The Waning Moon transits Capricorn from April 17 to 19, between the Disseminating and Last Quarter Phases

Roman Cameo depicting Sea Goat with Puer (child)

***

CAPRICORN, Moon of responsibility and ambition
Practical and efficient

From April 17, 9.04 am, to April 19, 8.51 pm

Suitable energy for working, planning, seeking employment, building, creating the foundations of something lasting, looking after the oldies, family business, saving, budgeting, studying serious subjects, scholarly work, pursuit of excellence. Important purchases, house, real estate, business, cars, antiques, insurance policies, payment of taxes and government fees. Action motivated by practical goals and the need for structure. Cool display of feeling, but sensual, committed, protective. Beware of rigidity, bossiness, authoritarian ways, paternalism, pessimism, depression, cynicism.

♣ ♣ ♣ In the garden Capricorn is traditionally considered a productive Sign, especially suitable for growing Perennials, Trees and Vines. Any planting indeed that is meant to last a long time is well done in this earthy and reliable Sign. It is also a good Moon transit to plant root crops like potatoes and carrots. Fertilizing, especially slow release, recommended.

♥ ♥ ♥ Healing Herbs: Comfrey, Rue, Sarsaparilla, Wintergreen.

A note: the garden activities associated with the Moon Sign depend also on the cycle the Moon is in. The Moon transiting through a fertile or productive Sign will no be so favorable if the Phase is not a productive one, and vice-versa. For best results the Sign and Phase of the Moon have to be considered together.

Disseminating Moon

The Moon is now on her return journey. This phase occurs three and half days past the Full Moon. It has been given this name because this is a time for spreading and sharing the knowledge or realization we have gathered at the Full Moon. It is the first step on the inner journey which began at the Full Moon, but it can still be an active time in the world too, with the need to reach out to others. The Moon has past her prime, but her still strong light is a reminder of her recent fullness.

♣ ♣ ♣ In the garden, despite the rapidly diminishing Moon light, this is a productive time for growing things and also to apply slow release fertilizer. The fact that these are the last available days for planting before the Last Quarter should work as an incentive to get going. Favourite plants to grow during this first week of the waning cycle are the Perennials, Biennials and Root Crops because the Moon energy is being stored underground in anticipation of the resting period not too far ahead.

Last Quarter

If the First Quarter presented us with external challenges to overcome in order to achieve the goal promised by the Full Moon, at the Last Quarter we feel that whatever bar our progress is within us and not without. We can now take responsibility for our life and circumstances. The battle needs to be fought with oneself and not other people. Both Quarters are crucial times that suggest division and strife, but while at the First Quarter we could find refuge in the illusion that the cause of all the problems was someone or something else, now we can clearly see how we contribute to whatever crisis we may be experiencing. The Moon is now 90 degrees behind the Sun, another right angle. The friction generated by the inner dialogue could be very creative if you don’t let it depress you.

♣ ♣ ♣ In the garden we should stop all sowing and planting, and concentrate on soil conditioning and cultivation. Suitable energy also for harvesting and getting rid of unwanted weeds and pests.

The Waning Moon transits Capricorn from March 21 to 23, during the Last Quarter Phase

Artwork by Evariste Carpentier

CAPRICORN, Moon of responsibility and ambition
Practical and efficient

From March 21, 02.30 am, to March 23, 1.28 pm

Suitable energy for working, planning, seeking employment, building, creating the foundations of something lasting, looking after the oldies, family business, saving, budgeting, studying serious subjects, scholarly work, pursuit of excellence. Important purchases, house, real estate, business, cars, antiques, insurance policies, payment of taxes and government fees. Action motivated by practical goals and the need for structure. Cool display of feeling, but sensual, committed, protective. Beware of rigidity, bossiness, authoritarian ways, paternalism, pessimism, depression, cynicism.

♣ ♣ ♣ In the garden Capricorn is traditionally considered a productive Sign, especially suitable for growing Perennials, Trees and Vines. Any planting indeed that is meant to last a long time is well done in this earthy and reliable Sign. It is also a good Moon transit to plant root crops like potatoes and carrots. Fertilizing, especially slow release, recommended.

