Geocosmic Archetypal Integrative Astrology

A wonderfully auspicious Sun/Venus trine Jupiter at the Sep 2-3 Gate of
Inspiration sets the tone for September and this month seeds what will be in
the great year 2012. Moon mid-Scorpio (Ace of Cups or Hearts) at this Gate
aligning with Venus heals hearts to relate at a new level of being. “Mercury
Prometheus” rising before the Sun brings new fire to mortals, this brings 3
months of world changing new discoveries, inspiring social interchange and
successful enterprise. Couples will partner successfully in world service and
in business as this influence grows. The Moon Hare Festival / Harvest Full
Moon Sept 10-12 is time to “extract the elixir” and glean the essence of the
passing year to share in community moving into Fall. All is weighed and
balanced on the scale of Libra at Autumn Equinox Sept 23-25. As the Sun
moves through Libra, the sign of Egyptian goddess Maat, balance is restored
within and all that makes hearts the heavy is let go so it becomes as light as
the Feather of Truth. That deemed worthy by the Goddess of Truth will be
powered on during the 10 Holy Day / 9 Nights celebration Sept 29 - Oct 8.

The appearance of the lunar crescent Sept 28 begins a 10 day / 9 night period
when the world is recreated according to Cherokee, ancient Chinese, Hindu
and Greek Mystery traditions. All say this 7th Moon of the zodiacal year is
when the world was first created and is recreated each year. During these 9
Nights (Hindu Navaratri) Kali is welcomed into homes to consume the old
year's discord and Cherokee celebrate "Nuetiegwa” the Big Medicine Moon.
Cherokee women dance from the time the crescent appears until the Moon
sets in order to help the world be reborn. This dance continues for several
evenings. Re-creation in spirit makes way for the New Year (2012!) to be.
All fortunes turn on the tide of the 7th Moon.

White Rabbit! Sep 1 – Magic Beginnings
Say ‘White Rabbit’ first thing today for luck this month. Rabbit is magic,
psychic alchemy and the Moon. #1 days are symbolized by the Magician
card in Tarot, this is when the magician pulls another rabbit from his hat.

Gate of Inspiration, Sep 2-3 (4 pm - 4 pm edt) – Dance to Be Free
A Muse Gate opens every 40 days, 9 each year. Whatever blocks our flow
comes before the Gate to be let go. It’s time to release body tensions that
hold outmoded ways of thinking and feeling. Breathe deeply and move
freely (dance!) to shed the old and be present to the energy and opportunities
of the new time.

1st Quarter Moon, Sep 3-4 (1:39 pm 9/4) – Time to Choose
This Moon is like a scythe cutting across the sky, it's time to cut free from
trappings of the past and affirm our purpose moving forward. Sacred to the
Druids, this Moon is pivotal in the cycle of creation. Choices made now are
likely the right ones. Breathing deeply through the light of the crown frees
energy flow up and down to power our dreams.

Going Out of the Signs Sep 3-12 – Happy Endings
The best time to break addictions or eliminate attachments is when the Moon
wave moves down beyond vital organs from Sagittarius (thighs) out through
Pisces (feet). Now we can more easily let go outmoded patterns of being and
eliminate toxins physical, emotional and psychic. It’s purging time again and
with Sun in Virgo we’re bringing in the harvest and brooming out the chaff.

Moon Hare Full Moon, Sept 10-14 (exact 5:27 am 9/12) – Illumination!
Each Full Moon brings revelation and opportunity for healing body, mind
and soul. Meditation, deep breathing, music, dancing help open to receive.
2011 is a Year of the Rabbit and Rabbit magic comes forth most at this Full
Moon of Virgo. This is the Harvest Moon, a time to separate wheat from
chaff. The Moon Hare pounds herbs extracting the “Elixir of Immortality”
as our psyches pound out the good from the year. Gathering the Elixir now
is key to our psychic alchemy. The Full Moon is like a pitcher that pours out
this elixir, we just raise our cups to receive. Energy flows for 3 days after.
Revelations come in dreams, chance encounters and flashes of inspiration.
It’s magic time!

Moon at the Equator, Sep 11 10:32 pm - 9/12 8:45 am – Imagine!
Lunar 0 Points are cosmic balance times for creative imagination. Moon at
the Equator going North is time to envision what we wish for the future.

and move freely (dance!) to shed old ways and be present to the power and possibilities of the time.

3rd Quarter Moon, Sep 19-20 (exact 8:39 am 9/20) – Realizing Dreams
This Moon cuts away all that distracts from putting dreams into action. 3rd
Quarter integrates new ideas into creative expression; it's time to follow our
bliss and do what feels good in concert with the whole.

