Moon Dances
For the Northern Hemisphere
July 21 - August 20, 2009

Print-Friendly Page ~ Printable Date Table
All times are local unless otherwise specified.

Look Up! The Moon, waxing and waning, impressively promenades across the dark sky, partnering with the sparkling stars and glowing planets. Who is the Moon dancing with tonight?

7/21-22 ~ A New Lunar Cycle Begins
7/23-25 ~ Young Luna, a Messenger, Lawgiver and Lord
7/26-27 ~ Virgo's Sacred Womb
7/28-8/3 ~ Luna, the Missing Claws, Red Heart, Archer
8/5-8 ~ Sirius ~ Leo Supercharged Full Moon
8/13-18 ~ Luna's Predawn Journey
The Leo Night Sky
The Night Sky ~ Home Page

 

Current Phase of the Moon

Click on the Moon links for meditative insights and additional information.

New	Waxing Crescent	First Quarter	Waxing Gibbous	Full	Waning Gibbous	Last Quarter	Waning Crescent
7 / 21 / 09		7 /28 / 09		8 / 5 / 09		8 / 13 / 09
7:35pmPDT		3:00pmPDT		5:55pmPDT		11:55amPDT
7 / 22 / 09		22:00 UT		8 / 6 / 09		18:55 UT
02:35 UT				00:55 UT

Note: When the right side of the Moon is illuminated, the Moon is increasing or waxing. When the left side illuminated, the Moon is decreasing or waning. (Of course, this only works in the Northern Hemisphere. In the Southern Hemisphere the effect is just the opposite!)

Moon and Sun Data
One Specific Day
One Year Table

Rise/Set/Transit Times ~ Major Bodies

UT Time Conversion

A New Lunar Cycle Begins
Total Solar Eclipse ~ The Sirius / Leo New Moon
Tuesday, July 21 – 7:35pm PDT (02:35 UT 7/22)
Out of Darkness Into the Light

Image: Distant Suns / Adobe Photoshop

* Printable Image *

east–left, west–right, north–top, south–bottom

The New Moon is really a no Moon! This Moon is too close to the Sun to be seen. It is hidden from our view by the Sun's glowing light. However, during a solar eclipse the Moon passes directly in front of the Sun visibly showing off part or all of its entire dark disk.

Note: For those living in San Francisco this New Moon takes place above the western horizon about 1 hour before sunset. The Sun, New Moon and planets are located in the same constellations for other parts of the world; these constellations, in differing time zones, lie in a different location above or below the horizon.

Total Solar Eclipse
Longest Total Solar Eclipse of the Century

July 21-22 the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth and eclipses (hides) the Sun for over 20 million observers in northeastern India, Butan, China's Sichuan Province, the city of Shanghai and for those on cruise ships in the Pacific Ocean. Though many live in the path of totality, the monsoon season, expected cloud cover and smog will hinder the view of the Sun, however an awesome blanket of darkness will cover these areas and thrill spectators. The following account tells of additional eclipse effects!

On Wednesday, July 22nd, the Moon eclipsed the midday sun over China. "The temperature dropped from 96.6 F to 88.5 F at totality," reports Donald Gardner from Huangshan. "The roosters were crowing and the streetlights came on!" spaceweather.com 7/22/09

The total eclipse begins at sunrise off the west coast of India (00:51:17 UT 7/22), peaks midday 135 miles (315 km) east of Iwo Jima (02:35:21 UT 7/22), and ends with the setting Sun in Polynesia (04:19:26 UT 7/22). Totality Path At the peak the Sun lies near overhead and disappears for 6 minutes and 39 seconds, the longest total solar eclipse since July 11,1991 (6mins/53secs) and until June 13, 2132!

San Francisco Exploratorium
Live webcasts can be found here.
Eclipse starts 5:51pm PDT 7/21 (00:51 UT 7/22).

July 22 Eclipse Gallery

Continual Updates ~ Eclipse Animation ~ Maps and Info

Why Is This the Longest Eclipse?

A total solar eclipse is produced when the New Moon crosses directly in front of the Sun and is close enough to Earth to appear bigger than the Sun; hence, the Moon when viewed from Earth is able to completely cover our central luminary. The Sun’s diameter, 400 times larger than the Moon’s, is balanced when the Sun is roughly 400 times farther from Earth than the Moon.

