New Moon is always a time of excitement and possibilities. A new cycle is beginning, new visions are forming and it is an opportunity to move on and leave the past in the past. This New Moon is a particularly welcome opportunity, coming right on the heels of a difficult Mercury Retrograde.

The Virgo New Moon brings a focus on practical issues and problem solving – just what the doctor ordered for recovering from a retrograde that began in Virgo. It’s a good time to take stock of your situation, see where you have veered off track, and get yourself going in the right direction.

You have probably developed bad habits, quit making progress on certain projects, neglected your regular routines a bit… Under the diligent Virgo Moon it’s tempting to ‘get back to normal’, and put things back exactly as they were before the retrograde. However, in the spirit of evolution we move upward and onward. Even in the little things, change is inevitable, and going backward is rarely desirable.

To reap the benefits of a Mercury Retrograde, you need to use it as an opportunity to learn. You see things from a different perspective and the little glitches that come up often point out problem areas that were being ignored.

Those habits, routines, schedules, projects and good intentions that fell by the wayside during the retrograde have probably left some areas of your life in a bit of disorder. The benefit of disorder is it gives us flexibility. It’s time for new habits, routines, and schedules. It’s an opportunity to address those issues Mercury brought to attention. It’s a time to evolve and progress in the little ways.

There is a focus on wisdom and understanding. The New Moon falls in near exact trine to Saturn – the planet of wisdom and structure. Although Saturn is a notoriously difficult force to work with, he is on his best behavior here. The trine is an aspect of harmony, and Saturn is particularly compatible with the sign of Gemini. This aspect is excellent for endeavors involving learning, teaching, and planning – think long term.

The day after New Moon, energies of Neptune will predominate. He begins his own retrograde cycle June 2nd, and forms square with Mercury the next morning. This is a planet known for causing confusion, and this will be a noticeable side-effect for a couple of days. Beyond that, Neptune is known for stirring inner dreams, and connecting us with other worlds and realities – both in the realm of spirituality and fantasy.

The energies of Neptune and Saturn, being heightened at the time of New Moon, carry throughout the waxing phase. The wisdom of experience and the vision of potential join – or clash. It may be difficult at times to make decisions or sort out details. There is a sense of stability vs. flexibility, and guarantee vs. possibility. Where the two energies are most compatible is enlightenment in the search for better understanding – of self, of others, or of circumstance. As an added bonus, answers to other difficult questions often present themselves along the path in this search.

The Virgo New Moon has a contemplative, thoughtful quality. This is a sign of purification and refinement. It is also a Mercury ruled sign, making it highly susceptible to the retrograde. Although New Moon is typically a good time for beginning new projects and endeavors, it’s not advisable this time.

The focus of this Moon lies in it’s ruler, Mercury. The general advice for a Mercury retrograde is review, look at things from a different angle, see what you’ve been overlooking. This is a Virgo retrograde, and that energy is enhanced by the New Moon in Virgo. This is a rather analytical sign, known for fault-finding.

The aim of Virgo is improving, refining, perfecting and purifying. The method is an efficient and practical one – beginning with exposing all that is less than ideal. With Mercury retrograding in Virgo, it sometimes feels as if Murphy’s Law ("if it can go wrong it will") is in full effect. And it is, for a reason. If it can go wrong, there is a flaw allowing this to happen, and exposing this flaw allows you to fix it.

New Moon brings the seeds of a new cycle; a new vision is beginning to form. The vision of this critical Virgo Moon is not likely a pleasant one. Throughout the waxing Moon – especially with new clarity after Mercury goes direct – there is an increasing awareness of imperfections. There is a restless discontent building. The vision forming is one of all that we have been settling for, making do with, letting slide, putting up with…

From the time Mercury goes direct on the 12th, the overall energies are shifting. Subtle undertones begin building – a sense of something heavier, darker, more potent. It is a time for facing inner struggles as well as outer ones. There is a strong sense of the need for purging or releasing.

Pluto follows Mercury, ending his retrograde cycle the very next day. It may mean some serious glitches around the 12th and 13th, so expect this retrograde to end with a bang. However, after a few days, when the energies begin to settle, clarity will begin to return. After the confusion of Mercury retrograde, heavily infused with vague Neptune aspects near the end, it may seem a sharp contrast. There is a sense of being snapped back to reality, like a fresh breath of startlingly cold air after exiting a hot, stuffy room

The highlight of the waxing Moon comes as Jupiter conjoins Neptune on the 18th. It is a whirlwind of chaotic and exciting energy passing through just as we are coming out from under the retrograde spell. Avoid making spontaneous decisions around this time, especially important ones. There is a sense of urgency, of "act first, think later". Anything to break out of a rut may sound appealing – and may be just what the doctor ordered, but not without a little grounding thought first.

