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More trines between the Water signs suggest checking in with emotions.  Jupiter in Cancer is a definite indicator of how much emotional security we might have.  Ask yourself: How do I feel?  Comfortable or uncomfortable?  Where in my body do I feel it?  Saturn in Pisces helps balance enthusiasm and self-control.

This New Moon in Libra includes a quincunx with Neptune (retrograding back into Pisces -- the sign it is affiliated with) for the last time for another 164 years. Use creativity, art, and daydreaming to strengthen your relationship with source energy as we enter new realms individually and collectively.  Sun into Scorpio on the 23rd activates a Yod formation with Neptune and Uranus.  Along with Pluto still on the cusp of Aquarius, these aspects encourage further exploration of new realms, as we leave the Age of Pisces/Neptune and familiarise ourselves with the 2,000-year Age of Aquarius/Uranus.  With Uranus and Neptune both retrograde and in the final degrees of Taurus and Pisces, this is an ideal time for deep reflection on the beliefs you genuinely value.  Prepare for an eruption of new ideas and realisations when Uranus enters Gemini (26 April 2026) and Neptune enters Aries (27 January 2026).  A square from Jupiter to Chiron on October 24 adds insight into the meaning of life – your personal life and your part in the collectivism of humanity.  Mercury entering Sagittarius on the 30th sharpens the importance of truth and curiosity. 

A Taurus Full Moon on November 6, Venus entering Scorpio on the 7th, and Uranus retrograde re-entering Taurus (until April 2026) accentuate the Taurus Scorpio balance and complement of opposite signs.  Authenticity, integrity and intensity merge with friendships and your sense of self.  All relationships are given opportunities for recalibration.  Mercury goes retrograde on November 10, encouraging internal reassessment, and conjuncts Mars on the 13th. This is likely to generate some strong opinions.  Retrograding back into Scorpio on November 19, Mercury may dive deep into mysteries, searching for answers.  Vesta into Capricorn on November 15 encourages the drive to succeed in the work sphere, with maybe a little worship at the altar of ambition.
"Paper Lanterns" - Artwork by Suzanne Ashmore 
featured in Creative Cronies 2025 Moon Diary

The chart of the first of two New Moons in Virgo reveals a Water Grand Trine linking Jupiter in Cancer, Juno/Vesta/Black Moon Lilith in Scorpio and the North Moon Node in Pisces.  The Moon makes an awkward quincunx aspect to retrograde Saturn and Neptune, conjunct in Aries, which is sextile Uranus in Gemini, all on their signs' powerful analytic first degree. It's a time of heightened emotional sensitivity, where our defensive buttons are easily pushed.  With Chiron and Eris conjunct and Ceres retrograde in Aries, feeling excluded is still an issue, as is the need to assert our unique identities and what we believe in.  Mercury leaving dramatic Leo for sensible Virgo on September 3 and pushy Uranus turning retrograde on September 6 may help put things in perspective. Ask what is really important and worth fighting for now? 

On the Pisces Full Moon on September 8, there is a Total Eclipse, which will be visible in Aotearoa as the Moon sets at 6.09 am NZT.  A Grand Water trine between Moon, Jupiter and Juno/Vesta is still in play, and a lesser trine sextile combination links Uranus, Neptune and Pluto in Air and Fire signs. Watch out for tantrums manifesting.   Remember to Pause and Breathe.  Then, release gnarly emotions into the eclipse darkness, asking for them to be transformed.  On September 13, Mercury meets the Sun in Virgo in superior conjunction, checking in to ascertain we're on track with our souls' agendas.  Priestess Vesta, entering Sagittarius on September 14, will invite us into inner sanctuaries to meditate by our hearth fires on what we seek.  Starting September 18, Mercury in Libra will focus more on all our personal, social, and political relationships.  When Venus takes over, entering Virgo on September 20, we may well ask, "What's love got to do with it?" "Well, Everything of course!" says Venus.
"Infusion of Bliss" - Artwork by Jenny Corr,
featured in Creative Cronies 2025 Moon Calendar

The fire signs fuel a lucky grand trine, which may build into a bonfire with the fire and air energies of the mystic rectangle.  Does something need opening up?  Old wounds around exclusion may need to be released as new dreams shape our consciousness.  This New Moon is opposite Pluto in Aquarius, intensifying the dynamic between these opposing signs.  Leo energy is an essential balance for the Aquarian Age, providing strength of will, positive ego, creativity and leadership.Chiron in Aries goes retrograde on July 31, presenting opportunities for self-regeneration.  On the same day, Venus enters Cancer, highlighting emotional bonds within your tribe.  Sun conjunct retrograde Mercury on August 1 stimulates creative self-expression and may provide insightful twists of thinking.

