Astro Tips for December 2011

“doors of perception”


The sign, Sagittarius, is about the higher mind and the search for truth. The end of 2011 gives us ample opportunity to expand our thinking and gain new perceptions about our reality. The “doors of perception” are highlighted with the Solar Eclipse (November 25 New Moon in Sagittarius) and the Lunar Eclipse on December 10 (Full Moon in Gemini). Eugene Ionesco (French playwright) said, “It is not the answer that enlightens, but the question.” This is a time to ask good questions.

The Sagittarius/Gemini polarity

We have learned from quantum theory that the observer shapes what is observed. What we believe and what we assume color the data in front of our eyes. Sagittarius is a fire energy that boldly seeks to step beyond the given box of reality. The opposite sign, Gemini, is about curiosity and perception. Mercury rules Gemini. Jupiter rules Sagittarius. During December these planetary energies are highlighted. A Sagittarius person can sink into the status quo and fatten. Or that same person can open his Gemini eyes and take in expansive information. The challenge is to ask the right questions about your life and to keep your eyes open. Trust your perceptions. Start with your own subjective knowing but stay open to new information and feedback.

Do we believe it when we see it or do we see it when we believe it?

Astrologist Stephanie Austin (who writes every month for Mountain Astrologer) grasped the heart of the Sagittarius/Gemini polarity. In her discussion of the Gemini Lunar Eclipse (in the current December/January issue), Stephanie Austin suggests that we see things when we believe it (rather than believe it when we see it!). Yes. How true. There are historical accounts of indigenous people not being able to see a large sailing vessel because they could not, at first, believe such a thing was possible. This is a lot to think about. When the Sun travels through Sagittarius and the Moon reaches its fullness in Gemini, we have the opportunity to shuffle our beliefs and see things we never thought possible. Maybe there are aliens among us but we cannot imagine or believe this. Hence we cannot see it. Okay maybe that is extreme. Perhaps we are waiting for enough people to believe that we can live differently on our planet and then we will see it. The idea that all things are connected is not a new idea. We are still waiting for enough people to BELIEVE everything is connected so we can see it manifest in front of our eyes. We are waiting for enough people to really believe that we can be good earth citizens. Then we will see it. These are matters that pertain to Sagittarius and Gemini.

Mercury retrograde in Sagittarius

Mercury is currently retrograde in Sagittarius. When Mercury has a retrograde period in a sign, that sign’s energy is emphasized for a longer period than normal. Examining our beliefs and reaching for a new truth (even if it is subjective) is part of the Mercury in Sagittarius experience. Of course the usual Mercury retrograde issues are with us too. Computer problems, car repairs, and misunderstandings due to communication mix-ups are to be expected with Mercury retrograde. But please remember that retrograde Mercury brings the ability to think deeply and differently. Mercury goes direct on December 13, just after the full moon, but it will continue its passage through Sagittarius until January 7th. Sagittarius thinking can get stuck in its own ego perception or it can open up and expand and reach a new level of comprehension and seeing. If we are tempted to close our doors of perception we will miss out on the expansion and the joy of new believing and seeing.

Saying goodbye to 2011

Every year is intense and unique. 2011 has been special because it has been the culmination of all nine Underworlds alluded to in the Maya calendar. According to many impressive researchers (who are also intuitive-thinkers), billions of years of evolution and creation have culminated in 2011. Have we interpreted the Maya Calendar accurately, or is the Maya Calendar a metaphor to help us understand our evolution and our partnership with the Universe?

Meanwhile we are in a period of irritability. Planets Uranus and Pluto are the archetypal energies demanding that irritability lead to awakening and growth. Impatience and dissatisfaction will continue for years as humankind struggles to let go of old beliefs as well as outworn systems and structures. We are at the end and we are at the beginning. Scientists are learning so much about our history and about our cosmos and universe. Our beliefs are being challenged and refined. Our minds are being blown not by LSD but by discovery. Those who cannot open their minds to beautiful discoveries will be living on a different planet than those who embrace reverence for planet Earth and the entire cosmos. We are all here together but our beliefs and perceptions divide us and this is frustrating and confusing. We will continue on. The journey isn’t over. It’s just entering another cycle of unfolding.

