February 21 New Moon: Sink or Swim
“When in deep water, become a diver.” –Joseph Campbell
In the wake of Whitney Houston’s untimely death, addiction is back in the news. Houston, a talented Leo with an impulsive Aries Moon, struggled with her demons for a long time. But, as is the case with many famous people, drowning her troubles proved too great a lure.
One way or another, we all struggle to fill our aching voids. A grande margarita or pint of dulce de leche ice cream helps blot out the emptiness of your job. A wild weekend with a stranger gets you past your loneliness—for a while. For some, addiction may be as simple as filling the emptiness by watching TV or talking on the phone.
All addictions stem from the same root: feeling separate. Making the connection to our inner Source through prayer, meditation or spending time in nature reminds us that we are one with all that is.
The Source is symbolized by Pisces and its ruler, Neptune. Connected to all things magical and mystical, but also delusional and destructive, Neptune is amplified since recently returning to its home sign of Pisces for the first time in 150 years. The next 14 years will be an inspiring but potentially dangerous period. Past transits of Neptune through Pisces coincided with the Knights Templar and the Crusades, the Black Death in Europe, Henry VIII’s break with the Catholic Church and Magellan’s voyage around the world, the birth of the Theosophy movement, the events leading up to the Civil War, and the discovery of gold in in California.
The February 21 Pisces New Moon (2:35 p.m. PST) inaugurates this new 14-year phase, as it joins Neptune to christen the ship. At this New Moon, all things that elevate the spirit are favored. Now’s the time to take that art course you’ve been dreaming of, sign up as a hospice volunteer, study mysticism or take a trip to Hawaii and swim with dolphins. But with Neptune there’s also the risk of being weighed down by fears and sinking.
Success at navigating Neptune’s waters depends on your willingness to trust the Great Unknown. This may not be easy, even for water signs who are accustomed to going with the flow. Heady air signs, practical earth signs and action-oriented fire signs may be challenged as well. We will all need to learn how to be more compassionate toward self and others, and pay attention to our intuition. If you feel like you’re floating in the void, unclear of your direction, ask for dreams and hunches to guide you. Don’t allow your fears to spin out of control.
Because the New Moon in Pisces conjuncts Chiron, the Wounded Healer, opportunities exist for healing core wounds. But the New Moon also sextiles expansive Jupiter in sensual Taurus, providing a much-needed anchor to Mother Earth and the body. Preparing the soil for your spring garden or going for a hike will help to ground you.
Rituals performed at the Pisces New Moon will have great power. Here’s one from my book, Astro Feng Shui: Making Magic in Your Home and Life, to help with healing yourself and visioning new possibilities. Or, simply put on some haunting music, relax in a rose-scented salt bath and let Neptune’s healing waters wash away all your cares.