Uranus goes direct at 27 degrees of Pisces
The retrograde phase of Uranus has been in effect since early July. On December 4, just before the New Moon, the planet Uranus (transiting 27 degrees of Pisces) leaves its retrograde cycle and heads on its direct path. Uranus is now finishing its seven-year passage through the last sign of the zodiac: Pisces, the sign of spirituality. During Uranus’s journey through Pisces, there has been a revolution in spiritual thinking and a resurgence of disciplines like yoga. There are dozens of kinds of yoga now and I doubt they are going away. Uranus is the awakener and people have re-awakened to a dimension of spirituality and compassion for all living things. The last sign, Pisces, means the end of something. Many of us have completed some life chapter in the past seven years and we have been getting it together to make some big changes. Maybe Uranus retrograde slowed down our plans for a while. Now Uranus moves forward. Whatever has been on hold gets the green light. Soon Uranus will step into Aries and we will see other forms of revolution. This could mean scientific inventions. It could mean an independent political party. But back in May Uranus made its first touch into the sign of Aries. We got a hint back then of a new energy.
The New Moon at 13 degrees of Sagittarius
The New Moon occurs the day after Uranus takes direction motion when the Sun and Moon join at 13 degrees of Sagittarius on December 5th. This New Moon makes no major aspects to other planets. The Sun and Moon sit alone in the heavens while Mercury and Mars square Jupiter and Uranus. Shortly after the New Moon day Mars makes its way into Capricorn where it loses its Sagittarius, fired-up nature. Mars will join Pluto (in Capricorn) by December 13. This doesn’t feel very jolly to me. The Sagittarius Sun cycle seems to take a back seat to a lot of serious Capricorn energy this month. When the Sun makes its way through the sign of Sagittarius life should be upbeat. Jupiter is the ruler of this fire sign so we expect optimism and expansiveness. Jupiter, the largest planet in our solar system, concerns itself with big thinking as well as religion, philosophy, belief systems and the law.
Capricorn energy is very strong this month
All the Capricorn energy puts a damper on jolly Sag matters and the holiday spirit because the down side of Capricorn is negative thinking. On the personal level we might struggle with sticking to our budget while feeing angry that we don’t have more money to spend. Capricorn is an earthy, materialistic sign. On the collective level we might expect a lot of negative talk on the airways. Capricorn rules political leaders. When a Capricorn has reached Saturnian maturity, he or she can be an outstanding leader. Former Presidents are often in this category. Without wisdom, maturity, and respect for one’s position, the Capricorn energy can sink to rigidity and selfishness. Cold calculation replaces doing the right thing. Mars and Pluto together in Capricorn can mean all of these things. We can pay attention to our own materialism this month and try not to let it take over.
Mercury goes retrograde at 5 degrees of Capricorn
Before the Sun reaches the Winter Solstice we are bombarded by Capricorn energy. On December 10th Mercury in Capricorn begins its final retrograde cycle of the year. Mercury will be sitting with Mars and Pluto, also in Capricorn. When Mercury connects with Mars and Pluto we can expect arguments and strong speech. Capricorn is the sign of ambition. Expect a lot of ambitious people in Washington D C to be talking big and doing big calculations on how to get things their way. Mercury will turn direct right before the New Year, on December 30. We won’t go into 2011 with a backwards Mercury. Mercury retrograde in Capricorn means use any vacation time to get organized and tend to business. Avoid signing important contracts during this retrograde time. Capricorn rules business, so wait for Mercury to move into direct motion before settling business affairs.
Winter Solstice/Full Moon/Lunar Eclipse 29 degrees of Gemini
All of this activity leads up to a major Full Moon Lunar Eclipse on the Winter Solstice—December 21. This is a mighty powerful eclipse. Finally Sagittarius gets to do something! The Sun (29 degrees of Sagittarius) and Moon (29 degrees of Gemini) oppose each other. The Sun and Moon form a difficult square with Jupiter and Uranus in last degrees of Pisces. Squares create tension along with the push to get something done. With Jupiter and Uranus involved in the square, it will be hard not to push for some tangible resolution. Unfortunately the 29th degree is considered critical and it has problems. Urgency and crisis demand response but the critical 29th degrees lacks the necessary vision to produce a good solution. In October the Full Moon was at 29 degrees of Aries. In November the Full Moon fell at 29 degrees of Taurus. Now we have 29 degrees of Gemini for the December Full Moon that is also an eclipse. Perhaps we can slow down and take our good time before acting impulsively around this Full Moon. Unless a decision is absolutely necessary, it might be better to wait. Remember Mercury will also be retrograde. Big decisions should be postponed if at all possible. One cannot help but think of Congress and the ineffective decisions that could be made this month. Finally, astrology associates eclipses with big events. Remember this doesn’t have to mean big, bad events. Let’s hope it’s a good, big event.
Neptune and Chiron conjunct in Aquarius: We cannot depend on evolution to make us enlightened!
On the day of the eclipse (with its planetary tensions), Neptune continues its journey with Chiron in late Aquarius. They create flowing energy with the Moon and this helps transform whatever is going on into something more refined. Or it helps us just tune out the trouble and tune in to something more sublime. This is a strong day for meditation and positive thinking. I saw the following quote on the web site of Brad and Kate Silberberg out of Pennsylvania. I don’t know for sure who said it, but here it is: “Humanity cannot depend on evolution for its enlightenment. We just don’t have the time.” We are in the process of embracing evolution, analyzing it and going into warp speed with it. During the Lunar Eclipse on this Winter Solstice perhaps meditators will be taking the world to a kinder, gentler place with or without evolution!
Friday, December 3, 2010
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
2012-
2012.
We all have ideas about 2012. Join us at Café Metaphysics for a no nonsense discussion about this powerful subject. If you have questions, if you have information or if you sometimes feel fearful about what is coming, this is an evening for you.
Here is the information: Thursday, November 18, 2010 at 7 PM at Positive Touch in Richardson, Texas. Cost: $10. A panel of individuals (including me) of diverse backgrounds will facilitate the discussion about the implications of 2012. Both Venus and Jupiter will go direct in motion that very day. This should be an uplifting evening: nice energy for sharing, good vibes for optimism!
