Want to Know the Energies You Can Expect from This New Moon?
A Special Message About The Energies of the Current New Moon From Reverend Pauline Southard
The Aries New Moon of March 21, 2023 charges in on Tuesday afternoon for those of us on the east coast of the USA causing us to sit up and take notice as we feel a surge of fresh vibrant energy.
Aries the Ram is the first of the three fire signs, Leo and Sagittarius comprise the other two members of the trio. The Fire Element signs are passionate and enthusiastic. Aries energy feels so primal and full of life! Aries the Ram is direct and to the point, not letting any of life’s subtleties and niceties distract it from its total focus on achieving the goal at hand.
At its best, Aries is passionate, idealistic, optimistic, courageous and confident. They show initiative and are natural leaders.
When Aries energy is used unproductively it can be impulsive, impatient, insensitive, excessively blunt and downright aggressive!
Famous Aries natives include: Lady Gaga, Mariah Carey, Leonardo da Vinci, Kristen Stewart, Lil Nas X, Maya Angelou, Leonard Nimoy AND William Shatner.
This Aries New Moon easily has the potential to be the most significant New Moon of 2023. This is due to a diverse smorgasbord of factors, some which have significance far beyond this potent New Moon. We may not be aware of it immediately, because all New Moons signify the shrouded start of something new. Visualize a cosmic incubator of sorts as the Moon conjuncts the Sun and becomes invisible in the Sun’s overwhelming brilliance.
Despite our inability to see what is happening, be assured that this the beginning of sweeping changes. When we look back at this year from the distance of time to come we will see that this is where some of the most significant events of the 2020’s originated.
To begin at the beginning, (take note – you will see this phrase again in this column!) Aries is the first sign of the Zodiac. As the Sun enters Aries, Spring arrives and the astrological New Year begins. This year, Spring arrives the day before the New Moon, doubling down on the sense we feel of a new beginning in the air. Since Aries always pushes us into action, we can expect to see all kinds of events happening personally and globally- some desirable and some very undesirable. Don’t look for a lot of deep thinking behind any of it- impulsivity is the driving force here.
To further intensify the energy, this Aries New Moon occurs when the Moon is at its closest point to the Earth in its orbit. The phrase Super New Moon has been coined to describe this phenomena.
Adding even more fuel to the elemental fire, when this New Moon chart is set for the east coast of the USA, all of the major planets are above the horizon, encouraging action rather than introspection.
Diving deeper into this chart, I see that this Aries New Moon is exactly conjunct the World Axis Point at 0 degrees of Aries. This indicates a New Moon loaded with major world events and news about famous people. In our own charts, the World Axis Point shows us where world events directly influence our lives.
The last and most important factor that makes this lunar cycle my candidate for most important lunar cycle of the year is Pluto’s transit into Aquarius. Pluto will move into Aquarius on March 23,2023 through June 11,2023 giving us a taste of this potent planet’s power to instigate major societal and personal change and transformation before retrograding back into Capricorn until it finally renters Aquarius on January 22,2024 where it will transit for the next twenty years.
Pluto has been called the planet of creative destruction and Aquarius is the sign associated with philosophical and technological innovation.
We can expect to see that the major world powers will continue their struggle for dominance. China will continue to flex its political muscle as it aims to become the most powerful world player. It has recently been pointed out to me that China has been investing heavily in Africa’s infrastructure and resources for the last decade which will greatly benefit it in the coming years.
An interesting technological tidbit is the news that Rolls-Royce has secured funding from the UK Space Agency to develop micro nuclear reactors that will provide power for potential lunar missions and even settlements. We can expect this and much more as Pluto transits Aquarius.
What a fiery bubbling broth of cosmic energies! How do we navigate this tempest so we can dismantle the obstacles that are blocking us from manifesting our deepest desires? With so much at stake, I decided to consult the Sabian Oracle and a brand new tarot deck, The Naked Heart Tarot by Jillian C. Wilde. I was inspired to see that both divination tools pointed to the same answer- one that definitely hadn’t occurred to me.
