IT'S SERPENTINE FOR THE PLOTINA MOON By Our Crystal Meditation Advisor Martin Campbell

OUR scintillating astrology expert Hernestus has advised me that this moon phase is the Virgo New Moon, the Plotina Moon in the Antinous faith. This moon puts us in mind of our grandmothers, older wise women or the Pagan 'Crone'. 

Many women display great wisdom - we have all met such women or grown up with them.

Trajan's wife, Empress Plotina, was a guiding force behind Hadrian as he waited in the wings to become Emperor. She was not so much a mother figure as a wise and forceful guide who put his feet on the path to lofty heights.

My maternal grandmother was the 'Plotina' in my life. She was worldly, strong, indomitable and totally understood me. 

When my Dad tried to get me to do 'manly things' it was she who took Dad aside and explained to him that I was a 'sensitive' boy who should not be troubled with such nonsense!! Blessed be to her in her next life.

Embrace your feminine aspects - they are part of you and help to balance your more driven masculine and sexual nature. 

Crystals, are of course, often perceived as a 'girl' thing. I am studying to be a crystal healer and have met very few men who study this art. 

As I work with my crystals I call in guidance from my spirit guides and angels. My angels are male but my guides are female. It is nice having the balance - I think I do better work having this approach.

For this moon I would recommend that you meditate holding or being with an image of the following crystals:

Howlite - these are typically greenish white but can be artificially coloured. They help prepare your mind to receive wisdom and insights. Women are often very patient and this is a crystal which helps to embody this in you.

Serpentine - these many coloured/colored crystals (top photo) help you to understand the spiritual aspects of your life and help you to receive or retrieve insights and great wisdom from various sources.

Ametrine - these lovely crystals are a natural blend of Amethyst and Citrine crystal. They help you to unite your feminine and masculine aspects to overcome prejudice and take control of your life - just like my late grandmother did for me!

In Light and Life,

MARTIN

To get more advice from Martin Campbell and to find out how to contact him CLICK HERE.

THE PLOTINA MOON VIRGO NEW MOON

TONIGHT's Virgo New Moon is the lunar phase which, in Antinous Moon Magic, is called the PLOTINA MOON in honor of Emperor Trajan's wife, the Empress Plotina, who lobbied on Hadrian's behalf, ensuring he would be Trajan's successor.

Hadrian was a favorite of Plotina's and she did everything in her power to further his career and to position him to succeed her husband Trajan as emperor. Indeed, it is said that, upon Trajan's death, Plotina forged his signature on a will naming Hadrian as his successor.

It has been speculated that she and Hadrian were lovers, though his preference for males and their age difference (she was old enough to be his mother) may make that speculation seem a bit far-fetched.

Whatever the case, Plotina showered Hadrian with love, favors and the wealth of her insights into the machinations and workings of the inner coterie surrounding the Emperor.

Thanks to Plotina's tutelage, Hadrian was well-equipped to become emperor.

Each lunar phase represents a Divine Spirit or Archetype. The Spirit of the Plotina Moon is the Spirit of the Crone, the Wise Woman, the White Witch, the Great Mother Isis. She is a Spirit Guide.

She is not maternal like a mother, but instead she is more of a doting grandmother or great aunt. This Spirit has seen everything, been everywhere and experienced everything.

Life has few surprises left for this Spirit, and yet she marvels anew at each bright new day of discovery. There is always something yet to be discovered, some new secret to be unveiled, some riddle to be solved.

The Spirit of Plotina is ever seeking to reveal all and to share her vast grimoire of secret knowledge with her favorite protege.

The Virgo New Moon comes at the end of summer in the Northern Hemisphere when crops have been harvested and leaves are beginning to fall and the heat of summer wanes. In the Southern Hemisphere, this is the New Moon signalling a time to put away winter clothes and plant for spring with the knowledge you have gained during the winter.

It is the same New Moon, and ANTINOUS THE MOON GOD gazes down on both hemispheres. The days are getting shorter and the days are getting longer. Yet, our Lunar Deity invites us to look beyond the calendar to seek the wisdom that the PLOTINA MOON has to offer us, wherever we live.

