Jupiter rules Sagitarius helping to expand our faith in the true meaning of the holy-days. People travel short and long distances to be with family and loved ones. To come together and share in the Feast of Abundance and to nestle with one another in the warmth and comfort of the hearth and home. Discussions are shared in the guise of heated debates over shallow and misguided thoughts and others are engaged in deep meaningful conversations sharing each others stories.

The Full Moon in Gemini can also make us more restless as we prepare for all of the many festivities that are celebrated during this time. Office parties are being held and would be a great time to let loose and just be who we are as opposed to what we think we are. We may think we know it all, only to discover that we are pulling the wool over our own eyes when we could be knitting that wool into a sweater that we could gift to someone else. It is a beneficial time to share ideas or new concepts with friends and colleagues as it is the Social Networking Moon.

Again, Communication is a key component of Gemini and this is a time to get those letters, cards and parcels off to loved ones to make it safely through the hustle and bustle of the season. Take the time to enjoy sharing stories and the fondest of memories. No one wants to be alone during this time. Turn off the TV and attend a Holy-day concert or one of the many Festival of Light Celebrations talking over a cup of warm holy-day cheer with others.

This would be a great moon to be inspired with gift giving ideas. It isn't all about overspending and stressing out in the consumption of too many needless things, only to end up feeling exhausted and resentful for having endured the long line ups and expensive purchases. Think expansive rather than expensive. Too much of something can end up being a whole lot of nothing. We have many gifts that we can create and share with others.

Sometimes the Social Gemini Sun,Moon or Rising person is the social butterfly needing to know why and loving a good conversation whether behaving friendly of flippant.  Too much talk can attract gossip and create needless misunderstandings. Make an effort to communicate effectively and to listen to others. Remember the children's game Whispering Down The Lane? You whisper something into one person's ear that is passed on to the next person and by the time it reaches the end of the line it has become totally out of context. This is where Mercury the ruler of Gemini plays the trickster teaching us the wisdom in foolishness or even the foolishness in wisdom.

This is the Full Moon of Communion with our Higher Aspirations. It is the dance of the Light and Dark Twins in each of us. The Dark Twin being our Shadow which seems to surface during the Dark Time of the year as we catch glimpses of it wherever there is Light that is too bright  like the blinding Sun. You can gaze at the Moon for hours and endless nights only to witness the changing phases due to the shadow effect. 

We are all gifts of the Cosmos wrapped and adorned in a myriad of colourful expression; some more decorated than others. However, it is what is inside us that is the actual gift of our own soul personality. .

If you can purchase a live Tree for the holy-days you will be able to return it and regift it to Mother Earth for others to enjoy.

Finally, let us be as the Three Magi and keep our eyes upon the North Star and the hope that it symbolises. The gifts of Light, Life and Love are to be cherished. The Return of the Invincible Sun Sol Invictus will mark the Winter Solstice in just a few weeks.  Be mindful that there are many pathways that seek the Light and when choosing a holy-day greeting consider the many holy-day feasts and rituals that may not where the same mask but share the same Divine Light.

So, eat, drink and be merry! Take care of each other and journey safely! Most of all, enjoy the Magic of the Season...and may the Lamb and the Lion in each and everyone of your hearts lay down together in peace...Happy Holy Days!

Richard Barrett
(c) 2009

New Moon in Scorpio
November 16, 2009
11:14 am  PST

The Sun and the Moon engage in their mo(o)nthly union with the New Moon in Scorpio. The energy seems to be most powerful in the hidden depths of our being. Sometimes referred to as the Dark Moon because it is not visible. The impact that it has upon our planet and our moods can vary due to the gravitational pull of the Sun and Moon conjunct. Astro Charts with even a few major planets in a water sign or 8th House tend to be more emotionally intense than usual. The fact that the New Moon in Scorpio is about exploring ways in which to channel our Personal Power and to use it wisely with regard to our own Personal Transformation by revealing the hidden aspects of the power struggle that exists in all of us. 