When Mars enters Libra on August 7, there is potential for meaningful one-to-one work activities and cooperation.  Mars at the beginning of Libra forms a Grand Air Trine with two of the transpersonal generation-influencing planets: Uranus, at the beginning of Gemini, and Pluto early in Aquarius.  When Uranus and Pluto were in trine from 1921 to 1923, it marked a time of tremendous social change, as reflected in the ‘jazz age’ of the early 1920s.  Those born at that time were the generation that grew up to fight in the Second World War.  This trine in their charts helped them withstand the crisis of change.  The Full Moon in Aquarius on the 9th encourages exploration of eccentricity through creative self-expression.  At the same time, Mars opposes Saturn conjunct Neptune at the beginning of Aries, providing caution between self-expression and holding back.  Mercury in Leo direct on the 11th releases confidence in opinions and planning.  On the 12th, retrograde Saturn is sextile Chiron, and Ceres goes retrograde in Aries until mid-November.  Ceres in Aries fosters self-determination in others, so the retrograde period may be a good time to support others through extra challenging times, when responsibilities become too demanding.  Venus conjunct Jupiter in Cancer on the 12th provides warm, generous and affectionate energy, particularly with those you consider family.  On August 21, Juno is conjunct Vesta in Scorpio, emphasising sacred, intimate partnerships.
"Zia Clown" - Artwork by Paula Franco, featured in Creative Cronies 2025 Moon Diary

At Cancer New Moon, the Sun and Moon meet Jupiter in Cancer for the first time in 12 years, bringing opportunities to nurture and grow everything we care deeply for.  Cancer planets form a harmonious Grand trine between Mercury, Black Moon Lilith and Saturn/Neptune inviting forgiveness and release from emotions we have hidden from others, and perhaps even from ourselves.  Pluto is the focal point of a Finger of Fate suggesting anxieties regarding the future of humanity.  We could be empowered by Pluto in Aquarius, while Mars in Virgo might help us find pragmatic solutions in matters of emotional safety.  From July 5, Neptune is retrograde, dissolving boundaries and dislodging previous perceptions and attitudes.  This shaping of new realities can be subtly disconcerting.  As Neptune and Saturn move back and forth across this "out-with-the old-in-with-the-new" Aries/Pisces cusp, we are collectively encouraged to embrace humanity's evolution.

In 2024, Sedna changed signs for the first time since 1966.  Far-out, slow-moving Sedna will be on 1˚ Gemini for all of 2025 and in Gemini until 2067.  Sedna was named after an Inuit goddess, who, like Lilith, refused to submit to patriarchal dominance, choosing instead a wholly unfamiliar yet intensely creative life.  In Gemini, Sedna will highlight how AI technology might throw many into unfamiliar territory.  Chaos inevitably precedes change, and change-maker Uranus in Gemini from July 7 will meet Sedna regularly in the next 2 years.  The Sedna/Uranus combo will radically alter our communication styles and spice up our lives with mind-bending flashes of insight, surprise encounters, zany ideologies, fresh eye-opening data and provocative technology.  Disruptions to short journeys are possible, perhaps unexpected car troubles or public transport running erratically.  You may get interested in a new course of study, consider realigning your life path, and possibly face bust-ups or breakthroughs with neighbours, best friends, siblings, or lovers.  Flexible, open-minded Gemini will enjoy the presence of Uranus.  Take whatever strange events begin unfolding as a precursor for the next seven years.

