Today we have a Full Moon in the cardinal earth sign of
Capricorn, the Sea Goat. Full Moons shed light on the progress of any seeds we
have planted over the past two weeks, since the New Moon. How are our ideas and
projects coming along? Do we see growth, fulfillment, signs of success? Or do we
need to face facts and scrap some of our best-laid plans? When Luna shines full
and bright, the intensity is turned up. It is a quickening, and can be
unsettling if we’ve been on the “wrong” road. Conversely, if we’re humming along in tune
with our inner and outer natures, Full Moon time is affirming, encouraging, and
rewarding.
With today’s Full Moon in Capricorn, we now reflect: how did
all that Gemini-buzz energy pan out last month? Did we run around like chickens in the
barnyard, clucking here and there yet never really doing anything productive?
Did we gobble and gab about our grand plans yet forget to put foundations under
them? This week and into next, the writing will be on the wall. Capricorn, an
earth sign, wants realistic results.
"If you have built castles in the air,
your work need not be lost; that is where they should be. Now put the foundations under them." - Henry David Thoreau
Capricorn rules the Tenth House in astrology,
which is where we bring our wisdom and experience to the greater world. We own
our authority, we take responsibility, we lead in some large or small way in
our lives. The signs and planets in your natal Tenth House will indicate the tone and
scope of this task in your unique experience. But for all of us, we are asked,
are we making it happen? Not just
talk, but real, concentrated, measurable action.
Capricorn, the Goat, climbs
huge mountains, not for praise or publicity (though honors and recognition,
when well-earned, are also part of Cappy’s realm), but because it is right and
true and good to manifest ones potential in this world, in this lifetime. Call
it lifespan development, call it maturation – call it what you will. It is a
natural part of the human experience and can be summed up in three symbolic
words: becoming an adult. Yep. We
have to grow up sometime.
Capricorn is known for being wise beyond his
or her years. Ruled by Saturn, aka Father Time, this sign has weathered its
share of hard knocks and has earned its stripes. Capricorn does not
shirk effort; she welcomes it, knowing it is a worthy venture. Sure, this
sign also needs to ease up and be less of a taskmaster. She needs to know when
to let off the gas pedal, stop pushing herself or others so hard. Adding a
splash of gentleness to the mix is a wise idea. Any employee or family member
knows that a good boss or leader attracts more bees with honey than vinegar. Capricorn rules management, fatherhood, and the military. A team or platoon will follow its
captain anywhere with the right mix of carefully considered strategy,
confidence, and respect for all involved.
At this lunation, we can ask ourselves, how
are we managing our lives? Are we climbing worthy mountains? Do we have meaningful (to us) aspirations? Are we willing to do the hard work to get to the top? If we put in
the effort now, over the next few weeks or months we will most definitely have
something solid, lasting, tangible, and reliable to show for it. Keep climbing.
Enjoy Yourself: Venus conjunct Jupiter in Leo
Also exact on this Full Moon day we have two
pleasure-seeking planets doing a happy dance in life-loving Leo:
Venus/Aphrodite conjunct Jupiter/Zeus. When these two are partying, they do it
in a big way, and they want you – no, they order
you – to join in!
So if you’re wondering why you’re not feeling all productive
and practical yet, perhaps you’ve forgotten to pay homage to the goddess of
love and pleasure and the god of generosity and expansion. Give yourself a splash of indulgence, and see if you get reinvigorated for your tasks at hand.
Do you take breaks? Enjoy a splurge on a satisfying treat meal? Visit friends for a night of laughs or a day at the seaside? Wise managers, leaders, and parents know that cheerful employees and happy family members are healthier and more productive over time. So remember that part of the discipline of Capricorn-builder energy requires finding the right mix of play vs. focus, relaxation vs. work, push vs. let-go.
Steady as she goes. It’s important to
remember that the best mountain climbers and expeditionists know how to take
care of themselves. They’re in it for the long haul, whether building a new
business, writing a manuscript, or climbing Kilimanjaro. Water stops, pacing, weather patterns,
supplies are vital to take stock of regularly. Pleasure and enjoyment must be built into
the game.
Erin Reese is an author, spiritual guide, astrologer, and modern psychic reader based in the San Francisco Bay Area. She works with clients all over the world. For readings and spiritual counseling by Skype, phone or email, contact her directly. She can be reached at erin@erinreese.com.
Post-script Tip: The Timer Method
Got a task that you need to finish but can’t
get started? Maybe it’s cleaning the house, working on your finances, writing
another chapter of your dissertation, or dealing with other drudgery. Try the
timer method. Set it for twenty
minutes and focus on the task at hand for just
that long.
We can endure almost anything for 20 minutes. When the buzzer
goes off, see if you want to give it another go. I’ve written entire academic
papers using the timer method again and again. And I often use it when packing for a big trip
and I don’t know where to start, what to bring. The timer method helps us stay focused and make
some progress without having the
perfectionist monster breathing down our backs. Try it and beat the procrastination bug!