The Sun (ego), Moon (emotion), Mercury (communication) and Venus (attraction) are currently in Scorpio (mystery, power, secrets, death and rebirth).  Mercury will just have transited into Sagitarius which will expand our thoughts adding a bit of optimism and faith with the coming of the holy days celebrating the Light in mid-Winter. This intense energy is being felt on many levels, especially the collective unconscious.  Why do we fear the dark? When we open the door to a room void of light it allows the light to pour in. Power contains both positive and negative charges. Energy implodes or explodes. There is an intensity of restlessness harnessed by the secrets of the universe at this time.  The media reports the news of death and destruction.  The ending of political power in some parts of the world and the rising of new regimes elsewhere. Technology continues to seek and probe the outer limits. NASA just discovered water (hydrogen and oxygen) in the form of ice and steam in a dark crater of  the Moon...which scientists have said was merely a dead rock orbiting the Earth.

Speaking of NASA, which recently released a statement reassure the people that the movie 2012 (new release) that depicts a catastrophic doomsday based on the Ancient Mayan Calendar. Those obsessed with images of death and destruction will not be disappointed. The mere fact that NASA would even bother to make such a statement makes me slightly suspicious. Did they issue similar statements when the producers of Independence Day released a movie about a meteor threatening the demise of the planet? There are many theories about the End of the World in 2012. Remember, doomsday has been predicted at different times throughout history. I feel the movie is going to create more hype around the doomsday theory rather than the various and more positive theories that are related to the Mayan Calendar. It is a very interesting topic that has prompted alot of deep speculation and theoretical conversation. 

In the Northen Hemisphere it is the Season of Dying, particularily in the Celtic tradition it marks the time of Winter. The Wheel of the Seasons bring change. The Earth is consuming what  she gave birth to in the Spring taking it back into her womb to be transmuted and reborn again in Spring. All the decay is returning to the soil feeding the creatures that exist in a cold, dark and mysterious place.  Imagine what is going on beneath the surface feeding the deep roots of plants and trees that seek the light of the Sun to be reborn into beautiful blossoms. As the nights grow longer, the temperatures decline and some of us begin to feel more isolated, remaining indoors where it is warm and cozy. We enter into the Sacred Silence.

Scorpio is named after the scorpion who has the ability to sting itself again and again. I know alot of Scorpio types with a tough veneer able to be protective of their intense emotions unless provoked by an outsider who will cause their venom to surface with an emotional sting like the scorpion. Be willing to peer beyond the veneer and respect what truth may be hidden there.

The Snake is also associated with Scorpio (Transformation/Rebirth) due to the ability to shed its old skin and re-emerge anew. The Serpent at the base of the spine known as Kundalini Energy can be awakened through certain Tantric Sexual Practises. Scorpio rules the Sexual Energy and Reproductive Organs. Sexual Energy is very powerful and must be respected and honoured in every individual. Just as the Sun and Moon are in symbolic union during this phase, we may feel the urge to connect with another on a deeply sexual level. Sharing sexual energy with another being can be a very intense and liberating expression without depleting it for purely selfish reasons. It isn't meant to be about conquest but more about inquest into the intimacy (into-me-see) between ourselves and others. Personally, I feel that we are all Spiritual/Sensual/Sexual Beings and that we need to honour those levels of expression with intergrity. After all. it is one of the key ingedients in the elixir of Love. The Power of Love rather than the Love of Power.

Secrecy is another aspect to Scorpio and our willingness to become Soul Detectives bringing the flashlight into the dark to address the more negative side to our being. We need to be shining that bright light into our own eyes and interogating ourselves and to see with our inner eyes the disguise that we don't always need to wear. If we face our own fear we are able to bring it into the light and own it rather than projecting it onto others. So many myths have been written about the Scorpio archetypes and have been woven into stories of unsolved mysteries and crimes. Alas, like the Phoenix rises from its own ashes, we also can arise from the ashes of our own ignorance and fear.

Again, taking back our power also means being responsible for our dark side rather than projecting it  onto others. Even though we may not always see the writing on the wall of our subconscious, like the Dark Moon that is not visible but we know it is there like the answers to our own mystery. It is not about power over others but power over ourselves.

It is a great Lunar Cycle to seek out solutions to help us transform and heal ourselves and each other. We journey together upon the path of Life between Birth and Death. To Be Here Now requires a surrendering of desire to inspire us. I think of the Tao and the Sacred Dance of the Light and the Dark.

Take a good look into the mirror and ask some profound and meaningful questions that you truthfully seek to answer. What ever you do, dare to be yourself because this is the time to look beyond the veil.

