New Moon in Sagittarius.
November 29, 2016 5:18 AM PDT

Patterns and repetitions are what make investigation of a chart fascinating to me. A chart may describe a birth, a New Moon, or even the start of a Journey.

With practice, the patterns pop out, then stories emerge. Curiosities about the relevance and possibilities of the astrological map are revealed. The chart snapshot is based on one moment in time from the perspective of an exact location on the planet. How cool is that?

New Moon of Fire

An Archer’s Journey.

The Set Up

The Sun and Moon are square the Lunar Nodes. These imaginary, calculated points are called the Karmic Axis relative to the evolutionary journey in a chart. Emotional development and habitual behavior patterned in previous lives is represented by the South Node. Developing patterns, even in preparation for future lives, is symbolized by the North Node.

As Steven Forrest might say, the Moon is our Heart and Soul. We attribute to the Moon our emotional patterns and needs, our habits and what Marks Jones writes is the Conditioned Self. Jeffrey Green called the Moon, the Ego– or the Mind which reacts and is rooted in our familial, cultural and spiritual conditioning.

What strikes me this month, besides this square to the Nodes, are the three supporting characters. Jupiter, Saturn and Mars. Okay, Mercury, too, who aligns with the center of the Galactic Universe on the New Moon.

At the New Moon, under the dark sky, trust and intuition, is helpful.  Such is the rumination of the Archer who mentally prepares to climb to the peak and pass over one of the greatest challenges of the year thus far.

The Mountain which must be travailed

The New Moon is in a kind of limbo state, having completed a 28 day mission and ready to embark on another. A temporary state of darkness, in a Fire sign standing equally between its North Node and the South Node. Sagittarius, a half human/half horse archer, who under these darkened conditions, instinctively, neigh!, intuitively, is shooting arrows in the dark.

There is a pull, on the one hand to old familial patterns while feeling the tug of possibilities to break new ground. “What’s in my future?” wonders the Archer. “Am I free to find it? What are my obstacles?”

“Well, one handicap is the dark. Use this obstacle to hone your intuition,” whispers Jupiter. Jupiter standing in Libra, is the Archer’s natural ruler, his Guru. When Archer calls, Jupiter always answers.

“Be ready to leave tomorrow… early. Pack like you mean it. Walk for 11 days and you will reach your obstacle, Saturn, the Mountain King.”

Jupiter was in contact with warrior, Mars in Aquarius, who was in a great location about a 2 months journey ahead of the Archer. The wind in the higher elevations sent messages from Mars swiftly and effortlessly to Jupiter.

Mars revealed that the Mountain King, had a big plan, to make the Kingdom great again. He had vision. He had theories. He made promises.  And he didn’t take too kindly to outsiders, though he did have some respect for Jupiter. Jupiter in Libra represented the possibility of being loved, which was something he truly craved.

The warrior, Mars, also disclosed that his own pursuit of freedom and dogged unsuccessful, revolutionary tactics taught him the value of objectivity. Sometimes it’s better to step back and observe rather than react. After crossing the mountain, he came upon a messenger, who revealed a larger understanding of his own personal Journey.

“Tell Archer to watch for messenger, Mercury in Sagittarius, after passing the mountain. He is caring for the horses on the other side of the pass. They soak in the wisdom from the vibrations of the Milky Way. Mercury will know the meaning of life. He will share insights that Archer can use on the rest of his pilgrimage this month.”

The Archer continued to shoot arrows in the dark until admitting, the need for freedom, a deeper meaningful life and… a good adventure. Intuition said, though this will be a journey marked with peaks and valleys, much will be learned. He would meet the Mountain King. His heart would be open, his intuition would protect him and the full meaning of the journey would be revealed on the other side.

It is only with the heart that one can see rightly — what is essential is invisible to the naked eye. The Little Prince.