Friday Dec 18 at 10.14 am EST
Click here to learn about the Moon. Click here to learn about Pisces.
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 Sagittarius squares the moon in Pisces. 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 (Dec 18-25) 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.
I’m writing with a heavy heart. I don’t know if it’s just me or if I’m picking up on something global. Lately I’m learning the same thing over and over: listen to your intuition and spend time only with people who uplift and inspire!
This moon phase falls in the last sign of the zodiac wheel, so we are approaching the proverbial death of one era and the beginning of another. Any and all astrological goings-on in Pisces represent endings and resolution. This is a highly emotional time when we are asked to say goodbye to that which no longer serves us.
The fishes ask us to rest and reflect. If we don’t do this during the Sagittarius season, we are whisked away on a rainbow road of unchecked idealism and frenzied excitement. Even when we want SO badly for something to work, we must have the strength to be honest about what isn’t working. This is not an easy time. The purpose of this quarter moon is deep introspection (Pisces) overlaying active change in direction (Sagittarius). Both the fishes and the centaur archer have a habit of moving away from the shadows, but how will we grow if we never acknowledge the darkest parts of the Self?
Pisces encourages us to contemplate and then recharge. The centaur archer must realize that this is in fact a very important step in the process of doing and becoming. If we do not give ourselves the opportunity to let it all sink in, we fail to gain the proper insight needed to effectively move forward. Take a deep breath, close your eyes and observe. I think it’s best to stay in and do nothing. It is always tempting during the Sagittarius cycle to give, give, give until we are exhausted. We must be steady enough to hold and shoot the bow of the archer and sensitive enough to care for our fishes in the heart, swimming silently yet constantly, forever chasing tails. Peace to you on the last leg of this difficult journey.
The First Quarter Moon in Pisces last fell at the end of November 2014. Any themes that predominated then will now resurface. I suggest a ritual involving water or some Pisces Yoga.
To ascertain your personal Moon sign, click here.
Mantra: making peace