Two hands clap and there is a sound. What is the sound of one hand?
— famous koan attributed to 18th Century Zen master Hakuin Ekaku
Friday’s Cancer New Moon at 4:08 am EDT may ultimately correspond to your solving a koan, only to receive another. Only time will tell, of course.
A New Moon cannot be seen when it moves through the sky with the Sun. Similarly it’s difficult to see the outcome of the more-or-less monthly lunation cycle every conjunction of the Sun and Moon initiates.
Nevertheless, both the timing of Friday’s luminary conjunction, and the location of last year’s Cancer New Moon indicate you are at a turning point akin to a Zen monk who has satisfied her master that she is ready for a new challenge.
Of course, classic koans like the one captioned are never definitively solved. Rather, they are devices to stimulate development and evaluate progress.
As philosopher and Zen master G. Victor Sogen Hori explained in a 1999 treatise:
…in the beginning a monk first thinks a koan is an inert object upon which to focus attention; after a long period of consecutive repetition, one realizes that the koan is also a dynamic activity, the very activity of seeking an answer to the koan. The koan is both the object being sought and the relentless seeking itself. In a koan, the self sees the self not directly but under the guise of the koan … When one realizes (“makes real”) this identity, then two hands have become one. The practitioner becomes the koan that he or she is trying to understand. That is the sound of one hand.
Very often, once the monk “becomes the koan” she has been integrating with, she receives another. You might think of it as reaching the top of one staircase only to turn and begin again on the next set of stairs.
By looking at what you have been integrating since the Sun and Moon last conjoined in Cancer (on July 8, 2013, at 16+ degrees) you might very well sense yourself at a similar turning point of your own.
After all, since the Cancer New Moon of 2013, you have experienced some astrology not seen every generation, or even every century. You have been through a continuous year-long grand water trine (keyed by Neptune and Chiron in Pisces, joined by Saturn in Scorpio and Jupiter in Cancer) without precedent going back centuries upon centuries.
You have also been through the months-long continuity of Jupiter opposing Pluto in Capricorn while Mars simultaneously opposed Uranus in Aries. The combination sustained a grand cardinal cross the like of which is nearly without precedent itself.
Concurrent with the grand trine and the grand cross you have lived through unprecedented conundrums, dilemmas, and challenges which have tested you very much as a koan tests a Zen monk.
Whether or not you give yourself credit, you have passed those tests because you have survived to read these words. You have been tempered to take on new challenges as symbolically implied by the position of planets that have constituted the two historically significant grand aspects now concluding at the same time as the impending Cancer New Moon.
For just as the Sun and Moon conjoin again in Cancer on Friday, Saturn and Chiron (constituents of the grand water trine) will be at 17+ degrees of their respective signs, forming a tight grand water trine of their own with the position of the last year’s Cancer New Moon.
At the same time, Mars at 16+ Libra, and Uranus at 16+ Aries will be precisely (to the degree) opposing each other, and square the point of the July 8, 2013, luminary conjunction.
Whoa! Can you hear the clapping? That’s no coincidence. That’s celestial applause. Mars, Saturn, Uranus and Chiron are implicitly positioned as one hand on Friday, pointing at where you were for the Cancer New Moon of 2013 even as they are in the process of signing off on their participation in what you have been through since.
It’s a sign of your having become something you were not a year ago. It’s a sign indicating how it’s time for you to reach the top of the staircase you have been on for nearly 12 months, turn, and ascend to a new cosmic challenge. After all, one good koan really does deserve another.
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Len is available for astrology readings. You can contact him at lenwallick [at] gmail [dot] com.
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Nancee: Apologies. i was not “dissing” you by missing acknowledging your comment. Just a simple oversight. i sincerely hope the Cancer New Moon of 2014 initiates a better era for you.
be: Thank you for pertinently and skillfully correlating the corresponding world events and world figures while also filling in some vital astrological connections. You are a treasure beyond measure!
Research (thanks to your observation Len) of the link between today and the astrology of one year ago reveals that in July, 2013, hundreds of prisoners( al-Qaeda members) escaped from Abu-Ghraib and Taji jails, about the same time transiting Isis was making a conjunction with transiting Eris. At the time of the July 2013 New Moon (16+ Cancer), trans. Uranus was trine transiting Venus in Leo, but even more important, trans. Venus was the apex point (release) of a yod with the Chiron and Pluto sextile. That Venus happened to be conjunct the U.S. Pres. Obama’s natal Sun.
