Archive for the New Moon Category

Reset-Firing Up New Beginnings! New Moon in Aries

Posted in Astrology, New Moon, Solar, The Temple of the Sun on March 27, 2017 by themagickalpen


March 27.2017
New Moon in Aries
10:57p.m.

Sun in Aries

The moon waxes New later today in the cardinal sign of Aries. Aries is the first sign of the Great Wheel and brings with it Cardinal (catalyzing and initiating) energy that is filled with the potential for enthusiasm and optimism. Two things that we are sorely in need of.

I know for many of us the weight of politics, philosophies, daily expectations and the effort required to bring all of these things in accord with your spiritual nature and practices has left us feeling worn out and depleted. This new moon offers the respite and renewal to reset and reclaim the catalyzing fires that inspire us to action and movement.

Urging You to Start Your Engines and Drive It Home for Change

In fact, we have the bolstering of 5 (Five, the number of change and pushing through the status quo)
that are in the astrological sign of Aries:

Sun
Moon
Mercury
Venus (Retrograde)
Uranus

Think of it this way:

Father Sun stands central, the place of magnetic and communal Spirit
And, on four pillars square sit:

Mother Moon – ready to push the young hatchling out of the nest, knowing that instinct will take hold and the action of flying will begin.

Mercury – talkative and the director of global communication that heats up the incentives and generates the necessary buy-in for active and collaborative engagement.

Venus – stretches and reaches; it’s impact hyper-focused and dynamic in wanting to stir up passion for what will be refined and honed in balanced form and essence. Note: Venus has been retrograde since Mar. 4th and will remain so until April 15th. This creates a very focused and intense ability to peel away what has become lackluster and revel in the fresh start of newly charged passion for whatever sights are set upon. Relationships-of all manner-not simply human are ready to be seen from a new perspective that is not jaded by “what has been” and ready to re-write “what will become”.

Uranus – the hot-wire that sends enough power, charge and motivation to ensure that a circuit of action, will and communal inspiration will be magnetically charged as the wheels of Father Sun revolve and we start our engines towards change.

A Journey Through the Solar Year

A project that I began in 2015 was once of attunement to the Solar Year and exploration of each Sun’s transit through the astrological signs:

The Temple of the Sun


I offer this suggestion now as a new beginning and a reset for your Spirit. We have changeable times ahead and we are not only subject to the energies of our mundane experiences and the life on this planet. Cosmically, we are continually responding to planetary and astrological energy that reaches deeply into who and what we are at the level of our natal blueprint.

Although, our natal chart highlights the heavens at the exact moment we were born, the beauty is that nothing is set in stone. I always tell my students to think of their charts as holding the pre-dispositions for specific archetypical energy, and those “suggestions” are subject to change and re-writing as we formulate our will to become.

So, with these thoughts in mind, perhaps you will find just what you need in the gifts of a changeable Solar Year.

New Moon in Aquarius: Build the Vision of What Could Be!

Posted in Astrology, New Moon on January 27, 2017 by themagickalpen

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January 27.2017
New Moon in Aquarius
7:07p.m. (EST)

Sun in Aquarius

The last post, Scry Deeply For Your Vision of Change, issued a call to reaching into those deep waters of self to explore who you are and what your core beliefs and philosophies reflect. And, now 8 days later, the Moon begins Her phase of new journey, potential and HOPE in the astrological sign of Aquarius. The work that was claimed and shed during that 4th Quarter phase on the 19th is ready for the quickening of its energy as we enter the dynamics of an Aquarius Moon and Sun opening the Gates to what an inspired mind can produce.

The Moon transits New this evening in the astrological sign of Aquarius. Aquarius is sign of elemental Air and Fixed (synthesis to create a stable foundation from which to draw) modality. With its placement as the 11th sign (of 12) on the Zodiacal Wheel there is a sense of cumulative understanding that has progressed from the first thoughts of Gemini’s agility and ease with communication (Mutable:flexible and expansive Mind:air) and found its refined and balanced expression in Libra (Cardinal:catalytic new beginnings of Seed Thought:air). Libra is the space of awareness of what new products may be created from the inpouring of Gemini’s mental explorations. Aquarius being the last and 3rd of the Air (mind and communication) infused signs takes from its predecessors and gathers all of the extraneous information and varied styles of communication as the blueprint to be created for a vision that will electrify and propel all who can understand the nuances and complexities of that vision into the future carried on the breath of change. Think of the change and potential for new creations that occurred with the realization of electricity as an alternative source to the limitations of candle light.