Is 2012 the end?
Mayan elders do not talk about December 21, 2012 as the end. They say it is the end of bad times and the beginning of a better world. It is a beginning, not a one moment happening. It is a process and a transformation, not a onetime deal. Maybe it isn’t the end. Maybe we are on the brink of a renaissance.
We operate with the assumption that the difference between animals and human beings is this: we know we are going to die. We can project into the future. We assume animal species do not do this. Whether that is really true, I do not know. However, if we are in a crisis we tend to get right into the present. If I were living in Haiti right now, I would not be thinking about 2012. I would be thinking about clean water and a place to live. I would be attending to my survival, not my potential death in 2012. If a person is unemployed or struggling with a home mortgage, that person is not thinking about some apocalypse in 2012. That person is living in a financial apocalypse. Endings and beginning are ongoing.
2012 – should we be afraid?
Some of us have the luxury of thinking about 2012. We read all kinds of information on the inter-net. We listen to people who channel messages from other dimensions. Sometimes we go into a head-space. We get “ideas”! Maybe money will disappear. Maybe there will be no food. Most of us have some internal, unconscious history with the emotion of fear. Give us the right triggering information and we find ourselves projecting that fear onto something in the outer world. If we live in a location that has not had a natural disaster (we are not in crisis), then we have the luxury of thinking ahead. Furthermore, maybe we also have some DNA connective link with those who are suffering. We are all one and there but for fortune go I. A natural occurrence of grave magnitude can happen anywhere although some areas are more vulnerable. A money system can collapse over night. It has happened. If I haven’t experience a really bad time recently, then I figure (connective DNA link again) that my time must be coming.
The Maya Factor
The Maya were time oriented. Their meticulous attention to recording time is rather astounding. The astronomers of the Maya civilization were so advanced in their knowledge of astronomy that they knew the precession of the equinox would be occurring at this time (assuming the translators have got it right!). And how did they know there would be a Venus transit of the Sun in 2004 and 2012 and why did they put so much emphasis on it? I need an ephemeris book to tell me the degree of the next Full Moon while the Maya astronomers knew when Venus would transit the Sun in this millennium! No wonder we are in awe and thinking something big is happening and is going to happen.
Something to contemplate is the difference between our contemporary concept of time and the Maya concept of time. We think of time as linear. From what I have read, the Maya conceived of time as cyclical. As an astrologer, I think of time as cyclical but as a person living on Planet Earth in 2010, I think of time as linear. When is my next appointment? There is Point Beginning and there is Point End. End of Story. The Maya thought in terms of cycles of time. This makes me stop and realize that we are projecting our own concepts of time onto the Maya historical material.
Changes are already here. Life as we have known it is crumbling and the emergence of a new life we don’t know yet is already happening. We just have to live through it.
Please join us on November 18th at Café Metaphysics. Please join our community and share what you think. What kinds of changes are coming to our world? See you there.
We all have ideas about 2012. Join us at Café Metaphysics for a no nonsense discussion about this powerful subject. If you have questions, if you have information or if you sometimes feel fearful about what is coming, this is an evening for you.
Here is the information: Thursday, November 18, 2010 at 7 PM at Positive Touch in Richardson, Texas. Cost: $10. A panel of individuals (including me) of diverse backgrounds will facilitate the discussion about the implications of 2012. Both Venus and Jupiter will go direct in motion that very day. This should be an uplifting evening: nice energy for sharing, good vibes for optimism!
Is 2012 the end?
Mayan elders do not talk about December 21, 2012 as the end. They say it is the end of bad times and the beginning of a better world. It is a beginning, not a one moment happening. It is a process and a transformation, not a onetime deal. Maybe it isn’t the end. Maybe we are on the brink of a renaissance.
We operate with the assumption that the difference between animals and human beings is this: we know we are going to die. We can project into the future. We assume animal species do not do this. Whether that is really true, I do not know. However, if we are in a crisis we tend to get right into the present. If I were living in Haiti right now, I would not be thinking about 2012. I would be thinking about clean water and a place to live. I would be attending to my survival, not my potential death in 2012. If a person is unemployed or struggling with a home mortgage, that person is not thinking about some apocalypse in 2012. That person is living in a financial apocalypse. Endings and beginning are ongoing.
2012 – should we be afraid?
Some of us have the luxury of thinking about 2012. We read all kinds of information on the inter-net. We listen to people who channel messages from other dimensions. Sometimes we go into a head-space. We get “ideas”! Maybe money will disappear. Maybe there will be no food. Most of us have some internal, unconscious history with the emotion of fear. Give us the right triggering information and we find ourselves projecting that fear onto something in the outer world. If we live in a location that has not had a natural disaster (we are not in crisis), then we have the luxury of thinking ahead. Furthermore, maybe we also have some DNA connective link with those who are suffering. We are all one and there but for fortune go I. A natural occurrence of grave magnitude can happen anywhere although some areas are more vulnerable. A money system can collapse over night. It has happened. If I haven’t experience a really bad time recently, then I figure (connective DNA link again) that my time must be coming.
The Maya Factor
The Maya were time oriented. Their meticulous attention to recording time is rather astounding. The astronomers of the Maya civilization were so advanced in their knowledge of astronomy that they knew the precession of the equinox would be occurring at this time (assuming the translators have got it right!). And how did they know there would be a Venus transit of the Sun in 2004 and 2012 and why did they put so much emphasis on it? I need an ephemeris book to tell me the degree of the next Full Moon while the Maya astronomers knew when Venus would transit the Sun in this millennium! No wonder we are in awe and thinking something big is happening and is going to happen.
Something to contemplate is the difference between our contemporary concept of time and the Maya concept of time. We think of time as linear. From what I have read, the Maya conceived of time as cyclical. As an astrologer, I think of time as cyclical but as a person living on Planet Earth in 2010, I think of time as linear. When is my next appointment? There is Point Beginning and there is Point End. End of Story. The Maya thought in terms of cycles of time. This makes me stop and realize that we are projecting our own concepts of time onto the Maya historical material.