♥ ♥ ♥ Healing Herbs: Comfrey, Rue, Sarsaparilla, Wintergreen.

A note: the garden activities associated with the Moon Sign depend also on the cycle the Moon is in. The Moon transiting through a fertile or productive Sign will no be so favorable if the Phase is not a productive one, and vice-versa. For best results the Sign and Phase of the Moon have to be considered together.

Last Quarter

If the First Quarter presented us with external challenges to overcome in order to achieve the goal promised by the Full Moon, at the Last Quarter we feel that whatever bar our progress is within us and not without. We can now take responsibility for our life and circumstances. The battle needs to be fought with oneself and not other people. Both Quarters are crucial times that suggest division and strife, but while at the First Quarter we could find refuge in the illusion that the cause of all the problems was someone or something else, now we can clearly see how we contribute to whatever crisis we may be experiencing. The Moon is now 90 degrees behind the Sun, another right angle. The friction generated by the inner dialogue could be very creative if you don’t let it depress you.

♣ ♣ ♣ In the garden we should stop all sowing and planting, and concentrate on soil conditioning and cultivation. Suitable energy also for harvesting and getting rid of unwanted weeds and pests.

The Waning Moon transits Capricorn from February 21 to 24, between the Last Quarter and Balsamic Phases

‘Goat of Heaven’ by Sarah Wharton

***

CAPRICORN, Moon of responsibility

and ambition

Practical and efficient

from February 21, 6.07 pm, to February 24, 4.17 am

Suitable energy for working, planning, seeking employment, building, creating the foundations of something lasting, looking after the oldies, family business, saving, budgeting, studying serious subjects, scholarly work, pursuit of excellence. Important purchases, house, real estate, business, cars, antiques, insurance policies, payment of taxes and government fees. Action motivated by practical goals and the need for structure. Cool display of feeling, but sensual, committed, protective. Beware of rigidity, bossiness, authoritarian ways, paternalism, pessimism, depression, cynicism.

♣ ♣ ♣ In the garden Capricorn is traditionally considered a productive Sign, especially suitable for growing Perennials, Trees and Vines. Any planting indeed that is meant to last a long time is well done in this earthy and reliable Sign. It is also a good Moon transit to plant root crops like potatoes and carrots. Fertilizing, especially slow release, recommended.

♥ ♥ ♥ Healing Herbs: Comfrey, Rue, Sarsaparilla, Wintergreen.

A note: the garden activities associated with the Moon Sign depend also on the cycle the Moon is in. The Moon transiting through a fertile or productive Sign will no be so favorable if the Phase is not a productive one, and vice-versa. For best results the Sign and Phase of the Moon have to be considered together.

Last Quarter

If the First Quarter presented us with external challenges to overcome in order to achieve the goal promised by the Full Moon, at the Last Quarter we feel that whatever bar our progress is within us and not without. We can now take responsibility for our life and circumstances. The battle needs to be fought with oneself and not other people. Both Quarters are crucial times that suggest division and strife, but while at the First Quarter we could find refuge in the illusion that the cause of all the problems was someone or something else, now we can clearly see how we contribute to whatever crisis we may be experiencing. The Moon is now 90 degrees behind the Sun, another right angle. The friction generated by the inner dialogue could be very creative if you don’t let it depress you.

♣ ♣ ♣ In the garden we should stop all sowing and planting, and concentrate on soil conditioning and cultivation. Suitable energy also for harvesting and getting rid of unwanted weeds and pests.

Balsamic Moon

The Moon is 45 degrees behind the Sun, only three and half days to New Moon. The Moon light is decreasing rapidly and the lunar energy is now being stored as nutrients in the seeds of future plants. It is also the calm before the storm of activities of the New Moon. Time for contemplation, self reflection and healing. The title Balsamic Moon is derived from the word ‘balsam’, unguent which helps to relieve pain and cure ills. During this time we could distil the essence of our past experience, from the last New Moon up to this point, reflect upon what we have experienced and learnt, getting psychologically ready for the cycle which is about to open. This is a spiritual phase, more suitable for meditation and relaxation than action.

♣ ♣ ♣ In the garden it is certainly no time for planting or sowing, but it is ideal for cultivation, soil conditioning, eradicating pests and unwanted plants and to prune in order to retard growth.

