Astrology Column

The Moon—Queen of Our Night

By Alexandra Karacostas

The Moon, queen of the night, touches our lives daily whether we are aware of her influence or not. Recorded history from more than 33,000 years ago describes the moon’s phases and its link to human destiny. The sun and moon, the most significant celestial bodies in heaven, were known as “lights” in ancient times. They were frequently referred to as the Sun God and the Moon Goddess and were associated with masculine and feminine energies, respectively.

The sun and moon are in a dance together. This creates the conditions necessary for life. From earliest times, people were aware of this cyclic, repetitive relationship. They were aware of the moon’s influence on the earth’s tides, connection to fertility cycles in humans, and, as agricultural peoples discovered, timing for planting crops. In fact, today the Farmer’s Almanac recommends planting different crops at specific times corresponding to the moon’s cycles.

In our personal lives, as reflected in our horoscopes, the moon symbolizes how we nurture ourselves and others, our habits, intuition, imagination, and how we express our feelings. It represents our connection to our inner “home,” thus our connection to one another. Where and how do we belong?

The moon phase in which we were born makes a big difference to our personalities. Knowing the moon’s sign and phase at the time of birth is useful. For example, a well-placed moon can provide security and self-esteem. On the other hand, a poorly placed moon can reflect emotional instability, wide mood swings, or being out of touch with our feelings. With this information, we can deepen our relationship to our environment and our skill in integrating our feelings constructively.

August brings the second pair of 2008’s eclipses and two new moons. August 1 sees a solar eclipse’s new moon in Leo. Heavily influenced by Mercury, it is a time for initiating communication and exchanging useful information. August 16 sees a lunar eclipse’s full moon in Aquarius. This moon will be flavored by Neptunian energy, suggesting inspired visions, creativity, and imagination. Let’s not get lost in fantasy and pipe dreams but explore our higher potentials!

Aries—During the next couple of months first focus your attention on creating and enjoying home, and then set out for fun, games, and maybe romance! Invest your creative juices in the ways you best express yourself. Keep your eyes open for work-related gains.

Taurus—Take recreation seriously and improve your skills. Compete for fun and pleasure. Spend time entertaining at home. You may be asked to speak on or defend your values. It is a good time to review your beliefs. Are you walking your talk?

Gemini—How you care for yourself is reflected in how you treat others. Financial issues come to the fore. Pay attention to what is true for you. Write down and meditate on a few of the meaningful things you wish to accomplish this summer.

Cancer—Communication picks up speed as well as your enthusiasm when Mercury enters Cancer early in July. As August comes, express feelings with honesty, despite any fears you may have about a loved one. The potential rewards are worth the risk!

Leo—To the zodiac’s royalty, Happy Birthday! Money matters do matter this month. Perhaps you should push for more income, though this is not about self-esteem. It is about crunching the numbers in making ends meet. Prepare for more serious enterprises arising in the not-too-distant future. Relationships of an idealistic nature become central in August. Remember, what you see is not always what you get.

Virgo—Happy Birthday! This is a great time to push ahead toward a specific goal. It is also a great time to tackle any projects requiring concentration and skill. Use your physical energy to get things done. Taking time out for serene and quiet moments will help take off any edge. Try to recall your dreams each morning. They have a special message for you. It is about refreshing yourself, possibly taking a new life direction.

Libra—You are in the limelight and loving it. Friends and social functions bring not only pleasure but a renewed hope for the future. The time is here to start imagining how to create a new vision and set new goals. Out with the old and in with the new!

Scorpio—Day-to-day life is engaging and full today. Try not to overextend or promise more than you can comfortably deliver. Career and community issues are the main event in August as you begin a new phase of activity. Get off to a healthy start!

Sagittarius—Spending quality time with intimate friends is sweet. However, do not stretch yourself financially or count your chickens before they hatch. Inspired ideas and concepts ripen this August. Allow yourself to visualize what the future holds for you!

Capricorn—Communication and relationships become the focal arenas in July. Ask for what you need and in return listen with your heart to others. Refine the art of pooling resources on all levels. Take a risk. You have more to gain than lose.

Aquarius—Daily routine becomes a tad less predictable. However, good fortune enhances your workplace. In August the full moon in Aquarius sheds light on all of your relationships. For best results communicate with your heart, not your head!

Pisces—Romance, family, and children are highlighted in July. Make time to sustain and nurture these parts of your life. Have fun! The daily grind becomes more enjoyable. You will need more quiet time than you think, so be sure to create space for it.

Dear Reader, I welcome your questions, comments, and feedback. I am also available for consultations in person or by phone. I look forward to hearing from you! You can reach me at 530-520-9992, email me at alexandrakaracostas@yahoo.com, or visit www.WisdomAstrology.com.

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