The key words for the PLOTINA MOON are: Wisdom. Experience. Magnanimity. Old Age. Wise Woman. Vast Intelligence.

This lunar phase represents deep inner wisdom that comes from the "school of hard knocks".

This is the wise old "curandera" (white witch) who needs no books or rituals because the magic is deep down inside her soul. She and the magic are one and the same.

On a superficial level, this lunar phase is a time to honor to an older person, an old gay wizard, for example, who is influential in your life. On a deeper level, it is inviting you to become better acquainted with the ancient "curandero" (gay wizard) in your soul.

ASTRO FORECAST: AUGUST 28th to SEPT. 8th, 2019

Antinous Astrology Forecast

---

AUGUST 28th to SEPTEMBER 8th, 2019

---

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 28th, 2019

On Wednesday, it is high time to break free of chains which have bound you for far too long when Virgo Mars forms a liberating trine aspect with Taurus Uranus. In Antinous Moon Magic we call this the "Stonewall Configuration" because the Stonewall Riots best demonstrate what can happen ... an explosive and wholly unexpected rebellion. Because both planets are in Earth signs, this aspect can spawn a sudden rupture or disruption of global consequences ... with long-lasting consequences. Uranus is Retrograde right now, which means these chains have been restraining us for much longer than necessary. Mars in determined Virgo says it is time to break the chains, and Uranus in bull-headed Taurus says the chains must be broken with no regard for danger or peril.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 29th, 2019

On Thursday, Mercury leaves selfish Leo and enters compassionate Virgo. It has been said that Virgo Mercury is like having a cyber-servant or surrogate replicant who anticipates all your inter-personal communications needs and rushes to your beck and call. Mercury will be in Virgo until September 14th, which means you can expect advice and supportive suggestions for "upgrading" your cognitive and communications skills for the next three weeks.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 30th, 2019

On Friday, the Sun forms a positive trine aspect with Uranus which blows in a breath of fresh air which rejuvenates and invigorates you and encourages you to act first and ask questions later. Also on Friday, we come to the Virgo New Moon, which is the lunar phase in Antinous Moon Magic we call the PLOTINA MOON in honor of Emperor Trajan's wife, the Empress Plotina, who lobbied on Hadrian's behalf, ensuring he would be Hadrian's successor ... The Spirit of the Plotina Moon is the Spirit of the Crone, the Wise Woman, the White Witch, the Great Mother Isis ... But "she" is a Spirit Guide who transcends gender — she is the ancient gay wizard in your soul. This New Moon signals the beginning of the last third of the calendar year. It is time to start wrapping up your projects for this year ... and making good on those bold and ambitious New Year's Resolutions.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 31st, 2019

This weekend, you can expect surprise tidings from the other dimensions when Mercury is in a very conducive karmic-healing trine to Uranus. Mercury-trine-Uranus always creates optimal energies for breaking down encrusted old structures and for mentally visualizing bold new solutions. Because Uranus is Retrograde, the emphasis is on the past. Retrograde Uranus opens the portals of Time and Space and Mercury enables you to go through those portals to engage in healing magic involving your own past, or past-life incarnations. Even if you do not work any magic, you can definitely count on receiving a message involving someone or something from the past.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 1st, 2019

This weekend, social-minded Virgo Venus forms a productive trine aspect with Capricorn Saturn. Venus trine Saturn helps you perceive whom you can trust for the long run and it helps you remember that business can be a pleasure.