There are many powerful planetary alignments at Capricorn Full Moon on July 11.  Go willingly with any flow of strong emotions.  From July 13 to November 28, Saturn will retrograde, the first of three Saturn retrogrades in Aries.  Whatever dreams we begin to imagine during this retrograde will gestate until the next retrograde in July 2026.  By then, it may emerge quite differently from what we initially imagined. "Universal Mother" - Artwork by Damiet Loor, featured in Creative Cronies 2025 Moon Diary

A Yod or Finger of Fate from Chiron/Eris and Pallas Athene points to the karmic South Node in Virgo.  The Yod asks: In what ways could we be more discerning?  What consequences of past actions are we aware of reaping now?  In Aquarius from mid-February until early 2026, Pallas Athene offers insightful wisdom concerning future pathways.  Chiron and Eris, travelling in consort for all of 2025, continue exposing injustices, prejudices, and conditioning passed down generationally for thousands of years.  Outsiders Chiron and Eris in Aries challenge us to heal personal and collective wounding by making reparations for past abuses and exploitation.  Aries energy drives us towards authentic self-definition.  In the Gemini New Moon chart, Saturn, Neptune and Ceres in Aries are at a midpoint between retrograde Pluto in Aquarius and Mercury in Gemini, suggesting significant conversations and powerful dreaming that could support Mother Earth as She supports us.

Jupiter will be in Cancer from June 10, 2025, to June 30, 2026.  Enthusiastic Jupiter is not so comfortable in emotionally contained Cancer.  Over the next 12 months, Jupiter will emphasise our need for emotional security and loving relationships.  This could be a year when women vocalise critical social concerns.   We will likely feel generous with children, willing to nurture their best interests.  We might want to beautify our home environment or expand our culinary skills.  If we travel, we may wish to bring a keepsake from home with us.  At the Sagittarius Full Moon on the 11th, the many square aspects from Mercury/Jupiter in Cancer to Saturn/Neptune and Ceres in Aries demand action to mitigate the effects of climate change.

Although Black Moon Lilith spends some time in Virgo in early 2025, she goes back and forth across Libra, Scorpio and Sagittarius for most of the year.  The shadow side of Dark Goddess Lilith in Virgo is self-criticism, Libra people-pleasing, Scorpio obsessions, and Sagittarius self-righteousness.  In this lunar month, Black Moon Lilith in Scorpio moves between Juno and Vesta, triggering themes of lost love and a deep longing for sacred connection.   "Sedna inOrbit" - Artwork by Katie Hunt, featured in Creative Cronies 2025 Moon Calendar

Set intentions at New Moon.  We never see New Moon because she is obscured by the Sun, but two days later, soon after sunset, we may see the Crescent Moon in the night sky.  This is the time to act on your intentions.

Pisces and Aries are dominant in the New Moon chart, but Taurus energy is coming in, and a grand square in the fixed signs suggests stubborn resistance.  Tune in to your body and let it guide you.  In Aries again in early May, Venus meets Neptune, deepening our pleasure for Life.  Pluto's retrograde on May 5 may accentuate fears about humanity's future.  Mercury teaming up with Chiron on the 7th emphasises mental acuity and balance between the right and left brain hemispheres.  Mercury into Taurus on the 11th promotes careful thinking.  On May 13, in the Scorpio Full Moon chart, Moon and Juno oppose Sun/Uranus.  Relationships may get a shake-up.  The Full Moon is also the focal point of a Yod coming from Chiron/Eris and Jupiter.  Honour any hurt feelings, have honest conversations with loved ones, and respect boundaries.

From May 17, 2025, to March 2026, Ceres in Aries will encourage us to stay grounded in autonomy and independence.  On the19th, Jupiter sextile Chiron reiterates relationship issues and the need for clear communication.Saturn is in Aries from May 25 to September 1.  Although the exact conjunction of Saturn and Neptune is not until February 2026, these two are already dance partners, often getting intimate on the critical last and first degrees of Pisces and Aries. Saturn and Neptune are the death and birth doulas as new ways replace old ways.  Saturn represents material reality, while Neptune represents the intangible threads connecting us.  Saturn gives form to Neptunian dreams; this combo can also indicate practical idealism.  Saturn/Neptune conjunctions are strongly associated with workers' rights, women's rights, indigenous people's rights, and the rights of all oppressed peoples to demand a more egalitarian society.  The last conjunction of Saturn and Neptune in 1989 coincided with the fall of the Berlin Wall and a mass demonstration in China's Tiananmen Square that resulted in the deaths of over 2000 people.   "Reach for the Sky" - Artwork by Pax MacKenzie, featured in Creative Cronies 2025 Moon Diary

Today's Sun Eclipse comes from a Saros series of eclipses associated with accidents, so be especially vigilant about physical safety now.  Pisces/Aries energies continue to prevail.  Trines in fire and water keep the pot hot and may help offset the dynamic squares and oppositions.

