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Taurus Full Moon: Come To Your Senses

By Jessica Shepherd

Mars is currently transiting my Third House (of neighbors, communications, transportation, mind), and as Mars transits goes, it’s textbook aggravating. Proclaiming my need for relief, I tell my husband I’m going shopping but my stress-relieving trip soon proves more stressful. The mall is crowded with people wearing sour looks. I feel shamed, by the body language and tsk-tsk of both customers and salespeople, for bringing my friendly puppy to supposedly “pet-friendly” stores; while driving back home, a driver lays on her horn because I allow a family, huddled together on a small median, to cross the street on a green light; I receive an accusatory glare as I drive through a kid-populated area of my neighborhood, a glare that tells me she thinks I’m driving too fast, though I’m well under the speed limit. Meanwhile, I’m still thinking about an earlier correspondence I had with a spiritual teacher whose communications were truthful, but hurtful. Only moments later, bristling with accumulated irritation, I notice I am behind a car with the bumper sticker “Metta” (lovingkindness) when I viciously think: Ha! This person is probably the worst offender of all,  holy on the meditation cushion, they’ll be the first to leer at you when you accidentally bump into them and spill their seven-dollar designer gluten-free coffee! That’s how the cycle perpetuates: Blood-thirst begets blood-thirst.

When I’m experiencing mental anguish, when frustration and anger threaten to send the rest of my life spiraling, I slow down. I get still. I listen to the gentle tumble of the clothes in the dryer, the soft breath of my sleeping puppy laying next to me, the steady pecking of the chicken outside my office window, the silkiness of my pajama bottoms against my skin, the warmth of spicy tea going down my throat. Sometimes I bake chocolate chip cookies just to feel the sweet taste on my tongue, or I take a walk. From the trees turning colors outside my window to the stillness of silence surrounding, I ground myself in the gentle steadiness and comforts of this Earthly life. These are the things that transport me from ground zero back to solid ground.

Scorpio season churns our emotions with our truths, our bottom lines, and the intensity of our own emotional experience can overwhelm our body senses. Taurus, as a counterbalance, is the archetype of safety, calm, pleasure and beauty. A Venus-ruled Earth sign, Taurus best restores our sense of calm and ease through the natural world. Taurus reminds me, always, of my Taurus friend who when deep in the throes of a Pluto-Moon transit, teeming with icy hot emotions and despair, went for a run in the forest, planted herself next to a tree, and surrendered. While the tree supported her and the Earth absorbed her emotions, she experienced a surge of emotional purification. By connecting with Earth and her body, by going into her senses, she came to her senses. Mother Nature, in her bastion of stillness, calm and support, returned her to solid ground.

In periods of emotional intensity, irritation -and confrontation- it’s easy to lose connection with our basic sanity. Talking to my other astrologer friends: people appear to be particularly prickly this Scorpio season, especially on social media. When affronted, we want to react, defend our self, even if in the past the results of doing so proved unsatisfactory. So we (or at least I) simmer on a slow burn, plotting revenge. I think there’s something primal in each of us, maybe reminiscent of our caveman DNA, that secretly wants blood. Yet that response always hijacks our intelligence. Science says we all have a reptile (triune) brain that is triggered by “reptile issues” such as territoriality, and when the reptile brain is in control, we don’t have access to our frontal cortex (which explains why we why, after a stressful argument, we smack our forehead wondering why we were unable to say the thoughts we can clearly articulate now, during said fight). To remain in control of our faculties, we need to be the Buddha (also recently circulating on Facebook), whose advice on letting go of our attachments instructs: Buddha, you’ve got to let that *hit go.

We can do this by recovering our safe zone, a place to come to our senses. Taurus Full Moon invites us to sit in a forest, by a stream, next to a tree or on a cushion and discover our solid ground again. What do we stand on? What do we stand for? Can we allow our true values to support us when the wind, and our hot emotions, blows? It’s a time of year for honesty about this, because, let’s face it, our truthfulness sometimes conceals deeper, hidden motivations; our actions and words do not always reflect humane values of kindness, tolerance, forgiveness, compassion. When our emotions churn, can we be as unshakable in the firm, kind confidence of our truth as a Great Oak? In keeping with the spirit of Taurus, we don’t have to do much. We can be lazy about it. Simply noticing the pleasures of this Earth and this body allow us to feel supported. In the clothes softly tumbling in the dryer, in the hum of a teakettle, we can build repose, confidence, sanity, trust and safety. How easy is that.

Image by Claudia Fernety. See more of Claudia’s work at her website.

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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. Lana Nakaishi says

    Nov 6, 2014 at 11:17 am

    I was greeted this morning by a rainbow forming out my back door into a bright full arch! Soothed this Scorpio’s spirit. All hail Venus, Goddess of Gracious Inspiration! No fear left today.

    Reply
    • Jessica Shepherd says

      Nov 6, 2014 at 12:12 pm

      Aphrodite at your doorstep… sounds magical and gorgeous, Lana. Blessings! xo

      Reply
  2. Nancy E. Wood says

    Nov 6, 2014 at 5:07 am

    Ohh, Jessica Shepherd! What a gorgeous, peace-inducing, and wonderful piece you’ve written for this stressful time! Thank you so much for sharing those beautiful images/experiences-in-words that encouraged me to haaaaaaaaaaa– let that pent-up breath, let those clenched shoulders, let my jaw Finally Let Go… all those examples of the sweet life (dryer… puppy… silken… tea… chocolate chips…) — so beautiful! Thank you very much for a wonderfully written piece of wisdom and pure release — Bingo! You did it, your words accomplished exactly, I think probably, what you’d hoped they would. Whew. Bless you.

    Reply
    • Jessica Shepherd says

      Nov 6, 2014 at 12:11 pm

      What a lovely, exuberant email to be greeted with this morning, Nancy! So glad to hear my FM message was received, experienced and appreciated. I’m continuing to take my own advice all day, too. xo

      Reply
  3. Michele says

    Nov 5, 2014 at 2:32 am

    I can so relate. Mars is transiting my 1st House. No matter how much I try to take care of myself, when ever I start to do so, I have to funnel my energies into the “other”. It is frustrating and draining. I also have NN in Scorpio and SN in Taurus so I definately could use some Taurus in Mother Nature time. Unfortunately, it will have to wait until after work. Hope it’s not too dark by then.
    Thank you for this suggestion and guidance for us Jessica.

    Reply
    • Jessica Shepherd says

      Nov 6, 2014 at 12:08 pm

      Thanks for reading and writing, Michele! Sounds like a good nudge to make things extra simple and go easy on your self 🙂 xo

      Reply

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The Moon is in its
Crescent 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 Sun, 11:50pm  Jan 26 2023
  • Moon sextile Saturn, 3:13pm  Jan 27 2023
  • Moon sextile Sun, 7:17pm  Jan 27 2023
  • Moon square Pluto, 9:01pm  Jan 27 2023

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The Evening Star

in the sign of Pisces


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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.