MON-THURSDAY, SEPT. 2nd-5th, 2019

This week promises to be the most contentious of the entire year when ALL major planets engage in challenging configurations to each other. Among other things, the Sun and Mercury align in conjunction with Venus and with Mars as all four planets inch their way into opposition with foggy Neptune, spawning confusion and misunderstandings worldwide. Then Mercury forms tense aspects with Jupiter and Saturn to promote exaggerations ... if not outright lies ... and stubborn insistence that those untruths are true.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6th, 2019

Overnight Thursday-Friday, we come to the Sagittarius First Quarter Moon, which we call the EQUESTRIAN MOON in Antinous Moon Magic ... the Lunar Phase we associate with spiritual movement and progress, astral travel and astral projection ... On the material level, this Lunar Phase is excellent for making travel plans and for carrying out rituals for a safe journey with bountiful spiritual rewards ... or at least for washing that vehicle of yours.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 7th, 2019

This weekend, love planet Venus is in a powerful trine aspect with Pluto. Virgo Venus is looking for someone to share a nurturing life with, while Capricorn Pluto is looking for a profound relationship which endures for all eternity. So this Venus trine Pluto configuration can help you find your soul mate. Venus trine Pluto is also very good for financial and business transactions which will provide long-term yields.

Also this weekend, the Sun is in a 90-degree right angle to Jupiter. This configuration provides great opportunities for success but also some tests of character. You can be very fortunate but also have to make your own luck. Lucky breaks and popularity can lead to an inflated ego and other excesses in life. For example, you may have a tendency to over-estimate your own abilities or resources. This could lead to a scattering of energy or wasting money on unnecessary luxuries. There may also be a tendency to accumulate possessions such as collections of a special thing, coins, figurines etc. It may be that your beliefs and morals become over the top and cause difficulties with others. Excessive behaviors are most problematic because these are more likely to affect your close relationships. Overconfidence can get in the way of making lasting friendships. The key to dealing with the excessive nature of Jupiter is moderation. You can still maintain a healthy ego but you won’t want to let excess and pride damage your standing in the world. Jupiter is testing your ego. Any arrogance or boastfulness may actually be covering for a wounded ego, or a lack of self-confidence. Yes, you do wish to be of importance, to be famous or wealthy and to receive the praise and ovation you deserve. They key to dealing with this aspect, apart from moderation, is to not get ahead of yourself. Focus your energy on doing the groundwork, the daily grind needed to perfect your special gifts.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 8th, 2019

This weekend, ambitious Mars forms a positive trine aspect with industrious Saturn for the second and final time this year to give you the drive you need to push forward projects which have been stalled in recent weeks. It's now or never. Trust Mars to give you the determination. Trust Saturn to give you the cautious determination.

SNEAK PREVIEW OF NEXT WEEK:

Another exciting week lies ahead between September 9th and 15th when we come to the Pisces Full Moon ... In heterosexual astrology, the Pisces Full Moon is just a moon of sensual spiritual energy. But in Antinous Gay Moon Magic, this is the HOMOTHEOSIS MOON ... the archetype of gay sexuality ... when your sexual dreams can come true ... This hot Full Moon tells you it may be time to take your relationship to a whole new level ... This lunar phase helps you to deepen your love relationships in meaningful ways, making constructive compromises which allow each partner freedom while strengthening the bonds which unite you both ... More details next time ....

ASTRO FORECAST: AUG. 22nd—SEPT. 1st, 2019

Antinous Astrology Forecast

---

AUGUST 22nd to SEPTEMBER 1st, 2019

---

THURSDAY, AUGUST 22nd, 2019

On Thursday, Venus enters Virgo — Virgo Venus is the ultimate party organizer. Just avoid the Virgo Venus tendency to over-analyze and to offer "advice" (which is to say "criticism") where it is not wanted. Virgo Venus also likes to worry and fret and feel inadequate. Instead, play up the Virgo Venus panache at being the hostess with the mostest and plying your guests with food and drink and ensuring they are having a fabulous time.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 23rd, 2019

On Friday, we come to the first of two Gemini Third Quarter Moons in succession, which we call the Summer Blue Moon. This year it coincides with our celebration of the SACRED LION HUNT and occurs as the sun is poised to leave the sign of Leo the Lion. We celebrate the day in 130 AD when Hadrian and Antinous slew a man-eating lion in Egypt ... Antinous impetuously attacked the lion and wounded it with his adamantine-tipped spear ... the angry lion turned to attack Antinous ... but Hadrian killed the beast ... and saved his beloved boy.