The Sabian Symbol Oracle is a mix of astrology and clairvoyance that I have found to be uncannily accurate in the many years I have consulted it. The beautiful Sabian Symbol for this New Moon is, “A woman rises out of the water, a seal rises and embraces her.” My favorite Sabian Symbol book, The Sabian Symbols by Dana E. Roche goes on to explain that the theme is, “The way to begin is to begin. This symbol speaks to birth and emergence. It represents the beginning of a new cycle and freedom of choice. It also marks the starting point of a new journey of self-discovery.”
So appropriate for this lunar cycle! Sometimes we just need to pick a small action and use it for our foundation on which to move forward. As we look back on major changes in our lives we are often surprised by the small step we took that seemed insignificant at the time but ultimately made all the difference.
I was guided to draw upon the wisdom of a new tarot deck that I have recently purchased to honor this lunar cycle’s theme of new beginnings. The Naked Heart Tarot created by Jillian C. Wilde resonates perfectly with the primal root chakra energy of this lunar cycle. I love her direct and minimalist style. In its seeming simplicity, much sophistication and nuance is enfolded.
Ms. Wilde embarked on this tarot deck project four years after a devastating car accident that essentially immobilized her. She asked the Universe to show her what her life purpose was. Ultimately, she was led to connect her love for art with her growing interest in spirituality which ultimately culminated in the creation of this wonderful deck and eventually the restoration of her health.
Several of my favorite tarot decks were created by artist/authors who manifested their tarot decks as part of their healing journeys. These decks are always very special and are perfect for those of us on our own healing journeys.
After preparing for my monthly New Moon reading, I asked the cards, “What do we need to know or do to flow harmoniously with the energies of this Aries New Moon so that we can manifest its most positive possible potential?”
I was excited to see the Innocence of Wands card pop out at me as I shuffled the deck. Traditionally, this card is called The Page of Wands in a classic Rider-Waite tarot deck. Wands represent the suit of fire: Aries is the first of the fire signs. Definitely off to a good show of synchronicity! Ms. Wilde adds the additional meaning of taking action in her rendition of the Wands Court Cards. The Naked Heart Spiritual Growth message for this card is, “I am the innocence of my light. I am being encouraged to get in touch with my inner self. As I discover the passions that drive me, they will help ignite me.” The personality traits she pairs with the Innocence of Wands is, “A need to explore, open minded and optimistic. New ideas surge.”
Meditating on the advice offered by both the Sabian Symbol Oracle, The Naked Heart Tarot Deck and the Aries New Moon chart, several possibilities offered themselves to me as potential paths to explore during this lunar cycle.
Since this New Moon is situated in the 9th house of the chart when the chart is cast for the New York City area, we are being called to combine ninth house energy with the energy of Aries.
The ninth house is ruled by Sagittarius, the second of the fire signs, so we have a double dose of that fiery energy. However, Sagittarius has a philosophical and spiritual side to temper all that heat!
Any kind of spiritual dance that combines motion with awareness of our own bodies and the body of Mother Earth is one such avenue. Bikram or hot yoga if it is appropriate for your body is another possibility. Shakti breathing from the Hindu tradition along with exercises to help our kundalini to rise are also excellent possibilities. However, it is best to be guided by an experienced teacher when you begin any of these practices as they can be potentially harmful without proper guidance.
Learning about ancient shamanic traditions is another path for soul growth during this cycle. Wikipedia concisely summarizes shamanism as, “a spiritual practice that involves a practitioner (shaman) interacting with the spirit world through altered states of consciousness, such as trance. The goal of this is usually to direct spirits or spiritual energies into the physical world for the purpose of healing, divination, or to aid human beings in some other way.”
Shamanism has its roots in humanity’s distant past. Some practices that 21st century people have adopted are shamanic journeys to visit the other realms of existence often accompanied by the beating of a drum that is the same frequency as the human heart beat. The Way of the Shaman by Michael Harner is the classic book on the subject. I am currently reading, The Power of Ecstatic Trance by Nicholas E. Brink Ph.D which has some really interesting information about the power of certain postures to help us to connect to the deepest parts of ourselves. Dr. Brink has written several books about Shamanism which are well worth checking out.
There are also some interesting guided journeys available for free on YouTube. Again though, it is best to study under the guidance of an experienced teacher, as your journey may bring up unresolved issues from the past.
Another fabulous resource is The Omega Institute is Rhinebeck, NY. It offers a full curriculum of classes both in person and online that span an incredibly diverse array of topics geared to helping us to develop, evolve, expand and live our full human potential.