This Waxing phase is building towards a powerful series of events. On the 21st the Sun reaches opposition with Uranus and Jupiter, on the 22nd Mabon, and on the 23rd Full Moon. Waning Moon, waning year, and waning Sun-Jupiter/Uranus cycles mark a powerful time of endings, release, purification… Spiritually of otherwise, it is a time for decrease and elimination of that which has completed it’s cycle, or has became detrimental rather than constructive. This Waxing Moon is painting a painfully clear picture of just what that is.

New Moon in Leo is traditionally a playful, high-spirited time. Self-expression, pride, and creativity are crucial to Leo. While this Moon certainly fits the bill for being high spirited, we will see the qualities of Leo in a not-s0-playful way much of the time.

To begin with, the New Moon is sandwiched between Venus opposing Jupiter, and Venus squaring Pluto. This potent energy will resonate throughout the waxing phase. This definitely puts a few bumps in the road relationship-wise (romantic relationships or otherwise). Those deep, painful issues that have been avoided and arguments put aside are likely to put themselves front and center. Some interesting new relationships can be developed under this Moon, but they will carry a certain quality of tension and conflict. This can be exiting, mind opening, and stimulating – all with a dramatic Leo flair. However, the undercurrents run deep, so don’t move too fast.

Beyond relationships and human inter-reaction, Venus relates to values, desires, and loves of any kind. Indulgence will be a common theme this month. While a bit of self-indulgence is a good thing – and probably much needed – beware of the temptation to overindulge. This is especially true as there will be an abundance of situations where you can’t get what you want, and it’s so easy to compensate with an excess of what is available (i.e. comfort food).

The energies of these Venus aspects carry throughout the phase because they occur so close to New Moon. However, they are far from the only potent aspects we will experience this waxing phase.

On August 16th Jupiter opposes Saturn. This is a classic struggle between structure and growth; security and opportunity; caution and enthusiasm. You have no doubt been experiencing these effects, at least off-and-on, throughout the year. Brace yourself for a peak time of it around the 16th.

The grand finale of the waxing phase comes only a few days before Full Moon. On August 20th Mercury goes retrograde, and on the 21st Saturn squares Pluto. The most difficult part of a Mercury retrograde is typically the beginning and end. For a period of 5 or 6 days surrounding the moment he changes direction, extra caution is advisable. With Saturn squaring Pluto, a triple dose of extra caution is advisable this time as Mercury turns retrograde.

Saturn and Pluto are two of the most formidable planets. On an emotional, psychological or spiritual level this square represents the integration of wisdom and power. It’s a time of transformation, accessing the depths of inner strength and rediscovering embers of long-lost (so you thought) inner fire. Notice the common theme of inner. Mercury retrograde turns our attention inward, which is exactly where it needs to be for this kind of work.

Unfortunately, retrograding Mercury isn’t so compatible with things requiring our attention be focused on the outer world of tangible realities and logical practicalities. That is where these aspects really get tough.

The Pluto-Saturn square is responsible for a great deal of the recent large-scale social and political conflicts. It is a time of uncertainty, and major re-structuring. These same themes of conflict, instability, and crumbling of long-standing structures plays out in each of our individual lives in some way. Decisions made and actions taken just as they square can have a much more dramatic impact than expected. Decisions made and actions taken when Mercury is retrograding, especially just as he changes direction, are all to often regretted later.

Throughout this Waxing Moon with it’s ups and downs we continue to feel the fire and zest of Leo. It can provide the needed boost to face the challenges head on, and fearlessly seize the opportunities thrown our way. It can also inspire us to throw caution to the wind and later really wish we had hung on to it. As always, the key is balance. Fear and carelessness are the stumbling blocks most likely to trip one on the twisting, winding path this Moon guides us down. Step over or around these obstacles, and you may find it to be an exciting, rewarding path.

Full Moon is the time of enlightenment, challenges, emotions and – most of all – power. The Moon Goddess and the Sun God are face to face, illuminating, reflecting, attracting and repelling. The light, growing and building for two weeks – has reached it’s dramatic climax. We see the shower of lovely silver light, cast upon the dark earth. We feel the power of this direct Sun-Moon contact.

Lunar lore abounds; a great portion of it centered around the Full Moon. This single event provides more evidence and documentation of astrological influences and the power of the Moon than anything else. It is also fodder for a lot of paranoia and unnecessary drama. Not every Full Moon is wild and crazy. Not every Full Moon brings about dramatic events. Some are rather peaceful, gentle, and mild. Not this one. This month, she lives up to her reputation.

An Aquarian Moon is potent, and this one falls in amazingly close aspect to Uranus, the ruling planet of Aquarius. He is the planet of dramatic changes, freedom-seeking, alchemy, and totally unexpected events. Beyond this, we also have Jupiter squaring Pluto, and Saturn opposing Uranus the day before and after (respectively) Full Moon. As you may know, these are major aspects, part of a configuration (Grand Cross and T – Square) that is shaping the long-term instability and upheaval this year.