Astro Tips for November 2011

The New Moon in Scorpio on October 26th nearly collided with the October 28th date assigned to the completion of the Nine Waves of the Maya Calendar. We are on our way to realizing our connection with the entire Universe. We are beginning to get a glimmer of being co-creators with that Universe. Billions of evolutionary years have lead to this time. How appropriate that this moment of evolutionary culmination and awareness occurs during Samhain – the time of the year when the veil between dimensions of reality is thin. How appropriate we reach the top of the Mayan pyramid during the time of year associated with death and transformation.

During this New Moon period, planets Jupiter and Pluto made a graceful connection. In spite of the intensity of this time, the Jupiter/Pluto connection gives us energy to work with. Jupiter helps us expand our energy into the Plutonian darkness. We get glimpses of what we can do to make things better. The Occupy Wall Street [Et Al] movement is one example of this aspect. Jupiter is in Taurus and Taurus is a stubborn sign. Pluto is the plutocracy (absolute authority) and does not want to give up power. Jupiter trine Pluto initiates a dance of change. The protestors expand with tenacity. They are squatting on the concrete and they refuse to go.

There is a famous saying: “We are the ones we’ve been waiting for.” President Obama said it in a speech. Alice Walker has a book with this title: We Are The Ones We Have Been Waiting For: Inner Light in a Time of Darkness (2006). Alice Walker’s words are chillingly fitting for these Scorpio days:

“It is as if ancient graves, hidden deep in the shadows of the psyche and the earth are breaking open of their own accord. Unwilling to be silent any longer. Incapable of silence. No leader or people of any country will be safe from these upheavals that lead to exposure, no matter how much the news is managed….”

The Hip Hop group, The Visionaries, has an album called “We Are The Ones (We’ve Been Waiting For)”! The Visionairies wrote: “Our love is bigger than the strongest of arguments/We are the ones we’ve been waiting for/We won’t believe what we’re told to believe/We are the ones we’ve been waiting for.” Good for them. The Visionaries are announcing the transformation in thinking and being.

This famous saying, however, goes back to 2001 (or earlier) when the Hopi Elders told us: “There is a river flowering now very fast….let go of the shore, push off in the middle of the river, keep our eyes open, and our heads above the water. See who is there with you and celebrate…. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for.” [To read the entire Hopi Elder proclamation, google the phrase, we are the ones we’ve been waiting for.]


Scorpio is famous for contraction and for holding in emotions. But sooner or later Scorpio must face the feeling function openly. Sooner or later Scorpio shines the light into the shadows and has a bit of an “aha”! That’s where we are this month. A light is being directed into the shadows, just as it was in the 1960’s with political demonstrations that lead to profound cultural changes. The Hopi Elders also said that the time of the lone wolf was over. It is time for people to come together for conscious change. Are the days of charismatic leadership soon to fade away?

Planets Mercury and Venus have been traveling together for a while. During October they were together in Scorpio, so Mercury gave voice to collective values (Venus), especially as they pertain to money (Scorpio). Occupy Wall Street is the expression of emotions that can no longer be held in. 99% of us have something important to say. Anger is being expressed in appropriate political fashion. We cannot call protests in the Middle East a step towards democracy and turn around and call protests here some kind of communist plot.

In November, by the time of the full moon on November 10th, Venus and Mercury will be conjunct at 10 degrees of Sagittarius, the truth-seeking sign of the Zodiac. We can expect more open expression. The Occupy Wall Street movement will probably grow. Tear gas and rubber bullets won’t stop the ones we’ve been waiting for.

Scorpio is a deep, psychological sign. While the Sun moves through Scorpio until November 22, do your best to turn the flashlight on yourself. Do your best to communicate your inner feelings and desires in appropriate ways. Everyone has Scorpio somewhere in his/her chart. In some area of life we all have a tendency to hold back and go to sleep. We are not dead. We are just sleeping. Wake up. Time to wake up and be a partner with the Universe.

