Flying High Or On Automatic Pilot? February’s New Moon In Pisces

Here’s a riddle for Our Age: when the sky’s the limit, how can you tell you’ve gone too far? Rita Dove

No bird soars too high if he soars with his own wings. William Blake

Flying might not be all plain sailing, but the fun of it is worth the price. Amelia Ehrhart

No flying machine will ever fly from New York to Paris … [because] no known motor can run at the requisite speed for four days without stopping. Orville Wright

As we do at such times, I turned on my automatic pilot and went through the motions of normalcy on the outside, so that I could concentrate all my powers on surviving the near-mortal wound inside. Sonia Johnson

Occurring on the 27th February in the U.S. and the 28th in Australia, this Pisces new Moon can have us standing back and taking a good look at what’s going on around us. We may feel as though we are (or needing to) rising above situations in order to get a better idea of prevailing conditions. This can lead to insights, physical and spiritual, that lead us to new heights, or, we may feel a type of disconnect or distance in order to remove ourselves from people, place or situations that can lead us off our path.

This new Moon is square Jupiter, and, this square closes in ever more tightly a few days after the new Moon. We may want to take control or take hold of issues that we (or others) have avoided until now. Answers may appear seemingly from out of nowhere and it’s a good idea to let solutions or plans come to light when it feels right (which could be any minute). If you’ve been wanting to start a new creative or spiritual project, now could be a good time to get cracking, especially if you’ve been holding back feeling that you don’t have a platform or a voice, or, if you feel like life has been passing you by. Mercury will conjunct (be together with) the Moon’s north node and Neptune in the week following the new Moon, and, inspiration could appear in random thoughts and intuitions. What is it that you want to be doing?

The inspiration coming – as mentioned above – is strengthened by Jupiter squaring this new Moon from Gemini 13: A WORLD FAMOUS PIANIST GIVING A CONCERT PERFORMANCE. Of course, one doesn’t need to be a musician or even play any type of instrument: The message of this Symbol is to take your talents and the areas of your life that you have practiced hard at and turning it into being able to show your abilities – there is a good chance that you will be rewarded in some way, even if only to have what you have to offer being amplified (excuse the pun) or recognised.

For my two bob’s worth, Venus going retrograde this week is the big kahuna. The Sabian Symbol for Venus turning retrograde is Aries 11: THE PRESIDENT OF THE COUNTRY OR THE RULER OF ONES NATION. Apart from the obvious scrutiny of the world’s leaders and their power games and plays, this speaks of finding or own sense of personal authority and not letting others lord it over us. It can be an interesting time of realising that you are responsible for your own  life, your own decisions, your own stance on life. Venus goes direct in April on Pisces 25: THE PURGING OF THE PRIESTHOOD, and, Mercury is on Pisces 25 for this new Moon. We are hearing of many that are a part of ‘the priesthood’ – whether that’s religious leaders (the Pope is currently not well, for a start) or Hollywood stars or politicians or however they portray themselves as being ‘in charge’ in some manner – a lot of them that we may have previously looked up to (including family members, neighbours, co-workers, etc) are falling from grace. I write more about Venus retrograde here on my Substack. 

It’s interesting to note that the Moon’s south node is on Virgo 28: A BALDHEADED MAN IN UNIFORM WHO HAS SEIZED POWER. I’ll leave it to your imagination who might be playing this role right now. Bald or not, some are ‘seizing power’ and there could be some interesting karmic situations playing out because of it.

The Sabian Symbol for the new Moon is Pisces 10: AN AVIATOR IN THE CLOUDS. The following is my full interpretation of this degree Symbol from my book The Sabian Oracle: 360 Degrees of Wisdom:

Commentary: ‘An Aviator in the Clouds’ is an image of a pilot in his plane flying at such a high altitude that he is amongst the ‘Clouds’. It must be exhilarating to be up so high and observing this wonderful other realm. However, flying high can lead to feelings of being cut off and separate from reality and the real world and it is only a matter of time before the ‘Aviator’ must come down out of the ‘Clouds’ as the constraints of his more earth-bound existence eventually kick in.