This electrical capacity is driven by its ruling planet, Uranus- the higher amplification of Mercury. We all know of Mercury’s mysteries and the infamous retrograde where communication slows and/or stalls and misunderstanding abounds. Now envision that communication and deftness of ease in moving from topic to topic and upgrade it to lightspeed. Or, in other words, Mercury is the beautiful letter that arrives several days later via mail courier and Uranus is the text that is instantaneous and can reach across the seas! This also means that when we call upon Uranus to inspire and inform the work of synthesis that Aquarius exerts on all matters of the mind, intellect, communication and flow of exchange – the result is a think tank that can envision all sides of a possibility and spit out at will a suitable outcome in half the time, to boot!

Unfortunately, most of this is done using logic and the tendency is to neglect the human equation in the formula. Pure thought can be a beautiful tool for building the constructs of what could be and if that construct is infused with the nurturing of a heart based action, the vision becomes one that can be built upon grace as what is devised in the realm of air takes form in the manifest world. This is also the pivotal point of trust. Trust that what is abstract can be applied in practical fashion to the benefit of All, not just a few. Fear feeds into this lack of trust, as the mind can derail the most heartfelt plans when over analysis and withdrawal into the imagined rather than what is possible become a distraction.

And, perhaps the greatest fear is that of success. Of being able to breathe life into what you envision and then ultimately also being responsible for its care and feeding to sustain that breath. Using the energy of Uranus as a means of keeping that electricity flowing pulls from a cosmic source that has no fear and is ripe and full with the potential of new action.

This New Moon can begin to turn the tides of what you fear into what you will create for yourself, and ultimately, each in turn  who claim that power of self-directed change add to the collective spirit of what can be built for all. Aquarius is the breath of innovation and solution. It can then communicate that solution in a way that reaches into the networking of energy that we are all part of. The right mindset that flashes on that neon billboard can’t help but be noticed and what results from that display of light and expression is like attracting like, one inspired action, one inspired thought, one inspired place of new beginning-at a time.

Claiming Your Power 
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The day after this New Moon, and still in its aura of waxing, the planet Mars transits into Aries, its ruling astrological sign. Mars is raw energy and action, which is why it often gets the negative reputation of aggression and war like posturing. Yes, I used the word posturing, because in many cases, this rebellious and war like sign is a facade for misdirected enthusiasm and the inability to remain still. Aries, being the youth and first sign of the zodiac is aptly served by Mars. Think about the boundless energy that a child has. And, sometimes that over-the-top excitement causes havoc and stirs up the emotions in the parent who has to be the one in charge. But if guided well, that Mars like energy can strengthen that child’s resolve in working hard towards their goals and facing challenges head on.

As we continue to build that vision of what could be and we anchor into the power of Mars in its most natural state of being, we can tap into an unending supply of determination and determined-action that will break down some of the feelings of powerlessness we may have.

Use this New Moon to craft a dynamic blueprint of how you will move through the year ahead. Be as the place of synthesized inspiration, drawing into yourself what you know of yourself to be your strengths and honoring those places of weakness that you perceive. Let the vision unfold, pixel by pixel, as you allow the inspired spark of electrified wisdom stabilize the vision of what can be. Draw from that spark the fires of asserting yourself fueled by a vision that is not diminished by the challenges that will unfold as the vision grows and gains in might. And, with each breath taken allow yourself to be open to the bigger picture of you as a singular yet unique and vital piece of a much larger community that together can build the vision of what will be…

A Ritual Pathworking to Sustain

On Saturday Afternoon I will be posting a Ritual Pathworking that corresponds to a very special ritual our coven will be doing live on Sunday- Lighting Our Torches! All Hail, Columbia! You may use this as a resource of continued working as we move through the remainder of Solar Aquarius and greet the charismatic heat of the Full Moon in Leo and a Lunar Eclipse on February 10th.

Click Here:  Lighting the Torch! A Ritual Pathworking…

Blessings of vision on your sacred work….Robin

A Shot in the Dark: New Moon in Sagittarius

Posted in Astrology, Auspicious Days, New Moon, pathworking on November 29, 2016 by themagickalpen

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November 29.2016
New Moon in Sagittarius
7:18a.m. (EST)

Sun in Sagittarius

There are times when we feel powerless in affecting change in the way that we would wish. Times that are particularly difficult to navigate and the anticipation of what the future will bring is colored by doubt and fear. We push and strain to let our voices be heard and in the best of it, we step more fully into our power. In the worst, we feel that all of our efforts have been a shot in the dark. Each strike sent out from a tense bow of frustration and an exaggerated aim that often overreaches the goal we loosely had in mind.

