“Pisces- I believe in the power of the unseen, the waters of the womb are my source of inspiration, to surrender to a force that is greater than me, to return to the place where I came from. Through me, all seek to return to that point of bliss, that connection with the divine, that point of creation, that seed of perfect union.” JKG
“The silver thread of the waxing and waning moon can guide you subtly through the ebb and flow of life’s tides. Attuning yourself with the phases of the moon, especially as they aspect your natal chart, can provide a beautiful living meditation that can permeate your life with lunar harmony.” ©JKG
The New Moon in Pisces of February 23rd 2020 brings further images of departure to the fore; departure from all types of situations that do not serve the heart. Ripening in six months, with the Full Moon in Pisces on September 2nd. This decan is associated with the tarot card of The Eight of Cups, and I have shown an example here from The Mythic Tarot.
Traditionally, this card is often associated with emotional situations that have reached a point where they can no longer continue under their current incarnation. No more can be gained through carrying on in the same way, and change must occur, the balance must be restored.
It is often the case with this card, that all hope for the future of the situation must be relinquished…. this is a card very much associated with endings. It is, however, often the case that we might be mistaken in what it is that actually needs to end, for at the root of everything, is the indication that it is us, ourselves that need to bring to an end, a way of relating that no longer serves us. The departure, and the journey ahead, often relates far more to a personal unfolding that takes place through the experience, rather than merely trading a “bad” situation for a “better” situation, and like in all good myths, this “treasure” that we seek, can usually only be found in the “underworld” of uncertainty and fear, where there are no guarantees.
The Tarot majors associated with the 8 of Cups, are The Universe and The Moon, and this progression shown above, depicts, the emotional impasse that arrives at the end of a situation, and which forces an emotional departure, the destination of which is unknown, and perhaps even full of terrors. The dreamlike fears shown in The Moon, are often the reason that we stay in situations that have long outgrown their use, even though we yearn for freedom from their clutches. What is also shown in the moon, however, is the importance of facing the darkness, to seek the inner light that is available. All cycles contain a period of darkness, and this is part of the challenge of this cycle, to give up the “half-light” of uncertainty and stagnation, to take the road, to step away from the safe though unrewarding shelter of the gloom. In the darkness of this particular Moon cycle, it may well be clearer to see any repetitive emotional cycles may we may be enmeshed in, together with the inspiration to leave them behind, once and for all. The desire for harmony is likely to be at the root of our quest, the need to bring balance to our lives so that we can attend to what we really want to do, rather than occupying our precious time with shoring up what may have become an artificial reality.
“NEW MOON– I am the power of the bursting seed, dancing in the beckoning void, ripe with limitless potentials. A kaleidoscope of outcomes seduces, invites and tempts you, but be still in the darkness of the Moon. Sense the power of her black womb, and wait. Trust that in the stillness that I, the right “seed” for now, will find you, a vision for your soul to nurture” © JKG
The Astrologers Diary
The New Moon every month offers an opportunity to sow new seeds, and as an Astrologer, I find it to be a useful exercise for myself and in working with others, to use the energy of each particular New Moon, according to the Sabian Symbol that it falls on, together with the position in which it falls in the Natal Chart. Such considerations can be invaluable in steering through ups and downs, and in becoming “easy” with the ebb and flow of what life brings.
This particular New Moon falls in the 5th degree of Pisces, which Dane Rudhyar describes as follows:
PHASE 335 (PISCES 5°): A CHURCH BAZAAR.
KEYNOTE: The value of giving a spiritual or transcendent sanction to even the most commonplace interchanges between social persons and individual minds.
This is the last of five symbols emphasizing the interaction between people constituting a social group, small or large. It brings in the element of religious sanctions. The purpose of any organized religion is primarily to meet the need of giving a more permanent significance to interpersonal relationships within the framework of a particular way of life and culture. It helps to keep the society “whole” by making it “holy”— at least in principle and ideal. It justifies human behaviour by blessing it with a divine Revelation of what is good and valuable. It idealizes biological and social needs by ritualizing them.
This sequence ends on a note of RITUALlZED BENEFICENCE. It stresses the possibility of the “Presence of God” in even the most material of human activities.
This particular New Moon falls in my own 10th house, a place in the horoscope which is connected to career, the public, and interestingly, the mother, as I am actually flying, on the day, (and no, I didn’t plan the trip astrologically!!) to the UK, mainly to visit my mother!! 
Any interaction with my family of origin usually brings up anxiety over issues that are still bothering me, so it is never an entirely comfortable journey. This Sabian symbol, together with the symbolism of the 8 of Cups, is therefore very apt for me, as I face my own personal “underworld” with the understanding that something important will result from the experience. Walking away from entrenched and or inherited emotional structures, is the essence of the 8 of Cups, a card which is governed by the astrology of Saturn in Pisces, one of my natal chart placements, and definitely a great source of challenge and of strength to me. In this particular 6 month cycle, there are unlikely to be any guarantees, although its culmination in September with the Full Moon in the 2nd decan of Pisces, associated with the 9 of Cups, suggests rewards fashioned from the experiences that you have gained through facing the unknown, the creation of your dreams rather than the fear of losing them.
This month also sees me once again in the Astrological schoolroom, taking a 6-month course in Horary Astrology, so I am back to basics with ancient Greek & Egyptian theory, and Medieval writers such as William Lilly. An ancient form of astrology that is clearly a form of divination, horary astrology predicts the future by using the time of a question, rather than the birth of a person. A traditional horary reading can provide a very precise, focused and accurate answer to a wide variety of questions by judging the astrological chart of the time of question. I will, of course, be looking for “guinea pigs” in due course!
For any intentions that anyone may have at this time, this particular New Moon brings an understanding that enough is enough, and to be able to feel secure in the knowledge that you have done the best that you can, but also to recognise that you can do no more and that new pastures beckon. You are unlikely to be sure of the destination, but you are definitely ready to leave.
A blessed New Moon to you all, and may the Goddess watch over you. ❤
Knowing where the New Moon falls in your own chart, and whether it is in close aspect with any planets, can be an invaluable tool, along with the wider cycle of the Progressed Moon, for discovering the secret rhythms of your daily life.
A free natal chart wheel can be set up at www.astro.com
My name is Joanna Grant, I am an Astrologer, Tarot Reader and Writer, who lives for now 
in the South West of Ireland. Throughout my life, I have watched as the planets have woven their stories around me, for it is a truth that my love affair with the stars has been and will be life-long. I can often be found at home, deep in arcane research, or practising some new form of divination, usually whilst trying not to burn the dinner! My long knowledge of Astrology leads and informs my practice in offering guidance across the thresholds of life experiences as defined by the outer planet transits. Through combining Astrology with Tarot and Shamanic techniques, I work with you, the client, to open the way to self-empowerment and healing, helping you to lead a more authentic and magical life. You can read more about me here.
Joanna-Kate Grant 