In 2009 the Sun, furthest from Earth July 4, appears near its smallest size during this eclipse. In addition the Moon, at its closest for 2009 just 5 hours before the eclipse, appears near its largest size. An extra small Sun can be covered by an extra large moon for an extra long time, hence we have the longest total solar eclipse for the century.

Did You Know?

As the Moon journeys in front of the Sun, a lunar shadow is cast upon the Earth. Mechanics of Solar Eclipses Although millions experience a total solar eclipse July 21-22, many more witness a partial eclipse, when the Moon covers only part of the Sun. Helpful Image

A partial eclipse is seen within the much broader path of the Moon's penumbral [lightest] shadow, which includes most of eastern Asia, Indonesia, and the Pacific Ocean. NASA Eclipse Web Site

Baily's Beads are the last glimmers of sunlight just before totality or the first glimmers of sunlight after totality. A Diamond Ring announces the end of an eclipse's partial phases and the onset of totality. At totality the Sun's corona shows lots of streamers, when the Sun's cycle is at a low ebb like it did during this August 1, 2008 eclipse. Astronomers expect similar conditions July 21-22, 2009. This Eclipse Sequence (6/10/02) captures the hours-long progression of an eclipse from partial to total and back to partial phases.

BTW: Eclipses tend to come in pairs with solar and lunar complementing each other. The August 5 Full Moon is a shallow penumbral lunar eclipse. It is not visible to the unaided eye. Stay tuned to this edition of Moon Dances for details and reflections. Eclipse Frequency

Reflections ~ Solar Eclipse

A solar eclipse is always a supercharged New Moon that marks new beginnings. A new awareness is being offered to us by our shadow self, the dark void, the infinite unknown. This eclipse is a personal and global opportunity and challenge to come into a new balance and level of wholeness.

Eclipses are synchronistic with unexpected circumstances that challenge the perceived order of our lives. ... The earth is shifting beneath our feet. Here we are, there's no turning back. Be present with what is essential. One door closes and another opens. Eclipses dredge the past, wrinkle the present. Jacqueline Lasahn / AstroFlash 7/30/08

How To Deal With Eclipses

Reflections ~ The Sirius / Leo New Moon

The Sirius ~ Leo Festival is celebrated at the Full Moon occurring during the Sun sign of Leo. This great world Festival and its lunar cycle are dedicated to the task of making contact with the evolutionary forces of Sirius, our Spiritual Sun and brightest star in the heavens. The influences of Sirius are focused through the star Regulus, the heart of the Lion, found in the constellation Leo. Awareness of the Leo-Sirius connection has a unifying effect on all of humanity and its world religions. During this time Soul-infused, focused humanity has the opportunity to align with the greater cosmic energies beyond our solar system.

With every New Moon our soul goes into meditation and aligns with the inspiration of the Nirmanakayas; a potential is enlivened and a seed of consciousness is formed deep within. Take some time to create a sacred space. A new cycle is beginning.

Reflections ~ New Moon, Cancer,
Mercury, Beehive, the Twins

The Sun and New Moon lie in the constellation Cancer. Cancer urges us to lift ourselves out of the mass instinctual life by developing the intuition and listening to the inner guiding still small voice. We are then able to nourish the soul and spirit and build with love the lighted house wherein Life dwells.

Nearby Mercury, the messenger of the gods, lies at the heart of the constellation of Cancer, in conjunction with the Beehive star cluster (M44) also known as the Manger and Praesepe. The Manger is about awakening to the light and Mercury creates a link to the light of the soul by illuminating the higher mind. These emanations remind us that like the scarab rising out of its dung or the lotus rising out of the mud we too can emerge from the darkness. We can build and move into the lighted house of the Christ consciousness, the Group Soul (Manger/Beehive).

The Sun and Moon also diagonally align with the Gemini Twins. Castor representing the form and Pollux the soul, though opposites unite for the benefit of humankind. Together with love and light they build anew.

In Addition ...

Our New Moon Total Solar Eclipse of July 21-22, 2009 occurs in early sidereal Cancer and conjoins the stars of the magical Unicorn; the Thorn in the Lynx; and Aludra [of Canis Major], the pure one of the breed. Expect the unexpected. This lunar cycle can also bring our attention to our personal needs, home, family and friends; and to ensuring our personal environments are nourishing and support our physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing. Nick Fiorenza Lunar Cycle 7/22-8/20, 2009

In Summary

The order of our lives is being challenged with this supercharged New Moon. The infinite unknown is offering humanity a new awareness and the evolutionary forces of Sirius are impressing us. An alignment with the greater cosmic energies is possible; these heavenly powers are beckoning us. We are being guided through a doorway of higher consciousness. There is no turning back. We are being lifted out of darkness into the light.