These are the times we are facing now, with recent political events looming large and ominous in the United States and global affairs precarious in their awaiting the outcome of the collective mind of the USA and alliances that had been made. So, how do we make use of this New Moon in collectively minded Sagittarius and a Solar boost to this astrological Fire that is Mutable; which means flexibility and adaptability. This is also a Fire of will to action that expands and contracts as thresholds of endings and beginnings test the boundaries of where that action is directed and how willful we are in burning through it.

These are also the fires of newly ignited flames; in other words there is the potential for the fire to completely go out if it is not fed carefully and appropriately with skillful attention to placement of breath/air and intention.

We are nearing the end of November and with the advent and waxing of Mother Moon into December, how we feed and tend those Fires now will go a long way in support of December’s Solar transition into foundational Capricorn and the Winter Solstice. We will have passed the full moon by the time the solstice occurs but those last and most mature energies of Solar Sagittarius hold the spark that will ignite as those fiery arrows that were launched in the light of Solar Sagittarius gain ground in earthy Capricorn.

A Shot in the Dark

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My proposal to you is one of cultivating patience and discernment and shoring up your arrows of connectivity; trusting that intention will guide the way. This means spending some time reflecting and truly thinking through where you wish to send out your fires of action. Where will they take root and what will become wasted energy and effort at a time when clarity and precision in picking the right battles to burn through is at an all time high.

Just as the archer of the Sagittarian symbology requires skill and practice to insure that each arrow hits the intended mark, this is a proposal that has no expiration date on honing and refining its many moving parts. What we need is a plan and plans take time and more importantly those who are knowledgeable in their skill set to make lasting change.

One arrow of hope -aka.one intention released of action that has been fueled by a will that has scanned the best and most direct route for impact- can become the one that ignites a larger path to action that is palpable in its effect and brings about growth that rises from the ashes stronger and more dynamic than what had been planned.

I encourage you to use the energy of this New Moon productively letting the light of your intentions to begin the process of connecting with others of similar philosophy and belief. Release an arrow of understanding that you may gain deeper awareness of who and what the issues are, seeing them from both perspectives. You know there is the saying that one keeps their friends close and their enemies closer. Send out an arrow of clarity so that your actions will carry the most weight in leaving footprints that are easy for others to follow on the path towards right action.

Release an arrow of love and respect, that remains tethered to you as it seeks its mark. This is the arrow of reciprocity. One that requires you respect yourself enough that you will not allow the same type of narrow mindedness to rule your actions as that which you are condemning. Love is a powerful ally and although all cannot be easily diffused or transformed by love, the action, intention and efforts towards remaining this space, especially when challenges are at peak, strengthens your own convictions and place of right action.

Think of these arrows that you send forth his New Moon as the first strikes of the match that craft the fires of Illumination, Healing and Cleansing. And, once this Fire is collectively lit, nothing can extinguish what arises from its flames.

I’ve recorded a special Pathworking for this New Moon to begin the process of right action and focused intent. Enjoy…

A Shot in the Dark

Meeting on Solid Ground-New Moon in Scorpio

Posted in Astrology, Auspicious Days, New Moon, pathworking on October 30, 2016 by themagickalpen

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October 30.2016
New Moon in Scorpio
1:38p.m. (EDT)

Sun in Scorpio
Mercury in Scorpio

Neptune Retrograde in Pisces

If you celebrate Samhain during the Traditional time of the year, today we are mid-point between a 3-day aura of Samhain’s energies. The 29th heralded the transition into the Scorpio Moon at 10:01p.m. and today’s New Moon shifts the gears from waning towards waxing at 1:38 p.m. All this carried forward into tomorrow, October 31st traditional Samhain. You could stop the Samhain revels there , if you like, but consider this. The 31st is the appetizer served to whet the appetite for the most potent and nourishing of energies that occur on the date of Astrological Samhain (Sun in Scorpio); usually somewhere around Nov. 6-7 or 8th.

