La Luna’s shift into Cancer, her ruling sign marks many milestones and is a poignant end to the remarkable and one in a lifetime astrology of 2020. As I sit and watch her rise and compose my words, by candlelight, at her ingress into Cancer, it’s quite something to try and articulate. As Luna comes to her annual Cancer full moon on the final days of 2020, its very apparent the dramatic shift, away from the stresses and pressure that have been applying to her over the past three years; with the fresh sense of a new fertile space beginning to reveal.
Luna in Cancer, this time around is lighter and the space created by three years of Saturnian pressure and its weight on Luna whist transiting Cancer, is very apparent. This is the first full moon in Cancer or any moon cycle in Cancer, without Saturn being in opposition of, since December 2017. As she rises in front of me, in her first cycle sans Saturn, the weights previously imposed and the spaces created, is quite something to absorb and process. This is the full moon, in which the extent of this long term pressure finally reveals itself.
Saturn is hard on the moon as their intentions and purposes are opposite in technique, aims and what they are trying to achieve. Both planets being strong due to their rulership meant every cancer moon for the past three years was imposed with the burdens, constrictions, restrictions and judgements of Saturn’s cold harsh rays. Cancer lunations were heavier and more burdensome. It is at this lunation we begin to see the strengths and our hard-earnt achievements since, Saturn’s ingress into Capricorn, Dec 2017. Other observations might be a new form of softness, especially around things that used to have a harder edge. Calling it an emotional slog is an understatement. If you have inner planets or angles on the Cardinal axis of Capricorn, Cancer, Libra or Aries, you would have felt this much more.
This lunation is also the first lunation after the recent eclipse series, on the Gemini and Sagittarius axis. The solar eclipse on 15thDecember 2020 being particularly harsh and potent. I don’t know many people who weren’t touched by its intensity and dramatic overtones. Having a nourishing full moon such as this one, to close out the eclipse season helps to reconcile some of the difficult things that may have been thrown up during this eclipse season, as well as feeling like the cosmic hug we needed.
So, as we round out 2020 and experience its closing as well as getting our strong dignified Cancer Moon’s back, this really feels like the perfect antidote in washing way 2020 and all the trauma, allowing us to re-centre and recharge emotionally after what can only be described as a life changing year. Paying attention to tending to ourselves and our communities, and focusing on care, mothering and nourishment as we enter 2021 seems like the perfect astrological hint, to help guide us into a new and very different world for 2021.
Less than 24 hours remains of Saturn in Capricorn for the next 28 years. Probably one of the harshest transits, tending towards highlighting the cool harsh realities of time, consequence, commitments and perseverance even in the most challenging conditions, Saturn In Capricorn is a cool and hard task master.
December 2017 – December 2020 is a good time to reflect over now as another transit of Saturn in Capricorn completes. Making sure u make strong commitments to yourself and your communities for its next 28 year cycle around the zodiac. Saturnian rewards are slow in revealing themselves and heavy in consequence; if not taken seriously and the necessary ground work put in.
The Moon conjoining Saturn as it leaves Capricorn, perfect for embodying these new commitments and personal contracts, as the clock is about to strike its own form of midnight. The lessons have been laid, now it time to walk forwards.
As we get set to bid you adieu, I would like to thank you Saturn, for all the cool hard challenges I have had to face and thank you for helping me address them head on, no matter what forms they presented to me in. Signed a late degree Capricorn Sun.
SATURN IN CAPRICORN (21 DECEMBER 2017 –18 DECEMBER 2020)
14 days remain with Saturn in Capricorn. Saturn’s transit of it’s home or domicile sign has been influencing the skyscapes since 21 December 2017. Since then Saturn has been stronger and more stern than usual, due to his rulership in Capricorn. A supercharged Saturn likes to strip back, boosts conservatism and consequences of actions Et cetera.
With conservatism and consequence being the plate du jour for the past three years and hard work with sacrifice being our new drug of choice, whether you were initially willing or not, Saturn in Capricorn has not been without it small rewards. Saturn rewards strong focus, over long periods of time and absorbing the cold hard reality checks. Saturn likes dealing with the hard and messy stuff, by cutting away, all that does not fit, or all that is not fit for purpose, sans any emotional consideration or attachment.
Saturn’s servings aren’t always pleasant, and they aren’t always palatable, which is probably why we only get a dose of Saturn in Capricorn every 28 – 30 years. Saturnian realization’s arn’t those that come lightly. Death tends to be more prominent both physically and metaphorically and is a signifier as to when Saturn is strong in transit or strongly placed during a period of time. Saturn nickname old father time, often pictured as death or with a scythe, is something we face more prominently when Saturn transits Capricorn.
