Boom, Boom, BANG!

It is safe to say that many if not most of us are glad to bid farewell to 2018.  If you weren’t challenged personally this year with a crisis or pivotal life event or crossroads, then you were stuck and mired when trying to move forward.

We were bombarded by cosmic activity this past year.   The outlook for 2019 certainly appears smoother, with far less planetary gear shifts.  HOORAY!  So we will feel less bumps in our path as we progress.  That said, our feet will be held to the truth during 2019 and honesty, ethical dealing and gratitude are the keys to success.  Good ol’ hard work and diligence.  Yup.  It isn’t sexy or glamorous but you know what is?  Staying power.  And January provides the solid building blocks to create what we desire:  joy, happiness, love.

If we haven’t learned yet that there aren’t any quick fixes by now, you can guess what your lesson for this year will be:  do over til you get it right.   I’m not talking about perfectionism but rather taking pride and satisfaction in work well done.  Deep contentment arises from the knowledge that you have done your very best.

On Day 1 of 2019 our actions ignite.  Motivating Mars enters its own sign of Aries just before midnight on New Year’s Eve.  You can fairly hear the roar:  Ladies and Gentlemen, start your engines.  BOOM!  Mars and the sign it rules Aries are fire.  We are on fire to do, to be.  Aries is the first sign of the zodiac and it’s rarin’ to go:  initiate, blaze new trails, pioneer, be brave, a warrior.  Action-packed and catalytic are the watch words for January and portends how 2019 will follow.  Whatever your aim to accomplish, there is an immense body of energy supporting all efforts now.

Meanwhile the lunar north node, our directional calling, aligns beautifully with Venus (love and money) and the Moon (our feelings) are in psychic Scorpio.  While Mars doesn’t take no for an answer, Venus-Moon leave no stone unturned.  They dig deep to find answers; and both aligned to the lunar North Node in Cancer point us to the most beneficial outcome for ourselves, families and yes, our nation (no matter where you live).

Combined, this is sensational energy to start the New Year!  It tees us up wonderfully for the upcoming New Moon on January 5^th.  And what a New Moon!  BANG.  If ever there was a time to lay the groundwork for what you seek to accomplish, this New Moon cycle is it.  First, it is a solar eclipse, a marker of significant passages in our lives if it connects to your astrological chart. 

The message of this eclipse is about getting clear:  get clear in your mind about anything in your life. Its strength should not be underestimated.  Both the Sun (our will) and the Moon (our emotions) are sandwiched between planetary heavy hitters Saturn (karma/dharma) and transformer Pluto, all in businesslike Capricorn.  This is stark, black and white energy:  what works and what does not work in our lives.  Capricorn is the veritable architect of the zodiac, the building block energy.

Imagine and visualize that you are at the base of a mountain you’re about to climb.  Now apply that to anything you want to build or accomplish.  One foot in front of the other.  That’s Capricorn.  It isn’t festive Leo or talkative Gemini.  But guess what?  It gets the job done.  It builds to last…forever.  Capricorn is focused, pointed energy.  Cold, yes; calculating, you bet.  Its watchword is:  I use.   Not exactly warm and fuzzy but terrific for tackling goals.

Capricorn rules business, big or small.  Where its energy is focused, Capricorn gets down to brass tacks:  what makes your life function?  What is it you want to achieve?  With four planets concentrated in Capricorn at this eclipse, you will meet and perhaps exceed your goals. Harness this power!  Mars in fiery Aries aligned to Venus (our motivation plus our love/money/relationships) supports our efforts now.  Set your intention by handwriting 3-5 goals or wishes you aim to get done in January or in 2019.  Then plant these in the ground or release into a moving body of water. 

Emphasizing the power of this eclipse, both Messenger Mercury and Radical Uranus shift on the very same day.  A potent message will be delivered on or around January 5^th.   Mercury enters realistic Capricorn just as change agent Uranus turns direct motion.

Awake yet?  If not, these two will kick your pants out of bed.  Great Awakener Uranus switches forward, triggering us into motion while Messenger Mercury makes sure our thoughts, ideas and voice are all put to good use.   Seven out of ten planets, plus the lunar nodes, are in catalytic signs on this eclipse.  AND all planets are now forward motion.  Drive, drive and more drive.   There is no hanging around waiting anymore for the bus, for others (or yourself) to show up.  BOOM!  Action is upon us.  We are called to act like never before.  Stand aside, this pattern commands.  Because if you are not clear about where you want to go, what you want to be or accomplish, you will get pushed aside by those who are clear in their direction.  Simple:  if you don’t act, another will.  

So the first few days of January, focus.  Get clear about what you want.  Then do it.

Two days later, on January 7^th, Venus shifts into adventurous Sagittarius, gradually joining Generous Jupiter over the next weeks.   Both Venus (love/money) and Jupiter (abundance) are beneficent energies.  The magnificence of this pairing is gorgeous.  First, Jupiter is in its own sign of Sagittarius.  Both rule adventure, education, seeking, spirituality, life experience, travel.  Jupiter is the Titan of Abundance and invites us to grow and expand our world.  Venus, on the other hand rules love, money and relationships.  In fiery Sagittarius, she seeks people who will broaden our lives and opportunities to line our wallets.  Traveling together from mid-January thru the rest of the month, Venus-Jupiter deliver joy, opportunity, love, knowledge, adventure and money in ample supply, depending on where they fall in your chart.