Radiant Life Global Meditation
Celebrating the Sirius ~ Leo Festival
This meditation, which culminates at the
Full Moon in Leo, begins with this New Moon.

July 22, Wednesday, the Moon conjoins Mercury at 11:58am PDT (07:58 UT). At sunset look for Mercury to the right of the youngest, whisker thin Moon. Use binoculars. Moonset: 9:00pm.

[Return to Menu at top]

Young Luna Guides Us
Can You Find a Messenger, Lawgiver and Lord?
Thursday, Friday, Saturday - 9:00pm

Image: ©Sky & Telescope / Sky at a Glance 7/17-25/09 ...
Diagram adapted with Adobe Photoshop

* Printable Image *

Back in the evening sky, the Moon helps guide the way to Mercury, Regulus, and Saturn. The blue 10° scale is about the size of your fist held at arm's length. When twilight is this bright, binoculars really help. Sky & Telescope

See Date Table for Additional Events.

Saturn ~ Planetary Treat During Leo
Saturn's Rings Turn Black!

Mercury ~ Planetary Treat During Leo
Mercury Is More Like Mars than the Moon

Reflections ~ Leo the Lion,
Messenger, Lawgiver, Lord, Luna

Behind the veil of twilight lies the Lion's den, the constellation of Leo the Lion. Mercury the messenger of the gods approaches the Lion from the west, Regulus the Lawgiver is the heart of the Lion and Saturn the Lord of Karma lies at the tail of Leo. This 7/24 Map shows the Lion, Lawgiver, Luna and Lord.

The Light of Leo the Lion is the Light of the Soul. Its illumination prepares one for participation in the New Group of World Servers. Leo’s highest expression is the fully integrated personality who stands out from the "herd" and is ignited by the fire of Divine Will.

Ancient cultures associated Regulus, the heart and brightest star in Leo the Lion, with the concept of royalty or kingly power. We know it as the Ruler, the Lawgiver. Regulus, the Lion-Hearted Lawgiver, focuses the evolutionary energies of Sirius and the Christ consciousness toward Earth, acting as a regulator for these liberating emanations.

The backward question mark of stars that curves up from Regulus is called the Sickle. As the Sickle cuts through confusion the Royal, Lion-Hearted Lawgiver can then stimulate a response in humanity that expresses the higher Law of the Soul, the quality known as love-wisdom.

BTW: Because Regulus lies almost exactly upon the ecliptic, once a year around August 22-23, during Earth's orbit around the Sun, the Sun occults Regulus, channeling the Sirian forces, unimpeded throughout our solar system. Hmmm ... the Sun, the heart of our solar system, conjoins Regulus, the heart star of Leo the Lion, which focuses and regulates the emanations of Sirius, esoterically the heart of our Sun, toward Earth! In time the heart of humanity will grow more loving and wise with an ability to create a sacred planet, a radiant magnetic center in the universe.

Note: Each year, soul-infused humanity aligns with the spiritual light of the Sirian Initiation at the time of the Sirius ~ Leo Festival, which occurs at the Full Moon during Leo from July 21 – August 20. In 2009 this Festival is celebrated August 5. Stay tuned for the Full Moon map and reflections.

Currently Saturn and Mercury are potently activating Regulus. See map above. These celestial bodies are preparing us to work with the will of Deity by bringing forth the liberating Law of the Soul. Mercury messenger of the gods creates a link to the light of the soul by illuminating the higher mind. Saturn in the Lion's den brings about tests of leadership, honesty and integrity; the planet positioned at Leo's tail star, Denebola the Changer, makes this especially so. In addition, Saturn's opposition to Uranus on the zodiacal wheel, lasting into 2010, creates a tension of polarities. The new and unconventional energies of Uranus want to free themselves from the conformity and long-established energies represented by Saturn.

Leo the Lion, Mercury and Saturn shine their energies down upon us during the daylight hours while most of us are awake and about. Luna adds her current stimulation to the mix July 22 - 25 (Luna conjoins Mercury 7/22). These celestial bodies are "invisibly" influencing humanity's daily activities. Watch soul force increase and old ways die, as these cosmic forces do their part to help us emerge out of darkness into the light.

July 25, Saturday, is the Day Out of Time.

As the Moon grows in the light provided by our Sun,
we too grow in the light of our Soul.

