The Art and Astrology of Maria Kay Simms

	Our new lunar cycle begins with New Moon in Aquarius, which is also a Solar Eclipse! January 26, 2009, 2:55 am
Last minute again, and I likely wont' get any further with this New Moon column until a little later in the week. But I can at least post New Moon today. This Astro'toon feels kind of like me right now, so if it fits you, too, maybe we can blame the eclipse and its Saturn opposite Uranus energy, not too mention Mercury retrograde. But I'm smiling as I write that because I really do believe it's about us. Can't blame the planets because they aren't making us do/be/whatever. We always have choices. So, once I resolve the major hassles I'm having with a new webmail server that's still giving me fits this morning, despite a long tech support thing this past weekend, I will complete this column past New Moon!

Why is my Aquarius 'Toon a fuzzy blue alien? It's an adaptation of my *Magical Child* zodiac series. I didn't want to use any people for that—I was imagining each zodiac character as potentially a fuzzy stuffed toy. That hasn't happened yet, but it is why Aquarius became a fuzzy alien, and Gemini became two birds, etc. Check them out, if you haven't yet, on their detail page. Meanwhile... New Moon and Solar Eclipse, 6 Aquarius 30, January 26 It's also the Chinese New Year—the year of the Ox, and an Earth Ox at that,which sounds more like steady Taurus than the far more free-spirited Aquarius that is the sign of our New Moon/Eclipse. And, in that, we could say this contrasting theme of a new beginning ruled by the solidly hardworking, patient and dependable Ox vs. the New Moon free-wheeling and non-conforming Aquarian theme is just one more pointer to the prevailing tension of the Saturn-Uranus planetary opposition now approaching exact. It's slow-moving enough that it won't be fully exact until February 5, but it is definitely in play. In correspondence to that we may be dealing with issues of balance between freedom vs. responsibilty, impulse vs. practicality, innovation vs the tried and true, or any other similar tags you'd care to cite. It can be as if down-to-earth, steady Saturn is in a stand-off with something that has a touch of that fuzzy blue, wired character above with the urge to break rules and it's own thing. If that fits, a melt-down won't help, so let's avoid that in ourselves or anyone around us. This is an intense, even all or nothing kind of time in which many of us will have decsions to make that can have significant long range impact. Best we seek to integrate the opposition themes into complimentary opposites. We need both Saturn and Uranus in our lives—a sense of responsbility and stability AND the capacity to be inspired and excited and free. Ritual for New Moon in Aquarius It's Monday, a back-to-work day for most of us, so there are things that must be handled, responsibilties to fufill. Let's willingly give Saturn his proper due. But also let's set aside time during this New Moon phase to be free and open to inspiration and innovation. Our New Moon ritual can be an apppointment with self—hey, maybe one hour-long appointment each day of the phase. At the beginning of your hour, first take a very deep breath, center and draw in the energy of New Moon as you open yourself to alertness and to seeing beyond the norm. Then, take a break from routine—from all we "must" do. Let's go out for a walk and browse whereever the Spirit moves us. If going "out" doesn't quite appeal to you (some of us still have amazing piles of snow and ice to deal with—more than anything I can remember since one winter when I was a small child), there's always the totally random "walk" through the Internet to see what's new and interesting there. Let intuition be our guide. At best, we'll discover something new and maybe even useful that will excite and refresh, and regardless, we'll be refreshed! Crescent Moon, 25 Pisces 32, January 30 at 2:02 am EST At this phase, the slender waxing crescent Moon can be seen in the western sky after sunset. This month brought the especially beautiful sight of Moon's conjunction with what appears as a very bright star, but actually the planet Venus, sparkling quite close below the lunar crescent. The symbolism of the phase challenges us to move forward with our New Moon intent, despite whatever or whomever may seem to be trying to hold us back. The traditional Imbolc or Candlemas occurs during the phase on February 2, which is also the secular holiday known as Groundhog Day. This day, within the 8-phase solar-seasonal cycle, has the same basic theme as Crescent Moon—so we might say, the challenge is doubled...and then some!
		Punxsuatawney Phil, who each year makes his appearance before huge crowds and TV cameras in the Pennsylvania town of Punxsuatawney exemplifies the challenge of Crescent phase in an amusing but also somewhat painfully accurate way. You'd think that if he sees his shadow, he'd be happy for the sunshine —especially after THIS winter. But no, if he sees that shadow, pessimistic Phil scurries back into his secure little den, dooming us to six more weeks of winter. Of course, we can count, so if Phil does NOT see his shadow and thus decides to come out in acceptance of the gloomy day, it's STILL about six weeks until Spring Equinox anyway!
