Counting blessings ~> Full Moon Gemini 2018

Full Moon Gemini 2018 @ 5:39gmt 23^rd November 2018

“When I started counting my blessings, my whole life turned around.” 

~ Willie Nelson ~

Freedom loving hippie bandana optional as now is the time to think BIG, count blessings, and remain optimistic! Because the naturally happy-go-lucky Sagittarian Sun is conjunct its ruling planet, Jupiter, over this multifaceted Full Gemini Moon; and the cheerful, open-hearted Jupiter doubles-up any feel-good factor. Whatever this Full Moon brings, it could be way more than most of us imagine – or bargained for!

Be the magnification good or bad, grandiose or pretentious, Jupiter’s presence in his home sign certainly rubs away some of the razor-sharp edginess that surrounded events during an abrasive start to this lunation on November 7^th. Some may still feel slightly shredded or even cut down to size; but Jupiter’s grand – every 12-years – entrance into his fiery home sign, Sagittarius, heralds a time of (calculated) risks and positive imprints, helping us to look forward and stay sharp, in the kindest and most generous way. 

Magnanimous Jupiter is the Cosmic Guru, whose natural dignity affords one to keep an open-mind and be philosophical in any circumstance. Especially with the Sun in the sign of The Archer’, now opposite the Full Gemini Moon. Far-sighted Jupiter in Sagittarius helps see beyond the dualistic thinking of fame and shame, praise and blame, loss or gain, pain and joy; and instead Sagittarius draws back the arrow in his bow to aim high and single-pointedly concentrate upon verity, ethics, and wisdom, thereby revealing much to be grateful for.  

All in all, Jupiter with the Sun in Sagittarius marks the start of a helpful 12-month cycle. Check your own horoscope to see which area Sagittarius lies, and note where in the sphere of your life you can start to expect to see expansion and growth – and potential success - and where all will be well, as long as any unrealistic expectation to any outcome is kept in check. 

When thunder-bolt vajra-wielding Jupiter, as King of Olympus, is next to the Sun, the energy of the moment can be electrifyingly awesome (and I don’t use that word lightly). But beware, Jupiter can also inflate the negative. As easily as the Sun with Jupiter highlights personal integrity and massively positive spiritual influences based on higher principles, truth and freedom; it can also accentuate overinflated egos based on prideful puffed-up self-belief. So best watch-out and note how Jupiter in association with any planet tends to magnify whatever that planet symbolises. 

As the Spirit of Sun now highlights ego, identity or persona, those with Full Moon birthdays have every right to be hopeful. But there is also a warning to heed: beware of overstretching in more ways than one. Remember that no one is infallible and mistakes can be made. Big ones – especially if one pompously oversteps the mark, so please take note. 

To add thrills and spills and more than a peppering of restlessness to the Full Gemini Moon, bolshie Mars is in hard aspect within a tight ‘Mutable T-square’ to both Sun and Moon. In fact, before culmination both Sun and Moon apply the tense and challenging T-square. Moon and Mars are first to escalate tension and square up to whatever challenge you are currently facing; swiftly followed by the Sun to Mars on the 26^th, just as the Full Moon is waning. There is little doubt, this is a fast, omnidirectional, and quickly changing Full Gemini Moon – a Full Moon that could inherently activate our natural wisdom and clear-light mind.  

How we think and what we say is always accented with Gemini, the sign of the twins. It’s interesting that for two reasons, even while the celestial messenger is retrograde, that Mercury plays an integral up-front part during this Full Gemini Moon ‘T-Square’. One is how the mind-motivating planet Mercury is the ruler of Gemini, the sign that contributes constantly moving variables to the events around this Full Moon. The other reason is that during a Mutable Square (in this case Gemini, Sagittarius and Pisces), it is quick-thinking Mercury that rises to the occasion to now become the agent of change – the messenger, negotiator and envoy who carries a magical caduceus wand, which can be waved in the direction where healing is needed.  