Why, this second date? Technically these celebrations were calculated in accord with the mid-point (of days) between the Equinoxes and Solstices. The same holds true for Imbolc (Feb. 4/5-Aquarius); Beltane (May 5/6-Taurus) and Lughnasadh (Aug. 5/6-Leo). Additionally, each of these Sabbats fall within the Solar month of one of the four Fixed astrological signs during the Solar year. The Sabbat, or Solar/Fire Holi-day occurs when the Sun is 15-degrees in the fixed sign; that being the mid-point or height of potency for that sign’s energy. (More about this in a later post)

For now, let’s make use of the New Moon on this auspicious day as we greet our Ancestors.

Scorpion, Eagle and Phoenix

Father Sun and Mother Moon dance in the dark deep waters of Scorpio. And, Mercury-the communicator extraordinaire, also in Scorpio, joins the party of mystery and deep insight. All systems are go for seeking interaction with our beloved ancestors. Scorpio, as the astrological sign of Fixed water provides a stable container that may serve as the filter of what has come before and what will emerge in the future while remaining fully present in the now. Mercury eases and opens the gates of communication, much like the international liaison between two lands (living and departed) that may not speak the same language so that exchange can be made. This communication takes on the expression of Scorpio, so whatever comes through will most likely be what has lain in wait in the subconscious and now the time is ripe to draw it up to the surface. Don’t be surprised at the bluntness of what is communicated, however. This is the “sting” of the scorpion’s tail that awakens you to what lurks deeply below the surface.

The beauty of astrological Scorpio is that what is hidden beneath has the ability through its naturally transformative quality to allow a rising high above as it takes the form of the Eagle (a second attribution to Scorpio); keen of sight and able to see precisely what is needed to be sacrificed to feed and nourish. And, once that state has been mastered, the Phoenix (the third of attributions) stands center and strong in rendering down the last of our resistance and re-generating from the ash a {w}holly changed being! This phase of metamorphosis is the blueprint for seeking ancestral wisdom, taking it in-challenges and all-and letting this new knowledge transform how we walk within our world of the living and share the gifts of our deeper gnosis.

Retrograde Neptune in astrological Pisces

An additional cosmic boon is the energy of Neptune, now retrograde in its ruling astrological sign of Pisces. Pisces is the last of the water signs as well as holding the auspicious place of being the 12th and last of the astrological signs of the Zodiacal Wheel. Pisces expresses itself in compassion and self sacrifice that is honed by extraordinary natural empathetic and intuitive sight. Neptune, as mythical God carries the Trident that parts the seas (of emotional outpouring) as the three pronged staff directs a triad of energetic power towards higher aspirations. The triune quality is one that is Spiritual in nature and calls forth the Divine spark, each prong much like flames of will, action and desire. Holding the knowledge of this planetary energy in heart as we seek audience with our beloveds creates a space of intuitive insight and receptivity that is of Spirit to Spirit (our Highest self) meeting in the common seas of creation itself. This sea being one that is not bound by time or space an one in which all that was, is and shall be converge as a singular point of meeting.

Now,we are ready to pen our heart and minds to those we wish to commune with at this most sacred of times. Now, the place of meeting will be awakened as we step through the veils…

Meeting on Solid Ground

This pathworking can be used at anytime, but will be particularly potent today because of the preliminary work that has been set in motion with the previous posts. We will be using it again on November 7th, as the final post for the intention begun on October 16th.

Click here for the recorded pathworking….

Calling to the Ancestors

Into the Dark: New Moon in Libra

Posted in Astrology, Auspicious Days, New Moon, pathworking on September 29, 2016 by themagickalpen

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September 30.2016
New Moon in Libra
3:52am (EDT)

Maiden Moon is cloaked in darkness as She begins a new journey tomorrow in the astrological sign of Libra. The Moon transits in Libra at 3:52a.m. and rises New at 8:11 p.m.(EDT). Balance, harmony and beauty flow through these dark waters as she rises like Venus from the waters; this Maiden is one of polarized opposite to that of the brilliantly lit Venus her sister of light and revelation. Her nakedness is hidden in the night, yet she allows herself the vulnerability that can only be achieved through trust un the inherent balance striven towards.

There is courage that flows through this New Moon, having stationed into this phase mid-point of the scales of the Libran Solar Month. This mid-point of solar light seeks the coolness of dark moon’s undercurrent. After all, without the mystery of this darkness, the light of Solar gift will not be quite so brilliant.