Autumn Equinox, Sept 23-25 (exact 5:05 am 9/23) – Balance Within
Maat, the Egyptian Goddess of Justice, stands on the western horizon
holding a scale with a human heart on one side and feather on the other. This
is our time to let go whatever makes the heart heavy so it becomes as light as
the feather of Maat. All that’s heavy (personal and global) comes up now to
be released. How to let it go? Breathe and release, breathe and set free. Maat
is Libra, Libra is air element. Emotions convert from one form to another
through the action of the breath - especially at Fall Equinox and Sunset hour.

Balsamic Moon, Sep 23-26 – Make a Wish!
The Balsamic Moon is the Wishing Moon: a time to put wishes on the air.
Needs felt now invoke response from the new lunar cycle. The deeper we
feel the more we call forth from the new lunar cycle. Also called Witches
Moon, this is a time to bring others to mind for healing. Feeling invokes
healing, as we feel we heal.

Dark of Moon/New Moon, Sept 26-28 – Going Within
The day before New Moon until Sunset a day after is ideal for inner work to
seed the new cycle. The New Moon (7:09 am 9/27) is like a cosmic spring
that flows freely as we slow down. This is when mystics descend to drink
from the magic well within.

Crescent New Moon, Sep 28-30 – Time to Sow
It's time to bring forward what we wish be realized. Farmers plant seeds
when the crescent appears, seeds are fertile on every level. This time favors
all new beginnings. At the sighting of this 7th Moon, Cherokee women begin
their creation dance, the 9 North Star Spirits start their descent (China), Kali
enters homes to consume the year's discord and initiates gather at Eleusis
to receive the Mysteries. Moon magic is strongest Sunset to Moonset when
the Moon is in the 7th House. Meditation now opens doorways, wishes take
wing, prayers bring blessings for this Moon and the New Year to be.

Michaelmas Sept 29-30 Celebrate!
Michaelmas is a harvest festival and an arts festival when people come
together to share creative fruits of the year. Work is done, it’s time to play.

Steve Nelson is a professional astrologer who uses Tarot, name analysis,
and traditional astrology to help clients understand personal myths and
realize natural abilities. He can be reached at 704-375-3759 or email
stevenelson@carolina.rr.com

August begins with a great rush of energy and a lot of fireworks as Mars
aligns with Betelgeuse, the great red star of Orion believed to signal the
beginning of a new Age. Venus trine Uranus August 1 adds exciting new
dimensions to our relationships, while Sun square with Jupiter signals
impending transformation and the promise of greater things to come.

This is the month to bring forward that bold new project we’ve had in mind,
it’s time to take the initiative, put our best foot forward, make that proposal.
Most significantly, this is when we are all given the opportunity to come out
onto the world stage, each in our own way. Here we will find that we’re all a
part of and contributing to an integral beingness, a planetary consciousness
some call the mind of Gaia, others the mind of God. Yes, this August Sun in
Leo brings us into a new state of being where we can discover who we are; it
begins an 18-month period when we realize the special gift that we bring and
know the part that we are to play in this new creation. Now we will begin the
great Global Initiation when Earth and humanity as a whole enter a state of
enlightened awareness, now we will know who we are together for the first
time. This universal shift in consciousness starts soon after the New Mercury
cycle begins on August 16, and it coincides with the old 5-day Egyptian
New Year when the heliacal rising of the dog star Sirius signals the rising of
the Nile. The Arab Spring becomes a global awakening as this 2011 rising of
Sirius before the Sun initiates a new Age of Enlightenment on planet Earth.

Leading up to this great awakening there is much work to be done Aug 2-16
as the ending of an old Mercury cycle (and Moon “going out of the signs”)
facilitates the breaking down of our old state of mind. The future depends on
us; to the extent we can let go of our old ways of thinking and being, to this
degree we receive the blessings of this new state of mind. A fun way to help
release the old and open to the new is to go to a mountaintop Aug 6-8, picnic
there and celebrate.

Lammas / Lughnasa, August 1-7 – Illumination
Fiery August begins with Lughnasa celebrating the Celtic Sun god Lugh.
Also known as Lammas or Loaf-mass, it is traditional to share bread of the
first harvest to ground, make flesh, the illumination this time brings. The
celebration climaxes Aug 6-8 when the Sun is at mid-Leo/mid-Summer.

Crescent New Moon, Aug 1-5 – A Time to Sow
It's time to bring forward what we wish to be realized. Farmers plant seeds
when the crescent appears, seeds are fertile on every level, new beginnings
are favored. Moon magic is strongest Sunset to Moonset when the Moon is
in the 7th House. Meditation now opens doorways, wishes take wing, and
prayers bring blessings through the lunar cycle. Mercury with the crescent
stimulates communications and brings unexpected good news.