Changes are already here. Life as we have known it is crumbling and the emergence of a new life we don’t know yet is already happening. We just have to live through it.
Please join us on November 18th at Café Metaphysics. Please join our community and share what you think. What kinds of changes are coming to our world? See you there.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Astro Tips for November 2010
When the Sun travels through the sign of Scorpio, our thoughts turn to the mysteries of life and death. Samhain, the Celtic celebration to welcome the winter and to begin the New Year, gives us the history of this dark time of year. Costumes were worn to hide from evil spirits and to stay out of the way of any unwelcome dead returning to visit. The ancestors were honored, but the living lit bonfires to keep the living safe. Too much closeness to the mystery is uncomfortable and risky.
Perhaps the association of Scorpio with sex and death is exactly why there are jokes about that sexy Scorpio tribe. Without procreation there is no life. Without life, there is no death. We have to make jokes about that. Another hot Scorpio topic is taxes. People aren’t joking about that one either.
The New Moon on November 6th has Venus retrograde sitting off to the side of the Sun and Moon union in Scorpio. A current example of Venus retrograde showed up on October 9th when Virginia Thomas, wife of Justice Clarence Thomas, left a phone message for Anita Hill asking her to apologize for nearly ruining Thomas’s career back in 1991. Thomas was accused of inappropriate verbal harassment of a sexual (Scorpio) nature. It is still coming back to haunt him. The events of 1991 have been rehashed. A new generation is educated about the imperfections of a Supreme Court justice. (See The Plain Dealer, Cleveland’s newspaper, October 24, 2010, for an excellent article on the subject).
Venus backs into Libra after the New Moon and then turns direct on November 18, the same day that Jupiter goes direct after its long retrograde phase since July 23. This is an optimistic event. On the personal level, we may feel better about how we have sorted out our lives in the past few months. Perhaps we feel clearer about what we value and about our goals and potentials. On the collective level, the right will be happy or the left will be happy! It isn’t voting day as I write this.
One thing is very clear. Part of the population will feel frustrated and disappointed. Events will be blown out of proportion. Frustration and resentment will contaminate the airwaves. Saturn, the planet that is reality based makes a difficult connection with Neptune, the planet that dreams. Furthermore, Chiron is conjunct Neptune and both of these bodies go direct during the New Moon time. Chiron, the wounded healer, may have played a pivotal role in getting the health care program launched. Chiron and Neptune together are geared towards compassion and healing. Unfortunately this funny aspect/connection with Saturn implies that the reality is messy. The health care bill didn’t go far enough for some; the status quo system lobbied to make sure that didn’t happen; and the bill went too far for others. This is still to be worked out with Saturn’s hard working help.
Another tip about Chiron and Neptune is this: it is difficult to discern the distinction between fact and fantasy. Notice the media! It is very confusing. It doesn’t matter what you think the fact is some people won’t believe it. People seem to be prone to believing what they hear, if they hear the same lie over and over again. Neptune tends to confuse and dissolve boundaries. When it touches Chiron, the wound is sensitivity to this lack of boundary. We are living in a time when people are caught up in collective emotion. It is hard for people to step aside and gain objectivity—hard to feel the boundary between self and the emotional hoopla. This Chiron/Neptune union affects us all. Saturn is tugging on the chain telling us to get real and rational. The Health Care bill that was passed is a part of this messy dilemma. Our challenge is to recognize that we are all one (Neptune) but we have to honor the reality (Saturn) of our separatness.
On the personal level, this is a powerful month. The Full Moon offers energies of cosmic connection if we can avoid the our own forms of self-undoing. Admittedly on the day of the Full Moon, Venus at 27 degrees of Libra makes an awkward connection with the Moon and Jupiter. We should all be careful not to get carried away with financial speculation. Remember the Scorpio/Taurus polarity has much to do with money and resources. The Full Moon in Taurus says be careful while the funny aspect with Venus says, oh, go ahead. Also on the day of the Full Moon in Taurus, Mercury and Mars are sitting together in Sagittarius and squaring Jupiter and Uranus. The handicap here is harsh words that are hard to retract. This is a combo that promotes impulsive speech. Try writing it down first. Try holding your tongue. If that doesn’t work, apologize quickly. Prominent personalities will make outrageous statements leading them into the hall of fame or the hall of scorn.
For Scorpios, empowerment is currently your middle name. Pluto, ruling planet of Scorpio, is working hard. It continues to tear down the old structures that hold you back. And, Pluto’s connection with Uranus continues to encourage insight and growth. Venus in Scorpio, even retrograde, has empowered Scorpios to get clear about values, love, partnership, and resources.
During these Scorpio days we will be bombarded with the reality of living in a world of duality. Each side of the fence thinks the other side is living in the dark. We complain about the dark ways of our civilization, but maybe we should contemplate the possibility that we are evolving at a fast pace now. The more light, expansive thinking there is, the more apparent the contractive darkness will be. Maybe we can’t have the light without the darkness. Maybe we need the contrast. “When it is dark enough you can see the stars.” (Charles Austin Beard)
Perhaps the association of Scorpio with sex and death is exactly why there are jokes about that sexy Scorpio tribe. Without procreation there is no life. Without life, there is no death. We have to make jokes about that. Another hot Scorpio topic is taxes. People aren’t joking about that one either.
The New Moon on November 6th has Venus retrograde sitting off to the side of the Sun and Moon union in Scorpio. A current example of Venus retrograde showed up on October 9th when Virginia Thomas, wife of Justice Clarence Thomas, left a phone message for Anita Hill asking her to apologize for nearly ruining Thomas’s career back in 1991. Thomas was accused of inappropriate verbal harassment of a sexual (Scorpio) nature. It is still coming back to haunt him. The events of 1991 have been rehashed. A new generation is educated about the imperfections of a Supreme Court justice. (See The Plain Dealer, Cleveland’s newspaper, October 24, 2010, for an excellent article on the subject).