Neptune into Aries on March 31 begins a significant turn of the wheel.  Aries is the first sign of the Zodiac, and Neptune takes 165 years to cycle through the Zodiac.  For more than 2000 years, Neptune in Aries has repeatedly coincided with war, religious crusades, zealotry and civil unrest.  Neptune into Aries in the early 1860s coincided with the American Civil War and the core issue of slavery.  Although slavery still exists in some places, one question might be: Do we need a release from enslavement in different ways now?  After dipping back into Pisces in October, from January 2026, Neptune will be in Aries for the next 15 years.  Neptune resonates with unity, spirituality, compassion, artistic inspiration, dreaming, and our secret invisible realms.  Perhaps our inner Life has been sacrificed on the altar of survival.  Who among us feels like a victim of fate, needing to rescue, be rescued, or escape from reality?  Aries will not be patient with Neptune's meanderings through fantasy and imagination.  Aries Warrior energy will push us to activate our dreams and claim our divinely unique selves, no matter how scared we might be.  From now until October, let exiled parts of ourselves emerge and be recognised.  Use the time between October and January to clear away old fears, doubts and self-criticisms.  Begin birthing your beautiful visions.

Treasure the somatic links between emotional, physical and spiritual existence with Saturn sextile Uranus on April 5.  The Libra Full Moon on April 13 opposes a Chiron, Sun, and Eris conjunction, highlighting past wounds and the need for authenticity and clear boundaries in all our relations.  In the Full Moon chart, Venus, Saturn and Uranus form a Yod pointing towards the Full Moon. Consult with and ask our elders, or our wise future selves, for peaceful resolution of any conflicts arising from our own or others' buried shadow selves.   "At Your Fingertips" - Artwork by Aralyn Doiron, featured in Creative Cronies 2025 Moon Calendar

Immediately noticeable in the New Moon chart is a grand trine between Mars in Cancer, Vesta in Scorpio, and a planetary lineup in Pisces.  Ceres, Sun, Moon, Saturn, Mercury, North Node and Neptune offer excellent opportunities to appreciate Life.  Synchronistic connections demonstrate myriad threads interweaving with our ancestors and loved ones.  The Water signs emphasise sensitivity and correlate with emotions.  We may feel gentle, compassionate, infused with love, or overwhelmed, distressed, and physically uncomfortable.  Mars went direct a few days ago, but will be in Cancer until mid-April driving some of us towards domestic chores and renovations, getting some of us hot under the collar. Meanwhile Vesta will have others diving deep, recognising which of our needs are not being met.  Pisces energies prevail in the next two months, so best let feelings ebb and flow.  Pay attention to dream ideas while exploring ways to anchor them in reality.

The Moon's Nodes in Pisces and Virgo mean three of the four 2025 eclipses fall in Virgo and Pisces.  Investigate any wishes for order and perfection.  Sticking to the plan may not be possible, especially around the Virgo Full Moon.  Time spent alone could be valuable.  Explore creative interests or promote others from behind the scenes.  Pisces tests our faith and asks us to trust in positive outcomes.  During eclipse season, portals can open, revealing hidden dimensions.  Between the New Moon and the Total Full Blood Moon Eclipse on March 14, Venus retrogrades, while Mercury, Neptune, the Sun and Saturn all gather on the Pisces/Aries cusp.  Venus retrogrades every 18 months and is obscured by the Sun for 40 days and 40 nights between appearances as evening star and morning star.  Venus retrograde in Aries asks: Do we have sufficient autonomy in our relationships?

