M
iracles — Let us discover what is happening in the heavens so that we might be fully rooted here in this gorgeous earth.
In this post we will go through the various phases of the moon, briefly look at what each of the planets will be up to in 2019, and of course I will give you pertinent retrograde dates and eclipse dates as well.
As always for every single point I will give you at least one question to consider. Why?
Because although the popular way of teaching astrology (and most other things) is by telling you dear reader what I think they mean, I have found that a much better way of approaching anything in the sacred arts is to give you the tools to think about it, feel into it, and figure it out for yourself.
Questions, the right questions, can help you do just that. I teach magic, tarot and astrology in this manner and from the reports I have received and my own experience I know that it works.
So get those pens and notebooks ready!
And now, the dance of planets:
The Many Faces of the Moon
La Luna is the most visible and easily trackable celestial body in the sky besides the sun. And so it makes complete sense that the earliest calendars were lunar to say nothing of the many ceremonies, rites, and feast days that honored Luna in her various phases.
Within the sacred arts there are four lunar phases to pay especial attention to: First Quarter, Full, Balsamic and/or Dark, and New.
New Moons are the best time to start any project or breathe new energy into any situation or area of your life. At this point the Moon is at the very beginning of her next 28 day phase – luna is starting fresh and so can we.
First Quarter Moons are best for looking at relationships and bringing harmony, balance, and intuitive insight to any given situation. Traditionally this phase of the moon was considered the best time to divine and the very famous Oracle at Delphi only gave out her divinations during this phase of the moon.
Full Moons illuminate the land and the sky, allowing us to “see in the dark” and making this the best time to look at and uncover the aspects of a situation that usually remain in the shadows; revelations occur during Full Moons.
Dark Moons are traditionally times to rest, fast, dream deeply, and banish anything that is no longer relevant and/or of use to you.
It is important to note that everyone has a very different relationship with the phases of the moon. While the above descriptions are tried and true in my life and the lives of many of my students and clients, I also know a hefty number of folks who feel (for instance) very depleted energetically during new moons and much more alive and full of energy during the Balsamic phase. Use the information as a springboard but then pay attention to your own experiences.
Below are the lunar phases for 2019 in central time. If you need help with timezone conversation go here.
January 2019
1/5: New Moon at 15 degrees Capricorn, 7:28 PM + Partial Solar Eclipse
1/13: Waxing Quarter at 23 degrees Aries, 12:45 AM
Ask: What fire wants to be kindled?
1/20: Full Moon at 0 degrees, Leo 11:16 PM + Total Lunar Eclipse
Ask: What is my relationship to courage?
1/27: Waning Quarter Moon at 7 degrees Scorpio, 3:10 PM
Ask: What inherited stories am I ready to acknowledge?
February
2/4: New Moon at 15 degrees Aquarius, 3:04 PM
Ask: What vision for the future am I ready to hold?
2/12: Waxing Quarter at 23 degrees Taurus, 4:26 PM
Ask: What pleasure am I ready to meet?
2/19: Full Moon at 0 degrees Virgo, 9:53 AM – closest moon of the year
Ask: What is my relationship to sovereignty?
2/26: Waning Quarter at 7 degrees Sagittarius, 3:28 AM
Ask: Where does my aim need to be improved?
March
3/6: New Moon at 15 degrees Pisces, 10:04 AM
Ask: What new prayer or blessing am I ready to commit to?
3/14: Waxing Quarter at 23 degrees Gemini, 5:27 AM
Ask: What message is growing within me?
3/20: Full Moon at 0 degrees Libra, 8:43 PM – Spring Equinox
Ask: What is my relationship to balance?
3/27: Waning Quarter Moon at 7 degrees Capricorn, 11:10 PM
Ask: What can I stop pretending to be/do?
April
4/5: New Moon at 15 degrees Aries, 3:50 AM
Ask: What new adventure is calling me?
4/12: Waxing Quarter at 22 degrees Cancer, 2:06 PM
Ask: Where do I need to increase nourishment?
4/19: Full Moon at 29 degrees Libra, 6:12 AM
Ask: What am I married to?
4/26: Waning Quarter Moon at 6 degrees Aquarius, 3:18 PM
Ask: What connections are no longer relevant?