As Saturn soaks up the last days of his transit in Capricorn, solidifying the last of his lessons or impacts, for the next 28 years, it’s a good time to reflect on the lessons , re-routes, ambitions, the losses, the grief, the depression, the reality checks, the small incremental wins and what has survived outside all the suffering of the past 3 years.
Saturn as it leaves Capricorn; begins to perfect its aspect to Jupiter. Creating what Astrologers refer to as the “Great Conjunction”. The “Great Conjunction” as Astrologer Austin Coppock has outlined, is one the main timekeepers for humanity’s ability to keep time and records, outside the rising of the Sun each day, and the Lunar cycles and phases. Saturn Jupiter conjunctions can be seen as an extension of the astronomical clock for measuring time as humans, marking consistently 20 year, 200 year or 800 year cycles. This Saturn cycle, sees his exit from Capricorn, coinciding with the beginning of all three new cycles of time at once with this great conjunction with Jupiter.
Saturn moving out of Capricorn, and its meeting Jupiter, begins a new 20, 200-year cycle, that was last seen 800 years ago simultaneously. Not a bad punch to leave on for old father time as he exits a sign of such strength andrenewal. The perfection of Saturn or “Old Father Time” to leave Capricorn and then begin these’s cycle on the Summer/Winter Solstice, shows that for all his coldness and sternness, Saturn isn’t afraid to try new things and continues to play with our perceptions and experience of what time is and how it impacts us.
Now is a great time to look over the difficulties, reality checks, the hard work, the lessons, our relationship with time and ageing along with what we wish to plan and achieve as small yet realistic goals over the next 28 year Saturn cycle. Saturn leaves a place of strength and authority, so this is an important cycle that is resetting. Things will clearly be different in 28 years time, But the aim is to make it better and to plan out the best road forwards, minimising the aggressive consequences to our actions. Now we need to start choosing our decisions more wisely and think about what we can cut back, and sustain, over longer periods of time. Climate change and sustainable living seems to be an obvious and urgent part of this narrative, as we come to the end of 2020 and this Saturn in Capricorn cycle.
To be honest, its a transit people probably wont miss, but its one we need to keep in the back of our minds. Old Father Time never forgets. As Saturn continues his way in to Aquarius, a sign Saturn also rules, we look to the differences of the two signs and how Saturn can rule two signs with such different significations and purposes. In Aquarius the rules are different and the topography very different, as we move from the dizzying heights and lonely terrain we have been navigating in Capricorn, into a space of vision and aspirations with more inclusiveness and collectable accountability. More on this soon, along with the impending Jupiter Saturn conjunction. But for now, Saturn, as you sit upon my Sun for the third time this year……. I bid you Adieu. Those with heavy Capricorn placements, for example Sun, Moon or Ascendant, can finally sigh in relief, as our once in 28 year lessons in responsibility, action and consequence begins to fade into a new experiences.
Today Mars the red planet, stations direct after three months of retrogradation in Aries the sign it rules, and this is great news!
Mars, retrogrades every two years and it’s a planet that isn’t particularly fond of doing so either. Retrogrades slow down and imbed Mars, a planet whose primary significations are about motion, fast pace and action. When retrograde this pace and action slows down, it causes frustration and friction due to the lack of momentum. Such frustrations can turn inward as the environment around you slows down. Mars is powerful in Aries, due to its rulership; this coupled with the fact that mars also retrogrades least in Aries out of all of the zodiacal signs, had made the last three months particularly stressful.
Mars turned retrograde September 10thand it’s at this time reflections or struggles became more apparent or deepened. Perhaps there were other things agitating situations that you weren’t previously aware of.
Re looking at your personal power, strength or what rouses anger could have been areas for redress. Depending on where this is occurring in your personal chart. Anyone with personal planets in Aries, Libra, Cancer and Capricorn, would have been more heavily impacted by this Mars Retrograde. Collectively Mars putting strain on Saturn, Jupiter and Pluto in late Capricorn has definitely created an element of tension, that has continued to simmer over the second half of 2020. Things have been on the verge and felt like they were going to get lit and exploding at any moment. Keeping a coolness around all the heat anger around us, has definitely been a way of life and a state of being, since Mars entered Aries on June 29th.
Mars turning direct today, does make things more erratic than usual, but the good news is, we are moving to a place where we can finally gain some traction and get things moving again with a more assured sense of what direction we wish to direct our energy. The other benefit of this movement forwards of Mars, is being able to mould our tools in a sharper and more effective fashion. Mars finally leaves Aries after 6 months (instead of the usual two months) in early January, and it is at that time, we will feel the heat turned down just a little, as we move away from the tectonic shifts of 2020’s astrology, with more tools and aids at our disposal.
