Thur 1: New Moon (Moon in Taurus) : The Moon in Taurus ushers in a time of caution and practicality. People may feel more conservative and stable. This is a good time to continue or to finish projects that have already been started, as people may be more dependable and thorough. Like the stubborn Bull representative of Taurus, people may be bull-headed -- unwilling to compromise and argumentative. Care needs to be taken to avoid self-indulgence and excessive concern or desire for material possessions.

Fri 16 : Neptune Retrograde : It takes 165 Earth years for Neptune to circle the Sun one time, long enough for this planet to spend fourteen years in each Sign of the Zodiac. Stationary for two weeks or so at a time, Neptune goes into retrograde five months out of every year.

With Neptune's retrograde, logic falls to the wayside in favor of esoteric interests and intuition. People begin to pay more attention to their dreams and explore more creative outlets. Neptune is the Planet of Illusion and Make Believe, and we may see shifts in film and television or entertainment media in general.

Fri 16 : Lunar Eclipse (Total) : The point at which the Sun, Earth and Moon are aligned with the Earth blocking out the Sun's light from the Moon, making the Moon seem invisible. Occurs during a Full Moon.

Fri 16 : Full Moon : Mourning Moon SH : Flower Moon NH (Moon in Scorpio) : A time of great intuition and poetic ability.

Mourning Moon : On the Mourning Moon, we reconnect with our roots so that we may be strong through the winter months. Lay a black cloth on your altar. Decorate with autumn leaves, gourds, orange candles, a mirror, a plate of cookies, a bottle or port wine, and pictures of your ancestors, your beloved pets who have crossed over, and anyone you might care to remember who has made the transformation from life to death.

On the night of the Full Moon, cast a circle and light the candles. Invoke your chosen gods. Focus on each picture, thinking about how that person touched your life, in ways both good and bad. Give thanks for the lessons and joys each person taught you. Toast them, and when you are done, leave the wine and cookies on the altar for the dead to feast on, and in the morning, leave the food and drink in a sacred spot for the Earth to reclaim them. Affirmation for the Mourning Moon: I learn from the past.

Flower Moon : This month, we honor the union of the God and Goddess and the life that springs forth. For this ritual, decorate your altar with a purple cloth, a chalice of wine, your athame, and two green candles. Arrange armfuls of flowers around the altar. Cast a circle and invoke the God and Goddess. Sense the energy of the Goddess and Her mate, and draw that power into yourself. Feel their connection as they embrace. As the energy builds, hold the athame over the chalice, focusing on its symbolic connection to the phallus of the God. Plunge the tip slowly into the chalice, which represents the vagina of the Goddess, and say:

"As this athame enters the wine,
So the God enters the Goddess
Their mating brings life to the Earth."

When finished, sip the wine and feel their power and passion within you. Offer the rest as a libation to the Earth. Affirmation for the Flower Moon: I am filled with strength and passion.

Moon in Scorpio : The Moon in Scorpio marks a time of intensified passion and desire. People may be feeling more assertive and more demanding, as well as being motivated and resourceful. In general, emotions at both ends of the spectrum are heightened and likely to vary quite a bit throughout this influence. Connections on a deep level could be made with members of the opposite sex with the Moon in Scorpio. Represented by the Scorpion, Scorpio possesses a secretive and penetrative nature. Feelings of jealousy and revenge may arise, so special caution is needed to avoid confrontations.