Ready to howl at the Moon? Now’s a good time, under the light of the magnificent full Harvest Moon. A time of culmination, completion, finishing plans and a project together. Emotions run high during this time. A time of romance, fertilization, relationships, emotions, feelings. Welcome to the Harvest.

There are four distinct phases of the Moon, with the Full Moon falling in the third Quarter of the Moon’s cycle. This Harvest Full Moon in September (named so because in the extra light, people were able to continue working to gather the season’s Harvest), is a time of gathering, potent energy and success.

“A time of romance, fertilization, relationships, emotions, feelings. Welcome to the Harvest.”

A person born during the third quarter Moon will be sensitive to the needs of others and expects others to be sensitive to their own needs. There is an underlying sense of watchfulness similar to the energy in the zodiac signs Libra and Scorpio. The person will need friendships, colleagues and relationships, and will relate well to others. They will either be drawn to highly successful people and help them achieve their goals, or else achieve success themselves with the help of others. There is a tension and nervousness at play which can lead to a short attention span and a constant search for new people and experiences, and sex will play some kind of transformative role in their life. The most successful time of life will be in the middle years.

In Chinese Astrology, the third quarter Moon symbolizes organization, harvest, collection and storage, and is associated with autumn, the west and the element metal. This lunar phase governs the signs of Monkey, Rooster, and Dog.

Time to complete your work. Time to celebrate. The end of Summer, beginning of Fall. So go the cycles in the great celestial circle of the year as we bask in the full light of the Harvest Moon.

The ESO (European Southern Observatory) shot this picture of galaxies interacting — part of the astrological forces that influence us on earth.

Welcome to Friday. It’s a busy day for the Moon (Emotions) with a number of planets forming a lively dance in the heavens — Mercury, Venus, and Mars are partnering with the Moon, and so it’s a good day to take the initiative to speak about your love life goals with your romantic interest. Probably an early Fall evening out with dinner and music are in order. But the Moon is also stressing a bit with Pluto (transformation) and the Sun (Personality), so things are not so simple. Are they ever? So, yes — it’s a good time to talk, but don’t expect an immediate change. Give it time.

“Harmony, then discord — so go the cycles of life. Remember that change, growth and development… all come with some ‘stress’…”

Earlier in the week Venus (Love, Women) was in conjunction (Interacting) with Mars (Initiative, Men). This made it a natural to work things out with coworkers of the opposite sex, and also with your family members or partners of the opposite sex. Remember the book, “Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus”? That’s catchy — and true a lot of the time as the two sexes have different ways of relating to others and to the world. Did you find some easy going at work or at home? What about new brainstorms you had earlier in the week — did you right them down so you can work on them later?

The Moon was in the groove with Uranus (New Ideas), so you may have noticed good ideas percolating in your workplace, and also in your family life. Getting out of the rut — brainstorming improved way to do things. That’s the ticket, but you need to follow through now. There’s was also a little stress showing with Saturn — a planet that generally influences restrictions. Isn’t that the way it goes? You have a new idea… but others are resistant to change. Hang in there, real progress can only come from good new ideas and the change they inspire.

Looking into the weekend, the Moon (Emotions) is getting a little feisty on Saturday, showing some stress with Mars, Mercury, and Venus. That’s Initiative, Communication, and Love. This comes after cooperation with the same planetary energies yesterday (Friday). Harmony, then discord — so go the cycles of life. Remember that change, growth and development (in your family, career, romances, etc.) all come with some “stress” on the learning curve when you move ahead. That’s life. So, if you had a good conversation with a loved one on Friday, you could see a little “positive” stress on Saturday as the details get worked out. “Postitive stress?” Sure. Stress is a natural part of life and if it helps you get somewhere you need to go — that’s “positive,” right?

Friday was a busy day for us with Venus (Romance) squaring off with Pluto (Transformation), and the Moon (Emotion) being tugged by a number of planets including Neptune (Spirituality), Mars (Initiative), and Mercury (Communication). Now that’s a bundle of feelings to deal with. You may have seen some resistance to the new ideas you have for your romantic life. At work you can proceed on that new project you know (in your gut) will fly — but you have to communicate well and early to develop the right team spirit with your coworkers.