Ramadan, Aug 1-28 – Fasting by day and feasting by night diminishes the
yang and nurtures the yin source of inspiration. This is the 9th month of the
Islamic lunar calendar. Mohammed received the Koran from the archangel
Gabriel, the angel of the Moon. The blowing of Gabriel’s horn calls all to be
born out of the tombs of old forms, the horn is sounding now.

Mercury Retrograde, Aug 2 (12:50 pm) – Clearing Out the Old
The next 14 days (until 9 pm 8/16) are ideal for finishing up old business,
not good for beginning new. It’s time to relax and clear the slate for the 8/
16 New Mercury that will bring us into a new state of mind. Simplifying
communications and eliminating mental clutter prepares our minds to open
to the bright new possibilities that will be coming through.

1st Quarter Moon, Aug 5-6 (7:08 am 8/6) – Time to Choose
This Moon is like a scythe cutting across the sky, it's time to cut free from
trappings of the past and affirm our purpose moving forward. Sacred to the
Druids, this Moon is pivotal in the cycle of creation. Choices made now are
likely the right ones. Breathing deeply through the light of the crown frees
energy flow up and down to power our dreams.

Lammas/Lughnasa Cross-Quarter, Aug 6-7 – Illumination
The Lammas cross-quarter (exact 4:44 pm 8/7) culminates at the mid-
Leo “power gate of fire” when mountain top picnics and celebration are
favored. Bread shared now (hence Lammas or "loaf mass") is imbued with
special energy like the Hobbits “Lammas bread” that sustains them in their
quest. Dreams and portents now predict what will be in the new cycle. The
Aug 6 Feast of Transfiguration celebrates the mountaintop illumination of
Jesus.

Going Out of the Signs Aug 7-16 –Breaking Habits, Weaning Babies
The best time to break addictions or eliminate attachments is when the
Moon wave moves down below vital organs from Sagittarius (thighs) to
Pisces (feet). Now we can more easily let go outmoded patterns of being and
eliminate toxins physical, emotional and psychic. It’s purging time.

Moon Out of Bounds South, Aug 8-9 (4:47 am 8/8 – 10 am 8/9)
As the Moon "rides low" below the zodiac our inner world is illuminated.
This is a time to go below the surface, do original research, change habits
and renovate our inner world.

Leo Full Moon, Aug 12-13 (exact 2:57 pm 8/13) – Love and Revelation
Each Full Moon brings revelation and opportunity for healing body, mind
and soul. The Full Moon is like a pitcher pouring out a healing elixir that
meditation, deep breathing, music and dance can help us open to receive.
Energy flows for 3 days following. Revelations come in dreams, chance
encounters, and flashes of inspiration. Leo rules the heart and it is home
sign to Sol, the cosmic source of love. The Sun in Leo Full Moon keynote
is: "May the wellspring of Love find in us an unimpeded channel"

Moon at the Equator, Aug 15 3:35 pm - 8/16 1:40 am – Imagine!
Lunar 0 Points are cosmic balance times for creative imagination. Moon at
the Equator going North is time to envision what we wish for the future.

New Mercury, Aug 16 – New Mind for New Time
As Mercury crosses between Earth and Sun a new 4-month cycle of creative
thinking, communication, invention and commerce begins. A New Mercury
brings a new mind set for a new time. This Leo New Mercury brings a
special magic and focus to realize our dreams. We will have 3 months to
bring this magic down to ground.
and move freely (dance!) to shed old ways and be present to the power and
possibilities of the time.

3rd Quarter Moon, Aug 21-22 (exact 8:5 pm 8/21) – Realizing Dreams
This Moon cuts away all that distracts from putting dreams into action. 3rd
Quarter integrates new ideas into creative expression; it's time to follow our
bliss and do what feels good in concert with the whole.

Moon Out of Bounds North, Aug 22-23 (8:50 pm 8/22 - 7:40 pm 8/23)
All are more open-minded and ready for change, new ideas are successfully
shared. This is a good time to start a new business, have a social gathering,
share opportunities, make announcements and bring new discoveries to light.

Point of the Sphinx, Aug 23 – Balancing Forces Within
The Egyptian Sphinx half lion/half woman is celebrated at this Leo/Virgo
cusp, it is illustrated in the Tarot card Strength. Aug 23 begins the 5-day
Egyptian New Year that signals a new renaissance on Earth. During this
time the riddle of the sphinx will be solved and the magic of the sphinx, the
balance between spirit and primal nature, will be realized.

Balsamic Moon, Aug 25-27 – Make a Wish!
The Balsamic Moon is the Wishing Moon: a time to put wishes on the air.
Needs felt now invoke response from the new lunar cycle. The deeper we
feel the more Moon magic we invoke for the new lunar cycle. Also called
Witches Moon, this is a time to bring others to mind for healing. Feeling
invokes healing, as we feel we heal.

