Click to Find It Quick! Astro Blog Feature Articles Mercury Retrograde Prashnavali Oracle Glossary Rising Sign Wizard Birth Chart Wizard Astrology Orders Daily Horoscope Weekly Horoscope Weekly LoveScope Monthly Horoscope Monthly Tarotscope Your Year Ahead AstroMatch Compatibility Sexuality by the Stars Relationships Relationship Analysis Soul Connection Your StarGuide Aries (March/April) Taurus (April/May) Gemini (May/June) Cancer (June/July) Leo (July/Aug) Virgo (Aug/Sept) Libra (Sept/Oct) Scorpio (Oct/Nov) Sagittarius (Nov/Dec) Capricorn (Dec/Jan) Aquarius (Jan/Feb) Pisces (Feb/Mar) The Horoscope Your Birthsign Astrological Signs The Elements The Houses Planets & Aspects The Zodiac Order Readings Feature Articles Science of Cosmic Oneness Mercury Retrograde Mars Retrograde Venus Retrograde Moon's Nodes Moon Wobble Zodiac Zodiac Symbols Zodiac Symbol Key Zodiac Gemstones Planets Fixed Stars Eclipse Your Rising Sign About Astrology What is Astrology? Is Astrology Scientific? Astrology & Astronomy How Astrology Works Astrology: the Sacred Art Astrology & Relationships Astrology & Health The Energy Doctor Environmental Stress The Energy Egg The Love Egg The Wealth Egg Creative Mandalas Protective Symbols Ayurveda Gemstones of the Zodiac Healing Power of Gems Hidden Magic of Gems Celtic Fire Festivals The Solstice The Equinox Easter Christmas Imbolc April Fool May Day Beltane Mothers Day Chinese New Year Valentine's Day Lady Day Midsummer St John's Day Candlemas Lammas Harvest Home Michaelmas Halloween Diwali Yule Gospel of Grandpa Old Greek Stories Numerology Numerology Cards Runes Rune Magic Feng Shui Chinese Zodiac Naadi-Shastra Yoga Human Aura Glossary Orders Site Map About Us Home Page

Festival of the Quickening  [part 3]
subtle meanings of the Full Moon in Taurus

In part three of his article Malvin Artley concludes his meditations on the subtle implications of the Full Moon in Taurus, the Scorpio Moon for 2004. To the victor goes the spoils, and the spoils for victory over the baser parts of one's nature are the glory of all the Soul has to offer, which is infinite.

All true disciples of the One Life exemplify this idea of rugged individualism in their lives. They do think for themselves. They do dare to speak out in the name of Truth. They do take full responsibility for their actions. They expect nothing for their actions, yet they receive all graciously. They love freedom and, above all, freedom for all people. And, they pioneer in the name of Spirit and the greater Good. Look for many true individuals to come from this period, for the true disciple bears the mark of one who has the boldness to do what has to be done in the face of adversity, against the dictates of convention and bureaucracy; who shows the genius of the Soul unashamedly and who does all this with the need of the greatest good of the largest number of people in mind. The mark of Mars in its spiritual side is upon them—the warriors for the common good and the Highest. They neither rest nor back down when the need is great. The Forces of liberation drive them toward the goal, regardless of personal risk and careless of consequence to self. And in this description, one will immediately recognize all of the great Scorpio Souls who have lived upon this earth, though it can apply to all who truly live the life of Spirit. To the victor goes the spoils, and the spoils for victory over the baser parts of one's nature are the glory of all the Soul has to offer, which is infinite. With that, let us move on to a discussion of the full moon.

This Scorpio full moon will occur on the 28th of October 2004 at 1:08 PM AEST (3:08 AM GMT). The second Grand Quintile begins the following morning at 2:30 AM AEST (28 Oct, 4:30 PM GMT) and reaches its peak roughly 2¹/₂ hours later, ending at 8:00 AM AEST (10:00 PM GMT). Like the Libra full moon just passed, this full moon figure is characterized by a bowl pattern formed by quintiles between Saturn, Jupiter, Pluto and Uranus, going in order through the zodiac. In addition, there are biquintiles between Jupiter and Uranus and between Saturn and Pluto. Thus, there are two quintile (or tenth-harmonic) yods in this figure, with Uranus at the apex of the Jupiter/Saturn quintile and Saturn at the apex of the base Uranus/Pluto quintile. At the time of the full moon, the Moon is biquintile to Venus. As with the last Grand Quintile, Saturn opposes Chiron. But Mars also squares Chiron in this figure and almost squares Saturn as well. The Moon sextiles Uranus and Mars is sextile Pluto. The Sun, of course, opposes the Moon since this is a full moon figure. Jupiter is trine to Neptune. So, what does all this mean?