What is most remarkable about this duo is that the very day of the Full Moon, the lunar eclipse on January 21^st, Venus and Jupiter are tightly conjoined and helpfully aligned to Mars.  Wow. Wow. Wow.  For those seeking your true path, you will find your way.  For those seeking justice, it will be granted.  For those looking for awareness (education, teaching, enrolling as a student) you will be guided.  For those seeking love, you will meet your match.

Remember, Full Moons are about fruition and culmination.  Its bright light shines on all we do and are, are yet to be.  The same day of the lunar eclipse, the Sun shifts into inventive Aquarius, opposite the Moon in festive Leo.  Our attention turns to alternatives and creativity for unusual solutions to problems we may have carried for a long time.  As part of this eclipse, Venus-Jupiter in Sagittarius say it is time to break free, completely, for whatever has kept you down, confined…perhaps imprisoned.  For those who have avoided the truth or shaded it with deception, illusion or darkness, your time is up.  (This eclipse does not bode well for Donald Trump). 

With three planets still in Capricorn, our message is crystal clear and cuts like a sharp knife:  time’s up.  Capricorn and its planet Saturn rule time.  Tell us there is no time to spare let alone waste.  If you are not here to do the work (whatever you decide and designate the work to be) then get out of the way so another can.

Part of this eclipse pattern includes Jupiter-Venus challenging Neptune in Pisces.  Truth vs. illusion.  Freedom versus escapism.  If you don’t understand the distinction, the spotlight of this Full Moon will make sure you do.  Think about it.  The truth sets you free; illusion eventually winds into disillusionment.  On one hand is knowledge, education, learning and understanding;  on the other is pretending and delusion leading you down the garden path, avoiding true work to be done.  The difference is a steep contrast that stays with us the rest of the month.

The question before us boils down to worthiness:  Are you worth it?  Are you worth investing in, following your true path (no matter what others or that voice in your head say)?  Are you willing to do the work over the long-haul?  Or, would you rather delve into and dance with seduction, give way to temptation, delay with your choice of distraction?

Yes, one path definitely requires focus.  The truth always does.  But if you follow its light, you will be guided along your way.  You are in the driver’s seat of your life.  The decision is yours.

A Reprieve

Feel like 2018 had you running the gauntlet?  You are far from alone.  For most it has been a savage year.  The exceptional number of retrograde planets on top of multiple eclipses has left us betwixt and between. 

Focusing on your own goals and life continues to be the best use of energy. 

While difficult, this year has also offered us several breaks from the intense celestial gear shifts: notably, May-June, September and now December.  Thank Goddess!   December is substantially calmer than the past two months with only 3 regular planetary sign changes beginning with Venus shifting into Scorpio on December 3^rd.

 Venus cycled back into Libra during her recent retrograde period.   Now the planet of love, money and relationships has moved forward again into transformational Scorpio.  This autumn water sign rules joint finances and shared resources, sex and regeneration.  So beneficent Venus brings blessings and good news to this realm of our lives.  She remains in Scorpio all month long, lining our wallets (sometimes unexpectedly), revealing what has been hidden, adding extra touches of magic to the holiday season.

Venus begins casting her glow in mysterious Scorpio just as Messenger Mercury turns direct motion on December 7^th exactly on the same day as the New Moon!  Can you say power packed messages?  Use this energy to your advantage.  Be sure to hand write 3-5 goals, wishes or prayers and cast them into a moving body of water or plant into the ground on December 7-8.  The New Moon in adventurous Sagittarius will be sure to deliver your soul messages.  And it is always worth remembering that our prayers are often answered through silver linings or the opposite of what we hoped might occur…which turns out to be a good thing!

Sagittarius rules spirituality (and yes religion too).  In this Season of Light, we are reminded that Spirit is alive and well on Earth and we don’t need to have ALL the answers all of the time.  Put down the burden of needing to know or control everything.  Instead, use the fiery Sagittarius energy to aim your focus on what you can manage and release the rest.   As wise yogis tell us:  if we do nothing about 90 per cent of what concerns us, it works out (or goes away) on its own.   Instead, take joy in what gives you purpose.  Do what fulfills you.

From the New Moon on December 7^th to December 15^th, Motivating Mars conjoins dreamy Neptune in Pisces, both challenging the Sun.   I call this the “Look under the hood” aspect.  Pisces and its ruler Neptune govern dreams, fantasy…and also illusion, deception and delusion.   With the agitating energy of Mars paired tightly to Neptune, make sure to ask ALL of your questions before buying anything, signing major contracts, sealing big deals.  Trust your intuition now as Mars-Neptune in Pisces tells you that your hunches are correct. 

