MARCIA SACKS

The New Moon is on Wednesday, April 22 at 9:25 pm CDT in 3° Taurus. The Moon is considered exalted in Taurus in astrology. The earth sign Taurus is a comfortable and steady place for the Moon to find her balance. If the weather where you are is warm enough, you can feeling the healing energy of Moon in Taurus by standing barefoot on the earth.

With the New Moon conjunct Uranus, there's bound to be some unexpected changes of plan.  When the unexpected happens, remember to take a deep breath. We are amazing problem solvers. Whatever the issue, it will show us the inner place in which we are inflexible or lack adaptability.
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The New Moon is also square to Saturn which has recently moved into Aquarius. So along with unexpected changes of plan from Uranus, there is also likely to be some limitations and frustration (especially as we continue to exist in this weird time of limitations and frustrations). This will be in effect a few days before and after the New Moon … unless we let our emotions out of control, in which case the situation will be unresolved for two - four weeks. 

I've often found that difficult aspects between Saturn and Uranus have something to do with rebellion against authority figures. In each situation, you'll need to determine which role you play - are you the rebel or the authority figure? It could even be two different personality traits within yourself as you face decisions that might require maturity (Saturn) or creative freedom (Uranus). Understand that Saturn is asking you to be more responsible, while Uranus is insisting that you be more playful.  Can both co-exist? Remember that Saturn is the practical structure for creativity whether it's the paper and paints or the instrument and musical notes on paper. 

​With the Moon in Taurus any grounding techniques will help bring you back to balance. Walk barefoot through the grass, hike through a natural setting, look at the flowers blooming outdoors, water your house plants. Practicing gratitude for the good things in our lives another way to find our equilibrium. 

Pluto goes retrograde on April 25 at 24° Capricorn, conjunct Jupiter which is at 26° Capricorn. There will be an urge for greater power and achievement in life. The challenge is knowing how to pursue your own path without forcefully insisting that others follow you. I talk a lot more about the Jupiter/Pluto conjunction on the video that I created for the Babaji Festival for the Temple of Kriya Yoga:

The entire (virtual) festival can be found here, including a talk by Goswami Kriyananda from 2008:

In the Virtual World:
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Gosia teaches Gentle Yoga every Friday for the Temple of Kriya Yoga on Zoom: https://www.yogakriya.org/

Gilda’s Club has a full schedule of Zoom programs for anyone whose life has been impacted by cancer. Susan Wilkens from Dancing Cranes Yoga teaches a chair yoga class there: https://www.gildasclubchicago.org/calendar/2626/chair-yoga-susan


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The Full Moon takes place on April 7, 2020 at 9:34 p.m. CDT in 18° Libra. Libra is a very social sign, so it's a good time to embrace 21st century technology and have video calls and get-togethers with your friends. Obviously, phone, texting and social media are other ways to stay in touch.

The Jupiter/Pluto conjunction is prominent in the Full Moon chart. At the new moon I wrote "This conjunction could be seen then as a time when a lightning bolt of insight strikes the earth and illuminates some treasure in our unconscious mind, something that has been hidden very deep but is now revealed."
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The exact date of the conjunction is April 5th, the day I'm writing this. I came across an article today which has symbols that relate to the Jupiter/Pluto conjunction and also the social expression of Full Moon in Libra: 

The History of the Paris Salon (and the Radical Artists Who Subverted It)

This is a story of a revolution in art as traditional standards were overthrown by the Impressionists. In mythology, Jupiter (Zeus) ruled over laws and social order. Jupiter in astrology is also seen as a planet of expansion or freedom. Pluto is often thought of as a planet of revolution. Plus Pluto symbolizes the cycle of life, death and rebirth. This is an important cycles whether seen through the lens of art or technology.

It's important to take the symbols we see in life or read about in the media and see if they mirror the planetary patterns occurring at the same time. So take some time to think about the ways in which your life or consciousness is expanding. Or in what way your life needs to let go of a pattern from the past in order to be more creative. And how you can do that as wisely and harmoniously as possible. 

​I like this story because traditional art didn't die - people continue to paint realistic portraits and landscapes. But the field of visual art has continued to expand and incorporate more and more styles and techniques. 

Coming up:

The Power in Your Solar Returns
A talk for the Northern Illinois Chapter of NCGR with Marcia Sacks
April 14, 2020 via Zoom
If you are not on the NI-NCGR email list, contact Janet Berres [email protected] for information on how to attend this talk

Every year the Sun returns to the location of your natal sun and a new year begins for you. The solar return chart gives a snapshot of your year ahead that can be used to plan and achieve your annual goals and resolutions. We'll start with the fundamentals of interpreting solar return charts and how changing the location where you celebrate your birthday can strengthen the positive elements of your solar return chart. Then, we'll "treasure map" your solar return with affirmations and images. Be sure to have a printout or drawing of your next solar return handy. You can Google "solar return calculator" to find a number of sites to run off your solar return chart.

Online:

This Sunday noon meditation with Sharon Steffenson was presented for the Temple of Kriya Yoga last week and has a lot of helpful techniques for healing and relaxation. Sharon is a swami of the Temple and the editor of Yoga Chicago Magazine.