New Moon 10 Aries

Sabian Symbol: A scholar creates new forms from ancient symbols.

The astrological New Year for 2014 begins with this Aries New Moon, and the arrival of spring with its emerging vitality (in both the animal and plant kingdoms) depicts the promise of what lies ahead. Through a growing sense of passion and promise, we set the tone for the year ahead.  If done unconsciously this sets us up for disappointment and/or frustration, and if done consciously we set our intent with integrity and clarity.

This cycle gives us the opportunity to “start over”, which means leaving our old “baggage” behind. This usually means setting aside thought forms from the past in order to embrace the “new”.  To guide us along the way are “spirit guides”, and these angelic beings are there when we need them. Thus the “spiritual warrior” within us gets an opportunity to “walk its talk” as it embarks on this new annual journey. Perhaps more than anything, this concept of the “spiritual warrior” is the scholar that allows us to create new forms for this cycle.

The chart for the Aries New Moon finds 14 degrees of Leo rising (set for Washington DC), and this is a sensitive degree for the USA as it brings the 4^th house cusp to a prominent position. Matters of home and family spark national pride through emotions that are collectively expressed. Leo is a sign of drama, and as a fire sign the tendency to being over reactive could mean “act first and then think”…not a good idea at all. The New Moon is located in the 9^th house, suggesting something foreign may trigger events and/or a legal ruling that could be big and bold. The element of surprise is also indicated, as Uranus sits in close company this New Moon.  Adding additional tension is a square from both Jupiter and Pluto, which form what is called a “T-square”. This spells TENSION, and a need to take action. This should be a month that stands out among the rest.

On the plus side transiting Jupiter will join company with the USA’s Sun, and this signals good news and a surge of optimism. Real estate markets could finally see a surge upwards, although for how long remains questionable. Jupiter governs the house of “open enemies” for the USA and with Pluto and Uranus contacting the USA’s Sun there is bound to opposing and radical forces trying to undermine the country, possibly from within, from weary citizens that are fed up with the way things are being run.

The square of Uranus and Pluto that began in 2012 gets kicked into high gear this cycle because Jupiter enters the picture, as well as the New Moon itself. Essentially these energies speak of radical changes by the masses against those that rule or hold power, and with the added energies of the Sun, Moon and Jupiter arriving one can only say “watch out”! Exactly why is the USA so affected? The answer lies in what is called a cardinal cross, as the missing end or leg of the astrological picture is the sign of Libra. For the USA this is supplied by the planet Saturn, and this means that events this cycle will be very serious, possibly tied to business and/or the banks. If you subscribe to the concept of karma, then this is a karmic month for the USA’s reputation.

Mars rules this cycle, and it is retrograde in the sign of Libra from early March through late May. Mars creates (off and on due to retrograde activity) a square to USA’s Mercury, with the image of “them there are fighting words” coming to mind.  Mercury is a ruling planet for the USA, so this contact is not to be taken lightly. Any decisions that are made, especially of a military nature, while Mars is retrograde, will not work out as expected. For those that paid attention, we (hopefully) learned that lesson with the invasion if Iraq in 2003, another time when Mars was retrograde.

What could make USA prone to military action under this Mars in Libra retrograde? The progressed USA chart reveals the answer, as USA’s progressed Mars is now retrograde and in the sign of Libra! In fact, Mars turns direct late May exactly on the MC of the USA’s chart, suggesting a major development on Capitol Hill and/or with the President. Known for bringing about aggression and conflict, one wonders the possibilities. The higher vibration of Mars could signal an act of courage and taking action because it’s the right thing to do (spiritual warriors DO act on behalf of what they believe is just and moral).

What defines the cycle is the element of surprise, as Uranus is the most elevated planet.  Although it is tightly bound in the tense energies of Pluto, Jupiter and the New Moon itself, the saving grace may be the trine to the Ascendant of the New Moon chart (set in Washington DC). Although there could be more than enough tense energies to contend with as already stated, a window of opportunity could usher in a solution that sits “outside of the box”.