A three-week Mercury retrograde period reminds us that learning from the past is just as important as re-working the present (with current plans or ideas that could relate to academia, publication, spirituality or long-distant travel), all-the-while keeping an eye fixed upon a brighter future. Because Mercury is currently close to Jupiter, the key to ‘unlocking’ current problems is possibly found all the way back to events and situations related to last summer, which may have been just as confusing then as they are now. The talkative Gemini Moon influencing the retrograde Mercury encourages honest debate, especially now through Jupiter’s wider lens, looking at situations with an honest eye at facts and figures and potentially wild ideas. Again, a warning: to not indulge the hot air of unhelpful gossip that harms all parties, the gossiper and the gossiped.

Back in the summer (specifically late July-August, during a mighty strong eclipse), Mercury formed a triple closing square to Jupiter. At the time the munificent Jupiter and the celestial communicator urged us to look at the personal karma we can accidentally create; and how, by using our own unique gifts and talents (whatever they may be) we can recover to make a the world all right again – if not better than before. So, for the second Mercury retrograde in a row, Mercury is with Jupiter again; and we may be looking at how to share those personal gifts, as skills or teaching tools, particularly with those we have intimate connections, in order to power-share and reveal previously hidden information.

Whenever Mercury and Jupiter connect, there’s a tendency to over think (which can harm the body – especially the spleen); or we think we can do or deliver more than we personally can. Indeed, while its good to now stretch the imagination to far horizons – and mark the 27^th November and December 21^st as excellent dates to brainstorm with your chosen trusted few – be aware of making promises one cannot deliver. If you do take on too much, then be reasonable and recognise how it’s also human nature to let certain points fall away from our to-do lists, as we prioritise and select what we can realistically achieve with all the ‘big data’ at our fingertips that could lead to an information overload. 

Making sure we have the correct view or perspective is essential during this Mercury retrograde. Give yourself headspace if you feel that its needed. An open road can feed the Spirit. Going from 13° Sagittarius all the way back to 27° Scorpio, we could find ourselves striving for truth whilst at the same time delving into the unknown. Great for sorting out issues of trust and secret powers! But still you’re advised to triple check travel information or tax forms. Mercury will go forward 7th December, just in time to put much into place for the next, Solstice, Full Moon and 2019, as the NY begins with a philosophical Mercury pondering the bigger picture and higher truths.

Other astrological factors to consider during this Full Moon are:

   1)  An ‘out-of-element’ Grand Trine (three planets 120°apart), between the Sagittarian Sun and Jupiter, with the newly opened karmic gates of the Cancer North Node (and Capricorn South Node); plus the retrograde Shamanic Chiron, now back in watery Pisces. Two in Fire (Sun & Jupiter) and two significators are in Water, suggesting the flow of the collective is towards healing the emotionally and physically wounded. Thoughts and prayers go out now to all those affected by fire, flood and fear.

   2)  A powerful ‘Cardinal Cross of the Central Spiritual Sun’ sees the Nodal Axis of the Cancer and Capricorn open up karmic gates, while in square up to the long-lasting Venus-Uranus opposition, in Libra and Aries respectively; this Venus Uranus opposition has been a three-month long aspect, but is now coming to an end Dec 1^st. The Cancer-Capricorn alignment tends to delineate foundations and boundaries. This is good to bear in mind as the opposition between the Love Goddess Venus and liberating Uranus often brings up issues of freedom and closeness; in as much as when we get close to someone, an idea, or ideal, we can often, for whatever reason, shun any warmth, security, or familiarity because we sense (rightly or wrongly) we are being fenced in, or owned, or that by getting too close we show others who we really are – revealing a certain vulnerability we may care not to expose. It’s a tricky one. Primarily because love requires the freedom for others to be who they really are. If we try and hold onto to those who demand freedom then we essentially crush whatever friendship or nearness we had. Know that if love hurts, it isn’t love: “Love can never possess. Love is giving freedom to another. Love is an unconditional gift. It is not a bargain” (Osho)

   3)  A Mystic Rectangle creates practical magic between the Sun/Jupiter, in trine to the Cancer North Node, but in sextile to the Capricorn South Node; and the Gemini Moon in trine to the Capricorn South Node but in sextile to the North Node. Within this enchanting pattern are tools to help generate new ideas and spiritual strategies that can release any karmic baggage that holds you back from being truly creative.

