A Moon Cycle of Eclipses and Mercury Rx!

Full Rainbow, Okotoks, AB 2017

Hi All! It's been a busy time for me - selling a house, moving out of Calgary, settling into a new space in Okotoks, Alberta! Love that we had a quick selling time - and move. Always a great sign that all is moving forward as it was meant to. I am glad to return to my Astrology practice. Thank you for your patience whilst I devoted my time and energy to other challenges.

This current Moon cycle has many twists and turns! Let's see how it's been unfolding so far:

• New Moon began Friday July 23rd at 00 degrees Leo 44' whereby both the Moon and Sun stood together at these celestial coordinates AND holding hands with Mars at 01 Leo 52'. Hence my theme for this Moon cycle is: "Heartfully taking Creative Action! If you don't feel it from the Heart - don't do it!" Leo rules the heart, and the back (supporting ourselves) and the Sun rules Leo! This Moon cycle is all about creating and shining our heart light out into the world around us, with fun and play, and ensuring our Inner Child comes along for the ride. Leo can be the King or Queen of the Mountain, wanting everyone else to DO what I DO. Drama King or Queen ensues if we're not listening to our inner self for what we truly NEED to DO for ourselves this cycle. Leo is fixed fire - taking creative action and dealing with the details yet stubbornly so - not going with the flow and coming up for air from time to time for fun and play!

• Mercury Rx (retrograde) Shadow timing began July 24th within the late degrees of LEO (!) and is currently moving through the mutable earth sign of Virgo - being of service, perfecting processes, and looking after the health of your physical body. Mercury rules Virgo, so there may be significant mental changes coming your way this Moon cycle if you've felt mentally blocked in deciding what program or regimen to get back into now. Virgo also rules our daily work and work environments. If there's too much distraction, noise, etc. getting in the way - what is it you need to decide upon, discuss and strategize on how to mentally move forward in these areas of your life now? The Mercury Rx timings always make us aware of how we are mentally getting in the way of ourselves. We learn information we didn't know we needed to know, before now. I love Astrology! The circle of 12 Houses in our natal charts shows the progress of the Moon (monthly) and the Sun (yearly) around it. As each luminary and fast-moving planet completes its journey and returns to where it began in our respective charts - we see how we've evolved since the last time that luminary/planet came by. What have you learned about yourself since the last time Mercury traveled through Virgo (July 31 - October 8, 2016? Where are you still struggling within the above-stated themes that Virgo brings into your awareness now? 

• The actual Mercury Rx timing begins August 13th at 11 degrees of Virgo 38' going BACK through the degrees it has already traveled through since July 24th! When a planet seemingly goes back over its orbit (Rx - retrograde) the usual forward-moving energy is now brought Inward - making it all very personal - up close and so personal we canna hide from the awareness and challenges of the WHY am I feeling this way? Whatever isn't working for you, mentally, will show itself, in spades! Be aware that Mercury rules how we think, what we think, how we communicate - with others and within to self (Inner Talk) - and relate our Self with Others in our life. Be aware that speaking up and standing up for Self (all that Leo!) is what we require to do now. You won't be able to move forward in your own life if you don't let others around you know what it is you NEED for you. We are experiencing a do-over right now. Another opportunity to speak up, converse, decide, learn, study and practice - via the Mental Body - all that we've been putting off doing before now. The timing of Mercury Rx ends as of September 5th as Mercury stations Direct at 28 degrees of Leo 26', moving ahead yet again over the degrees/minutes it was at as of July 24th! This time, we have Direct and forward-moving energy to help us with the direct ACTION (via this New Moon in Leo) to make positive decisions and have those forthright conversations, heartfully, that need to be had. And remember: Expect the Unexpected during Mercury Rx! Plans and ideas will change. New information and decisions will come into play. New people - people from your past - will come forward, adding to the mix. I love watching how each new Mercury Rx timing plays out! Very cool!

• The post-Mercury Rx Shadow timing begins when it stations Direct, September 5th, until Mercury finally moves PAST the celestial coordinates of where it went Rx August 13th - which will be September 19th, moving past 11 degrees of Virgo 38'! Do you see how the Mercury Rx timing brings forth 2 more opportunities to revisit conversations, mental thinking, decision-making, and Inner Talk scenarios?! Take advantage of all of this for your inner growth. The Sun assists with Heartfelt Action during this Moon cycle, while the Moon assists with your Emotional Body's feelings and intuitive insights along the way. Those of us who have Pisces / Virgo Sun's, Moon's and/or Rising Signs, will be especially affected. Sagittarius and Gemini Sun's, Moon's or Rising Signs will also find some stress and tension to make changes mentally too. The other earth signs - Capricorn and Taurus - may find some ease along the way, while Aries and Aquarius signs will definitely need to let go of old patterns and conditioning during this Mercury Rx timing. Keep on keeping everyone!

