Second Full Moon of Autumn, November 12, 2019
By Dikki-Jo Mullen, Astrologer
The Gloom Time is deepening. The second Full Moon of the autumn season is exact at 8:34 am EST at 19 degrees Taurus 52. This earthy Full Moon is enhanced by favorable trine aspects to Saturn and Pluto in Capricorn. A connection with the divas and spirits of the Earth is promised. Gnomes, Brownies and other earthy elementals are likely to be in evidence. Cherish sacred stones and enjoy the aromas of evergreens and fallen autumn leaves. The days are growing shorter and the nights long and velvety dark. The Gloom Time isn’t negative, but rather an odyssey into what is quiet and subtle. There is a yearning for security on many levels. What is solid and genuine is treasured. Mars in Libra will sextile Jupiter, which is transiting Sagittarius along with Venus. Challenges are an inspiration and invigorating. Embracing a spirit of wholesome competition adds spice and pleasure to life. The Sabian Symbol for this Taurus Full Moon reads “Wind, clouds and haste”. Extreme early wintery storms are brewing with brisk wind chill temperatures expected following the coldest Veterans’ Day on record in many parts of the USA. There is much transition and an underlying excitement present. The strongly aspected Mars in Libra, the sign of the scales of justice, promises interesting legal twists during the days ahead. This Full Moon will color events until the New Moon on November 26 when events culminate and a new celestial cycle is ushered in.
Note: The November Correspondences below are compliments of The Circle of the Sublime Elms, Orlando, FL. Use them as guides for meditation and spiritual workings honoring this magical season. NOVEMBER CORRESPONDENCES:
Snow Moon (November) Also known as: Dark Moon, Fog Moon, Beaver Moon, Mourning Moon, Blotmonath (Sacrifice Month), Herbistmanoth (Harvest Month), Mad Moon, Moon of Storms, Moon When Deer Shed Antlers Nature Spirits: subterranean faeries
Herbs: grains of paradise, verbena, betony, borage, cinquefoil, blessed thistle Colors: gray, sea-green
Flowers: blooming cacti, chrysanthemum
Scents: cedar, cherry blossoms, hyacinth, narcissus, peppermint, lemon Stones: topaz, hyacinth, lapis lazuli
Trees: alder, cypress
Animals: unicorn, scorpion, crocodile, jackal
Birds: owl, goose, sparrow
Deities: Kali, Black Isis, Nicnevin, Hecate, Bast, Osiris, Sarasvati, Lakshmi, Skadi, Mawu
Power Flow: take root, prepare. Transformation. Strengthen communication with the god or goddess who seems closest to you.
Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments »
On The Road With Dikki-Jo Mullen
One October afternoon I was driving along in Orlando on Mills Avenue, approaching the turn off to Mead Garden. A marvelous pumpkin patch was appearing on the corner, sponsored by the Evangelical Lutheran Church, with what seemed like hundreds of pumpkins of all sizes being unloaded from trucks. A train came through and stopped traffic. Then the most incredible event happened. A huge, beautiful pumpkin bounced up and down, rolled toward me. It jumped right through the open car window into my little Subaru. It started singing and this is what it sang:
A Meeting With The Real Mr. Jack O’ Lantern
I’m a handsome golden pumpkin
Nearly the largest of most all in size
Cut all around but save
My stem just so
Remove the insides
Below, now the holes for my eyes
Remember the nose beneath
And then a great smiling mouth with teeth
Now I’m here so you can meet
Mr. Jack O’ Lantern.
Now I need a beeswax candle,
Big enough to light
Watch it flicker as at you
I’ll wink and blink
In a candle glow of magic think
Happiness so warm and bright
A jolly pal, A right good fellow
My face is cheery,
Spiffy, wholesome yellow. Hello.
I’m your forever Jack O’ Lantern.
Happy Halloween and remember that there is always magic in the world for those who watch for it! Blessings and Sweet Dreams!
Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments »
October Moon
Full Moon on Sunday, October 13, 2019
By Dikki-Jo Mullen
Lighting candles to create energy for blessings, pleasure and magical workings is a favorite activity among those who live the magical life. Often a few drops of oil are added to intensify the experience. This is called “dressing the candle”. “October Moon” is the name of a special blend of essential oils I have in my kitchen witchery cabinet. The pleasant aroma suggests spiced apples and withering leaves. Perfect for setting the mood as I sit by candlelight and think about the Full Moon of Sunday, October 13, 2019. Some astro-numerology comes to mind. The universal date of October 13 is the same as October 31, Halloween night. Adding 10 (for October) + 13 (or 31, the date) and 2019 (current year) = 8, in adding the digits together to reduce them to the final number. As a universal 8 date both Halloween and the Full Moon this month have an overall link with the cosmic lemiscate, the figure 8 infinity symbol. Imaginative, multi-dimensional, capable, authoritative, businesslike, ambitious and efficient are some of the number 8’s keynotes. A worthwhile goal, being honest and keeping busy are all good ways of expressing the 8. Of course 13 in itself has a traditional tie to the esoteric and fated. I have always marveled at all of the lore linked to 13. It’s the Death Card in the Tarot, 13 witches make a full coven, 13 Full Moons make a lunar year, 13 attended The Last Supper. The United States of America, the wealthiest and most privileged society which has ever existed on the planet, has a flag of 13 stripes, 13 original states, the National Seal has an eagle with 13 tail feathers holding 13 arrows and 13 olive branches. The number 13 links to Masonic practices too, which were followed by many of the Nation’s founders.
October 13’s Full Moon will be exactly at 5:08 pm EDT at 20 degrees Aries 13’. The Sabian Symbol for this degree is “A boxer entering the ring”. Exertion, raw experience, full use of capabilities are the messages suggested. The fixed star Baten Kaitos is conjunct the lunation. This topaz colored star in the constellation of Cetus, The Whale, has a Saturnian quality. The message of this star is a rescue after a delay. Care is needed while traveling by either ship or overland. Carry a seashell or other protective charm. A very tight cardinal T-square is formed with October’s Full Moon, it squares Pluto at 20 degrees Capricorn and of course opposes the Sun at 20 degrees Libra (the Sun and Moon are always in opposition at a Full Moon). The Aries Full Moon forms a graceful and positive trine to Jupiter at 20 degrees Sagittarius, while the Libra Sun makes a supportive sextile to Jupiter. This is a complex mix of light and dark celestial patterns which sets the scene until the New Moon on October 27 marks a new lunar cycle. A sense of adventure, promoting projects, connecting with influential people, a yearning for something more, a restlessness affects many. Thee cardinal sign of Cancer, the Crab, is at the empty corner of the T-square and is the focal point of tremendous energy. The Crab rules patriotism, the water and food supplies, real estate, historical preservation, emotions and the generation gap. Our Nation is a Cancer ruled country. President Trump (born June 14, 1946) has his natal Mercury, Venus and Saturn in Cancer. The October, 2019 Full Moon profoundly affects both the National Horoscope and the President, who was born under a Full Moon. Watch the news to see the specifics come to light.
Gaze upon the Full Moon when Luna rises, just as the Sun sets. What ideas does this spectacle in the sky suggest to you? Each Full Moon has several names. The lunations were the earliest time keepers. October’s Full Moon has been called the Duck’s Flying Moon, marking the migration of birds, also the Snow Moon, as often it brings the first snow flurries. The Blood Moon is another way October’s Full Moon is identified. The inference (probably) doesn’t warn of vampires, but instead is about the harvesting and sacrificing of animals to provide food sources during the bleak winter days to come.
