Full Moon is a time known for high energy, and high tension – especially with an eclipse. This one is no exception, in fact an opposition to Mercury only serves to increase it. Mercury is the planet of communication and mental function (as we are reminded of every retrograde). However, he is also the planet of dates and details; random bits of information; loose ends left hanging… In other words, Mercury represents all those little things we don’t want to think about when we are aiming high.

As the Full Moon tends to illuminate all that falls within her scope, we find the issues of Mercury to be in the spotlight. All the little things that stand in the way of something big can preoccupy a great deal of one’s attention. They can also be more important than we give them credit for. This phase may be, in may ways, a time of making small changes which have big consequences, or facing small details which are symbolic of bigger issues. Beware, however, if you are looking for reasons not to face the real problem, this Moon can provide you with plenty of them.

Mercury retrograde has a way of making us lose perspective, and usually that is a good thing. We look at things differently, get new ideas, new understandings about ourselves and our lives. Usually, though, it’s difficult to completely sort them out and digest the new ideas/information until the retrograde is over. In the mean time, we are fumbling around in the dark to a great extent.

With Mercury retrograding in Aries, and many other planets also currently in Aries, there is a particularly imbalanced blend of energies. On the opposite side of the Zodiac – all alone against 5 Aries planets – stands Saturn in Libra. As the planet of patience, structure, wisdom and restriction, Saturn is at odds with this retrograding Mercury in influence as well as sign placement.

Less than a day before becoming full, the Moon conjoins Saturn. She will carry his energies into the Full Moon and waning cycle. Strengthening this effect is Mars opposing Saturn the day after Full Moon. This can be a volatile aspect in the best of circumstances. Under these circumstances it can be the last straw to make tempers boil over or problems spin out of control – so be careful how you use these energies.

Under this Moon obstacles can seem insurmountable, and irritations unbearable. On the other hand opportunities or temptations can seem irresistible. Whatever the case, you may find yourself feeling like the grass is greener on the other side of the fence. In some way, wherever you are now suddenly isn’t where you want to be. Energy is high, the atmosphere is turbulent, and many will experience the urge to just run with it… or run from it… or just blindly run.

This Libra Moon is simply illuminating imbalance in our lives; injustices we have committed or experienced; and love we have failed to give or receive. A potent dose of Saturnine energy is pushing us to make sense of this retrograde, fix whatever is wrong, fixate on what is right and bring stability to the chaos. Easier said than done amidst a virtual whirlwind of energies.

This is, typical of Mercury retrograde, a time to reflect more than act. At least remember to look – closely – before you leap. Full Moon and the following waning phase can be the most productive, enlightening portion of the retrograde. However, it might take a few deep breaths, self-lectures, or long peaceful walks to keep the presence of mind to make the best of it.

Odds are, whatever you’re confronted with isn’t as bad as it seems. Unfortunately, ideas and opportunities may not be a good as they seem either. Often, aspects like this bring up things that need to be ‘blown out of proportion’ to catch our attention. It may well be a sign that you need to finally put a stop to this or gather your forces and go for that (whatever this and that are predominate in your life right now). But your first inclination of how to go about it – and how forcefully to go about it – may not be the best approach.

These energies are likely to bring a feeling of wanting to – needing to – take control of your life, your future, your problems, and opportunities. There is the sense it’s time to get a handle on the situation. So, how does the desire to get things under control so easily lead one to spin out of control?

Full Moon is a powerful time. This one can give us a powerful look at the heart of the matter. With Mercury retrograding, whatever external factors are involved the heart of the matter usually lies within. When things aren’t going right it’s easy to look around for who or what is to blame. It’s not so easy within.

Believing that you have the power to change your life is usually all you need to change your life. If you believe it, deep down in your core rather than just thinking it over and over in your conscious mind. Often, the biggest stumbling block to this is realizing if you can do it today, you could have done it yesterday.

It’s human nature to feel guilt, and blame ourselves even for things beyond our control. It’s also natural to hide those feelings from the conscious mind, even if they are valid. This Moon asks us to accomplish a difficult feat.

