Join us in reverence!

a    Pisces Full Moon Sun at 10.28 Virgo Moon at 10.28 Pisces September 2, 2001 22:43 GMT 15:43 MDT 17:43 EDT 14:43 PDT 16:43 CDT 7:45 GST (9/3) August 14/1 5, 2000

Rituals lift us from mundane concerns and connect us to the greater flow of things.  Our MoonCircles CyberRitual is a monthly experiment in collective attunement -- to each other and the moon.  Across time zones, we collect our creative energies into a healing meditation, as a gift to ourselves and the world. Feel free to harmonize at a time of your own convenience, so that our astral voices may continue throughout the moon's waxing and waning cycles, as in a round.

FULL MOON REFLECTIONS: Honoring the Four Directions of the Grand Cross
by Pythia Peay

September's late summer Full Moon creates a mutable grand cross in the sky above. The Sun-Moon opposition in Virgo and Pisces squares the ongoing Saturn-Pluto opposition * in Gemini and Sagittarius.  Some astrologers portend dramatic world events - war or economic recession - in the wake of the Saturn-Pluto opposition.  For individuals, the Saturn-Pluto opposition appears to be placing some people in situations where they feel torn between two or more life directions.  The fact that these two planetary heavyweights 
are in mutable signs further enhances this tendency.  In my own chart, for instance, Saturn on the Midheaven of career focus and Pluto on the nadir of home and family has currently brought about a diversity of writing choices, as well as a range of career options for my sons - stimulating a tense mix of chaotic energies.  But for those who are spiritually inclined, there is a practice concealed within this Full Moon that can help balance the potent energies at play in the cosmos. 

Indeed, during cycles of intense change and pivotal world events, individuals' inner concentration is more important than ever.  In many traditions, it is said that the attunement of saints, yogis and hermits helps humanity maintain equilibrium during times of stress. In Sufism, there is a tradition that the concentration of the "Qutub" - a powerful Sufi saint -  is like a vortex of grounded spiritual energy whose function is to bring peace and stability into his or her surroundings.

One way individuals can help bring healing energy into their environment is through vizualizing themselves at the center of an astrological mandala - performing a kind of planetary puja.  This meditation can either be done through the vehicle of your creative imagination. Or, you may wish to arrange four candles - each representing the Sun, Moon, Saturn, and Pluto in their respective signs - in a cross, with yourself seated in the center. Or, you may wish to paint or draw your astrological mandala.  Before beginning your meditation, purify your intentions by dedicating your Full Moon ritual to the healing of your soul, as well as the world soul.  Raise your attunement through breathing practices, listening to sacred music, or reciting prayers. 

Next, imagine the astrological Grand Cross in the sky - the oppositions between Pisces and Virgo, Gemini and Sagittarius.  If you know where these alignments fall in your own natal chart, you can reflect on how these placements are affecting your life.  Where, for instance, might you feel as if destiny is calling you in four different directions?  Even if you don't know your chart, you can name each of the many ways you feel life is "pulling 
you apart": family, art, spirit, career - whatever it may be. 

Drawing down the energy of the Full Moon, slowly turn around the circumference of your astrological mandala.  Bow with reverence before each sacred direction.  Acknowledge the usefulness of each calling in your life.  Be mindful of how each activity or interest is not so separate after all, but a part of a rich interchange of creative life energy.  Then, experience the blessings of the universe pouring through your heart, bringing harmony and balance to the competing factions of your life.

Having established peace within, extend this peace to the world without by reflecting upon the archetypal significance of each planetary placement. First, turn to Pluto in Sagittarius, contemplating its deeper meaning: evolution through the faith born of higher knowledge and direct knowing of Spirit.  Next, turn and face in the opposite direction:  bowing down before 
Saturn in Gemini, contemplate the image of the old and wise teacher.  Then, turning to the two luminaries who balance out this grand cross, bow first in the direction of the Sun in Virgo, reflecting on the archetype of service to humanity.  Last, turn and face the Full Moon in Pisces, star of this night, and immerse yourself in the divine ocean of mercy and compassion. 

Finally, imagine the positive spiritual energy flowing between these different planet beings, linking them into a vibrant, colorful, and whole image. The old and wise teacher, for instance, receives inspiration from the well of inner experience. And the practical servant of humanity is moved to action by feelings of mercy for all creation.  All four faces are in reality facets of one truth. Seated at the center of this whirling astrological mandala, breathe in this positive magical energy, then breathe it out, extending it to the troubled areas of the world. 

Assisted by the planetary gods and goddesses, pray for peace, pray for harmony, and for goodwill on earth. Close your meditation by bowing once more in each direction. Then bow last to the Moon, giving thanks for this moment in creation.

^* The Full Moon opposition between the Sun at 11 degrees Virgo and the Moon at 11 degrees Pisces squares Saturn at 14 degrees Gemini and Pluto at 13 degrees Sagittarius. This creates a grand cross in the mutable signs. Other astrological aspects in effect at this Full Moon include:  Jupiter at 11 degrees Cancer exactly trining the Moon in Pisces;  Neptune at 7 degrees Aquarius approaching an opposition to Venus at 8 degrees Leo; and Vesta at 10 degrees Gemini approaching conjunction with Saturn. 

© 2001 Pythia Peay

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