The Crescent New Moon A Time to Sow - Sept 30 - Oct 2

Cherokee women dance from the time the crescent New Moon is sighted until it sets on the horizon. This dance is believed to help the world be reborn by grounding the new energies of creation. The Cherokee call this the Great New Moon - or Nuetiegwa, the Big Medicine Moon.

10 Holy Days, 9 Sacred Nights Recreate Your World - Oct 1–10

This New Moon closest to Autumn Equinox is the 7th of the zodiacal year. The appearance of the lunar crescent on September 30th marks the beginning of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year celebration. Hindus celebrate Navaratri, the Nine Nights Festival, beginning this same evening. During these nine nights Mother Kali is invited into homes and provided a place at the table. Kali comes to consume the discord of the past year.

The ancient Chinese viewed these next 9 nights as the most important of the year. This is when the Nine North Star Spirits come down to Earth and the God of Death walks the world to free us from our old ways. Reconnection with ancestral power and soul purpose is effected in meditation facing north while focusing attention (actually or imaginatively) on the North Star.

The underlying theme of all these sacred traditions is to resolve core issues in these ten days so we can become empowered to recreate our world.

New Mercury A New Mental Cycle - Oct 6-7   On October 6th, Mercury crosses between the Earth and the Sun and a new cycle of Mercury begins. The New Mercury becomes visible in about ten days as a tiny crescent rising before the Sun. All bodes well for decision making and any new beginnings following these cosmic alignments.

A New Mercury starts a new mental cycle of creative thinking, communication, invention and commerce and renews effectiveness in communicating ideals and realizing higher dimensions of reality. We need these insights now.

Moon Out of Bounds South Renovate Your Inner World - Oct 2-7 

The Sun’s north-south movement sets the boundaries of the Zodiac from the Tropic of Capricorn to the Tropic of Cancer. The Sun always moves within these boundaries, the Moon moves more freely, like the Queen in chess. 

The Moon moving Out of Bounds South is Moon in the “underworld.” This is a time to go beneath the surface, to do research, change habits or renovate our inner life. During this time we experience emotional challenges relating to any area of life where we’ve been blocked or where we are hiding from ourselves. When the moon “rides low” our inner world is illuminated and the unconscious is energized so individual, group and global patterns become revealed and may be reformed.

 Gate of Inspiration Open to Receive - Oct 12 -13  

A Gate of Inspiration opens every 40 days beginning at the Spring Equinox. Prior to a Gate of Inspiration, shadows appear to be dispelled. It is important to let go of all old fears and doubts and become fully present to the spiritual power and promise of the new time. The goal is to be free of tensions in the body that hold encoded, outmoded ways of thinking and feeling. Breathe deeply, feel deeply, move freely to clear the way. As the gate is cleared, new light pours in with bright new possibilities, new inspiration, new energy.

Atohuna “Friends Made Full Moon” Open to Mystical Experience - Oct 13-14

The Sun in Libra Full Moon brings people together in celebration. The Cherokee call this the Friends Made Moon when new friendships are pledged in the presence of Yowa. Jews gather out of doors for communal gatherings in celebration of Sukkoth, the Feast of Tabernacles. Sun trine Neptune now helps all be more open to mystical experience.

Each Full Moon is an opportunity for revelation and for healing body, mind and soul. Drumming, dancing, meditation, chanting and toning all help open to receive. Energy continues to flow through during the three days following the exact Full Moon. Full Moon revelations filter through in dreams, "chance encounters," and flashes of inspiration. Stay tuned.

Mercury Direct Communication Time - Oct 15

Mercury is stationary (pauses) then turns direct on Oct 28th. The influence of a planet is greatly augmented  (perhaps ten-fold!) when stationary. The opportunity lasts just a few hours with speedy Mercury. This afternoon is a super time to be making that important call.

Moon Out of Bounds North Meetings, Gatherings, promotions - Oct 16-20

During this time everybody is more open and apt to listen to new ideas. We have more latitude and imagination in all areas of our lives. When the moon goes Out of Bounds North, the Moon and we enter “the higher world” where new ideas are more easily and successfully shared. This time is ideal for important meetings or social gatherings. It is a time to make announcements, do promotions and bring new discoveries to light.

Balsamic Moon Make a Wish - Oct 25-27

The Balsamic Moon is also called the Wishing Moon because it is the best time for putting wishes on the air. And it is known as the Witches Moon because this is a time for bringing people to mind who need healing. Needs felt now invoke response from the coming lunar cycle. Wishes made at the Balsamic Moon come to fulfillment at the Full Moon (Nov 13).

Dark of the Moon Look Within- Oct 27-29

The "Dark of the Moon" is a 3-day period beginning the day before the New Moon and ending at Sunset a day after when the new crescent is visible. While generally unfavorable for outward activity, these three days are ideal for gaining insight through quiet reflection. The New Moon is a cosmic well from which to draw new vital energy and luck. All we need to do is slow down, take time off and look within.

Crescent New Moon Happy Halloween - Oct 29 - 31

The New Moon tide energizes whatever it touches so it is good to let go what is undesirable and put forward just what we wish to be empowered. Social gatherings and all new initiatives are favored at the New Moon. On the night of the crescent Moon's first appearance witches have friends over to celebrate the beginning of a new cycle. New energies flowing in bring special blessings to these circles of friends.

On All Hallow’s Eve the small Crescent Moon is Out of Bounds tangoing closely with the ruddy star Antares and brilliant Venus. Happy Halloween! Steve Nelson is a professional astrologer who uses tarot, name analysis, and traditional astrology to help clients realize natural talents and understand personal myths. He may be reached at [email protected].