Prairie Storm Clouds, 2017

Now for the Eclipses! We experience two eclipse seasons per year - the first set occurred February 10th (Lunar Eclipse in LEO during the Full Moon) and 26th (Solar Eclipse in PISCES during the New Moon). A Lunar Eclipse brings forth the Emotional Body's needs to express itself via feelings and intuition, receiving from others - mainly our Inner Feminine energies at play. A Solar Eclipse brings forth the Inner Masculine energies - to take action, assert self, be creative in some way, to give to others. Take note of what occurs in your life just before/during/after each eclipse. The Eclipse themes highly continue for 6 months after, and for up to 3 years thereafter. Yet another opportunity for Self/Soul Growth. Here's when the next eclipse set will occur and their themes to take note:

• Full Moon/Lunar Eclipse August 7, 2017 at 12:11p MDT at the celestial coordinates of 15 degrees of Aquarius and 25'. At each Full Moon we experience some sort of AHA moment of understanding self in some regard - seeing what has unfolded within our respective lives since New Moon (July 23rd in LEO) amid the themes I related earlier -  heartfelt creative action, supporting self along the way. The Lunar Eclipse will make us EMOTIONALLY aware of how well we learned what we needed to learn, and includes following our intuition. Aquarius brings forth an aspect of knowing what it is our Future Self requires and wants for us NOW - and being a fixed air sign, much to talk about with friends and groups and peers! Plans for the future - with others - in community. As true authentic selves, within community - we look for what it is we truly require to BE ME, AND ask for assistance within our community AND give back to community. This is a central theme for the New Age of Aquarius - BE authentic to self, connect with community, and together we will move forward, each on our respective true life paths. Interestingly, Leo is the opposite sign to Aquarius, and brings forth the creativity, fun and play, leadership and Inner Child themes that assist with all the Aquarius themes. We cannot BE one without the Other. How do you create an AND between both? This is the challenge!

• New Moon/Solar Eclipse August 21, 2017 at 12:30p MDT at the celestial coordinates of 28 degrees of Leo 53'. Another New Moon brings unrealized potential of soul/inner growth - which we are 'in the dark' about until the following Full Moon phase. This eclipse brings forth ACTION of some sort that we've emotionally been working on within this current Moon cycle begun July 23rd! Ensure you are consciously AWARE of how you feel, intuit and wish to receive during this Moon cycle and will then BUILD upon with Heartfelt Creative ACTION right away as the upcoming New Moon begins August 21st! NB: this Solar Eclipse is a TOTAL Eclipse that will be seen from most parts of North America! Very much bringing forth HEART to those living in economic straits and coping with interesting political changes and leadership personalities. LEO rules leadership - is it coming from the Heart or from Ego? Who do you wish to follow? Work as a team or dictated to? Here is where we 'see' in the outer world what we each are working on in our respective inner worlds. As the Shadow of this eclipse passes over North America - what hidden fears and anxiety will be brought up and out of your heart to heal and love through? Consciously ride this wave of heart-opening moments, challenges and awareness.

Moon Globe, Okotoks, AB 2017

Interestingly, the Balsamic Moon phase of the previous Moon cycle (the last Moon phase for that cycle that begun July 19th at 9:11p MDT within the celestial coordinates of 12 degrees of Gemini 39') when Venus and the Moon came together to create the latest Venus Star Gate via the 5th Chakra - the HEART Chakra! How cool is this? Another reason why I love love love Astrology! Previous cycles of the luminaries/planets set us up for succeeding cycles - all in aid of assisting each of us on our onward/inner soul path journey here on Earth! So cool considering the CURRENT Moon cycle theme is LEO too! And the next New Moon/Solar Eclipse is LEO too! 

Venus, our Desire Body, is assisting us to open our hearts, while the Balsamic Moon (all about LETTING GO of distortions we've hung onto, until now) brings opportunities to let go, emotionally! For those of you who have been following the course of the current Venus Star Journey from Aries, we journey through all 7 Chakras from Balsamic Moon phase to Balsamic Moon phase. We've been descending into the Underworld via Venus and the Moon since March 2017, healing distortions, so far, within our respective Crown, Brow/3rd Eye and Throat Chakras. Now it is all about the heart, our hearts, and heartfully what it IS we truly want/Desire for ourselves, NOW and in the FUTURE.

For those curious and interested in learning MORE about Astrology and how it brings forth 

timely insights and healing within YOUR particular soul/life journey - 

call Laurie Rae for a truly insightful Astrology chart reading today!

Call 587.437.3520 or email myhouseofastrology 'at' shaw.ca for an appointment either 

In Person, Over the Phone or via Skype/FaceTime

and begin your conscious Soul/Inner Growth Journey today!

Posted by: Laurie Rae Rezanoff, Astrologer | Teacher | Writer | Speaker

Photo Credits: Laurie Rae Rezanoff within and around Okotoks, AB 2017

A Moon Cycle of Eclipses and Mercury Rx!

