MARCIA SACKS

The Full Moon occurs on April 29, 2018, 7:58 p.m. CDT in 9° Scorpio.

For many people I know, the past two weeks have been filled with challenges.  The Full Moon is Scorpio is an excellent time for reflection, to think about how we handled those challenges, what resources we called on, and what core values sustained us. 

And here's a happy thought:  In terms of the general "Astro-Weather" May will be a much gentler month than April. (Your mileage may vary - a lot depends on the aspects in your own natal and progressed charts.)

The Full Moon in Scorpio can also give us a deeper glimpse into our subconscious mind and make us aware of the energies within us that move us to action before we've made a conscious (or wise) decision.  The Mars/Pluto conjunction, although separating, is still in the chart of the Full Moon.  Look within at the things that irritate you, frustrate you and make you really angry.  With Jupiter trining that Mars/Pluto conjunction we can use our higher mind to assess those situations, release them, turn them over to the Divine, and finally relax back to peace.

There's a lot going on astrologically over the next couple of weeks:

• Mercury Direct April 15, 4:21 a.m. CDT  in 4° Aries
• New Moon Sunday, April 15, 2018, 8:57 p.m. CDT in 26° Aries, conjunct Uranus 28°
• Saturn Retrograde on April 17 at 9° Capricorn
• Pluto Retrograde on April 22 at 21° Capricorn

With the New Moon conjunct Uranus,  for several days on either side of April 15, the energy is volatile and high voltage.  Situations change quickly.  As Mercury makes its station direct in Aries, once again the key to handling extreme people and uncertain situations is what you say and how you say it. Stay awake and aware of your environment.

Being mindful in general is always a good practice.  Here's a Zen story that I meditate on frequently.  Like the author of the blog, I am rarely successful in maintaining more than a few moments of real mindfulness at a time.  And like the author, I recommend the book Zen Flesh, Zen Bones by Paul Reps.  The same lightning strike energy of the new moon that can be so difficult to control may be the same energy that gives us those flashes of insight from Zen stories and koans.

The combination of the Saturn and Pluto station retrogrades both in Capricorn (with Mars contained between them) reminds me of two symbols from nature.  The earthquake and the volcano.  The ground shakes and trembles in an earthquake - the foundations of life and faith are called into question.  With the volcano, emotions that seethe below the surface are ready to erupt.  Self-control puts a temporary cap on the volcano but it creates a pressure that can explode for miles like Mount St. Helens or  Eyjafjallajökull.  

Plan ahead: if you experience the symbolic earthquake, what resources do you have that can sustain you through a challenging time?  If you are prone to being a volcano, what can you do to constructively to let off steam?  At the same time, perhaps it's best to avoid others that remind you of a volcano.

Used wisely the energy of Saturn and Pluto together can bring focus, concentration, self-discipline, and steadiness of purpose to build something that can transform your world.

​On Sunday April 29th, I will be giving a talk on "Astrology and Kriya Yoga: Predictions for Your Spiritual Path" as part of the Babaji Festival at The Temple of Kriya Yoga in Chicago. There will be music and chanting, talks by the temple swamis, and more.

For more information:

http://www.yogakriya.org
kriya@yogakriya.org