Thursday Nov 19 at 1.27 am EST

Click here to learn about the Moon. Click here to learn about Aquarius.

Seen from above, the First Quarter Moon forms a 90º angle to an invisible line running through the Earth to the sun, hence “square” for the name of this astrological aspect. In this particular phase, the Sun in Scorpio squares the moon in Aquarius. The moon will rise at noon, peak at dusk and set at midnight.

Quarter moon phases are especially trying - think sharp, angular junctions prompting change. As CafeAstrology notes, quarter phases are a “crisis of consciousness.” The waxing moon symbolizes a return to awareness and serves as the best time to tweak and improve upon existing strategies. The week between the first quarter and full moon (Nov 19-25) is the most potent of the lunar cycle.

We have reached a corner and must choose a direction. The building energy in our skies is there to inspire you. This phase encourages decisive action, calculated risk-taking and deepened commitment to personal growth. It’s time to gather the Self.

Well, my friends, I’ve just returned from the wilderness and I’m feeling wonderful. Living in the woods for two months with a community of others allowed me to see/feel/experience firsthand the power of astrology and its influence upon us. Whether we acknowledge it or not, the sacred geometry of our solar system is operating in full force. Many revelations arose during this time, one of them being that we always end up right where we need to be in accordance with the celestial dancing of the planets. I’m therefore inclined to write less about the things I did before and place more faith in this ancient practice to guide, maneuver and deliver all of us to the same node.

Any and all astrological goings-on that fall in the sign of Aquarius necessarily represent a breakthrough to freedom in some way. Insight bursts forth in apparent spontaneity, racing in like an electric blue thoughstorm.

Aquarius marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. As stated, this happens now with the Sun in Scorpio, a sign ruled by Pluto, the planet of destruction and rebirth; there is much overlap between Aquarian and scorpion ideals and what they proffer. Visualize the Sun as a base for the quarter moon. The Sun provides the essential platform, the theme or flavor, and the moon rises as a vehicle of intention manifestation. The purpose of this quarter moon is therefore definitive change/inspiration/insight (Aquarius) overlaying our current season of transformation via introspection (Scorpio). I woke up today with butterflies of excitement tingling all throughout my body.

Aquarius is community-minded, often very talkative and social, while the scorpion prefers peaceful, solitary spaces, like a cat sitting quietly in a dark nook. We may oscillate between these two modes today, or perhaps transition from a quiet scorpion morning into an Aquarian evening of laughter and meaningful social connection. With the New Moon in Scorpio last Wednesday, all that we set in motion was wrought from the gut and soul, deep within our being. The water bearer’s duty is to test this construct with a fresh-eyed icequake, sheets of glacial proportion cascading down into the water, breaking apart the notions we’ve always held, swaying and soaring up, mingling with crystal clouds. The scorpion, when left unchecked, would rather remain inside, tucked away from the surface of life. Aquarius ensures that we communicate and share. In so doing, we solidify our intentions. This is a great lesson for the scorpion: talking to others and granting access to our thoughts allows us to come out of the bubble of the Self and strengthen our commitments. The First Quarter Moon in Aquarius last fell the day before Halloween 2014. Any themes that predominated then will now resurface.

To ascertain your personal Moon sign, click here.

Mantra: rising higher