SAT-SUNDAY, AUGUST 24th-25th, 2019

This weekend, Venus conjunction Mars in Virgo doubles down on your investment skills ... not only in business but also in love. Virgo Venus is picky about whom to trust with love and money, and Virgo Mars is equally determined to get good value for any ambitious gesture. This is an excellent opportunity to cement a relationship in love or business.

MON-TUESDAY, AUGUST 26th-27th, 2019

This week, you might want to purchase a lottery ticket when Venus forms a trine aspect with winner-take-all Uranus. Not only are these fortuitous configurations good for making money, but they also greatly enhance chances of love and romance. So, go ahead — take a chance on love.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 28th, 2019

On Wednesday, it is high time to break free of chains which have bound you for far too long when Virgo Mars forms a liberating trine aspect with Taurus Uranus. In Antinous Moon Magic we call this the "Stonewall Configuration" because the Stonewall Riots best demonstrate what can happen ... an explosive and wholly unexpected rebellion. Because both planets are in Earth signs, this aspect can spawn a sudden rupture or disruption of global consequences ... with long-lasting consequences. Uranus is Retrograde right now, which means these chains have been restraining us for much longer than necessary. Mars in determined Virgo says it is time to break the chains, and Uranus in bull-headed Taurus says the chains must be broken with no regard for danger or peril.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 29th, 2019

On Thursday, Mercury leaves selfish Leo and enters compassionate Virgo. It has been said that Virgo Mercury is like having a cyber-servant or surrogate replicant who anticipates all your inter-personal communications needs and rushes to your beck and call. Mercury will be in Virgo until September 14th, which means you can expect advice and supportive suggestions for "upgrading" your cognitive and communications skills for the next three weeks.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 30th, 2019

On Friday, the Sun forms a positive trine aspect with Uranus which blows in a breath of fresh air which rejuvenates and invigorates you and encourages you to act first and ask questions later. Also on Friday, we come to the Virgo New Moon, which is the lunar phase in Antinous Moon Magic we call the PLOTINA MOON in honor of Emperor Trajan's wife, the Empress Plotina, who lobbied on Hadrian's behalf, ensuring he would be Hadrian's successor ... The Spirit of the Plotina Moon is the Spirit of the Crone, the Wise Woman, the White Witch, the Great Mother Isis ... But "she" is a Spirit Guide who transcends gender — she is the ancient gay wizard in your soul. This New Moon signals the beginning of the last third of the calendar year. It is time to start wrapping up your projects for this year ... and making good on those bold and ambitious New Year's Resolutions.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 31st, 2019

This weekend, you can expect surprise tidings from the other dimensions when Mercury is in a very conducive karmic-healing trine to Uranus. Mercury-trine-Uranus always creates optimal energies for breaking down encrusted old structures and for mentally visualizing bold new solutions. Because Uranus is Retrograde, the emphasis is on the past. Retrograde Uranus opens the portals of Time and Space and Mercury enables you to go through those portals to engage in healing magic involving your own past, or past-life incarnations. Even if you do not work any magic, you can definitely count on receiving a message involving someone or something from the past.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 1st, 2019

This weekend, social-minded Virgo Venus forms a productive trine aspect with Capricorn Saturn. Venus trine Saturn helps you perceive whom you can trust for the long run and it helps you remember that business can be a pleasure.

SNEAK PREVIEW OF NEXT WEEK:

Another exciting week lies ahead between September 2nd and 8th when we come to the Sagittarius First Quarter Moon, which we call the EQUESTRIAN MOON in Antinous Moon Magic ... the Lunar Phase we associate with spiritual movement and progress, astral travel and astral projection ... On the material level, this Lunar Phase is excellent for making travel plans and for carrying out rituals for a safe journey with bountiful spiritual rewards ... or at least for washing that vehicle of yours ... More details next time ....