Dark of Moon/New Moon, Aug 27-29 – Going Within
The day before New Moon until Sunset a day after is ideal for inner work to
seed the new cycle. The New Moon (11:04 pm 8/28) is like a cosmic spring
that flows freely as we slow down. This is when mystics descend to drink
from the magic well within.

Crescent New Moon, Aug 29-31 – Time to Sow
It's time to bring forward what we wish be realized. Moon at the Equator
going south 8/29 3:40 pm - 11:50 pm seeds special magic for this time. All
new initiatives are favored now. Moon magic is strongest Sunset to Moonset
when the Moon is in the 7th House. Meditation now opens doorways, wishes
take wing, prayers bring blessings for the new time.

Steve Nelson is a professional astrologer who uses Tarot, name analysis,
and traditional astrology to help clients understand personal myths and
realize natural abilities. He can be reached at 704-375-3759 or email
stevenelson@carolina.rr.com

July begins with another New Moon/Solar Eclipse, this one in imaginative
Cancer aligned with the Morning Star Venus and the Pleiades star cluster.
An eclipse is Mother Nature’s most powerful editing tool: when an eclipse
occurs above, things get eclipsed here below, outmoded patterns are let go
so the new can come through. A solar eclipse is positively transformative as
we learn to detach from what is breaking down and shift attention to what is
breaking through. Energy bound in old forms is released powering dreams
to be realized. The more shadow patterns are transformed, the more energy
is freed for new creation. The world is ready for change. An eclipse of the
Sun is an opportunity to change whatever we wish at the deepest level. All
that’s needed is to be still and go within where the power of transformation
lies. The July 1 Solar Eclipse begins a transformative month with many
dramatic breaking downs and many wonderful break throughs. As old
patterns break, new worlds emerge. The Druids considered a Solar Eclipse
most important because it is key to recreating the world. The eclipse chart
maps what is to be: Eclipsing Sun square Saturn in Libra is breaking down
old patterns of relating, Mars in Gemini trine Saturn brings effective new
systems of communication that build new organizations, new partnerships
and successful new businesses. Gemini Venus trine Neptune in home sign
Pisces quickens psychic awareness and soul connection with the greater
mysteries and the awakening planetary consciousness. A new world is
emerging, we’re on the edge of a new creation and Venus represents the new
that is breaking through. All things Venus (apples, roses, copper) can help us
harmonize to recreate our world. This is a time when whatever two or more
agree will come to be. The trick is to agree, full agreement is key and this
can only come from the soul with its awareness of the whole. A rose on the
table may be just what is needed to help our hearts unfold.

New Moon Solar Eclipse, July 1 – Going Within, Clearing the Way
The day of the New Moon until Sunset the day after is ideal for inner work,
a time for relaxing within to let go the old cycle and clear the way to seed
the new. This Solar Eclipse (exact 4:54 am edt) brings great changes, how
these changes play out depends in part on what we choose to bring through.
Cancer is a sign of imagination, what we imagine now will come to be.

Crescent New Moon, July 2-6 – A Time to Sow
It's time to bring forward what we wish be realized. Farmers plant seeds
when the crescent appears, seeds become fertile on every level, all new
beginnings are favored. Moon magic is strongest Sunset to Moonset when
the Moon shines through the 7th House. Meditation now opens doorways,
wishes take wing, prayers bring blessings through the lunar cycle. Mercury
with the Crescent Moon trine Uranus stimulates communication bringing
surprising communiques and unexpected good news.

Independence Day July 4 – Time to Declare Our Freedom
Happy Birthday America! This country was founded on the day the Sun
aligns with the bright star Sirius, a mystic key to Liberty. This is a day
to celebrate our freedom and the freedom of all the peoples of the world.
Freedom is affirmed in a shower of fiery sparks. Happy 4th of July!

1st Quarter Moon, July 7-9 (2:29 am 7/8) – Time to Choose
This Moon is like a scythe cutting across the sky, it's time to cut free from
trappings of the past and affirm our purpose moving forward. Sacred to the
Druids, this phase of the Moon is pivotal in the cycle of creation. Choices
made now are likely to be the right ones. Breathing deeply through the light
of the crown frees energy flow up and down to power our dreams.

Moon Out of Bounds South, July 11-13 (7:45 pm 7/11 – 6:15 am 7/13)
As the Moon "rides low" below the zodiac our inner world is illuminated.
Outmoded patterns of belief and behavior are revealed and more easily
let go. This is a time to go below the surface, do original research, change
habits and renovate our inner world. The best time for bringing change
within is late evening July 11 when the Moon nears bright red Antares,
Scorpio’s star of death and transformation.