Oracle: There may be a need to transcend what’s going on and to rise above difficulties. You may find that you have to rely on your intellectual or emotional skills to take you above and beyond your current situation. Just be aware that you may not be seeing the complete picture very clearly at the moment. Alternatively, you may be actively evading the real truth. If you take special notice, you will be able to see through illusions, to see through surface appearances and observe things that others may miss. Where are you sailing in the sky? Is it too high up to be able to really “see” anything? Do you feel the need to disconnect with what’s going on and to simply observe instead of becoming involved? What will happen if you keep flying without watching how much fuel you have at your disposal, and you run out? Whatever the situation, put your energy into enjoying the journey. Watch, observe and learn about your life from a heightened perspective. Are you the ‘Pilot’ or a co-pilot?

Keywords: Elevated views. Always seeing the best in people and things. Peace and tranquility. The longing for transcendence. Not seeing limitations. Being in a refined “head space”. Mastery. Flight, planes, pilots. Avoidance of time constraints. Pollyanna attitudes. Free flights of fantasy and escapism. The need for accurate navigation. Being in charge of the controls. Seeking higher truths. Maps. Compasses. Global satellite positioning. Clouds. Mist and fog. Hang-gliding.

The Caution: Sailing through difficulties or missing what’s really going on. Escapist use of alcohol and drugs, etc. Lack of grounded energy or reality. Being unearthed. Escaping responsibilities. Isolating oneself. Completely missing the point. Feeling high and mighty and above everyone else, particularly with intellectual skills. Wrong turns. Missing the signs. Feeling like you’re living in a fog. Disconnecting from others, leading to isolation. Losing the plot. Taking huge risks. One’s head being separate from the body.

The Karmic Condition of this new Moon is Pisces 9: THE RACE BEGINS: INTENT ON OUTDISTANCING HIS RIVALS, A JOCKEY SPURS HIS HORSE TO GREAT SPEED.

This Symbol shows the ability, or the need, to spur to action when you need to, to be able to rise to occasions that call for a sense of urgency or speed. At times in your life you’ll realize that it’s time to extract all the energy possible into situations. The “Race” is on, and you may feel that you can make it to the finish, but still not guaranteed of victory. What efforts do you expend to push you faster and further than the rest of the field? Ensure that you’re not expending all your energy too quickly and not really achieving anything of lasting value. Be wary of bolting out of the gate without knowing what your objective is. Needing to win at all costs can have others feeling like you’re not really ‘in the race’ – just wanting to win at all costs.

Keywords: Competitiveness and high ambitions. Wanting to win, sometimes against the odds. Losing and gaining weight. Weightlessness. Racing to be first at things. Demanding quick flight. Bolting out of the gate. Aggressive desires. Exhilaration. Wanting to better oneself. Being on the home run. Speed and the need for it. Facing forward with great intensity. Rivals and competitors. The value of training. Horsemanship. Discipline. Energy poured into the drive to succeed. Starting whistles, pistols or lights.

The Caution: Galloping at full speed prematurely. Being too ambitious. Ruthless measures. Jumping the gun. Doing anything to win or succeed. Being pushy or single minded. Running out of steam before the finish line. Weight dropping off too quickly. Sabotage or blocking other’s efforts. Reigning in energy at the last moment.

The Quest Degree of this new Moon is Pisces 11: PEOPLE TRAVELING A NARROW PATH, SEEKING ILLUMINATION.

This Symbol shows the ability, or the need, to be able to have a quest, to “Seek Illumination”, to have a “Path” and to stay on it regardless of what life throws at you. Sometimes the search for high ideals and understanding places us at odds with the more conservative social expectations of others. It is the ability to persevere with the search, regardless of the cost, that marks the sincerity of any path or journey. You may, at times, have to go without some comforts or stick to a rigorous agenda. Most times this quest is very illuminating, sometimes it’s confusing. You will need to reject that which is unworthy, while staying true to your objectives in order to arrive at your destination.

Keywords: People “on the Path”. Sticking to one mindset, diet, regimen or habit. Having a cause to follow. Not looking sideways. Awakening one’s base senses in order to progress. Physical ecstasy. Being in the now. Going towards the light. Staying true to self. The promise of light at the end of the journey.

The Caution: Blinded by the light. Not knowing where you’re really going. Disillusionment about what’s been chosen. Being one-eyed about goals and beliefs. The denial of physical pleasure. Puritanical behavior. Distractions that stop forward movement. Narrow mindedness.

The Sabian Symbol of Mercury is Pisces 25: THE PURGING OF THE PRIESTHOOD. 

