by Robert Wilkinson
This Full Moon is another “fork in the road” two weeks, with a need to feel our way into new understanding. There is great promise these next two weeks, with a need to be cautious around those who are actively or passively aggressive.
This initiating, organizing, cautious and caring Full Moon promising us a measure of stability and organization where we have the late degrees of the Earth and Water signs occurs at 2:27 pm PST, 10:27 pm GMT on January 13 and falls at the 24th degree of Capricorn and Cancer. We are now in a several month run of Full Moons with an emotional-social emphasis, and this one will bring either a) the need to decrease aggressive tendencies, or b) the need to be aware of passive-aggressive people and circumstances to know how and when to flow away from these. Alternately, there may be a need for celebration as a relief from the tension.
Today’s Full Moon post will be an overview of the Lunation and some of its primary qualities. In parts 2 and 3 we’ll cover the Sabian Symbols, aspects, distributions, and patterns.
An Overview
This Full Moon allows us to settle into whatever roles we’ve been playing, find a measure of “transcendent security,” and move into “the end of the end” of the old spiritual field as we prepare for Neptune’s entry into Aries in March. As the Sun is still opposing Mars and the Moon is conjunct Mars, there will be “defensive volatility,” with a need for maturity and playing it a bit close to the vest.
This is a “hang in there and put your best self forward” two weeks, even if we feel a bit insecure about how to do that. Allow your depth connection you’ve cultivated with the collective feeling field to guide you, and show you are worthy of the responsibilities you’ve taken on. We’re all “proving our qualifications” in some way, so celebrate that you've made it!
Given this is the first lunation with the North Node in Pisces, the next two weeks will further develop the ideal we’ve been dreaming about our future this past year. We will be seeing the crystallization of that “dreamed future” by May, with many things swirling until finalization in early 2026.
This is going to be a very dynamic Full Moon due to the Moon conjunct Mars opposed the Sun and Venus square Jupiter and conjunct Saturn, bringing the Jupiter square Saturn back into play. Jupiter square Saturn challenges our Soul to take charge of our personality conflicts, finding a clear ideal and a worthy challenge for our creative abilities. Decrease rules and fears to see a greater vision, adventure or truth. Decrease ambivalence and scattering tendencies to find the inspiration to do your Dharma/Tao in the world.
Stop selling yourself short or placing unnecessary stipulations and stumbling blocks and open your imagination to a better, wider, more liberating future. This is an aspect Grant Lewi says to approach by realizing that “not failure, but low aim, is sin.” ("Sin" being an archery term for "missing the mark.") The venerable Mark Edmund Jones says this requires us to overcome any tendencies to defeatist thinking or believing the price of success isn’t worth the effort. “Success will come from a discovery of a genuine justification for some cherished ambition. You will be able to hold steadfast to some line of effort through every possible discouragement.”
As with all Full Moons, use the light you’ve been seeing and expressing since the New Moon, and give it form and focus through anchoring those themes in expression. This Full Moon brings the Light of the Capricorn New Moon themes of overcoming fear, cultivating compassion and intuition, and learning how to be harmless in our interactions with others.
Is the Sun Following the Moon, or the Moon Following the Sun?
This Lunation is the seventh Full Moon in the current cyclic sequence where the Sun is in the same sign (Capricorn) as it was in the Capricorn New Moon two weeks ago. We have now returned to “the normal order” of the Sun/Moon relationship cycle, as the Light of the New Moon is now in the same sign as the Light of the Full Moon.
There are two patterns; one is when the Full Moon Sun is the same sign as the previous New Moon Sun, and the other is when the Full Moon Sun is in the next sign from the Sun in the previous New Moon. The Sun was in the same sign in both the New Moon and Full Moon, the so-called “natural” order, from August 2021 with the New Moon Sun at 17 Leo and Full Moon Sun is at 30 Leo to late March 2023 with the New Moon Sun at 1 Aries followed by the Full Moon at 17 Aries/Libra.>
This shifted back into the “reverse order” sequence in April 2023 with a New Moon at 30 Aries followed by the Wesak Festival Full Moon Sun at 15 Taurus. That ended in June 2024 with the New Moon at 16 Gemini and the Full Moon at 1 Cancer/Capricorn. The new period began as the New Moon in July had the Sun at 15 Cancer, and the following Full Moon Sun was at 30 Cancer. You can find out more about the “seed forms” of the Capricorn New Moon two weeks ago by going to the archives.