Sundance Full Moon, July 14-17 (exact 2:40 am 7/15) – Illumination
Native Americans call this Sun in Cancer Full Moon the Sun Dance Moon or
Vision Quest Moon perhaps because it reflects most powerfully the light and
spirit of the Sun. Every Full Moon is a time of revelation. Meditation, deep
breathing, music and dancing help us open to receive blessings. Movement
is key. Spiritual energies flow through for 3 days following the Full Moon.
Revelations come in dreams, chance encounters, and flashes of inspiration.
In a year of great change, this Sundance Moon is an opportunity to realize
our soul’s purpose and open to those changes we wish/intend.

Moon at the Celestial Equator, July 19 7:22 am - 5:25 pm – Imagine!
Lunar 0 Points are cosmic balance times for creative imagination. Moon at
the Equator going North is a time to envision what we wish for the future.

Gate of Inspiration, July 23 – Dance to Be Free, Release and Receive
A new Gate opens every 40 days and these are the stations of the 9 Muses.
This July 23 Muse is Terpsichore, ‘the lover of dancing.’ It’s time to let go
bodily tensions that hold outmoded ways of thinking and feeling. Breathe
deeply (inspire) and move freely (dance!) to shed old ways and free energy
for new creation. This Gate marks the Feast Day of St Mary Magdalene.
and move freely (dance!) to shed old ways and be present to the power and
possibilities of the time.

3rd Quarter Moon, July 22-24 (exact 1:02 am 6/23) – Realizing Dreams
This Moon cuts away all that distracts from putting our dreams into action.
3rd Quarter Moon integrates new ideas into creative expression. It's time to
follow our bliss and do what feels good in concert with the whole.

Moon Out of Bounds North, July 26-27 (5:39 am 7/26 - 4:03 pm 7/27)
Everybody is more open-minded and ready for change as we enter the higher
world of freedom and imagination. New ideas are successfully shared. This
is a good time to start a new business, have a special social gathering, share
opportunities, make announcements and bring new discoveries to light.

Balsamic Moon, July 27-29 – Make a Wish!
The Balsamic Moon is the Wishing Moon: a time to put wishes on the air.
Needs felt invoke response from the new lunar cycle. Also called Witches
Moon, this is a time to bring people to mind for healing. Feeling invokes
healing, as we feel we heal. The deeper we feel the more Moon magic we
invoke for the next lunar cycle. Balsamic Moon / Sun trine Uranus invokes
innovative discoveries that will change the world.

Dark of the Moon/New Moon, July 29-30 – The day before New Moon
until Sunset a day after is ideal for inner work to seed the new cycle. This
New Moon (exact 2:40 pm 7/30) is a cosmic spring that flows freely as we
slow down. Nostradamus calls this "the day of Diana, a time for silent rest."
This is when mystics descend to drink from the magic well within.

Steve Nelson is a professional astrologer who uses Tarot, name analysis,
and traditional astrology to help clients understand personal myths and
realize natural abilities. He can be reached at 704-375-3759 or email
stevenelson@carolina.rr.com

The year is a wave of creation rising from the Spring Equinox and cresting
at the Summer Solstice June 18-24. Riding this great solar wave are 30-
day lunar waves modulating cosmic energy from the Sun. Moon magic
seeded by the solar pulse at New Moon comes to flower at the Full. June
begins with a New Moon / Solar Eclipse aligning with the star Aldeberan
(the eye of Taurus the bull) in productive trine to Saturn in Libra. Saturn
moving forward in Libra brings life work, aspirations and all our relations
into focus and balance. Businesses are successfully organized/reorganized
and relationships (new and renewing) will flourish. June is the month of
Juno, the partner of Jupiter, Gemini is the Lovers card in Tarot. The lovers
Venus and Mars begin the month together in close parallel with Aldeberan,
the bright star identified with Tarot Key 12 The Hanged Man. Now all the
people come forth who are to play significant roles in 2012. Many of these
individuals will be in twos and together they will turn the world upside
down. A new world is being born and whatever two agree will come to be.
When an eclipse occurs above things get eclipsed or eliminated here below,
this is global editing time. Whatever two agree should not be will be no
more. As patterns break energy is freed for new creation. With Neptune at
home in Pisces all people become more or less psychic, mystically inclined
and collectively conscious. With Neptune parallel Spica, the star of the
Empress, all become more attuned to the consciousness of the Earth as a
whole. The last shadows of the old world come before the Solstice gate to
be cleared, then the new world begins. Uranus (Prometheus) at the celestial
equator in Aries signals global revolution politically and spiritually. Old
political structures break down as soulful new leaders emerge. Saturn moves
forward building new social and political systems that accord with the new
Aquarian Age. On June 10, just as Saturn begins to turn around, the airy god
Mercury goes Out of Bounds North (6/10- 6/27) bringing people throughout
the world into a higher, more inclusive, state of mind. The hundredth
monkey now awakens.

