What's New

Today's Sun Eclipse comes from a Saros series of eclipses associated with accidents, so be especially vigilant about physical safety now.  Pisces/Aries energies continue to prevail.  Trines in fire and water keep the pot hot and may help offset the dynamic squares and oppositions.

Neptune into Aries on March 31 begins a significant turn of the wheel.  Aries is the first sign of the Zodiac, and Neptune takes 165 years to cycle through the Zodiac.  For more than 2000 years, Neptune in Aries has repeatedly coincided with war, religious crusades, zealotry and civil unrest.  Neptune into Aries in the early 1860s coincided with the American Civil War and the core issue of slavery.  Although slavery still exists in some places, one question might be: Do we need a release from enslavement in different ways now?  After dipping back into Pisces in October, from January 2026, Neptune will be in Aries for the next 15 years.  Neptune resonates with unity, spirituality, compassion, artistic inspiration, dreaming, and our secret invisible realms.  Perhaps our inner Life has been sacrificed on the altar of survival.  Who among us feels like a victim of fate, needing to rescue, be rescued, or escape from reality?  Aries will not be patient with Neptune's meanderings through fantasy and imagination.  Aries Warrior energy will push us to activate our dreams and claim our divinely unique selves, no matter how scared we might be.  From now until October, let exiled parts of ourselves emerge and be recognised.  Use the time between October and January to clear away old fears, doubts and self-criticisms.  Begin birthing your beautiful visions.

Treasure the somatic links between emotional, physical and spiritual existence with Saturn sextile Uranus on April 5.  The Libra Full Moon on April 13 opposes a Chiron, Sun, and Eris conjunction, highlighting past wounds and the need for authenticity and clear boundaries in all our relations.  In the Full Moon chart, Venus, Saturn and Uranus form a Yod pointing towards the Full Moon. Consult with and ask our elders, or our wise future selves, for peaceful resolution of any conflicts arising from our own or others' buried shadow selves.   "At Your Fingertips" - Artwork by Aralyn Doiron, featured in Creative Cronies 2025 Moon Calendar

Immediately noticeable in the New Moon chart is a grand trine between Mars in Cancer, Vesta in Scorpio, and a planetary lineup in Pisces.  Ceres, Sun, Moon, Saturn, Mercury, North Node and Neptune offer excellent opportunities to appreciate Life.  Synchronistic connections demonstrate myriad threads interweaving with our ancestors and loved ones.  The Water signs emphasise sensitivity and correlate with emotions.  We may feel gentle, compassionate, infused with love, or overwhelmed, distressed, and physically uncomfortable.  Mars went direct a few days ago, but will be in Cancer until mid-April driving some of us towards domestic chores and renovations, getting some of us hot under the collar. Meanwhile Vesta will have others diving deep, recognising which of our needs are not being met.  Pisces energies prevail in the next two months, so best let feelings ebb and flow.  Pay attention to dream ideas while exploring ways to anchor them in reality.

The Moon's Nodes in Pisces and Virgo mean three of the four 2025 eclipses fall in Virgo and Pisces.  Investigate any wishes for order and perfection.  Sticking to the plan may not be possible, especially around the Virgo Full Moon.  Time spent alone could be valuable.  Explore creative interests or promote others from behind the scenes.  Pisces tests our faith and asks us to trust in positive outcomes.  During eclipse season, portals can open, revealing hidden dimensions.  Between the New Moon and the Total Full Blood Moon Eclipse on March 14, Venus retrogrades, while Mercury, Neptune, the Sun and Saturn all gather on the Pisces/Aries cusp.  Venus retrogrades every 18 months and is obscured by the Sun for 40 days and 40 nights between appearances as evening star and morning star.  Venus retrograde in Aries asks: Do we have sufficient autonomy in our relationships?