Venus backs into Libra after the New Moon and then turns direct on November 18, the same day that Jupiter goes direct after its long retrograde phase since July 23. This is an optimistic event. On the personal level, we may feel better about how we have sorted out our lives in the past few months. Perhaps we feel clearer about what we value and about our goals and potentials. On the collective level, the right will be happy or the left will be happy! It isn’t voting day as I write this.
One thing is very clear. Part of the population will feel frustrated and disappointed. Events will be blown out of proportion. Frustration and resentment will contaminate the airwaves. Saturn, the planet that is reality based makes a difficult connection with Neptune, the planet that dreams. Furthermore, Chiron is conjunct Neptune and both of these bodies go direct during the New Moon time. Chiron, the wounded healer, may have played a pivotal role in getting the health care program launched. Chiron and Neptune together are geared towards compassion and healing. Unfortunately this funny aspect/connection with Saturn implies that the reality is messy. The health care bill didn’t go far enough for some; the status quo system lobbied to make sure that didn’t happen; and the bill went too far for others. This is still to be worked out with Saturn’s hard working help.
Another tip about Chiron and Neptune is this: it is difficult to discern the distinction between fact and fantasy. Notice the media! It is very confusing. It doesn’t matter what you think the fact is some people won’t believe it. People seem to be prone to believing what they hear, if they hear the same lie over and over again. Neptune tends to confuse and dissolve boundaries. When it touches Chiron, the wound is sensitivity to this lack of boundary. We are living in a time when people are caught up in collective emotion. It is hard for people to step aside and gain objectivity—hard to feel the boundary between self and the emotional hoopla. This Chiron/Neptune union affects us all. Saturn is tugging on the chain telling us to get real and rational. The Health Care bill that was passed is a part of this messy dilemma. Our challenge is to recognize that we are all one (Neptune) but we have to honor the reality (Saturn) of our separatness.
On the personal level, this is a powerful month. The Full Moon offers energies of cosmic connection if we can avoid the our own forms of self-undoing. Admittedly on the day of the Full Moon, Venus at 27 degrees of Libra makes an awkward connection with the Moon and Jupiter. We should all be careful not to get carried away with financial speculation. Remember the Scorpio/Taurus polarity has much to do with money and resources. The Full Moon in Taurus says be careful while the funny aspect with Venus says, oh, go ahead. Also on the day of the Full Moon in Taurus, Mercury and Mars are sitting together in Sagittarius and squaring Jupiter and Uranus. The handicap here is harsh words that are hard to retract. This is a combo that promotes impulsive speech. Try writing it down first. Try holding your tongue. If that doesn’t work, apologize quickly. Prominent personalities will make outrageous statements leading them into the hall of fame or the hall of scorn.
For Scorpios, empowerment is currently your middle name. Pluto, ruling planet of Scorpio, is working hard. It continues to tear down the old structures that hold you back. And, Pluto’s connection with Uranus continues to encourage insight and growth. Venus in Scorpio, even retrograde, has empowered Scorpios to get clear about values, love, partnership, and resources.
During these Scorpio days we will be bombarded with the reality of living in a world of duality. Each side of the fence thinks the other side is living in the dark. We complain about the dark ways of our civilization, but maybe we should contemplate the possibility that we are evolving at a fast pace now. The more light, expansive thinking there is, the more apparent the contractive darkness will be. Maybe we can’t have the light without the darkness. Maybe we need the contrast. “When it is dark enough you can see the stars.” (Charles Austin Beard)
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Astro Tips for October 2010
American is having a nervous breakdown
Dr. Cornel West (writer, philosopher, activist) recently said, “America is having a nervous breakdown.” Isn’t that the truth! The Sun is in Libra but life seems anything but sane and harmonious. The Libra scales do not feel steady at the moment. Our society seems to be emotionally out of balance. And ready to crack apart.
When someone asks me about the planetary news, I have to say, the pressure continues. With the Libra New Moon on October 7th, Saturn was still opposing Uranus and both of those planets were squaring Pluto. This arrangement has been in place for a long time now. Pluto, the transformer, holding both Saturn and Uranus in a tight grip, wants us to eliminate what we no longer need and make appropriate changes. We have seen financial meltdown followed by painful unemployment. We have had many natural disasters and the Gulf oil spill. Now in Hungary there has been another chemical disaster killing people and spoiling the water and land. Mother Earth doesn’t even feel safe. Individuals and corporations who hold the power are not reliable. There is human error, accident and downright negligence occurring over and over. Has anything been eliminated yet? Now we have the politics of mid-term elections. Shock and bizarreness! It doesn’t look like we are evolving; however, we are in the movie. We aren’t watching the movie. Perhaps we cannot see from our perspective that we are evolving.
Saturn is transiting Libra
The planet Saturn is traveling through Libra until well into 2012. The Sun, Moon, Saturn and Mercury were sitting in Libra on the New Moon. Saturn brings our attention to limitations. Libra is balance, harmony and fairness. Saturn brings our attention to the lack of those qualities. Libra is about relationship. Perhaps on the individual level these days are filled with happy relational stories, but on the global level people just don’t seem to be getting along. When Libra is out of balance, life is not pretty. Saturn adds an element of fear to whatever it touches. To some degree America’s nervous breakdown is based on fear. Saturn in Libra asks us to reach for more maturity in the relational realm. Saturn in Libra suggests we get over our fear of each other. Saturn in Libra challenges us to examine issues and reach for fairness and justice. Saturn in Libra doesn’t like ugly behavior, and ugly really gets our attention these days.
Special message for all Libras
For those readers who were born under the sign of Libra, this is a serious time in your life. Saturn is sitting with your Sun. Life is not frivolous at the moment. You are facing life issues that only you can address. You will feel wiser and more mature as you face your challenges. You will confront what is really important to you. You will address your values and you will address the state of your relationships and all things that are truly valuable to you. That is what Saturn will ask you to do. Maybe it will be your family relationships, maybe friendships or work place relationships. Perhaps valuable means qualities, like self-respect and integrity. Saturn will teach you about yourself and you, in turn, can be a leader and teach others. Astrology says that Saturn is exalted in Libra, so you have the opportunity to behave with fairness and dignity and to make an impact on others. We think of Libras as nice people who want everyone to get along. We think Libras don’t like to fight. You will fight, however, if you feel you are being treated unfairly. If your values or relationships are threatened, you will fight to make things right.
