weekly highlights: chiron stations direct in aries & full moon in cancer

Art: Tracy Porter

💫Chiron Stations Direct in Aries: Forged in the Flame; Time to move on.

Chiron stations @ 22°35' in the 3rd house, the natural realm of Gemini ruled by Mercury. This is the house of awareness and side-by-side relation/partnerships. 

During retrograde, it was important for us to note patterns that may have been overlooked, as well as triggers too painful to previously face. 

Yet, if we reached for that higher thought and reminded ourselves it's all part of the process, then healing could take place without resistance. 

Chiron in Aries represents the wound of "self". Maybe something we don't want to face but can't be ignored if we want to experience growth. It's also important to run a biwheel to discover exactly how this placement will affect our own personal Chiron placement. 

If you're experiencing a Chiron-return, then the influence will differ from those who are not. 

Surrender was a good definition to remember when facing inadequacy, doubt, and low self-esteem/worth in order to rise above these issues. This may have been quite a challenge, especially if the wound was deep. And maybe we just scratched the surface, and healing is still in process. 

But for the escapists, there's going to come a time when we must clean our wounds in order to reach the summit. It will help to know that obstacles are typically of our own accord and that some pivoting of thoughts and/or beliefs are required. There is truth in the wound; there is also freedom.

Living with the negative effects of Chiron throughout our lives prevent us from reaching our full potential as humans. The transformation of our own wounds into something positive is crucial in understanding the overall process of energy transformation. Everything in the Universe begins with self, that includes the power of healing and transforming. 

So, what are wounds of self? Fear of abandonment. Betrayal. Unrequited Love. 

While all Chiron placements are painful, Aries is directly related to who we are as a person. 

This station, occurring in the house of awareness/ side-by-side relation/partnerships provides clues as to how this healing can take place. Most Aries are confident, courageous, daring, and strong. 

However, an unhealed Aries placed Chiron could reflect the opposite of these traits. We could experience anxiety, self-doubt, and fear. If we are experiencing any of these traits, then these are our Chiron wounds, asking to be healed on a deeper level. 

This is why pattern recognition, or awareness of triggers is vital. Examine whatever causes feelings of abandonment, betrayal, or unrequited love. Then flip through your life and see if the pattern has been repetitive. If not, then there's a good chance that we have closed ourselves to the potential experience. 

A former mentor, called "Old China", told me once that I guarded my heart like a precious vase that could be broken. But if I allowed it to break, I could sweep up the pieces and no longer fear. 

The Japanese art of kintsugi demonstrates the beauty of brokenness by fusing the pieces back together with gold. 

The scars that fuse on broken skin are stronger than skin itself. But we must be willing to tend the break in order for it to heal.

Late afternoon OOB S' Mercury conjunct Juno in Capricorn, conjoining Juno's relatedness principle with Mercury's mental expression, emphasizing the importance of mental and verbal communication in one's relationships. 

With Mercury OOB S' we may experience the capacity to articulate important ideas, concerns, and feelings to one's partner, thus contributing to sharing and intimacy, according to Demetra George. Or, we could experience difficulties articulating our feelings, which may lead to misunderstandings that produce conflict and potential manipulation and/or denigration of others. 

Whichever emotional realm we're in is what will be accentuated with this aspect. 

Deeper through the Decan & Tarot 

This station is occurring in the third decan of Gemini (20°-29°), ruled by the Sun and Saturn, and represented by the minor arcana tarot card, Ten of Swords. 

Unlike the first two decans of Gemini, which reflect discovery and exploration, this one reflects choices—as in judgements must be made utilizing awareness. Austin Coppock refers to this face as "An Executioner's Sword. . .to achieve actuality, a multitude of possibilities must be sacrificed." 

Here we must bear our weight learning to make life-and-death decisions; however, "this face teaches levity, the dual revelation of life as comedia/tragedia. For the wise laugh even as the executioner's blade descends," adds Coppock. 

Of course, "death" typically doesn't imply literal, but the ending of a cycle, perfectly depicting the wounded healer, Chiron, stationing direct after a long retrograde through the fiery furnace of Aries. Beginnings always ensue endings regardless of the type—even in physical Death there is a new spiritual beginning. 

So, thus, are patterns we choose to end. Associations we choose to terminate. And awareness we opt to heed.  Just as the year of the Snake in Chinese astrology is the year of old skins cracking open, shedding and deep emotional clearing, so Chiron stops looking back and decides to step forward in whatever choice we've made for ourselves. 

May we each discover the magic of transformation and courage of Aries face truth and freedom in the wound—both waiting to be released. 

💫Full OOB Wolf Moon in Cancer @ 5:03 AM, EST, 8th house, the natural realm of Scorpio co-ruled by Mars & Pluto. 

The first Full Moon of the 2026 Gregorian calendar comes in not only howling but out-of-bounds as well. Known as the Wolf Moon, "Emotionally Tenacity" is the key phrase. 

What is more interesting about this celestial event is that in addition to the Moon, both Mercury and Mars (co-rulers of this decan) are also out-of-bounds south, whereas the Moon is north. 

OOB planets can go one of two ways: firstly, they can produce exceptional creativity exceeding the potential of expectations; secondly, they can be erratically unpredictable and go to extremes that can detrimentally affect others, including themselves.  