Creative Use of Personal Conflict

The key thing to remember about this full moon is that it is quintile-based, apart from being the Scorpio full moon. The Grand Quintile that follows is essentially the same, so the discussion of the full moon figure will be for the Grand Quintile as well. The creative use of personal conflict and inner tension will be the releasing agents for the artistry contained in the quintile pattern. Jupiter's involvement in the bowl marks this as a pattern that will supply much in terms of creative energy. It also provides a counterpoint of expansiveness of view in distinction to the stalwart combination of Saturn, Uranus and Pluto. But, that same trio just mentioned can bring about literal explosions of creative potential if pressure is allowed to build without release, and Jupiter's involvement only exacerbates that explosive potential. There will be powerful compulsions to express oneself in a highly individualistic manner given the makeup of the bowl pattern. The yod with the Uranus apex will give many new ideas and impulses around the distribution of material goods, as a Jupiter/Saturn quintile indicates creative use of resources and unique views on morality and social intercourse and structure. The only release point for this bowl pattern is the opposition by Saturn of Chiron, although the Sun is trine to Uranus.

The two biggest tensions in the figure are the opposition which is the full moon and the almost-T-square between Saturn and Chiron with the Mars square to Chiron. Suffice it to say that intimate relationships will come under the hammer with this full moon. Anything that needs to be addressed within the framework of those relations will come up for examination and anything that festers underneath will receive the gentle lancing of the Scorpio Sun. Scorpio, working under the aegis of Pluto, is a great healing influence, is it not? I sense some disbelief of these last words, somehow. This will not be a good time to marry, nor will it be really great for starting long-term intimacies. But, if you want to see yourself clearly and be done with a fair bit of illusion and self-delusion then, by all means, pour yourself whole-heartedly into intimacy. Seriously though, the crucible of intimate relations will see a great purging of people under this influence and, indeed, one of the keys for self-transformation this year will be in the arena of close relationships. This does not mean they will end or even be difficult. A good relationship will weather such storms. But, the shakier ones will be rattled to their foundations, and if it is better that it ended, then let it go as gracefully as possible. This full moon is more about universals and fulfillment of group obligations and need than it is about personalities.

The trine between the Sun and Uranus deserves a big mention here, because it adds tremendously to the promise of unique inventions, personalities, soul expressions and expression of genius. Of this aspect, it is said to produce a progressive mental outlook strongly tinged with originality. It enables one to see things in the large and gives a very wide mental scope and comprehension. It gives a practical approach to any original thinking, and it gives a dash and comprehension of total results that ensure success if other indicators are amenable. It also tends toward large, independent ventures. And, on top of that, it is an aspect of longevity, so it gives one the ability to see things through and for the long haul. This aspect also adds beautifully to the concept of rugged individualism mentioned before. So, if there is a large or long-term project that you want to launch or add some panache and originality to, this is the time to do so, but partnerships in the endeavor are likely to feel strain, especially if there are many strongly individual people involved.

The trine between Jupiter and Neptune adds brilliantly to spiritual insight and increases any intuitive faculties already in existence. It can also help to awaken any latent abilities along those lines. There will be a very high spiritual energy around this full moon-moreso than usual, and the Souls of many stand to be invoked into greater service and usefulness. Venus is sextile to Saturn in the figure indicating that, so long as people can keep a cool head in the personal arena, relationships formed now can be long-lasting if they make it past the stage of testing and loyalties will be strengthened. Mars is sextile Pluto, which gives a very penetrating insight. This will be a fabulous time for any sort of psychological work and investigation and the insights to be had about oneself and about others through this period will be invaluable. Lastly, Mercury is sextile to Chiron, which is the one saving grace of the Chiron aspects, and this adds to what was just mentioned about penetrating insight into self and relations. A real and true understanding can be had between people from this full moon and subsequent Grand Quintile if people are courageous enough to enter into dialogue and to face the issues within themselves and others with openness, integrity and a spirit of conciliation and mutual gain.