Venus is retrograde
On October 8th, Venus began its retrograde cycle in the sign of Scorpio and this continues until November 18th. Venus isn’t particularly fond of the Scorpio sign. Mars and Pluto belong to Scorpio, making the sign intense and dramatic. Scorpio might bring power struggles rather than co-operative, supportive relationships. Venus is happy in Libra and Taurus. Scorpio is about intimacy that may be gained through sex, power and domination. Libra is about nice relationships! So here we go, Venus retrograde in Scorpio. Furthermore, Venus repeats its same retrograde cycle every eight years. Think back to 2002 or pull out your diaries and journals and see what was happening in October of 2002. What were you doing when Venus was retrograde in Scorpio in 2002? What were your concerns? For the individual, Venus retrograde invites a person to re-examine their relationships and values. A person may also examine their financial situation (Scorpio is one of the money signs). As a nation we are certainly looking at money, debt, over-spending, and allocation of resources. And just as Mercury retrograde sometimes brings messages from people we haven’t heard from for a while, the same is true of Venus retrograde. Loved ones from the past reappear. And with Venus in Scorpio, many people will deepen their relationships or try to improve them. Couples may go to counseling. They may go to a workshop to re-ignite their relationship. Scorpio is a “let-go and eliminate sign” so some relationships will end during their period if the fire cannot be re-lit.
Some people may end a chapter of their lives during Venus retrograde. Perhaps their values have shifted completely and it’s time to let go of an entire life chapter. Retirement, moving to a new location, finding a new career, and letting go of possessions are a few examples of what we might expect during the retrograde phase. It may take many more weeks for the new life chapter to unfold, but the seeds are in the ground and actions are taken now.
On the national, collective level, we see the harsher aspects of Venus in Scorpio playing out in the mid-term campaigns. Venus is retrograde in a sign that hisses and manipulates the truth. One of the symbols for Venus is the mirror. The political scene is holding up a mirror. We are seeing our diversity, our meanness, our kindness, our sanity, our insanity, our security and our insecurity. This mirror has a rear-view element since Venus is retrograde. We are looking back and seeing what used to be commonly held values. Whether it’s values around same-gender relationships, women’s reproductive rights, or economic opportunity for all, we are looking in the mirror and seeing all the things that our society has believed and to some extent continues to believe. When the chips are down, we cannot even say that everyone in the mirror supports religious freedom. Wow. People are agitated and spitting out their discontent. This Venus retrograde is transiting President’s Obama’s 10th house—the house of authority and leadership—on Election Day. I wish I could predict the outcome of the mid-term elections. The energy is unstable, fragile and unpredictable. The outcome will depend on what the people see in the mirror. We have the opportunity to look deeply (Scorpio) or to just see the surface.
Full Moon in Aries
The Moon is full at 29 degrees of Aries on October 22. The Moon opposes the Sun, Mercury and Venus. This is a sensitive, critical time where we have the opportunity to balance the needs of the self with awareness of the needs of other people.
Are we ready for 2012?
It helps to remember that our global society is undergoing enormous change. If the 2012 seers are correct, we are evolving into a more sensitive and spiritually connected species. Eventually we will understand our connection with the Universe. First we have to comprehend our connection with ourselves, with the Earth and with each other. So here we are in the days of Libra and we have time to contemplate our relationships. Not just our family and friend relationships. Not just our relationship to community and nation but our relationship to those who are not like us. It is hard work to get through this eye of the needle. How do we maintain respect for human diversity and actually embrace that diversity and let it be? We are fearful of losing our identity. Libra seeks out relationship and then runs the risk of losing the self and all clarity in that relationship.
The Pluto/Saturn/Uranus drama makes sure that people are afraid of losing their power identity. If we all get along, then we all are entitled to be treated the same. Love your neighbor as you love yourself. What happens to power then? Who has the power? Does anybody need to have the power? Will there someday be a humanity that figures things out without power being handed to just a few or to just one class or one race or one nation or one anything? All I know right now is this: the scales are shaking around and the archetypal energy of Libra is having a nervous breakdown.
Dr. Cornel West (writer, philosopher, activist) recently said, “America is having a nervous breakdown.” Isn’t that the truth! The Sun is in Libra but life seems anything but sane and harmonious. The Libra scales do not feel steady at the moment. Our society seems to be emotionally out of balance. And ready to crack apart.
When someone asks me about the planetary news, I have to say, the pressure continues. With the Libra New Moon on October 7th, Saturn was still opposing Uranus and both of those planets were squaring Pluto. This arrangement has been in place for a long time now. Pluto, the transformer, holding both Saturn and Uranus in a tight grip, wants us to eliminate what we no longer need and make appropriate changes. We have seen financial meltdown followed by painful unemployment. We have had many natural disasters and the Gulf oil spill. Now in Hungary there has been another chemical disaster killing people and spoiling the water and land. Mother Earth doesn’t even feel safe. Individuals and corporations who hold the power are not reliable. There is human error, accident and downright negligence occurring over and over. Has anything been eliminated yet? Now we have the politics of mid-term elections. Shock and bizarreness! It doesn’t look like we are evolving; however, we are in the movie. We aren’t watching the movie. Perhaps we cannot see from our perspective that we are evolving.
Saturn is transiting Libra
The planet Saturn is traveling through Libra until well into 2012. The Sun, Moon, Saturn and Mercury were sitting in Libra on the New Moon. Saturn brings our attention to limitations. Libra is balance, harmony and fairness. Saturn brings our attention to the lack of those qualities. Libra is about relationship. Perhaps on the individual level these days are filled with happy relational stories, but on the global level people just don’t seem to be getting along. When Libra is out of balance, life is not pretty. Saturn adds an element of fear to whatever it touches. To some degree America’s nervous breakdown is based on fear. Saturn in Libra asks us to reach for more maturity in the relational realm. Saturn in Libra suggests we get over our fear of each other. Saturn in Libra challenges us to examine issues and reach for fairness and justice. Saturn in Libra doesn’t like ugly behavior, and ugly really gets our attention these days.