The Waxing Moon transits Capricorn from December 1 to 4, between the New and Crescent Phases

***

CAPRICORN, Moon of responsibility and ambition
Practical and efficient

From December 1, 7.52 pm, to December 4, 6.43 am

Suitable energy for working, planning, seeking employment, building, creating the foundations of something lasting, looking after the oldies, family business, saving, budgeting, studying serious subjects, scholarly work, pursuit of excellence. Important purchases, house, real estate, business, cars, antiques, insurance policies, payment of taxes and government fees. Action motivated by practical goals and the need for structure. Cool display of feeling, but sensual, committed, protective. Beware of rigidity, bossiness, authoritarian ways, paternalism, pessimism, depression, cynicism.

♣ ♣ ♣ In the garden Capricorn is traditionally considered a productive Sign, especially suitable for growing Perennials, Trees and Vines. Any planting indeed that is meant to last a long time is well done in this earthy and reliable Sign. It is also a good Moon transit to plant root crops like potatoes and carrots. Fertilizing, especially slow release, recommended.

♥ ♥ ♥ Healing Herbs: Comfrey, Rue, Sarsaparilla, Wintergreen.

A note: the garden activities associated with the Moon Sign depend also on the cycle the Moon is in. The Moon transiting through a fertile or productive Sign will no be so favorable if the Phase is not a productive one, and vice-versa. For best results the Sign and Phase of the Moon have to be considered together.

The New Moon

The New Moon is the beginning of the Waxing cycle, the sacred marriage of Moon and Sun, Yin and Yang, Night and Day. For three days the Moon becomes invisible. Astrologically we say that the Moon is now conjunct the Sun (on the same degree of Longitude along the Ecliptic). Every month the New Moon occurs in a different Sign. So the Aries New Moon in March/April is always followed by the Taurus New Moon in April/May and so on. New Moons are symbols of new beginning and represent a great time to start something or make important changes in our lives. The energy is right for everything new you would like to try.

♣ ♣ ♣ In the garden this is traditionally a time to begin sowing and planting because the increasing Moon light will help plants to emerge and flourish. Moisture becomes more and more available as the light of the Moon intensifies, up to the Full Moon. Traditionally however no sowing or planting are recommended within twelve hours of the phase.

Crescent Moon

The Crescent Moon occurs half way through the first week of the Waxing cycle, when the Moon is transiting 45 degrees ahead of the Sun and looks like a beautiful crescent in the western sky after sunset. Psychologically this is an enthusiastic time, in which lots of ideas crowd our mind and we may feel that the sky is the limit. It is a slightly naïve Moon time, but also one full of hopes and dreams (the bright crescent shows now the shadowy sphere of the future Full Moon. The energy of the Moon however needs maturing at this stage and grounding. The first difficulties may appear, the first chinks in the armor; but the challenge is not strong enough yet for us to build up on it.

♣ ♣ ♣ In the garden this is an excellent growing time: everything can go in now, but in particular leafy vegetables and all plants that we grow for their above the ground parts, but only when the Moon is transiting through the very fertile Water Signs or the productive Signs Taurus, Libra and Capricorn.

 

The Waxing Moon transits Capricorn from November 4 to 7, during the Crescent Phase

The magic Sea-Goat

***

CAPRICORN, Moon of responsibility and ambition
Practical and efficient

From November 4, 2.05 pm, to November 7, 0.55 am

Suitable energy for working, planning, seeking employment, building, creating the foundations of something lasting, looking after the oldies, family business, saving, budgeting, studying serious subjects, scholarly work, pursuit of excellence. Important purchases, house, real estate, business, cars, antiques, insurance policies, payment of taxes and government fees. Action motivated by practical goals and the need for structure. Cool display of feeling, but sensual, committed, protective. Beware of rigidity, bossiness, authoritarian ways, paternalism, pessimism, depression, cynicism.

♣ ♣ ♣ In the garden Capricorn is traditionally considered a productive Sign, especially suitable for growing Perennials, Trees and Vines. Any planting indeed that is meant to last a long time is well done in this earthy and reliable Sign. It is also a good Moon transit to plant root crops like potatoes and carrots. Fertilizing, especially slow release, recommended.