The Lure of Riches

All of the preceding planetary dynamics lead finally to a consideration of the eclipse involved and to the symbolism of the full moon itself. This eclipse is one of a series of eclipses that has been said to be about being forceful and about taking power. It is said to contribute to large efforts in group enterprises, with an almost manic fervor in the pursuit of goals, and it is said to bring about sudden events, especially in the relationship arena, especially sudden fits of passion and sexual encounters. When we add this to the planetary dynamics, then the picture emerges of an eclipse that is almost certain to produce dramatic results in the world stage and in people's lives. There are no half-measures or luke-warm responses allowed with this one. It is vibrant, earnest, zealous in its execution, full of fire and passion and pregnant with purpose. The degree of the Sun in this figure pretty well sums up the situation, and it reads thus:

The lure of riches has driven humanity from the dawn of time. The urge for a better life, for leisure time, for fulfillment of one's dreams and even for the sheer adventure of it are all powerful urges within humans, and they are all divine impulses at certain stages of evolution. What is being sought after with this figure are the riches of Spirit, and in the pursuit of that we will likely be taken off the beaten track and torn away from much that is comfortable and known. The challenge is on for us to pioneer new ways of living and to look at things in ways that are more suitable to the needs of the larger world. We will be brought together with people with whom we are unfamiliar in the realizing of our goals, but we need to be clear that the people we encounter on the way are all after the same things as we and that we all share common, though not identical, goals. There is an embarrassment of riches to be had for all who make the needed effort. And, when we work together, those riches come to us so much more easily than when we separate ourselves off from one another. This last statement brings us to the degree of the Moon in this figure, which reads thus:

There appears to be a deep chasm in understanding between various factions in the world. It also feels as though there is an impassable barrier between each of us personally and our higher Selves many times. But, humanity has always been known for its ability to conquer almost any obstacle. The biggest obstacle we ever have to face is our own belief systems-and then the belief systems of others. Once we overcome that one obstacle, then all things become possible to us. Truly has it been said “All things are possible under the Sun.” How many times in life have we thought something too hard and relegated it to the realm of the impossible, only to find out later that all we needed for success was a slight change of viewpoint? How many projects have failed to even start because people looked at the chasm instead of the goal? How many wars have been fought because people simply refuse to want to see another point of view? All that is needed for a change of beliefs in most cases is a change of circumstance to challenge the mind. That is ever the work of the spiritual Masters-to challenge the minds of humanity. My father had a little rhyme he used to say to us when we came up on difficulty, and I have always remembered it, as much as I have tried to get it out of my head many times. It goes: “As you ramble on through life brother, whatever be your goal, keep your eye upon the doughnut, and not upon the hole.” Now, try as you might to forget it, may it be a reminder to you as well.

This symbol for the lunar degree is perhaps a good point to end our consideration of the full moon and Grand Quintile figures. I have stated before that quintiles bear the mark of Venus, and Venus is but the symbol to us of the union between the little self and the higher Self. Venus is the “bridge across the chasm”, and it unites us in so many ways with so many factors in life. And, quintiles are the symbolic representation to us of a subjective energy bridge that allows the Soul to express itself in a unique way and to endow us with its particular brand of individuality and genius.

As I was driving home one day last week I came upon the crest of a hill. There before my awestruck eyes the Sun hung in the sky like a pendant above the ocean horizon, huge from the angle of refraction, speaking to me in waves of electric sensations that the sight sent coursing through my body. The city was stretched out along the panorama, and it was a magnificent scene. I had thought often of my conversation with my friend after the movie and of what I might have said differently. Nothing, actually, for every moment bears the potency and promise of a conscious choice. But I would say this to all of you now. It has taken me a while to fully know it, but life is only sad because we cannot find the Soul in the moment and in circumstances. The Soul draws near and speaks to us through every little thing, were we but to listen in the right way. Each experience, each vista each and every one of countless things has the capacity to transport us to greater union with and thus the blissful Light and Life of the Soul. All we have to do is to change our minds and happiness is ours. So simple a saying, and yet so difficult of attainment—or is it? The Soul is a genius at the way it works through nature to give us absolutely every opportunity to creatively respond to and use its profound gifts. And when we become synchronized with that interplay then we appear as geniuses and as inspiringly unique people to all who are around us. Yet, all we are doing then is truly and simply being ourselves. And, in being that Self, we can move mountains given enough time, or even just simply abide with the Soul of another. Beauty has its own rhythm and agenda.

In the days and months that follow may we all see the remarkable in the mundane, the possibilities in the seemingly difficult, the solutions in the puzzles, the prizes in the disappointments, the possibilities for another person's joy in their pained expressions, the buoyancy of the promise of love in our own heavy hearts, the beginnings in each ending and the transformative power of change when that which has been familiar is suddenly no more. The call of all Souls is strong now. Awake! Bestow your gifts upon all who would receive—and we all have much to give. The Master Artisan within us creates anew, and the world is our tapestry. May your genius shine brightly for all!

This concludes the article. Return to the start of The Festival of the Quickening