(c) Richard Barrett 2009

Full Moon in Taurus

November 2, 2009

11:13 am   PST

The Sun (our core) and Mercury (our communication) are in Scorpio (our mystery)which enhances the effect of this Full Moon in Taurus (our security). We are amidst the season of change and decay with the many transformations that are colouring not only world politics but also the politics of personal power that we engage in with others and with ourselves. We are constantly being convinced that life is a struggle rather than a journey into the ever unfolding mystery of life, death and beyond. We are told that we can not have peace without war. During the Sign of Scorpio we remember those who fought for peace and those who have passed away. Many customs are celebrated around the world to honour the memory of our ancestors.

The Full Moon in Taurus is all about our sense of security on all levels. It is the full-fillment of living in the material or matter-real world. It is not a time to be charging after something like a raging bull and stubbornly clinging to that which we cannot possess... rather a time to take the Bull by the horns and get real with ourselves and each other. We all need the comfort and support of friends, family and lovers. This is a great oppurtunity to gather and remember the many blessings that continue to come to us in the most surprising of gifts. We are apt to feel more sensual during this Moon as its gravational pull is so strong.

Too often we find ourselves trying to possess that which is not truly ours and living with a false sense of security. Money does not create emotional security. Love does not create financial security (although partnership can). Like the many gardeners that love to get their hands dirty cultivating the soil of their gardens, we can also unearth some of the misconceptions that have been planted in our own Secret Garden.  Has it been fertilised with alot of bullshit that stifles our personal growth?

Why is it that some people are able to make us feel secure, while others make us feel insecure? I believe it is all about investment. Who and what do we invest in? Are we giving and receiving our fair share? Do we own our possessions or do our possessions own us? Do we merely borrow our existence or do we own it? When we feel we are not being respected or honoured for our efforts, we may become insecure. It is about Personal Power experienced by the individual.

Think about our earth's resources and how insufficiently they are being distributed. There are enough natural resources to feed, shelter and clothe those who live in poverty. We all need to grab the bull by the horns and harness its power and connection to Mother Earth. If we give her back her diamond, she will offer up her pearl. ~Dead Can Dance

Superficially, we are defined by what we do rather than who we are. We enter this world or realm of the senses with nothing and we depart from it with nothing. Yet we are conditioned by constant marketing schemes to convince us to purchase things that we do not neccessarily need; or eventually that we do not want. Again, it is the attachment to the sentiment, rather than the object itself that the Taurus type wants to cling to. After all, eventually you will be thrown off by the bull, both literally and figuratively. The Full Moon in Taurus can also affect our sexuality as well as our sensuality. Venus ruled Taurus wants to love and experience beauty in its many manifestations. As the saying goes: if you want to be loved, then offer love. A romantic time with a loved one exchanging sensual touch and healing massage would be beneficial.

Taurus is is named after the Minotaur ( a Greek word meaning Bull of Minos). There is a Greek myth of the Labyrinth and the White Bull of King Minos of Crete. In modern times, the Labyrinth is still used as a meditative and symbolic pathway. The Full Moon draws our energy outward like the Bull at the center of the labyrinth journeys outward as it illuminates the darkness. We can appreciate the darker side of the nature of things in ourselves and in others.

Do you want to be like a Bull in a china shop destroying things by being mindless or like Ferdinand the Bull, who chose not to fight but instead took the time to smell the beautiful roses of  love.

(c) Richard Barrett 2009

Full Moon in Aries
Saturday, October 3, 2009
11:11 PM  PDT

Welcome to the first full moon of Autumn in Aries! Flaming colours ignited by the Sun splashing yellow, orange and red on the leaves.

Ares was the Greek God of War (the opposite of his sister Aphrodite: Greek Goddess of Love and Peace) and was worshipped by Warlords in Ancient Greece in Rome he was known as the God Mars who gives the name to the month of March. The martial arts are ruled by this sign. In fact, Ares is still worshipped today in an archetypal way. Billions of dollars are invested in warfare and the exploration of space. It seems ironic that we are unable to explore Venus the symbolic planet of love and peace which is closer to the Sun. Instead, we probe the Red Planet that is an archetypal link with Ares. We seem obsessed with Martians and other aliens in the realm of science and fantasy. Even if rational science dictates that it is not plausible to explore a planet like Venus, could we not, at the very least, explore the planet of Love symbolically within our own inner verse as opposed to the outer verse? It is interesting that our planet Earth is between two planets that represent War and Peace. Is the truth out there? Or is it in here, inside each and every one of us? Truth is such a personal belief system that seems to always be changing. Life is about transformation in so many ways. Change your perception and you change your world...your personal world...how you perceive it.