Full Rainbow, Okotoks, AB 2017

Hi All! It's been a busy time for me - selling a house, moving out of Calgary, settling into a new space in Okotoks, Alberta! Love that we had a quick selling time - and move. Always a great sign that all is moving forward as it was meant to. I am glad to return to my Astrology practice. Thank you for your patience whilst I devoted my time and energy to other challenges.

This current Moon cycle has many twists and turns! Let's see how it's been unfolding so far:

• New Moon began Friday July 23rd at 00 degrees Leo 44' whereby both the Moon and Sun stood together at these celestial coordinates AND holding hands with Mars at 01 Leo 52'. Hence my theme for this Moon cycle is: "Heartfully taking Creative Action! If you don't feel it from the Heart - don't do it!" Leo rules the heart, and the back (supporting ourselves) and the Sun rules Leo! This Moon cycle is all about creating and shining our heart light out into the world around us, with fun and play, and ensuring our Inner Child comes along for the ride. Leo can be the King or Queen of the Mountain, wanting everyone else to DO what I DO. Drama King or Queen ensues if we're not listening to our inner self for what we truly NEED to DO for ourselves this cycle. Leo is fixed fire - taking creative action and dealing with the details yet stubbornly so - not going with the flow and coming up for air from time to time for fun and play!

• Mercury Rx (retrograde) Shadow timing began July 24th within the late degrees of LEO (!) and is currently moving through the mutable earth sign of Virgo - being of service, perfecting processes, and looking after the health of your physical body. Mercury rules Virgo, so there may be significant mental changes coming your way this Moon cycle if you've felt mentally blocked in deciding what program or regimen to get back into now. Virgo also rules our daily work and work environments. If there's too much distraction, noise, etc. getting in the way - what is it you need to decide upon, discuss and strategize on how to mentally move forward in these areas of your life now? The Mercury Rx timings always make us aware of how we are mentally getting in the way of ourselves. We learn information we didn't know we needed to know, before now. I love Astrology! The circle of 12 Houses in our natal charts shows the progress of the Moon (monthly) and the Sun (yearly) around it. As each luminary and fast-moving planet completes its journey and returns to where it began in our respective charts - we see how we've evolved since the last time that luminary/planet came by. What have you learned about yourself since the last time Mercury traveled through Virgo (July 31 - October 8, 2016? Where are you still struggling within the above-stated themes that Virgo brings into your awareness now? 

• The actual Mercury Rx timing begins August 13th at 11 degrees of Virgo 38' going BACK through the degrees it has already traveled through since July 24th! When a planet seemingly goes back over its orbit (Rx - retrograde) the usual forward-moving energy is now brought Inward - making it all very personal - up close and so personal we canna hide from the awareness and challenges of the WHY am I feeling this way? Whatever isn't working for you, mentally, will show itself, in spades! Be aware that Mercury rules how we think, what we think, how we communicate - with others and within to self (Inner Talk) - and relate our Self with Others in our life. Be aware that speaking up and standing up for Self (all that Leo!) is what we require to do now. You won't be able to move forward in your own life if you don't let others around you know what it is you NEED for you. We are experiencing a do-over right now. Another opportunity to speak up, converse, decide, learn, study and practice - via the Mental Body - all that we've been putting off doing before now. The timing of Mercury Rx ends as of September 5th as Mercury stations Direct at 28 degrees of Leo 26', moving ahead yet again over the degrees/minutes it was at as of July 24th! This time, we have Direct and forward-moving energy to help us with the direct ACTION (via this New Moon in Leo) to make positive decisions and have those forthright conversations, heartfully, that need to be had. And remember: Expect the Unexpected during Mercury Rx! Plans and ideas will change. New information and decisions will come into play. New people - people from your past - will come forward, adding to the mix. I love watching how each new Mercury Rx timing plays out! Very cool!

• The post-Mercury Rx Shadow timing begins when it stations Direct, September 5th, until Mercury finally moves PAST the celestial coordinates of where it went Rx August 13th - which will be September 19th, moving past 11 degrees of Virgo 38'! Do you see how the Mercury Rx timing brings forth 2 more opportunities to revisit conversations, mental thinking, decision-making, and Inner Talk scenarios?! Take advantage of all of this for your inner growth. The Sun assists with Heartfelt Action during this Moon cycle, while the Moon assists with your Emotional Body's feelings and intuitive insights along the way. Those of us who have Pisces / Virgo Sun's, Moon's and/or Rising Signs, will be especially affected. Sagittarius and Gemini Sun's, Moon's or Rising Signs will also find some stress and tension to make changes mentally too. The other earth signs - Capricorn and Taurus - may find some ease along the way, while Aries and Aquarius signs will definitely need to let go of old patterns and conditioning during this Mercury Rx timing. Keep on keeping everyone!