“Birth, renewal, sowing and awakening, all play their role now.”

Saturday brings the free spirited New Moon in Virgo — a captivating time it is for lovers. This comes from the “awakening” energy of new moons — where you can awaken, once again, to the allure and attraction in your romance. Saturday also finds the Moon in conjunction with Saturn, which like Virgo has fine tunings for practicality. This theme continues into Sunday as the Moon (Emotions) shows tension with Uranus (New Ideas). So, there’s no need to be extravagant, just focus on your mate. No matter how long you’re been together, you can always discover each other anew.

This tension between new and creative ideas versus practicality is particularly strong now since the first quarter Moon energy brings a feeling of beginnings. Birth, renewal, sowing and awakening, all play their role now. But there are many good things that begin in a practical mode. Attention to detail is always a good way to kick off a new project.

And the New Moon is associated with spring, the east and the element wood. People born in this phase tend to be lively and innovative — free spirits with a love of new ideas and adventures. They are generally impressionable, inventive and outgoing, but also impulsive and restless. This lunar phase governs the signs of Tiger, Rabbit and Dragon in Chinese Astrology. So enjoy this time of renewal as one season ends and another begins.

Subscribe: Get my RSS feed and receive regular blog posts with insights for your relationships — romantic and in your career.

About Daija: Daija DeMornay is a Christian based, Astrologer, Counselor and Coach. She is a 3rd generation NCGR (National Counsel of Geocosmic Research) Astrologer, Spiritual Counselor, Psychic Visionary, and Tarot Reader who has been in practice since the early 80’s, holding live consultations, workshops and seminars in New Orleans, St. Louis, Houston, New York, and L.A. She has written columns on Astrology and appeared as a guest on television programs with a focus on Relationships, Astrology and Advice, and continues to make herself available for those venues.

The “Eagle Nebula” as capture by the Hubble Telescope, about 7,000 light years distant from earth.

The Moon is working well with Neptune on Monday, but squaring off with three planets: Mercury, Venus, and Uranus. So, while it’s not a good day to talk with your romantic interest about new ideas for your relationship, you might like to use the compassion you feel to just listen and understand. People don’t seem to slow-down enough to listen — really listen (not the same as waiting to speak). What you learn today, when listening with your heart will be key to future developments.

Listening on Monday, and watching on Tuesday will give you the information you need to take the next step — in the workplace, and in your love life.

Over the weekend, Venus, Mercury, and Uranus worked to help communication regarding new ideas in your Romance) — did you agree to try anything new and adventurous? On Sunday, the Moon (Emotions) squared off with Saturn (Practicality), making you feel like doing something a bit wild. Hope you enjoyed yourself.

And on Tuesday, there’s a sense that you need to play it safe, not take the lead, and wait to see what your partner will do. Listening on Monday, and watching on Tuesday will give you the information you need to take the next step — in the workplace, and in your love life. The Moon is also in opposition today with Jupiter (prosperity), tomorrow, so listen also to your own feelings. Why do you feel like the growth you want is not coming to you yet? What do you have to do to make it happen?

Wednesday may bring some answers for what you seek, since the Moon is working well with Venus, Mercury, and Uranus. Uranus brings a sense of new ideas back to the table, a bit like their influence over the past weekend. Time to discuss inventive ideas again with your loved one. But Mercury is also squaring off with Pluto, so you may not want to discuss a total transformation just yet. It’s one thing to take a few steps in the right direction (this could mean discussing marriage), but quite another to rush right out and just do it. Discuss the idea and see what happens… then you’ll have the feedback you need to make a wise and measured decision.

Above, Virgo (from an medieval astrology text), may be Astraea… the goddess of justice, from Greek Mythology.

As we saunter into Virgo, on August 22nd, suddenly we are moe disciplined, more aware of our surroundings, and more alert to details. We can get more done yet… are we spinning our wheels in the wrong direction? What truly matters to us? Perfectionism or Excellence? Balance is important as we move through this time.

“There is a constant dynamic tension in our lives between what our minds tell us, and what we feel in our hearts.”