Life can be a challenge and Aries energy loves a good challenge! Rather than competing with others, we could confront our own Ego by transforming "me" into "we". Nothing is completely independent everything is inter-dependant. Co-dependant has become a very negative catch word. There is so much needless conflict in our world. If we continue to feed only our greed then we sow another angry seed. Do we multiply only to divide? We are in the Age of Aquarius, not the Age of Aries, and yet we live in a world that has become more and more action oriented. Think of how time seems to have accelerated by faster technology.  A world obsessed by action and trying to be first in everything. Aries is the first Sign of the Astrological Wheel. How can everything be Number One at the same time? All is One relates to our spiritual connection. The universe seems to be part of a Sacred Geometry; therefore, all numbers are relevant and equally important. To claim that there is only one true God (my God versus your God)...well, we all know how wars are started. It has been said that God is too big for just one religion.

The Ram is the animal totem of the sign Aries. A headstrong creature can butt into personal affairs of others. Yet, inside every ram lies a gentle lamb. The aggressive nature of an Aries Sun/Moon/Rising Sign can be tempered by the other signs and there placements in the Astrological Chart. Although Aries energy can be fiery, direct or aggressive in no way implies that all Aries are ruthless and constantly seeking to win a battle. Aries energy can initiate positive action. Fire is a very useful and necessary element as long as it is not implosive or explosive (a rocket scientist would probably argue my point, rightfully so). Aries rules the head and being a fire sign can initiate headaches, inflammation and other irritations.

Athena was the Greek Goddess of Wisdom and a sister of Ares. She was born with a spear and shield in hand and unlike her bother who was too impulsive, she invoked the wisdom of the Owl being wise and less rash in her actions. Athena represents the anima of her Brother Ares' animus. It is said that Ares and Aphrodite bore the twins, Phobos "panic" and Deimos "fear" which together can create conflict. Fear is the absence of love. Both serve a purpose to be explored and understood within each and everyone one of us. Owning our personal inner conflict is winning half the battle. To forge ahead with positive action is our best weapon. As the Pilgrim of Peace said: "If someone were to kill me, they would only be killing my body and not my soul; if I kill another, I destroy my soul".

Aries is also symbolic of the Inner Child. The God Ares was the first born son of Zeus who always sought the love and approval of his father. I believe that a lot of tyrants are simply wounded children seeking the love and approval of an Almighty Father, their own father, the institutional father or their own personal God. Adults are merely children in grown up bodies and we need to rediscover the child in each of us so that we can heal. It is time to remove the superficial band aid, to allow our wounds to truly heal in the fresh air and light of day. It is said in several spiritual traditions that we are to be innocent as children to enter into Heaven, Nirvana, Paradise or state of Bliss.

Aries is fiery energy... so make love, not war...

(c) Richard Barrett 2009

A Native American grandfather was talking to his grandson about how he felt.  He said, "I feel as if I have two wolves fighting in my heart.  One wolf is the vengeful, angry, violent one.  The other wolf is the loving, compassionate one."   The grandson asked him,  "Which wolf will win the fight in your heart?"  The grandfather answered,  "The one I feed."  ~Native American Lore

New Moon in Virgo
September 18, 2009
11:45 am PDT

The New Moon can be a journey toward the within...to the center of our being. The New Moon in Virgo is a time to reap within what has been sown without.  It is the time when we begin to harvest that which brings us back to earth during the last week of summer.  Many people return to work, school or some form of service.