Reflections ~ Waxing Crescent Moon,
Virgo the Virgin, Spica

Overcoming obstacles to the new incoming awareness begins with the waxing Crescent Moon. What was conceived at the New Moon, Out of Darkness Into the Lights, review above, is now in the process of waxing or gestating.

July 26-27, Sunday-Monday, the waxing Crescent Moon first lies to the west (right) of Spica, the brightest star of Virgo the Virgin, and then below it.

Note: Find the Big Dipper in the northwest arc from its handle to Arcturus in Bootes, then spike down to Spica in the southwest. Helpful Image ~ 7/27 9:30pm Sky Chart ~ 7/27 9:30pm Map

Spica symbolizing the sacred womb of Virgo the Virgin, accepts and nourishes the seed of Arcturus, the herder of the Divine Will, emanating from the 7 rishis of the Big Dipper in Ursa Major.

The energies of Virgo nurture and shield humanity's hidden divinity. To understand this is to recognize the divine essence in each and everyone of us. Use these days to honor God's light in all those you greet. Namaste!

First Quarter Luna ~ The "Missing Claws" of Scorpius
Gibbous Luna ~ The Heart of the Scorpion
Tuesday-Friday, July 28-31 - Sunset to 11:30pm - Look South
Aim for the light with Luna and the Archer
Saturday-Monday, August 1-3 - Sunset-2:00am - SE to SW

Image: Star Gazer Graphic altered with Adobe Photoshop

* Printable Image *

Tuesday, July 28, First Quarter Luna guides us to the two brightest stars of Libra, the "missing claws" of the cosmic Scorpion, Scorpius. The star names Zubeneschamali (zoo-BEN-ess-sha-MAH-lee) and Zubenelgenubi (zoo-BEN-al-je-NEW-bee) in Arabic mean northern claw and southern claw respectively. They date back to a time before the Romans created Libra the Scales, the 12th constellation in the zodiac.

Note: The First Quarter Moon can be viewed in the day sky. Look for it rising in the southeast at about 2:00pm and in the southern sky from 6:00pm-8:00pm. After nightfall get out those binoculars for the best view of the Moon's terminator, the shadow line dividing the lunar day from lunar night. Lunar craters, mountains and valleys are accentuated along this line of contrasting light.

Any night in July and August look for the cosmic Scorpion, a sprawling "j" shaped constellation, in the south at sunset. Antares is the red heart star of Scorpius. Image

Coincidentally a giant red star named Antares is right where his [the Scorpion's] red heart should be. And it is huge. Whereas we could fit over 1 1/2 million of our Earths inside our own Sun, Antares is so huge we could fit over 350 million Suns inside it! In fact if we placed one edge of it where our Sun is it would reach out past the orbits of Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, and Jupiter. Plus it is so far away it takes its light over 520 years to reach us. Wow! Find the scorpion this summer! Star Gazer 2009 Script 7/13-19

Can you spot the Scorpion's "missing claws" (now the constellation Libra) and its two stinger stars, sometimes called cat's eyes? Use binoculars to see M6 and M7 above the stinger. Track Bunny's Footprints in Scorpius throughout the year! What two stars do the Scorpion, Kitty and Bunny have in common?

Note: If you have trouble viewing all the stars that shape these constellations, look again when moonlight doesn't veil them.

BTW: Look east of the Scorpion to spot the teapot-shaped asterism of Sagittarius. At 9:30pm Saturn is setting in the west and Jupiter is rising in the east. 7/30 9:30pm Sky Chart

Reflections ~ First Quarter Moon, Libra

The First Quarter Moon, exact Tuesday, July 28, at 3:00pm PDT; 22:00 UT, squares the Sun at a 90-degree angle and brings up a tension between desires and emotions, as we struggle for fulfillment. Ideally any obstacles impeding the awareness conceived at the New Moon are overcome at this time.

July 28-29, Tuesday-Wednesday, First Quarter Luna first aligns diagonally with the Zuben stars, then passes them to the east completing her journey through Libra. Note: The Southern Delta Aquarid meteor shower peaks July 28. Look Southeast 2:00am-sunrise.

Libra demands justice and the perfect point of equilibrium, where neither spirit nor matter dominates. It's as if the "missing claws" of Scorpius create Libra's razor edged path. The Libran Way synthesizes duality with compassion and the right use of opposites. Libra leads between the two great lines of force, allowing the scales of justice to come into balance.

