Right now we’re in the balsamic phase of the moon- the last couple days before the moon goes totally dark. This is the final phase of the moon cycle. If you’ve studied astronomy, you may already know of this phase as the waning crescent. As the light of the moon grows darker and finally fades out entirely, we become acclimated to darkness. There is a sense of mystery, of seclusion, even karmic connection right now. Mysteries become more compelling when it is dark. We become more concerned with unfinished business.

The correlation of full moon with mental insanity is an ancient belief dating back to the formation of the word "lunacy" derived from the Latin word Luna who was the goddess of the Moon, the counterpart of Greek Selene. Nowadays, one of the oldest beliefs in folklore worldwide is that the full moon can turn a sane person into a madman. Perhaps because of the enormous amount of anecdotal evidence from people working in the emergency services, some scientific research has been conducted in this field - but the conclusions were mixed.

A horary chart for this kind of question can be constructed both for the moment we discover that an object is missing and for the time when an astrologer hears or reads the question posed to him. The simplest way to predicting whether the missing or stolen object will be found or retrieved is by delineating the luminaries. If in the chart of a question or an event the Moon in a nocturnal or the Sun in a diurnal chart closely aspect their rulers the object will be returned to its owner.

After reading Jo Tracey’s emotional overdraft post on Saturday, I decided to cut my overly anxious, poverty-complex-riddled Virgo 2nd house a break and book a massage for myself. Of course, it didn’t involve spending new money- I had a credit there already that I needed to use- but the act of calling and making the appointment was a small victory in itself. I think I may be beyond emotional overdrafts and into emotional credit counseling territory.

Contradictions- that’s what this aspect is all about. The moon conjunct ascendant is a sign of emotional tension in a person; longing to be close to people, but keeping them at arm’s length out of fear. Distant and reserved on the surface, but burning to be social and feel included in life. People with the moon on the ascendant wear their heart on their sleeve and yet will hold back from any emotional demonstrations until they really sense the other person feels the same way (whether in romance, friendship, or simply mutual admiration).