♥ ♥ ♥ Healing Herbs: Comfrey, Rue, Sarsaparilla, Wintergreen.

A note: the garden activities associated with the Moon Sign depend also on the cycle the Moon is in. The Moon transiting through a fertile or productive Sign will no be so favorable if the Phase is not a productive one, and vice-versa. For best results the Sign and Phase of the Moon have to be considered together.

*******

Crescent Moon

The Crescent Moon occurs half way through the first week of the Waxing cycle, when the Moon is transiting 45 degrees ahead of the Sun and looks like a beautiful crescent in the western sky after sunset. Psychologically this is an enthusiastic time, in which lots of ideas crowd our mind and we may feel that the sky is the limit. It is a slightly naïve Moon time, but also one full of hopes and dreams (the bright crescent shows now the shadowy sphere of the future Full Moon. The energy of the Moon however needs maturing at this stage and grounding. The first difficulties may appear, the first chinks in the armor; but the challenge is not strong enough yet for us to build up on it.

♣ ♣ ♣ In the garden this is an excellent growing time: everything can go in now, but in particular leafy vegetables and all plants that we grow for their above the ground parts, but only when the Moon is transiting through the very fertile Water Signs or the productive Signs Taurus, Libra and Capricorn.

The Waxing Moon transits Capricorn, between the Crescent and First Quarter Phase

CAPRICORN, Moon of responsibility and ambition
Practical and efficient

From October 8, 6.39 am, to October 10, 4.32 pm

Suitable energy for working, planning, seeking employment, building, creating the foundations of something lasting, looking after the oldies, family business, saving, budgeting, studying serious subjects, scholarly work, pursuit of excellence. Important purchases, house, real estate, business, cars, antiques, insurance policies, payment of taxes and government fees. Action motivated by practical goals and the need for structure. Cool display of feeling, but sensual, committed, protective. Beware of rigidity, bossiness, authoritarian ways, paternalism, pessimism, depression, cynicism.

♣ ♣ ♣ In the garden Capricorn is traditionally considered a productive Sign, especially suitable for growing Perennials, Trees and Vines. Any planting indeed that is meant to last a long time is well done in this earthy and reliable Sign. It is also a good Moon transit to plant root crops like potatoes and carrots. Fertilizing, especially slow release, recommended.

♥ ♥ ♥ Healing Herbs: Comfrey, Rue, Sarsaparilla, Wintergreen.

*******

Crescent Moon

The Crescent Moon occurs half way through the first week of the Waxing cycle, when the Moon is transiting 45 degrees ahead of the Sun and looks like a beautiful crescent in the western sky after sunset. Psychologically this is an enthusiastic time, in which lots of ideas crowd our mind and we may feel that the sky is the limit. It is a slightly naïve Moon time, but also one full of hopes and dreams (the bright crescent shows now the shadowy sphere of the future Full Moon. The energy of the Moon however needs maturing at this stage and grounding. The first difficulties may appear, the first chinks in the armor; but the challenge is not strong enough yet for us to build up on it.

♣ ♣ ♣ In the garden this is an excellent growing time: everything can go in now, but in particular leafy vegetables and all plants that we grow for their above the ground parts, but only when the Moon is transiting through the very fertile Water Signs or the productive Signs Taurus, Libra and Capricorn.

First Quarter

The Moon is now 90 degrees ahead of the Sun, a right angle, very powerful. We meet some serious obstacle on our way. The goal is still strongly in view (Full Moon) but something or someone seem intent at stopping us or hinder our progress. This is the most critical point in the waxing period. It is important that we meet the challenge now, but it is also essential that we don’t go to war with people around us, blaming them for our difficulties, which are instead just a natural phase of our journey. There is something a bit black and white in this Moon’s position and the attention is perhaps focused too much on outside circumstances.

♣ ♣ ♣ In the garden this is the demarcation time between the first and second weeks of the Moon cycle, an important boundary, because different types of plants can now go in, those we grow for their fruit or seedpods (tomatoes, beans etc.). The Moon needs also to be transiting a fertile or productive Sign.