Prairie Storm Clouds, 2017

Now for the Eclipses! We experience two eclipse seasons per year - the first set occurred February 10th (Lunar Eclipse in LEO during the Full Moon) and 26th (Solar Eclipse in PISCES during the New Moon). A Lunar Eclipse brings forth the Emotional Body's needs to express itself via feelings and intuition, receiving from others - mainly our Inner Feminine energies at play. A Solar Eclipse brings forth the Inner Masculine energies - to take action, assert self, be creative in some way, to give to others. Take note of what occurs in your life just before/during/after each eclipse. The Eclipse themes highly continue for 6 months after, and for up to 3 years thereafter. Yet another opportunity for Self/Soul Growth. Here's when the next eclipse set will occur and their themes to take note:

• Full Moon/Lunar Eclipse August 7, 2017 at 12:11p MDT at the celestial coordinates of 15 degrees of Aquarius and 25'. At each Full Moon we experience some sort of AHA moment of understanding self in some regard - seeing what has unfolded within our respective lives since New Moon (July 23rd in LEO) amid the themes I related earlier -  heartfelt creative action, supporting self along the way. The Lunar Eclipse will make us EMOTIONALLY aware of how well we learned what we needed to learn, and includes following our intuition. Aquarius brings forth an aspect of knowing what it is our Future Self requires and wants for us NOW - and being a fixed air sign, much to talk about with friends and groups and peers! Plans for the future - with others - in community. As true authentic selves, within community - we look for what it is we truly require to BE ME, AND ask for assistance within our community AND give back to community. This is a central theme for the New Age of Aquarius - BE authentic to self, connect with community, and together we will move forward, each on our respective true life paths. Interestingly, Leo is the opposite sign to Aquarius, and brings forth the creativity, fun and play, leadership and Inner Child themes that assist with all the Aquarius themes. We cannot BE one without the Other. How do you create an AND between both? This is the challenge!

• New Moon/Solar Eclipse August 21, 2017 at 12:30p MDT at the celestial coordinates of 28 degrees of Leo 53'. Another New Moon brings unrealized potential of soul/inner growth - which we are 'in the dark' about until the following Full Moon phase. This eclipse brings forth ACTION of some sort that we've emotionally been working on within this current Moon cycle begun July 23rd! Ensure you are consciously AWARE of how you feel, intuit and wish to receive during this Moon cycle and will then BUILD upon with Heartfelt Creative ACTION right away as the upcoming New Moon begins August 21st! NB: this Solar Eclipse is a TOTAL Eclipse that will be seen from most parts of North America! Very much bringing forth HEART to those living in economic straits and coping with interesting political changes and leadership personalities. LEO rules leadership - is it coming from the Heart or from Ego? Who do you wish to follow? Work as a team or dictated to? Here is where we 'see' in the outer world what we each are working on in our respective inner worlds. As the Shadow of this eclipse passes over North America - what hidden fears and anxiety will be brought up and out of your heart to heal and love through? Consciously ride this wave of heart-opening moments, challenges and awareness.

Moon Globe, Okotoks, AB 2017

Interestingly, the Balsamic Moon phase of the previous Moon cycle (the last Moon phase for that cycle that begun July 19th at 9:11p MDT within the celestial coordinates of 12 degrees of Gemini 39') when Venus and the Moon came together to create the latest Venus Star Gate via the 5th Chakra - the HEART Chakra! How cool is this? Another reason why I love love love Astrology! Previous cycles of the luminaries/planets set us up for succeeding cycles - all in aid of assisting each of us on our onward/inner soul path journey here on Earth! So cool considering the CURRENT Moon cycle theme is LEO too! And the next New Moon/Solar Eclipse is LEO too! 

Venus, our Desire Body, is assisting us to open our hearts, while the Balsamic Moon (all about LETTING GO of distortions we've hung onto, until now) brings opportunities to let go, emotionally! For those of you who have been following the course of the current Venus Star Journey from Aries, we journey through all 7 Chakras from Balsamic Moon phase to Balsamic Moon phase. We've been descending into the Underworld via Venus and the Moon since March 2017, healing distortions, so far, within our respective Crown, Brow/3rd Eye and Throat Chakras. Now it is all about the heart, our hearts, and heartfully what it IS we truly want/Desire for ourselves, NOW and in the FUTURE.

For those curious and interested in learning MORE about Astrology and how it brings forth 

timely insights and healing within YOUR particular soul/life journey - 

call Laurie Rae for a truly insightful Astrology chart reading today!

Call 587.437.3520 or email myhouseofastrology 'at' shaw.ca for an appointment either 

In Person, Over the Phone or via Skype/FaceTime

and begin your conscious Soul/Inner Growth Journey today!

Posted by: Laurie Rae Rezanoff, Astrologer | Teacher | Writer | Speaker

Photo Credits: Laurie Rae Rezanoff within and around Okotoks, AB 2017

New Moon in Cancer: Sensitivity & Nurturing!