 Too much analysis can lead to paralysis

Being a Virgo, I completely concur with the above quote, because Virgo is the Sign of the Analyst.  Anyone with Virgo prominent in their birth chart can be a stickler to detail. Too much detail can derail us from our beingness.  It is the Sign of the Perfectionist, and it can be difficult to put away the voice of the Inner Critic that resides in us all.  People born with the Moon in Virgo tend to be quite critical of their self and others; as well as being emotionally aloof because they need to know the facts of the matter before they can open the gate to their Secret Garden.  By comparing, judging and needing to know why, we steer away from the center of our being.  Of course we require these cognitive tools at times because Virgo wants to be of service, to work and is health focused.  Virgo is also associated with worry which can lead to problems in the stomach and intestines where we digest and process not only our food but also our gut instinct.  In fact, the Medical Health Care Profession uses the symbol of Mercury's Winged Staff Caduceus as their emblem. The two snakes intertwine like the double helix of DNA.

As mentioned, Virgo is health oriented and prompts us to focus upon our personal health issues and to commit ourselves to a healthier lifestyle.  It can be a time to be mindful of the health of others, in particular the caregivers in our lives.  Alot of Virgo energy is channeled through the many health caregivers who are often overworked and unappreciated.  Our Health Care System seems to be inundated with problems and lacking the resources that we are in dire need of.  That is why it is important to heed to the words: Physician Heal Thyself.  We need to explore ways in which we can heal ourselves in Body, Mind and Spirit.  There are many healers in this world, but we are our best healer in the long run.  I am grateful that there are those who can set broken bones, stitch wounds and save lives.  However, I think about the saying: Broken bones mend faster than broken spirits.  We need to integrate both Allopathic and Alternative Health Practices. It can be very frustrating when one side dismisses the benefits of the other.  Without a healthy planet we cannot expect to be healthy ourselves.  I have discovered that when I help to heal others I am also helping to heal myself.

Divine Servitude is in a sense the calling that allows Virgo (associated with the Virgin) to harvest the fruits of its labours to assist others in a time of solace.  Many Virgo types enter into deep seclusion to contemplate the pain and suffering of others that they too feel. Being of service is a word that also translates the latin word servus which means slave. Virgo loves to offer assistance on its own terms of service oftentimes volunteering without wage but it will not respond well to arrogant demands that treat them as a slave.  It is truly about integrity and needing to be humble about being served as well as being of service.

Ceres was the ancient Roman Goddess of Agriculture and harvest of the grain.  She is incoporated into the Virgo symbol of a woman holding a sheath of wheat.  The word cereal is derived from her name.  The glyph of the scythe that cuts away the barley is similar to the symbol of the question mark that cuts away to an answer after a period of analysis.
 
Give us this day our daily bread so that we may share it with others. Just some food for thought or barley soup for the soul.

(c) Richard Barrett 2009

The Virgo archetype seems present in the lyrics from Coldplay's FIX YOU:

When you try your best but you don't succeed
When you get what you want but not what you need
When you feel so tired but you can't sleep
Stuck in reverse.

And the tears come streaming down your face
When you lose something you can't replace
When you love someone but it goes to waste
Could it be worse?

Lights will guide you home
And ignite your bones
And I will try to fix you

And high up above or down below
When you're too in love to let it go
But if you never try you'll never know
"Just what your worth"

Lights will guide you home
And ignite your bones
And I will try to fix you

Tears stream, down on your face
When you lose something you cannot replace
Tears stream down your face and I...


Tears stream, down on your face
I promise you I will learn from my mistakes
Tears stream down your face and I...


Lights will guide you home
And ignite your bones
And I will try to fix you.

The Sun in Virgo (work, health and service) has waxed in light illuminating the Full Moon in Pisces reflecting our need to transcend the ego by letting go and surrendering. Nature sacrifices its many fruits and vegetables that let go of the tree and the soil...to be consumed...so that it may perpetuate the cycle of life. The grape is ready to be plucked from the vine and changed into wine as we dine and surrender to what is divine to each of us in the coming season of thanksgiving and praise.

Pisces is the last Sign of the Astrological Year and is depicted in symbolism as two fish. In ancient times the symbol for Pisces was the Dolphin which was associated with Apollo the Greek Sun God. Dolphins have been connected to the divine. Water is an element that changes into many forms. The Dolphin is a mammal that dives deep into the subconscious realms while also transcending and surfacing into the conscious realm of air. This is a very sensitive Sign but don't confuse it for weakness because the dolphin knows how to bring down a shark. The symbol of the Two Fish demonstrate Duality and is probably why alot of Pisceans are considered to be wishy washy. Alot of people with a Pisces Moon in there chart tend to dive deep into there own fantasy world often being inspired to be creative in music, poetry and the arts. There moods change like the face of the moon and there is a tendency to escape from the secular world. They are great storytellers and also crafty at telling tall tales that they convince themselves to be true.

