Starshine for Atutmn 2018 September 22 – December 21

A Patchwork Autumn
The Fall Equinox Ingress September 22, 2018
The Full Harvest Moon on September 24, 2018

By Dikki-Jo Mullen

The Sun will be directly over the equator again at 9:55 pm EDT on Saturday, September 22, 2018. The hours of daylight and darkness will be equal in length. The Sun enters Libra, the first of the autumn signs and The Wheel of Year, makes another turn in the eternal cycle. Fall, in the Northern Hemisphere, marks the greatest change in the seasons. Summer’s last rose is still warm in September but by the Yuletide holiday season in December all is frozen in wintery darkness. Think of the metaphor of falling leaves, signaling changes. The fall of light into a greater darkness is due. Oftentimes people seem to remark that fall is their favorite season, preferred over the others. A horoscope prepared for the moment of the beginning of each new season reveals what can be expected during the next 12 weeks or so. The unique astrology charts for these events is called an ingress horoscope.
In deciphering the celestial puzzle reflected in this year’s autumn ingress chart a plethora of different themes emerged. That made me think of a patchwork quilt. Each patch has its own fabric, its own story. Like all seasons Autumn of 2018 has its own character, but this fall of 2018 has so many cross currents. The Sun and Mercury are conjunct in early Libra and both are quincunx the Moon. The Moon is in a mutually applying conjunction with retrograde Neptune. Saturn in Capricorn squares the Libra placements. Venus and Jupiter are in Scorpio. A fixed T-square with Venus in Scorpio oppose Uranus in Taurus with both Venus and Uranus square Mars in Aquarius reveals the dominant theme.
Much conversation about justice, courts, judges and the law of the land can be expected because of the Libra Sun-Mercury conjunction. The Moon conjoining Neptune in the sign of the Fish makes the ecology of the water ways a sensitive topic. This conjunction also brings prophetic dreams and paranormal activity. The Libra to Pisces quincunx suggests that fate is at work. Jupiter, planet of excesses, in the water sign of Scorpio, describes concerns over managing the sheer volume of water as autumn begins. The Mercury-Saturn square focuses concern on mental health as well as situations within the educational system. Many will struggle with depression or concerns about education. The fixed sign T-square is adamant. It presents a certain stubbornness. Separation between different factions of society continues. Live and let live. There is little use in trying to convince naysayers of anything. With Mars prominent, pivotal issues about gun laws and military action can continue to be inflamed topics of debate.
The Harvest Moon is the Full Moon occurring closest to the autumnal equinox. Because of the angle of the Moon, this extra bright moon light favored working late into the night, to bring in the harvest.
As a metaphor for today’s world, what have you been preparing to harvest in your own life as the seasonal shift ushers in cycles of change? The Full Moon on Monday, September 24, will be exact at 10:52 pm EDT, at 2 degrees Aries. This degree squares Saturn. Another T-square is created, this time in cardinal signs. A sense of immediacy, to live in and do things in the present, prevails. The economy, needed resources and survival are underscored. Patriotic interests in the face of the upcoming mid term elections is likely to be intense. The Sabian Symbol for this Harvest Moon, A cameo profile of a man in the outline of his country, accents participation in the culture and traditions of one’s birth right. A dedication to community interests can appeal to many. The fixed star Difda conjoins the Harvest Moon. A yellow star in the constellation of Cetus, the Whale, Difda is Saturnian in nature, according to Ptolemy. Combined with the Full Moon the influence of Difda relates to health conditions, a pioneer spirit of adventure and quarrelsome qualities. The ongoing debates concerning safety and gun laws can be highlighted near the time of the Harvest Moon.
Venus will be retrograde from October 5-November 16. The wise will preserve the status quo in relationships and conserve finances. Be tolerant in social situations. Kindly good humor can frequently diffuse awkward situations under this rare retrograde Venus. The Great Pluto Crossing of the ecliptic on Halloween, October 31st, from North to South, hints at transformative power tides at work. This infrequent event last took place on July 2, 1770 and heralded the spirit of revolution. A South to North crossing, the other direction, on September 4, 1930 related to The Great Depression.
On November 8, 2018 Jupiter enters its ruling sign of Sagittarius, where it remains until December 2, 2019 . Weather wise this Jupiter influence suggests less heavy rainfall. The welfare of animals, especially wild life, can be in the news during this transit. Expect new directions regarding church politics and religious beliefs to emerge. There can be some supernatural religious phenomena such as angelic or saintly appearances reported too.
Mercury will be retrograde in Sagittarius and Scorpio from November 16 – December 6, 2018. Postpone job changes, signing contracts or making a residential move. Nostalgic, traditional holiday celebrations, reconnecting with long lost friends and relatives, travels to old haunts and past life regression are favored during this Mercury retrograde.