The current New Moon cycle began June 23, 2017 at 7:31 p.m. MDT at 02 degrees Cancer 47'. This cardinal water sign, Cancer, is ruled by the Moon, so expect highly sensitive feelings, heightened intuition, be open to receive, and family issues to be dealt with.

Full Rainbow, Okotoks, AB June 16, 2017

Both the Moon and Cancer rule the 4th House within the birth chart, from the natural wheel of the Zodiac. The 4th House is about the home of our early childhood, the home we live in now, the nurturance received as children from our Mothers/mother figures, and how we, in turn, nurture ourselves daily now.

Each New Moon signals the Moon and Sun sitting in the same place in the sky. Due to the Sun's glowing rays, we don't see the Moon until the Crescent Moon phase - which began today, June 27th, at 2:01 a.m. MDT. Tonight we shall see that crescent of Light struggling to be released out of whatever Darkness has hidden it from view. For we humans, this phase of the Moon brings forth an Inner struggle - something that our Ego-Self is reluctant to release and let go of. Hence the Struggle between the Old Self and the New Self that is emerging - our truest self revealed more and more each Moon cycle. Hence the Moon cycles bring forth opportunity for self-evolution, if we allow it!

The themes of Cancer, the cardinal water sign, bring forth something NEW to be initiated (along with the waxing of the New Moon to Full Moon) in the areas of:

• Home Life / Family - any unresolved issues from your early childhood will be showing up to be felt, embraced and dealt with - or not. Interestingly, the opposite sign of Cancer is Capricorn (Winter Solstice December 21st) and here is where, during our Christmas celebrations as family gatherings commence, we also feel the pull from Cancer's sensitivities at this time of year too! Always be aware of the opposite signs of yourself. When you sit in opposition to yourself - what do you see? What do you feel? What is your intuition telling you? What Inner Evolution is required for true self-growth? This is your internal frame of reference - for those who look to others for self-reflection vs. inner reflection of self.
• Safety - here protecting self or others from harm - feelings-wise - comes into play. Hence the moodiness that comes to the surface as the Sun enters Cancer (Summer Solstice June 20th at 10:24 p.m. MDT) until it enters Leo (July 22nd at 9:16 a.m. MDT) and now with the Moon joining in, ruler of Cancer, expect plenty of emotional connections and eruptions to feel your way through - yours and others around you. Cancer also rules financial security, wanting to feel that you belong somehow, and the tenacity that comes with sticking with it for the long haul - no matter the family or members that make up that family. We can also be over-protective of our children, family members and soul family members. Possessiveness can be a Shadow issue of Cancer.
• Growth - the process of training and practicing something NEW stems from our early childhood conditioning. How much of that have you freed yourself from that doesn't sit with who you truly are? How much are you still clinging to that prevents you from moving forward within your True Self, heart-guided and heart-centred? Here is where we nurture new beginnings - emotionally, intuitionally, and open ourselves up to RECEIVE heartfully from others. Risk creates growth. Without risk, we become stagnant, bitter and angry. Or depressed.
• Caring/Caretaking - here these skills are highlighted. Compassion and forgiveness go hand-in-hand with Cancer - within Self and with Others in our life. To realize that everyone is loving the best they can, at any given moment in time. Be compassionate about other's failings or fears to take a leap of faith, to begin something new and untried. You may love jumping into the Unknown. If someone else is hesitant, support - don't push or bully. For some of us we need more TIME to gather the courage to leap into the intimate details that are relationships - within family and without. Use empathy, care for one another's feelings, allow yourself, and others. to BE vulnerable! Only then will you experience true intimacy!
• Feelings & Moods - here's where the Moon's rulership brings forth a tidal wave of emotion and deeply felt feelings. Do you run and hide or do you embrace, in the moment, how you truly feel? Do you use alcohol, drugs, food, exercise, fantasy/fiction or shopping or gambling to avoid how you're TRULY feeling? How often? What are you afraid of? Falling into the depths of emotional pain? Drowning within them? Never coming back up for air? The sooner we FEEL the emotions, EXPRESS them, be HONEST about them with Self and Others - the sooner the tsunami of feeling abates. Leaving us with new Self-evolution, compassion and forgiveness and love. And yes, vulnerability! Be tender with yourself and your family members at this time. Try it on for size! Be aware of YOUR NEEDS and the needs of others especially during this Moon cycle!
• Nurturance - comes from feeling supported by others. Allow yourself to RECEIVE this support - from humans, your pets, your angels/Higher Self/God. And support others through their down times. Food is nurturance - yet when does it become emotional eating? What does food replace in your life? Do you know? How does food support you vs. people? Or do you believe "I can do it all by myself!" therefore not allowing others to support you? Hhhmmm....isolation breeds more isolation, loneliness and depression. Yet feasting and breaking bread with family/soul family and friends is amazingly wonderful and fun!
• Excessive Self-Protection - according to Jan Spiller's New Moon Astrology, here is where the over-protectiveness, being clingy, needy, insecure, overly cautious behaviour, fear of being rejected, and lack of definite goals (goals - one of Capricorn's specialties! Remember that opposite sign) FOR SELF come into play! This is where we LOOK TO OTHERS to do the work we need to do for Self! How does that help YOU evolve? Being helpless and depressed and 'o woe is me'...doesn't help you with being your True Authentic Self. The Moon and its cycle is all about our daily habits - what are you doing to support yourself and protect yourself? Do you assert it Within, and FOR your special self, or do you think someone else is going to come by and do it for you? How do I Love ME? Let me count the ways...
• Physically, Cancer rules: the breasts and chest cavity, the pancreas (sugar anyone?), the stomach, stomach gas and ulcers, and tumors. These are the areas of our physical body that will be talking to us if we aren't loving our emotions, loving self, FIRST, in order to be there for our Others. If you aren't supporting YOU, how can you support Others? Some of us do support only Others and don't do what we NEED for ourselves! Sound familiar? TAKE TIME OUT for YOU, feel those feelings, hug yourself, talk about them with close family, know that you are NOT alone, feel supported (by you AND others) and be OPEN to receive Love and Support and Protection along the way. It all begins with - well, YOU!

