Spirit of the Mountain Astrology

The Full Moon occurs on January 31, 2018, at 5:27 a.m. PST at 11.37 Leo.  I now can’t recall it, but I read somewhere that this Total Lunar Eclipse is the first in quite some time that is visible anywhere in the United States; however, the Western U.S. provides the best viewing, along with Alaska and Hawaii.  Hmmmmm… for that reason alone I want to get up early to experience a world I have not yet seen:  the “Blood Moon” in the early predawn Western sky.  I wish I lived close to the ocean or a large body of water so I could hear the waves as background music while the watery Moon turns blood red as she is blanketed by the earth’s shadow.  NASA states if you live along the West Coast of the United States totality begins at 4:51 a.m. PST.  Greatest Eclipse is at 5:29 a.m. PST.  Totality ends at 6:07 a.m. PST.  In my neck of the woods in the Sierra Nevada, First Light is at 6:35 a.m. PST with Sunrise at 7:03 a.m. PST.  Rather than sleep in my nice warm bed in the wee hours of the morning, in late January, I’ll make sure I’m out of doors in time to get plenty of exposure to this rare event.  “Once in a while it really hits people that they don’t have to experience the world in the way they have been told to.” ~Alan Keightley

This Full Moon is also perigee:  A Super Full Moon.  Perigee is when the Moon is at her closest to earth making moonrise quite large and brighter.  Furthermore, although it means nothing astrologically, it is also a “Blue Moon.”  A Blue Moon is a second Full Moon in the same calendar month. As our first eclipse of 2018, this Super Blue Full Moon Total Eclipse is a follow up to the Total Solar Eclipse in August 2017, at 28.52 Leo.  However, whereas at the August 2017 eclipse the Sun and Moon were conjunct (New Moon), at this eclipse they are opposed (Full Moon).  Thus, Leo themes that arose or were initiated last August are now before you for review.  Ruled by the Sun, Leo is a proud, dramatic, generous, self-assured sign.  The Sun is our vitality, our “self,” where we “shine” in the world…the radiant core of our essence…our soul.  It’s where we find the need for creative expression and appreciation by others.  Remember back to last summer:  What themes were playing out in your life?  Where was your special creativity, or love of something/someone, taking you then?  What “lit up” your inner fire?  “Be fearless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire.”  ~Jennifer Lee

While the Moon in Leo is all about “me, myself, and I,” the Sun in Aquarius is about others, networks of others, and as the opposite of “I” it is “we.”  Leo is singularly motivated whereas Aquarius is a classic Musketeer:  “All for One, and One for All.”  Bringing your passion and leadership abilities to a group environment could bring you to some powerful truths within yourself.  The Moon’s opposition to Venus in cool, detached, intellectual Aquarius can leave us feeling emotionally vulnerable.  Sharing emotions may seem risky.  The North Node supports our decisions to eliminate past behavior patterns that limited us.  Where are you finding a push-pull in your life right now?  Where are you finding opposing views?  How can you connect your passions with others?  “There are only two mistakes one can make along the road to truth; not going all the way, and not starting.”  ~ Budda

With the North Node conjunct the Moon and the goddess, Ceres, be the one who boldly walks into the future, bravely leading with an open heart:  Let it guide you.  Collaborate with and honor your tribe.  Mingle and mix with individuals who share your passions, who make you feel capable and worthy.  Explore new areas of life and new people.  Find and follow Ariadne’s thread.  A defining moment may wash over you.  An “Ah Ha” moment.  A dream.  An “off the wall” comment.  The signs are all around us.  We only need to open our eyes.  “Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore.”  ~Andre Gide

For those of you interested, and wanting more information about the eclipse, NASA will provide a live feed.  Go to: https://www.nasa.gov/feature/super-blue-blood-moon-coming-jan-31.