During these days we move from the inspirational phase of the lunar cycle into the active phase. take time to weigh all experience in the scales of the balance. Keep what’s valuable; release what no longer serves. Initiate actions that help one move out of darkness into the light.

Reflections ~ Waxing Gibbous Moon, Scorpius,
Divine Governance - Aldebaran / Antares Axis

The waxing Gibbous Moon is more than half lit, moving toward its full sunlit phase. Illumination and growth are offered by this lunar phase, only if the obstacles from the past are cleared away. This must happen, if the energy released with the coming Full Moon is to be utilized.

July 30-31, Thursday-Friday, Luna transits Antares, the red heart star of Scorpius and occults it July 31 for those in southern Asia, northeast Africa, and southeast Europe at 16:00 UT. See IOTA.

When the Moon transits the burning ground of Scorpius, it activates the transformative power within us, the Kundalini Fire of Life. Scorpius is the seat of the coiled serpent power and Antares the serpent itself ready to be enlivened. Opposite Antares in the zodiacal wheel lies Aldebaran, the illuminating eye of Taurus the Bull, the star of enlightenment. Antares wields the Fire of God by its connection to Aldebaran. The Aldebaran / Antares axis is activated by the Moon's presence.

Aldebaran emanates a governing vision for humanity, while Antares keeps the enlightened vision of the people current, ensuring growth, evolution and change. This political balancing act keeps expanding our mortal limits, often through conflict that ultimately brings harmony. Compassion and cooperation ease humanity's transition to Divine Governance and its emergence into the light.

... the New Structure for Planetary Management or Governance ... will emerge in the twenty-first century ... [and] represent Divine Government on Earth. [T]here will be two phases to this "project", and that the First Phase is already in operation. In this First Phase, you are being gradually shifted from a Planet of separate national identities based on a money economy, to a Fifth-dimensional Unified Planet based on an Economy of Love, Co-Operation and Sharing. In the First Phase, you will begin to create networks and structures that will express the Fifth-dimensional energy of Oneness and Unconditional Love. Now, as these networks emerge and strengthen, they will begin to take the interest of those in "governments", and in the Second Phase there will be a merging of the functions of various governments into this Planetary or Global network of Love. Heaven and Earth will merge in a very literal way, and what will emerge at the end of this process will be a Unified Planet under the Stewardship of a Council of Elders who will guide the Earth's development in Co-operation with Spirit. The New Earth Rising August 2008 / Archangel Michael through Celia Fenn

Imagine networks of goodwill and understanding growing and strengthening across the globe, healing our nations.

Reflections ~ Luna, the Archer

August 1-3, Saturday-Monday, Luna transits Sagittarius, who rides toward the light. Allow Luna's journey through the realm of the Archer to expand your heart and mind with a divine vision. Aim for the light with Luna and the Archer.

See the Date Table for star charts and additional events.

Full Moon ~ Partial Lunar Eclipse
Sirius ~ Leo Supercharged Full Moon Festival
Exact: Wednesday, August 5 - 5:55pm PDT (00:55 UT 8/6)
Luna Visits 3 Planets
Wednesday-Saturday, August 5-8 - 11:30pm

Image: Distant Suns / Adobe Photoshop

* Printable Image *

east–left, west–right, north–top, south–bottom

Moonrise and Sunset: About 8:15pm
Saturn lies low on the western horizon, while Jupiter
rises in the east, best seen in a dark sky at 9:30pm.
The Moon in the vicinity of Jupiter is a visual deliglht. Look Up!

Saturn's Rings Turn Black ~ Jupiter’s Impressive Impact

Dated Circles: These represent the approximate postion of the Moon on the given dates at 11:30pm.
The Summer Triangle lies overhead at 11:30pm.
The Big Dipper guides us to Polaris our North Star and Arcturus the brightest star in Bootes.
The Milky Way stretches in a dark sky from the southwest, between J-shaped Scorpius and teapot-shaped Sagittarius, to the northeastern, W or M shaped constellation of Cassiopeia. Look through the Summer Triangle to see the Milky Way overhead.

Penumbral Lunar Eclipse

The southern portion of this Full Moon passes through the penumbra, the lightest shadow of the Earth, making it invisible to the unaided eye. Eclipse Animation ~ NASA Information

Humanity has been walking through an eclipse portal that opened with the previous Full Moon and its similar penumbral lunar eclipse July 7. The portal's mid-way point culminated with this cycle's New Moon Asian solar eclipse July 21-22. The August 5-6 penumbral lunar eclipse takes us to the end of the portal made up of 3 eclipses, about 15 days apart.