Astro Tips for October 2011

New Moon 4 degrees of Libra on September 27, 2011

The Sun’s entrance into the sign of Libra at the autumn equinox has moved us into the next season. Now the New Moon in Libra on September 27th encourages us to focus on relationships, harmony and justice. We think of the Libra scales. October is the month to contemplate balance and to expect diplomacy and fairness. Alas, this October’s New Moon in Libra opposes upsetting Uranus and squares transformative Pluto. Expect some relationship surprises. Maybe it’s good to shake the sweet Libra relational brain cells. Some people may wake up and realize they are in the wrong relationship. Others may be surprised to suddenly find a partnership when they least expected it. What we can expect in the relationship department is excitement, rebellion, change and awakening. Planets Venus and Saturn are also in Libra. This can bring commitment for some, for others disappointment. Since Venus is one of the indicators of money, the presence of Saturn does not help our economy this month.

The Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, and Saturn all in Libra. One would hope that this strong collection of balancing energy would help the divisiveness in our country. With Uranus opposing and Pluto squaring the Libra group, we are reminded that justice, harmony and balance are not static moments in time. Justice is always changing and evolving. Harmony and balance are achieved individually in various ways. Some chop wood and carry water. Some meditate. Others sing or recline in Savasana in yoga class. Whether or not we can expect harmony and balance in Congress is debatable. It is hard enough to have harmony in our inner selves so why do we expect it of our leaders? We want them to model appropriate diplomatic behavior, but we seldom see it. Leaders are the outer manifestation of who we are as a collective.

There is some good news with this configuration of four planets plus the Sun interacting with upsetting Uranus and powerful Pluto: we will most likely see graphic images of the violation of justice (at least on MSNBC). Look there for the reports of what happened to the protestors on Wall Street. In the past we have seen videos of Rodney King and other people whose rights were violated. In order to have a better society we have to be conscious of the violation of Libra justice and Libra scales. Watch for more exposure of lack of justice during these days of stressed out Libra. It’s all part of our human process of reaching for a better world.

Full Moon 18 degrees of Aries on October 11, 2011

There is always tension between opposing signs. Libra wants to get along and wants to be liked. Aries wants to assert its will and personality. Aries is a little selfish. Of course we all have Libra and Aries somewhere in our horoscopes. In some area we need to be selfish; in another place we want to belong, get along, and be liked. We want to cooperate. During this Full Moon, the stress between self and others is magnified. Hopefully the full moon enlightens the shadow of both of these signs. If we have gone too far in pleasing others, we will be challenged during the full moon to stand up for self and say, “me first!” If we have been too selfish in our Aries ways, life may demand we pay attention to how our behavior impacts other people. On the collective level, politicians want to be liked in order to win but that must be balanced with some Aries charisma. We want leaders who are strong individuals, not just people pleasers. This month we will see leaders trying to balance the polarity between being seen as unique but also being seen as someone who fits in and can be likeable. Not an easy balance these days. Everyone is so picky!!

Special Message for all you Libras!

Planet Saturn is visiting your sign and has been traveling through Libra since early 2010. Saturn often brings struggles, hardships and limitations. The outcome, however, is maturity and wisdom. Saturn pushes us to become more and more responsible. We face the realities of life when Saturn affects our lives. The young person assumes more responsibility for the self; the older person assumes more responsibility in the world. Libras born prior to October 10th have already learned from Saturn’s visit. Those Libras born around October 12th are now facing the practical lessons of Saturn. Astrology says Saturn does not deny us what we want. However, Saturn may delay the timing. Saturn takes time. We want it now; Saturn says, be patient!

Saturn in Libra teaches us to be responsible in relationships. That same Saturn in Libra may ask us to wait a long while before we have the right relationship. Meanwhile, Saturn in Libra gives the opportunity to be in relationship with the self. The shadow of Libra is an over-dependence on being liked and being in partnership. Saturn is an aspect of that shadow. Saturn in Libra helps us learn the balance of being our own good partner and being a good partner to someone else. This is a lot to master.

