Here is a brief recap of the last New Moon (in red italics) This Full Moon in Aries is the culmination of the cycle which began with the New Moon in Libra on Sept 29th.
FROM SEPTEMBER 2008 ASTROLOGICAL UPDATE… (Definitely worth repeating)…
The planet Pluto at 29 degrees of Sagittarius is making its LAST big “showdown” in the collective psyche. At the end of November 2008 Pluto will once move into the sign of Capricorn for the next 15 years. It is virtually impossible NOT let go of the past between now and the end of 2008.  If it is NOT your Highest Truth, the Universe will find a way to change it!
We are in the midst of TWO MAJOR PLANETARY CYCLES OF CHANGE …URANUS AND PLUTO… and these are generational cycles! Pluto represents the energy of transformation and evolution from “the inside out”…it takes a slow “alchemical process”, but wherever Pluto touches your chart, you are never the same. Uranus represents “revolution” with lightning-like ramifications.  Picture the World Trade Centers standing one minute, and the next they are reduced to dust. Pluto and Uranus are now in a “cosmic dance” together, like Shakti and Shiva, heralding an era of extraordinary social, political, and global transformation.  If you are inhabiting a “human” body, you are along for the ride on this one….so better be ready!
Mercury Retrograde in Libra Sept 24th to Oct 16th.
 The sign of Libra is all about relationships, and during this retrograde phase, there are four planets in Libra (The Sun, Moon, Mercury, and Mars). Relationship patterns or karma might be repeated…or at least come up to the “light”, since Pluto is still operating in its final phase.  Since Venus Herself is in the sign of Scorpio, there could be a final “clearing out” of jealousy, betrayal, role reversals or erratic financial swings. Past relationships, people, themes, may all “reappear” in your life, for better or worse.
The good news is that you can really “sort out” and redefine what you want in a relationship, as the Libra New Moon on Sept 29th is also about “attracting” Love into your life.   If you are a Libran, or have major planets in Libra, the themes of Love & Money will demand more of your attention than usual until Oct 14th.  By the end of next month, you may be humming the tune: “What’s Love Got to Do with it?”
New Moon 6 degrees Libra on September 29th at 4:13AM EDT
As mentioned above, the “buzzwords” for this New Moon in Libra are “Love” and/or “Finances”.
If it is a “past” wound that comes up at this time, it will be released once and for all……no superficial band-aids will work this time. Conversely, if two partners are willing to “share” and come to a mutual compromise (much like a business arbitration), then even the most emotionally intense situations may be resolved and the relationship has the potential for “rising like the phoenix” from its own ashes. This is true for both business, as well as personal partnerships. However, since relationships carry so much of our own psychological “projections”, the best way to sort out a “problem” in your relationship sector, is to first ask yourself “what is this person, situation, relationship mirroring back to me”?  What are my worst fears concerning this issue?  Am I trying to manipulate someone else because of this fear issue? Or vice versa?

FULL MOON 21 DEGREES ARIES OCT 14th 2008  at 4:03 PM EDT
The culmination of this Full Moon cycle has much to do with the reconciliation of relationships in our lives, our communities, and the world at large.
While the Sun is in the sign Libra, the Full Moon falls in the opposite sign, Aries.  Aries is the first fire sign of the zodiac denoting the first courageous “push” of the emerging ego. The planetary ruler of Aries is the fiery planet, Mars.  Aries encourages the spirit of the pioneer and the adventurer, and the archetype of the warrior. This Full Moon encourages us to embrace our passion fully, but to also be aware that this does not have to come at another’s expense.  Conversely, victimization and martyrdom are the “shadow” side of Libra, and do not do well in the land of Aries!  It is interesting that Venus, the planet of beauty and harmony, is the ruler of the sign Libra.  Both the “Peacemaker” and the “Warrior” are highlighted during this Full Moon. Astrologically, Venus and Mars make very complementary and passionate partners proving that it is easier to make love than war.
On a personal level, where the Sun falls at 21-22 degrees Libra in your natal chart shows where you are being called to balance and harmonize your relationships. The house where 21-22 degrees Aries falls marks where you need to clearly state your power, express yourself, and become more self-assertive. It is all a matter of balance (remember, the sign Libra is symbolized by the scales of Justice). You need to “Know Thyself” in order to get what you want in life; but you also need to relate to “the other” in order to have healthy relationships.  Where do you need to negotiate better terms for yourself? Where do you need to see things from someone else’s point of view?
The Sabian Symbol for the Moon at 22 Aries:  “The gate to the garden of all fulfilled desires; abundance made possible by human togetherness and cooperation.”
The Sabian Symbol for the Sun at 22 degrees Libra: “A child giving birds a drink at fountain; the concern of simple souls for the welfare and happiness of less-evolved beings who thirst for life renewal.”

