourself pushed along your path, needing to leap out of your comfort zone, face up to things you have been avoiding, or accept challenges that you’ve not felt quite ready for. 2025 is a year of true soul growth, expansion, and evolution, calling us to remember who we are and why we are here. Neptune’s trine helps to further support this, connecting us to our soul, with divine and deep spiritual connection. Allow yourself to trust and be guided to where you need to be. Surrender to your soul and know that you are part of something much greater- always being supported and guided along your path.

Cancer, the cardinal water sign, helps us to generate the water within ourselves. Our water element is what helps us to heal, connect with Spirits, and replenish and nourish our soul. It reminds us that we are both soft and fierce. It also teaches us the magic of flow and soft change. Just as the ocean gently molds the shoreline, we too can shape our own lives if we are willing to be patient. There will be times in our lives when this soft flow is needed, and times we tap into our fire, blazing in swift change with a crash. Both of these energies are beautiful in their own right and both are necessary at different chapters of our life as we carve our own place in the world.

Cancer is represented by the crab, who uses their hard shell to keep all of their emotions contained and close to heart. The challenge that Cancer carries is to explore vulnerability - the willingness to acknowledge that life is meant to be lived, enjoyed in full, and not always be hidden. That, to grow, means to put yourself out there and take risks at times. As the crab leaves the safety of his own shell to grow into a new one, he is exposed to elements that force him to rely on surviving through intuition and instinct alone. Just as the crab evolves through times of transition, so do you, even if they make you feel vulnerable or afraid. The silver lining of uncertainty is that it gives you no choice but to trust and rely upon your own inner knowledge and power. The lesson showing us that empowerment can often come through being vulnerable. So, this Full Moon, consider if you, like the crab, need to leave your old shell full of patterns, safety, and limitations for a new shell, capable of holding your new expansive self. Are fears - of the unknown or other - holding you back from taking a leap of faith in a new direction or allowing yourself to grow? Feel into what transformation is calling to you. Allow yourself to process all the emotions it brings so that you can take the steps you need to fully evolve next year.

This Full Moon will magnify your intuition as well as your emotions. Cancer teaches us that the two go hand in hand. You cannot access your deep inner wisdom without feeling your way there. If you shut yourself off from feeling or suppress your emotions, your intuition is also lost. Let the moon bring forth inner knowledge that you know, without hesitation, is your truth. For this, brings out your magick.

Lastly, I want to talk about the Cancer/Capricorn Polarity axis because these are the energies we are feeling and tuning into this Full Moon. The sun still being in Capricorn and the moon sitting in her glory, in Cancer. These two zodiacal archetypes oppose each other and have different rulers - Cancer being ruled by the Moon, and Capricorn, ruled by Saturn. This is the axis of structure - of learning to dance between the dualities of interdependence and self-sufficiency which often play out like a theme of inner emotional security vs. external achievement. Cancer, rules our emotions, our care, and nurturance, reflecting our deep need to feel safe and supported by others. Cancer also emphasizes the need for interdependence - our ability to connect emotionally and build relationships that foster belonging and mutual care. It is what allows us to build and nurture a family, or cultivate our own deep, internal “home”. Cancer teaches us to embrace vulnerability as a strength, showing us that needing others isn’t a weakness and reminding us that we are all innately hard wired for relationship and connection. Cancer, perhaps more than any other zodiacal sign, also helps us to understand the cyclical ebb-and-flow nature of life and our emotions. She is the wisdom keeper of our emotional body and helps us unlock the keys to that gift. At its best, Cancer teaches us that interdependence - forming authentic bonds and seeking support - is a fundamental part of the human experience and reminds us to trust in others. Capricorn is the polarity opposite and embodies structure and self-sufficiency. Ruled by Saturn, Capricorn symbolizes ambition, discipline, and responsibility, and is focused on self-sufficiency and drive. Capricorns thrive in environments that reward hard work and determination and seek to build a legacy through concrete achievements. It teaches us to take personal responsibility for our own success and security and to create healthy boundaries that protect our containers, independence, and autonomy. Capricorn also teaches to cultivate the gifts of resilience and endurance which are critical to weather life challenges without falling out of balance and into unhealthy patterns of reliance on others. The duality of the axis again dancing between the need for deep emotional connection vs. practical ambition, nurturing vs. material provision, healthy dependence vs. independence, and the wealth of both inner and outer success. Together these energies challenge us to learn when to rely on others and ask for help and when to lean into our own internal drive and rely upon ourselves. They teach us that both types of care (emotional nurturing and material and structural provisions) are valuable and that balance is key. Overemphasis on one vs. the other (ie. unhealthy codependency vs. emotional neglect) creates imbalance. And it teaches the importance of cultivating deep emotional wisdom and intuition as well as the need to remain grounded, practical, and emotionally restrained to achieve our material goals. Learning to cultivate a balance upon this axis is key to success in life. Cancer calls us to dive deep under our shell, get real, and cultivate our own self love and security instead of relying upon, and seeking it, within others. It calls us to recognize when nurturing becomes enabling and teaches us to set healthy boundaries. Capricorn teaches us the need to develop emotional awareness, resilience, and allow ourselves to become vulnerable, even while striving for independence. It pushes to really understand the concept that developing emotional support does not diminish our own strength, but instead can strengthen our vessel for success. This axis ultimately guides us to embody and integrate these dualities and finely balance them within us, creating a life that honors both energies and provides us with the skills for ultimate fulfillment and success.