The Waxing Moon transits Capricorn from September 10 to 13, during the First Quarter Phase

***

‘Capricorn’ by Art of Fragility

CAPRICORN, Moon of responsibility and ambition
Practical and efficient

From September 10, 10.54 pm, to September 13, 7.28 am

Suitable energy for working, planning, seeking employment, building, creating the foundations of something lasting, looking after the oldies, family business, saving, budgeting, studying serious subjects, scholarly work, pursuit of excellence. Important purchases, house, real estate, business, cars, antiques, insurance policies, payment of taxes and government fees. Action motivated by practical goals and the need for structure. Cool display of feeling, but sensual, committed, protective. Beware of rigidity, bossiness, authoritarian ways, paternalism, pessimism, depression, cynicism.

♣ ♣ ♣ In the garden Capricorn is traditionally considered a productive Sign, especially suitable for growing Perennials, Trees and Vines. Any planting indeed that is meant to last a long time is well done in this earthy and reliable Sign. It is also a good Moon transit to plant root crops like potatoes and carrots. Fertilizing, especially slow release, recommended.

♥ ♥ ♥ Healing Herbs: Comfrey, Rue, Sarsaparilla, Wintergreen.

 A note: the garden activities associated with the Moon Sign depend also on the cycle the Moon is in. The Moon transiting through a fertile or productive Sign will no be so favorable if the Phase is not a productive one, and vice-versa. For best results the Sign and Phase of the Moon have to be considered together.

*******

First Quarter

The Moon is now 90 degrees ahead of the Sun, a right angle, very powerful. We meet some serious obstacle on our way. The goal is still strongly in view (Full Moon) but something or someone seem intent at stopping us or hinder our progress. This is the most critical point in the waxing period. It is important that we meet the challenge now, but it is also essential that we don’t go to war with people around us, blaming them for our difficulties, which are instead just a natural phase of our journey. There is something a bit black and white in this Moon’s position and the attention is perhaps focused too much on outside circumstances.

♣ ♣ ♣ In the garden this is the demarcation time between the first and second weeks of the Moon cycle, an important boundary, because different types of plants can now go in, those we grow for their fruit or seedpods (tomatoes, beans etc.). The Moon needs also to be transiting a fertile or productive Sign.

The Waxing Moon transits Capricorn from August 14 to 16, between the First Quarter and Gibbous Phases

‘Under the alcove’ by Arnold Bocklin

CAPRICORN, Moon of responsibility and ambition
Practical and efficient

From August 14, 2.11 pm, to August 16, 9.52 pm

Suitable energy for working, planning, seeking employment, building, creating the foundations of something lasting, looking after the oldies, family business, saving, budgeting, studying serious subjects, scholarly work, pursuit of excellence. Important purchases, house, real estate, business, cars, antiques, insurance policies, payment of taxes and government fees. Action motivated by practical goals and the need for structure. Cool display of feeling, but sensual, committed, protective. Beware of rigidity, bossiness, authoritarian ways, paternalism, pessimism, depression, cynicism.

♣ ♣ ♣ In the garden Capricorn is traditionally considered a productive Sign, especially suitable for growing Perennials, Trees and Vines. Any planting indeed that is meant to last a long time is well done in this earthy and reliable Sign. It is also a good Moon transit to plant root crops like potatoes and carrots. Fertilizing, especially slow release, recommended.

♥ ♥ ♥ Healing Herbs: Comfrey, Rue, Sarsaparilla, Wintergreen.

A note: the garden activities associated with the Moon Sign depend also on the cycle the Moon is in. The Moon transiting through a fertile or productive Sign will no be so favorable if the Phase is not a productive one, and vice-versa. For best results the Sign and Phase of the Moon have to be considered together.

*******

First Quarter

The Moon is now 90 degrees ahead of the Sun, a right angle, very powerful. We meet some serious obstacle on our way. The goal is still strongly in view (Full Moon) but something or someone seem intent at stopping us or hinder our progress. This is the most critical point in the waxing period. It is important that we meet the challenge now, but it is also essential that we don’t go to war with people around us, blaming them for our difficulties, which are instead just a natural phase of our journey. There is something a bit black and white in this Moon’s position and the attention is perhaps focused too much on outside circumstances.