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Out of Bounds Mars in 2018

Hey Astrologers! Here are some notes on Declinations and Out of Bounds Planets.
By Dikki-Jo Mullen

For those who follow declinations … Mars is out-of-bounds until September 24th, 2018. Out of bounds is when a planet is beyond the threshold of the Sun’s declination. This transit is odd and off beat. Novelty and the unusual prevail, but it takes effort to make the best of and rise above this. Mars has been out-of-bounds for most of the summer. Some of the noticeable impacts have been an increase in violence in the news, untypical behavior, rising conflict, ineffective leadership, self serving and sneaky tendencies. Oob placements have a rogue quality. A planet or the Moon is out of bounds (oob) when it moves past the Sun’s declination of 23 degrees 26 minutes, either North or South. The Moon and planets Mercury, Venus, Mars and Jupiter are often out of bounds for short periods of time. The outer planets will be infrequently but for longer time spans. For example Pluto was OOB from 1938 – 1953 (WW II and the Korean War), but won’t be so again for hundreds of years.
Parallel planets are at the same declination, North or South and are like a conjunction. Contra- parallel planets are in opposite declinations and will function like an opposition. I suggest using a very small orb, within a degree, when interpreting oob placements and declinations.

Senator John McCain Star Sign Tribute – The Horoscope of an American Icon

Astrological Hail and Farewell to Senator John McCain
By Dikki-Jo Mullen, Astrologer
“Mourning grips the Nation” was the headline during the final week of August, 2018. The Stars and Stripes are flying at half-mast around the USA This was to honor the passing of “one of America’s finest public servants” which ironically took place nine years to the day that Senator Edward Kennedy passed away from the very same brain cancer. “The Maverick” and ”The Lion” of the Senate were colorful nicknames associated with these two great patriots and political figures. They were a Virgo and a Pisces, respectively. Their Sun signs were in opposition across the zodiacal wheel, just as McCain and Kennedy were a Republican and a Democrat, friends (and enemies or at least opponents ) for so many years.
John McCain served for more than 30 years in the Senate, from 1987 – until his death on August 25, 2018. Previously he was elected to the House of Representatives. The long time Senator from Arizona was the son and grandson of Four Star Admirals and a graduate of The Naval Academy. Characteristically modest and jovial, he joked about ranking “5th from the bottom” of his class. After graduation he volunteered for military duty in Vietnam during which he was held as a prisoner of war at the infamous “The Hanoi Hilton” prison. The horoscope of Arizona Senator John McCain is intriguing and provides insight into his eventful life.
As so often happens with the timing of a death, McCain passed away near his birthday. He would have been 82 this week and was born on Saturday, August 29, 1936 at 6:25 pm in Colon, Panama.
John McCain’s Sun, Neptune and Venus form a stellium in his 7th house in Virgo. The prominent Neptune reveals keen intuition. The Venus placement, dignified by house, describes his gracious. Fairness, humor and balance always characterized his interactions with others. Health concerns lingering from his war time injuries were always significant. A health focus is typical in the lives of those born with a natal Virgo influence. Saturn is in the 1st house in Pisces, showing a strong work ethic as well as an affinity with the water/Navy life. Jupiter in Sagittarius and the Moon Node in Capricorn in the 10th house describe his competitive spirit and career dedication. Cancer, a fertile sign, rules his 5th house and Pluto is also in Cancer in the 5th. Love and children were always a priority. His long time marriage to wife Cindy produced seven children. His natal Uranus in Taurus in the 2nd house favorably aspecting the Virgo placements indicates a life of wealth and privilege. Mars in Leo in the 6th house trine Jupiter at the mid-heaven accents the connection with the military and the emphasis on service. McCain’s natal chart shows the majority of placements in the West (right hand) side, in houses 4 through 9. Although he was a famous and influential person, he had little control over his life. External circumstances shaped his destiny.
The Moon was in the gibbous phase at John McCain’s birth, making him a natural extrovert, goal oriented and eager to live a life of purpose. This lunar phase at birth brings a zest for life and being resourceful at seeking new experiences. The Aquarius Moon in his 11th house is exactly trine Mercury in Libra. This describes his involvement with politics, the public, law and humanitarian issues. Chiron in Gemini in the 4th house points to his prestigious family heritage as a factor in his achievements. Using a wide orb, Chiron forms a grand trine in air signs with the Aquarian Moon and Mercury in Libra. He was a pilot in the Navy and this air sign configuration describes an affinity for aviation. The Moon also relates to women. McCain’s mother, Roberta, survives him. A super-centenarian at 106 years of age, she was born on February 7, 1912. Roberta always called her famous son “Scamp”. Beautiful in her 90’s, she joined him on stage at a political rally prior to his second unsuccessful bid for the presidency of the United States. Alaskan Governor Sara Palin, also an Aquarian, was the controversial running mate chosen during that presidential campaign. McCain lost to Barack Obama and later he expressed regret about the choice of Palin as his running mate. The Aquarian Moon is quincunx his Virgo Sun. This describes the hand of fate and circumstances twice blocking his potential for victory in being elected to the highest office in the land he loved.