So, don't be afraid of your "shadow," whatever that may be. Come out, move forward and increase the "light" of your intent! First Quarter Moon, 14 Taurus 15, February 2, 2009, 6:13 pm EST This year's Imbolc, if we use the actual zodiacal point of the 8-phase solar year, occurs just one day into the First Quarter lunar phase. My Circle held its Imbolc ritual this past Saturday, for the practical reason that Saturday is a much easier gathering day than Tuesday. But to be true to the astrology, I'm inserting Imbolc into this column where it astrologically belongs. Imbolc—Candlemas, Sun at 15° Aquarius February 3, 2009, 11:50 am EST My article on Lore of Imbolc Imbolc Ritual We can give this First Quarter lunar phase that extra push of the energy that its symbolism demands, perhaps helped by Mercury's having returned to direct motion at 2:11am EST on February 1. The symbolic meaning of the phase calls us to charge forward and let nothing stand in our way! Monday actually looks pretty good for that, as does Tuesday, with mostly favorable aspects ending with Moon trine Mars at 10:38pm. Let's get the week off to a good start—get organized, and then get done those things we've been procrastinating and/or know are "musts" to accomplish this week. The organizing part, if done well, could be a thing we'll be especially thankful we did when the less focused Gemini Moon on February 4-5 includes the perfection of the Saturn-Uranus opposition in 20 Gemini at 6:00 am EST on the 5th. The tension in that aspect, basically one of responsibility vs. freedom, could be one you'll see or feel acted out around you, besides feeling it inside. Wednesday is easier; Thursday is a day when , if it can be arranged, the freedom to work or relax alone could be a nice option. But if you are with others, then be aware that Moon's moving into Cancer (11:06 pm EST Feb. 5) heightens senstivity of feelings, both yours and their's. Kindness is especially needed, both toward yourself and anyone else around you. Let it be a ritual, and a blessing. Gibbous Moon, 2 Cancer 41, February 6 at 3:29 am EST It's likely a quieter day than the two prior, with stabilizing soft aspects from Moon to Saturn, then Uranus ahead. Think about your New Moon intent, of what you've accomplished toward it, and what could still be done. Then do it. Full Moon is almost here, a time when results of that new beginning are illuminated. Lunar Eclipse, 20 Leo 52, February 9 at 9:37 am Full Moon, 20 Leo 60, February 9 at 9:49 am This Full Moon has the extra emphasis of also being a Lunar Eclipse. Eclipses often reflect inner feelings and outer events that have significance far beyond the one month or two week periods that follow New or Full Moon. The sign of Leo suggests that egos could take center stage, and the closing aspect of Moon opposite Neptune can be confusing... but Neptune, at best, is spirituality. So, celebrate this Full Moon alone or with friends in spiritual ritual to set a positive tone and intent. Leo is a fire sign especially associated with creativity. If you have a creative project in mind, or begun, then you can do this ritual alone. If you are working with a group, you could have everyone bring a creative project (or a symbol of one too large to bring) so you can charge them together. Since the actual Full Moon occurs in the morning hours, I would choose to do this ritual during the evening prior. The energy of aspects are stronger applying than separating. Ritual Working for Full Moon/Lunar Eclipse in Leo Once sacred space has been created, bring out your creative project(s). With a group, first have a show and share time during which the inevitable compliments will encourage everyone for the magical work to be done. If possible, work where the moonlight can actually be seen. If this is not possible, you could light a red candle or candles. If you are working alone, trace (or walk or dance) a circle around your project nine times with it illuminated by moonlight or candlelight, as you chant: Moon of fire, energy Expand my creativity Then, drawn down lunar energy onto the project as you say: By the power of creative fire, O Moon I do invoke thee To shine upon this my art, my expression! Charge it and me to the height of fulfillment. So mote it be! If with a group, you could all place your projects in the center of your space and then join hands in a circle around that center. Circle nine times around as you chant, and gradually build the chant in speed and intensity: Full Moon bright, energy, charge our creativity. At energy peak, stop the movement, and then everyone hold palms out over the assembled creative work and send energy into it, saying: By all the power of three times three, this is our will, so mote it be! Disseminating Moon, 9 Libra 28, February 12 at 8:16 pm EST Trines of Moon to first Jupiter, then Neptune, then Sun begin this phase, and take us to the wee hours of the morning of Valentine's Day. Moon enters Scorpio at 9:51 am on the 14th, but hey, let's retain some of that gentler Libran mood, too, and do something special for loved ones. This is a phase for sharing. Last Quarter Moon, 28 Scorpio 21, February 16 at 4:37 pm EST The "crisis of consciousness" phase has come, when some matters may be coming to closure regardless of our personal wishes, or we may bring them to closure by our own choice. Energy is likely to feel like it's waning today, with the the evening movement of Moon into fiery Sagittarius tonight, spirits rise again. A nice Mars conjunct Jupiter on the 17th encourages positive action, and has potential for continuing throughout Moon's transit of Sag. The week ends with the practical Moon in Capricorn—clear up matters to be completed. Get the chores done. Balsamic Moon, 17 Capricorn 32, February 20 at 8:01 pm EST Moon changes to Aquarius on Saturday, the 21st, beginning a weekend that looks like a good one perhaps to flow with the Balsamic theme of letting go, and just be...maybe enjoying some of the Aquariuan quest for freedom from routine. If you have a specific need to let something go in ritual, use the power of air. Infuse some thing light and disposable with your intent (a leaf, a feather, a scrap of tissue, and then go outdoors, bless it and what it symbolizes, and then lift it high in your hands and let the wind take it away—of course, blow it away, if necessary !