"I have never had to face anything that could overwhelm the native optimism and stubborn perseverance I was blessed with."

— Sonia Sotomayor

We are inspired by a great deal of optimism this week. Tuesday's Cancer New Moon (7:52 PM PDT 7° Cancer) is tightly square Jupiter, which stirs powerful confidence and strong beliefs. But of course, the confidence and optimism must be grounded with clear vision and self-discipline. Jupiter in Aries encourages us to propel ourselves — and our vision — into the world with energy and enthusiasm. However, the New Moon's Cancer influence shows our vulnerability to skepticism, misunderstanding, and emotional distractions. We may find ourselves aggressively and impulsively pushing forward with determination but then suddenly [...]

"We're so engaged in doing things to achieve purposes of outer value that we forget the inner value, the rapture that is associated with being alive, is what it is all about."

— Joseph Campbell

Mercury returns to Gemini this week and, by the end of the week, emerges from the 'retrograde shadow'. Once back in Gemini, Mercury once again forms a sextile to Jupiter - helping to expand our philosophical perspective and giving us opportunities to share that perspective with those around us. Jupiter in Aries rules Tuesday's Sagittarius Full Moon (4:51 AM PDT 23° Sagittarius/Gemini), and we see a number of astounding new opportunities emerge. The energy and excitement of the Full Moon is enhanced by a Mars-Chiron conjunction, which encourages [...]

"A little voice inside my head said
'Don't look back, you can never look back'"

— Don Henley

This week's Gemini New Moon on Monday (4:30 AM PDT 9° Gemini) begins a process that helps us to adapt to the significantly altered landscape that was fostered under the last lunar cycle by 'talking it out'. However, Mercury, ruling the Gemini New Moon, stations direct in Taurus this week. Mercury's direct station places our focus on safety and security. We may find ourselves stubbornly digging in our heels because we don't feel safe, rather than moving forward with enthusiasm, curiosity and a sense of discovery. Mercury's influence has us demanding that we find some sense of safety and security before we truly open up enough to start talking. It will become very clear, over the next few weeks, how important it is to develop or shore up a [...]