Data Table
Natal Astrological Placements for John McCain
Sun – 6 Virgo 24’- 7th house
Moon – 2 Aquarius 24’ – 11th house
Mercury – 2 Libra 43’ – 7th house
Venus – 23 Virgo 17’ – 7th house
Mars – 12 Leo 33’ – 6th house
Jupiter – 15 Sagittarius 06’- 10th house
Saturn – 20 Pisces 06’ – 1st house
Uranus – 9 Taurus 30’ – 2nd house
Neptune – 16 Virgo 07’- 7th house
Pluto – 28 Cancer 00’ – 5th house
N. Moon Node – 1 Capricorn 26’ – 10th house
Chiron – 22 Gemini 43’ – 4th house
Ascendant – Rising Sign – is 5 Pisces 59’

Pluto’s Halloween, 2018 Message

The Rare Pluto Crossing of 2018
By Dikki-Jo Mullen
One of my favorite astrology references is the Jim Maynard series. There is Maynard’s “Celestial Guide” which is a date book, a small portable “Pocket Astrologer” and “Celestial Influences”, a wall calendar. They’ve appeared yearly since the 1970’s and always provide easy to access astrology essentials such as eclipses, retrogrades and the daily transits which tell astrology’s ephemeral story. As the world around us expands, more and more details about the mysteries of the universe become known. Of course they’ve been there for eons, but only since humanity has been capable of finding out about these details have we been capable of responding to them, it’s theorized. This year of 2018 the Maynard guides included something new and extra. Information about a very rare Pluto crossing of the plane of the ecliptic (Earth’s orbit), moving from North to South . The last time this happened was on July 2, 1770, 248 years ago. On September 4, 1930 Pluto made this crossing moving the opposite direction, from South to North.
The 1930 crossing correlated globally with The Great Depression. In 1770 the prelude to world wide revolution stirred. (The world stage was set then for the American and French Revolutions and, the rise of democracy). The Industrial Revolution was forever impacting daily life during the late 18th Century. Because of Pluto’s wildly eccentric orbit the crossing pattern is infrequent and changeable. Does this upcoming transit once again foretell some kind of a transformation or cataclysm? There is little precedence to go by, but recent developments certainly hint that something is afoot.
The floods, volcanic eruptions, temperature extremes, fires and political upheaval as well as economic concerns are intense and obvious. Intense is a key word always associated with Pluto.
A NASA source gives July, 2018 as the time of the current Pluto crossing, and also listed 1931 as the most recent previous one, however Maynard’s astrological calculations show October 31, 2018 1:13 AM GMT as the relevant astrological data. I was intrigued by this and set up the three event charts. Using Greenwich, England for the coordinates. I used noon charts for the 1930 and 1770 events.
The 1770 chart shows Pluto in Capricorn widely oppose the Sun and Mercury in Cancer. Uranus and Mars are in Taurus oppose a Scorpio Moon. This definitely shows an impact on the environment, opposition to the status quo and a suggestion of treason or treachery afoot. The 1930 event chart has a stellium in Cancer with Pluto, Jupiter and Mars oppose Saturn in Capricorn and square Uranus in Aries. The Moon is on the Capricorn-Aquarius cusp. The Great Depression at that time stirred the events which eventually collapsed into World War II.
July, 2018 has been an eventful month, to say the least. Considering NASA’s data, the impact of the very long eclipse of July 27 as well as the exceptional number of retrograde planets might have been amplified by Pluto’s crossing. Looking at the Halloween, 2018 event chart Uranus is again in Taurus, opposing the Sun and Venus in Scorpio. Pluto and Saturn are in Capricorn again, oppose the Moon in Cancer. There is a grand trine in the water signs formed by the Moon in Cancer trine Jupiter and Mercury in Scorpio and both Neptune and Chiron in Pisces. Also the National Horoscope of the United States (July 4, 1776) is in its first Pluto return.
These are some heavy duty star patterns. Contemplating what they might mean provides a most provocative puzzle. Does it all link to the spiritual and mystical traditions of Samhain and Halloween somehow? What do you think ?