   4)  Lastly, a conjunction forming between the phantasmagorical Piscean Mars and Neptune is worth mentioning now, even though it isn’t exact until the New Sagittarius Moon, Dec 7^th. This is because the imagination is stimulated, not to mention the best and most outrageous parties often happen when the Sun is in Sagittarius, when things can get delightfully psychedelic. Have fun by all means, but beware any toxicity (drugs or alcohol), as Mars is also a major part of the afore mentioned Mutable T-Square with Saggie Sun and Gemini Moon. Also watch out for the superficial and shallow. In Pisces, Mars heralds the spiritual warrior who brings light into the world with prayer and poetry, paint or prose. It’s an extremely sensitive position for Mars. Just as one can now radiate an inner authentic presence, escapist tendencies can also come to the fore, but so too can the power of prayer to bring about magic and miracles.

(Now, before I head out to the open road, where did I put my bandana?!)

Until next month and the Solstice Full Moon, this is Astro Dakini signing off for now.

One Love ~ One Heart ~ One World!

“When you meet a person with authentic presence, you find [s]he has an overwhelming genuineness, which might be somewhat frightening because it is so true and honest and real. You experience a sense of command radiating from the person of inner authentic presence.... He or she has an uplifted quality, which magnetizes you and commands your attention. This is not just charisma. The person with inner authentic presence has worked on himself and made a thorough and proper journey. He has earned authentic presence by letting go.”

~ The Collected Works of Chögyam Trungpa: Volume 8: Great Eastern Sun

with love & many thanks to unknown artist for fibonacci star xxx

◯ Full Moon in Taurus ♉☍♏ Sun in Scorpio ☉

✶Heightened Psychic Senses in Everyday Situations ✶

◯ Full Moon in Taurus ♉☍♏ Sun in Scorpio ☉

“That thing you call intuition? It’s your soul. You can trust it.” (anon)

☆ •°*☾ ◯☽ *°•.☆

From the astrological and elemental points of view the Taurus Full Moon on Saturday 4th November, @5:23UT, is Fixed Earth: tenacious, solid and strong. Please bear these simple but practical qualities in mind, because setting the astrological tone and holding sway over of this exalted Moon, in the sign of the earthy Bull, is the intense and complex, dramatic Scorpio Sun, as ‘Fixed Water’. Thus the powerful and intuitive water sign Scorpio now benefits from the stable Taurean influence, as Earth and Water can be extremely fertile: anchored in mud’s murky depths (Scorpio) the beautiful lotus can surely grow and flourish (Taurus). Earth also provides a container for Water’s acute sensitivity.

✶The robust Taurus tends towards a laid-back simple life, one that provides sufficient cuddles, finances, and food in the kitchen. A fine French wine may be a Bull’s prized possession; whereas Scorpio can seduce and share said vintage and transport both parties to discover previously hidden depths of the psyche. Scorpio may be shadowy and mysterious, but the 8th sign of the zodiac is also profound and perceptive, with an inexhaustible, deep well of concealed resources. This passionate sign of intimacy, secrets, shared assets and penetrative insights, doesn’t give up his or her secrets – or the Cabernet Sauvignon so easily: unless you are dealing with a the higher-minded Scorpionic clairvoyant, the one with x-ray vision who works an inner-wisdom that does not suffer fools too long, one generally needs to earn Scorpio’s trust.

Scorpio tends to wield the enigmatic with provocative control and a sexy sixth-sense precision to maintain a power base that brims with magical potential. And there is great astral news for Scorpio (and Taurus –and possibly other fixed signs Leo & Aquarius) to bring that potential into reality, as this is the only Full Moon in the Fire Bird year in which the Spirit of the Sun conjoins beneficent Jupiter, only recently moved into magnetic Scorpio. The celestial courier, Mercury, is also in Scorpio, albeit in late degrees, honing an eagle eye that could help one to seek and seize opportunities for growth and success, by concentrating the mind with Taurean determination and Scorpionic intensity.