Moon Globe, Okotoks, AB June 2017

As I look at the chart of the 8 phases of this Moon cycle I see the following:

• All 4 of the Cardinal signs will be highlighted - therefore prepare for Initiating the NEW at New Moon, 1st QTR, Full Moon and Last QTR Moon phases! Know that the New Moon within Cancer heralds an emotional month all month long...be prepared with compassion and empathy and forgiveness.
• We have 2 of the Fixed signs highlighted - to deal with the details along the way, to see how stubborn we can be about CHANGE (!) during the Crescent Moon and Gibbous Moon phases! As of today until 5:52 p.m. June 30th we move through the Crescent Moon phase of the Ego NOT wanting to SEE more Light on that particular subject thank you very much! Which subject would that be? Fixed Fire of Leo - where we can be more in the Shadow of Leo - King or Queen of the Mountain/kitchen/home or Look At ME! Aren't I fabulous? Don't you just LOVE ME? Or leading via the mind vs. the heart. Or all work and no play makes ?? a dull boy/girl! Not allowing your Inner Child out to PLAY, to CREATE, to LOVE, to LEAD in some regard. How long has it been since you last laughed so hard you peed your pants? Believe me - it is such a cathartic release - and one that keeps you laughing for days and weeks ahead!
• The Mutable signs, for 2 phases - where we allow ourselves to go with the flow, to consider others in our decisions and goals, where we show up despite those Unexpected Instances that change the plan, Stan! Look for this during the upcoming Disseminating Moon and Balsamic Moon phases.

Double Rainbow, Okotoks, AB June 2017

Speaking of the Balsamic Moon phase - I haven't told you of the 3rd Venus/Moon Gate of Communication we moved through during the last Moon cycle! This occurred at 4:14 p.m. MDT June 20th - Summer Solstice! Within 14 degrees of Taurus 45' - ruling the Throat Chakra and where we began to release the distortions therein by Venus/Inanna releasing the double-stranded beaded necklace from their necks - releasing all the ways we no longer communicate the TRUTH and AUTHENTICITY of our BEING! This is what we are all, men and women, dealing with from the Summer Solstice Balsamic Moon phase until the upcoming Balsamic Moon phase of July 19th!

Talk about a highly sensitive and moody Moon cycle to navigate through via communication distortions that no longer serve us! If you cannot be truthful with your Self, how can you be truthful with Others? Each Moon cycle beckons us to deal with daily habits that no longer support us. Is it now time for YOU to let go of communication issues that no longer serve you? Are you ready to LET IT ALL GO? Some aspects of communication is changing always saying YES to other's needs to NO! Boundaries are key this Moon cycle too! BE HONEST. OWN WHAT YOU NEED. THEN COMMUNICATE IT. Lovingly, with compassion, empathy and SUPPORT Self first - with love, compassion, empathy and forgiveness.

Having ALL 4 Cardinal signs within half the Moon phases this Moon cycle means 4 times the  opportunity for Self-Evolution leading to Soul-Evolution! Hence why I LOVE Astrology! The cycles of the luminaries and planets alert us to phases and opportunities for Inner Growth - and Cancer is all about GROWTH!

If you have yet to experience a true Astrological reading - call me or email me to book your appointment today: 587.437.3520 or myhouseofastrology@shaw.ca - you're worth it!

Posted by: Laurie Rae Rezanoff, Astrologer | Teacher | Writer | Speaker

Photo Credits: all nature pictures taken by Laurie Rae Rezanoff

New Moon in Cancer: Sensitivity & Nurturing!