PLANETARY PICTURES:
This Full Moon highlight Eris, an asteroid (planetoid) named for the Greek Goddess of strife and discord (the opposite of Libra); and, in Greek mythology, Eris is the sister of Ares, the god of War. Eris is currently at 21 degrees Aries and was first “discovered” in 2003, the year Mars made its closest approach to Earth in more than 60,000 years!  It also marked the U.S. invasion of Iraq and “the fall of Babylon”.  The “antidote” to this negative (female) archetype of chaos and aggression (more on this later) is to bring in more of the Venus qualities (Libra) of diplomacy, cooperation and “justice” for all.
(From September 2008 Update):
It is highly significant that the theme of a woman running for office in this country is once again brought forth from the collective psyche of America. The interesting thing is that we are experiencing this more as a decisive “split” than a healing process
If we look at this from the archetypal level, not the “personality” level, what are we saying about our collective psyche that is searching to “re-integrate” its feminine side and looking for the “Lady of Liberty” as symbolized by the Statue of Liberty standing in New York Harbor? Are we moving towards a more humane, nurturing, life-affirming society, where ALL individuals (as well as nature), are respected? Are we committed to ending the rampant atrocities and endless waste of human life and resources that war brings? Are we capable of enough compassion to co-create a healthy, fertile Earth for our children’s children?  Or will we continue to be manipulated and intellectually “violated” by a “System” that tells us that our focus should be on on a “pig with lipstick”? What is the REAL “smokescreen” here? And, as the very “Plutonic” character, Captain Jack Sparrow, would say: “Are we “savvy enough to know the CODE”??!
RETROGRADE MERCURY:
Mercury stationed retrograde at 22 degrees Libra on Sept 24th. It is exactly in opposition to this Full Moon, and turns direct 24 hours after the Full Moon. Mercury is also forming a very close Grand Trine (positive aspect) to Neptune and the Sun. The meaning is that there is “hope on the horizon” if we are willing to become peacemakers, rather than warriors.
THE NEW MOON AT 5- 6 Degrees SCORPIO – October 28th at 7:14 PM EDT
This New Moon at 6 degrees Scorpio marks another momentous crossroads for humanity. The sign Scorpio rules death, as well as transformation. Its ruler is Pluto, the Greek god of the Underworld, the terrain of the “unconscious”.  What needs to die before it can be reborn? Scorpio is the only astrological sign that has three symbols: the Scorpion (physical); the Eagle (psychological); and the Phoenix (spiritual); showing that there are three levels of transformation to be achieved before true metamorphosis can occur.

PLANETARY PICTURES:
The astrological “signals” at the beginning of November are momentous indeed; and do imply that we are about to see “prophecies fulfilled”, if we are not CONSCIOUS and AWAKE of what choices we are making.
Saturn and Uranus are about to oppose each other in the signs of Virgo and Pisces respectively, which happens about every 40 years. The first of 3 oppositions occurs EXACTLY on Nov 4th, U.S. Election Day.  Saturn is represented by John McCain, the oldest man who would be inaugurated as President. ( John McCain’s natal chart will be adversely impacted by this Saturn -Uranus opposition at the time of the election, which shows that chronic and erratic health issues may come up immediately.)
Barack Obama is symbolized by Uranus, a liberal and the first non-white candidate to be elected President (And also one of the youngest at age 47). (This Saturn-Uranus opposition is conjunct Barack’s Mars in Virgo, implying a frustrating period punctuated by many surprises during which he is able to think creatively and “out of the box”.)
Joe Biden’s natal chart reflects a rise to the top of his career “for better or worse” at the time of the election and Saturn-Uranus opposition. He will have a conflict between family, home and career path.
In Sarah Palin’s natal chart, the Saturn-Uranus opposition reflects major financial and business changes, “for better or worse”, mostly unexpected.
The last time Saturn opposed Uranus was 1965-67, a period of tremendous social, political and cultural change—as well as extraordinary creativity! The Beatles…Eastern Spirituality…a walk on the moon…China’s “cultural revolution”. When Saturn was conjunct Uranus in late Sagittarius in 1988, Jesse Jackson made a bid for the Democratic presidential nomination.
Venus in Sagittarius moves into an exact square to Saturn and Uranus on November 3rd energizing the conflict between the old and the new, the establishment and the “reformation”.
On Nov 1st, Neptune stations direct at 21 degrees Aquarius, calling forth the ideals of the true Aquarian Age: freedom and equality and true liberation of mind and spirit.
And just in case, we did not get the “message” yet: the Sun will square the last degree of the August 1st solar eclipse at 10 degrees Scorpio/Leo during the first week of November. When solar eclipse points are “set off”, there is no going “backwards”….collective change is imminent.

The SABIAN SYMBOL for this New Moon at 6 degrees Scorpio indicates that we are hungry for change and ready to take a risk: “The gold rush tears men away from their native soil; the passionate search for new values, which, at any level, promise a more abundant life.”

