"A hundred struggle and drown in the breakers. One discovers the new world. But rather, ten times rather, die in the surf, heralding the way to that new world, than stand idly on the shore."

— Florence Nightingale

The hard work that was demanded from the last New Moon (January 5th, 5:28 PM PST 15° Capricorn) begins to show results this week. Last week's 'sense of destiny' has us laser focused on building new structures and establishing new rules for a New Order. Responsibility and discipline is of paramount importance but there are also demands for freedom and independent thoughts and actions. Confidence ebbs and flows, along with optimism, as we head toward next Sunday's Full Moon (9:15 PM PST 0° Leo/Aquarius). However, the sense of purpose and mission seems to be unwavering. The transit of Mars through Aries began rather [...]

"What's the use you learning to do right when it's troublesome to do right and ain't no trouble to do wrong, and the wages is just the same?"

— Mark Twain
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

We move through a wilderness of uncertainty this week following the change of seasons and a dampening of optimism. Mars arrives home in fiery, independent Aries but seems willing to bide time before making any rash moves. Mercury moves from high-minded and philosophical Sagittarius into steady, conservative Capricorn. Although Jupiter still has plenty of time left to contemplate in Sagittarius, the mood has shifted and we realize that we need to put out significant effort if our expansive plans have any chance to succeed. However, as the Moon continues to [...]

"Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working."

— Pablo Picasso

The general optimism of the Sun's transit through Sagittarius is enhanced this week by an inspiring and creative Venus-Neptune trine. Nonetheless, we may find ourselves hesitant to continue to work towards deeper connections with others. The strong desire for independence and autonomy is at odds with the importance of continuing to reach out and make broader, collaborative connections. Venus leaves the shadow of the retrograde process [...]