In November 2024, Pluto moved definitively into Aquarius, the sign it will occupy for the next 19 years.  Pluto in Aquarius could transform and empower humanity in many positive ways, but this will require strengthening the values that benefit all living beings.  In March and May 2025, Neptune and Saturn move into Aries.  Saturn retrogrades into Pisces from September 2025 to February 2026, while Neptune backs into Pisces in October.  After January 2025, Neptune will be in Aries for the next 15 years.  Neptune's effects can be so subtle we might not notice our individuality blurring around the edges.  Arming ourselves with Aries' warrior spirit will help us clearly define ourselves and allow us to venture boldly into the uncharted territory ahead.  Saturn in Aries until April 2028 offers us opportunities to give form to our dreams and may help us to be resilient in the face of overwhelm or confusion.  Changing gears is indicated by many outer planets changing signs.  Take several deep breaths; we are in for a fast, wild ride.  The Moon's Nodes in Pisces/Virgo advise trusting intuition and appreciating earthly pleasures. 

Mercury conjuncts Pluto before the Aquarius New Moon, and Uranus goes direct soon after.  Intense intuitive thinking is stimulated.  Jupiter in Gemini goes direct on February 4. Ideas and projects tentatively put on hold begin to re-surface.  We may not be ready to share our bright ideas until Mercury catches up with the Sun and Ceres on the 10th and 12th.  Jupiter and the Sun favour self-expression, while Ceres fosters self-determination and authenticity.  On the 12th, Pallas Athene sextile Neptune offers dream wisdom.  The Leo Full Moon on the 13th is great for play, enjoyment and celebrations.  From February 17, Pallas Athene will be in Aquarius for the rest of the year, stirring up political activism and futuristic visions for humanity.  Juno into Sagittarius on the 20th emphasises the importance of mutually shared beliefs and values in relationships, while a compassionate Ceres in Pisces on the 24th champions peaceful negotiations. Pay attention to what happens around you when Pallas joins forces with Pluto on the 25th."I'm Awake / Psyche" - Artwork by Kathy Crabbe, featured in Creative Cronies 2025 Moon Diary

CAPRICORN NEW MOON   Tuesday, 31 December 2024
Chart calculated for NZDT 11.27 am
Tamaki Makaurau/Auckland, Aotearoa/New Zealand

Retrograde Mercury and the Sun travel towards each other in adventurous Sagittarius, meeting on December 6.  The nervous energy implicit in exact Sun/Mercury conjunctions can indicate mental distraction.  We may be active in our communications but forget to listen to others.  Make time for reflection until the 9th, flowing with the not-so-subtle shifts of Mars turning retrograde in Leo, Venus conjunct Ceres, Venus into Aquarius, Venus conjunct Pluto, Neptune Direct and Pluto conjunct Ceres.  Creative passion, spiritual inspiration, love for humanity and our whenua/home ground are all available to tap into now.

Please bring all inspirational ideas concerning the evolutionary transformation of the environment and our economic and socio-political systems into the light of the Gemini Full Moon on December 15.  After Mercury resumes direct movement on the 16th, disseminate everything purpose-full widely.  Sun into Capricorn on the 21st is the longest day of the year - celebrate Summer Solstice with flowers, a small fire or a candle lit to honour the ever-spiralling dance of our Earth around the Sun.  Despite human disruptions to the seasonal cycle, the seasonal cycles continue their natural revolutions.  On December 30, Chiron direct promises ongoing support in the shamanic healing of our most authentic core soul selves.
"Freedom to Venture through Portals into Far Out Dimensions" - Artwork by Guadalupe Salinas, featured in Creative Cronies 2024 Moon Diary

Mercury encompasses demanding Mars/Pluto and Mercury/Uranus oppositions.  Often, the grand trine is so easygoing it can slip by unnoticed and unappreciated, but the oppositions stir up powerful undercurrents.  On a personal level, we could experience a flood of emotions that need an outlet.  Dancing to loud music or another intense physical activity could aid release.  Primal screaming would be best done where it won't disturb others.  Globally, there are many climate change issues concerning rising levels of water.  Streams, rivers, springs, lakes, aquifers, the ocean, floods, storms, water distribution and pollution in waterways all come under the umbrella of the Water signs.  Multiple meaningful scenarios are possible with a lucky grand trine and r-evolutionary Uranus and Pluto leaning on the planets of communication and action.