In November 2024, Pluto moved definitively into Aquarius, the sign it will occupy for the next 19 years.  Pluto in Aquarius could transform and empower humanity in many positive ways, but this will require strengthening the values that benefit all living beings.  In March and May 2025, Neptune and Saturn move into Aries.  Saturn retrogrades into Pisces from September 2025 to February 2026, while Neptune backs into Pisces in October.  After January 2025, Neptune will be in Aries for the next 15 years.  Neptune's effects can be so subtle we might not notice our individuality blurring around the edges.  Arming ourselves with Aries' warrior spirit will help us clearly define ourselves and allow us to venture boldly into the uncharted territory ahead.  Saturn in Aries until April 2028 offers us opportunities to give form to our dreams and may help us to be resilient in the face of overwhelm or confusion.  Changing gears is indicated by many outer planets changing signs.  Take several deep breaths; we are in for a fast, wild ride.  The Moon's Nodes in Pisces/Virgo advise trusting intuition and appreciating earthly pleasures. 

Mercury conjuncts Pluto before the Aquarius New Moon, and Uranus goes direct soon after.  Intense intuitive thinking is stimulated.  Jupiter in Gemini goes direct on February 4. Ideas and projects tentatively put on hold begin to re-surface.  We may not be ready to share our bright ideas until Mercury catches up with the Sun and Ceres on the 10th and 12th.  Jupiter and the Sun favour self-expression, while Ceres fosters self-determination and authenticity.  On the 12th, Pallas Athene sextile Neptune offers dream wisdom.  The Leo Full Moon on the 13th is great for play, enjoyment and celebrations.  From February 17, Pallas Athene will be in Aquarius for the rest of the year, stirring up political activism and futuristic visions for humanity.  Juno into Sagittarius on the 20th emphasises the importance of mutually shared beliefs and values in relationships, while a compassionate Ceres in Pisces on the 24th champions peaceful negotiations. Pay attention to what happens around you when Pallas joins forces with Pluto on the 25th."I'm Awake / Psyche" - Artwork by Kathy Crabbe, featured in Creative Cronies 2025 Moon Diary

CAPRICORN NEW MOON   Tuesday, 31 December 2024
Chart calculated for NZDT 11.27 am
Tamaki Makaurau/Auckland, Aotearoa/New Zealand

Retrograde Mercury and the Sun travel towards each other in adventurous Sagittarius, meeting on December 6.  The nervous energy implicit in exact Sun/Mercury conjunctions can indicate mental distraction.  We may be active in our communications but forget to listen to others.  Make time for reflection until the 9th, flowing with the not-so-subtle shifts of Mars turning retrograde in Leo, Venus conjunct Ceres, Venus into Aquarius, Venus conjunct Pluto, Neptune Direct and Pluto conjunct Ceres.  Creative passion, spiritual inspiration, love for humanity and our whenua/home ground are all available to tap into now.

Please bring all inspirational ideas concerning the evolutionary transformation of the environment and our economic and socio-political systems into the light of the Gemini Full Moon on December 15.  After Mercury resumes direct movement on the 16th, disseminate everything purpose-full widely.  Sun into Capricorn on the 21st is the longest day of the year - celebrate Summer Solstice with flowers, a small fire or a candle lit to honour the ever-spiralling dance of our Earth around the Sun.  Despite human disruptions to the seasonal cycle, the seasonal cycles continue their natural revolutions.  On December 30, Chiron direct promises ongoing support in the shamanic healing of our most authentic core soul selves.
"Freedom to Venture through Portals into Far Out Dimensions" - Artwork by Guadalupe Salinas, featured in Creative Cronies 2024 Moon Diary

Mercury encompasses demanding Mars/Pluto and Mercury/Uranus oppositions.  Often, the grand trine is so easygoing it can slip by unnoticed and unappreciated, but the oppositions stir up powerful undercurrents.  On a personal level, we could experience a flood of emotions that need an outlet.  Dancing to loud music or another intense physical activity could aid release.  Primal screaming would be best done where it won't disturb others.  Globally, there are many climate change issues concerning rising levels of water.  Streams, rivers, springs, lakes, aquifers, the ocean, floods, storms, water distribution and pollution in waterways all come under the umbrella of the Water signs.  Multiple meaningful scenarios are possible with a lucky grand trine and r-evolutionary Uranus and Pluto leaning on the planets of communication and action.