Those with OOB planets, to put it simply, like coloring outside the lines. That can be considered a creative genius or dangerous liability. Whether the declination is North or South is equally important. The North N' is considered more outgoing whose actions affect the world, while the South S' is more internalized and expressed through communication such as writing or speaking.

An OOB Moon is a luminary of emotions and instincts which will provoke intrigue of the unknown. We should guard against becoming too indistinct or far-fetched. Our challenge will be to associate within the confines of safety rather than seclusion. 

Moon in Cancer

The Moon is dignified in Cancer, so this will strengthen its influence as well as our response. When a planet is dignified, it enables us to control our circumstances, which is perfect, as the Full Moon is the time of greatest power and corresponds with the intentions did you set for the New Moon in Sagittarius December 19th, 2025.  

When occupying Cancer, whatever has been buried will come to the surface, accentuated via the 8th house signature—delving into the depths of transformational truths to regenerate. It can be an incredible time for awakenings, deep healing, forgiveness, and pouring emotional momentum behind manifestations or release. 

Cancer is associated with maternal nurturing, but at times can be patronizing and apprehensive about matters outside of their control. Their primary attachment is to home and family; therefore, this Moon will touch on all our relationships and living space, urging us to process and practicing release of emotions to avoid blocks and maintain a healthy flow of energy.

This lunation can send our intuition and psychic sensitivity into overdrive. If we don't maintain boundaries, impositions could lead to deep resentment. Remember, this Moon is dignified, which enables us to control our own circumstances. Adhering to our boundaries is imperative. 

Deeper through the Decan & Tarot 

The second decan of Cancer is co-ruled by Mercury and Mars, and encompasses sanctuary and protective nurturing regarding our creations, according to Nicola Allan, astrologer, author, & illustrator of "The Wild Way Oracle Book." Mars asserts his co-rulership here through fostering relationships, passions, and projects are necessary means to build effective boundaries.  

The minor arcana tarot card associated with this decan is the Three of Cups. Cups represent the element of Water: Emotions, relationships, intuition, and love. 

In this auspicious card three women dance in spontaneous delight, filled with joy expounded by friendship and sharing. The pumpkins symbolize a time of ripeness and thanksgiving. Our relationships ripen and grow when you openly celebrate them, an indicator of the presence of Mercurial magic adding to the merriment. 

Austin Coppock refers to this decan as "A Walled Garden", adding that "the great secret. . .is the power of right incubation . . .where something precious is kept." 

This is evident by the overflowing cups (Golden Art Nouveau Tarot) that the harvest of effort is the celebration. 

These two planetary influences (Fire & Air) have an interesting relationship within this watery decan and work cooperatively to provide safety (Mars) within celebration (Mercury). We are also ourselves when we feel secure with others, allowing our true natures to be revealed amongst trusted companions. 

The true nature of this decan and lunation is not so much what is being protected but what is being nurtured to fruition. Perhaps the intentions set during last month's new Moon aren't ready to manifest but require a nurturing greenhouse until firmly rooted and ready for transplant out in the world. 

Whether it's nurturing intentions or celebrating manifestation, this watery lunation brings to the surface what needs to be done, if we're brave enough to face the truth of ourselves while sharing with likeminded. 

Aspects (time & degrees below)

Early morning the OOB N' Moon in Cancer opposite OOB S' Mars in Capricorn, creating a brief period of dissonance that could affect our relationships. Tolerance becomes the keyword of the morning, and patience with things that wouldn't normally disturb us. Relationships with women in particular could be more challenging. This transit is brief, and awareness can be a wonderful tool to help us navigate rough waters. 

Midafternoon the OOB Moon conjunct Jupiter Rx in Cancer, ushering in relief from the previous aspect. Petty foibles no longer try our patience, and opening up to others becomes much easier if we take it slowly. This transit has a tendency to mirror what we give back unto us, so make sure its nurturing support. 

Tonight, the OOB Moon in Cancer square Chiron in Aries, presenting a wonderful opportunity to assist the healing of another or heal with the assistance of others if we do not allow fear to prevent us from opening up to vulnerability. 

Whether you're in a relationship or single, you may struggle due to past experiences that produced wounds. Yet, there is such an opportunity present for spiritual growth by facing these wounds by allowing them to surface so they can finally be addressed.

Courage (Mars) and open communication (Mercury) are essential prescriptions.

Native American legend

"Native American tribes have labeled full moons for many reasons. This particular full moon is called the Wolf Moon. It is said to be the time wolves howl loudly at the moon.

"They are crying out in hunger as the cold season has left them with fewer prey options. This has also been referred to as the Spirit Moon because it is the first full moon of the year, indicating the importance of setting intentions and goals.

"The wolf moon can evoke an animalist desire to be free, to be wild, untamed, to crave, and to pursue the things that we’re naturally drawn to. Even if it doesn’t make you money, even if it’s not particularly profound according to worldly standards, the full moon wants you to go after what your soul craves."

Being this is the first Full Moon of the year known also as "Spirit Moon", rituals are sacred investments in ourselves, our abilities, and healing through release (howling) the parts of us that have experienced negative circumstances such as betrayal, rejection, and alternate themes that are currently playing into the Chiron aspect. 

It's time to howl at the Moon. Perhaps a sacred salt bath. Spiritual music. White candles. And some of the most important releases and fostering intentions of the year.

💫✨