Past As Prologue
The 2020-23 Eclipses moved us all in new directions, reorienting wherever we have Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Libra, Scorpio, and Sagittarius in our charts. All Eclipses are “Cosmic recyclers,” removing what is obsolete in our lives. These losses clean out psychic and physical spaces so we can find new life substance. Due to what we’ve eliminated the past 4 years we now have a wider view of our life and the Life around us as humanity begins a new 20 year Aquarian era.
As you know from other articles, 2020 was the last year of a 200 year Earth era, with Air power building that year launching a 200 year Air era on the December Solstice with Jupiter conjuncting Saturn at 1 Aquarius. However, we will still be “under the beams” of the powerful conjunctions in Capricorn, since between January and March 2020 we began new Saturn/Pluto, Jupiter/Pluto, Mars/Jupiter, Mars/Pluto, and Mars/Saturn cycles. The first of these launched a new 33 year era into motion.
Due to these conjunctions in late Capricorn and both Mars/Saturn and Jupiter/Saturn conjunctions at 1 Aquarius, as well as several very important conjunctions since then at the same degree, we are in a long term period of finding wisdom by understanding transfiguration and enlightenment as verbs rather than nouns. We’ve now officially taken the first step into the coming Aquarian era.
While this is not yet “The Age of Aquarius,” this is the final intensification of those energies which will sprout seeds in the second quarter of the century which will take us across the threshold of the Great Age soon after 2050. And to note, there will be plenty of people and ideas from the Age of Pisces which will continue into the next century as part of the bridging process from past to future as humanity discovers new Aquarian ideas and sheds old Piscean ones.
Planetary Distribution
At this Full Moon, the inner planets have already begun to move into the occupied outer planet span. We now have all the planets in 6 signs with a hemispheric distribution. We have all the planets between Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces, Taurus, Gemini, and Cancer.
This creates a situation where we have planets occupying places between Mercury at 8 Capricorn around to Mars at 28 Cancer, with an open empty span of 160+ degrees, creating a classic “Bowl” Jones pattern.
So What is a “Bowl” Jones Pattern and how does it work?
This type of spread, with all the planets occupying approximately half of the signs with an empty half opposite the occupied half, creates a “special type of conscious selfhood,” which Dr. Jones says “marks the Bowl type of temperament. He goes on to state “Fundamentally it is an extreme self-containment,” which “holds things, and a Bowl individual is one who always has something to bear.”
He goes on to state that with the Bowl, “the whole dynamic of man, his total power of achievement, arises in his instinctive realization that he is set off against a definite part of the world, that there is a complete segment of experience from which he is excluded in some subtle fashion. The Bowl not only holds something, but also places whatever it holds into relationship with a larger consideration.”
Dr. Jones continues that “the occupied segment of the Bowl horoscope reveals the activity and organization of the self, since planets are significant according to their place by sign and house, and the unoccupied segment becomes a challenge to existence, or the need and emptiness to which the native must direct his attention. The outstanding characteristic of the Bowl temperament is its marked sense of what is self-contained in contrast with what the self cannot hold, and this take an everyday form in an advocacy of some cause, the furtherance of a mission, an introspective concern over the purpose of experience.”
He concludes his explanation of how the pattern works with “The Bowl native always has something to give to his fellows, whether literally or psychologically, whether constructively or vindictively, because his orientation to the world arises from division; that is, frustration and uncertainty. The leading planets, determined in exactly the same way as for the Locomotive pattern, give a point of application, and shows where and how the native seeks to carry out his mission or gain his everyday justification for existence.”
He brings up another important point of analysis, as he states “the leading planet is of secondary importance in the Bowl pattern, unless it is found in a strong opposition or cosmic cross. The fundamental attack on the problems of life by the Bowl individual is indicated more significantly by the tilt or house-position of the Bowl-segment.”
He concludes this section by stating “the Bowl character is definitely more self-expending, or self-seeking, and more practically interested in what things mean and what they are. It continually throws the emphasis from the signs into the houses. It a general way the Bowl tends to ‘scoop up’ things and initiate experience when the position of the leading planet ranges from the fourth cusp, up and over the ascendant, to the Midheaven cusp, and then inclines to “capture” things or consummate various phases of life when the leading planet is placed similarly from the tenth angle down over the descendant to the nadir.”