We began the month with a New Moon and end this month with yet another. Two counterpoints of balance, the first flowed from the detail of Virgo’s stream and this now meeting the space of weighing of what was extracted from that detail ensuring that everything is in its most harmonious form. What appears as perfection in form, much like the image we have of Venus is only made so because of the imperfections that have learned to come together and provide an image of grace and beauty.

Each cycle flows one into the other and so this moon is setting the stage for the Solar Month of Scorpio to take hold on October 22nd. Mother Moon will wax full in earthy Taurus, anchoring in and birthing all that is held within the aspirations of manifestation. The darkness of the Maiden and her every growing fertile waters hold the potency that will be seeded in due time; incubated in sweet waters that flow into the light. And, what we seed in those waters will in what seems to be the void, emerge transformed touched by a light that now has awareness of itself within the spectrum of shadow and brilliance.

Into the Dark

I invite you into the caverns of darkness on this New Moon. Enter with openness and trust that all will be as it should be, if you stay the course and follow the path your heart guides you upon. This is the sweet innocence of the Maiden, enjoying the space of anticipation of what could be. Look up towards the night sky and you will see the ever so slight rimming of light that holds the promise of nubile form. She arise from the waters, the Dark Venus of burgeoning life.

Click below for a guided pathworking..

Into the Dark

New Moon in Gemini-React With An Informed Response

Posted in Astrology, Auspicious Days, New Moon on June 1, 2016 by themagickalpen

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June 4.2016
New Moon in Gemini
10:59p.m. (EDT)

Sun in Gemini

Mutable Grand Cross
Phase One

Neptune in Pisces & Jupiter in Virgo
(Retrograde) Saturn in Sagittarius & Venus in Gemini

The Moon enters a new beginning late Saturday evening and brings with it a host of stellar events that will shape how we move through the weeks up to the Solstice Full Moon on the 20th, and beyond!

The buzzword for this month is Mutable Grand Cross and it carries an intensity and potential for reaction or response. A Grand Cross occurs when four (4) planets create aspects that result in 2 dynamics (or lines) of opposition; intersecting creating 4/right angles at the mid-point and thus forming the geometric image of a cross. Additionally, these four planets each represent the four alchemical elements (earth-air-fire-water) of one of three modalities; meaning that they are the four elements of a Cardinal (beginning catalyst) – Fixed (stability of synthesis) -or, in this case – Mutable (flexibility of ebb and flow) Cross.

The Mutability of this auspicious celestial event provides the lessons of adaptability and resiliency. In the cycle of the three modalities, the Cardinal beginnings or seeding moves towards the Fixed intention of synthesizing and providing structure so that the energy may be utilized. Once the bolstering and defining work of the Fixed nature is complete, this newly organized energy moves into the space of Mutable imprint, where it may expand, test its flexibility and in so doing, ultimately release its former constraints and bring with it the experience of its journey that spills into that will be birthed anew as it feeds the Cardinal spark of new beginnings. This Grand Cross of Mutability is both a time of releasing what has been outgrown and feeding what will be the next phase of journey that heralds a new way of “being”.

There are two (2) Grand Crosses that will occur this month- the first at the New Moon and the second on the Full Moon on June 20th. In both instances retrograde planets remain and, in the case of the second, the inclusion of a Solar transit and the Solstice. As with most astrological events, these aspects and dynamics do not happen all at once, but are the peak of planetary movement inching its way towards creating enough change to form a dynamic pattern that refuses to remain unnoticed. Remembering this is a way to keep yourself on track; maintain a balanced approach and choose carefully how you will re-act or respond to the accumulated energy.

Gemini – The Erudite Professor or Eloquent Persuader?

This New Moon and Sun in Gemini are tools that can be used to navigate the opposition of Retrograde Saturn in Sagittarius. One of the Cross lines of opposing agendas will occur with Saturn in Sagittarius and Venus in Gemini. This means that Gemini is represented three times: New Moon, Sun and Venus. This also means that communication may have the same effect as listening to a broadcast of crossed wires and mixed signals. We just experienced the loosening of Mercury’s Retrograde (the ruling planet of Gemini) on the 22nd of May, and are still receiving some of the errant waves of miscommunication that are lingering behind.

Saturn seeks to control and re-order whatever it lays its application towards and the weight of this energy remaining retrograde in Sagittarius, can act in a way that suppresses the organic flow and outreach of Sagittarius’ inquiring nature. Sagittarian Fire seeks to find the place of viable landing of multiple arrows of connection and action that are dispersed. Now, that aim and release is imbued with a highly structured and controlled approach, putting on hold the natural spontaneity of the Sagittarian archer.