In astrology, Virgo is considered a “feminine”, introverted sign which brings good attention to details. It is also considered an earth sign and ruled by the planet Mercury (Communication). So, you may find yourself talking about the details of your career, and your romance — but are they the right details? One clue from the mythology of Virgo, is that in Greek history, it was thought that Virgo was actually the virgin daughter of Zeus and Themis — Astraea… the goddess of justice. This is a key for your focus on details at this time — look for what is right — just — as you work things out.

Midweek, the Moon is also very active working well with Chron (Healing), but in opposition with Saturn (Practicality), and Mercury (Communication). Remember that it is the Sun (Personality) that prefers the details now, not necessarily your emotional self (the Moon). There is a constant dynamic tension in our lives between what our minds tell us, and what we feel in our hearts. Sometimes these two ways to focus are in harmony, but on Wednesday (two days prior to the Sun entering the detail focus of Virgo), you may find yourself feeling frustrated with the “small print.” Take a break for an hour or so. Think about what’s really important in the bigger picture, then return (to a work project, or a discussion with a loved one) and find the right details to support what is the right course of action.

Welcome to the full-Moon eclipse weekend!  Full Moons are noted for their potency. And the Lunar Eclipse occuring on Saturday heightens awareness.  Think, “powerful awareness,” and you have a recipe for a weekend of discovery — inward and outward.

Celesial events have been churning up the emotional tides. Remember this formula: Feel, Deal, Heal.

Earlier this week, the Moon was working well with Mercury (Communication), but showing some stress with the Sun (Personality). One thing this can mean is that while you feel you wish to talk about what is in your gut, your mind might be telling you to hold back.  What to do?  Take some time and consider carefully what your emotions are telling you.  Write what you learn in a journal.  Then, and only then, consider talking to the person your feelings concern — likely your romantic partner, though possibly someone at work.

On Friday, as if the coming eclipse wasn’t enough, the Moon was very busy show stress with six planets:  Uranus (New Ideas), Mercury (Communication), Saturn (Restrictions), Venus (Love), Mars (Initiative), and Pluto (Transformation). Wow.  A potent mix of emotional soup.  Don’t worry, this “percolating” is what’s necessary at times in life to brew up something good.  Advertising people have long understood the emotions drive all key decisions.  Oh… and, Astrologers too.  Remember that the full Moon gives you the power to deal with whatever comes up.  Let’s concentrate on just three powerful ideas for Friday:  New Ideas, Communication, Transformation.  What new things are you feeling you’d like to try?  When you communicate those to important people in your life — you’ll find it can renew your life.

On Saturday, in addition to the awareness raised by the eclipse, the Moon (Emotion) also finds itself in conjunction with Chiron — the healer.  That’s a good sign.  Celesial events have been churning up the emotional tides.  Remember this formula:  Feel, Deal, Heal.  If you think about it, all of the important lessons, and resulting growth, involve some pretty intense emotion.  Go with the eclipse awareness energy and learn from what you are feeling.  You’re ready to enter a new and better phase in your life.

A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Sun and the Earth so that the Sun is wholly or partially obscured — a potent time, Astrologically speaking.

On Friday, Mars (initiative) is in opposition to Chiron (Healing). This means it’s better to relax today, rather than drag through old wounds. The Moon (Emotions) has also moved into conjunction with Mercury (Communication), and the Sun (Personality). This gives you the feeling you can communicate what others need to know to help you accomplish your goals. Also, a New Moon Solar Eclipse occurs in the sign of Leo — a positive influence for confidence, creativity, romance and dating. So enjoy your hot Friday night.

.. our New Moon is playing well with Pluto (renewal) a great combination to rejuvenate yourself and your relationship

A New Moon is all about the initiation of energy, and the Solar Eclipse, being in Leo, is a sign of indulgence. It’s a great time to go dancing, to an art show, enjoy a five course meal… or maybe all of those things. Focus on new ways to spark your relationships, creative pursuits, and family undertakings. It’s a good time to meditate on some of the things that Leo energy brings to life: generosity, caring, warm, authoritative, active, and hospitality. You will shine at a party that you throw this weekend. Remember, New Moon — start something new. Solar Eclipse — helps ignite the energy it is associated with (here we talk about Leo, but you should also consult your own particular natal chart for more details — give me a call and I’ll help).