Mercury at 8 Capricorn is the leading planet on a degree of “the happiness that radiates from an integrated personality” as a result of being happy and at peace with playing the role we’re born to play. This is a degree of “comfort” and “respectability,” where we can breathe easy and do what we’re supposed to do. This entry to the Bowl tells us we can celebrate welcoming some type of responsible emotional or social power in playing our role to play.
With Mars in Cancer closing the Bowl, we’ll finish experience with a sense of our Soul intervening between our mind and the “Natural order” we’re in. It’s on a degree of “self-integration” and “linkage,” and because it’s retrograde, likely something from the past is being claimed or excised from our subconscious mind.
This leads with emotional or social crystallization, and closes with individual or spiritual consolidation. Because the leading edge is Capricorn Earth, approach experience with a sense of maturity, pragmatism, and responsibility about what’s coming. Because the closing edge is Cancer Water, by the time you’re done with a given experience, you’ll have a new feeling of personality integration guided by your Soul.
Is the Grand Irrationality A Factor in this Full Moon?
No, and blessedly, will never be a factor activating the collective for the rest of our lives. This was a 30 year phenomenon which has now passed out of orb, and we are finally back to Neptune sextile Pluto and the coming Uranus sextile Neptune and trine Pluto. The spiritual field has shifted for the better!
If you want to know more about this hard edged Special Evolutionary configuration in play for three decades, I created an article which sums up the three versions of the Grand Irrationality in play during those years. I discuss what it is and which zones of the zodiac have been most impacted and when. You can find all you need to know about this configuration associated with widespread irrationality and hard-edged “forks in the road of destiny” we’ve all confronted at various times by going to The Grand Irrationality is Over (1993-2023).
This evolutionary configuration has been activated over the years when any planet moved through any of the hot zones of the configuration. However, even though it’s ended remember that almost everyone on Earth born the past 30 years has this in their charts! And all the eclipses these past years have also had it, including previous eclipses which are still active. So we’ll still have it working in the background for years to come. I’ll speak more about the aspects in part 3 when I cover the special configurations.
Saturn: Spiritual Master, Spiritual Friend
We are now finishing the long voyage of Saturn’s transit of Pisces. While in Aquarius 2021-2022 it taught us shortcuts to illumination and instructed us in the wise use of spiritual energies and the spiritual power of gratitude and appreciation. Now we’ve been learning about compassion and forgiveness in Pisces, and now must show courage in focusing our spiritual power. Just be centered as you flow with the universal current.
Saturn, ruler of our Capricorn and Aquarius sectors and any natal or progressed planets we have in those signs, is now stationary direct and again transiting the span between 13 and 20 Pisces for the third time. Between June 2024 and March 2025 we’re finding what nourishes us after our metaphoric “day of labor is done.” At this time, we are encouraged to find a new inspiration and empathy and/or compassion because Venus in Pisces brings Her “exalted nature” to Saturn at this time.
Because the Saturn semisquare Pluto continues to be active, if you’re confused by a swirl of activity around you, do not look outside yourself for guidance; BE the way-shower, BE the pathfinder you need to translate your compassion into functional understanding within the new role you’ve been playing this past year. Go deep within to know what to do and when. Keep using Saturn’s patience to flow into spiritual growth through “feeling-knowing.”
Because of Jupiter's dance with Saturn, they're competing for dominance. Jupiter in Gemini has been opening new ideas, new perspectives, and new adventures as it finds new ways to break free of any Saturnine ambivalence, needless fear or rules. Jupiter will be helping us let go of a lot of ghosts of the past during the next 4 months, so embrace the adventure!
Though Saturn can feel heavy and bring serious life lessons, it is the part of us which can take charge of our lives and destiny by using Saturn’s virtues in the right way and time. Our ability to steer our “ship of personality” into its rightful “role of destiny” has brought us to the threshold of new parts to play on the stage of Life.
Saturn makes favorable aspects to Uranus for many months to come, helping us blend understanding with originality. I explain how Saturn and Uranus work together to awaken us to our Higher Powers so we can embrace our destiny in my book Saturn: Spiritual Master, Spiritual Friend. Saturn helps us give structures so we can find greater awareness and effectiveness. In recent years we learned how to make a greater contribution to our world. Coupled with Uranus having awakened us to a new time, a new way, and a new day, we’re “breaking on through to the other side” into an unfolding Higher awareness.
The book was written for both astrologers and non-astrologers. Even those with little or no understanding of astrology will benefit from understanding why you had to make certain choices at crucial times that shaped your life in profound ways.