The collective Libra-Aries Energy

One thing we can do during this Libra month is to remain attentive to the notion that everything outside of us has something to teach us. Everything is energy and information. Our ultimate relationship is with our self and with life and with what we conceive of as Divine Energy. What we do with our conscious relationship with our self is the mystery of how we express our Libra/Aries energies.
I am all order of being,
the circling galaxy,
the evolutionary intelligence,
the lift and the falling away.
What is and what isn’t. You
Who know Jelaluddin, You
the One in all, say who I am.
Say I am You. (Rumi)

Astro Tips for September 2011

We're still here

In the center of our galaxy there is a big black hole. This is what astronomers tell us. The month of August was so intense that I wondered if we were indeed on our way to that big black hole. But here we are. In our country we have survived earthquake, massive heat wave, hurricane Irene and serious wildfires. The loss of historic covered bridges in Vermont is a touching symbol. The past is over. Many of the bridges cannot be repaired. They are gone. Perhaps we have not found our new path yet, but the old one isn’t available anymore. We need to build new bridges for where we are headed.

Mercury is in direct phase until late November

First of all, give yourself a big pat on the head. You survived Mercury retrograde. Because of all the other planetary rumblings, this particular Mercury retrograde phase seemed very difficult. No one seemed to be on my time clock! Mercury is now moving forward in Leo and will then travel through the sign of Virgo until September 14. Mercury rules Virgo. These coming days will be good for completion of tasks that require analysis, organization and/or detail. Do not despair if you didn’t get it all done in August. Set a goal for mid September and carry on.

New Moon in Virgo August 28th

On August 28th, the Moon joined the Sun in Virgo at 5 degrees. This New Moon opposed Neptune (ruler of the seas). Hurricane Irene captured our attention. This Hurricane was given the Virgo treatment for several days in advance. There was plenty of analysis and planning and lots of media coverage. There was a big helpful triangle in the heavens during this New Moon. The Sun/Moon/Venus were sitting together and sharing the same microphone. Fortunately this trio was flowing in an easy manner with Jupiter and Pluto. Sun, Moon, Venus, Jupiter and Pluto – all in earth signs in a big grand trine - was helpful for handling physical plane issues. Government officials tried to manage the hurricane in advance. Careful planning would help minimize loss of life, damage and inconvenience. In some ways the preplanning was helpful. However, Uranus, planet of surprise, made an awkward aspect to the Moon and Sun. What wasn’t predicted and planned for was massive flooding further inland. Excessive flooding in Vermont and areas of New York State was not a part of the human plan. It was a strike from Uranus and a message from Neptune: the gods do their own thing. Now that the weather event is over we are subjected to Virgo analysis of who was responsible for not forecasting the flooding! This is a futile exercise. All we can do is adapt and adjust to the unexpected aspects of earth crises.

Jupiter in Taurus in retrograde phase

On August 30th planet Jupiter--ruler of belief systems and all things that expand, including our egos and waistlines--went into its retrograde phase for the next four months. Jupiter is currently visiting the sign of Taurus, ruler of values, possessions and money. Jupiter retrograde will encourage us to be patient as we make big plans for the future. Taurus is careful and that is how Jupiter must behave while transiting that sign. We might expect money matters to be scrutinized excessively in the coming months. Will the banking industry continue to call the shots and prevent the economy from expanding? Taurus is one of the rulers of finance and Taurus likes to hold on to what it’s got.

Venus in Libra/Uranus in Aries

When Venus moves in to Libra we expect harmony and niceness. Venus is so much about relationship and cooperation and in Libra it takes a polished or pretty form. In late August we saw the result of Uranus affecting the New Moon and the Sun during the hurricane. Around September 14th we will experience Uranus upsetting the serenity of Venus. This could mean surprises for people who have Libra or Aries planets in early degrees of those signs. This happens around the monthly Full Moon.

Full Moon in Pisces on September 12

The polarity of Virgo and Pisces is challenging. We want to study and understand the why of something but the full moon in Pisces says just let it go. Pisces requires a kind of surrender. When the Sun travels through Virgo we analyze until the full moon in Pisces says “give it up”! Pisces is the last sign. It is the sign of cosmos and chaos. Virgo dislikes disorder and chaos. Its aim is to bring order out of Pisces disorder. But the full moon in Pisces makes sure that something is still a little bit out of place. Maybe it’s our thinking or maybe it’s the rug on the floor. Virgo perfection is just beyond reach during the Pisces full moon. Meanwhile Venus is beginning to oppose Uranus and that means our expectations about relationship are about to be shuffled or sent for a ride on a roller coaster. Try to stay calm. Uranus is always about awakening. Some message is being given if we can stay steady inside the surprise or the upset. The full moon is in watery Pisces. There is the possibility of another hurricane or flooding. The clean-up from Hurricane Irene will continue through this full moon time.