New Moon Solar Eclipse, June 1 – Time to Go Within, Clearing the Way
The day of the New Moon until Sunset the day after is ideal for inner work,
it’s time to let go the old lunar cycle and prepare to seed the new. The New
Moon (5:03 pm) is a cosmic spring that flows freely as we slow down. This
is when we descend to drink from the magic Moon well within. An eclipse
is Mother Nature’s editing tool: when an eclipse occurs above, things get
eclipsed here below, outmoded patterns get eliminated,. This New Moon /
Solar Eclipse begins a month of transformation with many break downs and
wonderful break throughs. As old patterns break, new worlds emerge.

Moon Out of Bounds North, June 1-3 (11:03 am 6/1 - 12:28 am 6/3)
Everybody is more open-minded and ready for change as we enter the higher
world of freedom and imagination. New ideas are successfully shared. This
is a great time to start a new business, have a special social gathering, share
opportunities, make announcements, bring new discoveries to light.

Crescent New Moon, June 2-6 – A Time to Sow
It's time to bring forward what we wish be realized. Farmers plant seeds
when the crescent appearsseeds become fertile on every level, all new
beginnings are favored. Moon magic is strongest Sunset to Moonset when
the Moon shines through the 7th House. Meditation now opens doorways,
wishes take wing, prayers bring blessings through the lunar cycle.

1st Quarter Moon, June 7-9 (10:11 pm 6/8) – Time to Choose
‎This Moon is like a scythe cutting across the sky, it’s time to cut free from
trappings of the past and affirm our purpose moving forward. Sacred to the
Druids, this phase of the Moon is pivotal in the cycle of creation. Choices
made now are likely to be the right ones. As we breathe free and focus on
the light within we power our dreams.

Moon at the Equator South, June 8-9 (6/8 5:34 am – 6/9 2:08 am)
Lunar 0 Points are cosmic balance times ideal for creative visualization.
Like Sunset, 0 Point South is a time to connect in and seed the new cycle.

Gate of Inspiration, June 11 – Dance to Be Free, Open to Receive
Gates of Inspiration open every 40 days beginning with Spring Equinox.
Each Gate is the Station of a Muse. The June Muse is “the beautiful voiced”
Calliope, the muse of epic poetry. She signals its time to speak our mind.
Whatever inhibits inspiration comes up before the Gate to be let go. Energy
clearing is done through stretching exercize, deep breathing and dancing (3
times clockwise to open the Gate). Breathe deeply and move freely (dance!
) to let go old ways and become present to the power and promise of the new
time. Letting go physical and psychic tension frees energy for new creation.

Moon Out of Bounds South, June 14-15 (11:48 am 6/14 – 10:09 pm 6/15)
As the Moon "rides low" below the zodiac our inner world is illuminated.

Outmoded patterns of belief and behavior are revealed and more easily let go. This is a time to go below the surface, do original research, change habits and renovate our inner world. The best time for bringing change is early evening June 14 when the Moon approaches transformative Antares,
the bright red star in Scorpio.

Sun in Gemini Full Moon, June 14-16 (exact 4:14 pm 6/15) – Illumination
Each Full Moon is a time for revelation and opportunity for healing body,
mind and soul. Meditation, deep breathing, music and dance help open to
receive blessings from on high. Moon magic flows strongly for 3 days after
Full Moon. Revelations come in dreams, chance encounters and flashes of
inspiration. Spring tide crests now and Venus is empowered to bring love
and harmony to the world.

Summer Solstice, June 21 (exact 1:17 pm) Free the Soul!
Solstice means “still standing Sun”. The Summer Solstice continues 3-4
days culminating on Mid-Summer’s Day June 24 when the Sun begins to
move southward again. Key rituals of Summer Solstice are fire leaping and
freeform dance. We leap a small fire (a candle will do) three times to release
whatever needs to be let go. Dancing clockwise around fire clears astral
shadows that impinge on our realm. Toning and chanting clear the throat to
bring “a joyful noise” to the world. This is the time to leap Mid-Summer fire
to shed shadows past and free the soul to be fully embodied in the world.

Moon at the Celestial Equator, June 21 - 6/21 10:47am - 8:53 am 6/22
Imagine! Lunar 0 Points are cosmic balance times for creative imagination.
Moon at the Equator going North is a time to envision what we wish for the
future. Uranus at the Equator parallel the Moon seeds 7th ray magic

3rd Quarter Moon, June 22-24 (exact 7:48 am 6/23) – Realizing Dreams
This Moon cuts away all that distracts from putting our dreams into action.
3rd Quarter Moon integrates new ideas into creative expression. It's time to
follow our bliss and do what feels good in concert with the whole.

