This New Moon at 1 degree of Pisces has Saturn less than three degrees before it. When this happens, you get a Saturnian flavor to the Moon cycle. What is that flavor, you may ask? Saturn is wisdom through restraint, limitation and applied effort. It brings to mind the saying, ‘if at first you don’t succeed, try, try again’. Venus is in cozy dialogue with Pluto, the Deep Tansformer, before it heads into a meetup with the wounded healer Chiron. All of which comes together to help us continue our journey of refining what we love and value.
When you deeply desire something or someone, those feelings can inspire you to go beyond your existing boundaries. You take risks that feel worth it to meet the object of your desire. You stretch and grow. Part of that path means learning how to meet obstacles and disappointments. This playground is where we can go beyond the painful stories of what failure meant in the past. The key is to be where you are now, not in the sorrow of the past.
Those wounds may well be triggered, but only so they pop the lock on what’s rotting out of sight. Bring the fermenting stories out and let them fertilize new growth now. It’s called resilience. It also takes courage and patience. We head into a month of real change these next few weeks, so this is a rich few weeks to face what comes and let your inspiration help balance whatever needs to be done in service of that goal. The good news is that Venus moves into Aries almost immediately after the New Moon perfects. This adds oomph to motivation and courage. It can also carry a dollop or more of impatience, so watch for that.
Impatience means we rush past the recycle job you have in front of you. If it’s hard to witness the remnants of what turned out badly for you in the past, be gentle with yourself. Try playing games to help make the job more fun. Go Mary Poppins and add an element of fun when and where you can. Maybe you make up a scorecard to hunt out the positive elements that balance any negative ones.
Remember our fear brain latches on to the threats or weaknesses as a misguided way to protect us from the same mistake. Except it won’t be the same because YOU aren’t the same. So insist your mind lists out what you did well, what you gained and how far you’ve come. This Watery Moon represents a lot of emotion. Saturn being with it means we can choose our container. What size and shapes do your feelings occupy as they come up. Is it an lake, a barrel, or just a thimble full of regret? You decide. The Cards and Stars will help.
Thank you,
Lisa Greenfield
2/19-20 pisces new moon eight of pentacles
This eight reminds us that we can use new situations to help revisit and heal old wounds. Because Jupiter is in Aries sitting closely on Chiron, you’re likely to be reminded of the past. But rather than feeling apprehensive, stuck or resentful, it can be a ‘do over’. Seriously. What would the days look like if instead of being unnerved, threatened or frustrated at a reoccurring pattern, you took it as an invitation. Using everything you learned from past mistakes, what can you do differently.
Not all situations require a do over. This is important to notice. Those situations that kick in the fight, flight, freeze or fawn response are the best places to apply the redo effort. Then you can give attention to the less stressful ones in varying degrees. It’s nice to have one that is easy to adjust in there for relief. No need to exhaust yourself tackling all the biggies at once. This Eight of Pentacles stands for learning to master something physically. Which means your body benefits from strategic pauses to give it a chance to take in the changes you make. Remember our bodies are the slowest to change but hold onto patterns the longest.
This New Moon is closely accompanied by Saturn, standing right behind it. Think of this like a chance to put your own parenting structure in place. You can use what you liked from your childhood and edit or replace what you didn’t like. How much patience can you give your emotions, to let them be what they are before you decide what they mean? When we let them flow, the move on and feed into a richer stream of emotional well being. Then how intentional can you be to put those feelings in the best possible container? Liquid takes the shape of its container, so try on different ways of expressing your emotions that suit each situation better.
This Moon cycle invites us to work better with the deep emotional waters of Pisces in a structured way, thanks to Saturn. This way we can bear to witness another’s emotions without trying to escape or control the other so we don’t feel referred pain. And there is pain in this world of change around us. To walk through the world and stay open to it requires us to manage our internal emotional systems. The better you are at allowing yourself to feel your range of emotions and then create with them, the more you can help others see what is possible. Our world holds startling contrasts when we have the inner strength to engage with all there is. That’s abundance my friend. And I wish it for you.