Venus seeks the balance and harmony of a refined order that produces beautiful result. Beauty, not limited by the visual constructs of what “beauty” means to us personally, but broadened to see the inherent beauty in the design that contributes to what that construct becomes. Venus wearing the mantle of Gemini adds to this balance versatility and adeptness around how that balance is expressed and what form that expression takes. Gemini is the master of duality (and manipulative persuasion, if necessary) and facility of style surrounding all manner of communication.

Put these two together on the same line of trajectory, as is the case of this line of the Grand Cross and false starts, hiccups and what seeks to order can actually create a jam up of efforts at communicating clearly and in harmony with a defined and precise aim.

This dynamic also leaves open the space for persuasion to take hold, simply because it “seems” like the right course instead of holding steady and choosing a response that has knowledge and consideration of previous experience as its guide. That also means, being patient enough to allow that information to come of its own accord.

Neptune in Pisces and Jupiter in Virgo..

The second line of dynamic in the Grand Cross is that of flowing waters and expansion that moves much like a ratchet, step-by-step; carefully organized and analyzed. As partners, yes I did say partners, in mastery of movement Pisces has finely honed the craft of overflow and freely giving of its emotional reserves and Virgo has mastered the art of restricting and allowing only what should run with a strong current do so. Virgo, as a sign of earth provides the container for what Pisces would naturally flood because of its organic instinct towards acting as provider and insures that there will be adequate supply left of that outpouring to renew, rather than deplete.

In this line of the Grand Cross we find Neptune in its sign of rulership, Pisces, so the dialogue between the two is a tale of old friends. A point of tension and opposition arises from Jupiter in a more restricting sign of Virgo. Imagine the damming up of what has mastered the tides of expansive reach that moves in accord with the rhythm of calibrated contraction as needed. Virgo tightens that contractive action, making sure that everything is in order and each outcome has been evaluated, verified and then checked again, before any expansion can occur. Emotions that arise from the deepest space of our vast ocean of experience and memory that would, otherwise, have been transparent in our sightline are now placed in a holding pattern to allow for greater scrutiny.

Sit As the Observer..

As difficult as it may be, the best course of action is to simply sit as the observer looking out as the waxing light provides a better view of what the options are. Breathe into the space of acknowledging that you may be feeling the pull of your emotional self to react rather than wait for the correct response that will insure you move from an informed heart-centered space. Acknowledge that although you are feeling pressed to restructure aspects of your life that you have not been in clear communication with for some time, this reaction could result in your overlooking a very useful, albeit small, detail of previous experience that will resurface when you remain still and open enough for it to gain your attention.

A Center Point of Calm Response…

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Alchemically, Mind and breath (Venus in Airy Gemini) have the potential to move with a grace and refinement that is your personal signature of harmony achieved through the beauty found in the process.

Will and action (Saturn in Fiery Sagittarius) are enabled to burn brightly in a structured and orderly way that endure time and catalyze the smaller fires of continued outreach towards collaborative and communal effort that is both aligning your internal communal s(S)elves and the outer world you inhabit.

Compassion and a healing heart (Neptune in Watery Pisces) can flow fully and with the appropriate discernment that heals and soothes without depleting its own reserves and capacity to give.

Prosperity and the realization of an abundance (Jupiter in Earthy Virgo) that provides what is needed devoid of excess and becomes fruitful in manifesting the space of gratitude are honed within the “knowing” that the earth of our bodies and home will sustain.

Find the space of stillness within. Find the space of receptive communication that flows. Find the gift of patience and deepening of your own self-aligning nature. Find the center point where each of the dynamics of this Grand Cross have opportunity to flow into, fuel and inform, so that you may find the resonance that is uniquely your own path towards future growth.

Blessings of this New Moon and this first Mutable Grand Cross …

A Gift of the Heart: New Moon in Pisces

Posted in Auspicious Days, Neptune, New Moon on March 8, 2016 by themagickalpen

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March 8.2016
New Moon in Pisces

8:54pm (EST)

Sun in Pisces
Total Solar Eclipse

The Moon begins its waxing towards fullness tonight entering its time of the New Moon. This March moon aligns with the astrological sign of Pisces, mirroring its Solar companion also in its Solar month of watery and compassionate Pisces.  Additionally, we have the auspicious event of the first Solar Eclipse of 2016.