On November 3, Venus and Pallas Athene meet in Sagittarius; Mercury enters Sagittarius, and Juno enters Scorpio.  Until March 2025, Juno in Scorpio craves deeper intimacy and emotional connection, while the Sagittarian influences inspire travel curiosity.  We may feel called to explore beauty and diversity, learn another language, or understand sound vibrations.  Mars into Leo on the 4th encourages flamboyant displays of passion, while Venus into Capricorn on the 12th takes pleasure seriously.  On the 16th, Saturn Direct and the Taurus Full Moon suggest access to previously unavailable resources.  On November 20, Pluto moves conclusively into Aquarius.  In 2023 and 2024, as Pluto has gone back and forth across the cusp of Capricorn/Aquarius, we have heard many debates about the regulation of AI and the media and technology that present damaging or incorrect information.  Will regulations reduce potential harm?  We are in the Aquarian Era now with all its lofty future implications.  The Sun into Sagittarius on the 22nd and Mercury retrograde on the 26th ask us to seek positive future directions and to break up and replace no longer useful past patterns.  From December 1 to February 2025, Pallas Athene in Capricorn is great timing for creating new foundations.
"Initiation" - Artwork by Paula Franco featured in Creative Cronies 2024 Moon Diary

Change is one certainty we can be sure of
The Sun Eclipse at Libra New Moon comes from a Saros cycle that cautions us to be careful - not to overdo or risk physical injury.  We may be feeling sorrow at the end of something.  Sesquare and square aspects between Libra, Capricorn and Taurus suggest an inclination to stir up matters best left in the past.  At the same time, the cluster of Libra planets indicate a longing for harmony and balance.  We are more likely to feel at peace now if we care tenderly for ourselves first rather than people-pleasing or trying to live up to others' past or present expectations.  In October, Black Moon Lilith repeatedly meets with the South Node and Juno, and twice each with the Moon and Mercury.  Listen to and dialogue with inner voices.  Be thankful and learn from any feelings that surface.

A meeting between Mercury and Juno on October 8 favours communications - conveying relevant ideas in the classroom, the office, the boardroom or therapy.  Jupiter retrograde on the 9th may slow thinking down enough for deep healing between October 12 and November 2 when Jupiter is in a cooperative sextile with Chiron.  Pluto direct on October 12 is on the last degree of practical Capricorn making critical closure tweaks to the structural changes in our world that have been realigning themselves since 2008.  In Scorpio from the 14th, Mercury asks us to dig deep for the threads of truth woven amongst lies and misinformation for the rest of this lunar month.  

Sun conjunct Juno on the 17th adds sensitivity to our relating, while an Aries Full Moon trine Venus into Sagittarius on the 18th heightens our joyful awareness of Self and our place within the big cosmic picture.  The Sun into all-or-nothing Scorpio on the 23rd helps us clarify our boundaries, while Vesta into Libra on the 27th inclines us towards cooperation and exchange.
"Interiors - Artwork by Kaye Bel-Cher featured in Creative Cronies 2024 Moon Diary

Between September 3 and 6, Black Moon Lilith is conjunct Venus, the South Node, Juno and the Moon.  Past karma continues to surface.  We may have unkind minds that attempt to bully us into doing or being something that doesn't feel right for us.  If this resonates, stand up and say No to that inner voice.  Along with relationships, this is a major theme in 2024, coming up again mid-month and just before the next New Moon.

