NEW MOON 3/10/05 at 17 Pisces 54
Sabian: A table set for an evening meal.
Chandra: A perfect black cube sits lone in the desert.
Polarity symbols (Virgo)
Sabian: An automobile caravan.
Chandra: The expanse of the Himalayas in the distance.
Pisces/Virgo often deals with the Here and Now/Other Reality continuum. It does so here with the quite common inversion of the polarities - the Pisces symbols define Here and Now; Virgo presents the Other Reality
The Pisces symbols seem very different, but are not. First let's look at the Sabian symbol as it is the more obscure. In the modern Western world we often associate black with negative things - death, evil, etc. - but in more ancient times it had very positive meanings - earth, fertility, etc. And that is its meaning here. That earthy fertility is in the form of a "perfect cube." The cube is a geometric symbol of physical manifestation, so here we have fertility at its highest expression. But - it is in the desert. It is not being shared. It waits, alone. Just as the table does - it is set, but no one is there.
The Virgo symbols both depict scenes that relate to moving toward a goal. A group of people are traveling somewhere - no details are specified, but it is safe to assume the journey is an anticipated one as caravans nowadays (and automobiles implies a modern usage of the term) are associated with vacation trips. The Himalayas, of course, always bring thoughts of Shangri-La, gurus, etc. to Western minds.
Thus, in both sets of symbols we have a sense of "not being t/here yet" - of anticipation. The Pisces symbols wait to share in the here and now with others; the Virgo symbols suggest a wait to arrive at an "idyllic" destination.
When we combine the four symbols we can see the focus of this New Moon. The Pisces symbols tell us we need to look at "what we hope for." The promise of abundance is there - but what guests/food will gather at the table, what perfect fertility will bloom in the desert? It is implied work will be needed - the food must be cooked, the desert must be made to bloom - but there is also assurance of plenty.
Because of the inversion of the symbols we know we need to balance both ends of the polarity. The focus on here and now needs to be balanced with the knowledge we are also on an odyssey, perhaps even a pilgrimage, in our daily living. We must not get so immersed in "here and now" we forget to "keep moving&qauot; to higher goals. We need to remember "here" and "now" are simply waystations on the journey of life.
FULL MOON3/05 2:54 p.m. at 5 Libra 18
Sabian: The ideals of a man abundantly crystallized.
Chandra: A baby with two sets of teeth.
Polarity Symbols (Aries)
Sabian: A square brightly lighted on one side.
Chandra: An aquamarine in a woman's navel.
The Full Moon moves to the I/Thou polarity. It is unusual that all the symbols relate to "I," although the Libra ones suggest a "thou" in the form of outer environment.
Ideals are an inner reality that can hopefully be manifested in outer reality, as they are here. The Chandra symbol is more subtle. Teeth/chewing has been a symbol for centuries of gaining knowledge (you may remember some of the Old Testament prophets were given scrolls to eat as a symbol of being given knowledge). Here the baby - in other words, a person who is still at the early stages of learning, which is most of us - has two sets of teeth. S/he is gaining knowledge of two different kinds - inner/outer, rational/ intuitive, etc.
The Aries symbols are both less straightforward. The square (like the cube above) is a geometric symbol of "4" - the number of manifestation. Here one side of the square is illuminated, is getting "enlightened." As the spiritual nature of man is recognized with the number five, this may simply mean focusing on a particular facet of one's life. The navel chakra is the center of one's will. It is from this center we forge our way through life. Here the intuitive self (woman) is being empowered by an aquamarine. This is a particularly apt stone for the naval chakra as it was called "the stone of courage" by the ancients. Besides giving one courage, it accelerates learning not only about the physical world, but also about oneself. The emphasis here is on learning (the navel chakra's ray, yellow, is often also associated with mental activity). The focus is on gaining knowlege of self and/or environment.
Taken as a whole, this Lunar Cycle supports a look at our ideals, our inspiration. Then, as the cycle proceeds, we need to look at implementing those ideals - of learning how to make them work in reality, whether inner or outer. This is a time of assessment, of exploration, of starting new processes in our lives. It is a time to bring inner ideals into outer reality, or to at least start that process.
Looking Further:
The New Moon message is emphasized by Pluto's square to the New Moon, challenging us to examine our beliefs, to dig deeper into ourselves, and to make whatever changes are needed to keep us moving on our life's Path. The placement of Venus (relationship), Juno (partnership and "keeping score") and Uranus (psychic experiences and individuality) also in Pisces highlight these issues. Saturn's trine will help us to undertake the work and discipline necessary at this time - to work to bring Pisces' vision into reality instead of just "enjoying the vibes."
The mood becomes much more energetic at the Full Moon. And that Arian Sun energy is accentuated by Venus (relationship), Mercury (the mind) and North Node (evolutionary path) also being there. The sextile/trine of Chiron and Mars to the polarity adds an almost explosive impetus to this Full Moon - certainly the Chiron in Aquarius energy means our means of putting the New Moon ideals into physical action will be unique to each of us! Yet Pallas Athena's calming, rational influence (it is conjunct the Moon) should help keep us from too much disruptiveness and make sure our plans are realistic.
© Kasey Kester - 2005