The Sagittarius New Moon urges us to live large.  That’s fine if you are not spending beyond your means.  And up against Mars-Neptune we can be tricked (or trick ourselves) into believing something or someone that may not have our best interests at heart.  Watch for an internal tug of war around a need for freedom.  Sagittarius rules freedom while Pisces rules escapism.  There is a BIG difference.  Notice what is happening for you.   You don’t want to be fenced in; but in your quest for freedom are you merely pressing the escape hatch, seeking a quick fix by getting away, running from something?  Check your motives the first half of December.   Have a good long look in the mirror.  Are you afraid of what you see?  Are you chasing light for the sake of it?   You don’t want to rush into or away from a situation only to regret it later.

So take your time.  There is really no rush.  If it seems too good to be true, it probably is, the adage goes.  Do look under the hood of the proverbial car/product/relationship before committing.  The Sagittarian Sun rules the Truth. Wants the honest story.  Questions now reveal the truth.  So ask.  If someone or something is pushing you, can’t wait a day or two for you to sleep/think on a situation:  that tells you a whole lot about what you may be getting in to.  Ask about return policies, escape clauses, warranties.  Can you get out of the prospective relationship/deal/contract if it breaks, doesn’t live up to its promise or doing its share?  This pertains to business, legal, education, spiritual and travel arenas.  Make sure you know your legal (Sagittarian) rights before signing a thing.

Pisces rules water and Sagittarius rules adventure, travel and freedom.  The best use of this challenging combo is travel involving water (beach, lake, ski vacations).  Be sure you to allow plenty of time for travel as ice/snow/fog can foil plans at mid-month.  Pay up your insurances and make repairs on roofs, gutters, or water-based appliances.  You don’t want the hot water heater or pipes to burst while you are in vacationing in Florida…

Our quest for the truth surges along with our interest in learning around December 13-17 when Messenger Mercury joins Sun-Jupiter in Sagittarius.   The final fire sign is the seeker of light and knowledge.  It is universally agreed that the more we learn, the more we grow.  That knowledge truly is power.  The Sagittarius Sun (our will), Jupiter (abundance) and Mercury (communication) push our quest for answers.   Look at life, says Sagittarius, as a giant game of hide and seek:  knowledge is “out there” (and also in there, in you);  how will you go about finding it? And more to the point, what will you do with what you learn? 

Sagittarius delivers lessons now both in formal classroom settings yet also real life situations.  You don’t need to have a Ph.D. to learn life’s most important lessons in:  love, power, grace, forgiveness.  Again, the caution here is chasing light and learning as an escape method.  Best to have a goal in mind.  Map your ideas out on paper if need be.  “All those who wander are not lost” goes the saying.  While this applies to some of us, just make sure you have a back-up plan so you don’t end up going around in circles out in the wilderness.

Keeping it real for everyone are transformer Pluto and taskmaster Saturn in Capricorn. Rely on and use this earth energy to plan pragmatically and prepare accordingly.  Yes it’s great to dream big, but you also have to eat and pay your bills.  How’s all that real-life stuff going to work while you chase your dreams?

The good news is that from mid-December to New Years, planetary titans Jupiter and Saturn are making a helpful angle to each other.  They work harmoniously to bring about the best life circumstances.  Jupiter in Sagittarius dreams big while taskmaster Saturn gets the job done.  Whatever you are aiming to accomplish right now – no matter how large – lay the ground work for it. 

This energy builds beautifully toward the Full Moon on December 22^nd.  Most Full Moons are laden with challenges.  This particular Full Moon is, simply put, enchanting.  First, it falls ON the Winter Solstice!  How cool is that?!  Jupiter conjoins Mercury aiming our spirit arrows at what ignites our souls.  Beneficent Venus aligns beautifully with inspirational Neptune, granting our wishes.  Even the challenging planets Mars and Pluto align while Saturn and Neptune manifest our dreams.  If you have been working so hard for so long putting one foot in front of another, this Full Moon delivers.  All Full Moons are a time of culmination and fruition.  For those on their rightful soul paths, rewards are yours now.  Enjoy and revel.  For those questioning their path, off path or lost:   ask now and you shall find.  Take advantage of this amazing energy to ask questions and learn.  The Full Moon always shines light on where you need to go and how best to get there.   What do you want your life to look like?  Trust the answers you receive.

The Sun shifts into practical Capricorn on December 22, joining heavyweights Pluto and Saturn.  More than most year ends, you will feel your resolve for 2019 take shape between Christmas and the New Year.  We are really ready to put that past behind us and focus on building our future like never before.   The Solstice Full Moon and Sun catalyze us into action. 

The holidays are a time of proposals and committing to life changes.  From the Full Moon on the 22^nd through New Years, we are afforded an incredible and potent supply of inspiring, realistic and knowledgeable resources.  Quite an amazing mix that tees us up beautifully for 2019.  Create a list of two or three key goals you intend to accomplish during the next year.  Outline how you plan to manifest the goals (ie, weight loss:  join a fitness class, reduce your carbohydrate intake, and steps to stick to your goal).  On January 1:  go to it!

Of Special Note:  Looking for a present for that hard-to-buy-for person?  Consider the gift of an astrology reading or Reiki session for the holidays.  Please visit www.hilaryharley.com to purchase a gift certificate.  Have a warm and wonderful holiday season.