May
5/4: New Moon at 14 degrees Taurus, 5:45 PM
Ask: What financial seeds am I ready to sow?
5/11: Waxing Quarter at 21 degrees Leo, 8:12 PM
Ask: What creative work is ready to be expanded?
5/18: Full Moon at 27 degrees Scorpio, 3:11 PM
Ask: What is my relationship to shadow?
5/26: Waning Quarter Moon at 5 degrees Pisces, 11:34 AM
Ask: What addictive thoughts, behaviors, and/or attitudes do I need to banish?
June
6/3: New Moon at 12 degrees Gemini, 5:02 AM
Ask: What am I ready to share?
6/10: Waxing Quarter at 19 degrees Virgo, 12:59 AM
Ask: What new health and healing regime am I ready to explore?
6/17: Full Moon at 25 degrees Sagittarius, 3:31 AM
Ask: What freedom am I ready to pursue?
6/25: Waning Quarter Moon at 3 degrees Aries, 4:46 AM
Ask: What weapons am I ready to put down?
July
7/2: New Moon at 10 degrees Cancer, 2:16 PM + Total Solar Eclipse
Ask: What home am I ready to create?
7/9: Waxing Quarter at 16 degrees Libra, 5:55 AM
Ask: What Justice am I committed to?
7/16: Full Moon at 24 degrees Capricorn, 4:38 PM + Partial Lunar Eclipse
Ask: What is asking for hard work right now?
7/24: Waning Quarter Moon at 1 degree Taurus, 8:18 PM
Ask: Where do I need to banish laziness or sloth?
7/31: New Moon at 8 degrees Leo, 10:12 PM
Ask: What new luxury am I ready to embrace?
August
8/7: Waxing Quarter at 14 degrees Scorpio, 12:31 PM
Ask: What mystery am I ready to explore?
8/15: Full Moon at 22 degrees Aquarius, 7:29 AM
Ask: What community am I seeking out?
8/23: Waning Quarter Moon at 0 degrees Gemini, 9:56 AM
Ask: What distractions do I need to remove?
8/30: New Moon at 6 degrees Virgo, 5:37 AM
Ask: What devotion am I ready to begin?
September
9/5: Waxing Quarter at 13 degrees Sagittarius, 10:10 PM
Ask: What travels am I ready to undertake?
9/13: Full Moon at 21 degrees Pisces, 11:33 PM
Ask: What am I ready to heal?
9/21: Waning Quarter Moon at 28 degrees Gemini, 9:41 PM
Ask: What do I no longer need to learn?
9/28: New Moon 5 degrees Libra, 1:26 PM
Ask: What new relationship am I ready to form?
October
10/5: Waxing First Quarter at 12 degrees Capricorn, 11:47 AM
Ask: Where am I ready to build mastery and expertise?
10/13: Full Moon at 20 degrees Aries, 4:08 PM
Ask: What core aspects of myself do I wish to honor?
10/21: Waning Quarter Moon at 27 degrees Cancer, 7:39 AM
Ask: What family/tribal ties am I ready to sever?
10/27: New Moon at 4 degrees Scorpio, 10:38 PM
Ask: What magic am I ready to make?
November
11/4: Waxing Quarter at 11 degrees Aquarius, 4:23 AM
Ask: What message am I ready to amplify?
11/12: Full Moon at 19 degrees Taurus, 7:34 AM
Ask: What brings me stability?
11/19: Waning Quarter Moon at 27 degrees Leo, 3:11 PM
Ask: What pride needs to be vanquished?
11/26: New Moon at 4 degrees Sagittarius, 9:06 AM
Ask: What am I ready to set free?
December
12/3: Waxing Quarter at 11 degrees Pisces, 12:58 PM
Ask: What does right relationship with my intuition look and feel like?
12/11: Full Moon at 19 degrees Gemini, 11:12 PM
Ask: What words matter most to me?
12/18: Waning Quarter Moon at 26 degrees Virgo, 10:57 PM
Ask: What categories do I need to drop?
12/25: New Moon at 4 degrees Capricorn, 11:13 PM + Annular Solar Eclipse
Ask: What new work of the heart am I ready to begin?