For those who want to see astrology in action just drive through a downtown party district at the Full Moon and watch the lunacy accelerate. The weather, tides, plant growth and animal behavior also respond to the Full Moon’s energies. Data Table For The Astrological Placements of October’s Full Moon October 13, 2019 at 5:08 pm EDT
Sun – 20 Libra 13’
Moon – 20 Aries 13’
Mercury -13 Scorpio 58’
Venus – 6 Scorpio 25’
Mars – 6 Libra 15’
Jupiter- 20 Sagittarius 07’
Saturn -14 Capricorn 26’
Uranus – 5 Taurus 11’ (retrograde)
Neptune – 16 Pisces 27’ (retrograde)
Pluto – 20 Capricorn 39’
Chiron – 2 Aries 54’ (retrograde)
N. Moon Node – 12 Cancer 10’
Astrologers who interpret Mars as the co-ruler of Scorpio will note a mutual reception here. Mars in Libra is mutual reception with Venus in Scorpio. A mutual reception occurs when planets are in each other’s ruling signs. It is considered favorable, like shape shifting. Astro-numerologists will notice how often the number 13 occurs in this data table!
Posted in Uncategorized | 4 Comments »
The Libra New Moon of September 28, 2019
Graciousness Musings
By Dikki-Jo Mullen
The first New Moon of Autumn will be on the 28th, the last Saturday in September, at 2:26 pm EDT. It is at 5 degrees 20’ Libra, in the first or double Venus decanate of the sign. The fixed star Zaniah twinkles less than a degree from the lunation. Zaniah is a benevolent star, refined, honorable, orderly congenial and above all loving. It carries a Venus-Mercury energy. Legal matters, education and favorable social situations are linked to Zaniah. Overall expect that equality, the highest social standards in interactions with others, teamwork and partnerships will set the mood for the next four weeks. Libra, the Scale of Justice, hints that legal matters and the courts can be a potent force as well. The Scales of Libra can tip to bring a sign of war as well as peace, seeking a balance of power. Write your wish list during the 8 hours following the New Moon. Watch how many of them may well come true as the Moon grows in light. The two most benevolent of planets, Venus and Jupiter, are in a harmonious sextile aspect which also colors the lunar month ahead favorably. Some keywords for this cosmic symphony include charity, generosity, cheerfulness and a willingness to help. A Venus-Neptune parallel is dreamy and fanciful. Artists and writers can produce some whimsical works with touches of magic. The horoscope which I use for the United States is the Libra rising one. This New Moon promises a fresh outlook somehow for our Nation. The topic of the USA’s birthtime is a surprisingly volatile one in astrology circles. In support of my choice Nostradamus wrote “The younger sister of Brittania rises under the Sign of the Scales” and “We the people” is a very Libra phrase, as is the emphasis on equality. This all so obviously the Libran influence, of “America The Beautiful.” At an astrology conference I attended some years ago there was a volatile debate all about the USA’s birthchart, with both the Gemini and Sagittarius ascendant choices having much support among opinionated political astrologers. Keep an eye on the news this month to watch ….. for events which support the New Moon in Libra as impacting the National ascendant. Favorable crystals to wear or carry to celebrate this lunar month would include tourmaline, jade and rose quartz. The archangel Jophiel is one of the Guardian Angels of the Lunar Libra cycle.. Different cultures know Jophiel by a wide array of names: such as God’s Watchman, God’s spy, and the Divine Beauty or the Beauty of God. Art often portrays her in a female form. Jophiel especially patronizes congenial friendship and creating beauty in all ways. Call out to Jophiel for blessings at the New Moon!