Mid-Summer’s Eve / Day, June 23-24 – Celebrate, Dance to the Music
Midsummer is the peak of the year "when magic is most potent and fairies
become visible." Vital energy is elevated in plants and trees and devas are
more apt to be out and about. Snakes shed their skins at Midsummer and so
can we by leaping fire and doing the dance. Shedding body armor clears the
windows of perception so fairies become visible.

Balsamic Moon, June 27-29 – Make a Wish!
The Balsamic Moon is the Wishing Moon: a time to put wishes on the air.
Needs felt invoke response from the new lunar cycle. Also called Witches
Moon, this is a time to bring people to mind for healing. Feeling invokes
healing, as we feel we heal. The deeper we feel the more Moon magic is
invoked for this new cycle. Venus and Mars with Balsamic Moon brings
new creation and new love.

Moon Out of Bounds North, June 28-30 (6:52 am 6/28 - 8:18 am 6/30)
All are more open-minded and ready for change as we enter the higher world
of freedom and imagination, New ideas are successfully shared. This is a
good time to start a new business, have a special social gathering, share
opportunities, make announcements and bring new discoveries to light.

Dark of the Moon/ New Moon, June 30 – The day before New Moon (7/
1 4:54 am) until Sunset a day after is ideal for inner work to seed the new
cycle. New Moon is a cosmic spring that flows freely as we slow down.
Nostradamus calls this "the day of Diana, a time for silent rest." This is
when mystics descend to drink from the magic well within.

Steve Nelson is a professional astrologer who uses Tarot, name analysis,
and traditional astrology to help clients understand personal myths and
realize natural abilities. He can be reached at 704-375-3759 or email
stevenelson@carolina.rr.com

This magical month of May opens with a powerfully invocative Balsamic Moon / Wishing Moon and a fabulous 6-planet (plus Moon!) line up in Aries, the sign of innovation and pioneering action. Many new leaders come forth, destined connections are made, great works are done and many earth changing wonders will be revealed in this month and Moon.

As the Sun moves through Venus ruled Taurus, Nature flourishes and the Spring tide crests. Now Venus is empowered to bring love and harmony to the world. As Venus and Mars tango in the morning sky, many new couples will come together who have a destined role to play in this special time. Where two or more are united in spirit the new world will come to flower.

May begins on Walpurgis Night/May Eve with bells, women dance with ankle bells, and spoons beat pots to chase out demons. These practices clear the way for the May Day Gate of Inspiration. Psychic shadows show up just before the Gate to be cleared. As shadow patterns are broken energy is freed for a new creation. May Eve /May 1 is a super magical Gate of Inspiration. Dancing clockwise around a May Pole or Liberty Tree now sets our soul free, brings joy to realize our destiny. 

Beltane (bright fire) festivities culminate on May 5, the Spring cross-quarter day when the Sun crosses the Taurus midpoint, the power gate of the earth element. Ritual passage 3 times between twin fires (2 candles will do) clears astral shadows of disease so health physical and psychic will be insured for people, pets and livestock. Bel, the Sun spirit (our soul) now enters into the fullness of this auspicious Spring brimming with potential to realize dreams. 

Other cosmic highlights this month include a fortunate conjunction of Venus and Jupiter on May 11. This cosmic pairing signals the coming together of a number of dyad relationships that are instrumental in creating a new Heaven on Earth. The May 4-17 waxing Moon brings opportunities for success and personal fulfillment in extraordinary ways. Many consider the May 17 Wesak Full Moon the year’s most powerful. Creative spiritual energies crescendo during this Full Moon period May 15-19.

May is the month of Maia, mother of Mercury. 2011 is a Year of Mercury, the inner ruler and guide of Aries, the sign of Initiation. The New Mercury that began in Aries April 9 brings a new mind set for this new time. May 9 Mercury leaves its retrograde “shadow loop” striking out to go where no one has gone before. Exciting breakthroughs in global communication come now along with inventions that will revolutionize the global economic, political and cultural order. Mercury rising before the Sun is “Mercury Prometheus” bringing new fire to mortals. This Aries Mercury cycle favors all new enterprises moving forward, New Mercury magic is cooking up, Gaia is awakening!

May Day Gate of Inspiration, May 1– Dance Free, Open to Receive 

May Day brings in new light, dancing around a Maypole sets the soul free.  Gates of Inspiration open every 40 days beginning with Spring Equinox; each Gate is the Station of a Muse. Clio “the Proclaimer” is the May Day Muse. Clio holds the scroll of fame and fortune; those who gain her favor become stars. Whatever inhibits inspiration comes up now to be cleared. Psychic clearing can be done through yoga, deep breathing, and freeform dancing (after 3 times clockwise round to set the circle). Releasing tension frees energy for new creation.