Apart from the extreme nature of Scorpio accenting life, death and rebirth (easy on that red wine now, please), it is the starry blend of Sun and Jupiter when good things are cosmically bound to happen. Some might call it ‘luck’, but the Sun-Jupiter is a most astrologically preferred combination that nearly always represents good fortune and excellent timing. And, if whatever ‘it’ is that you have in mind when reading this comes into being, then give thanks; if not, Jupiter’s influence means it will be easy to be philosophical, keep spirits up, and move on: such is the nature of the sparkling duo, Sun-Jupiter. Incidentally, while this is the Full Moon exuding the most Jupitarian optimism, the exact hit of the glorious Sun-Jupiter Jupiter has actually already passed, since 26th October, with the waxing first quarter Moon, a traditional time of action; so some of you may already have experienced a boost to your system in one form or another (check your scope for 1-6°Scorpio to see how, what and where), which could have already been shared with the close and trusted, so that celebratory bottle may already be recycled. Events may still seem slightly exaggerated. In any event the Sun radiating with expansive, happy-go-lucky Jupiter gives a definite sense of hope, and situations surrounding this Full Moon could actually shed more than a little happiness – at the very least this Full Moon should show there is light at the end of the tunnel.

✶Most people want to better themselves and going up a notch, in status or self-esteem, is common whenever the radiant Sun is with generous Jupiter – as is taking risks due to the belief that one’s view is true. Indeed, the Full Moon in the sign of Taurus accents how much we value our self-worth. But we must also be careful not to become prisoners of our own desires. At the time of this Full Moon, the Scorpio Sun also aligns with two fixed stars: one is Alphecca in ‘Corona Borealis’ which suggests a crown is given – a reward or prize for being in the right place at the right time. But such nobility and dignity come not without a price. There is no such thing as a free lunch, it would seem – even when the Full Moon is in the sign of foodie-loving Taurus. As the Sun is also with a minor fixed star, Acrux, it implies that along with any rise, award, or bonus given right now, one must be realistic about what one can achieve purely through luck or love, charm or good looks, and be prepared to work at going through whatever life presents, good or bad. That said, while Acrux may present a cross to carry, the ancients saw the brighter star, Alphecca, as a precious jewel in a garland worn with honour and artistic ability, so much so that scandals that arise now may not even affect the subject’s status or standing.

This Full Taurus Moon is also exalted, meaning it is in the best possible sign to experience the stability and security found with the easily attainable: good food, happy company and pleasant surroundings can provide ample comfort and joy over this Full Moon weekend, as well as a time and place for planning one’s next success. Because this Full Moon also has the backing of arch-tactician, asteroid Pallas Athena – at the degree of the Moon’s exaltation, plotting future moves around the dining table may well be the making of something a lot more solid.

Both ‘Lights’, Sun and Moon, also make helpful aspects to outer planets, Neptune and Pluto, accenting transformative connections to our soul groups, as well as the legacy each generation leaves behind for those to come. Neptune in Pisces takes us into the oceanic realms of illusion and delusion, emptiness and bliss, compassion and charitable institutions (so that if anyone has one glass too many under full moonbeams, it will be easy to forgive if not forget). Pluto is Scorpio’s hard-hitting modern ruler who never overlooks anything, however; and Mars is Scorpio’s traditional ruler; so it’s good to note how Mars is now in his fall in Libra, and as such is on rear guard, softening negotiation but still driving the Full Moon horoscope’s locomotive formation with sweetly pushy and beguiling. It might also be worth noting here that in three decades of astrological study I have come to the conclusion that Pluto dominates those Scorpios who live and work for others (through altruism, diviners, and trauma professions: surgeons, psychology, undertakers, solicitors, detectives, police, chemists, researchers; miners, business people, architects, chimney sweeps and sewer workers also fall into Scorpio professions), while Mars generally has ambitions to be heroic with (someone else’s) cause to fight (soldiers, stock market, lawyers).

✶ Plutonic Scorpios are also acutely aware of the dark side; they inherently know that personal power corrupts but the non-ego-bound energy sustains. Battles waged can also be against Scorpio’s own demons. But one thing is certain during this Full Moon: it is the powerful planet Pluto which makes the most promising contacts to Sun and Moon, meaning we all get to play a part in a dramatic transformation that leads, eventually, to an all-or-nothing regeneration: in this we can think of own our part in holding course to maintain healthy water, for example (drink fresh, blessed and pure), and know that what we do now impacts upon at least seven generations to come.