Journal Reflections:

• Think about what makes you feel safe and supported. What are the cues that let you know you are safe to let down your exterior walls, soften, and feel safe and secure? What does emotional security mean to you and how can you cultivate this in your life?

• What is your own internal “home” frequency (ie. love, peace, gratitude, contentment, etc)? What self care practices can you create to return back to this frequency no matter what happens throughout your day? What will bring you back to yourself and your intuition? Decide how you want to feel this Full Moon, and commit to feeling that way each day as you flow with the curveballs of life.

• What emotions have I been ignoring? How can I honor and release those today?

• How do I balance caring for others vs. taking care of my own needs?

• What family dynamics or ancestral patterns are you ready to heal & release this Full Moon?

• Where are you overly self-reliant and how can you allow others to support you? In what ways do you lean too heavily on others for emotional support and how can you bring balance to this dynamic? In what ways can you nourish your inner child?

• How can you release old fears or insecurities to make space for deeper emotional fulfillment?

• What intentions can you set to nurture yourself and others more deeply in the coming weeks?

• What blessings in your life fill you with profound gratitude?

Dancing with Mars: Working with His Synodic Cycle

From Earth, the planet Mars (the closest planet outside of Earth’s orbit) has a regular, visible pattern in the sky that can be observed. We call this pattern a synodic cycle.

The Synodic Cycle of Mars begins and ends with its relationship with the Sun and refers to the full orbit of Mars with the Sun which takes 780 days or roughly 26 months. The Sun is our sense of purpose in our lives, it is the core essence of who you are - your soul’s purpose, vitality, and the light you radiate. Mars is the energy that drives and fuels your ability to act on that purpose, embodying your courage, willpower, and determination. It is the sacred warrior energy that takes the Sun’s purpose (your Divine Will) and brings it into the world through action and desire. It is the “how” that fulfills the Sun’s “why”. In other words, the Sun holds our vision and Mars actualizes it. Without Mars, the Sun’s purpose remains unfulfilled, existing only as unrealized potential. Both are dependent on the other to fully fulfill their destiny. They work together to bridge the spiritual and physical realms and, when in harmony, they align and create a balanced flow between vision and action. The esoteric journey of integrating the Sun and Mars is learning to act with purpose - Mars through the wisdom of disciplined action aligning with the higher light of the Sun, while the Sun reminds Mars to act in service of the greater good, avoiding impulsivity and self-centered ambition.

The Mars synodic cycle influences how we experience and work with Martian themes like:

• Energy & Drive - the cycle will reveal how our motivation and energy levels ebb & flow over time.