Autumn Equinox September 23

The Sun moves on to the sign of Libra on September 23. The autumn equinox occurs in this cardinal sign and moves us into the next season. Those of us who have lived through the high heat of the summer of 2011 are ready for the next season. Soon we will know what the intense sun has done to crops and land. Hopefully we will have cooler days and cooler nights. On this Fall Equinox day the Moon and Mars are sitting side by side in the sign of Leo. We may continue to have days of unusual heat but we will have courage and creativity to carry us into the fall.

Mercury Retrograde August 2011

Today, August 2, Mercury begins its second retrograde phase of the year. The motion of Mercury appears to go retrograde at 01 degree of Virgo. Mercury will move back through fire sign Leo (to 19 degrees) until August 26. Then it begins to move ahead in Leo and reaches 01 degree of Virgo again on September 9th. Did I just write September? What a rush this year has been.

Perhaps Mercury retrograde will give us a moment to process all that has been happening in 2011. The mind seems to operate a little differently when Mercury is in retrograde motion. We may be more reflective and contemplative. In the sign of Leo, our thoughts may return to creative projects we have been too busy to address in the past couple of months. Maybe there are important projects that must get done and this is a great time to do it. Also, try to take time to think about who you are, where you are, what you want, how you can express yourself more effectively. Leo rules the ego, the self. Mercury retrograde in Leo means review yourself and re-think who you are.

Meanwhile, it also good to remember the “re” words! Recheck your list. Review your finances. Rethink what you are doing. Remember to double-check all appointment times. Re-read the contract before you sign it. Postpone buying new equipment unless it is an emergency. Return to plans that have been tabled for a while. I read on one astrologer’s site: do not get married during Mercury retrograde. If you are already scheduled and the deposit is on the room, don’t worry. Get married this month. Important events are best initiated during the direct motion of Mercury whenever possible. Sometimes we have to take a trip during Mercury retrograde. It is not the end of the world. Remember! Mercury retrograde happens several times a year. We manage to muddle through.

All thing ruled by Mercury require extra attention. That includes all forms of communication and all means of transportation. Many people have reported that they felt Mercury already went retrograde a few days ago. That was my experience too. That happens when the planet seems to slow down before the stationary retrograde phase begins. Of course there are often frustrations when Mercury is retrograde. It goes with the territory. Systems go down. The power goes off. (Oh dear to that one in this Texas heat!) And then the power comes back on. Slow down and roll with the backward motion of Mercury retrograde. Does that help make it sound like a little more fun?

Astro Tips for August 2011

On the morning of July 30th, the day of the New Moon in Leo, I was on my way to the computer to write about August. It was 8:30 am and the power went out. If you live in Texas you know what that means on a hot summer morning: panic. We did not have to evacuate. In fact it only took a little over two hours for the repair. Nonetheless it felt like an omen for the month ahead. Unpredictable interruptions and surprises have continued since the New Moon on Saturday. Surprises fall under Uranus, the planet of the unexpected (and electricity). All I’m saying is I’ve had my share of irritating surprises in the past 48 hours. How about you?

The New Moon in Leo tries to be happy but it’s not easy.

This New Moon at seven degrees of Leo is sitting with the Sun and with Venus (also transiting Leo). This should be a lovely trio. Leo is upbeat and creative, but Leo is also the ruler of our individual egos. Ergo we do not like it when things do not go our way. The Sun, Moon and Venus were all making an irritable aspect with Pluto on the New Moon day. Pluto is also in a tense T-cross with Saturn and Uranus. If you want to understand this aspect, just turn on CNN and watch the show going on in Washington about the debt ceiling. Planet Uranus is also in a tense T-cross with Mars and Pluto. Ah! That is a lot of trouble. Short tempers and unpleasant upsets are sure to prevail all weekend and until the full moon two weeks from now. Mars is getting ready to exactly oppose Pluto and exactly square Uranus. Mars is assertion, aggression and anger. It is the planet of wars and the battlefield. One of our modern battlefields is political ideology. But, you do not have to go to Washington or your State Capitol to experience irritation, frustration and short fuses. I’m sure it is closer to home than that. We are all challenged this month with “short fuse syndrome”!

