MARCIA SACKS

The Full Moon is on Wednesday, September 2 at 12:22 a.m. central time in 10° Pisces.  It's a dreamy and intuitive time better for relaxing than lots of activity.  It's also good for meditation, music, and artistic pursuits.  It's great for getting out into nature especially  walking near ponds, lakes, rivers and oceans. 

People as a whole tend to be a little more thin-skinned or sensitive at a Pisces Full Moon. It's not a good time for giving critiques. Even the most diplomatic constructive feedback may be taken the wrong way.

Mars goes retrograde on September 9 at 28° Aries. This puts Mars opposite of Saturn and Pluto  and square (90°) to Venus. This is not a good time for beginning new projects. If you find that you must move forward, you will feel you are pushing against the tide. Wait at least three days after the Mars station on the 9th if you can.



One of the key words for Saturn/Mars aspects is "scars." Move carefully and slowly especially with sharp objects i.e. knives in the kitchen.  More than physical scars, sharp words can leave even longer lasting scars. Verbal non-violence is one of the most important spiritual practices at any time. It is even more important in the days around September 9. And not just with others - remember to speak kindly and compassionately to yourself as well.

Coming up:
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Madalyn Hillis Dineen will be speaking for the Northern Illinois Chapter of NCGR on "Getting the Most from Solar Fire" on Tuesday, September 8,  7 p.m. via Zoom. 

Solar Fire is a popular software program for professional astrologers and astrology students (it's the program I use).  Madalyn was the winner of the 1995 UAC Regulus Award for Community Service. She served as the Chair of the national NCGR from 2005-2011. More info here: http://www.chicagolandastrology.com/news.html

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The New Moon is Tuesday, August 18, at 9:41 p.m. in 26° Leo.  Creativity and personal self-expression are strong at a Leo new moon. Mars is in a trine to the New Moon meaning your energy and vitality will harmoniously activate your creativity whether it's artistic efforts, theater and drama, or any other sort of inventiveness.

Pluto and Saturn are inharmonious (square with Mars; inconjunct to Sun and Moon). These aspects are responsible for the discouraging feelings that we are experiencing. We feel our goals and creative work are being thwarted by heavy life responsibilities and the ever-present Corona virus situation. With Pluto in the equation there's a transformation in process, just time-delayed by Saturn. All I can say is don't give up your dreams. Don't quit. Keep going. Even a small step on your path is progress. Next year you will become aware of all you have accomplished during this challenging time.

Chanting "OM" can be very soothing and healing. This is a very relaxing recording of OM chanting:

What is Astrology?

My latest video was created for the Frequently Asked Questions page for the Temple of Kriya Yoga. It's about 10 minutes and is about what astrology is, what types of information it can provide, and a little bit about why astrology is important for students of Kriya Yoga.

The Full Moon is on August 3 at 10:58 a.m. in 11° Aquarius which is generally good for social gatherings. I have a lot of gratitude for living in the time of unlimited phone minutes, the ability to do video call and group meetings, and so many ways to get together on social media. Aquarius full moon are also times when we're likely to come in contact with creative people and new ideas.

Uranus is currently at 10° Taurus in a square (inharmonious) position to the Sun and Moon of this full moon. One key phrase for this aspect is "unexpected changes of plan." Uranus rules electricity so part of the "unexpected" events may be challenges with computers and other devices. Uranus also rules invention, so watch for stories about new discoveries and gadgets.
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On August 15th, Uranus goes retrograde, still at 10° Taurus. This makes the two weeks of the Full Moon to New Moon a very restless and unpredictable time. If you have planets in your natal horoscope in fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius), you might feel the Uranus electricity as a type of agitation. Slow down your decision making - there's a tendency to go to extremes.

If you find that you are too restless to do sitting still type of meditation right now, switch temporarily to slow, gentle hatha yoga, tai chi, or simply go for a walk outside. Chanting a mantra or repeating positive affirmations can help gain calm before going to sleep.

I have some mantras and chanting in a playlist that I've collected from around the internet.

The Temple of Kriya Yoga Musicians have mantra on their albums, which you can sample here.

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