Darkness appears where light once was during eclipses. The perception of our lives is changing; a previously unknown dimension is revealing itself.

Eclipses are phases in which we do not travel in ordinary space time, but in a dimension of mystery, synchronicity and surprise. ... We are navigating a grand cusp of change. ... Many are uprooted, dazzled and anxious. Take nothing for granted, question certainty, explore possibilities, invoke persistent gratitude. We grow by leaps and bounds as we bring our beliefs into practice. When the ground is shifting, we improvise our dance with the unknown. Jacqueline Lasahn / Astroflash 7/7/09

A lunar eclipse is a supercharged Full Moon. It is a time of endings, culmination points and major changes.

How To Deal With Eclipses ~ Eclipse Frequency

Reflections ~ The Sirius / Leo Full Moon

Any Full Moon experience can offer us greater illumination of our essential divinity. Issues worked on since the New Moon come to a climax. If the restrictions of the past have been released during the waxing Moon, then the Full Moon can bring fulfillment. If not, the Full Moon might bring serious mental conflicts, possibly affecting the physical body.

The Full Moon is exact August 5 at 5:55pm PDT (00:55 UT 8/6).

What was conceived at the New Moon, Out of Darkness Into the Light, review above now comes to fruition and is birthed into the full light of our conscious minds.

During the Sirius ~ Leo Festival, the Soul Light within us is ever increasingly aware of the spiritual light emanating from Sirius. This great Sirian light is becoming more available, bringing to us a new opportunity, a new path. The Sirius ~ Leo Festival prepares humanity and in turn planet Earth for perfection and ultimate cosmic service, bringing us into contact with the Heart of God.

Full Moon Global Meditation
Celebrating the Sirius ~ Leo Festival
SouledOut.org invites you to participate
in the Divine Identification Meditation

Reflections ~ The Full Moon's Position
Aquila, Jupiter, Neptune, Fomalhaut

The Full Moon lies below Aquila the Eagle, just west of Jupiter and Neptune. Luna is activating the diagonal line-up of these two planets, Altair the head of Aquila and Fomalhaut the mouth of the southern fish, Pisces Austrinus. Review map above.

The emanations of Neptune, Jupiter and their constellation Capricornus tune us to a higher frequency of Spirit and its potential earthly expression. Jupiter and Neptune in close proximity can arouse our ideals and awaken a greater sense of compassion. Their prolonged encounter from May through December 2009 evolves the heart of humanity and aids in building a new world. In addition, Jupiter transmits cosmic forces into our solar system, expanding our minds and hearts, which in turn produces wisdom and the externalization of the Divine Plan.

Altair, head of Aquila the Eagle, brings vision and freedom; Fomalhaut prepares humanity for the new age and group service, as it drinks from the jug of Aquarius. This Sirius ~ Leo Full Moon Festival alignment pours new Life into humanity creating opportunities that open the mind, evolve the heart and make the spirit soar.

Reflections ~ Full Moon's Illumination

The Full Moon during Leo is illuminated by the Sun approaching Regulus the heart of Leo the Lion. The Sun and Regulus are at their closest August 22-23. In addition, Mercury is positioned near Regulus and Saturn lies at the tail of the cosmic Lion.

In review, Regulus, the Lion-Hearted Lawgiver, focuses the evolutionary energies of Sirius and the Christ consciousness toward Earth, acting as a regulator for the liberating energies of love-wisdom.

Leo stands in a unique relationship to the sun at the heart of our solar system. The planetary and systemic alignment established at this Festival is a heart / soul alignment. The heart of humanity, the heart of the planet ~ the spiritual Hierarchy ~ and the heart of the sun create the channel which extends to Sirius ... This alignment is evocative of the cosmic principle of Love and Freedom, both of which flow through Sirius and Leo into our range of awareness. Lucis Trust website, 2005

Leo the Lion’s highest expression is the fully integrated personality ignited by the fire of Divine Will. The self-awareness gained in Leo opens the door to the group service of Aquarius, which stands opposite Leo in the zodiacal wheel. The two planets in the Lion's Den are preparing us to work with the will of Deity by bringing forth the Law of the Soul, each in their own unique way. Saturn in Leo brings about tests of leadership, honesty and integrity. Mercury the personality's bridge to the soul can aid in soulic manifestation while in Leo.

The Higher Law of Sirius and Leo the Lion is roaring through our solar system and it is bound to shake us to our core!