For the last two weeks news of how the Jihadist group ISIS has reigned over the Iraq region, terrorizing the Iraq military and citizens alike. Two weeks ago the Sagittarius Full Moon pitted Jupiter (22+ Cancer) against Eris (23+ Aries) in a square, but the Full Moon herself was trine Eris and the Sun was sextile Eris. Also two weeks ago transiting asteroid Isis (uniting what was torn apart) was sextile transiting asteroid Lilith (exile, freedom fighter) and together they formed a yod with transiting asteroid Asclepius (healer) at 25+ Capricorn. Pres. Obama has natal Saturn at 25+ Capricorn.
As we now know, today’s New Moon has Mars in Libra opposite Uranus in Aries forming a T-square with the July 2013 New Moon in Cancer, and in the language of astrology, that is challenging. It is the challenge of reaching a new level which Len beautifully explains, and for our President, this turning point test can be seen as his natal Saturn in Capricorn completes a cardinal cross with the T-square between the New Moon’s Jupiter in Cancer and the nodes in Libra and Aries. Surely, after what we all have been through this past year, we can appreciate the burden Obama is carrying now.
And yet, hope lives on because, as Len has pointed out, last year’s New Moon in Cancer ALSO forms a grand trine with today’s New Moon Saturn and Chiron. I would also like to note that last year’s New Moon in Cancer had Ceres (restoration) at 6+ Leo, the same degree as the U.S. Sibly chart’s north node (the path forward). It is also the degree of the U.S. PROGRESSED transneptunian object (TNO) Altjira. Meanwhile, today’s transiting Altjira is conjunct the U.S. Sibly Uranus (breakthroughs) at 8+ Gemini.
Altjira is the name of the Australian Aboriginals’ god of Dreamtime, Dreamtime being the alternate state to “reality” where our (their) spirit exists in perpetuity and societal evolution is conceived. Fancy that!
be
yonlyoganidra: Wow! It appears you are truly living that natal Uranus and Pluto in your 9th house. Those of your generation would benefit from your example of how to manifest Chiron’s highest potential at a crucial time. Thank you so very much for allowing those of us here at Planet Waves to receive the benefit of your words.
Thank You Len; I love how you offer a thoughtful inquiry for nourishment and self-reflection. The encouragement, I have come to know as a potent signature and frequency, is always on offer at planet waves.
Upon opening an egg to start a frittata yesterday morning, two yolks popped out. I thought “I like this symbolism for the Cancer New Moon”. Then I opened the second egg, and two more yolks pooped out.
I texted two dear friends with pictures and a fun little query to which they both proclaimed abundance and love coming my way.
Having Natal Pluto and Uranus in the 9th house, all I could say was “I have certainly been YOKED”.
The last year has been a rich ride, completing with the feel of “Look Ma, know hands”
be: Thank you!
aword: You are very kind (as those who are familiar with my daily relationship to time would attest). It gives me joy to know my service worked for you.
P.Sophia: Thank you so very much for making such a perceptive bridge to the Tarot. When oracles coincide, it is indeed pretty exciting. The same thanks and awe to you for the Sabian symbol notes.
kate: Thank you for sharing your emergence. We are grateful for your having come through so much with the a perspective that inspires each of us to emulate your example.
marymack: Youu are very welcome. As regards to your question, a New Moon on your natal lunar south node is (on the surface) a paradox because the south node commonly has to do with looking back (in the karmic sense), whereas a New Moon is a time to look forward. However (as in looking back to the Cancer New Moon of 2013) you can find a correlation (through aspect) between the context of this Cancer New Moon and another previous transit to your natal chart with the Cancer New Moon of 2013, you should be able to connect the three dots to form something of an answer. The thing to remember about paradoxes is that they represent more than just a contradiction to be dismissed, rather making it possible to understand what consistency conceals.
Chief Niwots Son: Thank you!
tgarton: You certainly pass the test here at Planet Waves. You have my sincere empathy regarding the challenges you have come through and best wishes for a new start with the New Moon.