The Full Moon in Aquarius (August 13) is a struggle among individual egos and collective groups.

This sticky, cranky energy continues right up and through August 13th, the day of the Full Moon in Aquarius. At that time The Sun, Mercury and Venus (all sitting in fire sign Leo) will oppose the Moon and Neptune in Aquarius. Please expect all kinds of lies to be told as we work our way to the Full Moon. Neptune and the Moon connecting with Mercury spells propaganda. People will say whatever they need to say to get whatever they want. People will say whatever they can to bend the truth and to convince others they are right. The final result will be confusion. We will not know the truth until later. Unfortunately this month is a good example of one of our current problems: tell a lie long enough and it becomes the truth.

A better use of this month’s energy is to stay focused on your own backyard. Honest soul searching for your individual truth will pay off. Feeling guided to help humanity or a cause you believe in (animal rights/the environment) is also a fine way to direct this month’s planetary message. The energy is inspiring but challenging. Finding positive outlets for frustration will pay off. Many of us will feel over-amped. Think of yourself as a highly charged ball of energy. How can you direct all that intense stuff? It needs physical, emotional, mental, spiritual, creative, inventive, communal, loving outlets. The strong currents of energy can become toxic in a flash. I cannot help but wonder if this month is yet another turning point as we race into 2012! We are challenged to live in this world but not engage in the toxicity of this world. That is a big challenge.

Too many minefields

Mars is the planet that gets us going. Without Mars there would be no marathons! It is good energy, but this month we can overdo it. Hostility, blaming others, getting triggered, exploding—these unattractive minefields are in the landscape for everyone. What we can do is take as much responsibility as possible to make our explosions short, to the point, and effective. Better yet, we can find positive directions for our anger and discontent.

A little help in the Heavens

Fortunately there is some help in the heavens around the time of the Full Moon. Mercury connects with Pluto in a positive way: Therefore, no matter how big the lies, if you listen closely, you will hear the truth. The Moon fully illuminates Saturn: First of all, this means that patience will pay off. Also, there is no need to throw out everything or completely change your life. Just get rid of what doesn’t make sense. Jupiter and Pluto communicate in an easy fashion: These two brothers are trying to bring some sanity to the big mess that we have made here on our planets. Finally, Mars and Jupiter are sextile each other: We have an opportunity around the Full Moon to direct our energy into wholesome activities.

And remember: this is the dawning of the Age of Aquarius. Really!

Full Moon in Capricorn July 15, 2011

The Full Moon in Capricorn is today, July 15th. Full Moons can help illuminate our current life path. Saturn rules the sign of Capricorn. Therefore, this full moon sheds light on our goals and responsibilities as mature adults. The Sun is in Cancer (the sign of the moon, of dependency, family, nurturing, motherhood and childhood). We see the interactive polarity of Cancer-Capricorn unfolding in our government. As the elected leaders try to resolve the debt ceiling issue, we see the back and forth display of the child and the grown-up. Some leaders behave like children—it’s my way or I won’t play. Some leaders are behaving like grown-ups. They are trying to look at what is best for everyone. How can we have a win-win situation based on maturity rather than an outcome based on emotional attachment to being the center of the universe? What is best for the whole family? I read once that the energy of Capricorn is about doing the right thing because it is the right thing to do. It is not about doing something to gain glory or climb another step on the totem pole. It is simply to be mature enough to discern what is the right thing to do for the situation at hand.

The full moon in Capricorn gives us the opportunity to explore the interaction between what we need and what we can do about it. We don’t want to lose our ability to feel interdependent with other people. We want to continue to feel receptive and to be in touch with our emotional landscape. We need to acknowledge sometimes we are dependent on someone or something and it is all right. At the same time we have to examine our level of maturity and our ability to be a functioning grown-up. This full moon encourages us to connect with our child/grown-up dynamic that is on-going in our feelings and in our behavior.