On January 30, 2023, for the 3rd time in a series of 4, the Moon occults Mars. Astrologically, this takes place at 10°06’ Gemini, the same degree and minute as the star Aldebaran, the Eye of the Bull. This occultation will be visible in the Southern half of the US and in all of Mexico, Central America, Caribbean and the northern portion of South America.
An occultation is the same as an eclipse except an eclipse casts a shadow whereas an occultation does not. The previous occultations in the series were: Dec 7/8, 2022 and Jan 3, 2023. The last one in the series takes place on February 27/28, 2023.
An occultation is also a conjunction. Astrologically, this is more than just a sight to see in the sky or an intellectual exercise. The act of seeing the Moon-Mars occultation/conjunction is also an experiential transmission that we pick up with our mind, heart and soul. It may deepen our knowledge of ourselves in ways that cannot be measured with any instrument. Astrology is a symbolic and an initiatory language that connects us to the Earth and Sky. It can crack open our awareness of the rhythmic cycles between our life the sacred dance of Earth with the heavens.
Gemini is the featured sign/archetype once again (and for all 4 of these occultations) while the star Aldebaran is within 10° of each of them. In the system of shamanic astrology, Gemini represents an “out of bounds” archetype. This means this archetype doesn’t follow the same rules as most of the other archetypes (signs) do. It is a shape-shifter, donning different roles on a whim with the mind twirling and spinning out ideas and contrarian thoughts.
Another way of perceiving this sign is the relatively modern expression of Peter Pan. Peter Pan is fueled by imagination and knows no boundaries that can inhibit their ability to shift the perspective of all others. It is a puer, a symbol of the “eternal youth”, where curiosity is forefront of its drive to know.
Gemini is also the known as the trickster or the sacred clown, Kokopelli in native North America. It is the spirit of irreverence. Gemini is a storyteller, poet and messenger all in one. The Moon and Mars in conjunction highlights this, bringing the magic of this archetype to the forefront of humanity.
Synodic Cycle of Mars
Mars is still in phase 1 of its synodic cycle, meaning the journey for this adventurous planet is still just getting going. In fact, Mars only recently stationed direct back on January 12th and it has only moved about 2 degrees since that day. Phase 1 will complete on February 20th when Mars reaches the same degree and minute that it was at when it was in opposition with the Sun back on December 7th at 16°05’ Gemini.
The overall synodic cycle of Mars averages 780 days (from Sun-Mars opposition to the next Sun-Mars opposition. The cycle is about the maturation of Mars as the symbolic masculine principle, in its essence. The sign Mars is in when it is at the Sun-Mars opposition is its overstory or overtone. This sign essentially sets the tone for the entire 780 days of the synodic cycle.
Phase 1 is about the preparations needed before embarking on the trail. It is the plan before the adventure of Phase 2. In the case of Gemini, this could very well mean that there is no real or true plan hear other than the exceptional curiosity that Gemini exhibits. Everyone has the “masculine principle” within them, so this isn’t regulated only to men. It is an active force within us all.
What is the active force for Gemini? It is the mind’s insatiable desire to know and its spontaneous decisions. This can take Gemini beyond the duality that we all currently heavily reside in as human beings into the unknown. But that is where Gemini will be even more motivated to know and it goes on and on from there. Gemini as an archetype tends to be “in the mind” a lot, so thinking “as an action” will be commonly expressed in this synodic cycle.
Aldebaran and the Occultation of Mars
At this conjunction and occultation moment, we can gaze at the waxing Gibbous Moon and Mars very high in the sky and nearly directly above in some locations on Earth. They will be with the star Aldebaran, one of the four ancient Royal Stars. Aldebaran marks the Eye of the Bull (constellation) that astronomers still call Taurus. This star is part of a much larger region of stars that the Lakota people called the “Sacred Hoop of Stars”.
Mars has been zigging and zagging above Aldebaran for months and its last pass and conjunction of the star is the night of January 30. For some this could be where a personal point or planet is located in the natal chart, making Aldebaran a personal star. It can be especially important for the soul’s intent in this lifetime if it is the North Node, the Ascendant (and Ds), Mc/Ic or Jupiter as those are play potent roles in life purpose.
Being one of the ancient Royal Stars (along with Fomalhaut, Antares and Regulus) and noted in the Sacred Hoop of Stars, it is a star with a long history of recognition. In ancient Persia, this star was the “Watcher of the East” and connected to the god Mithras, or Ahura Mazda, a patriarchal figure who took down the Bull of Heaven. Deeper in time, its essence (along with the whole Bull constellation and Pleiades) was more a symbol of matriarchal age and the feminine, especially its connection to the goddess Inanna, the Queen of Heaven and Earth.
Mars and the Moon bring highlight this star and its qualities. According to Bernadette Brady, “integrity” and keeping one’s integrity is the fulcrum of this star. This doesn’t mean there is never a compromise, but we must weigh its costs and how it can be of benefit to our pursuit of knowledge and fulfillment in life.
Aldebaran is of a similar color as Mars, though at this time Mars is shining a bit brighter than the star. About a hour after sunset is a great time to see it high in the sky and for some, you will get to witness the occultation. The disappearance and reappearance of the light of Mars is suggestive of the planet’s journey and our own as well. Meaning our light will come back. It is also symbolic in trusting in ourselves that we will navigate through the dark (which is important to face) back into the light. Gemini, the magician works a bit more magic within us as we gaze upon this cosmic initiation.