Bette Loreen: Yes, my way of looking at it is that (know it or not) we all have passed some tests since the Cancer New Moon of 2013. Speaking as a fellow Scorpio Moon-er, you might say i resemble your remarks – thank you!
susyc: Thank you for another poem, inspiring all of us to examine things a little differently. Your insight frees us from the trap of stale custom.
vince: And we celebrate you, and your presence here.
Amanda: Thank you as always for your astute reading, instructive understanding, and generous support.
Here’s a link to a fun piece of artwork I found to illustrate my poem: http://abbiinsocks.deviantart.com/art/Ceiling-ghost-203485271
“we all took you to be solid as a rock,” riffing off of “took you for granted?” You got it Amanda! My husband read it this morning early–chuckle, chuckle, chuckle, shudder. Definitely a bit of dark humor, but then I am one to try to make friends with death.
Reel her in Son, I believe you hooked the big one! 🙂
be
susyc — forgive me, but i don’t quite get the “granite” pun. as in, “we all took you to be solid as a rock,” riffing off of “took you for granted?”
ahhhhh, poetry!
🙂
Are these then tears of celebration you have identified Len?
i have survived to read these words
thank you … universe
Speaking of past and future, love your koan, Chief Niwots Son. I wrote this poem last night, inspired by attendance at a poetry event. Makes me wonder what the stars were doing in my chart last night, but it was definitely worth the laugh.
threats
you keep threatening to die
would I value you less
if you didn’t?
you know we all took
you for granite.
you keep threatening to die
I have to keep
reminding myself
that I could
go first.
my threats are toothless
ridiculously healthy
despite my
tongue-in-cheek
hypochondria
I imagine you
living without me
your goodbye
mundane and
matter-of-fact
you’ve lost
so much already
your father and mother
your brother
father-less, mother-less
brother-less–I can’t
see you wife-less
as well
so I prepare
myself instead
though I might
surprise you yet
look for me
on the ceiling.
Susy Crandall
LOVE THIS, LEN … the koan, the theme and the validation of the journey-challenge we all undertook. Your words delight me and I thank you. My two hands are otherwise occupied with the message here but once done they will be joined in appreciation of you and your gifts.
My conundrum (koan?) includes this new moon happening on my south node … not sure how that fits but open to all who might edify. My blessings to you all.
mary
Bette Loreen – wow – that’s wild!! In addition to all the REALLY DIFFICULT stuff – mostly at work, in which I seem to be pushed into being the voice that “speaks truth to power” – I have had all sorts of annoying other things – getting bills for stuff I never agreed to purchase, bills for stuff I did purchase TOTALLY screwed up, insurance company not following through, ETC. All requiring tedious phone calls to straighten out, and then it turns out they aren’t straightened out, and I have to call again. Lots of other stuff getting “lit up” for me, too, but if some of that will get easier, I would be VERY happy!!
Feeling the Sabian Symbol Degrees offer some optimism to the potential our New Moon-Sun conjunction brings.
New Moon-Sun Conjunction: Cancer 6°
INNUMERABLE BIRDS ARE BUSY FEATHERING THEIR NESTS.
We all know what birds are doing when feathering their nests. They are instinctively in preparation for the “mature and full expression of the self’. (Dane Ryder Interpretation comment of Sabian Degree) they are intuitively planning for the co-creation of bringing life, literal creative to earth.
Cancer 7°
IN A MOONLIT FAIRY GLADE TWO LITTLE ELVES ARE DANCING.
And, what is just beyond this New Moon? The potential for conscious (Sun) recognition of the supporting protective forces of/in nature that are there lovingly, calling and leading us forward to creatively-play. “Cooperation with the invisible. Unusual good luck.” (D. Rhyder, remarks).
Jupiter (Expansion) conjunct Varana (sings and dances to life): Cancer 26°
GUESTS ARE READING IN THE LIBRARY OF A LUXURIOUS HOME.
The Emergence of consciousness upon our higher selves. Conscious fruition.
Cancer 27°
A FURIOUS STORM RAGES THROUGH A RESIDENTIAL CANYON.
Intensification of elements necessary(!) to arouse latent possibilities. Rising (home) to the occasion brings a descent of cosmic power.
Mars: Libra 17°
RETIRED SEA-CAPTAIN IN UNIFORM WATCHES SHIPS SAIL AWAY.
To me this speaks of the power of letting go. Offering atonement for another. At it’s highest potential a reconciliation, as in God to humankind through the Spirit -represented in ‘our body’, of Christ Couciousness.