✶ Psychic sensitivity is also heightened by any planet in Scorpio. And with Jupiter’s move into (tropical) Scorpio we can all expand more easily in this area over the coming year (until November 2018) should we want to touch base with intuition, or subtle body bio-energy, this is the year to do so. Scorpionic issues such as transforming our position on death, sex, taxes, will also be brought into our attention; sometimes by first being dragged through the mud before reaching the light.

✶ Those looking for answers, clues or messages from the unseen, as in the dream-world or intuition, won’t be disappointed. Though the message itself might seem rather cut and dried, mundane and plain, without any ‘spiritual’ frills, but still one should take note, as these are very insights that hone the way the mind perceives the world of the unseen and the subtle body energies. Some messages will have all-singing all-dancing bells ringing to awaken sky dancers into action. But mostly, over this Moon, intuition could seem rather prosaic.

✶Looking ahead, beyond the encouraging New Scorpio Moon 18th November, to the December 3rd Full Sagittarian SuperMoon, when Jupiter makes a Trine (120°) to Neptune. The Full Moon after this is almost celestially designed, if not on the path already, to open your heartmind to daily spiritual practice, whatever that may be: meditation, yoga, dance, music, prayer, mindfulness, all can deepen naturally. With Jupiter in good aspect to oceanic Neptune there will be no need to push, but to restez-zen in one’s flow. So that by January 2018, when the Fixed water Scorpio Jupiter harmonises with the Earthy Capricorn Pluto, through a sextile (60°), a personal transformation will almost certainly be felt. Pluto in Capricorn is only still half way through its passage of the majestic and formal Capricorn, so is still to fully renovate traditional but outworn authoritarian structures (with Pluto Cap connections) by 2025.

For now the challenge for the Scorpionic Jupiter’s Fixed Water is not to languish in darkness, grappling with good or evil, but to transform such polarity from deep within. Fixed water Scorpio has the ability to overcome the poison of ignorance and desire by slaying the internal nine-headed hydra through complete self-trust, psychological insight and an unbreakable will. Sifting through all the dross that comes to surface in difficult times is Scorpio’s task. Scorpio gets down, deep and dirty into the heart of any vortex, even into the cellular level of our body, with subtle body awareness that has the power to transmute and be reborn.

On an elemental note, Water is a living structure that gets depressed when polluted. It’s the same with us; the more polluted our water the more likely we are to be low energy. Each minute cell of water is like a pane of information that ‘holds’ vibration and resonance within the ‘shape’ of its structure. Recognising that most living beings are also made of 70% water, we now know it is not the constitution of water, H2O, which is important, but the structure water creates as it weaves and waves and changes in flow, spin and vibration. Each drop of water within and without can be also purified in many ways by going through a change in structure, from gas to liquid, for instance, or solid to liquid, as well as by the power of intent, thought, mantra and word. One drop of water is actually a treasure to cherish, a potentially beautifully-charged hexagonal star shaped celebration of life, in love, with thanks (as per late water Guru Masaru Emoto).

With Cosmic Life-Coach Jupiter in Scorpio for most of 2018, ‘Fixed Water’ will provide celestial keys for conscious personal growth and collective regeneration. As the winds of change alter directions and currents, the water within the heart wells of purified loved will transform.

✶ And while this is the Full Moon I would usually advise to look out for obsession, jealousy, hidden desires, certain fascinations have now naturally reached a point of sudden change, especially those desires appertaining to relationship and finances, beauty and bravery. Go easy now. Particular associated might find such change disruptive. Be aware the Venus opposition Uranus, freedom-closeness dilemma is rearing its head, for relationships with loved ones as well as peer groups could make everyone now question the freedom to be one self. Thus, events around this Full Moon could reverberate until Easter 2018, when Venus and Uranus come together again.

✶ Closing this longer than usual Full Moon report from the Halloween Full Moon illuminating our collective and personal resources, as each of Earth’s hemispheres now begin to circle towards the Wheel-Turning Solstice Yule, when we will be welcoming of ‘Time Lord’ Saturn into his very own Capricorn domain(to join Pluto 2020): a very interesting evolutionary time indeed!

Before that, however, Buddhists will be celebrating Lhabab Duchen, and Buddha's descent from the Realm of the 33, November 10th, at the last quarter moon 💙🙏💦

Sending LOVE on the moonbeams and thanks for Buddha Nature image 🙏💚