Sacrifice and martyrdom are core Piscean themes written large with a New Moon in Pisces this month. Whether or not we find these attractive, we’ll likely have to deal with them in the coming days. Many spiritually minded folk appreciate the value of making a sacrifice; whether in a ritual or practical context, there ought to be a very clear intent and purpose behind the chosen action. A firm belief that such strong action could help a situation may well move matters to a better level. Or perhaps we will just feel internally cleansed and virtuous about what we have decided to do.
Sacrifice can mean giving up something or going without, which may seem a little painful initially. Yet our greater purpose could give us extra strength so that we can manage relatively easily. Perhaps we know that what we say No to ultimately benefits others in a valuable way, or improves our own future in the long run.
The focus on a vision for the longer term does seem especially relevant, given that the Pisces New Moon is sextile Mars in Capricorn. The sign of the Sea Goat reflects thriving through thick and thin, often on limited resources. We don’t often see many overweight goats, after all! In traditional and ancient astrology, Mars is considered to be very well disposed in Capricorn. Placed in the sign of its exaltation, it is as though it has the seat of honor in any situation. Thus, Mars may represent a certain degree of pressure to reflect that honored status. Yet we will almost certainly be able to fulfill what we perceive to be required of us. Perhaps just knowing that someone has put great trust in us to produce the goods, as it were, bestows us with the confidence and inspiration to do exactly that!
The Moon is also sextile Uranus in Taurus, which could bring an unexpected development. Maybe, in the course of trying to execute certain plans, we find that an opportunity has arisen that we should definitely say Yes to — even if we initially lack a full idea of how we will take advantage of it. Chances are, we need merely to show up in order to make the most of things, as we will be guided along the way. Such can be the immediacy of a Uranian pattern of development.
A New Moon often provides a prompt to change our habits, and the Pisces focus hints at a more creative flow to events. So, if we have gotten into a rut, we now have the chance to start seeding some changes. Piscean influences can be quite subtle, and we may receive signals from an unexpected direction. It might be through hearing music or poetry, for instance, or through being struck by an image in a piece of artwork. Any such signal should not be ignored, since it may lead to interesting developments — if we choose to act on it.
We should not overlook the fact that the New Moon is also conjunct Mercury, the planet of thought and communication. When in Pisces, Mercury is seen by traditional astrologers as problematic, because the planet is considered “ill-dignified” or debilitated in the sign opposite that of its rulership, Virgo. This can be expressed as a lack of truth through confusion or through active deception. There may be a warning then, to be careful about what we say or omit to say — as well as whom and what we choose to trust. It can be as simple as ensuring that we read all the information pertaining to an agreement or a purchase, for example. It may also relate to our seeing the broader picture around a particular person or situation, and not just projecting the ideal image that we prefer.
On the plus side, Mercury with the Moon and Sun in Pisces can also take down barriers that would have gotten in the way of a positive connection. So, we may suddenly have a rare opportunity to link up with others and make new social arrangements or get involved in a special project. Semi-square connections from the Moon to Venus and Jupiter, in cardinal, initiative-taking signs, highlight the two benefics in a slightly awkward way. This could mean that we have to go the extra mile to find the good in a situation. Yet it will be there for us, if we are prepared to work for it.
This article is from the Mountain Astrologer, written by Diana Collis.