• Conflict & Action - Mars’ retrograde and opposition often coincide with heightened conflict or the need to re-evaluate how we assert ourselves.

• Ambition & Goals - cycle marks phases of initiation, culmination, and adjustment in our pursuit of goals.

In Shamanic Astrology, the synodic cycle begins with the Mars-Sun opposition. This perspective emphasizes the conflict and tension inherent in the Mars opposition, viewing it as a crucial turning point in the cycle where confrontation and necessary change are likely to occur and kicks off the transformative cycle (6 phases). In Western Astrology, it begins with the Mars Cazimi (Mars conjunct the Sun). This approach sees the cazimi as the initiation point of the Mars cycle, signifying a time of intense focus, motivation, and potential for strong action due to Mars' close proximity to the Sun.

I think both views of the cycle carry value; its a personal preference in what story framing most aligns with you. Let’s look at the Shamanic Astrology Cycle in closer detail. In its opposition with the Sun, Mars is physically closest to the Earth. This is when Mars rises in the east as the Sun sets in the west and is called an acronychal rise. The zodiacal sign that Mars is in when beginning their Synodic Cycle is called the overtone. The planet typically spends 7-8 months in the overtone sign before, during, and after, the acronychal rise.

In Shamanic Astrology this Synodic Cycle pattern is divided into 6 distinct phases which is outlined below. In this train of thought, Mars represents the archetype of the Divine Masculine and explores the ideas of healthy masculinity, such as standing in one’s power, embodying courage, and pursuing passion and purpose with integrity. If you are working with Divine Masculine healing, Mars can provide insights into your natural assertiveness and how you channel that energy in healthy ways.

Phase 1:

Beginning with the acronychal rise, Mars is retrograde for half of this phase and also at its brightest. Phase 1 ends when Mars returns to back to the original point in the sky (sign and degree) that it was at arconychal rise. Shamanically, Phase 1 is like the Call to Adventure or the start of the Vision Quest. It can also be seen as a birth and emergence as well as an early youthful period of time for the Masculine.

Phase 2:

This is the longest phase of the cycle and typically spans 10-11 months. During this phase of the cycle Mars meets the Moon on a monthly basis. In Shamanic Astrology, these are known as the Challenges and represent specific areas of growth for the masculine varying greatly on the sign and constellation that Mars is in. Phase 2 ends when Mars disappears in the glare of the Sun (15 degrees from Sun).

Phase 3:

This phase lasts 3-4 months and is known as the “underworld phase” and is a time of masculine surrender. From Earth, Mars is now on the other side of the Sun during this phase. Shamanically, it is celebrated as Native American Sundance of Okeepa initiation. It is a process of facing one’s fears and death/rebirth.

Phase 4:

This part of the cycle occurs when Mars is visible in the early morning, right before sunrise. This phase lasts 4-5 months. It ends when Mars re-enters the zodiacal sign that it was in at the acronychal rise.

Shamanically, this phase is about rebirth and growth, or harvesting the potent wisdom from the Phase 3 journey through the underworld.

Phase 5:

This phase begins when Mars re-enters the zodiacal sign of its original acronychal rise. Shamanically this represents the gift of maturity and elder wisdom. This phase ends when Mars reaches the zodiacal sign of its next undertone.

Phase Zero:

This is a period of gestation in preparation for the next phase of the Mars cycle. It includes metamorphic shift from one sign/archetype to the next, carrying with it the wisdom of the previous cycle.

The cycle ends at the acronychal rise / Mars-Sun Opposition.

Looking at the Western Astrology Approach, there are also 6 key phases, aligning with her movement and angles with the Sun:

Conjunction - Mars sits behind the Sun and is invisible as it is obscured by the Sun’s glare. This is symbolic of the “seed point” in the cycle, akin to a new moon. It represents a time of initiation, setting intentions, and beginning new actions. New energy & plans related to Mars begin to germinate.