Special message for all Libras
For those readers who were born under the sign of Libra, this is a serious time in your life. Saturn is sitting with your Sun. Life is not frivolous at the moment. You are facing life issues that only you can address. You will feel wiser and more mature as you face your challenges. You will confront what is really important to you. You will address your values and you will address the state of your relationships and all things that are truly valuable to you. That is what Saturn will ask you to do. Maybe it will be your family relationships, maybe friendships or work place relationships. Perhaps valuable means qualities, like self-respect and integrity. Saturn will teach you about yourself and you, in turn, can be a leader and teach others. Astrology says that Saturn is exalted in Libra, so you have the opportunity to behave with fairness and dignity and to make an impact on others. We think of Libras as nice people who want everyone to get along. We think Libras don’t like to fight. You will fight, however, if you feel you are being treated unfairly. If your values or relationships are threatened, you will fight to make things right.
Venus is retrograde
On October 8th, Venus began its retrograde cycle in the sign of Scorpio and this continues until November 18th. Venus isn’t particularly fond of the Scorpio sign. Mars and Pluto belong to Scorpio, making the sign intense and dramatic. Scorpio might bring power struggles rather than co-operative, supportive relationships. Venus is happy in Libra and Taurus. Scorpio is about intimacy that may be gained through sex, power and domination. Libra is about nice relationships! So here we go, Venus retrograde in Scorpio. Furthermore, Venus repeats its same retrograde cycle every eight years. Think back to 2002 or pull out your diaries and journals and see what was happening in October of 2002. What were you doing when Venus was retrograde in Scorpio in 2002? What were your concerns? For the individual, Venus retrograde invites a person to re-examine their relationships and values. A person may also examine their financial situation (Scorpio is one of the money signs). As a nation we are certainly looking at money, debt, over-spending, and allocation of resources. And just as Mercury retrograde sometimes brings messages from people we haven’t heard from for a while, the same is true of Venus retrograde. Loved ones from the past reappear. And with Venus in Scorpio, many people will deepen their relationships or try to improve them. Couples may go to counseling. They may go to a workshop to re-ignite their relationship. Scorpio is a “let-go and eliminate sign” so some relationships will end during their period if the fire cannot be re-lit.
Some people may end a chapter of their lives during Venus retrograde. Perhaps their values have shifted completely and it’s time to let go of an entire life chapter. Retirement, moving to a new location, finding a new career, and letting go of possessions are a few examples of what we might expect during the retrograde phase. It may take many more weeks for the new life chapter to unfold, but the seeds are in the ground and actions are taken now.
On the national, collective level, we see the harsher aspects of Venus in Scorpio playing out in the mid-term campaigns. Venus is retrograde in a sign that hisses and manipulates the truth. One of the symbols for Venus is the mirror. The political scene is holding up a mirror. We are seeing our diversity, our meanness, our kindness, our sanity, our insanity, our security and our insecurity. This mirror has a rear-view element since Venus is retrograde. We are looking back and seeing what used to be commonly held values. Whether it’s values around same-gender relationships, women’s reproductive rights, or economic opportunity for all, we are looking in the mirror and seeing all the things that our society has believed and to some extent continues to believe. When the chips are down, we cannot even say that everyone in the mirror supports religious freedom. Wow. People are agitated and spitting out their discontent. This Venus retrograde is transiting President’s Obama’s 10th house—the house of authority and leadership—on Election Day. I wish I could predict the outcome of the mid-term elections. The energy is unstable, fragile and unpredictable. The outcome will depend on what the people see in the mirror. We have the opportunity to look deeply (Scorpio) or to just see the surface.
Full Moon in Aries
The Moon is full at 29 degrees of Aries on October 22. The Moon opposes the Sun, Mercury and Venus. This is a sensitive, critical time where we have the opportunity to balance the needs of the self with awareness of the needs of other people.
Are we ready for 2012?
It helps to remember that our global society is undergoing enormous change. If the 2012 seers are correct, we are evolving into a more sensitive and spiritually connected species. Eventually we will understand our connection with the Universe. First we have to comprehend our connection with ourselves, with the Earth and with each other. So here we are in the days of Libra and we have time to contemplate our relationships. Not just our family and friend relationships. Not just our relationship to community and nation but our relationship to those who are not like us. It is hard work to get through this eye of the needle. How do we maintain respect for human diversity and actually embrace that diversity and let it be? We are fearful of losing our identity. Libra seeks out relationship and then runs the risk of losing the self and all clarity in that relationship.
The Pluto/Saturn/Uranus drama makes sure that people are afraid of losing their power identity. If we all get along, then we all are entitled to be treated the same. Love your neighbor as you love yourself. What happens to power then? Who has the power? Does anybody need to have the power? Will there someday be a humanity that figures things out without power being handed to just a few or to just one class or one race or one nation or one anything? All I know right now is this: the scales are shaking around and the archetypal energy of Libra is having a nervous breakdown.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Astro Tips for September 2010
I worry about Virgos. People with Virgo Sun, Virgo Moon or Virgo Ascendant have a tendency to strive so hard to get everything right. They have very high standards for themselves and for others. They get disappointed when they can’t do it all. They seem to think they should be able to do it all. A Virgo woman wouldn’t call herself a super-woman and yet she might expect herself to be one. That’s why I worry about Virgos. The sign of Virgo is ruled by Mercury, hence the proclivity to worry. Mercury is the messenger of the gods. Sometimes Virgos take it on themselves to tell people what the gods want everyone else to do. Underneath it all, Virgos are hard working, focused and committed to service.
On September 8 the New Moon in Virgo supports our efforts to stay on task. The planet Mercury is also in Virgo. By the beginning of the next week, Mercury turns direct and we can pick up speed. If you have felt frustrated and unable to get things done, don’t worry! Notice I keep using that word. When I think Virgo, I think, worry. We all have Virgo somewhere in our horoscopes so we are all worriers. How will I get it all done? So Virgo energy is great for getting organized so we can get it all done. We can only give it our best. The Virgo in us knows that we can only give it our best. So what is the problem? The polarity of Virgo is Pisces, the suffering, guilty counterpart of Virgo. So a Virgo wants to be perfect and then suffers when he realizes he isn’t.