The current New Moon cycle began June 23, 2017 at 7:31 p.m. MDT at 02 degrees Cancer 47'. This cardinal water sign, Cancer, is ruled by the Moon, so expect highly sensitive feelings, heightened intuition, be open to receive, and family issues to be dealt with.

Full Rainbow, Okotoks, AB June 16, 2017

Both the Moon and Cancer rule the 4th House within the birth chart, from the natural wheel of the Zodiac. The 4th House is about the home of our early childhood, the home we live in now, the nurturance received as children from our Mothers/mother figures, and how we, in turn, nurture ourselves daily now.

Each New Moon signals the Moon and Sun sitting in the same place in the sky. Due to the Sun's glowing rays, we don't see the Moon until the Crescent Moon phase - which began today, June 27th, at 2:01 a.m. MDT. Tonight we shall see that crescent of Light struggling to be released out of whatever Darkness has hidden it from view. For we humans, this phase of the Moon brings forth an Inner struggle - something that our Ego-Self is reluctant to release and let go of. Hence the Struggle between the Old Self and the New Self that is emerging - our truest self revealed more and more each Moon cycle. Hence the Moon cycles bring forth opportunity for self-evolution, if we allow it!

The themes of Cancer, the cardinal water sign, bring forth something NEW to be initiated (along with the waxing of the New Moon to Full Moon) in the areas of:

• Home Life / Family - any unresolved issues from your early childhood will be showing up to be felt, embraced and dealt with - or not. Interestingly, the opposite sign of Cancer is Capricorn (Winter Solstice December 21st) and here is where, during our Christmas celebrations as family gatherings commence, we also feel the pull from Cancer's sensitivities at this time of year too! Always be aware of the opposite signs of yourself. When you sit in opposition to yourself - what do you see? What do you feel? What is your intuition telling you? What Inner Evolution is required for true self-growth? This is your internal frame of reference - for those who look to others for self-reflection vs. inner reflection of self.
• Safety - here protecting self or others from harm - feelings-wise - comes into play. Hence the moodiness that comes to the surface as the Sun enters Cancer (Summer Solstice June 20th at 10:24 p.m. MDT) until it enters Leo (July 22nd at 9:16 a.m. MDT) and now with the Moon joining in, ruler of Cancer, expect plenty of emotional connections and eruptions to feel your way through - yours and others around you. Cancer also rules financial security, wanting to feel that you belong somehow, and the tenacity that comes with sticking with it for the long haul - no matter the family or members that make up that family. We can also be over-protective of our children, family members and soul family members. Possessiveness can be a Shadow issue of Cancer.
• Growth - the process of training and practicing something NEW stems from our early childhood conditioning. How much of that have you freed yourself from that doesn't sit with who you truly are? How much are you still clinging to that prevents you from moving forward within your True Self, heart-guided and heart-centred? Here is where we nurture new beginnings - emotionally, intuitionally, and open ourselves up to RECEIVE heartfully from others. Risk creates growth. Without risk, we become stagnant, bitter and angry. Or depressed.
• Caring/Caretaking - here these skills are highlighted. Compassion and forgiveness go hand-in-hand with Cancer - within Self and with Others in our life. To realize that everyone is loving the best they can, at any given moment in time. Be compassionate about other's failings or fears to take a leap of faith, to begin something new and untried. You may love jumping into the Unknown. If someone else is hesitant, support - don't push or bully. For some of us we need more TIME to gather the courage to leap into the intimate details that are relationships - within family and without. Use empathy, care for one another's feelings, allow yourself, and others. to BE vulnerable! Only then will you experience true intimacy!
• Feelings & Moods - here's where the Moon's rulership brings forth a tidal wave of emotion and deeply felt feelings. Do you run and hide or do you embrace, in the moment, how you truly feel? Do you use alcohol, drugs, food, exercise, fantasy/fiction or shopping or gambling to avoid how you're TRULY feeling? How often? What are you afraid of? Falling into the depths of emotional pain? Drowning within them? Never coming back up for air? The sooner we FEEL the emotions, EXPRESS them, be HONEST about them with Self and Others - the sooner the tsunami of feeling abates. Leaving us with new Self-evolution, compassion and forgiveness and love. And yes, vulnerability! Be tender with yourself and your family members at this time. Try it on for size! Be aware of YOUR NEEDS and the needs of others especially during this Moon cycle!
• Nurturance - comes from feeling supported by others. Allow yourself to RECEIVE this support - from humans, your pets, your angels/Higher Self/God. And support others through their down times. Food is nurturance - yet when does it become emotional eating? What does food replace in your life? Do you know? How does food support you vs. people? Or do you believe "I can do it all by myself!" therefore not allowing others to support you? Hhhmmm....isolation breeds more isolation, loneliness and depression. Yet feasting and breaking bread with family/soul family and friends is amazingly wonderful and fun!
• Excessive Self-Protection - according to Jan Spiller's New Moon Astrology, here is where the over-protectiveness, being clingy, needy, insecure, overly cautious behaviour, fear of being rejected, and lack of definite goals (goals - one of Capricorn's specialties! Remember that opposite sign) FOR SELF come into play! This is where we LOOK TO OTHERS to do the work we need to do for Self! How does that help YOU evolve? Being helpless and depressed and 'o woe is me'...doesn't help you with being your True Authentic Self. The Moon and its cycle is all about our daily habits - what are you doing to support yourself and protect yourself? Do you assert it Within, and FOR your special self, or do you think someone else is going to come by and do it for you? How do I Love ME? Let me count the ways...
• Physically, Cancer rules: the breasts and chest cavity, the pancreas (sugar anyone?), the stomach, stomach gas and ulcers, and tumors. These are the areas of our physical body that will be talking to us if we aren't loving our emotions, loving self, FIRST, in order to be there for our Others. If you aren't supporting YOU, how can you support Others? Some of us do support only Others and don't do what we NEED for ourselves! Sound familiar? TAKE TIME OUT for YOU, feel those feelings, hug yourself, talk about them with close family, know that you are NOT alone, feel supported (by you AND others) and be OPEN to receive Love and Support and Protection along the way. It all begins with - well, YOU!

