There's no doubt that including Asteroids on my chart greatly enriched the depth of my astrology readings. They brought so much archetypal energy, mythology, and stories that led me to soul-level healings. Perhaps I'm feeling that extra right now as the wounded healer Chiron on my natal North Node and the transit North Node on my natal Saturn.
In the New Moon chart, Mars, Moon, and Sun in sagittarius are trine Chiron in Aries. Plus, you know, Sagittarius is the home of the Centaurs, like Chiron and his wife, Chariklo. So having a New Moon in Sagittarius is like an opening of a new healing portal, calling us to stepping out of our familiar selves and going on an adventure to find a new self.
And in this New Moon chart, I came across Centaur Asteroid Pholus and Asteroid Sappho. Now, Pholus came into my chart little prior to this, when he was a part of Kite configuration in my dream chart for decoding dreams.
Here’s the brief story of him; A Centaur Pholus lived in a cave on Mount Pholoe. When his friend Herakles visited him, Pholus opened a jar of wine crafted by Dionysus, attracting other wilder centaurs. Herakles defended the cave and killed many centaurs with his bow. While burying the dead centaurs, Pholus examined one of the arrows and accidentally dropped it, piercing his foot. The arrow was tainted with the blood of the Lernaean Hydra, causing Pholus's death.
As you can see, I think of his placement in the chart as symbolizing how something initially insignificant or innocent acts can quickly escalate into an out-of-hand situation or evolve from a minor event into a significant turning point in our lives.
In the New Moon chart, he is conjunct with Mercury in Capricorn, square Chiron, trine Jupiter, and sextile Venus. Before we discuss what these may signify, let's meet Asteroid Sappho, which is conjuncting Venus in Scorpio.
Asteroid Sappho is named after the Greek poet Sappho, who was known for her prolific poetry. She is most famous for her love poetry, but her surviving fragments also touch on themes of family and religion. Although most of her poetry has been lost, she was highly esteemed in ancient times. Little is known about her personal life, but she came from a wealthy family in Lesbos and was exiled to Sicily. Legend has it that she took her own life by jumping from the Leucadian cliffs because of her unrequited love for the ferryman Phaon. Her poetry was greatly admired in antiquity and continues to influence writers today.
So, it seems that she was a poet, but her life itself was a mystery and a drama, like a poem. The placement in Scorpio with a detrimental Venus, I sense the profound tragedy of a romantic tale, perhaps ones that she might have written. It evokes passion, rust, forbidden love, possessiveness, and a bit of toxic nature, with darker and more enigmatic aspects of love. This connects to our deep emotions, memories, and thoughts that are crystallized and hidden in a dark place.
Now, with Pholus conjunct Mercury in Capricorn, this energy is primarily focused on our thoughts and reasoning. In our minds, we are trying to manage our emotions and ensure that we don't get too caught up in love. However, there are situations where a seemingly insignificant encounter with someone can lead to a profound outcome. If love emerges from such a situation, can we truly control it? Ok, it doesn't have to be a romantic scenario or even love itself. Perhaps this New Moon is urging us to venture into unexplored areas of our mind and uncover hidden emotional treasures. We can express our experiences through storytelling, poetry, or simply journaling about them!
Here's a quote from her poem that I thought would be perfect for this New Moon. These profound words encapsulate the irresistible power of love, a force that can both exhilarate and confound us, leaving us powerless in its embrace. Let this New Moon in Sagittarius ignite the fires of passion within us, inspiring us to follow our hearts on a daring adventure into uncharted territories. As we traverse the realms of love, guided by the celestial energies of Pholus and Sappho, remember that even our most casual musings and expressions may mark significant moments in our journey.
So, I invite you to brew a cup of tea, light a candle, and explore the depths of your emotional landscape. Take a moment to immerse yourself in the profound power of love and let your mind wander through the intricate tapestry of your emotions. And above all, start writing!
Here are some journal prompts to get you going:
Personal Growth: Reflect on a seemingly insignificant encounter or event in your life that had a significant impact on you. Consider how it affected your path, your perspective, or your personal growth. Write about the lessons you learned from this experience and how it shaped your journey.
Your Love: Reflect on a profound experience of love in your life. It could be a romantic relationship, a deep friendship, or even the love you have for a pet or a hobby. Consider how this experience has shaped your understanding of love, influenced your personal growth, or transformed your perspective on life. Write about the emotions, lessons, and insights you have gained from this journey of love.
Soul Journey: Reflect on your soul journey and the lessons you have learned along the way. Consider the challenges you have faced, the growth you have experienced, and the spiritual insights you have gained. Write about the moments of transformation, the guidance you have received, and the connections you have made on your soul journey.
Self-Love:
Reflect on your journey of self-love and self-acceptance. Consider the challenges you have faced, the breakthroughs you have experienced, and the lessons you have learned along the way. Write about the practices, affirmations, or rituals that have helped you cultivate a deeper sense of love and compassion for yourself. Explore how self-love has influenced your relationships, your mindset, and your overall well-being.
Spiritual Journey:
Reflect on your spiritual journey and the growth you have experienced along the way. Consider the moments of connection, insights, and transformation that have shaped your path. Write about the spiritual practices, teachings, or experiences that have had a profound impact on your journey. Explore how your spiritual journey has influenced your beliefs, values, and overall sense of purpose.
In the embrace of the enchanting New Moon in Sagittarius, let us embark on a profound and transformative exploration of love, the beauty of poetry, and the boundless realms of self-discovery. I eagerly await to hear about the wondrous experiences that unfold during this magical journey of self-discovery and enlightenment. Please do not hesitate to share your remarkable encounters and discoveries with me!