2/20 nine of pentacles
Just a hint that things are rolling forward, we move from the Eight of Pentacles for the New Moon followed immediately by the Nine of Pentacles. This indicates that your body is ready for these changes, when you include strategic pauses in your day. Nines are about mastery. Pentacles are the physical realm. So look around you and see what you put out to the world and what comes back to you. Be sure you give yourself credit before getting into any criticism. Mercury is sextile Chiron, while Venus is in a change aspect to Uranus, the Great Awakener. All of this adds up to fresh understanding for how your emotions show up in your body and world.
Our bodies give us feedback for all the multitude of information it processes daily. Mirror neurons fire and wire with what you put into the brain. So be mindful of what fills your mind when it comes to news, shows, music and the people around you. Keep that 20 positive to each negative interaction measurement nearby. If you have to watch or tackle something difficult, then be sure to fill yourself up with soothing music, good conversation and quality time for your nervous system. Because the stronger your inner care system, the healthier your body. Balance is something you can do for yourself. The happiest of relationships have the 20:1 ratio. Make sure your relationship with YOU is in that territory and it will change the quality of your life in measurable ways.
2/21 princess of swords
Mercury squares Uranus today and this pesky little Princess brings to light our critical mind. Pull your inner observer into the front row today and watch how your mind tries to slam on the brakes with criticism and judgement. These are just inefficient boundary making efforts. When we judge or criticize, we are saying what doesn’t work for us. Okay, now move on to what DOES work for you. If you start by judging something, don’t let it be the stopping point.
Go on to inquire and flesh out what in contrast will work better for you. Great! Now you have an edge, a boundary that isn’t about making something wrong. It just isn’t for you. Pay attention to how you interpret and label failure. It may be exactly what’s best for someone else, it just is not for you. There is freedom and more connection possible when you hold that view. See how good that feels? Go find some more places and space you can unjudge and consciously add your healthy boundaries.
2/22 Princess of pentacles
Ah, this is the second Princess in a row. Two together can symbolize malicious schemes. Now it’s interesting to note that today into tomorrow Saturn is in an uncomfortable position with Chiron. Mars is also in an easy aspect to Mercury in Air signs. So it comes down to this. People get malicious when they feel the playing field isn’t level. So cutting corners or playing dirty is the only way they think they can express power. But with Mars and Mercury in Airy signs, there is the possibility to brainstorm how to go beyond what you normally think of as your influence.
Put another way, you can see how to win legitimately today and have that victory as your growth. Some of that may have to do with reframing what a victory really is for you. See anything you do today with fresh eyes. Stay open to what your resources are and how you want to use them. This Princess is that feeling of being safe in your own skin. When you operate in open space, with calculated risks measured and courage on hand, you win. No matter the outcome, you’ve shown up and know when and where to test yourself to increase your sense of internal security.
Cutting corners may feel a thrill of getting away with it, but builds no long lasting sense of strength or ability. See where you can dare to face what comes from a stronger, braver, cleaner place. It’s a confidence vote in your ability. If you the opposition feels overwhelming then the timing may be off. You may want to wait and build up your resources before you move ahead. We hit this Saturn/Chiron point three times this year and it’s so we can learn how to define our circumstances rather than let the circumstances define us. So be clear, be deliberate today. Clean up those pesky little cheats, not because some punishment befalls you. Do it because of how much you gain in doing it a better way, a way that honors more of who you are.
2/23 six of pentacles
Saturn is exactly semi square Chiron today, bringing out the flavors we tasted yesterday a bit more. This Six of Pentacles is about healing and wholeness. It’s physically embodying the evolution of give and receive. For example, as children, there is no way we can physically do for our parents what they do for us. It isn’t an equal distribution of power. But whatever your programming was in childhood, this is your turn to go beyond that and reprogram what a healthy exchange looks like for you. At any given time one person may have more to offer the other. It happens and it is not a sign of dysfunction. That imbalance only occurs when it gets locked in as an operating system.