This New Moon in Virgo has several generous aspects. We haven’t had many kind aspects in the past few months. Mercury is smiling at Pluto so we can let our thinking and organizational ability flow in a big way. Venus and Mars (in Libra) are talking nice to Neptune. We feel more hopeful (at least in our individual lives) as the New Moon week unfolds. In spite of these perks, we still have the big Pluto/Uranus/Saturn drama in the sky. The pressure is on to grow and change: in short to clean up our lives. We want to get clear about what we are doing. More than anything we want to feel and believe we have some control (Pluto is about control) over our existence. The collective picture seems so out-of-control. Wise teachers have always taught that change begins with the individual. As each of us gains self-mastery, perhaps the world will get saner. Can we change our language from “control” to “self-management”?
Virgo rules the work force. Information about unemployment is dominating the air- waves this month. The President and his administration even announced the idea to put people to work repairing our infrastructure. It is natural to want to be doing something that allows us to feel self-supporting. People are suffering from lack of work opportunities. The Virgo energy is out of balance. And the Virgo work force has been taken advantage of by corporations. Corporations demand more and more from employees rather than hire additional staff. Is it falling on the government, the big Pluto, to provide employment? And that brings us to the gigantic drama that has been in motion for so many months. Pluto rules wealth. And it also rules debt. The United States falls deeper and deeper into debt. The planet Pluto is making a difficult connection with our nation’s money planet (Venus). These are tough times and they did not start yesterday. We are reaping what was set in motion many, many years ago. We are challenged to get humble and realize we have been living in the hubris of entitlement. By the time of the Full Moon on September 23rd, we again have enormous pressure and a heightened emotional atmosphere about our national economy. The Sun will enter Libra and join serious Saturn. This duo will oppose the Full Moon in Aries, sitting with Uranus and Jupiter. All of these energies are being pulled apart by Pluto’s intensity and Pluto will be opposing Venus in the chart of the United States. This is a pressure cooker and it’s hard to hear the voice of reason inside the noise.
The shadow side of Pluto is manipulation and cruelty. When people get fearful they are easily manipulated. When their thinking gets rigid (Saturn), they think they are right and everyone else is wrong. Next comes the arrogance of Uranus. Put it all together and “it’s my way or the highway” and that seems to be where we are. Advice for the Full Moon: keep a low profile. There is volatile energy in the air. It’s a good time for self-examination and it’s good for resolving personal difficulties that have been on the agenda. Furthermore, Venus and Mars continue to travel together and will be in Scorpio by then. For individuals there is opportunity for passion and drive. For the collective, passion will be magnified on TV.
As the months of 2010 unfold and the “above and below” struggle plays out, I am reminded that it is important to emphasize that there is the individual/personal level of interpreting astrology and there is the collective/mankind level to ponder. While the Sun travels through Virgo, we have a chance to get stuff done and have a sense of accomplishment. In spite of all the difficulties we face as a nation and as citizens of planet earth, we have our lives to live. All we can do is give it our best.
On September 8 the New Moon in Virgo supports our efforts to stay on task. The planet Mercury is also in Virgo. By the beginning of the next week, Mercury turns direct and we can pick up speed. If you have felt frustrated and unable to get things done, don’t worry! Notice I keep using that word. When I think Virgo, I think, worry. We all have Virgo somewhere in our horoscopes so we are all worriers. How will I get it all done? So Virgo energy is great for getting organized so we can get it all done. We can only give it our best. The Virgo in us knows that we can only give it our best. So what is the problem? The polarity of Virgo is Pisces, the suffering, guilty counterpart of Virgo. So a Virgo wants to be perfect and then suffers when he realizes he isn’t.
This New Moon in Virgo has several generous aspects. We haven’t had many kind aspects in the past few months. Mercury is smiling at Pluto so we can let our thinking and organizational ability flow in a big way. Venus and Mars (in Libra) are talking nice to Neptune. We feel more hopeful (at least in our individual lives) as the New Moon week unfolds. In spite of these perks, we still have the big Pluto/Uranus/Saturn drama in the sky. The pressure is on to grow and change: in short to clean up our lives. We want to get clear about what we are doing. More than anything we want to feel and believe we have some control (Pluto is about control) over our existence. The collective picture seems so out-of-control. Wise teachers have always taught that change begins with the individual. As each of us gains self-mastery, perhaps the world will get saner. Can we change our language from “control” to “self-management”?
Virgo rules the work force. Information about unemployment is dominating the air- waves this month. The President and his administration even announced the idea to put people to work repairing our infrastructure. It is natural to want to be doing something that allows us to feel self-supporting. People are suffering from lack of work opportunities. The Virgo energy is out of balance. And the Virgo work force has been taken advantage of by corporations. Corporations demand more and more from employees rather than hire additional staff. Is it falling on the government, the big Pluto, to provide employment? And that brings us to the gigantic drama that has been in motion for so many months. Pluto rules wealth. And it also rules debt. The United States falls deeper and deeper into debt. The planet Pluto is making a difficult connection with our nation’s money planet (Venus). These are tough times and they did not start yesterday. We are reaping what was set in motion many, many years ago. We are challenged to get humble and realize we have been living in the hubris of entitlement. By the time of the Full Moon on September 23rd, we again have enormous pressure and a heightened emotional atmosphere about our national economy. The Sun will enter Libra and join serious Saturn. This duo will oppose the Full Moon in Aries, sitting with Uranus and Jupiter. All of these energies are being pulled apart by Pluto’s intensity and Pluto will be opposing Venus in the chart of the United States. This is a pressure cooker and it’s hard to hear the voice of reason inside the noise.