This Symbol shows the ability, or the need, to be able to see through those who hold important positions yet abuse trust or those who make great claims but don’t live up to them. At regular times in your life, you’re likely to find yourself leaving others behind, kicking them out, or experiencing falls from grace. Periodically, there is a need to examine moral and spiritual sincerity. It is easy to allow those who don’t really belong to stay because of familiarity or habit. We can lose sight of the ideal through our rationalizing intellect, ego and emotive passion. There is a need to cleanse and purify your life, leading to better spiritual values. What side of the “Purging” are you on? Are you the one with the ‘right motives’? Who’s in charge?

Keywords: Revealing the truth of people for who and what they truly are. Cutting people off. Throwing out things that don’t measure up. Forced retirement and redundancies. Payouts at the end of employment. Dismissals. Opting out for moral reasons. Being fired. Holes left where someone took up a lot of space.

The Caution: Stressful battle over who’s in charge. Blackmail. The threat of being thrown out. Something being revealed. Evicting people because they deceive, lie or mislead or just because they’re not liked. Bringing somebody down. Scapegoating others. Corruption and scandal that threaten collapse. Wanting to appear to be doing the right thing. Coverups. The burning of books. Perversion.

The Sabian Symbol of stationary retrograde Venus is Aries 11: THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC, OR THE RULER OF ONE’S COUNTRY. 

This Symbol shows that it’s time to take charge, to expand your base of operations and to show that you have the integrity and the necessary energy to get things done. It’s also about bringing a sense of order and discipline into your life – physically, spiritually or emotionally. Find your sense of inner power and make it work for you so others don’t lord it over you. Be in control of your own destiny and individuality.

Keywords: Developing willpower. Inner power, discipline and integrity. Discipline of thoughts, emotions and actions. Leadership, power and ability along with their responsibilities. Accepting responsibility for one’s actions. “Calling the shots”. Rulers, presidents, leaders. Taking charge. The need for loyal subjects. Being voted in. The democratic process.

The Caution: Taking control. Lording it over everyone. Being overbearing. Not allowing others to be in charge of their own lives, health or situation. Egotistical and self-centered. Undermining others through a lack of self-awareness or confidence. Being larger than life. Dictators and tyrants. Military Governments.

The Sabian Symbol of stationary direct Mars is Cancer 18: A HEN IS SCRATCHING FOR HER CHICKS. 

This Symbol shows the essential need for nourishment that must be satisfied in order to proceed in life. The Hen needs to be there for her Chicks in order for them to grow and mature in safety. There are those around you who also depend on your ability to provide nourishment, both the literal food, and the symbolic, spiritual caring. Getting down to business and finding what nourishes will bring improvement and growth with small beginnings growing into fabulous and successful outcomes. This degree points to the mother hen in us all but we must be careful not to overprotect or fuss about our brood.

Keywords: Searching for sustenance. Being devoted to nurturing small beginnings. Concern for the essential, small details. Repetitive cycles of things that have to be done. Being the “breadwinner”. Doing one’s duty. Being loaded with responsibility. Children. Progeny. Feeding others. Catering. Seeding ideas. Latch-key children. Working long hours.

The Caution: Pointless searching where there is no nourishment. Fussing too much. Not letting people grow up. Neglecting to nourish those who need it. Acting like a mother hen. No life of one’s own. Becoming a martyr for others. Self-sacrifice. ‘Scratching’ for tiny rewards. Codependence. Tiring responsibilities. Scratching and picking. Paying the bills for others. Expecting to be looked after.

The Sabian Symbol of Jupiter is Gemini 13: WORLD FAMOUS PIANIST GIVING A CONCERT PERFORMANCE. 

This Symbol speaks of the need to be able to show one’s talents, skills or unique abilities to others, whether it’s in a ‘Performance’, or through just being oneself. In the situation facing you, it is not always enough to know that you are highly skilled, or have others say how wonderful you are, the proof is in expressing those skills in the real world and creating something as a result. The ‘Performance’ should spring from a love of what one is doing, whether it is music, performing, speaking or some other form of expression. True rewards come from being well rehearsed and prepared to share your talent with others as well as acknowledging and sharing the talents of others.

Keywords: Talent. Validations of social standing. Working hard at being special (or noticed). Reverence, respect and patronage of the arts. Feeling attracted to those with creative ability. Music, whether inspiring or tiring. Hands-on creativity. Feeling empowered by ability. Success. Practice makes perfect. Singing. Playing out front or in the band. Having an adoring public. Repertoires. Concerts.