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
A Sunday Vignette on the Eve of Mabon, The Autumn Equinox, September 22, 2019
By Dikki-Jo Mullen
There is a magical quality to the solstices and equinoxes. There are four such days each year and they mark the start of the new seasons. The equinoxes (for equal) mark the spring and autumn, when days and nights are nearly equal in length. In contrast the solstices (longest and shortest of days and nights) mark the start of the winter and summer seasons. Mabon (pronounce it may-bone) is a pagan term for the autumnal equinox. The name is derived from a Welsh deity. As a minister I am some times invited by different friends to speak at various congregations and churches throughout Florida. This privilege is a great delight to me. Often such invitations will coincide with the mystically charged solstices and equinoxes. This was the case on Sunday, September 22, 2019. I was scheduled to serve as a guest speaker at The Chapel In The Woods, The Unitarian Universalists (UUC), in Cocoa, Florida. From downtown Orlando this is about an hour and a half long drive. I prepared a poster to illustrate The Philosopher’s Stone, the day’s topic, notes and complimentary study guides to give out to all. It was a lovely, sunny Florida morning, actually a breath cooler than usual, with a hint of the autumn and winter to come. I left home about 9am, which should have left ample time to make the drive and arrive for the 11am service, with time for reviewing my presentation beforehand. The evening before I had attended a potent and spiritual pagan ceremony to greet Mabon. It was a great night and a magical one. Along with about 40 others I really felt the presence of the season’s celestial powers afoot. The morning’s drive time moved into a time warp, the road, HWY 50, seemed to go on and on. I suddenly felt hungry and a little weak. At last I reached the intersection of I-95 and 50, not far from The Chapel. A McDonald’s has been there for years. I decided to stop for something to eat, certain that I had at least 45 minutes to platform time. I ordered an egg and cheese breakfast sandwich. This should have been ready momentarily. I waited and waited. Other customers came and went. I looked at the printed ticket and was startled to see that it was already 10:40 when I’d ordered. What to do? I would have to leave immediately to be anywhere nearly on time to church. I saw that my number was still quite far down on the display screen. Looking at the breakfast crowd waiting, I saw a lady standing alone. I walked over to her and handed her my receipt, explaining that I am a Pastor and would be late to do Sunday Service if I didn’t leave immediately. She seemed startled but smiled when I told her to please pick up and enjoy the sandwich when it was ready. Then I turned and dashed out to run across the parking lot. I didn’t think anyone had overheard my quiet remarks. Half way to the car I heard a man calling out, “Reverend, wait, “ he shouted. It was an unmistakable young dad with small children following. He held a large sack and asked what kind of sandwich I’d like. I didn’t want to accept one, feeling the family really needed their Sunday breakfast, but he persisted. So I did take one and thanked him. He answered “God Bless You.” I ate as I drove on to The Chapel In The Woods. I felt revived , not faint any longer. The food combined with the stranger’s generous gesture were genuinely a blessing.
Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment »
September’s Friday The 13th, 2019!
A Full Moon at The Witching Hour!
By Dikki-Jo Mullen
This will be the first Friday the 13th since July 13, 2018. The Full Harvest Moon will be at 12:33 am EDT just past midnight on September 14. If we go back to Standard time, or fly our brooms West to the Central, Mountain or Pacific time zones, then it becomes a night of double magic. Thee Full Moon on Friday the 13th! One post I saw said this is the last such synchronicity until sometime in the 2040’s!
December 13, 2019 falls on a Friday, but it won’t be at the Full Moon.
My esteemed colleague, Jacksonville Astrologer Coleman Smith, presented some especially astute insights into how significant this special day is in “Skyward”, the newsletter for the North Florida Astrological Association. He alerts us “don’t waste this great day”. Here is an excerpt from Coleman’s astrology calendar:
2019
“Sep 13: Mercury conjunct Venus ()—-An aspect of talent, especially with the arts. See this block of wood? Presto, it becomes a beautiful piece. A Poet’s aspect. Sun trine Pluto ()—-Wow, what a great day. This aspect has power, focus, and concentration for whatever you want to do. Don’t waste this great day.
Sep 14: Full Moon ()—-Moon opposite Sun in Pisces/ Virgo indicates heightened emotional awareness. An eeriness to the day. You want to help people, but conditions and circumstances seem to thwart your ideas. Mars opposite Neptune ()—-Definitely adds to the confusion. You won’t know why you are acting so strangely. Lost in Space. Great for paranormal activities, not so good for practical, earthly matters. Mercury and Venus enter Libra (). The artist has a field day. Everything is beautiful. I think the qualities of today are something other than drudgery. Not a day for routine, but art and poetry shine.”
The Harvest Moon is the Full Moon nearest the autumn equinox. Its angle makes the moonshine very bright. In earlier times it allowed workers to remain in the fields, able to see long after sunset. Today, we can see the metaphor of harvesting what we have planted in the spring coming to fruition.
The Harvest Moon at 21 degrees Pisces will conjoin Neptune. These Pisces placements will oppose the Sun, Venus, Mercury and Mars in Virgo. Luna’s Sabian Symbol is “ A man bringing down the new law from Sinai.” This suggests determination in spiritualizing daily life. Th fixed star Markab, a ship returning from afar, with the Moon suggests some conflicts to resolve. Important ideas changed, the arts and wellness all are accented.
