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Aquarius Full Moon: The Opposite Way

By Jessica Shepherd

Thoughts about “future plans” have been buzzing around my head like flies. Choices I want and need to make loom imminent and large. Should I sign up for this class that could be inspiring (but what if I do, and I’m bored out of my mind)? Will a book project I’d once shelved rise from the ashes and end up in print? The only feedback I’m receiving right now is my head feels like it’s going to explode, and the futurizing is zapping my good cheer- signs I need a change of approach.

Because the funny thing about the future is it never arrives. It is only, always, now.

And sometimes we block our good while we’re focused on that thing we think we should be doing, instead of doing what we are drawn to discover and enjoy in this moment.

One of my strategies for feeling blocked is to do something else, totally and radically unrelated to my goal. Maybe it’s the Uranian instinct in me, but when life doesn’t flow in the direction I want it to, taking an opposite approach works wonders. When I am “supposed to be” working, heading outside, soaking in the sun and spending time with the chicken inspires my groove again. When a creative work project stymied me last fall, I decided to sign up for a jewelry-making class — my theory being that all muses aren’t operatic divas announcing their selves as “The Next Big Thing”. The true hidden beauties of genius often enter quietly through side doors, roads not taken, through other whimsies, whispers and inspirations.

For us overachiever, type-A people who have a tireless sense of personal mission (and, let’s be real, no small amount of self-importance) this upside-down-is-right-side-up philosophy is often really hard to embrace. But the cost of single-mindedly pursuing “goals” and “future-planning” can turn into it’s own prison. One client, a woman who finished her doctorate by her early 20’s, told me she started working on her resume in junior high. She eventually started a business to literally “help kids find and live their dreams” – only to suffer burnout, and discover she wasn’t enjoying her “dream”! Her beloved dream, her sense of “mission”, everything she had strategised, dreamed, planned for all those years now imprisoned her. With a strongly teneted tenth and eleventh house, her need to make a contribution is strong, but with Uranus arriving at her Mid-Heaven a season of self-rediscovery is stronger. Her chief concern in seeking me for a reading was: Find joy in my work again. I advised her to do the opposite of work -to play- and gently warned her against turning any enthusiasm into her next calling, mission or life’s work right now. The way back to the True Self can only happen by dropping all the planning and shoulds and committing to re-discovering today’s ecstasies.

So where could you use a joyful shake up? It’s Aquarius Full Moon, we are thinking of the future and our place in it, but a zany, upside-down approach to future goal-setting seems appropriate considering the number of retrogrades in the sky right now– five, including Venus, planet of pleasure, creativity, abundance. Full Moon day she retrogrades back into creative, playful Leo. You might even sleep with your window open on Full Moon night and lay out some fun baubles for her, so the Aquarian idea fairies can find you.

This Moon nurtures our creative genius, brilliance, innovation and ability to go against all odds- sometimes with little social support. One thing I regularly hear from Uranian-type folks who want to strike out on their own, break from their corporate job and live their “dream,” is fear. It’s real -and it’s not. For those called to live a life by our own rules, the social infrastructure that helps us to feel secure (everything from health insurance to a laid-out career trajectory) is not available. It takes courage, a lot of “searching outside the box” for strategies, to chart this course, but for us the cost of not doing so is our very soul.  Over time we discover we’re not alone, we have a new tribe of allies (we’re here!). Consider women innovators: Marie Curie, Georgia O’Keefe, Martha Graham, Gloria Steinem, Eleanor Roosevelt…each had no precedent to follow, each blazed an original path. As Saturn changes directions the day after this Full Moon, it’s time to face our fears and move forward. We can re-dedicate our self to following what holds inspiration and weed out what no longer does (Venus).

One final word about our big life plans and dreams: They change. And change can be beautiful.

At this Moon, drop any fearful single-minded version of the way things “ought to be” playing in your head. These are probably blocking you from considering other, potentially better (and more enjoyable) alternatives. The bright ideas available to you now are circulating in left-field, and at first glance may sound/look/seem crazy (every genius idea always has an element of “Noooo… that’s too crazy” in it). But remember, right now, upside down is right side up.

And when in doubt…follow Venus. If up has become down for you, try this experiment: make joy your new center of gravity, your Truest North.  Take a page from my book and do the opposite of what you (or others) think you should be doing. Then have fun with it!

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About Jessica Shepherd

Jessica Shepherd is a writer, astrologer and health coach who has studied and practiced modern astrology since 1992. She is the author of A Love Alchemist’s Notebook: Magical Secrets For Drawing Your True Love Into Your Life (Llewellyn, 2010) and the books Venus Signs: Discover Your Erotic Gifts and Secret Desires Through Astrology
(Llewellyn, 2015) and Karmic Dates and Momentary Mates: The Astrology of the Fifth House (Moonkissd, 2014). In 2018, after living in California for twenty years, she relocated to Honolulu, Hawaii with her husband, dog, and cat. Find out more about Jessica at Moonkissd (www.moonkissd.com).

Comments

  1. Bee Hawkins says

    Jul 29, 2015 at 3:16 pm

    Thank you! Your words were written for me.