More on Election Astrology

Barack Obama’s Astrological Pictures:
Obama was born in the wake of the Jupiter/Saturn conjunction in Capricorn that happened on Feb 1961. Saturn and Jupiter (going all the way back to ancient Egypt) have been seen as co-signatories of socio-politico-cultural changes since the first “star watchers” calculated the movement of the heavens. In fact, the conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn in 6 BCE   is most likely the “Star” which the Magi recorded as denoting the birth of a new King. It is a significant indicator in a birth chart that the individual has a remarkable destiny pattern to fulfill.
Barack’s ascendant of 18 degrees Aquarius is conjunct the Moon of the US chart. This shows that the “collective psyche” is emotionally touched by his personality. It is also interesting since the eclipse on Super Tuesday fell nearly exactly on his ascendant. Aquarius is cool and rational, with a passion for social justice and equality; and Obama’s Leo Sun sits in the sixth house of humility and service which depicts his need to develop his ego in a way that serves others.
We see this echoed in the placement of Chiron (the Wounded Healer) in the first house of identity and personality. This Chiron is important as it forms a square to Obama’s Moon. This is a fourth house Moon that craves a home and sense of family.
Pluto is also involved in this dynamic, forming a “T-square” as it opposes Chiron and squares the Moon. The Pluto/Chiron opposition generally results in a life that can be rather painful on an emotional level as the individual is forced by Pluto to face the wounds of the soul and work through them. This dynamic creates a shamanic process in which there is tremendous potential for understanding and wisdom. The pressure of both Pluto and Chiron on the sensitive Moon illustrates the emotional difficulty that Obama has experienced, although with Aquarius on the ascendant he will never reveal his emotions to the public.
His “catharsis”,  like that of Shakespeare’s protagonists, will also be catharsis for the collective wounds of the American psyche…..slavery, human rights issues, immigration, helping the disenfranchised and the “have nots”….all of these issues must be looked at, no matter who wins the election.
Many astrologers and psychics have compared Obama to Abraham Lincoln, as well as JFK….There are interesting parallels, for sure…..
Both have inspired audiences through their distinct communication styles.  Astrologically, Barack’s Sun, Mercury, Uranus and North Node (Destiny Point) in Leo all signify charisma and incredible speaking abilities. Barack Obama’s appeal to the younger vote is a nice fit with his Jupiter in Aquarius (expansion through technological and scientific change). His creative savvy high tech campaign echoes the appeal and excitement of JFK’s race to the moon in the 60’s.
Transiting Uranus is opposing Barack’s Mars March 9, 2009. This is very volatile explosive energy, and he needs to be very centered during this time, as he may come under   heavy attack from enemies. This would not be the best time for him to visit the Middle East or any other highly “charged” areas.   Both of the above mentioned former Presidents were brought down by “secret” enemies and acts of violence.

John McCain’s Planetary Analysis:

John McCain’s Mars in Leo can be very “over the top”, as well as aggressive, since his Mars is also squared by Uranus.  Uranus is revolution - the “maverick”, as he is so proud of saying.  The challenging aspects of Mars and Uranus together often show an individual whose rebellion cannot be contained. There is always a fight lurking just under the surface.  
McCain's progressed Moon aspected his progressed Mars a month ago, and that influence is just now waning.  For someone with the underlying anger that McCain has, the irritation of Mars to the Moon can add gasoline to the flame.  In addition, transiting Chiron (wounding and healing) has been forming a challenging aspect (square) to his Sun, the second phase of which occurred in early September.  This can be a painful time when our old hurts and painful emotions are exposed, ideally so that they can be healed.  It can also bring health problems, and the droopy eye that McCain has exhibited recently has given rise to rumors of a stroke. 

Transiting Saturn will retrograde with Venus, in McCain's “karmic” 12th house, on the last day of December 2008, within a degree of being exactly opposed McCain's natal Saturn position. This suggests a “karmic” difficulty   due to a woman (his wife?  Sarah Palin? whom he has described as his “soul mate”) On the opposite side of the zodiac, Uranus is pressing into conjunction with McCain's natal Saturn (from November right through February 2009), which causes unpredictable challenges and major stress.  This can be very erratic and “unnerving” in terms of health.  If I were his doctor, I would question whether he was physically up to the stress of the next few months.
Conversely, McCain's natal Moon is in Capricorn, and one can hope (on his behalf) that the ending of Jupiter's retrograde cycle and its entry into late Capricorn will signal McCain to get “lucky” in November. Also, Pluto's progression into the first degrees of Capricorn will engage McCain's North Node (destiny point) sits at 1 degree of Capricorn. Perhaps, no matter what happens, McCain will know that his personal destiny is caught up with the masses.

ASTROLOGY FOR SARAH PALIN:
Sarah Palin was “packaged” brilliantly as shown by her Neptune/Sun transits which continue until the end of 2008. Unfortunately, her persona is cloaked in illusion and fantasy, and there is not much based in reality with this type of placement. This is a classic example of “the Emperor’s new clothes”! Whatever happens with the election, 2009 will be a very active time for Sarah Palin personally.  Jupiter will be transiting (and retrograding in) the sign of Aquarius, setting off   her entire natal chart with her 5 planet “stellium” in Aquarius. This could mean either great benefits or great challenges, since her chart is set up in a rather “all or nothing” type pattern. Even if she merely remains Governor of Alaska, it looks like Palin will be called on to “walk her talk” and REALLY assist the   “Joe 6-Packs " and “Every Moms” of her constituency (Aquarius).   

Posted by Mary Lomando at Monday October 06, 2008 I comments I