Lunar Occultation of Mars

Today is the Full Moon in Gemini, made more powerful since it occurs simultaneously with the occultation of Mars.  Mars is perigee which means it’s furthest away from the Sun, yet closer to Earth.  If you’re fortunate to have clear skies, you’ll be able to see Mars brightly rising in the East in direct opposition to the Sun as it sets in the West once the full moon wanes and passes.  This will continue to be visible for most of December but is at its brightest now.
 
A lunar occultation occurs when the Moon passes in front of Mars and hides it from our view. It makes for an eclipse like feeling as Mars is blocked, acting in a roguish way that might feel out of control, invisible or behaving in unexpected and bombastic ways.  Things and situations can be more intense. Expect the unexpected and watch what comes to light that you didn’t see coming.  Mars has the ability to behave loudly, brashly and do harm if it’s acting out in unconscious ways. 
 
In world news we’ve seen this full moon occultation of Mars play out in the Ukrainian drone attacks against Russian military bases and the competitive race for the Georgia Senate seat between Raphael Warnock and Herschel Walker. 
 
The Moon represents your feelings, memories, unconscious habits, moods, reactions, mother, caregiving, nurturing, home, security needs, and the past.
 
Mars is associated with confidence, self-assertion, aggression, violence, bravery, courage, sexuality, high energy levels, strength, ambition, competition and impulsiveness.  It governs war, guns, sports, competitions, and physical activities in general.
 
On a positive note, Moon conjuncts Mars provides the courage, confidence and initiative to act on passionate desires.  There’s an urge to stand up for family, friends and loved ones.  Fight for a cause you care about deeply.  There can be an increase in personal charisma and sexual relations.  The ability to act quickly on your feet and speak improvisatorially can come to your aid in situations requiring courage and bravery. 
 
On the negative side rash impulsiveness and impatience can make for powerful emotional outbursts and subconscious reactions that bubble to the surface in angry and inappropriate ways.  There can be fights for control.  The sign of Gemini suggests the air can be full of angry words and misguided communication.   Anyone may quickly become angry, agitated, bossy, mean, rude or even violent.  Irrationality, irritability combined with hot headedness and aggressive instincts can lead to unnecessary danger from risk-taking.  Acting rashly can lead to accidents.  The occultation of Mars dampens its fire which is why some of the more negative energies can manifest as Mars fights for a way to express itself.  He’s not a planet that understands subtlety and finesse.  
 
Hidden knowledge and information is revealed leading to newly gained wisdom but this might not occur for several weeks or until after the retrograde ends on January 12.  This is the time when we learn and discover how to integrate our Martian warrior energy in healthier ways.  Where can you improve your personal power and leadership abilities?  It’s time to review old, worn-out themes and bad habit patterns in order to build new mental muscle patterns.
 
Find appropriate and healthy ways to release the over-abundance of testosterone through strenuous physical activity such as sports, exercise, and sex.  Clean your house and help your Mother!!  The retrograde of Mars is ideal for re-planning a new course of action towards reading, writing, teaching, education and learning. 
 
It’s time to press the reset button!