Friday the 13th!
Each year has at least one. Some years have as many as three of these mystical and controversial days. Paraskavediatriaphobiac is the impressive title for one who fears Friday the 13th. Statistics say that up to 21 million Americans may have a dread so severe that it affects work and business transactions to the tune of millions of dollars in lost wages and revenue every time the day rolls around. In Britain a survey shows significantly more traffic accidents on Friday the 13ths. Most of us have some feelings (pro or con) about the number thirteen and about Friday the 13th in particular. Accepting a new job, walking under a ladder, watching a black cat cross the path these can be omens of either delight or terror. An overall terror of the number 13 is called triskaidekaphobia. On the other hand, those who delight in the number 13 are called triskadekophiles. In the Middle Ages humble bakers, afraid of being accused of short changing a powerful customer on the purchase of a dozen rolls, would wisely add one extra to the parcel, for good will and safe keeping. A bakers dozen has been synonymous with a lucky and protective thirteenth item ever since. The intriguing chain of lore connected to Friday the 13th might date back to the time of the Knights Templar. It was on Friday, October 13, 1307 when members of the Order were arrested, according to the popular historical novel The DaVinci Code. In 1869 the first reference to this date being bad luck occurs in print. The biography of Gioahino Rossi reveals that he feared Friday the 13th and subsequently died on that date. That was on Friday, November 13th, 1869. During the 20th Century superstitions and beliefs about Thirteen, especially Friday the 13th,, in particular were widely embraced. An 1898 Dictionary of Phrase and Fable labels both Friday and Thirteen unlucky in separate entries. All English speaking nations, Latin America, Scandinavia, Germany, Austria, Belgium, Poland and the Philippines have traditions and customs honoring this date.
Here are just a few of the startling events which have taken place on Friday the 13th. .
On Friday, January 13, 1939 Australias Black Friday Brush Fires caused widespread damage.
On Friday, October 13, 1972 the plane carrying Uruguays entire winning Olympic rugby team crashed into the Andes mountains.
That very same day in 1972 the musical group Black Sabbath debuted a landmark album.
Friday, October 13, 2006 Lemony Snickets 13th book in A Series of Unfortunate Events was released.
On that same day in 2006 The Friday the 13th Storm struck Buffalo, New York.
On Friday, June 13, 2008 respected journalist Tim Russert died suddenly. He was 58 years old and 5 + 8 = 13.
The release date on the latest in the series of Friday the 13th horror flicks draws on the date of February 13, 2009.
Looking further ahead, On Friday, April 13, 2029 Asteroid 99942, Apophis, will pass very close to Earth. If it makes landfall, its impact could create major climate and other changes affecting the entire planet.
In the Tarot Cards, 13 is Death in the major arcane. An omen of new beginnings and a glance into the world of the afterlife, it is considered a good card. In pagan rites 13 witches are a full coven, while Christians link the 13 apostles at The Last Supper with death and betrayal. The Last Supper is thought to have taken place on a Friday, that may be at the root of the unlucky Friday the 13th contraband. There is also a story of a Captain Friday who set sail on a Friday the Thirteenth on a ship named the SS FRIDAY. Neither Captain, crew nor vessel was ever seen again. In Britain ships will not leave port on a Friday. There are 13 Buddhas in the Indian pantheon, pagodas in the Fare East are surmounted by 13 discs. A sacred sword at Japans Atsusa Temple has 13 objects in its hilt. In Mexico 13 relates to the sacred snake gods. Many hotels dont have a thirteenth floor or rooms numbered 13. In Italian opera houses there are never seats numbered 13.
The 2008 film Indiana Jones and The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull featured a circle of thirteen crystal skulls with profound powers.