At its most basic, this Aries New Moon tell us to move, focus completely on the sensations of moving, allowing us to come into complete awareness of ourselves and the space we are inhabiting. Although it sounds really simple, this is a real challenge. I encourage you try it!
Traditionally I put two or three special crystals into the Manifestation Grid that help us to work with the astrological energies of the current New Moon. These additional crystals will energize the Grid and make it even more effective since I choose crystals that reflect the energy of the totality of the chart, not just the sign that the New Moon is in. I would encourage you to work with them as well since they are perfect for this lunar cycle. I love the energy of both of these crystals and I hope that you will enjoy them as well.
Strong and protective Chiastolite, also known as The Cross Stone will be a powerful ally to help us navigate this exciting lunar cycle. The distinctive cross sets this crystal apart. I always have it by my side when I am in the process of deep change and transformation. Chiastolite is the perfect companion to accompany us through the inevitable changes that will happen as Pluto begins its first steps into Aquarius.
The vibrant Red Wine Quartz is a highly energetic crystal with a strong vibration, linked to the root chakra. Similar to Red Quartz, this has a deeper color with more mottling giving the appearance of a glass of wine. A crystal of transformation, it can bring a strong positive feeling to the user while ensuring they remain grounded. Red Wine Quartz encourages creativity and a free adventurous spirit, while reminding us to stay calm and centered during times of chaos. It helps to overcome fatigue and assists with logical thought. Well, this crystal certainly checks ALL the boxes for this Aries lunar cycle!
I have been so grateful for the overwhelming positive response to the Manifestation Grid that I started ten years ago. I love seeing people put their requests into the grid and hearing about all the positive results so many of you have had. Now it is possible to either use the Manifestation Grid in person when you come in to Karma or you may continue to put your requests into the Grid at a distance as you have been doing during the time that the store was closed.
Archangel Metatron, my primary guide had channeled this method to help you to put your requests in remotely:
#1- Please write your intentions on a piece of paper with the date, feeling love in your heart as you do OR for ANY positive purpose whatsoever!
#2- Visualize yourself accomplishing your desire. (I would certainly appreciate if you could also request the end of the killing both in Ukraine and here in America, the disappearance of the Corona Virus and the quick healing of ALL of those affected and the healing of all inequality and hate ), feeling love in your heart as you do OR for ANY positive purpose whatsoever.
#3- Using the picture on the Karma website, intend to put your request into the grid just as you would if you were in the store. Archangel Metatron has told me that he will help you to make that happen. You do NOT need to be good at visualizing! Every morning I will be charging the Grid with long distance Reiki and other powerful energies to help make your wishes come true.
#4- When you feel that the process is complete you may either dispose of the paper or put it on your altar, refrigerator or paste it into your journal. It is helpful but not necessary to spend a few minutes every day for the next thirty days repeating Step 3. Your intentions will be active in the Grid for the next 30 days. !
I am so happy that I am now back at A Time for Karma doing readings in person on Saturdays. Reading for you over the last 20 years here at Karma has been one of the most rewarding experiences I have ever had. Please call either A Time for Karma at (516) 442-3200 or you may call me directly at (516) 445-4242 to schedule your reading.
I will leave you now with some lyrics from the song “Jump” by Van Halen. It really encapsulates the essence of this New Moon. Best to check it out here to get the complete picture! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SwYN7mTi6HM
I get up, and nothin’ gets me down
You got it tough
I’ve seen the toughest around
And I know, baby, just how you feel
You got to roll with the punches
And get to what’s real
Ah-oh, hey you!
Who said that?
Baby, how you been?
You say you don’t know
You won’t know until you begin
Might as well jump (jump!)
Go ahead and jump
Jump!
Jump!
Jump!
Wishing you an Aries lunar cycle full of excitement, adventure and ecstatic joy!
A special thank you to The Crystal Vaults online crystal encyclopedia for their extensive information about crystals. It is unusual to find a site that is so comprehensive.
I also found The Crystal Life’s information to be very helpful as I researched this month’s crystal allies.
Rev. Pauline Southard – Pauline is an astrologer, tarot reader, teacher, psychic, medium and Reiki Master. She also has a vast knowledge of aromatherapy, crystals, energy healing and maintains a thriving practice.
