NEW MOON June 6, 2005, at 16 Gemini 16
Sabian: The head of health dissolved in the head of mentality.
Chandra: A magic coin that has only one side.
Polarity symbols (Sagittarius)
Sabian: An Easter sunrise service.
Chandra: A monkey dressed in a brocade coat.
The message of the Gemini symbols is clear. We are to move from an earthly, mundane world-view (health = physical body/world) to a higher view (the body dissolves into the "head of mentality") - to a realization of the holistic wholeness of All - the coin (reality) has only one side.
The Sagittarius symbols echo this striving for a higher level. The message of Easter (whether the ancient pagan Eostre or the Christian holy day) is that of moving into a higher level of life. The Chandra symbol expresses in a caricature the same idea - our body self reaching for the spiritual self (animal dressed as man)
The New Moon asks, "Are you striving to grow?"
FULL MOON June 21/22 at 0 Capricorn 51 (note it is on the 21st in our time zone, but the 22nd on the east coast)
Sabian: An Indian chief demanding recognition.
Chandra: A canopy bed with curtains.
Polarity Symbols (Cancer)
Sabian: A furled and an unfurled flag displayed from a vessel.
Chandra: A potter at work.
The Capricorn symbols express a common Capricorn trait, fidelity to self. Jones calls it "uncompromising inner integrity when it comes to meeting any situation of the moment." Old style canopy beds not only had a canopy over the bed, but also had curtains that could be totally closed about the bed, totally hiding the occupant and protecting him/her from drafts. Lonsdale says the inner self is "kept so far back inside that what does express itself is purely a ceremonial display, a formal declaration."
The Cancer symbols go to the other extreme. Jones says displaying two opposing flags shows one's "capacity to compromise or reverse any stand he may take whenever this suits his ultimate ends." The same ability to change as needed is shown by the potter - s/he may make a vase, then a plate, then a cup. It depends on "what will meet my needs now?" Note this adaptability is not depicted in a negative way in either symbol.
The Full Moon symbols show contrasting approaches to life. The Capricorn method sets firm boundaries and expectations; one must follow a set path, one must keep "inner integrity." The Cancer approach bends as needed. The question here is "How do I meet life? What are the good and bad points of my approach? Is it right for me?".
Thus the New Moon sets the goal - spiritual growth - and the Full Moon asks us to examine how we approach reaching that goal.
Looking Further:
At the New Moon Mercury conjuncts the Sun and Moon, emphasizing the mental orientation of the Gemini symbols. We also need to remember Mercury was the god invoked for journeys - and this quest is definitely a journey. Neptune continues its influence from the last cycle, now trining the Sun and Moon, facilitating the spiritual quest.
At the Full Moon three planets (Mercury, Venus and Saturn) are in Cancer, encouraging the Capricorn Moon to be more adaptable. Thus if we find the answer to the Full Moon question is "I need to change my approach," the universal energies will support our changing.
© Kasey Kester - 2005
