Fist In The Velvet Glove~ Oct. 13-20

The beautiful, graciously balanced Libran New Moon of 12-13, reminds me of a saying my beloved Astrology teacher used; “Ahhh lovely Libra, the fist in the velvet glove.” Libra, known for harmony, is also a strategic know it all, brilliant in battle because it understands ‘the enemy.’ Libra is about partnering strategically as it integrates light and shadow, yin and yang, inner and outer layers. (More on Libra here- dailybreathjournal.com./Astrology/Fall Quadrant)

New Moons, as a rule, tend to be a quiet inner unfolding, a re-birth for a new lunar journey across the sky, but as is our want these days, this lunation is spiced with Uranian unpredictability, and Plutonian power. This New Moon could hold a grenade in her velvet glove. Uranus and Pluto galvanize, keeping us liberated, off balance, and flexible. God forbid we should grow comfortable in our skins, eh? Whenever there is strong outer planetary pressure on personal planets, the affect lasts days, if not weeks, and because this New Moon is the door to the upcoming 29 days, we can expect the cycle to be colored boldly by a Uranus/Pluto imprint. It is yet again another wake up call for conscious and compassionate choice through ‘aha moments’ of change. The good part, and there is always a ‘good part,’ insight and perception grow exponentially within discomfort.

Mercury, happily moving direct in Libra, presently rules Venus, Mars, and Jupiter, all residing in Virgo. That’s a wow of refined pruning, and critical perspective at our disposal. Use it to hone to the bone un-wieldy, bloated projects, re-asses dreams and budgets. It’s an opportune time to turn toward 2016 with workable plans and action. Speaking of action, be aware that Thursday brings a Mars/Pluto trine of passion and uber-energies. We can all use the extra juice, just be clear about its use because after Mars meets Pluto it hooks up with Jupiter for a weekend of extravaganzas, and enthusiasms. Enjoy!

Your Practice this week:    Execute your asanas with deliberate grace, especially  balancing poses. Plan, prepare, move strategically. Try- Eka Pada Galavasana/Crossbow Pose; Tittibhasana/Firefly Pose; Adho Mukha Vrksasana~Handstand Pose. dailybreathjournal.com/yoga/poses

Whether you accomplish them, or not, remain aware of the polarities of strength and stretch the body requires. Work them with a partner, learning where you can support, when to stand back. Take what you learn on the mat into your life, for the mat is the most informative mirror ~revealing self to self….an exquisite partner!