This Symbol Degree, Libra 17 in particular -yet somehow relative to the story of all the degrees of our Cancer New Moon and this time- brings to mind the Tarot card III of Wands (that coincidentally came to me earlier today).
In the III of Wands he stands on the mountain in trust, overlooking as his ships set sail. Holding on to the one wand, in balance of the excitement of the creative support of Ace. He and the sailers know not where they go, or what they will meet along the way, but intuitively in strength with heart vision are assured the cooperation and partnership is an optimistic self expression of the journey, that brings a successful enterprise.
The larger picture will become their awareness of the potential in the new discovery. It is now the letting go of this period of preparation, yet it is also a celebration of a new beginning. An adventure in the new power, and our course in life.
tgarton – I too have a Scorpio moon, to which the new moon is forming a trine. And I too have had an extremely difficult past few weeks. Starting early in May, I was visited & revisited by many manifestations of “Murphy’s Law” – at least that’s how it felt. Despite Jupiter’s transit of my first house, sudden difficult & limiting events & circumstances, one after another, in my outward life had me scrambling, trying to both deal with that & restore my inner calm, not to mention confidence. Nothing life threatening happened, but it’s been a trudge.
I’m hoping that the cycle begun by Friday’s new moon may bring us some relief, & hopefully insight, more than further testing. Perhaps, by having managed to get this far still standing, we have already passed some tests?
Last year’s Cancer new moon was part of a good cycle/summer for me. Thanks, Len, for referencing that new moon & the current trines to it by Chiron & Saturn. May that be a blessing for us all.
it’s been a difficult year, and an INCREDIBLY difficult last month or so. This new moon is trine my native moon in Scorpio. Hmmm…. wonder what I should have been learning during this time, and whether I will pass the test tomorrow???? Thanks for the heads up.
Looking back, one sees the present.
Seeing the present, one knows the future.
Staircase–very apropos. I don’t mind climbing the stairs, better than the last year of being kicked down them.
Very helpful. Very. Last July and into August was one of the toughest (emotional/mental) times (that and the previous October, when Saturn moved into Scorpio). This is said with some perspective – I am well aware there are lives out there which are tough way beyond my concept of tough. None-the-less, in this cossetted version of a life, I dragged myself up from the depth of my boots, had to. Slowly. I would say it’s been text book; as if in a chrysalis for the first half of the year, and this current/next part, though I’m feeling it now, of emergence, in a far better place.
Yes Len, thank you for setting out the timing and the encouragement…what a year!
My key points and planets are cardinal and were activated intimately during these aspects. With so many grand events, all the retrogrades, the fast pace and so many changes over the year, I could not remember where I was, or let alone who I was during that last new Moon-Sun conjunction. So I had a look in my notes and saw on July 8, 2013 there was a tarot spread I threw. Whereby using the inquiry and vision of my Natal Sun to Sabian Symbol Degree, 25+ Cancer.
Of the most interesting in the reading, I found the card there in the center, 5th position of The Next Development was – Temperance.
“You have been tempered to take on new challenges”
I cannot believe how relevant each card according to their meaning and the positions to the entire reading of the spread are to the developments in the path of my life over this last year.
From new moon in Cancer, to New moon in Cancer. The Eclipses, the Cardinal Cross and Grand Water Trines, to where this consciousness brings us here into your comments today…
It’s a conclusion, a farewell of sorts to much work and developing of inner strength and faith. “…it is (as you say) a (another) sign”. And it is with gratitude, I receive and release.
And thank you dearly!
Here / now – Empress
Foundation – Nine of Swords
Most Meaningful Development – Ace of Wands
What I want – The World
The Next Development – Temperance
What I am resisting – Eight of Swords
Environment – King of Pentacles
Second Enviornment – The Magician I
Out come – Three of Wands
Protective Influence – Five of Pentacles
Second outcome – Page of Cups
You are far better than any clock on the wall, Len. And you give good “advice” too! I would not have had last July in perspective (nor in mind at all) had you not laid out the pieces of the puzzle on the tabletop. Now that I can see them clearly, it’s much easier to perceive my current position as something vastly new and differently than it was then, measure how far I’ve come and take a more enlightened look at where I’m off to next. Another koan then, and a turn “up the stairs”.