November opens with a Full Moon in Taurus conjoining unpredictable and innovate Uranus early on the 1st. Venus is freshly arrived into Libra, one of her ruling signs. Helpful to begin with, but become more challenging in the middle of the month, thanks to her connections to the much spoken about Saturn, Pluto, Jupiter line up.
Mercury, in the first week of November completes it retrograde cycle, by stationing direct in late Libra and goes back into Scorpio. Integrating insights from its time in I decan of Scorpio and III decan of Libra. Mercury is traversing the tricky terrain of late cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn), who are having lots of pressure applied in the 2nd half of 2020. Mercury is also sounding out the the degree’s points of the fixed signs (Scorpio, Aquarius, Taurus and Leo) who will be welcoming in some serious Jupiter and Saturn energy this December.
Mars, the ruler of Scorpio turning direct mid-month after a volatile 3 month retrograde of Aries. This is huge and begins the completion phase of a tricky 6 months. Strong and volatile Mars interfering with Saturn, Jupiter and Pluto, is never fun, but this Mars station, helps to end the cardinal crush siege, which has been a dominant theme of 2020.
The intro of Eclipse season begins on November 30th, with a blue moon lunar eclipse for Australia and New Zealand (if you’re into putting lots of words in front of your lunation’s). The 2nd full moon of the calendar month rounds out November also opens the 2nd eclipse season of 2020. A visible lunar eclipse for those folks in Australia and New Zealand, seems like a fitting end to what can only be described as a ‘once in a life time’ astrology of 2020.
A breakdown of November’s main astrological features through the signs.
Aries / Aries Rising
Mars shifts back into direct motion on the 15th which is your cue to celebrate. Recent delays or setbacks have helped realign your relationship to power and strength, making you more agile and adept. Mid-November is when you finally feel the traction and mobility, in being able to assert yourself. At this time Mercury reveals how to make the best use of opportunities resources offered by others.
Taurus / Taurus Rising
November opens with a full moon in Taurus, commencing a two week period of innovation and individuation, thanks to the moon’s connection to Uranus. Uranus delivers opportunities that are hard to turn down or steers you in a slightly different direction. Mercury completes it retrograde on the forth, giving more clarity to your business and personal relationships, which lightens the mood and makes for an enjoyable party season.
Gemini / Gemini Rising
By mid-month, Mars no longer stirs up trouble in your social sector meaning your community and networking sector are less volatile, creating less stress and friction. For two weeks, a full moon in contact with Uranus, helps clarify and innovate feelings that lays beneath the surface. Venus hits the right notes by reconnecting to things and people who raise your spirits and help lighten the mood.
Cancer / Cancer Rising
Mars stationing direct is a big deal mid-month; finally the load is lessened and the atmosphere lightens up. Your career and reputation sector shows you off as being strong, and agile, able to power through any issues or confrontations. Mercury reveals new information about how to develop and reconnect to your passion projects or presents people who can assist with turning your passions into a reality.
Leo / Leo Rising
Rebooting your belief systems, thanks to the stirrings of Mars in your ninth solar house, isn’t light work but by mid-November the reboot is complete, just in time for party season. Mercury also finishes gathering its data in your most private sphere, which has strengthen and deepened your roots and resolve. By November’s end, Leo’s are more value aligned, stronger and more centred, making you at the heart of the party scene.
Virgo / Virgo Rising
By mid-month Mars stops agitating the waters of your external money sector, helping to light things up. Finally, there is some forward motion and a clearer picture of your finances, resources and investments. Venus, gracing your earned money sector creates some light relief and may offer some very appealing treats and rewards, after a very challenging 2020.
Libra / Libra Rising
Both business and personal relationships finally get the green light by mid-November, just in time for party season. Having Mars chopping up and muddying the waters of your relationships is difficult for a sign whose focus is on steadying the ship. Mercury also offers forward traction in your financial sector, assisting with smarter decision around money.
Scorpio / Scorpio Rising
Happy Solar return Scorpio, your ruler Mars turning direct mid-month boosts your spirits just in time for party season. Smoother running of your day to day routines allows you to power through any workloads. Mercury spending three months instead of its usual three weeks in your sign increases resourcefulness and accentuates your adept nature, attracting many admirers.
Sagittarius / Sagittarius Rising
Money has been a constant area of stress and tension in 2020. The good news is you’re getting so much closer to seeing the lifting of this stress. Lessening the load; lighter days are coming. Mars gives direct action, cutting its way through any problems or delay’s around children or connecting to your creativity. Venus makes for more pleasing social interactions in your local community and networks.