Note: Since these celestial bodies lie close to the Sun their emanations shine down upon us during the daylight hours, influencing our daily activities.

In Summary

The Lunar theme, Out of Darkness Into the Light, continues to be impressed and affirmed with the Full Moon.

The New Moon solar and Full Moon lunar eclipses reveal a dark or unknown dimension that is emerging into the light. This is the time for humanity to expand its awareness and align with the heart and soul, the Higher Law and its quality of love-wisdom.

This is a cycle of supercharged beginnings and endings. Expect surprising circumstances to challenge the order of life as shadow and covert energies are illuminated. Know that new impulses of spiritually potent energies are reshaping lives, leaving a feeling of groundlessness.

It is time to open to transcendent guidance, to release the limitations and control of the reasoning mind and take the intuitive leap. Expand awareness beyond the Earth and the solar system. Be receptive to the cosmic evolutionary forces of Sirius and a new Aquarian path of opportunity and service.

Reflections ~ The Waning Gibbous Moon

Ideally the waning Gibbous Moon is a time that readies us to manifest anew. It brings illumination to the influences of the entire lunar cycle. If not, dis-ease results.

August 6-7, Thursday-Friday, Luna conjoins both Jupiter and Neptune on Thursday during the daylight hours. Both evenings Gibbous Luna transits the constellation Aquarius. Review map above.

Stay open to the higher frequency of Spirit and its potential earthly expression manifesting through you.

August 8-9, Saturday-Sunday, Luna approaches, conjoins and passes Uranus. Uranus in Pisces arouses a willful rejection of a limited reality. It's emanations shift humanity into new visions that encompass the greater whole and lead to greater freedom.

In addition Saturn's opposition to Uranus on the zodiacal wheel, a lengthy aspect lasting into 2010, creates a tension of polarities. The new and unconventional energies of Uranus want to free themselves from the conformity and long-established energies represented by Saturn.

We are reminded to break away from the dark, limited reality of the past and emerge into the light of our highest humanitarian vision.

See the Date Table for exact conjunction times and additional events.

Luna's Predawn Journey - Looking East 5:30am
Thursday-Tuesday, August 13-18
It's a Monstrous Last Quarter Moon
Mars Rides the Bull's Southern Horn
Have You Seen the Shifting Red Triad?
Venus Partners with the Twins

Image: AstroViewer / Adobe Photoshop

* Printable Image *

top-west, bottom-east, left-north, right-south

Numbered dots near Mars and Venus represent their position on that given day.
Dated circles represent the Moon's position on those given dates.
Orion's Belt Stars point to Aldebaran and Sirius.

Rise and Set Times ~ Major Bodies
Mars rises around 1:45am
Venus rises around 3:30am

Printable Date Table
Includes additional events.

Reflections ~ Last Quarter Moon,
Aries, Cetus, Algol

The Last Quarter Moon can bring a crisis in consciousness as the Moon squares the Sun. This cycle's experiences have culminated and one must now prepare for rebirth by initiating change.

August 13, Thursday, the Last Quarter Moon can be seen rising in the east, in a dark, early morning sky at 12:00am. This lunar phase is exact at 11:55am PDT; 18:55 UT.

Last Quarter Luna located in the constellation Aries, transits the jaws of Cetus to the south and the head of slain Medusa (the star Algol), held in the hand of Perseus, to the north.

Cetus, known as the whale or the sea monster (Helpful Image), was sent by Neptune to devour princess Andromeda. Cetus was turned to stone when Perseus the hero showed the monster the head of Medusa, thus saving Andromeda.

Alignments with Algol indicate an initiatory and experiential process is required or is at hand. This process begins by slaying our deepest fears to claim our true personal power, or be forever frozen in our tracks unable to complete our greater soul mission and purpose. Nick Fiorenza

The secret of Aries is the secret of beginnings, of cycles and of emerging opportunity. "It is the 'searchlight of the Logos [*], seeking that which can be used' for divine expression." Esoteric Astrology, p. 329

The Last Quarter Moon brings crisis for it stimulates change and rebirth. Imagine humanity emerging out of darkness, moving toward the light of the future, our greater soul purpose.

Andromeda, Perseus, The Royal Family

BTW: You just might see some shooting stars radiating from Perseus. The Perseid Meteor Shower peaked Wednesday morning, August 12. Possible Perseid Outburst

Reflections ~ Waning Crescent Moon, Pleiades

The waning Crescent Moon phase brings enlightenment at a deep level, a time of conscious growth, clarification of values and the surrender to a new future. Rebirth can occur and playfulness can come forth.