On November 3, Venus and Pallas Athene meet in Sagittarius; Mercury enters Sagittarius, and Juno enters Scorpio.  Until March 2025, Juno in Scorpio craves deeper intimacy and emotional connection, while the Sagittarian influences inspire travel curiosity.  We may feel called to explore beauty and diversity, learn another language, or understand sound vibrations.  Mars into Leo on the 4th encourages flamboyant displays of passion, while Venus into Capricorn on the 12th takes pleasure seriously.  On the 16th, Saturn Direct and the Taurus Full Moon suggest access to previously unavailable resources.  On November 20, Pluto moves conclusively into Aquarius.  In 2023 and 2024, as Pluto has gone back and forth across the cusp of Capricorn/Aquarius, we have heard many debates about the regulation of AI and the media and technology that present damaging or incorrect information.  Will regulations reduce potential harm?  We are in the Aquarian Era now with all its lofty future implications.  The Sun into Sagittarius on the 22nd and Mercury retrograde on the 26th ask us to seek positive future directions and to break up and replace no longer useful past patterns.  From December 1 to February 2025, Pallas Athene in Capricorn is great timing for creating new foundations.
"Initiation" - Artwork by Paula Franco featured in Creative Cronies 2024 Moon Diary

Change is one certainty we can be sure of
The Sun Eclipse at Libra New Moon comes from a Saros cycle that cautions us to be careful - not to overdo or risk physical injury.  We may be feeling sorrow at the end of something.  Sesquare and square aspects between Libra, Capricorn and Taurus suggest an inclination to stir up matters best left in the past.  At the same time, the cluster of Libra planets indicate a longing for harmony and balance.  We are more likely to feel at peace now if we care tenderly for ourselves first rather than people-pleasing or trying to live up to others' past or present expectations.  In October, Black Moon Lilith repeatedly meets with the South Node and Juno, and twice each with the Moon and Mercury.  Listen to and dialogue with inner voices.  Be thankful and learn from any feelings that surface.

A meeting between Mercury and Juno on October 8 favours communications - conveying relevant ideas in the classroom, the office, the boardroom or therapy.  Jupiter retrograde on the 9th may slow thinking down enough for deep healing between October 12 and November 2 when Jupiter is in a cooperative sextile with Chiron.  Pluto direct on October 12 is on the last degree of practical Capricorn making critical closure tweaks to the structural changes in our world that have been realigning themselves since 2008.  In Scorpio from the 14th, Mercury asks us to dig deep for the threads of truth woven amongst lies and misinformation for the rest of this lunar month.  

Sun conjunct Juno on the 17th adds sensitivity to our relating, while an Aries Full Moon trine Venus into Sagittarius on the 18th heightens our joyful awareness of Self and our place within the big cosmic picture.  The Sun into all-or-nothing Scorpio on the 23rd helps us clarify our boundaries, while Vesta into Libra on the 27th inclines us towards cooperation and exchange.
"Interiors - Artwork by Kaye Bel-Cher featured in Creative Cronies 2024 Moon Diary

Between September 3 and 6, Black Moon Lilith is conjunct Venus, the South Node, Juno and the Moon.  Past karma continues to surface.  We may have unkind minds that attempt to bully us into doing or being something that doesn't feel right for us.  If this resonates, stand up and say No to that inner voice.  Along with relationships, this is a major theme in 2024, coming up again mid-month and just before the next New Moon.

On September 5, Mars into Cancer generates edgy restlessness, best channelled into a domestic Spring clean, a family food fest, or other actions that benefit whānau and loved ones.  Pallas into Sagittarius on September 8 attunes us to higher wisdom and our spiritual connection with universal truths, while Mercury conjunct Vesta on the 16th enhances mental focus.  The Pisces Full Moon Eclipse on the 18th is profoundly intuitive and mystical.  Tune into cosmic messages coming from dreams.  On the 23rd, Lilith meets Mercury in Virgo, the Sun enters Libra, and Venus enters Scorpio.  All highlighting work, study, social activity, and deep delving into the mysteries of Life.  Mercury goes into Libra on the 26th and meets the Sun there on October 1.  Who has known us longer than anyone else?  Time to unconditionally befriend ourselves.
"Girls Leaving the Forest of the Mind to see Further - Artwork by Jenny Corr featured in Creative Cronies 2024 Moon Diary