Moon Globe, Okotoks, AB June 2017

As I look at the chart of the 8 phases of this Moon cycle I see the following:

• All 4 of the Cardinal signs will be highlighted - therefore prepare for Initiating the NEW at New Moon, 1st QTR, Full Moon and Last QTR Moon phases! Know that the New Moon within Cancer heralds an emotional month all month long...be prepared with compassion and empathy and forgiveness.
• We have 2 of the Fixed signs highlighted - to deal with the details along the way, to see how stubborn we can be about CHANGE (!) during the Crescent Moon and Gibbous Moon phases! As of today until 5:52 p.m. June 30th we move through the Crescent Moon phase of the Ego NOT wanting to SEE more Light on that particular subject thank you very much! Which subject would that be? Fixed Fire of Leo - where we can be more in the Shadow of Leo - King or Queen of the Mountain/kitchen/home or Look At ME! Aren't I fabulous? Don't you just LOVE ME? Or leading via the mind vs. the heart. Or all work and no play makes ?? a dull boy/girl! Not allowing your Inner Child out to PLAY, to CREATE, to LOVE, to LEAD in some regard. How long has it been since you last laughed so hard you peed your pants? Believe me - it is such a cathartic release - and one that keeps you laughing for days and weeks ahead!
• The Mutable signs, for 2 phases - where we allow ourselves to go with the flow, to consider others in our decisions and goals, where we show up despite those Unexpected Instances that change the plan, Stan! Look for this during the upcoming Disseminating Moon and Balsamic Moon phases.

Double Rainbow, Okotoks, AB June 2017

Speaking of the Balsamic Moon phase - I haven't told you of the 3rd Venus/Moon Gate of Communication we moved through during the last Moon cycle! This occurred at 4:14 p.m. MDT June 20th - Summer Solstice! Within 14 degrees of Taurus 45' - ruling the Throat Chakra and where we began to release the distortions therein by Venus/Inanna releasing the double-stranded beaded necklace from their necks - releasing all the ways we no longer communicate the TRUTH and AUTHENTICITY of our BEING! This is what we are all, men and women, dealing with from the Summer Solstice Balsamic Moon phase until the upcoming Balsamic Moon phase of July 19th!

Talk about a highly sensitive and moody Moon cycle to navigate through via communication distortions that no longer serve us! If you cannot be truthful with your Self, how can you be truthful with Others? Each Moon cycle beckons us to deal with daily habits that no longer support us. Is it now time for YOU to let go of communication issues that no longer serve you? Are you ready to LET IT ALL GO? Some aspects of communication is changing always saying YES to other's needs to NO! Boundaries are key this Moon cycle too! BE HONEST. OWN WHAT YOU NEED. THEN COMMUNICATE IT. Lovingly, with compassion, empathy and SUPPORT Self first - with love, compassion, empathy and forgiveness.

Having ALL 4 Cardinal signs within half the Moon phases this Moon cycle means 4 times the  opportunity for Self-Evolution leading to Soul-Evolution! Hence why I LOVE Astrology! The cycles of the luminaries and planets alert us to phases and opportunities for Inner Growth - and Cancer is all about GROWTH!

If you have yet to experience a true Astrological reading - call me or email me to book your appointment today: 587.437.3520 or myhouseofastrology@shaw.ca - you're worth it!

Posted by: Laurie Rae Rezanoff, Astrologer | Teacher | Writer | Speaker

Photo Credits: all nature pictures taken by Laurie Rae Rezanoff