♣ ♣ ♣ In the garden this is the demarcation time between the first and second weeks of the Moon cycle, an important boundary, because different types of plants can now go in, those we grow for their fruit or seedpods (tomatoes, beans etc.). The Moon needs also to be transiting a fertile or productive Sign.

 

Gibbous Moon

The Moon is waxing, 135 degrees ahead of the Sun, only 45 degrees or three and half days to the Full Moon. The Moon shows a strange shape now, like a rugby ball. Our goals are becoming more clear and we can power ahead, not too concerned about possible obstacles on our path. The power of attraction of the Full Moon proves irresistible.

♣ ♣ ♣ In the garden as in life there should be plenty of activities and a sense of urgency, least one should waste the great energy available at the moment. When the Moon transits a very fertile Sign like Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces, or a productive Sign like Taurus, Libra and Capricorn in this phase practically every plant and seed can go into the garden successfully. This is the middle of the second waxing week. Ideally, after sowing or planting leafy vegetables in the first week, we should be busy putting in those plants we grow for their fruit or seedpods (tomatoes, beans, etc.).

The Waxing Moon transits Capricorn from July 18 to 20, between the Gibbous and Full Moon Phases

Hippy Capricorn

CAPRICORN, Moon of responsibility and ambition
Practical and efficient

From July 18, 5.32 am, to July 20, 1.10 pm

Suitable energy for working, planning, seeking employment, building, creating the foundations of something lasting, looking after the oldies, family business, saving, budgeting, studying serious subjects, scholarly work, pursuit of excellence. Important purchases, house, real estate, business, cars, antiques, insurance policies, payment of taxes and government fees. Action motivated by practical goals and the need for structure. Cool display of feeling, but sensual, committed, protective. Beware of rigidity, bossiness, authoritarian ways, paternalism, pessimism, depression, cynicism.

♣ ♣ ♣ In the garden Capricorn is traditionally considered a productive Sign, especially suitable for growing Perennials, Trees and Vines. Any planting indeed that is meant to last a long time is well done in this earthy and reliable Sign. It is also a good Moon transit to plant root crops like potatoes and carrots. Fertilizing, especially slow release, recommended.

♥ ♥ ♥ Healing Herbs: Comfrey, Rue, Sarsaparilla, Wintergreen.

A note: the garden activities associated with the Moon Sign depend also on the cycle the Moon is in. The Moon transiting through a fertile or productive Sign will no be so favorable if the Phase is not a productive one, and vice-versa. For best results the Sign and Phase of the Moon have to be considered together.

*******

Gibbous Moon

The Moon is waxing, 135 degrees ahead of the Sun, only 45 degrees or three and half days to the Full Moon. The Moon shows a strange shape now, like a rugby ball. Our goals are becoming more clear and we can power ahead, not too concerned about possible obstacles on our path. The power of attraction of the Full Moon proves irresistible.

♣ ♣ ♣ In the garden as in life there should be plenty of activities and a sense of urgency, least one should waste the great energy available at the moment. When the Moon transits a very fertile Sign like Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces, or a productive Sign like Taurus, Libra and Capricorn in this phase practically every plant and seed can go into the garden successfully. This is the middle of the second waxing week. Ideally, after sowing or planting leafy vegetables in the first week, we should be busy putting in those plants we grow for their fruit or seedpods (tomatoes, beans, etc.).

 

Full Moon

At Full Moon the Moon has reached a distance of 180 degrees ahead of the Sun, becoming diametrically opposed to it, with planet Earth in the middle. This is symbolically harvest time, when we reap what we have sown in the waxing period. We might experience success or failure, but either way we are coming to some important realization. The cycle has now reached its half way mark and is at its most intense. Like the New Moon a fortnight earlier this is also a time for new beginnings, not in the naïve, tentative way of the New Moon, but in a more mature and conscious way.

♣ ♣ ♣ In the garden the Full Moon is a great divide: before the exact phase the increasing light and surging energy are particularly good for Annuals and above the ground crops; after the phase Perennials, Biennials, Trees and Root crops are more suited. Traditionally no sowing or planting are recommended however twelve hours before or after the phase itself. Some authors suggest even 24 hours.