Astrology and the Summer Star Shine

A Summer of Our Discontent June 21 – September 22, 2018
Solstice Ingress Horoscope for 2018
By Dikki-Jo Mullen
At 6:07 am EDT the Sun entered Cancer. This is called Midsummers Day, the longest day and shortest night of the year. An ingress chart, a horoscope cast for this moment in time, will reveal what the season ahead promises, both for individual destinies and the world as a whole. This year’s summer ingress has the Moon is in Libra making justice and equality emotional issues of major significance. Good manners, fashion trends and artistic projects will be especially significant. Upon this writing US First Lady Melania Trump’s coat is creating confusion and, in some, outrage. The coat, kind of a casual rain coat, had a message scrawled across the back in large white letters reading “I DON’T REALLY CARE DO YOU?” Melania wore it while visiting the internment camps housing young children separated from their families. What did this mean? Some say it was her jab at media coverage.
A grand trine in the Water Signs with the Sun and Mercury in Cancer, Jupiter in Scorpio and Neptune in Pisces accents the health of the oceans and water supply, rainfall and travel by or near water. This trine (hints of pyramid power) also favors magical workings and encounters with the spiritual dimensions. Mermaids and other elementals hover nearby. Venus in Leo oppose Mars in Aquarius generates turmoil over human rights issues and great concern for childrens’ well being and school safety. Uranus, Saturn and Pluto are all in Earth Signs, emphasizing ecology as well as natural forces affecting the Earth. Quakes and volcanic eruptions as well as storms can be of concern.  A Pluto opposition to the Cancer placements can show surprises and controversy regarding economic trends and security as well as values. There will be three eclipses this summer. July 12  brings a solar eclipse in Cancer, July 27 there is a lunar eclipse in Aquarius and finally August 11 brings a second solar eclipse, this time in Leo. Eclipses might be compared to firecrackers, bringing the unexpected and a need to adapt to unpredictable turns of events. Prepare for extreme weather and have alternative plans if the universe tosses a curve ball or two your way.