Emergence - Mars as a Morning Star; Mars emerges from the Sun’s glare and becomes visible in the morning sky before sunrise. This is a period of growing awareness and active engagement. The seeds planted begin to take form. This is a time to act on new ambitions, confront challenges, and assert independence.

Opposition - Mars is Opposite to the Sun; this is when Mars is physically closest to the Earth, at its brightest, and is visible all night. This is considered the “Culmination” or peak of the cycle; akin to a full moon. Actions, conflicts, or themes come to full expression and it is a time for resolution or escalation of issues.

Retreat - Mars as an Evening Star; after its opposition, Mars begins to move away from Earth and appears in the evening sky after sunset. This phase represents a waning energy in the cycle. A time to reflect and integrate lessons learned during the peak; ie. analysis of results, adjust strategies, and let go of what is not working.

Retrograde - Mars appears to move backwards in the sky from the Earth’s perspective (an illusion due to the differences in orbital speeds between Earth & Mars). Mars slows down her external progress and invites an inner exploration into Mars energies (goals/action, anger, desire, conflict, and energy expenditure). This is an invitation to internally reflect on past conflicts, reassess desires and actions.

Return to Conjunction - cycle begins anew as Mars returns back to align with the Sun again.

The Mars synodic cycle aligns beautifully with the Hero’s Journey as it represents a cyclical process of growth, challenge, and transformation through the lens of our personal drive, courage, and the Divine Masculine.

• Call to Adventure - Mars Cazimi. The hero hears the call and begins his new journey. Your individual inner warrior is reborn with new desires, ambitions, and a renewed sense of purpose.

• Crossing the Threshold - Mars Evening Star Phase. The hero crosses into the unknown and the journey begins.

• Trials & Challenges - Mars Opposes the Sun. The hero’s story unfolds as he confronts external trials, allies, and enemies. It is a time of testing strength, courage, and resolve forcing you to confront fears and limitations. Emotional triggers and external pressures test your ability to stay focused, aligned, and in balance.

• The Descent & Ordeal - Mars Retrograde Phase. As the illusion of Mars moving backwards in the sky unfolds, so does this symbolize a backward motion on our journey. This is the chapter of deep inner work and integration. It is the dark night of the soul on our journey. The hero confronts their shadow, unhealed wounds, and inner demons. It is a time of reflection and re-evaluation. The Divine Masculine energy becomes introspective and invites you to evaluate how you take aligned action.

• The Atonement - Mars Direct & Emerges As the Morning Star. The hero integrates their lessons and emerges transformed. This is a period of clarity, understanding, and alignment with one’s true purpose. You will emerge with a renewed sense of confidence and drive. The lessons learned in retrograde help refine how you assert yourself and take action in the world. You will begin to engage in the world in a much more empowered way.

• The Return Home - Mars Approaches the Next Conjunction (New Cycle Preparation). As he moves closer to the Sun, he completes his cycle. The hero returns home with newfound wisdom and strength, ready to share their gifts with others and begin again on a new chapter of their journey. New rebirth and wisdom of your Divine Masculine Energy emerges.

As the Mars Opposition occurs today, it offers the reflection of clarity re. patterns of confrontation or empowerment that have surfaced:

• What situations or relationships in my life are testing my courage and assertiveness right now?

• What drives my actions today: love, fear, or anger? How can I align more with love, trust, and purpose?

• In what areas of my life do I need to reclaim my power and take action?

• How can I face challenges with strength and integrity instead of aggression or avoidance?

• Who or what is triggering me today and what lesson does this hold for my growth?

• What can I do today to balance boldness (Mars) with mindfulness (Sun)?

• Am I taking actions that align with my long-term goals and values or am I distracted by short term frustrations?

The Mars synodic cycle reminds us that most things in nature have a cycle and that attuning to that cycle can often impart wisdom and beautiful shifts in our alignment in life. As the classic phrase from the Emerald Tablet reminds us “As above, so below”, tracking Mars’ phases in your natal chart allows you to align your actions and ambitions with the natural rhythm of the cycle, enhancing your own personal effectiveness and growth.

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.