Last Month's New Moon Message
The lovely Pisces New Moon slips seamlessly into our dreams in the wee early morning hours of Monday, February 20, 2023. We wake up feeling happier than usual on a wintry Monday morning and this sense of uplift permeates the rest of our day.
This is classic Pisces at its finest. Pisces truly is like the proverbial little girl with a curl. When it’s good it’s awesome, but when it’s bad, it’s equally awful! Pisces is the last sign of the Zodiac. One school of astrologers claim it is the most evolved sign. The jury is out in my opinion but I LOVE Pisces energy. I would say though, that to whom much is given, much is expected.
Pisces is the last of the water signs, Cancer and Scorpio comprise the other two members of the trio. Pisces is symbolized by two fish swimming in opposite directions, representing the constant shifting of Pisces’s focus between fantasy and reality.
At heart, Pisces feels like it is their soul mission to save humanity or whatever human representatives are within its sphere of influence! Inevitably, they will be disappointed when they find when they have given all they have, body, mind and soul to whoever asks, their reward is rejection of themselves and their gifts. The Pisces soul lesson at that point is to set appropriate boundaries as well as discerning who is worthy to receive all the love and support that they offer rather than becoming cynical and embittered.
At its best, Pisces is incredibly compassionate, romantic, intuitive, creative, and psychic and are the natural healers of the zodiac.
When Pisces energy is used badly it can be overly impressionable, easily swayed, moody, excessively trusting and willing to believe what it wants to be true rather than looking at the facts.
Famous Pisces natives include: Fred Rogers from Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood (one of my heroes), Dr. Seuss, Rihanna, Michelangelo, Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Albert Einstein. An incredibly diverse group of talented human beings representing the Pisces paradigm at its finest!
This Pisces New Moon offers us some much needed opportunities for a course correction so we may move forward into the beginning of Spring with greater purpose, motivation and insight. Astrologers consider the Spring Equinox, when the Sun enters 1 degree Aries, to be the astrological New Year and the most powerful energetic portal of the year. This will occur on Monday March 20, 2023 at the very end of the Pisces lunar cycle.
During this Pisces lunar cycle ,we will have a palpable feeling of the energy lightening and brightening as all the planets move direct now without any retrogrades until Mercury will station retrograde on April 21,2023. This will be a very welcome change after the disruptions caused by the Mercury, Mars and Uranus retrograde cycles during the holiday and early winter season. Bottom line- we just feel happier!
However, as befits the Piscean energy, we would be better advised to do some soul searching during this cycle rather than just jumping blindly into our long awaited plans. Contemplating the real needs and desires we are trying to fulfill by the course of action we are intent on taking will prevent a lot of wasted time, money and energy. We may discover that there are other quieter ways to achieve our end goals than is apparent initially.
The overarching theme of this Pisces New Moon can be summed up by this line from the T. S. Eliot’s poem East Coker, “In my end is my beginning.” Pisces is the last sign of the Zodiac, however this New Moon is at 1 degree, the first degree of thirty degrees. We are called upon to revisit our past and reflect on how our actions truly reflect our soul purpose and divine potential. Ultimately, Pisces is the sign that contemplates questions about life, death, rebirth and transcendence. Although this may seem overwhelming and perhaps more than we would like to deal with now, the Pisces challenge asks us to bravely travel this road, especially during this 2023 Pisces lunar cycle.
We will be rewarded by the energetic Renaissance that enlivens us on the Spring Solstice, March 20, 2023 combined with the Aries New Moon lunar cycle that begins the next day. As we move forward at that time, we can tangibly feel the energy filling our sails. We know that we are truly moving forward on the path that will enable us to evolve and progress.
However, at the time of this watery, mutable Pisces New Moon chart with all of the planets below the horizon, we would be well advised to just go with the flow, as this chart is just the picture of go within, reflect and contemplate- especially our really big picture goals and questions.
It’s a great time to take a walk on a beach or any body of water. If it’s warm enough, it could be a wonderful opportunity to meditate and journal. Grounding ourselves, we can tune into the mood of the environment we are in. What are the predominant colors? What does it smell like? What noises do we hear? Are the waves big or small? Can we hear any bird sounds? Perhaps taking some pictures will help us to remember our experiences and allow us to create an energetic portal whenever we wish to return.