Astrology – How To Read The Horoscope Of An Event

Astrology and Pagan Pride – September 29, 2018 What Do The Stars Foretell About This Popular Annual Event? By Dikki-Jo Mullen – Astrologer for “The Witches’ Almanac” Astrology, the “speech of the stars”, has from the very beginning been an integral part of pagan life and following The Old Ways. Honoring the seasons of the year, the luminaries (Sun and Moon) and the planets are invoked to honor the deities. Horoscopes for events are among the myriad of different applications of astrology. Here is an event chart which offers a glimpse of what can be expected at the annual Pagan Pride gathering. The horoscope is a really favorable one. At 10 am on Saturday, September 29, 2018 in Orlando, when the doors open to signal the start of the event, is when it all begins. The Sun shows where and how an event shines, where will have a lasting and primary impact. The Sun is in Libra in the 11th house. This is very social with an accent on the arts and sharing. Humanitarian values and community life will likely be a focus. Mercury, the planet of study and communication, is also in Libra in the 11th house. Mercury conjoins the Sun. This generates lively conversation, group interaction and an interest in creative work. Libra is the sign of balance, manners and justice. The prominence of Libra, the Sign of the Scales, is about balance and objectivity. A fair and tolerant mood and a sense of community is anticipated. The Moon is the special celestial ruler of witchcraft as well as emotions and the flow of daily life. The Moon will be just entering Gemini in the disseminating phase. Exchanging knowledge with the others promises to be a major motivation. Participants who have gained much knowledge and wisdom through their experiences will want to benefit others by sharing insights. Words, variety and versatility are keynotes of the Gemini Moon. Book tables will be prevalent, authors might even have book signings. The Moon will trine the Libra placements as well as Mars which is in Aquarius. This Libra, Gemini and Aquarius aspect pattern forms a very fortunate grand trine in air signs. Vendors and presenters are likely to have new technology and gadgets to demonstrate. Ghost tracking equipment, astrology computer programs, etc. can be in evidence. The ascendant or rising sign is Scorpio. This describes the outer appearance of the venue, greeters and decorations. Venus is exactly on the ascendant in Scorpio and is moving toward a conjunction with Jupiter in Scorpio. This suggests a comfortable and appealing environment with hints of ancestor worship and the All Hallows season to come. Beautiful costumes and ritual wear can be chosen by many. The Scorpio placements favorably aspect Neptune and Chiron in Pisces. This supports an interest in various styles of psychic readings. The 4th and 5th houses are involved showing that connections with family or extended family members as well as romantic attractions will be strengthened for some. Uranus in the 6th house suggests a focus on healing, especially during group rituals. Saturn is in Capricorn in the 2nd house, showing that attendees will appreciate bargains. Many will be budgeting funds carefully. Since Saturn, Uranus and Pluto are all in earth signs, crystals and herbs, as well as wood and clay items can appeal to shoppers. Pluto is in the 3rd house indicating that some will acquire new insights, even having a profound learning experience or intellectual awakening. The North Moon Node is in Leo in the 9th house. This shows effort being invested in rituals as well in presenting classes or lectures. The 8th house Part of Fortune is in Cancer, a water sign. This is profoundly transformative, sensitive and sentimental. Sharing memories and personal intuitive experiences can deepen connections between those who will interact throughout the day. Four planets (Pluto, Neptune, Chiron and Uranus) are retrograde. This shows that Pagan Pride 2018 will build upon the patterns and traditions established in years past. Long time friendships can be renewed and new acquaintances enjoyed during this memorable day. There will be much to discover. Data Table for the Pagan Pride Event September 29, 2018, 10:00 AM EDT in Orlando, Florida (Tropical Placidus Houses) Sun – 6 Libra 22’ 11th house Moon – 00 Gemini 19’ 7th house (a waning Moon in the disseminating phase) Mercury – 13 Libra 02’ 11th house Venus 10 – Scorpio 07’ 12th house (rising) Mars 5 – Aquarius 24’ 3rd house Jupiter – 21 Scorpio 49’ 1st house Saturn – 2 Capricorn 59’ 2nd house Uranus – 1 Taurus 31’ 6th house (retrograde) Neptune – 14 Pisces 30’ 4th house (retrograde) Pluto – 18 Capricorn 45’ 3rd house (retrograde) North Moon Node – 3 Leo 39’ 9th house Chiron – 29 Pisces 50’ 5th house (retrograde) Part of Fortune – 4 Cancer 50’ 8th house Ascendant – (Rising Sign) is 10 Scorpio 54’ #

Note: For those who would like more details about attending Pagan Pride please see the Upcoming Events page on this website.