Sun
The sun moves through the zodiacal belt just as the moon does. Your astrological sign is determined by the Sun’s position at the time of your birth. As everyone has ALL of the zodiac signs in their own charts, it is very useful for you to know when the sun moves into a new sign.
1/20: Sun enters Aquarius 3:04 AM
Ask: What community am I ready to cultivate?
2/18: Sun enters Pisces 5:10 PM
Ask: What dream am I ready to follow?
3/20: Sun enters Aries (Spring Equinox) 5:04 PM
Ask: What is ready to be balanced?
4/20: Sun enters Taurus 4:00 AM
Ask: What foundations am I ready to lay down?
5/21: Sun enters Gemini 3:03 AM
Ask: What is my message?
6/21: Sun enters Cancer (Summer Solstice) 10:56 AM
Ask: What sanctuary am I ready to create?
7/22: Sun enters Leo 9:49 PM
Ask: What do I roar for?
8/23: Sun enters Virgo 3:57 AM
Ask: What is holy for me?
9/23: Sun enters Libra (Fall Equinox) 2:42 AM
Ask: What relationships am I devoted to?
10/23: Sun enters Scorpio 12:10 PM
Ask: What are the blessings from my broken places?
11/22: Sun enters Sagittarius 8:51 AM
Ask: What am I able to teach?
12/21: Sun enters Capricorn (Winter Solstice) 10:14 PM
Ask: What mastery do I seek?
Lunar and Solar Eclipses in 2019
There are five eclipses in 2019. You can learn more about eclipses and how to work with them here. In short, I have found that eclipses are very useful for breaking long-held patterns of thought, behavior, attitude, and action that no longer serve. Many astrologers talk about eclipses in negative terms but don’t let that keep you from noting eclipse times and trying your hand at working with them in an intentional manner. If you want to truly optimize your eclipse experience then check out my Eclipse Magic offering.
1/5: Partial Solar Eclipse at 15 degrees Capricorn at 5:34pm
Ask: What habits or patters are keeping me from taking myself and my work seriously?
1/20: Total Lunar Eclipse at 0 degrees Leo at 8:36pm
Ask: What stories around creativity are no longer relevant and ready to be released?
7/2: Total Solar Eclipse at 10 degrees Cancer at 11:55am
Ask: What is one pattern, attitude, and/or belief I no longer wish to follow when it comes to home and tribe and how can I reverse it today?
7/16: Partial Lunar Eclipse at 24 degrees Capricorn at 1:43pm
Ask: What stories keep me from making the big effort?
12/26: Annular Solar Eclipse at 4 degrees Capricorn at 8:29p
Ask: What success am I afraid of pursuing and what would happen if I did it anyway?
Planets
Just like the stars, planets move throughout the sky all of the time. The inner planets (Mercury, Venus, and Mars) all move relatively quickly through signs and sections of the chart. The outer planets (Jupiter, Saturn, Neptune, Uranus, and Pluto) all move at a much slower rate through the various constellations and houses of the chart.
Inner planets traditionally are understood to deal with every day, practical, real-life issues while outer planets are understood to work with big cycles, realizations, and patterns in our lives. First we will spend some time with some of the inner planet happenings in 2019, starting with the ever dreaded Mercury retrogrades.
Mercury Retrogrades for 2019
Every planet has retrograde periods but most people are only familiar with Mercury in Retrograde – mostly because many astrologers and non-astrologers alike make this period out to be terrible, full of bad luck, and extremely frustrating. It can be, but I prefer to practice with Mercury retrograde instead of in resistance to it.
You can learn more about Mercury retrograde in my Mercury rx archives here and check out this article to start to get a sense of how you might deepen your retrograde experience. If you are what I call Mercury-sensitive you will want to make a note of the things to do BEFORE Mercury goes retrograde and join up with the Mercury RX Survival Kit.
In 2019 the Mercury Retrogrades all occur in water signs with the exception of the second retrograde period in July which begins in the fire sign of Leo. When Mercury retrogrades throughout our watery friends we see a tendency for emotions to get the better of us, for brilliant insights and connections regarding art, spirituality, and concerns of the heart to be revealed, and for our ability to verbally articulate to take a backseat to our deep creativity. These retrogrades also often bring up potent dreams and dream cycles so be on the look out for that!