The Caution: Relying on past success. Not putting in the day-to-day practice. The need for applause and acclaim to validate ones existence. Inflated egos demanding attention. Smugness about being talented, cultured, wealthy or privileged. Prima donnas. Cultural rewards for the privileged few. Conceit. Nerves that can ruin performance.

The Sabian Symbol of Saturn is Pisces 21: A LITTLE WHITE LAMB, A CHILD AND A CHINESE SERVANT. 

This Symbol shows the ability, or the need, to be able to provide care, safety and comfort to those who need it. The “Child” has a “Servant”; he is well looked after. He also has a “Little White Lamb”, an animal companion, one he can be with, hug and enjoy. It is natural to try and gain a physical awareness and in our early years it was the sense of touch that was initially satisfied. If you felt cradled and comfortable, you could grow knowing that all was safe and well. At times in your life you could find yourself in a place of privilege; cradled from those things that could hurt or challenge you, having someone to look after you. Conversely, you could be the one who’s always there for others, supporting and loving them regardless of who they are or where they’re from.

Keywords: Being protected by higher, more aware, energies. The privileges money and social status bring. Awareness of the different levels of situations. Differing perspectives. Helpers, servants. Care. Being watched over. Watchfulness. Pets and animals. The supervision of youngsters. Purity of vision. Caring for the child within.

The Caution: Social incompatibility. Purity merely by nature of wealth. Not having to grow up because of the social environment. Not taking responsibility for one’s self. Acting like a brat and getting away with it.

The Sabian Symbol of stationary direct Uranus is Taurus 24: AN INDIAN WARRIOR RIDING FIERCELY WITH HUMAN SCALPS HANGING AT HIS BELT.

This Symbol shows the issue of people taking what is theirs by right or by might. It also shows the ability to be able to be recognized for their abilities as a successful leader who is prepared to put themselves at risk to be successful. The risks have taken are marked by rewards that are admired and respected, with a place in society marked by power and status. There’s a need for caution here, though, as the “us or them” mentality can lead to problems on every level. Be strong and commanding, but don’t take advantage of others or allow them to take advantage of you as it could lead to chain reactions of tit for tat mentality.

Keywords: Race wars. Claiming one’s soil. Trophies of conquest. Aggression. Basic instincts. Territoriality. Chain reactions. Tit-for-tat. Competitive natures. Risks for the clan or group. Trophies, medals and diplomas. Striving for recognition and respect, deserved or not. Blood and sacrifice. Tribes mourning their losses. Ritualistic behaviors. Marking victories. War crimes. Ticket scalpers.

The Caution: Conquering others without emotion. Showing off to intimidate others. Domination and ruthlessness. Taking things because one can. Violation of other’s space. Testosterone. Feeling taken advantage of. Notches on the belt, or gun. Cycles of retribution. Vengeance. Taking scalps.

The Sabian Symbol of Neptune is Pisces 29: LIGHT BREAKING INTO MANY COLORS AS IT PASSES THROUGH A PRISM. 

This Symbol shows the ability, or the need, to be able to analyze things, to consider and draw conclusions from available data, to be perceptive of colors, light refraction or reflection, auras and light. You probably have the ability to break situations down into the simplest components in order to see the full picture. This can and often does lead to a greater understanding of the relationship between the whole and the many parts. Just be careful not to overanalyze, thereby losing the joy that’s inherent in the simplicities of life. Taking a single vision and turning it into many individual streams can be rewarding, but it can also confuse and distract.

Keywords: Spectrum analysis. Color and crystal healing. Rainbows. Light refraction. Side effects. Considering many facets of a situation. Endless opportunities. Optics. Sight. Seeing. Copying and sharing ideas or things. Disseminating information. Auras and aura photography. Triangles. Polarization of light. Reflection. Laboratory tests. Diffracted personality.

The Caution: Locked in to a set of parameters. Over analyzing things. Being blinded by ambition. Daunted by the task ahead. Mirages. Microscopes and binoculars but not seeing things as they really are.

The Sabian Symbol for Pluto is Aquarius 3: A DESERTER FROM THE NAVY STANDS SUDDENLY AWARE OF A DAWNING TRUTH: FREEDOM IS NEVER THE RESULT OF COMPROMISE.