Continuing on exploring the great mysteries of life during this lunar cycle, I enthusiastically recommend both of Jacob Cooper’s books which explore the age old mystery of what happens to us when we die. Such a perfect Pisces question!
I was so excited to read Jacob’s books as he was my Reiki student and now my colleague. He is a very special person who truly wants to help people and really cares.
Jacob’s first book, “Life After Breath” describes his near-death experience as a child. The official book description tells us, “He lived, but was forever changed. As he grew, darkness and light led him on a roller coaster ride of turmoil, loss, discovery, and renewal. He now shares this mystical journey with those brave enough to explore the “other side,” understand the beings there, and hear the wisdom gleaned.”
I loved the honesty and vulnerability that Jacob shares with us as he writes about his life. We may grapple ourselves with integrating an amazing awakening spiritual experience with the day to day reality that we continue to live after that experience is over. This book lets us know that we are not alone in our struggles.
For many who have lost loved ones during the Pandemic years, his message that we do not die and are loved and supported by those on the other side is especially comforting now.
I am currently in the middle of reading Jacob’s second book, “The Wisdom of Jacob’s Ladder.” It is equally wonderful. This book aims to help us to tap into our own spirituality and provides us with some lovely meditations to help.
Both books are imbued with an uplifting energetic transmission that unfolds as you read. There are just a handful of books that I have read that I have had this experience with.
I decided once again to pull a card from my new deck, “The Tarot of Mystical Moments” created by Catrin Welz-Stein, an incredibly talented German artist. This beautiful deck is quickly becoming one of my favorite decks to read with.
In describing her process she says, “In my art, I blur the lines between imagination and reality, while exploring womanhood in many different ways. I like to give my images a vintage, ethereal feel. During the creative process, I scan old paintings, photographs and illustrations, making sure they are in the public domain. I work digitally and transform the scans by first tearing them apart. They are like puzzle pieces that I work together, until they reveal a whole new meaning and tell an unknown story. “I really love her take on the classic Rider – Waite deck!
I asked the cards, “What do we need to know or do to flow harmoniously with the energies of this Pisces New Moon and manifest its most positive possible potential?”
Right in line with the 1 degree Pisces New Moon, The Fool slid out of the deck. I was delighted to see the card of the lunar cycle so exactly reflect the theme of the cycle. The Fool represents us as we begin a new journey. The Fool is absolutely no fool! Some tarot scholars believe that The Fool represents The Devine in the tarot deck. In Ms. Welz-Stein’s representation, The Fool is a young woman walking in a garden accompanied by her bird, which I interpret for this lunation symbolizes our eternal connection to Spirit.
Unfortunately, the path our heroine is innocently walking on is actually the tail of a huge crocodile. Ms. Welz-Stein tells us that, “The Fool is unaware of the danger in front of her. She knows that life is full of surprises and we have to be willing to take risks in order to experience life fully.”
This image corresponds with the most challenging part of this otherwise sweet New Moon chart, yet paradoxically is the piece that has the most healing and positive potential.
At the time of the New Moon, Jupiter will be moving towards a conjunction with Chiron in Aries and on March 12, 2023 will be exactly conjunct. Jupiter/Chiron conjunctions only occur every 50 years. In Aries you can expect an explosion of this energy, for better or for worse- we choose! Jupiter is commonly thought of as lucky and positive in astrology, but it can just also simply magnify energy. Chiron is known as the wounded healer and in our birth charts it represents our most basic primal wound.
This energy will be impossible to ignore and will manifest in our personal lives as well as nationally and even internationally. We will be given the opportunity to transmute the wound into a gift that can enable us to release old stuck patterns that we have been clinging to, as letting go has just been to frightening previously. As Venus will be transiting through Aries and lending its energy to this process, we can be sure that all of our issues around relationships will come up for us.
We can also expect that our feelings about what it means to be a woman and how society views the role of women will also be a hot topic. For some, this energy may prove to be explosively frightening and upsetting. I am concerned that we may see people acting out violently because they are unable to handle their feelings productively.
For us at this New Moon, my takeaway is that it will benefit us to listen to our higher selves, dream big and be willing walk down some new and exciting paths. However, we need to proceed with great discernment, lest we step on the crocodile’s tail!
