NEW MOON IN (Scorpio 29 degrees) 2:19 pm PST, Monday, November 20, 2006

This is an extraordinary New Moon. Five planets in Scorpio offer an opportunity for a major life change. The Sun, Moon, and Jupiter are very closely aspected (Conjunct, less than one degree apart), with Mars and Mercury bringing up the rear. Forming at the 29th degree of Scorpio, this New Moon also presents a crucial test of what we've mastered relating to Scorpio lessons. And for the next two weeks (and the only two weeks of 2006), every planet is moving direct. All of this indicates that we are at a spiritual crossroads, where we must decide whether to continue on our present course or turn toward a different path.

Before we bring in the new, we must sacrifice the old. Scorpio walks the razor's edge, aware of constant temptations, the primal choice between Light and Dark. Scorpio was originally represented by a symbol long associated with healing and transformation: the serpents that are coiled around the Caduceus (the staff of Hermes and the symbol of the medical profession) and also coiled at the base of the spine (signifying vital, kundalini energy). Scorpio was later symbolized by a progression of images: the Scorpion, the Eagle, and the Dove, along with the Phoenix rising from the ashes of the ego. The myth of Persephone and Demeter illustrates the spiritual journey of this sign: abduction and descent into the Underworld, confrontation with death, and resurrection into greater consciousness and self-empowerment. Whatever trials we've endured, this New Moon shines light on the way out now.

Jupiter's close conjunction with the Sun and Moon expands our perspective and our sense of possibilities. With a twelve-year orbit around the Sun, Jupiter's yearlong transit through each zodiacal sign indicates where we are currently questioning beliefs and opening ourselves up to greater abundance. Jupiter is just three days away from ending his passage through Scorpio (October 25, 2005 to November 23, 2006), where we have been excavating unconscious convictions, confronting the shadow side of power and big business, and facing our fears of destitution and death. Jupiter's transit through Sagittarius (November 23, 2006 to December 18, 2007) expands our horizons and our faith in life; watch for significant developments in travel, cultural exchanges, higher education, law, and religion as Jupiter moves through the sign that it rules.

On November 19, less than 24 hours before this New Moon, Uranus, the cosmic Wild Card, stations direct at 10°49' Pisces, adding his tailwind to visionary breakthroughs and quantum leaps. For the first time this year, none of the planets are moving backward, so it's full speed ahead until December 5, when Saturn takes his yearly turn retrograde. Optimism (and hubris) run especially high as the Sun conjuncts Jupiter exactly on November 21 and then enters Sagittarius on November 22, with Jupiter following into Sagittarius the next day. If we've successfully completed our Under world journey, we feel pardoned and unfettered during the week of this New Moon.

The meaning for 29° Scorpio suggests that understanding and forgiveness are the keys to recognizing our next steps; love as a principle of redemption. Where must we challenge the established order of things? What creations or new beginnings are calling for our protection and nurturance? It's time to take a leap of faith. This New Moon reminds us: "The wind of God's Grace is always blowing / but you need to raise your sail." (Vivekananda)

Opportunity Periods are a wonderful tool to maximize our efforts. Opportunity Periods reflect favorable aspects of the Moon. The energies of the Moon impact us in a very direct way. Using the positive energies that the Moon showers upon the Earth, to our benefit, makes good sense. Opportunity Periods have proven to provide helpful energy to non routine tasks. If you feel like you are always going against the grain and things are stressful, try using these time periods for more easily accomplishing important tasks: purchases, repairs, client appointments, sales calls, important phone calls, finishing goals, starting new projects, tying up loose ends, starting new relationships (except when Venus is Retrograde), job hunting, doctor visits, family meetings, etc. The list of OP's for the next two weeks are listed under the calendar section of this update.

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