This Symbol shows the ability, or the need, to be able to listen to one’s conscience, to know when to do one’s duty, step up to the mark, or, when it’s time to leave, say enough is enough and ‘I’m not doing this anymore.’ You will find, at times in your life, that rigorous restraints and rules are no longer bearable. A decision to opt out may be a moral one or to maintain a free spirit. One shouldn’t have to “Compromise” themselves in order to be safe, secure, employed, or have a purpose in life. However, there are consequences for “Deserting” – not playing the game. Are you prepared for them? It can also show being taken away from home and family for reasons not of one’s choosing.

Keywords: Rebellion. Leaving, although allegiance had been pledged. Opting out because of pressure, harassment or bullying. Taking risks to get out of a dangerous/destructive/alienating situation. Being left behind by someone who’s “jumped ship”. Going AWOL. Standing by personal truths. Refusing compromise.

The Caution: Not playing by the rules of socially structured games. Self-ruin. Refusal to face social consequences. Not turning up. Withdrawing support in a physical, emotional or spiritual way. Blowing security. Rats deserting the sinking ship.

The Sabian Symbol for Chiron is Aries 21: A BOXER IS SEEN ENTERING THE RING. 

This Symbol shows that there may be a temptation to take on issues, even to fight, but it needs to be with dignity and regulation. There are rules to follow and often others will be end up being the judge of the final outcome. Make sure you possess the skills and training to defend what you believe. Remember that sometimes you need to back off if you’re not winning a contest. Question: are you more on the attack or the defense?

Keywords: Physical or psychological self-assertion and determination. Attack or defense? Fighting for emotional, psychological or physical space. Being seen as a person of strength. Throwing punches. Fighting on any level. Being prepared to take a swing at someone or something. Stepping up to the plate. Throwing down the gauntlet. Going after the title. Big vs. small egos.

The Caution: Using force or power to dominate people or those who challenge. Acting in a combative manner. Not displaying sportsmanship. Wanting to knock people out. Looking for combat. Throwing punches at anything. Belting, smacking, invading. Being punch-drunk.

The Sabian Symbol for the Moon’s north node is Pisces 28: A FERTILE GARDEN UNDER THE FULL MOON.

This Symbol shows the ability, or the need, to be able to enjoy nature and to enjoy the fruits of your life, your country, your culture. There’s often a sense that one has all that’s needed, and emotions running high. The “Fertile Garden” signifies that you have things that you need at your disposal. This Symbol has a strong clairvoyant sense to it, with the ability to pick up on subtle energies and life forms in the environment. You’ll get a lot of opportunities to be able to enjoy the moment, but keep a sense of equilibrium, as soon the energy will be on the wane and you’ll have to get back to more practical, everyday tasks.

Keywords: Fullness and fertility. Peak of energy and experiences. Brilliantly active unconscious life. Cycles. Waiting for the right time to approach or handle a situation. The effect of the moon. Astrology and predictive practices. The time for harvesting the rewards of hard work. Nature sprites. Vegetables, herbs and nature’s bounty.

The Caution: Jealous protection of possessions. Not being able to make one’s mind up because of the number of possibilities. Missed opportunities. Difficulty shutting down the mind. Emotions that get out of hand.

The Sabian Symbol for the Moon’s south node is Virgo 28: A BALDHEADED MAN WHO HAS SEIZED POWER. 

This pictures a time to seize power and push forward with decisions that need to be grounded now. It is by force of will that the solution will be found, but one must be careful to temper the situation as displays of masculine will can get out of hand very quickly.

Keywords: Dominating other’s mental space. Male hormones running rampant. Issues to do with hair. Ponytails. The story of Samson and his hair. Taking positions of power. Uniforms. Demanding others follow one’s lead. Strutting one’s stuff. “Wearing the pants in the family”. The ability to direct and organize many people. Letting others express their opinions or have a say. Domination. The Government. The Military. Decisions based on logic. Taking action or control.

The Caution: Pushing too hard or fast. Ramming one’s convictions. Being unkind and bossy. Putting on a show because one’s in uniform. Power tripping. Being cruel and domineering. Lording it over others. Being opportunistic. Corruption. Misuse of power. Bullying. Big business calling the shots. Domestic violence. Taking charge because one can. Strict rules to live your life by. Taking over. Not listening to what others have to say.