Traditionally I put two or three special crystals into the Manifestation Grid that help us to work with the astrological energies of the current New Moon. These additional crystals will energize the Grid and make it even more effective since I choose crystals that reflect the energy of the totality of the chart, not just the sign that the New Moon is in. I would encourage you to work with them as well since they are perfect for this lunar cycle. I love the energy of both of these crystals and I hope that you will enjoy them as well.
The intense Black Amethyst crystal soothes and calms emotional stress and will assist us to open our third eye so we may more easily connect with the Devine. It will help us to release the dense energetic blockages that will come up for us as Jupiter conjuncts Chiron during March making it a much easier process.
Magical Mystic Merlinite shines as a powerful enhancer of psychic abilities. It is a wonderful companion when we are practicing mediumship- it helps us to connect with those on the other side as well as our guides and angels. It allows us to unveil illusions and to explore multidimensional planes that co-exist with the physical plane. A perfect Pisces crystal!
I have been so grateful for the overwhelming positive response to the Manifestation Grid that I started eight years ago. I love seeing people put their requests into the grid and hearing about all the positive results so many of you have had. Now it is possible to either use the Manifestation Grid in person when you come in to Karma or you may continue to put your requests into the Grid at a distance as you have been doing during the time that the store was closed.
Archangel Metatron, my primary guide had channeled this method to help you to put your requests in remotely:
#1- Please write your intentions on a piece of paper with the date, feeling love in your heart as you do OR for ANY positive purpose whatsoever!
#2- Visualize yourself accomplishing your desire. (I would certainly appreciate if you could also request the end of the killing both in Ukraine and here in America, the disappearance of the Corona Virus and the quick healing of ALL of those affected and the healing of all inequality and hate ), feeling love in your heart as you do OR for ANY positive purpose whatsoever!
#3- Using the picture on the Karma website, intend to put your request into the grid just as you would if you were in the store. Archangel Metatron has told me that he will help you to make that happen. You do NOT need to be good at visualizing! Every morning I will be charging the Grid with long distance Reiki and other powerful energies to help make your wishes come true.
#4- When you feel that the process is complete you may either dispose of the paper or put it on your altar, refrigerator or paste it into your journal. It is helpful but not necessary to spend a few minutes every day for the next thirty days repeating Step 3. Your intentions will be active in the Grid for the next 30 days. !
I am so happy that I am now back at A Time for Karma doing readings in person on Saturdays. Reading for you over the last 20 years here at Karma has been one of the most rewarding experiences I have ever had. Please call either A Time for Karma at (516) 442-3200 or you may call me directly at (516) 445-4242 to schedule your reading.
I will leave you now with some lines from a poem by Karina Dove that perfectly expresses the Piscean mythos:
Piscean mermaid queen
rides aqua seafoam waves;
tides flow to sapphire caves
diamond celestial stairway,
crisscrosses to Orion’s stargate
Wishing you a Pisces lunar cycle filled with inspiration, magic and transcendence!
A special thank you to The Crystal Vaults online crystal encyclopedia for their extensive information about crystals. It is unusual to find a site that is so comprehensive.
I also found The Crystal Life’s information to be very helpful as I researched this month’s crystal allies.
Rev. Pauline Southard – Pauline is an astrologer, tarot reader, teacher, psychic, medium and Reiki Master. She also has a vast knowledge of aromatherapy, crystals, energy healing and maintains a thriving practice.
Visit us to know more about the healing power of the manifestation grid.
Click HERE for a great Full Moon Ritual from Clare Hollywood’s website Healthy Alchemy
New Moon Manifestation Ritual
During the new moon phase the moon goes from smaller to bigger so it is a great time to manifest anything you would like to increase.
Hand write a list of what you wish to manifest on a piece of paper. Be very specific!
Go outside and read your wishes aloud to the moon. Afterward thank the moon and the universe for listening.
Fold your paper and keep it in a safe and prominent place, such as your altar. Read your list daily, outside if possible, thanking the moon and the universe every time.
Do this every day until the full moon.
When the moon is full, read your list one final time, then burn it in the flame of a candle, sending it up to the universe.
Trust and know that your wishes will be manifested at the perfect time and in the perfect way for you.
Information papers for this ritual as well as for many items in our store are available free of charge every day at Karma!
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