    Reply
  2. gloria says

    Jul 29, 2015 at 12:51 pm

    Thanks you so much for this fabulous article, Jessica. You couldn’t have described my current situation more perfectly! My head has been buzzing with “opposite” thoughts that cause my cautious side to cry out: “Are you mad!” Well, yes! Just crazy enough to think I should give it a try & see what happens. It isn’t like I’m going to take up bare-handed rattle snake handling! Just shuffle things up a bit.

    Reply
  3. Carolyn k says

    Jul 29, 2015 at 12:48 pm

    Thank you, Jessica. You have reminded me “tack”….sailing into the wind doesn’t work. Creatively , have some children’s books to write. I’m not. Yes, I am emmersed in studying astrology and Bhakti yoga, but nothing like …a pastel of how I received Saraswati and Her Rivers in a vision…abstract, colours more than form…

    Again, thank you

    Carolyn k

    Reply
  4. Stella says

    Jul 28, 2015 at 10:40 pm

    This is a Brilliant article and seemed to describe me and my journey.
    I am glad there is a potential sisterhood out there and definately a sister in you and
    the way you think. I find this quite moving as currently no one gets me or the speed
    I change direction.This can feel excruciating and lonely at times not to be understood
    But wonderful and timely to stumble on this great piece of writing frm the soul.
    Thank you Jessica!

    Reply
    • Kiernan Forsberg says

      Jul 29, 2015 at 1:49 pm

      Hi Stella. I am in a class that is exploring techniques like those described by Jessica. The way she words the description of the future I intellectually knew but didn’t really have an “Aha” moment until now (of course). You can send me a private message on Facebook, if you like. It is wonderful to find others that think alike.

      Reply
      • Stella says

        Jul 30, 2015 at 7:13 pm

        Hi Kiernan,
        There is a brotherhood too, thank you for reaching out!
        A very Aquarians gesture along with beating to the sound of a different drum ;))

        Stella

        Reply

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The Moon is in its
New Phase

in the
Sign of Aries


Today's Lunar Aspects (Greenwich Mean Time)
(subtract: PST -8 hours, PDT -7 hours, EST -5 hours, EDT -4 hours)

  • Moon sextile Mars, 5:13pm  Mar 23 2023
  • Moon square Pluto, 6:42pm  Mar 23 2023
  • Moon sextile Saturn, 9:57pm  Mar 23 2023

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Astrologers use a variety of house systems, or methods of dividing up the sky into twelve sections. I use the Porphyry house system; another popular house system is Placidus (this is the default on https://astro.com). If the chart I send you looks different from what you are used to seeing, then likely a system other than Porphyry was used. Whole signs, Equal House, Regiomantus, and Campanus are examples of other systems. If you find all of this confusing, do not worry. It is likely not critical to your report.

m  Conjunction:  Like peas in a pod, planets in conjunction tend to come from the same place. They act together, but it’s also hard to tell them apart. This aspect can increase talent, focus, and intensity (“two are better than one”). Or one planet can disappear as the other dominates. Their connection feels so natural, it’s easy to think everyone blends these planetary energies just as you do—but mostly, they don’t!.

p  Sextile:  Planets in sextile are compatible, though without any fireworks. This aspect doesn’t demand your attention. It quietly presents an opportunity. You can join these archetypal forces. Donna Cunningham has called this the “Oh, that!” aspect, because that’s generally what her clients say when she describes their benefits.  To get the most from sextiles you need to actively work them.

q  Square:  Squares are wild and wonderful—but difficult too. The power struggle between these planets was likely defined in your youth, when they were impossibly challenging. People are usually aware of their squares. They force the issues that make you to grow. And that’s their gift. They ensure you learn your lessons. When you rise to the occasion, they bless you with energy, action, and success.

r  Trine:  Michael Munkasey has dubbed this the “goddess aspect” because it’s so lovely. Identifying talents you may have perfected in a previous life, trines can bring you joy. There’s a nice flow of energy between planets in trine. They support and reinforce each another. But without any struggle, you might take them for granted—neither using nor developing their gifts. An unattended trine can sometimes trick you into negative behaviors.

t  Inconjunct/Quincunx:  Your quincunx planets are innately incompatible. Bringing them into harmonious expression requires constant adjustments. This can be stressful, also motivating. You’ve got to keep changing your process, opinions or attitude—which promotes highly creative solutions.

u  Opposition:  They say opposites attract—and planets in opposition are never far from each other, though they’re constantly bickering. You may be triggered into awareness of this aspect by other people who seem to resist or undermine you.  An opposition can make you feel uncertain, insecure, or discontent, until you can accept and see yourself in both energies. Typically people find it easier to identify with one side and project the other onto unsuspecting others in the outer world.

First House: Personality, physical body, beginnings. Includes the Ascendant and rules physical appearance, the image you project to others, your general outlook on life, how you start things; may describe your role in your family system, often guides your first impression of immediate environment.

Second House: Money and personal finances, sense of self-worth and basic values, personal possessions, talents.

Third House: Communication, thoughts, language skills like writing and speaking, early schooling, siblings and neighbors, short trips, coming and going around town.