 

The Waning Moon transits Capricorn from June 20 to 23, during the Full Moon Phase

‘Girl with a goat’ by Jacob Gerritsz Cuyp

***

CAPRICORN, Moon of responsibility and ambition
Practical and efficient

From June 20, 9.54 pm, to June 23, 6.08 am

Suitable energy for working, planning, seeking employment, building, creating the foundations of something lasting, looking after the oldies, family business, saving, budgeting, studying serious subjects, scholarly work, pursuit of excellence. Important purchases, house, real estate, business, cars, antiques, insurance policies, payment of taxes and government fees. Action motivated by practical goals and the need for structure. Cool display of feeling, but sensual, committed, protective. Beware of rigidity, bossiness, authoritarian ways, paternalism, pessimism, depression, cynicism.

In the garden Capricorn is traditionally considered a productive Sign, especially suitable for growing Perennials, Trees and Vines. Any planting indeed that is meant to last a long time is well done in this earthy and reliable Sign. It is also a good Moon transit to plant root crops like potatoes and carrots. Fertilizing, especially slow release, recommended.

Healing Herbs: Comfrey, Rue, Sarsaparilla, Wintergreen.

A note: the garden activities associated with the Moon Sign depend also on the cycle the Moon is in. The Moon transiting through a fertile or productive Sign will no be so favorable if the Phase is not a productive one, and vice-versa. For best results the Sign and Phase of the Moon have to be considered together.

*******

Full Moon

At Full Moon the Moon has reached a distance of 180 degrees ahead of the Sun, becoming diametrically opposed to it, with planet Earth in the middle. This is symbolically harvest time, when we reap what we have sown in the waxing period. We might experience success or failure, but either way we are coming to some important realization. The cycle has now reached its half way mark and is at its most intense. Like the New Moon a fortnight earlier this is also a time for new beginnings, not in the naïve, tentative way of the New Moon, but in a more mature and conscious way.

In the garden the Full Moon is a great divide: before the exact phase the increasing light and surging energy are particularly good for Annuals and above the ground crops; after the phase Perennials, Biennials, Trees and Root crops are more suited. Traditionally no sowing or planting are recommended however twelve hours before or after the phase itself. Some authors suggest even 24 hours.

The Waning Moon enters Capricorn at 9.01 pm, March 3, 2016

Girl with goat by Jacob Cuyp

Capricorn

Moon of responsibility and ambition
Practical and efficient

Suitable energy for working, planning, seeking employment, building, creating the foundations of something lasting, looking after the oldies, family business, saving, budgeting, studying serious subjects, scholarly work, pursuit of excellence. Important purchases, house, real estate, business, cars, antiques, insurance policies, payment of taxes and government fees. Action motivated by practical goals and the need for structure. Cool display of feeling, but sensual, committed, protective. Beware of rigidity, bossiness, authoritarian ways, paternalism, pessimism, depression, cynicism.

In the garden: during a suitable Moon phase Capricorn is considered a productive Sign, especially good for growing Perennials, Trees and Vines. Any planting indeed that is meant to last a long time is well done in this earthy and reliable Sign. It is also a good Moon transit to plant root crops like potatoes and carrots. Fertilizing, especially slow release, recommended. The phase of the late Waning Moon, at the moment, is however not the most suitable for planting. See Moon Phase below.

Healing Herbs: Comfrey, Rue, Sarsaparilla, Wintergreen.

Last Quarter to Balsamic Moon Phase

If the First Quarter presented us with external challenges to overcome, in order to achieve the goal promised by the Full Moon, at the Last Quarter we feel that whatever bar our progress is within us and not without. We can now take responsibility for our life and circumstances. The battle needs to be fought with oneself and not other people. Both Quarters are crucial times that suggest division and strife, but while at the First Quarter we could find refuge in the illusion that the cause of all the problems was someone or something else, now we can clearly see how we contribute to whatever crisis we may be experiencing. The Moon is now 90 degrees behind the Sun, another right angle. The friction generated by the inner dialogue could be very creative if you don’t let it depress you.