Crescent New Moon, May 4-8 – A Time to Sow 

This Moon tide energizes whatever it touches; it is the time to bring forward what is to be realized. Farmers plant seeds after the lunar crescent appears (Sunset May 4) when seeds become fertile on every level. New beginnings are favorable. Seeds sown in our inner garden now will flourish through this lunar cycle. Moon magic is strongest Sunset and Moonset when the New Moon shines through the 7th House. Meditation now opens doorways, wishes take wing and prayers bring blessings through the lunar cycle.  

Beltane Cross-Quarter Day / Cinqo de Mayo, May 5 (exact 5 am edt)

The Beltane celebration culminates May 5 when bonfires light the night. Fixed sign midpoints focus energies of the 4 elements, Beltane focuses earth energy.  Beltane fires fix the vital spirit in earth and stone fertilizing natural growth. “This was the time of fruitfulness, and the time to plant. During Beltane (May 1-5) the Druids performed magical rites to encourage the growth of cattle and crops, and honored Belinus, their Sun god. Dancing was done in Sunwise direction, and torches were carried around the fields following the Sun’s path."-Of Ritual Fire and Feasting, Victoria Williams

Moon Out of Bounds North, May 5-6 (4:06 am 5/5 - 7:27 pm 5/6)

All are more open-minded and ready for change as we enter the higher world of freedom and imagination, New ideas are successfully shared now. This is a good time to start a new business, have a special social gathering, share opportunities, make announcements and bring new discoveries to light. 

Mother’s Day, May 8 – Honoring the Divine Source of All Life

May is the month of Maia/Mary, the World Mother. Today we honor and celebrate our mother and other mothers throughout the world. 

Mercury Out of Shadow, May 9 – It’s a New World! 

Venus aligns with Mercury just as the winged messenger completes the “shadow loop” path covered during Mercury retrograde. Now it’s time to strike out into new territory, a new world awaits us. Mercury is the Hierophant guiding our way and bridging between the worlds.  

1^st Quarter Moon, May 10-11 (8:05 am 4/11) – Time to Choose

This Moon is like a scythe cutting across the sky. It’s time to cut free from the trappings of the past and affirm our purpose moving forward. This time was sacred to the Druids, it is pivotal in the cycle of creation. Choices made now are likely to be the right ones. As we breathe and focus on the light within we power our dreams to be realized.

Moon at the Equator South, May 12 (11:55 am - 8:17 pm) - Meditate

Lunar 0 Points are cosmic balance times ideal for creative visualization. 0 Point South is like Sunset, a time to connect in and seed the new cycle.

Wesak Full Moon, May 17 (exact 7:09 am) – Illumination  

The Buddha was born, achieved enlightenment and left earthly incarnation under the Wesak (Sun in Taurus) Full Moon. Followers of this tradition also believe the Buddha returns each year for 8 minutes at the Wesak Full Moon. Those who are in meditation now may receive revelations from the Buddha. Each Full Moon is a time for revelation and opportunity for healing body, mind and soul. Meditation, deep breathing, music and dance help open to receive blessings from on high. Spiritual energies flow strongly for 3 days following Full Moon. Revelations come in dreams, chance encounters and flashes of inspiration. This is the peak of the 2-month “higher interlude,” the most creative period of the year.

Moon Out of Bounds South, May 18-19 (2:27 am 5/18 – 12:43 pm 5/19)

As the Moon "rides low" below the zodiac our inner world is illuminated. Outmoded patterns of belief and behavior are revealed and can more easily be let go. This is a time to go below the surface, do original research, change habits and renovate our inner world. 

3rd Quarter Moon, May 24-25 (exact 2:52 pm 5/24) – Realizing Dreams

This Moon cuts away all that distracts from putting our dreams into action. 3rd Quarter Moon integrates new ideas into creative expression. It's time to follow our bliss and do what feels good in concert with the whole.

Moon at the Equator/Zero Point North, 2:56 pm May 25-1:07 am May 26

Imagine! Lunar 0 Points are cosmic balance times for creative imagination. Moon at the Equator going North is a time to envision what we wish to be. 

Balsamic Moon, May 29-31 – Make a Wish! 

The Balsamic Moon is the Wishing Moon: a time to put wishes on the air. Needs felt now invoke response from the new lunar cycle. Also called Witches Moon, this is a time to bring people to mind for healing. Feeling invokes healing, as we feel we heal. The deeper we feel the more Moon magic is invoked for this new cycle. Venus rising with the Balsamic Moon calls forth new creative artistry and new love.

Steve Nelson is a professional astrologer who uses Tarot, name analysis, and traditional astrology to help clients understand personal myths and realize natural abilities. He can be reached at 704-375-3759 or email stevenelson@carolina.rr.com