Fourth House: Your home, psychological foundations and roots, family, parents, domestic life, instinctive behavior, ancestry, your connection with the past, sense of security, domestic life, real estate. conditions at the end of life.

Fifth House: Children, creativity, romance; pleasure, entertainment, self-expression; all forms of “play”, speculation, gambling, and attitude towards taking risks; hobbies, attitude towards romance, lovers as opposed to partners, attitude towards having fun.

Sixth House: Work and job (as opposed to career), daily life, attitude towards service and coworkers, helpfulness, pets, attitude towards routine and organization, how you refine and perfect your skills.

Seventh House: Partnerships, one-to-one relationships, marriage, the first marriage, the “significant other”, business partnerships, competitors, open enemies, lawyers, mediators, counselors, contracts, negotiations, agreements. clients/the public.

Eighth House: Transformations and crisis, your ability to meet and rebound from crisis and change, sexuality; sex, death and rebirth, rituals and personal growth, your partner’s resources, addictions, psychology, other people’s money, taxes, divorce/alimony, inheritance.

Ninth House: Attitude toward expanding horizons, religious beliefs and personal philosophy, higher education, long-distance travel, morals, foreign languages and cultures, personal truths, publishing, commerce, advertising, your sense of adventure.

Tenth House: Career and profession, your contribution to society, social status, public reputation, material success, how you carve out a public identity for yourself; attitude toward authority figures, parents, caregivers, bosses, governments, attitude towards responsibility, desire for achievement.

Eleventh House: Friends, groups, organizations; hopes, wishes, aspirations, personal goals; your philanthropic attitude, concern for the collective, humanity; like tenth, can bring recognition and honors for fulfilling hopes and dreams.

Twelfth House: What’s hidden beneath the surface, karmic dustbin, limiting childhood/past-life messages, self-undoing, hidden enemies, hidden weaknesses, dreams, secret affairs, lost items, hospitals and prisons, hidden strengths, spiritual studies and soul growth.

A  Sun: Our vitality and magnetism; self-identity, ego.
Roles: The Self, the Hero, the Performer, the King.

B  Moon: Intuition, emotion, nurture.
Roles: The Mother, the High Priestess, the Child.

C  Mercury: Mind; physical dexterity and mental agility.
Roles: The Thinker, the Communicator, the Student, the Trickster, the Merchant, the Thief.

D  Venus: Our capacity for pleasure, receptivity, creativity, and social connection. Also indicates our relationships, self esteem, and financial abundance.
Roles: The Lover, the Seductress, the Artist.

E  Mars: Desire, initiative, anger.
Roles: The Protector, the Athlete, the Warrior.

F  Jupiter: Luck, opportunity, expansion, higher learning, religion.
Roles: The Scholar, the Gypsy, the Traveler, the Monk, the Professor.

G  Saturn: Hard work, commitment, focus, inadequacy, leadership, suffering, loss.
Roles: The Task Master, the Grim Reaper, the Wise Old Man, the Builder, the Cynic, the Boss.

H  Uranus: Change, breakthroughs, upsets, discoveries.
Roles: The Revolutionary, the Humanitarian, the Visionary, the Snob.

I  Neptune: Imagination, spirituality, idealism, addictions, deception, compassion.
Roles: The Artist, the Romantic, the Guru, the Addict, the Martyr, the Victim.

J  Pluto: Transformation, power, psychological dynamics, helplessness.
Roles: The Terrorist, the Detective, the Psychotherapist, the Dictator, shady people.

a  Aries: Pioneering, competitive, selfish, impatient, courageous, reckless, independent, dynamic, domineering, “Me first!”

b  Taurus: Patient, stable, lazy, dependable, practical, sensual, stubborn, artistic, possessive, greedy, gentle, loyal.

c  Gemini: Intelligent, curious, adaptable, quick-witted, restless, clever, scatterbrained, lacking follow-through.

d  Cancer: Nourishing, intuitive, protective, moody, sensitive, maternal, domestic, childish, cautious, creative.

e  Leo: Proud, dignified, vain, expressive, romantic, generous, childish, overbearing, self-assured, creative.

f  Virgo: Perfection-seeking, practical, methodical, petty, critical, studious, discriminating, cautious, never satisfied.

g  Libra: Charming, sociable, peace-loving, refined, diplomatic, artistic, indecisive, apathetic, easily deterred.

h  Scorpio: Passionate, secretive, penetrating, resourceful, suspicious, manipulative, jealous, sarcastic, intolerant, determined, aware.

i  Sagittarius: Freedom-loving, philosophical, optimistic, enthusiastic, careless, impatient, talkative, a know-it-all, broadminded, athletic, honest.

j  Capricorn: Serious, responsible, practical, hardworking, stubborn, brooding, inhibited, status-conscious, domineering, unforgiving.

k  Aquarius: Progressive, individualistic, unpredictable, cold, intellectual, artistic, eccentric, shy, impersonal, scientific.

l  Pisces: Compassionate, intuitive, ungrounded, romantic, impractical, self-sacrificing, seductive, musical, artistic.