Take responsibility for our past mistakes and failure to take opportunities or overcome obstacles. Turn regrets into determination to do better, rather than excuses to do nothing. Accept what we are not to blame for; accept the unknown quality of the future and our own limitations. Turn that acceptance into peace, allowing us release unfounded self blame and focus on what we can do something about, rather than letting it breed a feeling of helplessness and an excuse not to try.

This can be some of the most difficult psychological terrain to navigate. These are the nagging issues surfacing in the subconscious, bringing a subtle internal resistance to what we are feeling all charged up to accomplish. This is when it’s all too easy to look outside for the source, and find an easier to face explanation for inner turbulence – therefore magnifying, and misplacing that turbulence. A healthy dose of self-honesty, striving for balance, and patience to think things through are the cure.

What is the Supermoon?

March 19th brings us a quite powerful Full Moon. This is the much hyped Supermoon – a peak point in an 18 year Earth/Moon cycle. At the peak of the cycle the Moon is not only closer to Earth, but also brighter, (appears) larger, and more astrologically powerful – hence the Supermoon title.

Historically, phenomena such as earthquakes and floods tend to occur more often – and stronger – at the peak points of this cycle.

The Japan quakes may well turn out to be the most major world crisis we will see from this Moon. Although the event occurred a few days prior, I believe it was triggered by Uranus’s volatile entrance to Aries. However, World event prediction is not my specialty so I will not attempt to guess what exactly we will see happen globally.

Full Power – Full Moon

This Moon is powerful for more reasons than her close proximity to Earth. This Moon falls very close to Ostara (Spring Equinox). The 8 Wiccan/Pagan Sabbats are naturally days of power. Ostara brings this Moon an extra dose of power – an element of pure life force, and indication of new beginnings. Likewise, the Full Moon adds power and a sense of chaos or urgency to the coming Spring season.

This Moon, near opposing Uranus, carries a strong element of change. This is, of course, a quite redundant statement for the many, many people worldwide effected by the tragedies in Japan. In fact, we are all effected by the shockwaves sent through the Ether. However, there are other changes occurring – not all bad.

On a personal level this Moon illuminates where change is needed, as well as where change occurring. In meditation and personal reflection it is a time to ask yourself what in your life needs to be released.

What old habits are detrimental? What plans are you still pursuing though your heart’s desires have changed? What relationships are not working anymore? What negative thought patterns are holding you back?

This Moon is a time for releasing, purging, cleansing, and purifying. The Virgo Moon is noted for rather harsh influences. This is a sign related to matters of health, work, responsibility, and fault-elimination. As she faces the Pisces Sun you may find illusions, delusions, dreams and beliefs challenged.

Your biggest challenge is sorting out the delusions from dreams. It is a time to be honest with yourself. Where you feel the need to make changes, take the initiative to do it rather than fooling yourself into believing status quo is working. Where you find circumstances beyond your control foisting change upon you it is time to face it head on – accepting the inevitable, or directing it if possible.

Your personal chart, and individual circumstances will determine how challenging or inspiring the powerful forces of this Moon feel and manifest in your life. Whatever the case, energies are clearing the way for new beginnings. The coming season is one of growth, fire and life force.

In ritual, or other spiritual practice include a strong element of protection and elimination of negativity. This helps direct these ‘winds of change’ to clear obstacles and unwanted elements from your life, rather than creating chaos. Use the energy to end stalemates, break habits, eliminate negative thinking patterns, end or change unhealthy relationships, overcome addiction, and break spells.

One final, very important note. Please, everyone keep the people of Japan in your hearts and thoughts. Never underestimate the power of positive thinking. It is more than a tool to have a good attitude about your own life. Sincere good wishes are spells preformed entirely mentally. They do manifest in positive ways. Positive energy, love, and belief in healing from around the world are needed just as much (in any disaster) as economic aid, or any other kind of aid the rest of the world can offer.

Full Moon – Aug 24 9:04am PST

Experiencing the Dreamer’s Moon

Full Moon in Pisces has a bit of a surreal, dreamy quality. This Moon falls amidst some of the most difficult astrological aspects we’ve seen in some time – not to mention that Mercury recently turned retrograde. Still the Pisces Moon feels somehow peaceful and hopeful. If you are fortunate enough to have clear skies on this night, take a moment for Moon-gazing. Chances are, you will feel the magick.

