This last moon phase in Australia has definitely been the Cold Moon. All of a sudden a cold chill hit. My partner went to the snow last weekend and I swear he brought the chill back with him. Apologies about that :) Do not despair as the Quickening moon is upon us with a creative vibe and a warm heart. But this creative phase is not just evident in the Southern Hemisphere, but also the whole world through the evidence of the arrival of the New Moon. This phase of time encourages us to take on small projects that encourage attention to detail.

This is also encouraged by the closest sighting of Mars in 70,000 years...

In Loving Light
Sare : Psychick

The closest sighting of Mars in 70,000 years >>
In August 2003, Mars will be closer to Earth than at any time in recorded history. This will be an exciting time to view the Red Planet. As well, scientists will take advantage of the planet's approach to launch three spacecraft to explore its surface. Around 8pm on 27 August Mars will be 55.76 million km from Earth. This is the closest Mars has come to Earth in over 70,000 years.

Seeing Mars >>
Mars will be a very prominent object in the night sky in July, August and September. Not only will it be the brightest object in the night sky apart from the moon, but its reddish colour will make it easy to find. Though in July it will be rising in the east a few hours after sunset, each night it will be rising earlier so that by late August it will be rising around sunset.

To see Mars through a telescope during its close approach contact your local public observatory, amateur astronomical society or planetarium. Most of them are likely to hold viewing sessions. For example, Sydney Observatory will hold special Mars open nights form 20 August to 3 September.

Astrologically Speaking >>
Energy, passion, drive and determination are all right up Mars's alley. This Planet commands you (and yes, Mars does rule the military) to stand up, be noticed and get things done -- sitting on the sidelines belongs somewhere else in the heavens. Simply put, Mars speaks to the power and confident expression of the individual.

Ambition and competition are also within Mars's realm. Whether it's at work or on the field of play, Mars encourages us to face challenges and to be our best -- or better. Aggression is part of the plan here, although Mars also values courage and honor. Assertion and a daring, fearless nature please this Planet.

It's important to note that Mars's energy can be constructive or destructive. The God of War in ancient times, Mars could be brutally violent. While this energy still emanates from the Planet, it also asks us to harness this force for good. Stamina, ambition and achievement are all part of Mars' mantra.

Mars rules our sexuality and sexual energy, and governs weapons, accidents and surgery (the last two illustrating the yin and yang nature of this Planet). In the end, however, the energy of Mars can be quite useful if used properly.

Future Occurrences >>
In the future there will be a few other occurrences when there will be even closer approaches between Earth and Mars. In 2287 Mars will be a little closer than this year while in 2729 it will be at its closest for the current millennium at 55.65 million km.