Earlier in the week, the Moon trined Neptune (Spirituality) which brings a good harmony to your life and makes this a good time to work on your romantic interests. Remember to go with your intuition here. The Moon is also at odds with Mars (Initiative), so while the spirit moves you in the right direction, you may find it hard to take the first step. There’s also some stress showing with Pluto (Transformation), so there may be something you need to deal with first before you can move ahead. No fear. Take courage and do the right thing.

Looking into the weekend, on Saturday… our New Moon is playing well with Pluto (renewal) a great combination to rejuvenate yourself and your relationships. Get away to the beach. Go up to the mountains. A trip to a spa could be in order (remember the indulgence of Leo?). The Moon (Emotions) is also in conjunction with Venus (Love), so your heart can really dance this weekend. In fact, dancing might be a great recipe for fun — go out and hear your favorite band. It’s time to kick up your heals.

Solar System, showing the Sun, Inner Planets, Asteroid Belt, Outer Planet. Earth is on right — 3rd from Sun. Created by NASA. Click to see pic larger.

Welcome to your weekend. Today, Saturday, the Moon is working well with Uranus and Saturn. This is a good sign if you have some practical new ideas you’d like to work on over the weekend. Maybe you’ve thought of a new way to organize things in your home. Or, you could have a new, down-to-earth approach to your relationship. The Sun (Personality) is also working well with the Moon today, so you feel balanced. A good time to get things done.

“…you can take the initiative in your life, and you know what to say to express your feelings.”

Earlier this week, the Moon, Sun and Saturn were in position to offer break-through energy. Is there something keeping you from getting what you want? What is it? You have an opportunity to examine that question and work on it today as both the Moon (Emotions) and the Sun (Personality) form a strong tugging contest against Saturn (Restrictions). Seldom are both the Moon and Sun inclined to challenge a Planet energy simultaneously. This combination is a good sign that you can overcome what’s holding you back, but you have to wonder at what cost? Proceed with a well thought-out, and measured plan.

Yesterday, Friday, the Moon (Emotions) worked well with Mercury, Saturn, and Mars — a nice alignment for the end of the week. This is a sign that you feel you can take the initiative in your life, and you know what to say to express your feelings. As in, “this project really feel like it needs to get started today.” Or, “I think we really need to get away this weekend.” You might also feel some restrictions — but remember, the initiative is yours, so seize the day.

Looking forward to Sunday, the Moon (Emotions) is working well with Venus (Love)… and the mood is obvious, you are feeling amorous and looking for a little romance. Under Saturn’s influence today, there might be some give and take with exactly the when and how you’ll fit in the loving. Unfortunately family responsibilities have a way of interrupting. You can work it out though… so enjoy your Summer heat.

Most Astrologers identify eight distinct phases of the Moon — we are in Phase 2 right now.

Today, Saturday, the Moon (Emotion) is dancing with Mercury (Communication) which makes it a good time to speak about what you feel. Are you able to express your feelings? It can seem difficult, but when you speak what is in your heart in a calm collected way it is for the best. Think of three steps: meditate quietly on what you are feeling so you can put the right words to it, pick a good place to talk with the person your feelings involve, and after you get it off your chest, be sure to listen intently for what you can learn from your friend/partner/spouse.

“Maybe it’s time to get creative about your spirituality? …to be healthy, Faith always requires an active and passionate awareness.”

Looking into Sunday, Venus (Love) is dancing well with Uranus and this can bring out a passion for a new idea that you present in a group (like a club) setting. Mercury and Neptune’s dance today make it possible for you to address your spiritual beliefs, and creative pursuits. Maybe it’s time to get creative about your spirituality? Sometimes the way you deal with your Faith can become a sort of habit on auto-pilot. But to be healthy, Faith always requires an active and passionate awareness. Is it time for a Spiritual retreat?

Looking forward into the week, the Sun and the Moon are working well together on Monday, and this gives the right balance to start it off right. You’re coming back from a vacation, you’ve seen your family and friends, and you’re ready to tackle the mid-summer projects at work. You’ll have some creativity left over from Sunday to help you get started. And the Moon this week is in “Waxing” (growing larger) mode, which is also a good time to focus on your ambitions. This is a time of “doing” and a time for action. Make good use of it.