Capricorn / Capricorn Rising
The Full Moon on the 1stof November sets up a two week period which offers surprises, progress and individuation thanks to the influence of Uranus. Opportunities are available to show your creativity and to stand out and be seen by your peers. By mid-month, Mars finally stops agitating your home sector, helping to lighten things up for party season.
Aquarius / Aquarius Rising
Finding independence and the right balance between the work and home sphere is supported this month, helping to restore balance to your private and public life. Mercury helps shape this by bring vital intelligence and information which aids you to better manage how your private and public life intersect. Party season is nearly upon us, so finding that sweet spot is extra important and valuable; avoid burn out or missed opportunities to have fun
Pisces / Pisces Rising
Mars finally gets momentum in your money sector by mid-month which is a relief and eases tensions, helping to refocus financial goals. Venus double downs on this as she bestows potential gifts or opportunities around external forms of finance and resources such as taxes, loans, inheritances. Mercury and the Sun highlight opportunities for further education and to update your philosophies or beliefs helping to lighten things up, and broaden your horizons.
Image : Elena Ferrante by Elizaveta Porodina for Time Magazine
MERCURY’S RETROGRADE of SCORPIO 2020
(14 OCTOBER – 4 NOVEMBER)
Today Mercury begins its retrograde phase at 11 ° Scorpio. In 2020 Mercury has been making its stirrings and re-messaging services available in the zodiac’s water signs (Cancer, Scorpio & Pisces) offering reflection and upgrades of your connection to these portals of your chart.
Today’s Mercury retrograde occurs just 2 hours after its ruler Mars hits its exact midpoint of its own retrograde cycle with its opposition to the Sun. Mercury starting its own retrograde motion just after this mid-point of the Mars retrograde is interesting timing, creating an interconnection and opportunity of exchange, helping to evolve the Aries and Scorpio areas of your chart.
Quietening down, reflecting and reviewing personal connection to and themes of power, assertion, energy and dominance especially in the emotional context is something that will up for re-negotiation and difficult to avoid. How you can evolve and develop this relationship between anger, emotion, power and feelings will be easier to access, but not necessarily pleasant. Regardless, it will be on the agenda for the next 3 weeks.
In addition, the retrograde begins directly opposite Uranus, which gives this time an unpredictable and innovate flavour. Uranus likes to surprise and will be adding an element of unpredictability to this particular Mercury transit. It’s possible feelings may rise out of ‘nowhere’.
All the above is active and alive until Mercury moves direct on 4th November at 25 ° Libra. Mercury when it does move direct will be in aspect to Saturn. Saturn the stern elder energy of the zodiac will be looking to put his stamp of approval, or seal for long lasting change. Meaning, this potentially confronting or honest phase of re negotiating our power, has an enduring quality.
How we engage and communicate with power and assertiveness and its emotional impact on ourselves and others has the potential to live well beyond this three week time period. Be ready for an interesting three weeks. 2020’s astrology, when it colludes, it isn’t doing things by halves.
The Astrological weather for October is choppy to say the least, with the upcoming Mercury retrograde in Scorpio, coinciding with its ruler, Mars also being retrograde in Aries. These retrogrades are along side some rather challenging lunation’s this month, so strong precaution is advised; for both how you use this energy and what battles you decide to take on. October is a month where caution and self care will stand in good stead. Pushing forwards with activities and intentions that feel like they are an uphill battle, or a struggling to get up and running, most likely need more time to develop and nurture.
The Month opens on October 1st/2nd, with a full moon in Aries making it a potentially hostile lunation due to its increasing proximity to Mars. The following day (October 2nd/3rd) may present some hostility or aggression being exhibited, as emotions (the Moon) may spill over or become abrasive and hostile (Mars) as the two finally conjoin.
The New Moon in Libra on October 16th also finds itself in a rather difficult situation, as it is opposed by Mars and squared by both Saturn and Pluto. Following the familiar terrain of other plants who have run the gauntlet through the late cardinal degrees in recent months. Having the luminaries (The Sun and Moon) as the meat or protein in a Malefic sandwich, we have all established is no fun, and definitely NOT the kind of energy you want to be manifesting or drawing down your life long dreams from.
Overall, its a month to sit tight in and navigate the choppy weather through awareness and self care. October is one of the more trickier months in 2020, so proceed with care and know once we have moved past October, we will be beginning to near the end of the Cardinal Crush. Meaning, the planetary energies will begin to separate slight and not challenge each other so much. If you have any major planets (Sun, Moon, Ascendant especially) in Aries, Cancer, Libra or Capricorn, know that we are almost at the end of some once in a life time astrology. You have got this !
