by Dana Gerhardt
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“Astrologers see meaning, pattern, and a relationship between what happens in the heavens and what happens on earth, but unfortunately most never look at the sky,” writes physicist Rupert Sheldrake.* He’s right. Though interest in astrology is widespread, first-hand experience of the sky’s inspiring power is far less popular. Says Sheldrake, “To my mind it’s perfectly possible that by looking at stars and connecting with the intelligence that’s there, by forming a direct link to stars and their spirits, some influence or inspiration could pass from the star to the person consciously opening to it. This has certainly been the belief of people through the ages.” If you’re not a mystical sky-gazer, this month brings a fine opportunity to begin. Jupiter reaches its opposition to the Sun on the night of the New Moon. This means it rises at sunset and sets at sunrise—and is therefore visible all night long (low in the northeast at sunset, high in the south in the middle of the night, low in the northwest at dawn). On the nights of February 14 and 15, the Moon will pass near Jupiter. Astrologers assign Jupiter a benevolent and protective power—it’s said to bring, luck, abundance, optimism and opportunities, also indulgence and inflation. Jupiter is currently retrograde (since November), an auspicious time for correcting inflated ideas or too much righteousness (I hope the politicians are listening!). Jupiter’s retrograde asks that you revisit your personal code of ethics and make sure your actions are in line with your core beliefs. Some say that Jupiter withholds its gifts when it goes retrograde. Another view is that the retrograde allows time to properly plan even bigger opportunities once Jupiter goes direct (April 4). But perhaps the wisest course this month is to get your inspiration direct from the planet. Open to Jupiter in the night sky and see what insights come. And please let us know about your experience in our Talking Circle! * Matthew Fox & Rupert Sheldrake, The Physics of Angels (HarperCollins, 1996), p. 15 |
A good rain demands celebration. Water is the most precious substance on earth, and yet it falls in abundance, freely, from the sky. We should catch it in silver bowls and tally every drop. It should inspire us, like children, to dance in circles, run stomping through puddles, and sing in gratitude.This is the New Moon of the Water Bearer. Why is air sign Aquarius associated with water? Maybe because the Nile always flooded when the constellation of Aquarius was overhead. Or because the Sun rose in the constellation of Aquarius during Mesopotamia’s rainy season. Was this why the Romans dedicated the Aquarius month to cleansing rites of purification? Or why pagans celebrate Candelmas (or Imbolc) during Aquarius--when initiates wash away their past, newly dedicating themselves to the Goddess. Whatever the reason, this New Moon offers you a chance to begin again. Forget last month’s New Year’s celebration – there’s another one this month. You can, if you like, still throw out the old and ring in the new.
–Jerry Dennis, It’s Raining Frogs and Fishes
As the second New Moon following
the Winter Solstice, the Aquarius New Moon coincides with the Chinese New
Year – ushering in the “Year of the Sheep” (some call it the Goat).
I don’t know much about Chinese astrology, so what I’m about to share may
be nothing but celestial gossip—it comes from a friend who claims to know
about these things. Sheep years are “earth” years and favor feminine
or yin projects. This suggests we’re entering an auspicious time
for cultivating relationships, exploring the creative arts, promoting environmentalism—and
politicians will not be loved. If you aspire to grow something progressive,
this is the New Moon to send your wish to the heavens, where benefic Jupiter
(in opposition to the Sun and Moon) may be listening.
This is the second month
of winter --when our bodies are traditionally less active than our minds.
This is mental preparation time, like the things that are growing
below ground, quickening to the future coming of spring. The rain
that pours from the heavens may actually come this month as a flood of
new awareness. The energy of Aquarius is unconventional, broadminded
and progressive. Catch it in a silver bowl. Dance in circles
with it. Kick through puddles with it. Sing out loud with gratitude.
What should you grow this cycle?
Astrology typically answers “what” questions by looking at houses. Look to the house of your birth chart where the New Moon falls: here’s your personal seed bed. This is the place you usually “do Aquarius.” Every year at this time, you engage subtly or wholeheartedly in a purification ritual. A cleansing in this house can energize your whole year. This house is where you’re used to shaking up your status quo—and during this New Moon cycle, you have a unique opportunity here… but you must tune in. Listen for the stray thoughts that get you really excited. It may be your inner revolutionary handing you the manifesto you need. (If you’d like to explore this is greater depth, you may enjoy my seasonal/new moon workshop, Twelve Moons.)