THE SUMMER BLUE MOON HELPS US TO RECOGNIZE OUR INNER ANTINOUS

DURING tonight's SUMMER BLUE MOON we reflect on the inner Antinous within us all ... already within us ... waiting to be awakened. (Art above by Linda Larson)

Many of us spend a lot of our lives looking for role models, mentors, teachers, and gurus to guide us on our path. There is nothing wrong with this and, in fact, finding the right person at the right time can really help. 

However, it is important to realize that in the absence of such a figure, we can very safely rely upon ourselves. 

Flamen Antonius Subia has said this many times. Instead of looking for Antinous outside of us, Antonius says we should look inside of us for Antinous.

We ARE Antinous and He is us. That means we carry within us everything we need to know to make progress on our paths to self-realization. 

The outer world serves as a mirror. Or to use another metaphor, our inner world has a magnetic Antinous force that draws to us what we need to evolve to the next level. All we need to do to see that we already have everything we need is to let go of our belief that we need to seek in order to find. 

The path of the spirit is often defined as a journey with a goal such as the fabled pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. In this metaphor, a person begins a search for something they want but do not have and then they find it, and there is a happy ending. 

However, most of us know that getting what we want only makes us happy for a moment, and then the happiness passes until a new object of desire presents itself. 

Joy is a permanent aspect of our inner selves and is not separate from us at any point. We do not have to travel to find it or imagine that it resides only in the body of another. 

In fact, what the best teachers will do is point out that this very precious elixir is something we already possess. 

So when we find ourselves on our path, not knowing which way to turn and wishing for guidance, we can turn to ourselves ... to our Inner Antinous. 

We may not know the right answer rationally or intellectually, but if we simply ask, let go, and wait patiently, an answer will come ... from our Antinous Within. 

The more we practice this and trust this process, the less we will look outside ourselves for teachers and guides for we will have successfully become our own.

It is so simple. It really is a Simple Gift to just let go and trust your Inner Antinous.

ASTRO FORECAST: AUGUST 15th—25th, 2019

Antinous Astrology Forecast

---

AUGUST 15th to 25th, 2019

---

THURSDAY, AUGUST 15th, 2019

On Thursday, we come to the AQUARIUS FULL MOON. This is the summertime moon of generous gifts which we associate with Antinous/Vertumnus, the shape-shifting God of summertime bounty and generous gifts. We call this the DONUM MOON when magical rituals are performed for fortuitous gifts.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 16th, 2019

On Friday, vengeance and enmity ignite anew when Mercury and Uranus are in a 90-degree right angle to each other. People act impulsively without thinking of the consequences ... consequences they will surely regret.

SAT-SUNDAY, AUGUST 17th-18th, 2019

This weekend, don't be surprised when "conflicts" dissipate overnight ... when Mars leaves drama-queen Leo and enters fastidious Virgo, where it will remain until 4 October 2019. Mars in Virgo energizes healing while soothing the heart ... Virgo Mars empowers you to act in a responsible and supportive way to help others ... and yourself! Martian ambition will be channeled into productive avenues.

MON-TUESDAY, AUGUST 19th-20th, 2019

This week, Mercury forms a fortuitous trine aspect with lucky Jupiter. Even if you usually never play the lottery, you might want to consider buying a lotto ticket for this week.

WED-THURSDAY, AUGUST 21st-22nd, 2019

On Wednesday, Venus enters Virgo — Virgo Venus is the ultimate party organizer. Just avoid the Virgo Venus tendency to over-analyze and to offer "advice" (which is to say "criticism") where it is not wanted. Virgo Venus also likes to worry and fret and feel inadequate. Instead, play up the Virgo Venus panache at being the hostess with the mostest and plying your guests with food and drink and ensuring they are having a fabulous time.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 23rd, 2019

On Friday, we come to the first of two Gemini Third Quarter Moons in succession, which we call the Summer Blue Moon. This year it coincides with our celebration of the SACRED LION HUNT and occurs as the sun is poised to leave the sign of Leo the Lion. We celebrate the day in 130 AD when Hadrian and Antinous slew a man-eating lion in Egypt ... Antinous impetuously attacked the lion and wounded it with his adamantine-tipped spear ... the angry lion turned to attack Antinous ... but Hadrian killed the beast ... and saved his beloved boy.