In short, the skies are busy this Full Moon. And busy in a rather chaotic, dramatic fashion.

The winds of change are blowing

It’s difficult to pin-point the theme of this Moon, with so much going on and Uranus being notoriously unpredictable. However, if I had to sum it up in a word that word is change. Besides the highlights mentioned above, there are many changes imminent or quite recent I won’t even attempt to list. Full Moon – literally, emotionally, and spiritually – brings illumination, reflection and revelation. What this Moon reveals are the changes coming or happening now. Even more importantly are the changes needed.

There is unrest and uncertainty in the air, it’s an ongoing phenomena. We all see and feel it personally, spiritually, romantically, globally, politically, socially, environmentally… The list goes on and on.

It’s human nature to resist change, yet seek it. Under current aspects, it may feel like resist or seek are far to mild of terms. You feel changes looming, threatening, and somewhere in your mind is the thought "just don’t rock the boat". On the other hand, is the sense of stagnation, the overwhelming feeling that something’s got to give, a craving for change so strong you don’t want to just rock the boat – you want to turn it over and freely swim, or trade it in for a plane and get out of the water!

Depending on your chart, and your life, you may find yourself facing issues of change on several fronts. Some things just have to go, while others represent frightening instability. You may (and most likely will) even feel both sides of the board on the same issue.

Wherever the focus of upheaval in your life, that is where this Full Moon shines the brightest. The light cast by the Full Moon is that of the Sun reflected. This reminds us to use Full Moon for reflection in our own lives. If changes you’ve worked long and hard for are beginning to come to fruition, you may be getting cold feet. When you’ve fought change until you are weary, yet still it looms, you may be tempted to just give up in defeat – or fight to the death (figuratively). The challenge here is to stop, think, and reflect before you give up, charge forward, or back down.

This Moon speaks to the soul, though the mind may try to answer. Reflecting upon your life, self, challenges and opportunities does not mean practically analyzing – at least not right now. The reflection that is needed here is within – deep within. Let your soul speak, and let your mind listen. This is a crossroads, at time of opening and closing doors.

On the surface lies tough decisions, challenges and frustrating circumstances. On the surface it takes some common sense and determination to best cope with what you are confronted with on a given day. What about beneath the surface and beyond the day?

In the long-term, we are in a time of shaping destiny. We see that globally in political, environmental, and social struggle. Progress vs.. tradition. Each, in their own way, seem promising and frightening. There is a feeling we must choose one or the other, go back or continue on. Yet too much has changed to go back as it was before, and too much has changed to continue on where it was meant to go. This same feeling resonates within each of us and our individual lives.

In the short-term, this Full Moon is a powerful time, a potential turning point in the bigger things. When we can not go forward or back, we must blaze a new trail. That can be exciting, frightening, and intimidating. Whether your chosen method is ritual work, karmic work, spiritual work, and/or practical planning and hard work – the common theme is work, and a lot of it. Even in a spiritual/esoteric sense, when the word "work" has pleasant connotations not associated with labor – it still requires a patience, commitment and input of effort.

The temptation is to retreat, or continue pushing the direction you’ve been trying to go even if you are not getting anywhere. The opportunity is to heal old wounds, remove energy blocks, break addictions, release negative emotions… end whatever is holding you back. The challenge is summonsing the creativity, bravery, strength, enthusiasm, and power to make it happen. The reward is opening a path reflective of your true self, spirit and soul rather than one reflective of old wounds, outgrown ideals, and external influences.

July brings us one of the most powerful New Moons we’ve seen in a while, as it is also a total Solar Eclipse. Although only a small portion of the world will actually see the eclipse, we will all feel it.

A New or Full Moon is an astrological aspect (conjunction or opposition, respectively) between the Sun and Moon. An eclipse is the same aspect involving not only Sun and Moon, but Mother Earth as well. We – Earth and her children – are not only viewing an aspect, feeling it’s effects, we are part of it.

Eclipse are feared and dreaded by many. To be fair, they bring their share of chaos and crisis. They are guaranteed to be markers of dramatic change. Eclipses are powerful – and power can be problematic. That does not mean eclipses are an ill omen, or an event of evil energy. Just the opposite. The awesome power of an eclipse is that of Mother Earth. As she joins in the event (New or Full Moon), it’s level of energy and power are magnified – dramatically.

New Moon is the conjunction – occurring when the Sun and Moon are in the same place. Under a Solar eclipse, the Sun, Moon and Earth join. For a brief moment (actually the Total Eclipse lasts 5 minutes), the energies are perfectly aligned, the portals open, the Deities merging… We are reminded that we are one with Mother Earth; one with fellow man; one with the universe.