So how safe do you feel receiving? How abundant do you feel giving? These are good questions to spend time with today. Really notice how it feels to take in a new idea, compliment, support from those around you. Is it easier to receive from a stranger than it is from someone close? Your health and well being are wired into a communal system. Remember judgement and criticism are just inefficient ways of finding your boundaries. When you look around you and see what is missing or dysfunctional, use it to move on to what is missing that needs to be added or what might need to be dialed down. We have through the end of November to reshape this particular wiring. So start by paying attention, taking note and mapping your edges. The rest will unfold and you can edit as you go.
2/24 the sun
We have a mixed bag of aspects today but there is a promise of daylight when the Sun makes an appearance. The Moon moves into her favored place in Taurus giving us a more grounded center. We can call on that when Venus opposes Ceres and we must contend with the places where we stuff ourselves with food, ideas, activities that leave us feeling worse than the good moment that preceded it. Good to know, right. We learn by contrast and everything in moderation, including moderation. Once and while we need to remember that we choose to harness our impulses because it feels better than runaway indulgence. If you fail to restrain yourself, stay open to learn from that as well. Was the trade off worth the indulgence?
The shadow side of the Sun is ego. So it’s also a good time to check that your impulse gratification may cost those you love. The quality of our relationships is built on respect and reciprocity. Which means that when we do as we wish with no thought to the consequences, the cost is more than a hangover of any kind. It’s a loss of trust. And then we circle back to what is a good use of those longings, mindful of the impact and cost. There is no martyrdom required, in fact it’s actively discouraged. Time to be creative, inspired and have some fun with it. Like a giant dare, how can you enjoy what you wish for, in a way that takes into account your close connections and do it in a way that adds value not just mess? Have fun finding your how!
2/25 king of swords
Ooh the Sun meets up with the Great Awakener, Uranus, today. This King of Swords as the wise counselor is a good visual for the lightning strikes of insight that are possible. The Moon also squares Mercury which invites us to tell our story a new way. Who are you that goes beyond the roles you play, the functions you occupy and the history you’ve made? Why not explore there today. Imagine yourself a year from now. What do you want to be present in your life? Play with this today and look at all the raw materials and resources already there in your world. You have more than you realize if you stop and take stock. See the big picture, that’s what this King offers. See what is already there and imagine all you can do with it. Notice what lights you up. Good, now step in that direction.
2/26 king of cups
And we have two Kings back to back. This is a reminder that good conduct meets with success. We can call on that today as some minor stresses thread through the day. Who are you when you are under pressure? Can you stop and soothe yourself? Take time to notice where the little stresses add up to a rolling ball of tension. Notice if you sacrifice your wants and needs simply to escape the discomfort. Or tune in to where you ignore others discomfort if it means you get what makes you happy in the moment. There is a way to stretch and honor all sides. It requires a little attention, creativity and effort. But remember, good conduct meets with success. And this is a success enjoyed by all…
2/27 the hermit
The first quarter Moon squares the Sun as it does each month. This is the creative tension that propels us forward in the cycle. I want to highlight a little aspect between Mercury and Eris. Eris is the Goddess of Discord. She was left out of the party and caused all kinds of chaos in repayment for the slight. So when Mercury is in this easy aspect with her, those unacknowledged parts of you that were ‘left out’ can be seen and invited to show up. Not all of them are fit for the public, but it is important for you to get to know those unclaimed bits of you. They are often the ones stirring up trouble in the background anyway.
You know, those grudging little comments that leak out when you least expect them. Stored resentments and hurt feelings simmer until they boil over under cover of another battle. The Hermit is the light of inner wisdom that can then lead you and all around you with the glow from self understanding and compassion. Locate yours today and bring that with you for the next few days especially. But honestly, when aren’t they good traveling companions. Let your unclaimed parts travel with them and see what happens.
2/28 five of pentacles
This Five is the hallmark of scarcity mentality. Interestingly, Mercury is semi square Jupiter today which points to a habit of self limitation you may have experienced. This is when we bite off more than we can chew and then thrash around trying to digest it all at once. We gobble life when we don’t trust the flow and abundance that is available. That over reach also keeps us from slowly savoring the moment as it is. We haven’t even finished enjoying whatever it is that delights us before we are figuring ways to get more.
That is the definition of a less understood poverty. Where do you fail to savor this delectable moment on your race to get more of them? Ironically, since our hearts are magnetic organs, the more we love something the more we can attract it. What blocks that is the fear of losing it that often keeps us from deeply connecting with the person, place or thing that brings us so much joy. The invitation is there today, to fully immerse yourself in whatever moments delight you. Participate fully, immerse yourself in the feelings of delight. If that is troublesome for you, begin to work on your internal ecology so you feel safer receiving. To quote Auntie Mame, “The world is a banquet and most poor suckers are starving to death”. Make sure you find your spot at the banquet table.
3/1 ace of pentacles
They have studies that show that during rapid change, even if it is positive change, our bodies go into a kind of shock. The default system wants to return us to ‘normal’ even when the current changes offer an upgrade. This Ace of Pentacles is a gentle reminder to take it one step at a time. Like gardening, you don’t plant seeds and expect to pull fruit off the tree the next day or even the next week. Patience with your process is such an important part of this month’s expansion. Remember to practice allowing ‘failure’ so you can discover what is there outside a rigid picture of what ‘should’ be.
We have some sweet aspects that expand us this morning and then we have to contend with the mental or emotional brakes our operating system throws at us tonight. It helps to realize that is what is happening, right? Because if you know that this is a natural tendency to contract after the expansion you can just keep breathing it all in while you soothe your body. With a little time and space this mornings good moments can be seeds of might oaks. Tend them well. Mind the pests and enjoy what is here along with the image of what is to come.
3/2 five of wands
This is the second Five in this Moon cycle. Two fives highlight personal uncertainty. Well, expanding into unknown territory is bound to cause a little wobble in our confidence. We can use it to hit pause, breathe and ground ourselves. One of the images for this card is a chick pecking its way out of the shell. It reflects inside pressure that breaks down constriction to open up a new world. It’s tiring work. Which is also where that pause can come in handy.
Imagine yourself slowly knocking down the shell that protected you until you outgrew it. There’s no check list on which piece needs to go next. No clipboard and timer are present in the process. There’s just you and the shell that sits between you and your expanding world. Mercury is conjunct Saturn, so there is no rushing this. In fact when you pace yourself you’ll find your intuition has a chance to slip in some much needed guidance by nightfall as the Moon taps the deeply felt sense of Neptune. Don’t rush to judge anything. It’s way too soon to know what you’ve got. Just remove one resistance at a time and the cooperation of your intuitively guided action will help build your certainty and your confidence in you.
3/3 six of wands
Well look at that, just like the beginning of the Moon cycle. We have this Six following the Five of yesterday. Hooray! This Six is the small victories along the way. There are pesky little triggering moments today, but they are in service of you peeling off conditioned responses. Keep it simple. What do you feel and what does that feeling need in this moment. If there’s pressure behind the trigger, step back and give yourself quality time to release it appropriately. It takes roughly ten minutes for an emotion to travel our nervous system. So block out ten minutes and let it wash over you, knowing you have an end point when the timer goes off.
The more you can do that kind of release, the more old emotional pools can be cleared out of their stagnant, gunky stuff. It doesn’t take a lot of mental effort. The ten minute timer and a chance to rage, grieve, vent or cry is complete by itself. You being available to shape the moment while the feelings flow is powerful. Do that for joy or excitement too. No reason all your emotions don’t deserve your full attention whenever possible. The more you let those little victories add up, the more you sail safely on the deep sea inside of you. The only failure is the one of not feeling. So let the ocean of emotion have its moments and enjoy the win of riding those waves like a champion.
3/4 the chariot
Wow, we go from small victories yesterday to today’s major win, The Chariot. The Leo Moon is in Harmony with Jupiter, Venus and Chiron in Aries. This can give you a fresh start and a winning one at that with a little caution applied. Watch for ego and rushing when The Chariot appears. The Leo Moon also squares Uranus, which gives lightning strikes of illumination. So you may see where your ego has you winning battles only to lose the war. The age old question is being asked. What is more important to you, being right or being in connection?
When you can put the need to be right in the backseat for a bit, it leaves room for curiosity, expansion, exploration. Our trauma response wants a black and white, win or lose answer. Our integrated self delights in a rich experience, knowing and being known. Since you can’t get being you wrong, it gets clearer. What are your priorities? The Leo Moon needs to know it is seen and appreciated by those around you. The stack of planets in Aries enjoys being your most you with a youthful innocence. The sticking point is Uranus wants to help shed light on where your current race for results and individual attention may cost you more than you realize. Slow down and map a way to have more of it all. You’ve got The Chariot as a good sign you can get it done well today.
3/5 five of cups
Both the Sun and Moon have challenging aspects today. The Sun is feeling a bit tense with Pluto, the Deep Transformation energy, while the Moon opposes Saturn. This is the third Five in the cycle, which is success that comes from discussion and debate. Since Mercury in Pisces feels its way instead of applying strict logic, find the best people to talk things through with today. This Five is about what we choose and what we lose. Often it’s a sign we overestimate our potential losses and focus on that. We are better served reviewing our current resources and connections as a bookend to whatever we lose. Better to have quality over quantity right now.
Use the energy to sort through what matters most to you, what constitutes quality for whatever there is in your experiences. Don’t try to map out a whole life redo. Just take what comes up today as an invitation to sort out what you have and what you haven’t, what you want and what you don’t. That’s a good days work. Reminder, talking it out with trusted people can help sort though what may not be clear inside your head alone.
3/6 ten of swords
Today can show you the limits of your logical, step by step patterns. With Sun touching Uranus and the Moon opposing Mercury, you get to see the what doesn’t work AND sense where you can go outside of a narrowing mental perspective. Our mind likes to sort things out because it takes in so much data, it almost has to do that. So it will clinically label something and put it in the good or bad category. It wants to get it right. Which has to do with getting specific results. Except that in this creative, fertile time of chaos, there are more options than what is familiar. Hence, the chance for a do over is almost always available.
The ‘failure’ of logic to yield the results we want is going to happen more and more often. This is part of the evolutionary dance to get us to consider fresh choices, paths, new resources and people. Necessity dictates you branch out. Like the seed that falls in a cement crack and grows sideways to get to an edge where it has space to expand. Your obstacles, failures and disappointments are definitely reroutes. It’s destabilizing to be in unfamiliar territory, so be sure to extend kindness and patience to your internal dialogue. Acknowledge those worst case fears and then bookend them with a request for the mind to gather up the best case scenarios too. One is just a possible as the other.
Practice doing that bookkending as often as the fear brain sees catastrophe in what fails to work out. This worst case scenario happens to women far more frequently than men. It’s more specific to a task failure fear in men. Either way, you can retrain the brain to look for opportunities in whatever happens. Insist it finds ways to minimize rather than eliminate risk. Your brain is your servant, not the master. So give it a job to do and it’s happy. Practice, practice, practice managing the story you have when things don’t work out. The more you can trust there is good reason and even reward there, the more you are open to receive it. Doing so builds your resistance and improves the quality of any day, with less stress. You can absolutely succeed at failure.