On September 5, Mars into Cancer generates edgy restlessness, best channelled into a domestic Spring clean, a family food fest, or other actions that benefit whānau and loved ones.  Pallas into Sagittarius on September 8 attunes us to higher wisdom and our spiritual connection with universal truths, while Mercury conjunct Vesta on the 16th enhances mental focus.  The Pisces Full Moon Eclipse on the 18th is profoundly intuitive and mystical.  Tune into cosmic messages coming from dreams.  On the 23rd, Lilith meets Mercury in Virgo, the Sun enters Libra, and Venus enters Scorpio.  All highlighting work, study, social activity, and deep delving into the mysteries of Life.  Mercury goes into Libra on the 26th and meets the Sun there on October 1.  Who has known us longer than anyone else?  Time to unconditionally befriend ourselves.
"Girls Leaving the Forest of the Mind to see Further - Artwork by Jenny Corr featured in Creative Cronies 2024 Moon Diary
 

 Love goddess Venus moves into Virgo on the 5th, asking us to summon self-containment.  Mercury retrograde sets off security concerns from the 5th until the 15th, after which the quicksilver messenger backs into Leo.  If play is missing from creativity, the Fire sign retrogrades signal a time to reassess, to express creativity differently.  Move bravely into future inspirations after Mercury goes direct on the 29th.

From August 7 - 13, Black Moon Lilith meets the South Node, then teams up with Juno and Venus on the 16th and 21st.  Untangling past relationship karma with shadow work may feel messy, but accepting all parts of ourselves is necessary for healing.  Mercury/Venus on the 8th advises us to be gentle with ourselves, while Juno into Libra on the 10th recommends reciprocity and respect when connecting with others.  We get a rocket fuel blast of ideas and mental stimulation when Mars and Jupiter meet in Gemini on the 15th.  On the 20th, a Leo Sun/Vesta combo coincides with the Aquarius Full Moon, encouraging us to open our hearts and minds to all we hold sacred.  When Sun and Vesta go into focused, efficient Virgo on the 23rd and 25th, many things click into place.  Ceres direct on the 26th revitalises our sense of responsibility; some may take on a teaching role.  Venus into Libra on the 30th adds graciousness to social situations.  At the same time, on September 2, Uranus retrograde in Taurus and Pluto retrograde into Capricorn; ask us again to tune into Papatūānuku/Mother Earth as a living being.
"Passion is Powerful" by Norma Jean. Artwork featured in 2024 Moon Diary

Wow!  Complex aspect configurations at this New Moon overflow with potency.  A liquid love-infused grand trine in Water between Venus, Saturn and Pallas Athene implies social justice, caring for vulnerable women/children, insightful perception, creative idealism and tantric practices.  A Cardinal grand square between the Sun/Moon, South Node/Black Moon Lilith, Ceres and the North Node provokes actions that alleviate loneliness and fear.  Fully respect/honour all connections and boundaries. 

The dualistic Earth/Water mystic rectangle can indicate fluctuations, for example, between strength/weakness; harmony/tension; extrovert/introvert.  Mutable flexibility contrasts with Fixed resistance.  Furthermore, this (unopened) envelope aspect shape hints at secrets yet to be revealed.  The planets - Mars, Juno, Pallas Athene and Saturn contain possibilities for fault finding/accessing inner strength, cooperation/competition, fear of commitment/loyalty and stability.  In summation, weather emotional storms, gather essential truths and find safety within.

Karmic relationships tug on our heartstrings again when Lilith meets South Node in Libra on July 6 and 8.  In between, on July 7, Mercury conjunct Vesta in Leo is great for focused research.  Pallas Athene direct on the 10th could clarify our insight.  On the 12th, minor dissatisfactions surface as Lilith teams up with a Libra Moon, while Venus into Leo invites play and fun.  Mars joins Uranus on the 16th, stirring up volatile feisty energy - great for directing into activism.  Lilith/Juno in Virgo on July 18 and August 2 reminds us not to go on doing what we've always done if that no longer works.  Repeat new useful habit patterns until they become second nature.  On July 21, a revved-up Mars into Gemini and a second Capricorn Full Moon may see the flowering of something that started last month.  Sun into Leo and Venus conjunct Vesta in Leo on July 22 and 24 boost confidence, generating an invigorating dose of sparkle and shine.  Mercury into Virgo and Chiron retrograde on the 26th and 27th call for sobriety and deep reflection.  "Friend" by Aralyn Doiron.  Artwork featured in 2024 Moon Calendar 