Here are the dates for the 2019 Mercury Retrogrades:
March 5, 2019 – March 28th, 2019: Retrograde starts at 12:19pm in Pisces, and ends at 8:59am on the 28th.
Ask: What dreams are ready to be re-visisted?
July 7, 2019 – July 31, 2019: Retrograde starts at 6:17pm in Leo, moves into Cancer on July 19th, and then stations direct on July 31st at 10:58pm
Ask: What patterns around nourishing myself and others are ready for review?
October 31, 2019 – November 20, 2019: Retrograde starts at 10:41 am in Scorpio and ends on the 20th at 1:12pm.
Ask: What power am I ready to re-claim?
Inner Planet Awesome: Mercury, Venus, and Mars
These three inner planets move through the sky and around the zodiac relatively quickly which means that they make many transits throughout the year. (If you want the full scoop on what each of the planets are doing then you should sign up for Star Magic which includes a monthly list of all essential astro events). However, there are a few transits occurring this year that are pretty important which you will find listed below. Happily there is no Venus or Mars retrograde this year – yay!
January 22nd and November 24th – Venus and Jupiter conjunct in Sagittarius. Whenever Venus and Jupiter are conjunct there is a great opportunity for abundance blessings when it comes to wealth, love, beauty, and general good luck and vibes!
Ask: What blessings am I ready to receive?
February 13th – Mars and Uranus conjunct in Aries. Mark this day on your calendar because when Uranus and Mars hook up we are often more accident prone in our personal lives and it is also more likely to see unexpected, violent outbursts in the world at large.
Ask: What am I willing to fight for?
November 11th – Transit of Mercury across the Sun. This is a rare transit where tiny Mercury makes it’s way across the vast Sun. It reminds us that the devil really can be found in the details and that very small things can exert very big influence. Think: the story of the Princess and the Pea as well as nanotechnology.
Ask: What fine details have overarching influence in my life right now?
Jupiter in Sagittarius and Capricorn
Jupiter in Sagittarius: For most of 2019 Jupiter is in it’s favored sign of Sagittarius and then in December it moves into earthy Capricorn. Jupiter loves to be in Sagittarius. During this period expect your sense of self to radically expand as new options and possibilities present themselves. With this alignment there is a sense of freedom and possibility that is pretty spectacular. Travel, higher education and learning, and the development of your own personal philosophy are energized at this time.
November 8, 2018 – December 2, 2019: Jupiter is in its happy place with the celestial Archer.
Ask: What makes me feel free? Where do freedom and abundance show up in my life? How do they relate to each other? What uncharted territory am I ready to explore?
Jupiter in Capricorn: On December 2nd Jupiter moves into Capricorn. Traditional astrology regards Jupiter as “fallen” in the sign of Capricorn because Saturn-ruled Capricorn tends to emphasize constriction while Jupiter values expansion above all else. However, there is much common ground to be found between Jupiter and the sign of Capricorn and this ground will be emphasized by the fact that Jupiter will be conjunct with Saturn through much of its tour through Capricorn. This is a time when hard work, restriction, and thriftiness will be well rewarded as will the dedication to any specific skill or craft.
December 2, 2019 – December 19th 2020: Jupiter encourages a solid foundation as it moves through Capricorn.
Ask: What hard work am I willing to engage in and what rewards would I like to see as a result?
Jupiter Squares with Neptune: During its course through Sagittarius, Jupiter will square off with Neptune in January and September. These mark times where we all want to be especially careful not to engage in fantasy – especially when it comes to money, finances, religion, spirituality, and learning.
Ask: Where do I need to reign it in?
Jupiter trines with Uranus: Finally, on December 15th after Jupiter has moved into Capricorn it forms a rare trine with Uranus. This is an uncommon event that will put technology and futurism into the spotlight in an economic manner. We might also start to see an overhaul of teaching and learning opportunities that go high tech. Making money and deriving abundance from unconventional and radical ideas is at an all time high during this period.
Ask: What brilliance for the future am I ready to share?
Jupiter Retrograde: There is a Jupiter Retrograde in 2019.
April 10, 2019 – August 11, 2019: Retrograde starts at 12:01pm and ends on 8:37am.
Ask: What aspects of my daily devotional and spiritual practices are still relevant and what needs to be released?