In the garden we should stop all sowing and planting, and concentrate on soil conditioning and cultivation. Suitable energy also for harvesting and getting rid of unwanted weeds and pests.

The Sun enters Pisces, February 19, 2012

'Priest in trance', courtesy of Helga Hornung ~ http://www.helga-hornung.de/ - click image to link to Helga's site

The Sun enters the watery realm of Pisces on February 19. This year the place is crowded, as you can easily observe by looking at the Horoscope below. The Sun meets Neptune first thing on February 19, and then, within a few days, the asteroid Pallas (Athena) and Chiron in Pisces. In the same Sign, at the time of the ingress, are also Mercury and the asteroid Vesta. These transits and others, active on the day of the ingress, add their particular hues to the colouring of the astrological Pisces month, from February 19 to March 21.

Here is the Horoscope for this event, calculated for the coordinates of Wollumbin, my place in Eastern Australia. The relative positions of Sun, Moon and Planets remain the same all over the world, what changes from place to place is the orientation of the same to the local horizon, above, below, east or west.  To convert my standard time (5.17.36 pm) to yours you can use the World Clock HERE.

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The meeting of the Sun with Neptune is a yearly event, but the last time this meeting happened in Pisces was in February 1848! When we look a this year conjunction in this way we may realize how significant a cosmic event this is.

The function of the Sun, astrologically speaking, is to bring things in the light of consciousness, to make us more aware of the particular energy of planets and Signs. The yearly conjunction Sun-Neptune is always an ideal time to become aware of the underlying unity of all people, nationalities, cultures, religions, genders, ages, blurring the differences and washing away the rigid boundaries that usually divide us from others. This time the opportunity will be even greater, because, from now on, the conjunction will repeat yearly in Pisces until 2025. Among the gifts of Neptune in Pisces are imagination, creativity, a renaissance of the feminine arts, from domestic crafts to nursing the growth of plants and creatures other than ourselves. During the next few years it will become more obvious that we don’t own the place, we don’t rule the world, and that other creatures have as much right to live here than we have. In fact Pisces suggests that much of the power we have accumulated on this Earth may be taken away from us, eroded in irreparable way; not simply to teach us a lesson but because it is in the nature of things to eventually go back to their source.

Not only we envision now to protect the last wildernesses, but to actually re-create the ones that have disappeared. We will come to know more closely our oceans, rivers and lakes, and many will return to a sacred conception of the world and of nature as inextricably entwined with us, as us, not separated from the intelligence or the soul that we have believed, for a long time, to be our unique birth right. With tears of either joy or sorrow we may learn to be more receptive to our environment and each other.

Pisces, like Neptune, the planet that is said to ‘rule’ this Sign, is the least rigid, more fluid and unifying Sign of the whole Zodiac. We then could really celebrate today, and for the next 14 years, our common humanness, that shared soul that, in its diverse manifestations, is expression of the divine in ourselves and nature.

The transits occurring at the time of the ingress suggest also that strong spiritual connections can be made this month and that exploring our own depths will be also facilitated. The Moon is transiting one of the twelve magic cusps of the zodiac, between Capricorn and Aquarius, from the earthly, personal plane of experience to the mental plane of abstractions, ideas and communal feelings. The Moon is also Balsamic, the last phase in her cycle, getting closer every day to the New Moon that will occur in Pisces on February 22. The Balsamic phase is one during which we are given the opportunity to penetrate to the essence of the lunar month that is now finishing, to heal the wounds that have recently opened or the ones that life has re-opened for us in the last few weeks. Finding the meaning and richness of all these experiences is the gift of the Balsamic Moon.  

Other significant transits involve Pluto in Capricorn,  planet of emotional transformation and depth of knowing: Venus in Aries is separating from a square aspect to Pluto (90 degrees), Mercury in Pisces is in sextile aspect to Pluto (60 degrees); and Jupiter in Taurus is in trine aspect to Pluto, the last pass of a transit that has been active since July 2011 (120 degrees). This last aspect is already active but will become exact only on March 13.  We are encouraged here to look with greater honesty and insight into the secret dynamics of our relationships (Venus), our thought and communication patterns (Mercury) and the drive to improve our lives and expand our consciousness (Jupiter).