An alignment of planets in effervescent Gemini suggests studying and exploring whatever is currently catching our attention.  Mobility, fresh air and a few fun distractions from the serious side of life won't go amiss now.  Trines from Gemini to Black Moon Lilith/South Node in Libra help us release any perfectionist ideals or judgements.  Go for physical activity if Mars into Taurus from June 9 is obstinate about letting go.  We may get briefly stuck in our monkey minds when Sun/Mercury meet in Gemini on June 15.  
Venus and Mercury go into Cancer on the 17th, then get cosy on the 18th, suggesting a willingness to share private feelings with our nearest and dearest.  Luxuriate in home comforts.  Maybe settle in with a good book or a movie.  Vesta into Leo on the 20th enhances our creativity over the next two months, while Sun into Cancer the next day highlights domestic talents. Black Moon Lilith has returned to Virgo to confer with Juno again on the 21st and 27th.  How's that inner critic doing?  Is overwork leading to burnout? 

At Capricorn Full Moon on the 22nd, Mercury and Mars are in a cooperative sextile.  Opt for emotional openness rather than yield to an unforgiving Mars in Taurus slow internal smoulder.Saturn is retrograde from June 30 to November 16.  Neptune is retrograde from July 2 to December 8.  Ride the waves of both planets stepping back in Pisces.  Reality checks urge us to look within, soul-searching memory and intuition.  Release any murky emotional or spiritual obstacles preventing the realisation of big dreams.  A past life reading or guided meditation could provide insight.  The best outcomes of a Saturn/Neptune cosmic interrogation would be greater compassion, the ability to build bridges with different others, and an upsurge of creativity.  Mercury into Leo from July 3 further boosts imagination, stimulating expressions of brilliance through poetry, writing, storytelling, communications, theatre, music, photography and myriad other art forms.  "Stories We Tell" by Suzanne Ashmore.  Artwork featured in 2024 Astrological Diary

Today's Total Sun eclipse is visible mainly in North and Central America.  An exact Sun/Moon/Chiron alignment highlights personal wounds that may hinder the expression of our authentic selves.  This eclipse invites the integration of high ideals and future visions.  Autonomous relationships are massively emphasised in 2024 by Venus Direct all year, and a lengthy dance between Lilith, Juno and the Moon Nodes.  A Mars/Saturn combo on April 11 can trigger confusing emotional reactions.  Understandings surface as Mercury retrograde meets the Sun, Chiron and Venus between the 12th and the 19th.

 A momentous Jupiter/Uranus conjunction on the 21st ushers in new values, spontaneous joy, freedom, vitality, luck, change and revolution.  When Jupiter/Uranus last met in 1997, the first voice recognition software was released, and the first animal - Dolly the sheep - was cloned from a single cell.  Genetic engineering and cloning technologies interfere with nature to manufacture, for example: "synthetic not-food", yet there is enough real food on the planet to feed everyone.  The problems are distribution, hoarding and waste.  Will cautious Taurus go overboard or curtail some runaway issues of our times?

Venus, sympatico with Taurus, meets Chiron on the 21st.  Self-love or compassion for ourselves and our imperfections is healing.  Juno, Full Moon, and Mercury from the 22nd to the 26th invite open communication with our loved ones.  On the 29th, a Mars/Neptune union and Venus into Taurus emphasise our universal oneness with everything.  Value the support from Papatūānuku, grounding our bodies with gravity.  Lilith joins the karmic South Node on April 29, May 5 and 6.  A shadow side of Lilith in Libra is perfectionism, often leading to loneliness.  Pluto retrograde on May 2 suggests soul-searching our sense of belonging.  Who are our friends?  What groups nourish our evolution?  Do we connect with our lineages?  A third meeting of Mercury/Chiron on May 7 summons mental clarity and, potentially, a thorough clearing of any brain fog.
"Creativity for Change" by Paula Franco - Artwork featured in 2024 Moon Calendar www.paulafranco.net