ARIES / ARIES RISING
Venus makes her way through your health and wellbeing sector delivering grace and joy to all matters pertaining to this area. While Venus is in Virgo you can enjoy an eye for details and an atmosphere of cohesion. However, Venus can be overly nit-picky here so remember to monitor the levels of critique, so you don’t overdo it. The Sun in balancing Libra offers stability by collaborating with others.
TAURUS / TAURUS RISING
The Sun’s yearly passage through Libra energizes your health and wellbeing sector. Radiating and energizing it helps centre goals around these topics, making them more of a priority. Consistency with your routines allows you to maintain vitality, in-turn minimising problems. Venus in her house joy and in Libra stimulates strong reconnection to your favourite activities or allows more harmonious connection with children.
GEMINI / GEMINI RISING
Mercury retrogrades in your health and wellbeing sector encouraging you to dig deeper and re-evaluate influences or distractions within your areas of self-care and health. Picking apart, fine-tuning or reworking your routines is supported by this retrograde. Rewards, however, will be seen elsewhere as the Sun in Libra shows you where newfound and re-energized time can be used by shinning a light on things you love that may have fallen to the wayside.
CANCER / CANCER RISING
The Sun brings radiance in the home and family realms. Time spent around the home or with family is the perfect way to rest and recharge and bring about more balance with wellness. Venus makes herself busy, happily overhauling your scheduling and communication sectors, which allows for greater freedom of time for Spring and Summer.
LEO / LEO RISING
This Month, Mercury will be in Scorpio and retrogrades in your home, family and ancestor sector, helping to uncover and reveal constraints from the past to do with family or ancestors. Mercury brings the skeletons out of the closet and assisting in putting them to rest. Wellness and wellbeing comes from bringing to light things that have been hidden; the load is lessened as 2020 continues.
VIRGO / VIRGO RISING
Venus moves through your body and vitality sector creating the perfect opportunity to flex and extend; enjoy the process and the results. Venus is working to bring more fun and freshness, less micromanagement and just letting the magic happen. Seize the opportunity to appreciate your worth or benefit from financial gains as the Sun works its way through your money sector.
LIBRA / LIBRA RISING
The Sun transiting your sign helps revitalise and re-energise from the ground up. Take comfort and find vitality by centring yourself around your natural leadership qualities and affirming your goals. Venus, your ruler, will be working to untie knot or confusing threads in the backdrop of your subconscious sector. Both the Sun and Venus will be working to bring about balance to your inner and outer selves leading to greater wellness.
SCORPIO / SCORPIO RISING
Attempts to assert and communicate might feel like they are being held back with the Mercury Retrograde in your sign from mid-month. Expect frustration at being misinterpreted or misunderstood; it will pass. Both the Sun and Venus shine a light on areas of reworking. The Sun works highlight your subconscious sector, so things can be more clearly seen from that perspective, while Venus by bringing support and fellowship via your friendship and social networks.
SAGITTARIUS / SAGITTARIUS RISING
The Sun highlights areas of support and community contacts, allowing you to see more of how these supports can benefit you. Venus gracing your work and reputation sector helps with being seen and visible in a complimentary light. Mercury turns retrograde in your subconscious sector; dreams may become stronger and more visceral. Messages delivered are worth listening too.
CAPRICORN / CAPRICORN RISING
Mercury in Scorpio retrogrades in your community and networks sector so communications maybe confusing, delayed or unsettling. Your search for clarity is disrupted so monitor and manage accordingly. The Sun highlights career and reputation, the goals around this become clearer and you may be seeking more acknowledgement around such leadership abilities. With the Sun’s clear vision, you might also be seen for it.
AQUARIUS / AQUARIUS RISING
Venus in the ultra-picky sign of Virgo is beneficial for all forms of analysis around shared resources. Loans, Taxes or any form of resource that you use from others is given an increased eye for detail, creating opportunity to benefit and capitalise. Mercury’s retrograde in your Career and Reputation sector makes for some disruption or delays but in the long run is great for realigning your career ambitions.
PISCES / PISCES RISING
Looking to support from friends and partnerships this month helps your wellness and wellbeing. Venus will be working to make these people more noticeable for you, don’t be shy in reaching out as their assistance will likely be on offer. Mercury retrogrades in your belief and philosophy sector. Communications which develop and extend personal beliefs and philosophies assist in making changes to your values and belief systems.
Luminary Astrology 