This Eclipse falls in the Moon-ruled sign of Cancer, enhancing the deep, emotional, spiritual (Lunar) energies. Eclipses mark change, and this one may mean change at a very deep soul-level. Beneath the conscious mind, beneath what we the subconscious mind, runs a deeper and more potent current. One that can’t be labeled ‘mind’ as there is no logic, no thoughts formed of words, no facts-and-figures calculation. This Moon speaks to the heart, soul, spirit, and emotional body.

The strongest aspect to this Moon is a sextile to Mars. The sextile, (considered a harmonious aspect of opportunity) is an active aspect – it stirs things up, although in a good way. Mars is a planet of action, and currently occupying the ever-practical Virgo. While the most significant effects may be taking place at a level the conscious mind can’t comprehend this aspect give the perfect outlet for manifestation.

You may feel the effect on your mood, thoughts, intentions and actions in a very grounded, decisive way. You may find yourself suddenly having a crystal clear perspective on certain situations; finding the determination to eliminate or pursue something you’ve needed to for a long time; focusing – or fixating – on some need in your life… There are many possibilities, including the possibility of external rather than internal effects. If you are not able or willing to face your challenges – whatever they may be – you may find them rising up in front of you so there is no choice but to face them.

Whatever conscious, physical, manifested effects you notice, remember they are a reflection of the deeper, emotional evolutionary effects. If you are ridding your life of something (or someone) with a great passion, chances are you’ve purged yourself of some deep-down negativity that you aren’t even aware of. If you are pursuing a brand new goal with excitement and enthusiasm, chances are you have opened a ‘door’ internally. The Eclipse-Mars sextile encourages us to take immediate and efficient action to synchronize our physical/conscious existence with the evolution of spirit/soul.

What house in your natal chart this Eclipse falls in can give you an idea of where in your life it is likely to effect. Here are a few (on MANY examples to give you an idea)

1st house: new starts, self image, relocation, strength, personal power, chosen path

2nd house: money, resources, skills, tools and supplies,

3rd house: learning, teaching, siblings, neighbors, books, chants,

4th house: home, privacy, inner self, secrecy of beliefs, alter, covendom, family traditions

5th house: children, creativity, inner child, recreation, awareness, manifestation

6th house: health, pets, routines, duty, belief system, harvest, purification

7th house: relationships, partnerships, balance, unity, harmony,

8th house: psychology, realism, debts, sex, reincarnation, merging

9th house: travel, culture, education, religious beliefs, laws

10th house: career, community, authority, public openness of beliefs, high priest(ess )

11th house: goals, maturity, community, initiation, psychic connections,

12th house: endings, confinement, development, visions, dreams, psychic abilities

Jupiter and Uranus entering Aries has provided a burst of energy, lighting the fire so to speak. They have set the stage well for Saturday’s busy Gemini New Moon

Naturally, New Moon is when we turn our attention to new starts, new projects, and new ideas. Gemini puts a definite emphasis on the new ideas. It might be wise to keep a memo book handy for jotting down all those random thoughts and plans – especially if this Moon aspects your natal Mercury.

Gemini energy is prone to be scattered and busy, like the highly active, often hectic days of early summertime. This is the last sign the Sun passes through in the Spring season. All the abundant growth and new life of Spring is just beginning to mature, and beginning to choose a path in life. The world just seems to open up with infinite possibility and opportunity. The natural tendency of Gemini is to explore, experiment, think, learn and experience.

New Moon occurs at 21 degrees Gemini – approaching a trine to Neptune and square to Saturn.

The trine, a harmonious aspect, serves to soften some of the potential for hectic chaos in the Waxing Moon. Neptune provides a creative, spiritual, and freely flowing quality – as well an increase in mental Air energy (as Neptune is in Libra).

The square, a challenging aspect, will put a few bumps in the road. Saturn, being the planet of boundaries, can put a damper on new plans or making changes. This square may be just what is needed to bring some of the restrictions and interference to the surface, where it can be addressed – likely with some clever and creative solutions.

While this New Moon, and the following waxing period hold tremendous potential, there are a few pitfalls to watch out for. The biggest one is scattering your forces. With a rush of new ideas and enthusiasm it can be quite easy to charge forward, full steam ahead – in all directions. The obvious result of this, is little accomplished in any direction.

Overall, with a little caution and common sense, this Moon is teeming with opportunity. Whatever you are trying to accomplish, or get started – take it and run with it (wisely).

It is an excellent time for any information and communication related endeavors. This includes the magickal and spiritual realms. This Moon and waxing phase are good for divination, writing your own chants/spells, contacting spirit guides (or other spirits), making or purchasing magickal inks and papers, any spells involving a written ‘wish’, making talismans, and spells using predominantly Fire and Air elements.