The overall effect for this activity is one that can be gathered towards healing, a deepening of compassionate and empathetic understanding and flexibility to navigate changes that are coming. In its less than positive nature, non-productive self sacrifice and/or becoming entangled needlessly in another’s drama hoping to change what cannot are also expressions  of this configuration. Neptune is the ruling planet of Pisces and as such the depths to which we have access are often murky and clarity is difficult to come by. This requires a sensorial experience that is much more than just physical sight and what can be tangibly observed, hence the mystical and dreamy nature that flows through all things Piscean.

As usual, the New Moon phase heralds a cycle of fresh beginnings. At this time of the year, as well as this year in particular, for many, opening up the heart center in a way that promotes healthy discourse and interactions is vital to maintaining calm and focus despite the storms that may circulate, pulling us off course.

 The Solar Eclipse

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Credit: Space Telescope Science Institute

A Solar Eclipse occurs only at the time of a New Moon and when the Moon passes between Sun and Earth, partially or fully blocking the sun’s light. I think of this as a veiling of the Sun’s Light with the Moon’s energies acting like the polarized lenses of glasses. You are aware that the sunlight is strong and intensely bright, but the glare has been filtered and the shading serves to bring out the deepest and richest colors and details that would otherwise be lost in the brilliance of the light.

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Credit: MrEclipse.com

New Beginnings

A Total Solar Eclipse means that the Sun is fully covered by the Moon and for some this is seen as a deprivation of the much needed Sun’s light on the body of Earth. I have always viewed the Solar Eclipse as a time when my emotional bodies (the moon) and intuitive senses are strengthened and illuminated by the Sun’s direct potency. This energy then can be drawn into my physical forma and manifest experience (Earth).

With both Sun and Moon in Pisces, the opportunity at this time is one of heating and strengthening the flow of waters that can be both healing to others as well as restorative to oneself.  This is further supported by the energy of the Spring Equinox, later this month and a space of balance of sunlight and darkness. This is the potential for harmonious flow between what would ordinarily be the extremes and the promise of fertile growth and flowering of what seeds are planted in these rich deep watery (Moon) beds of body (Earth).

A Gift of the Heart

At this time of celestial flow, I offer a pathworking that I recorded for another purpose much like this. Find a space of quiet,  light a candle if you wish, and allow the words to wash over you as you remain flexible and receptive to the message. Because of space constraints, teh recording is accessed on my other site. Click here for the audio….

A Gift of the Heart

May the richness and flexibility of this Moon flow through you…

Communication and Expansion Pause For a While

Posted in Astrology, Auspicious Days, Jupiter, New Moon, Retrogrades on December 31, 2015 by themagickalpen

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January 1.2016
Waning Moon in Libra

January 5.2016
Mercury in Capricorn Retrograde

January 7.2016
Jupiter in Virgo Retrograde

January 9.2016
New Moon in Capricorn

Happy 2016! 2016 is a number Nine (2+1+6=9) Year. And, in the the first nine days of this new year Mercury and Jupiter station Retrograde.

The New Year kicks off with the Moon waning in the Cardinal sign of Libra, the great harmonizer. Father Sun, nearing its mid-point in Cardinal Capricorn lights up the landscape for the work of Mother Moon to begin her harmony of release and re-balancing. This is a good start to the New Year, particularly given its resonance to the number of Initiatory experience and crossing thresholds. Before we can begin the process of new growth we must release what is tipping the emotional scales towards unproductive and self-indulgent patterning. Look for this year to be one of opportunity to end what no longer serves and plant the seeds of what will be catalytic and transformative.

On January 5th the first Mercury Retrograde of this year occurs. Mercury aligns with Solar Capricorn and in this earthy sign communication will traverse the heights and the depths. Give extra time to fully process what is being said so that the mid-point of stable ground can be attained even within the exaggeration of what appears to be.

January 7th expansive Jupiter stations Retrograde in analytical Virgo. This is the ebb and flow of an ocean that captures every grain of sand in its grasp, sorting and sifting what will remain and what will be expanded out to broader horizons. This planet of abundance will remain retrograde until May 9th, building in its impact, contracting and pulling in what needs more discernment of intent. Virgo is another Earth sign so the action will take place in the physical and manifest realms of your being.

