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Do you believe in invisible guidance?

By Dana Gerhardt

One Full Moon night years ago, I awoke at three in the morning.  I had a panicky realization:  “I need to get disability insurance NOW!”  In the previous weeks I’d discovered in myself a new alertness to stories of car accidents, how sudden, surprising, life-changing injuries can come from them.  I strung them into a private necklace of worry beads.  Why wouldn’t the Full Moon startle me awake with feelings of vulnerability and fear!

Full Moons can bring confusion or clarity.  A friend once told me the smartest resolve she ever made was never to listen to panicky thoughts in the middle of the night.  “Things always look better in the morning,” she counseled.  Next morning the sun was shining.  I pressed my worries into a scrapbook of deluded thoughts and moved on.  Five days later I got a strange call.  It was from my partner’s ex-wife. She had gotten two emails from her occasionally psychic ex-boyfriend, Jim:  about me!

“I don’t want to alarm you,” she said.  “Jim was feeling a little embarrassed and uncomfortable about telling you.  In fact he emailed me last night not to say anything until he checked in again this morning.  But this morning he said to go ahead and advise you to be careful around cars for the next three days.  It may be nothing, just a fender bender in a parking lot.  But just be cautious.”

Jim and I had met only once. I doubt he was in the habit of thinking about me.  That he had the courage and compassion to share his intuition with a near stranger is remarkable.  How could he know whether what he was sensing was true?  He couldn’t!

That’s the trouble with intuition.  It suffers the fate of all the invisible gifts:  instinct, inspiration, intuition, and imagination, along with our nightly dreams.  Even when these voices startle or bless us with useful messages, we can still wonder, is this really real?  The same can be said of astrology or moonwork itself:  Do I sense something genuine or is it just wishful thinking?

I don’t know if my worry over accidents and disability was authentic premonition or sheer anxiety.  But if some benevolent angel had cared enough to whisper a warning to Jim, and he had cared enough to listen and pass it along, I decided it was important to honor it.  As it was, I had few plans to drive over the next three days anyway.  There was just that yoga class on Thursday… I could give that up.

Thursday I was walking through the orchard, about the time I would have been driving home from yoga, when it suddenly began snowing.  Really snowing!  Visibility was poor. A strong wind was whipping my coat.  It was hard enough to walk through it; I couldn’t imagine driving.  At home I checked the astrology of the time—the degree of my Pluto was on the Ascendant. Mars was squaring my Moon and opposing Saturn. It was the kind of configuration that might inspire, after some trauma had occurred, an “Of course, that was an accident waiting to happen!”

It might be a better story if an accident had happened and proven the invisible messengers right.  It’s hard to talk about what didn’t happen.   And so what I take from my non-accident is a different lesson than what an accident would have taught me. (That would have been a familiar teaching:  “Slow down, ground in your body, pay attention to the moment.”)  In some ways this lesson was more difficult.  Yet it is an appropriate one for this season of lengthening nights as the Sun transits through mystery-loving Scorpio. It says: “Believe.  Believe in the messages that reach you.  Believe in the reality of invisible things.”

A friend tells the following a story about driving with her daughter down a mountain road.  Her car hit a patch of black ice and spun out of control.  Time slowed as she surveyed her options.  If she steered left, they would hit an oncoming vehicle.  If she steered right, they would plunge down the mountain.  Then she became aware of one tree in particular; it was like it suddenly lit up.  Knowing it was useless to try driving towards it, she asked the tree instead to draw them to itself.  The next thing she knew, the car was smashed against the tree, technically totalled.  But my friend and her daughter walked away without a scratch.  The tree lost a small patch of bark.

As the poet Denise Duhamel writes “…the fairies,/ the world’s kindness, flit through landscapes/ trying to make things right.”  There is much to believe in—even when it’s dark.  The Sun just entered Scorpio, the year’s best season for strengthening your allegiance to what you know, but can’t always see. 

A final tip, self care is an important ingredient in strengthening your link to intuition. When your body is agitated or out of balance–it’s difficult to distinguish intuition from the usual fears.

For years I’ve asked the following question of my clients before their sessions: “What, if anything, have you been neglecting lately?  Nine times out of ten my client answers “Myself.”   That’s a MOON imbalance—and it’s a common problem for our times.  Unbalanced Moons take care of everyone but themselves.  You’ll find some remedies in my Scorpio New Moon workshop. Enroll here!

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About Dana Gerhardt

A popular columnist with The Mountain Astrologer since 1991, Dana Gerhardt is an internationally respected astrologer. She has lectured extensively and written for astrology publications on several continents. Her ongoing passions are the moon and living the intuitive life. Dana worked for many years in the corporate sector, where she observed the undeniable influence of natural cycles. She graduated Phi Beta Kappa, Magna Cum Laude from Occidental College in Los Angeles and did graduate work in literature at Columbia University and CSULA. Dana can be contacted by email.

Comments

  1. Geri Schrab says

    Nov 16, 2017 at 3:36 am

    Great reminder. Thanks, Dana!

    Reply
    • Dana Gerhardt says

      Nov 16, 2017 at 1:22 pm

      Blessings, Geri!

      Reply
  2. Pat E says

    Nov 16, 2017 at 2:58 am

    Blessings to Mother Moon and you, Dana! And to Mother
    Earth too~ Need some grounding at this hectic time of the holiday rush. But I admit I miss Mother Moon shining into my bedroom window and whisper come back, come back, dear Moon.

    Reply
    • Dana Gerhardt says

      Nov 16, 2017 at 1:23 pm

      Yes, without the grounding wire of earth, it’s more difficult to drop in.

      Reply

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The Moon is in its
Full Phase

in the
Sign of Capricorn


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

  • Moon square Neptune, 10:55pm  May 15 2025
  • Moon trine Mercury, 5:29pm  May 16 2025
  • Moon square Venus, 5:45pm  May 16 2025

Venus is currently
The Morning Star

in the sign of Aries


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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.