Neptune is associated with Pisces and the need to surrender the ego to a Higher Power...be it God/dess.the Divine or Great Mystery. It also relates to illusion, fantasy and daydreams. In our need to connect with the Divine we may choose to consume intoxicants in order to relax and let go. Here is where we may heed to the words Nothing In Excess. It is said that Pisces is associated with the fermented grape and is the origin of the saying: drinks like a fish.

Here is the Full moon to gather with family and friends to celebrate the last days of summer by feasting, drinking, dancing and sharing our stories experienced during the Season of the Sun.  Remember: Transcendence is the key word for this watery moon...Escape into the fantasy realm of dreams... This is the time when the tree begins to let go of her fruit to continue the cycle of life...sweet September Harvest...Letting Go is the feeling of this moon... scribe poetry...sing a song from your soul... dance to the beat of the One Heart... if you feel like a fish out of water then swim in the ethereal realm... if you feel like a fish in water then dive deep into the cosmic sea of your unconscious mind...remember...life is but a dream... if you can be by the water do so and share your creative gifts with loved ones...trust that the universe is unfolding as it should... lift up your Holy Grail to the moon and drink of her luminous light!

(c) Richard Barrett 2009

Note: when the Moon is transiting a particular Sign it is like a mirror reflecting the mood of  that Sign and may be felt on a more general level than a personal one.

Everyone is holy
I'm just waiting
to see how far
fate can throw me
for they were searching
for me lost
in an angry sea
so sure
those were dark
shark fins
but I just saw
the dolphins...

Lyrics by Sasha Sackett
Song  Kite High

The Sun and the Moon are both conjunct in the lion's den within the Fire Sign of Leo.  This turns up the summer heat...and at some point all of us want to feel hot!  This can be like a handful of Sweet Hearts Candy where one says: Kiss Me, and another: Love Sucks. Which one am I going to taste? Bitter or Sweet?  It is said that the most ferocious heart needs love the most. The timid heart craves affection but is afraid to open up to it. 

The High Tide of Summer...the Sun rules Leo.  We are now past the mid-point between Summer and Autumn.  Many people are vacationing and allowing their innerchild to explore the world with a renewed sense of innocence.  The world is a stage and people want to act out many types of roles in the Sacred Drama of Life.  It is not surprising then to watch as people are willing to take risks such as: skydiving, river rafting, bungee jumping or simply taking the plunge into uncharted waters.  Everyone wants to be the center of attention at some point in order to receive attention and gain recognition.  Leo is about the Lion King teaching us about loyalty, devotion and pride.

All the world is a stage and we all play our part in it. Leo wants to be in the spotlight and receive due recognition. Some of us will create drama in our lives in order to get attention. The New Moon pulls us inward to where our wounds lay hidden beneath superficial masks of comedy and tragedy.  Love is the absence of fear, so be fearless. To have courage literally translates to have heart. It takes courage to risk being hurt when dealing with affairs of the heart. If you want to be loved, then love. Some people are too proud to risk wearing their heart upon their sleeve. They claim that they have been hurt and betrayed too many times and are unwilling to open their chakra center. They would rather be stubborn and allow that proverbial thorn in the lion's paw to keep them wounded and ferocious. Perhap's the thorn that pierces their wounded heart could be gently removed by an act of compassion and love.


The Tarot Deck contains a card called the Sun and it usually depicts a child riding upon a horse in a field of sunflowers beneath a huge yellow sun. Yellow is the colour of the Solar Plexus which is the chakra that contains our power.  Power over one's self is greater and more challenging than attempting to gain power over others.

Sunflowers are in full bloom as they lift their warm colourful heads in adoration of the Sun. They are the tallest flower reaching for the Solar Light. The colours of the earth are muted in a golden brown and many crops are preparing for harvest.  What can we harvest from within our own heart?  Just remember that the Sun shines for us all!

(c) Richard Barrett 2009

Here is a link to a beautiful tale of Christian the Lion and truly represents the love, friendship, loyalty and devotion in not only the human but animal heart: