|
And yet again we have a New Moon very near the end of its sign. It's been that way since September. The sign of the Moon reflects general moods, and adjacent signs are very different in feeling. So, what makes more sense? Shall we use the Aquarian theme for a New Moon ritual working tomorrow? Or, instead, a Pisces theme, since by evening that's where Moon will be. The Aquarian Moon mood is friendly and open to talk, but inclined toward debate and logic, rather than the more empathic sharing that the Pisces Moon mood offers. My Circle meets tomorrow evening, with plans for sharing stories. A myriad of things kept us from meeting, as usual, last month, so we have catching up to do. Pisces, I have a feeling, will be a better fit.
Most moderns think of Aquarius in terms of the modern ruler of the sign. Uranus conjures those ideas of Aquarius as innovative and ahead of his time—the "new ager," perhaps like the little 'toon Guru here, making the peace symbol. But the ancient ruler of Aquarius is not to be forgotten—old Saturn, insisting on responsibility and accountability. Tonight, as I write this, Moon is approaching opposition to Saturn. On Wednesday, February 28, at 7:01 am EST, to be exact, Saturn will make the second of three oppositions to Neptune, modern ruler of Pisces. The ancient ruler of Pisces is Jupiter. But whichever way we call it, it's not an easy opposition to balance: Saturn limits; Jupiter expands. Aquarius advocates a logical aproach; Pisces prefers intuition and dreams.
|
|
|
The Saturn-Neptune opposition has been active since last summer; exact on the last day of August '06. The final aspect is on June 25, '07, then the faster-moving Saturn will move on past the opposition, while Neptune is retrograding once again. In outer planet aspects such as this one, the slower moving planet tends to dominate. In all cases, there are a variety of ways the basic themes of the two planets in aspect may express. Neptune dissolves structure (Saturn), for example. Sometimes existing structures need to be dissolved in order for new and better ones to emerge. Neptune also supplies the vision and dream of what can be, as well as the faith to move forward and to the work to manifest (Saturn) the vision into tangible reality.
People who are "into" astrology are often tempted to emphasize the more negative interpretations, and if that fits their lives in any way, play the "blame game." I've heard more than a few complaints and sighs relating various world and personal problems on the presence of this aspect. It can, for the moment, at least, be comforting to have something to blame, but this astrologer is not convinced that the planets are "causing" much of anything. Their cycles often reflect what we're doing, both personally and in terms of larger world issues, but "reflect" and "cause" are very different terms. And, if there's correspondence, or reflection, which is the mirror? Blaming is an evasion of responsibilty (an important Saturian theme). Dream on, Neptune, and maybe even wallow in a little self-pity? What does that accomplish? Isn't it a lot healthier to accept and own our responsibility to manifest our our vision? To DO something about what we want to create in our world? This is the blend and the balance of tangible structure, discipline and commitment (Saturn) with visions, ideals, faith and dreams (Neptune).
So, let's share our dreams, and then support each other in the will and a plan to achieve them!
A Group Ritual for New Moon in Aquarius
Obtain a ball of cord or yarn—bright blue for Aquarius would be a good choice. Gather with friends, create sacred space and then stand in a fairly large circle, so there's some space between each person. Bless the cord and then holding the end of it, pass the ball to the next person clockwise around the circle three times. Hold the strands of yarn in one hand, while passing the ball of yarn on to the next person, until all are holding the three strands in a complete circle. Chant:
Circle 'round, three times three
Dreams to share, blessed be
Empower our will, so mote it be.
Now sit comfortably in a circle, still holding the yarn strands. Each person in turn shares a vision of what he or she would like to happen within this lunar cycle. Then in a second go-round, each person states commitments to action needed to manifest the vision. In the third go-round, support each other by offering constructive suggestions.
Now, everyone takes home a portion of the circle. Adjust yourselves, if necessary, so that each one is holding a fairly even length of the strands. Pass around a pair of scissors, so that each one can cut a section. Then, individually, knot your three strands together with one knot to represent each commitment to action you've made within this rite.
Throughout the month, (or beyond) when you accomplish an action to your satisfaction, untie a knot. Once all knots are untied, and your vision is manifest, the cords can be returned to Spirit through the elements. You could burn the cords and cast the ashes into wind, water or earth—whatever fits the sign of the Moon at that time.
Solitary Ritual Variation
The same ritual theme can also be carried out within a magical working if you must, or prefer, to work alone. Gather a notepad, pen, and the blue cord or yarn. In creating sacred space, trace a circle on the floor with the cord, large enough to comfortably sit within. Walk your circle nine times while chanting:
I circle 'round three times three
To bless the goal I clearly see
And charge my will to make it be!
Now, carry on an honest, realistic and searching conversation with yourself as you list what structures of your life may need to be dissolved or changed, and what new ones you need to build in order to manifest your dream. List what you intend to do. When you are finished, then gather your strand of yarn. Assuming it is long, you can gather it into shorter equal strands (three or nine) and then, as above make a knot for of each commitment to action.
|
|
|