SAT-SUNDAY, AUGUST 24th-25th, 2019

This weekend, Venus conjunction Mars in Virgo doubles down on your investment skills ... not only in business but also in love. Virgo Venus is picky about whom to trust with love and money, and Virgo Mars is equally determined to get good value for any ambitious gesture. This is an excellent opportunity to cement a relationship in love or business.

SNEAK PREVIEW OF NEXT WEEK:

Another exciting week lies ahead between August 26th and September 1st when we come to the Virgo New Moon, which is the lunar phase in Antinous Moon Magic we call the PLOTINA MOON in honor of Emperor Trajan's wife, the Empress Plotina, who lobbied on Hadrian's behalf, ensuring he would be Hadrian's successor ... The Spirit of the Plotina Moon is the Spirit of the Crone, the Wise Woman, the White Witch, the Great Mother Isis ... But "she" is a Spirit Guide who transcends gender — she is the ancient gay wizard in your soul. This New Moon signals the beginning of the last third of the calendar year. It is time to start wrapping up your projects for this year ... and making good on those bold and ambitious New Year's Resolutions ... More details next time ....

THE AQUARIUS FULL MOON THE DONUM MOON OF ANTINOUS

TONIGHT'S Aquarius Full Moon is the summertime moon of generous gifts which we associate with Antinous in his guise as Vertumnus, the shape-shifting God of summertime bounty and generous gifts.

This is the full moon of letting go, breaking out of restrictions, busting out of prisons, liberating yourself from the chains which restrain you.

It represents a boon (material or otherwise) which comes your way through generosity. It is an unexpected gift from someone else.

Or it is a gift you give to yourself. The Aquarius Full Moon is about philanthropic generosity

 In ANTINOUS MOON MAGIC we call this the DONUM MOON when magical rituals are performed for fortuitous gifts. 

Antinous/Vertumnus is the divine aspect of Antinous representing his gift-giving ability. He holds a symbolic gift of fresh-ripened fruit and summertime blossoms which he is eager to give to you without reservation.

It is yours. No questions asked. Take it.

Vertumnus also symbolizes his ability to morph and change bad luck into good luck. The Ancient Etruscans believed Vertumnus was a shape-shifter who could change his form at will. He brought gifts and bounty to those who had the "eyes" to perceive him in his many guises.

The Romans adopted Vertumnus and he became associated with the changing bounty of summertime, when fruit and vegetables materialized out of the ground and ripened and were ready for harvest ... the bountiful gifts of nature.

According to Ovid's Metamorphoses, Vertumnus was enthralled with Pomona, the goddess of orchard fruits, and desired to be one with her. But she spurned him.

He assumed many guises ... a fisherman, a soldier, a peasant, a reaper, etc. ... but she turned him away every time. Finally, he assumed the form of an old woman and was so aged and unattractive that Pomona let down her guard.

Thus, Vertumnus engaged her in conversation and they became inseparable ... which was what Vertumnus had wanted all along.

Ovid says that the moral of the tale of Vertumnus and Pomona is that you should never judge a gift by its outward appearances. Never reject the hand of friendship.

The Aquarius Full Moon is about philanthropic generosity. The Ancient Romans celebrated the feast day of Vertumnus ... the Vertumnalia ... during the cycle of the Aquarius Full Moon in early times (and on August 13th in later times) by giving each other baskets of fruit, flowers and other symbols of nature's bounty. The Aquarius Full Moon is associated with Antinous/Vertumnus in Antinous Moon Magic rituals.

Go outside tonight and look up at the full moon, with shooting stars cascading from all sides. This is the FULL MOON to wake up and break free of all mental, spiritual, political and ideological strictures. It is the gift of an opportunity.

The PERSEID METEORS (which reach their peak at this time of year) are symbolically aimed at you.

Antinous is aiming his gifts of new opportunity directly your way. All you have to do is reach out and grasp it ... and it's yours.