On January 9th, we feel the tides of the first New Moon of 2016. Mother Moon begins its waxing as it co-joins with Father Sun in the sign of Capricorn. Whatever you wish to gain stable ground in its forward efforts should be included in the magick of this New Moon. This will set the tone for the year ahead and provides a palpable and manifest opportunity to reach towards the fullness of what you’ve embarked upon when the moon waxes Full on the 23rd in dynamic and electromagnetic Leo.

Take a deep breath and welcome the New Year!

Read More:

Mercury Retrograde: Meet Me At The Station

Jupiter Retrograde:Expanding Consciousness

New Moon in Capricorn: As Above, So Below

A Writing for the New Moon

Posted in Astrology, Auspicious Days, Bonus Posts, Esbat, Lunar, New Moon on October 12, 2015 by themagickalpen

Madin Moon
October 12.2015
8:06pm (EDT)

The Moon is New in the astrological sign of Libra.  Cardinal Air and the balance and refinement needed to bring into the aethers those thoughts that will lift and inspire. Maiden Moon is hidden from view but Hers is the energy that tests the waters of faith. Faith that she shines brightly despite her dark veil. Faith that she will come to Her fullness as the days pass and in that fullness the splendor of her beauty will shine down. Faith that as is the cycle of all things She will pass into her mantle of wisdom and deep gnosis. Read more …..

The Healing of Maiden Moon

Lions and War and Love! Oh, My!

Posted in Astrology, New Moon, Retrogrades, Venus on August 13, 2015 by themagickalpen

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August 14.2015

New Moon in Leo
10:53am (EDT)

Sun in Leo
Venus Retrograde in Leo
Mars in Leo

The Lion roars and all know that raw power is soon to be exerted. Tomorrow mid-morning Lady Moon calls to Father Sun in her garb as maiden. She heralds new beginnings that are infused by passion (Venus) and aggression (Mars). Four celestial bodies are clothed in the regal Fires of Leo heating up the energetic plains as the Lion stands in authority.

Three of these energies, Sun-Moon and Retrograde Venus are aligned in an astrological aspect of conjunction. A conjunction occurs when two planets are very close to one another (within a 10-degree span) at any given time. This is much like a dialogue that is supportive and sustaining, particularly when the planets energies’ involved are compatible. Imagine an acquaintance leaning in to tell you something they wish to share with only you. In this current dialogue the duos of the Sun (dynamic force) and Venus (relationships and refinement) and the Sun and Moon (as always when a New Moon occurs) are in deep conversation as the polarities of Masculine and Feminine find the place of cohesion.

The New Moon in Leo offers ample opportunity to bring those emotions and passions that flow a little cooler normally, front and center. The catalyzing aspect of Fire are well used in this beginning flow that will ultimately find its fullness of expression as the Moon waxes towards its next phase on the 29th of the month.

Venus stationed retrograde in late July and the focus of its attention has been directed in refining relationships, expressing the beauty and love that can be achieved when that “extra effort” is given. Additionally, this Venus retrograde now resting within the pride of Leo can explore a deeper approach to matters of the heart. This dynamic energy is not limited to romantic pursuits, but flows into all aspects of our life. Wherever we experience the rising of passion for whatever is the object of that excitement a deeper connection and opening to the reciprocity of this flow will occur. This is one of the reasons why addictions can be so insidious and unexpected. What begins as a harmless yearning, has potential to become a driving force that consumes rather than feeds.

Read more about Venus:

The Temple of Venus: Learning to Love 

Add to this mix Fiery Mars. Assertion, aggression, challenge and explosive change are all within the directives of this planet’s basic nature. A little extra Fire and action that is driven by fierce will are what is necessary for the Lion (Leo) to sustain all that it considers part of its territory. This is the desire and need of a passionate tryst that ignites the consummate union of lovers whose loving action creates new life in the months that follows.

This is the  perfect recipe for any working that needs an extra boost of quickening, that will persevere through every challenge (Mars), engage at the deepest seas of refined relationship (Venus) and flow through the emotional landscape (Moon) held lovingly in the strength (Sun) of a light that guards, protects and releasing the Roar of its own power (Leo).

Lady Moon moves silently
Cloaked in the womb of
Newly birthed form.

Father Sun lights
The way of a heart
That seeks its
Fierce mate.

Passion Stirs
And what was
Unsure and afraid
Of its own desire
And hunger pushes
Forward in pursuit
Of its prey.

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