August 14, Friday morning, waning Luna lies near the sparkling Pleiades (M45) star cluster; an occultation occurs for viewers in North America 2:00am - 3:00am PDT (09:00 - 10:00 UT). See IOTA. This open cluster marks the shoulder of Taurus the Bull.

Compare this 2:00am map with the 5:30am map above.

It is said that the Light of God, Buddhi, universal mind, sweeps into manifestation in our solar system via the Pleiades. See Path to Sirius. Imagine this eternal Light streaming forth into humanity giving rise to sons and daughters of God, who walk the Earth bringing freedom to all.

Reflections ~ The Red Triad, Luna

August 15-16, Saturday-Sunday, Crescent Luna activates the Red Triad, the triangle formed by the Red Planet, red Aldebaran the eye of Taurus the Bull and Betelgeuse, Orion's red shoulder star. The Red Triad shifts its shape with the changing position of Mars. Review map above and compare to this 4:00am Map. See Printable Date Table for additional events.

Energies of struggle and sacrifice (Mars), love and service (Betelgeuse) and illumination and enlightenment (Aldebaran) circulate through and emanate from the Red Triad.

While Mars heads for Al Hecka, the southern horn tip of Taurus the Bull, timeworn conflicts are bound to take center stage. However, this cycle of Luna's energy is stimulating humanity to emerge from the limitations of the past into the evolutionary potential of the future.

Mars at the southern horn tip also conjoins the Crab Nebula (M1). Constellation Images: 1, 2

The Super Nova and Pulsar [Crab Nebula] inspires an expansion of consciousness and an intense drive to move from fighting faction out of habitual pattern to bringing factions or opposing forces together for a greater allegiance and purpose (the shift created as we move across the Taurus-Gemini cusp). Nick Fiorenza

Imagine humanity leaving the dark past behind, walking joyously through an evolutionary gateway into a lighter world.

To learn more about the Red Triad see Shape-Shifting Red Triad.

Reflections ~ Gemini Twins, Venus, Luna

August 17-18, Monday-Tuesday, aging Luna transits the Gemini Twins, first approaching Venus from the west and then passing Venus to the east. Review map above and compare to this 8/17 5am Map. See Printable Date Table for additional events.

The following is culled and excerpted from: Alice Bailey’s Esoteric Astrology pgs. 343–355. A helpful link has been added.

Gemini keeps the interplay of energies between dualities active and flowing so that eventually they reach synthesis and unity. Gemini is "the constellation of the resolution of duality into a fluid synthesis".

Gemini is the entrance for the energy of Sirius. The Love of Deity (2nd Ray) pours through Gemini into our solar system. The Cosmic Christ appears on the golden triangle formed by Gemini (the head), the Great Bear (one foot) and the Pleiades (the other foot).

The cooperative Gemini Twins though opposites, representing the form (Castor) and spirit (Pollux), they innately work together for the benefit of the whole. United they are and do something greater than either can alone.

Venus is currently not only located in Gemini; it is also the esoteric ruler of Gemini. The emanations of Venus help one begin to understand the causes and conditions of harmony and conflict.

Venus is thus the focus of synthesis, the resolution of polarity … the blending quality which aids in the resolution of duality. It is the energy of Venus which promotes diplomacy and establishes Right Human Relations between all people and between nations. Venus’s great potency lies in its ability to bring about harmonious relationships within pairs of opposites, thus further creative manifestation on all levels. This may be compared to the function of Mercury [exoteric ruler of Gemini], which awakens consciousness by relating opposites, but does not harmonize or blend them. Esoteric Venus

Venus positioned in the constellation of the Gemini Twins is auspicious. Emanations of cooperation, unity as well as a divine sense of the Whole are being focused through both the physical and esoteric partnership of the Twins and Venus. These predawn energies continue to shine down upon humanity during the daylight hours, while we are engaged in everyday activities. Call on these forces to assist in healing any conflicts that might arise.

This supercharged lunar cycle is ending. Luna has aged and once again we have the opportunity to be born anew in the light of our Soul.

August 20, Thursday, a New Moon occurs at 3:02am PDT (10:02 UT). Stay tuned for the next edition of Moon Dances.

I'd like to know your thoughts about The Night Sky and
if you'd like reminders to Look Up! ...
send me an email.
May your Night Sky traveling always be filled
with Celestial Delights and Treats!
Susan Sun

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