 

The Lunation Cycle Astrology of the Moon

The Lunation Cycle
The Eight Phases of the Moon
By Dikki-Jo Mullen
Following the Moon’s 28 day long cycle, from the New Moon, to the Full phase and back to New to begin the eternal journey anew is a simple and effective way to use astrology to live in harmony with the world around us. The Moon, the cosmic body closest to the Earth, affects all of us profoundly all of the time. Weather, plant growth, human and animal behavior, the tides and more factors in our world reflect the magnetic currents emitted by the Moon above us. Most calendars will have the days of the New and Full Moons marked. Begin with the New Moon and observe how each phase plays out from day to day. (The Moon’s motion is inconsistent. The lunar cycle can vary from 27 to 29 days in length, but averages 28 days)
New Moon – 0 to 3 and 1/2 days after the New Moon. Focus, lay foundations, analyze yourself and goals.
Crescent Moon – 3 and ½ to 7 days after the New Moon. Energy and enthusiasm are high, there is a zest for life.
First Quarter Moon – 7 to 10 and ½ days after the New Moon. There is a stressful quality, testing of boundaries and potentials, reaching out and connecting.
Gibbous Moon – 10 and ½ to 14 days after the New Moon. Why? Is the question asked, curiosity is heightened. There is receptivity to suggestions, acceptance of new concepts.
Full Moon – 14 to 17 and ½ days after the New Moon. The Full phase brings a culmination. Life is lived to the fullest, extremes are in evidence. The party can get out of hand. Psychic energies are at a peak.
Watch out for werewolves and lunacy. Police and hospital activity will intensify.
Disseminating Moon – 17 and ½ to 21 days after the New Moon. Sometimes called the waning gibbous phase, the Disseminating Moon is about sharing, teaching and demonstrating skills. It has a wise helper mood.
Last Quarter Moon – 21 to 24 and ½ days after the New Moon. Established values are upheld, there can be some conflict about letting go, releasing what isn’t working. Tension is high and the mood can be combative or stubborn.
Balsamic Moon – 24 and ½ to 28 days after the New Moon. The dark of the Moon looks toward the future. Quiet and introspective feelings are present. There is a reserved quality and an active inner life.
More Moon Musings
The Moon phase at birth marks a time of healing and accomplishment. Each month be aware when the Moon’s phase reaches the point where it was at birth. A turn for the better is due. The Moon governs human fertility. Conception will occur when the Moon is in the same phase it occupied at a woman’s birth. The Moon is invaluable when it comes to healthy and easy family planning.
The waxing of the Moon is the two week period between the New and Full Moon, when the Moon gradually grows larger until it’s Full. The waning of the Moon is the two week period following the Full Moon when the Moon gradually grows smaller until it completely disappears at the dark of balsamic phase before reappearing as new again.
For a deeper understanding of The Moon and You consider whether the Moon was waxing or waning at your birth, then look to see if it is in the East or West portion of your horoscope.
1. A majority of natal chart placements in the East at birth when the Moon is waxing will offer liberty. There is much will power and circumstances usually come together to support what the individual wants to have manifest.
2. A majority of planets in the West with a waxing Moon at birth reveals an opportunist. Energetic responses to what life offers brings enhanced skill and mastery of limitations.
3. When the majority of planets are in the East and the Moon is waning at birth, there is a desire to contribute to society. Social initiative is present but flexibility and adaptability must be used to make the most of good intentions.
4. When the Moon is waning and the majority of planets are in the West, the needs of others come first. There is much support offered and contributions are made with the common good in mind. This person “goes with the flow”.
Like all circles, the Moon’s orbit around the Earth has 360 degrees. Here are the degrees which mark the start of each of the eight phases.
0 degrees – New
45 degrees – Crescent
90 degrees – First Quarter
135 degrees – Gibbous
180 degrees – Full
225 degrees – Disseminating
270 degrees – Last Quarter
315 degrees – Balsamic
Each month the sign of the Full Moon is opposite the Sun’s sign.
The Sun sign is the familiar zodiac sign. Here are the Sun-Moon oppositions to determine the sign of the Full Moon each month.
Aries – Libra
Taurus -Scorpio
Gemini- Sagittarius
Cancer – Capricorn
Leo – Aquarius
Virgo – Pisces
(When the month of Libra comes along, reverse the pattern. The Full Moon will be in Aries when the Sun is in Libra, etc.)
The Sun and the Moon are called the luminaries. They are the brightest lights in the sky above us.