The United States of America, the wealthiest and most privileged society which has ever existed, has 13 stripes on the flag, 13 stars and stripes on The National Seal. The details of the Seal reveal more symbolism. The Eagle has 13 tail feathers in each wing and holds 13 arrows and 13 olive branches. Our national motto has 13 letters, thirteen was the number of original colonies. Scholars attribute the number 13 to the mysteries of the Masonic practices which were the occult and spiritual beliefs held by the Nations founders. George Washington called for a 13 gun salute when he raised the flag for the first time.
Mystics and adepts quietly smile and say, Those who understand the number thirteen hold the keys of Power and Dominion.
To unlock these legendary keys, light a black or silver candle. Add patchouli incense for a deeper focus. Place a skull motif and Tarot Key 13 motif upon the altar. Reflect on this meditation.
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
A New Moon of Earth Wellness
New Moon in Virgo on August 30, 2019
By Dikki-Jo Mullen, Astrologer
This last New Moon of the summer season reflects the extremely interesting times in the world around us! This earliest of time keepers, the Moon, offers a cosmic snapshot of what can be expected during the weeks to come, until the next New Moon. That will be on September 28 and it marks another different cycle against the greater backdrop of time.
Friday, August 30, 2019 at 6:37 am EDT is the event chart for the New Moon. It has Mercury, the Sun and Moon, Mars, Venus and in the East Coast USA the ascendant all clustered from 0 to 11 degrees of Virgo. A swift and mercurial energy is here. The tight Virgo stellium accents study and information exchange, health care, edible garden plants, harvesting of crops, and animal welfare; especially small companion animals. Satisfaction with daily work, problem solving and trouble shooting are the themes. Try written affirmations (make your wish lists on Friday morning) to find the perfect vocation or avocation. Watch it manifest as the Moon’s phases grow in light. Virgo’s symbol is a lovely maiden holding a sheaf of wheat or other grains. Bread is the staff of life. This incredibly potent and focused New Moon lunation promises wholesome outlooks on food, taking care of obligations to the Planet and each other and (diplomatically please) constructive criticism. Saturn and Pluto in Capricorn and Uranus in Taurus complete a Grand Trine in Earth Signs pattern. Economic survival, the meaning of money, and meeting practical needs are the theme. Artistry, since Venus is involved, can be significant. Mars is within a degree of the Sun and Moon. This warns against expressing anger or giving way to anxiety and impatience.
The August’s New Moon is at 6 degrees Virgo 46’. The keyword for the sabian symbol is “restraint”. Be courageous, don’t betray the self. The fixed star Zosma shines nearby. This triple pale yellow and blue-violet star twinkles a message warning against melancholy and overall selfishness of egomania. Take the high road in case of a conflict. Service shared can enhance a personal relationship. There can be genuine accomplishments and breakthroughs for many. Neptune in Pisces opposes the Virgo grouping. Jupiter in Sagittarius forms a T-Square in the mutable signs, with Gemini as the open corner. Check the facts, keep a focus on sincerity. Directing stress into the more positive eustress is the key to working with this pattern. New ways of managing assets and financial mores can develop. Be progressive, avoid a rut.
A Data Table – Astrological Placements for the New Moon
Sun and Moon at 6 degrees Virgo 46
Mercury 2 Virgo 12
Venus 11 Virgo 13
Mars 7 Virgo 46
Jupiter 15 Sagittarius 02
Saturn 14 Capricorn 02
Uranus 6 Taurus 28 retrograde
Neptune 17 Pisces 36 retrograde
Pluto 20 Capricorn 54 retrograde
Chiron 4 Aries 50 retrograde
N. Moon Node 16 Cancer 31
In the Orlando, Florida area and most of the Eastern USA, the lunation chart’s ascendant of 0 Virgo 23’ places the 5 planet Virgo stellium in the 1st house. Many will be thinking of image, status and appearance. Overall there is an urge to be proactive on an individual level. Key 9, The Hermit in the Tarot, relates to Virgo. He becomes the rugged individualist met at this New Moon. Meditate on The Tarot’s Hermit, join this wise and worldly figure in order to discover the perfect personal direction. Carnelian agates (for health) and sapphires (for peace and safety) are good crystals to work with. Lime and grey with navy blue are the colors. Try lavender for either tea or aroma-therapy.
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