Saturn in Capricorn
For all of 2019 Saturn continues a long and slow transit through its favored sign of Capricorn. Saturn moves into Cappy on December 19, 2017 and will be in Capricorn for about 2.5 years. If you have been paying attention you know that Pluto is also in Capricorn throughout 2019. Either planet by itself packs an incredible punch but both of them together is something fierce. On December 2nd when Jupiter joins them we will experience a triple threat in Capricorn where the energies of constriction, expansion, learning, destruction, and re-birth are all at cosmic play.
Globally we should continue to see a shaking of the foundations of some of the most apparently timeless institutions as well as an infusion of discipline, conservatism, and possible asceticism too.
Personally this is a time when all of us are focused on career and career opportunities as well as getting clear on the areas where want to gain mastery, and navigating what reputations we want to cultivate and share publicly.
Ask: Where am I ready to gain mastery, experience, and cultivate true excellence?
Saturn Retrograde: There is a Saturn Retrograde in 2019 in the sign of Capricorn.
April 29, 2019 – September 18, 2019: Retrograde starts at 7:54pm in Capricorn, ending on the 18th at 3:47am.
Ask: Where does my public presence and image need to be reviewed, re-assessed, and re-fined?
Neptune in Pisces
Neptune continues moving through the sign of Pisces, giving us plenty of deep ocean to swim around in and go diving for treasure. Neptune in Pisces both supports our ability to dive deeply into our intuitive selves and also to heal not only on a personal level but on a global level. It also stirs up the waters so that problems and issues that need to be seen are able to float to the surface. On the flip side, as Neptune swims through it’s favorite sign we can all engage in more fantasy and problematic escapism – this is a time when it is especially easy to run up those credit card bills and engage in creative story telling that allows us to escape accountability. This is especially true during the Neptune – Jupiter squares. How to do Neptune in Pisces well? Don’t lie, trick or deceive – yourself or others, note your addictive tendencies, and focus on healing.
Ask: What is ready to be healed?
Neptune Retrograde: June 21, 2019 – November 27, 2019: Neptune Retrograde in Pisces. Retrograde starts at 9:36am and concludes on 11/27 at 6:32am
Ask: What unfinished creative/dream work do I need to turn my attention to now? What unhelpful fantasy needs to be revised and made relevant?
Uranus in Taurus
In May of 2018 Uranus changed signs, leaving the fiery Ram of Aries and moving into the stable territory of Taurus the Bull. Then, it retrograded and went back into Aries for a short stint. But on March 7th of 2019 Uranus moves into Taurus and STAYS PUT. This marks a seven year cycle that is going to shake up our most solid institutions and assumptions in both the personal and global spheres.
To give you an idea of what Uranus in Taurus can look like, the last time it occurred was between the years of 1935-1942 – that was the Great Depression and beginning of WWII. While this transit may not be easy, it will absolutely re-orient some of the fundamental assumptions we make and basic ways we engage with life. Expect to see tech on all fronts including AI and Robotics gain ground and importance in both global economies and everyday life.
Ask: What assumptions are ready to be challenged?
Uranus Retrograde: August 11, 2019 – January 10, 2020: Uranus Retrograde in Taurus. Retrograde begins at 9:27pm and ends on 1/20 at 7:49pm.
Ask: What needs to be shaken up in my life and what needs to be settled back down?
Pluto in Capricorn
Capricorn works hard and Pluto goes deep so this pairing cannot help but leave an impact wherever it happens in your chart. Capricorn is often thought of as the career sector of the chart but I think of it more as craftsmanship. The difference is that for many of us career is a notion tied distinctly to our jobs, while craftsmanship is a virtue that we can apply to many areas of our lives. Pluto relentlessly tears down whatever is not working and Capricorn has the good sense to continue moving forward and refining all needed skill sets.
Ask: Why is excellence asking of me?
Pluto Retrograde: April 24, 2019 – October 3, 2019: Pluto is retrograde in Capricorn. Retrograde begins at 1:48pm and ends on 10/3 at 1:39am.
Ask: What aspects of my personal power need to be refined?
Sync up with the stars
We’ve created digital calendars with all the important dates, times and events for your convenience:
download the google Calendar
download the iCalendar
download the Sacred Arts Book of Hours – a planner for Soulful Seekers for $24 here.