Each time you read any section of this book you will find new insights about your power to throw off all the attitudes and memories which hold you back from finding and living the life and purpose. If you’ve haven’t already gotten your copy, you can go to the Saturn: Spiritual Master, Spiritual Friend page on Amazon and this should be all you need to order your copy. It’s also available on Amazon and as an ebook on Kindle, so if that’s more to your liking, go for it! If you would, whether you’ve gotten the ebook or the paperback, please write a review on the Amazon site, since the more reviews, the more of a boost they give it.
On A Final Note
See you in the near future with parts two and three on this culminating Full Moon which promises forms of “transcendent security,” with any sense of inner separateness heled by Mars retrograde bringing new ways of personality integration. Accept the happiness of the role you’re playing, prove you’re worthy of the responsibility, feel the growing abundance in your life, and know that you are almost at the end of a long quest begun last June.
Try to relax as much as possible, as this is a hard-edged time due to Sun opposed Mars. Slow down, and be as non-assertive as possible amidst the heightened tensions of the opposition. Flexibility is a virtue with all the Mutable squares, as long as you understand that Virgo’s attention to order and details is what is needed to exercise productive power, and Sag’s sense of humor and vision can make it enjoyable.
Share information, unlock your caged up power, cultivate tendencies to telepathic connections, trust your ancestral wisdom, and take a moment to breathe, being “alertly ready to act” while not falling into distress at not knowing what’s happening next. There will be a lot of friction and tension these next two weeks, be clear about what works and what doesn’t. Postpone, defer, delay, and stave off assertive or aggressive people. Shake off unnecessarily limiting views.
The outer planets maintain the entry into a transition between the old spiritual field and the emergent one, so practice empathy, compassion, intuition, and release all which obstructs your ability to swim in the ocean of collective consciousness. We have begun a “genuine rejuvenation,” a renewal where we can appreciate our mature experience as we find new life, light, and/or love in what is awakening. Just keep in mind we’re all challenged to be as patient and strong of heart as Mars continues to slow in its retrograde period.
Venus is a key player due to it conjuncting Saturn and squaring Jupiter. This can bring a new sense of value to the lessons Saturn’s been teaching us the past two years, while helping us develop persistence and not settle for lesser things when greater things are at stake. Keep being as compassionate at possible, but do not compromise in your fundamental Soul knowing.
If you want to know more about your Venusian power to shape your likes and affections into enjoyable interactions and friendships, please consider getting a copy of my book The Magic of Venus: Friendships, Soul Mates, and Twin Flames. It is the most comprehensive book on Venus ever written, and explains why we attract who we do and how to create more satisfying relationships in the future. You will understand the foundations of long term healthy relationships and friendships, why Soul Mates come into our lives, and how to dance with your inner Beloved and mirror that to your world.
And now, a bit of final backstory to where we are today.
A View of How We Got Here
Where we have late Capricorn and early Aquarius in our chart is the focus of future decades due to a tremendous number of important conjunctions there in 2020 and 2021. The compressions in Capricorn led us to personal power and very long wave cycles showing our work for years to come.
We’ve entered a new chapter in our spiritual journey at a fork in the road of our collective destiny. 2020 was about forging our connection with the World Soul, our Wisdom, and our greater dedication. 2021 began the new era in our lives. We’re all wiser than we used to be, have been given ample opportunities to value our heart connections with our friends, and display the vaster spiritual awareness we share with our Brothers and Sisters.
See you soon with parts two and three on this Full Moon which will bring us to a new way to understand life’s passages, and the value of patience in receiving what we were promised long ago. We’re now consolidating a lot, preparing to slow down through February while taking a look back at what we’ve accomplished this year in our new land, new life, and new understanding. A new era began with our seeing the “white dove flying over troubled waters,” showing us a new time, new way, and new day is upon us. You can find out more how all signs are affected by going to Jupiter Conjunct Uranus at 22 Taurus in April 2024 – How Are All Signs and Planets Affected?
Next up, Sabian Symbols, evolutionary configurations, and other important chart factors.
This article explains past, present, and future compressions, where they fall, and who they affect. The Great Compressions of early 2020, 2021, and 2022
This one explains the January 2020 compression and the multiple conjunctions setting themes for decades! The Great Compression of January 2020 – Mercury, Sun, Saturn and Pluto all Conjunct in Capricorn
© Copyright 2025 Robert Wilkinson
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