Full Moon is a time of illumination and revelation. Under this Moon those revelations are internal, and powerful. Don’t expect sudden new awareness, like flipping a switch. That isn’t how Pisces Moon works. Like the Sea, gradually eroding, drawing, seeping and gently flowing – this Moon can open inner realms without your conscious mind even being aware of it.

There is a bit of a wait-and-see feeling to this Moon. As overall difficult conditions (including Mercury) continue, the mundane physical world continues in a state of confusion and perpetual irritation/mishaps. It just seems a bit surreal and disconnected. You may find yourself thinking, feeling or reacting a bit differently than usual with no idea why. Dreams, daydreams, fleeting thoughts, and wistful moments may be your best clue. Unfortunately, clues may be all you have for a while.

Throughout the waning phase, and until the retrograde has passed, the after effects of this Moon will continue unfolding. The most important thing to do on this Full Moon doesn’t actually involve doing anything. It is about feeling, experiencing, and – most of all – opening yourself up.

Your deepest emotions, wounds, desires, fears and hopes often don’t fit well with current situations, plans or social structure. These things get pushed farther back, and deeper down until you lose touch with little pieces of yourself. Vital, powerful little pieces. Now, they are ready to surface. Not in sudden dramatic fashion, but slowly bubble to the surface. This Full Moon, making powerful aspects to Pluto, provides the crack in that inner wall, allowing it to begin seeping out.

The Power of Pluto

The ongoing T-square configuration of Jupiter, Uranus, Pluto and Saturn is particularly strong this month. All aspects involved are less than 4 degrees apart on Full Moon. However, this Moon brings an opportunity to find a bit of peace, and balance in middle of chaos. The Full Moon is sextiling Pluto, with the Sun trining Pluto. Easy, harmonious aspects to a key planet in the disharmony we’ve all been feeling – that is the gift this Moon has given us. They are called easy aspects, but it’s not a guarantee they are easy to work with.

Pluto is a planet of depth, darkness, and power. Here, darkness does not necessarily mean evil or bad. Those areas may be Pluto’s territory, but so is the dark of the Moon and the dark of the year. He is ruler of the underworld, and of death/rebirth as well as occult matters. These are topics most people find uncomfortable, though Pagans typically don’t shy away from them – giving us an edge in navigating Plutonian realms.

The least-discussed planet in the T-square, Pluto is arguably the most important. This is the source of power, and the grounding force. Much of Pluto’s influence is buried so deep within – or alternately happening on such massive scale – it doesn’t even feel like anything is happening.

Uranus is breaking down walls; Saturn is presenting long-overdue karma; Jupiter is opening doors and redefining beliefs. These kinds of things define and describe the events going on, so they get the attention. So, what is Pluto doing so important , without even being noticed? He’s providing the power. He is drawing from and speaking to the depths of your soul. Pluto is the force assuring the energy of these forces isn’t wasted on the subtle or shallow. Nothing less than raw, soul-level reality will satisfy Pluto.

The Sun-Moon aspects to Pluto lend extra power to spell working, but use this power at your own risk. Magickal practice, like anything else, is susceptible to miscommunication and undesirable results under a Mercury retrograde. There is, however, a very retrograde friendly use for the power. The most important thing to remember during a retrograde is that our attention is naturally turned inward.

Navigating this Moon

This Moon is a good time to focus on any areas you feel stuck – internally. Writers block, emotional blocks, repressed memories, faded inner fire, energy blocks… Effects can vary greatly, but we all occasionally suffer from self-inflicted blockages and repression. Usually, we don’t even know what they are. We simply know "this won’t go right"; "I can’t go there", or "I just don’t have it in me.."

Think about whatever feels blocked, let yourself contemplate and imagine. You don’t need answers, or certainties. Not this minute, not today. You just need to be willing to go there and you will find, over the next month or so, that elusive clarity forming all on it’s own. You won’t even realize what has came to light, until you look back at the uncertainty you felt under this Moon.