The shadow side of Pluto is manipulation and cruelty. When people get fearful they are easily manipulated. When their thinking gets rigid (Saturn), they think they are right and everyone else is wrong. Next comes the arrogance of Uranus. Put it all together and “it’s my way or the highway” and that seems to be where we are. Advice for the Full Moon: keep a low profile. There is volatile energy in the air. It’s a good time for self-examination and it’s good for resolving personal difficulties that have been on the agenda. Furthermore, Venus and Mars continue to travel together and will be in Scorpio by then. For individuals there is opportunity for passion and drive. For the collective, passion will be magnified on TV.
As the months of 2010 unfold and the “above and below” struggle plays out, I am reminded that it is important to emphasize that there is the individual/personal level of interpreting astrology and there is the collective/mankind level to ponder. While the Sun travels through Virgo, we have a chance to get stuff done and have a sense of accomplishment. In spite of all the difficulties we face as a nation and as citizens of planet earth, we have our lives to live. All we can do is give it our best.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Astro Tips for August 2010
Astro Tips
August 2010
The following quote by Andy Warhol appeared on Robyn Wakefields’s web site as her juicy reminder on August 18th (see http://www.urbangoddess.org/ ): “They say time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself.”
Robyn has some antenna stretching out to the big tug of war going on between Saturn, Uranus and Pluto. Suddenly, this month, we are challenged to put our dreamy changes into motion. We can stop complaining that we can’t get what we want. It’s time to focus on cooperating with life and become a co-creator with making those changes happen.
I ought to know. I’m finally in the process of moving. After months of wondering where will I live and where will I office and when will all this happen, it is happening. In order to assist the universe (!) in arranging the changes, I have had to focus on many details—like packing and talking to AT&T. The planets couldn’t do that part for me. Finally I have a moment to send out an encouraging reminder that astrology works if we assume our part. As above, so below. Whatever happened “up there” is now happening “down here” but I have to do the physical plane labor to put that “down here” into motion.
The New Moon in Leo (August 9) gave the creative juice for getting the train out of the station. For some of us life has been non-stop since that New Moon. The visions we have held for many months are suddenly taking form. Not everyone may experience this. It all depends on where Saturn in Libra, Uranus/Jupiter in Aries and Pluto in Capricorn fall in your horoscope. For many weeks, these planets have been pulling, constricting, irritating and intensifying our desires for internal and/or external transformation. Suddenly the arrow is released and we are flying.
The Sun slipped into Virgo on August 22. Time to focus on the details of the changes we have been making. For months many of us have been holding the dream of some big change we want to make. The planetary stress with Saturn/Uranus/Pluto has made our dream for change prolonged and laborious. The movement of these big planets into the cardinal (or moveable) arena has pushed many changes into action and reality. The Virgo Sun gives us a package of energy to attend to the minutia on the to-do list.
Today is August 24 and the Full Moon is shinning in Pisces. Pisces (the dream and the vision) opposes Virgo (the organizer). If you are not making any big change at the moment, then at least take time to hold the tension between your dreams and your concrete activities (that Virgo energy). One word of caution: the Full Moon in Pisces sits close to Neptune (the ruler of Pisces). This means we may dream too big or we may try to escape some problem or challenge. The Sun opposing in Virgo tries to help us stay grounded and focused.
Mercury is currently retrograde in Virgo (August 20 through September 12). Instead of worrying about snafus and computer breakdowns, try to be pro-active. Check your car, confirm appointment times and reach out to people you haven’t talked to in a while. And please keep in mind that retrograde periods are great for bringing the past into the present. In preparing to move I came across an old photograph that I decided to frame and hang on the new wall. I googled the friend involved in this photo and now we are emailing. That’s a positive Mercury retrograde event, especially in a technology sign like Virgo. Mercury is the ruler of Virgo. The inter-net is a Mercury-communication-vehicle. Instantly I am reconnected with an old friend. Mercury retrograde can be a positive experience, not just a time of problems.
In spite of the Texas heat, it seems like August has been a relief. For many people there is finally a sense of moving forward into a new life chapter. Enjoy your journey.
August 2010
The following quote by Andy Warhol appeared on Robyn Wakefields’s web site as her juicy reminder on August 18th (see http://www.urbangoddess.org/ ): “They say time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself.”
Robyn has some antenna stretching out to the big tug of war going on between Saturn, Uranus and Pluto. Suddenly, this month, we are challenged to put our dreamy changes into motion. We can stop complaining that we can’t get what we want. It’s time to focus on cooperating with life and become a co-creator with making those changes happen.
I ought to know. I’m finally in the process of moving. After months of wondering where will I live and where will I office and when will all this happen, it is happening. In order to assist the universe (!) in arranging the changes, I have had to focus on many details—like packing and talking to AT&T. The planets couldn’t do that part for me. Finally I have a moment to send out an encouraging reminder that astrology works if we assume our part. As above, so below. Whatever happened “up there” is now happening “down here” but I have to do the physical plane labor to put that “down here” into motion.
The New Moon in Leo (August 9) gave the creative juice for getting the train out of the station. For some of us life has been non-stop since that New Moon. The visions we have held for many months are suddenly taking form. Not everyone may experience this. It all depends on where Saturn in Libra, Uranus/Jupiter in Aries and Pluto in Capricorn fall in your horoscope. For many weeks, these planets have been pulling, constricting, irritating and intensifying our desires for internal and/or external transformation. Suddenly the arrow is released and we are flying.
The Sun slipped into Virgo on August 22. Time to focus on the details of the changes we have been making. For months many of us have been holding the dream of some big change we want to make. The planetary stress with Saturn/Uranus/Pluto has made our dream for change prolonged and laborious. The movement of these big planets into the cardinal (or moveable) arena has pushed many changes into action and reality. The Virgo Sun gives us a package of energy to attend to the minutia on the to-do list.
Today is August 24 and the Full Moon is shinning in Pisces. Pisces (the dream and the vision) opposes Virgo (the organizer). If you are not making any big change at the moment, then at least take time to hold the tension between your dreams and your concrete activities (that Virgo energy). One word of caution: the Full Moon in Pisces sits close to Neptune (the ruler of Pisces). This means we may dream too big or we may try to escape some problem or challenge. The Sun opposing in Virgo tries to help us stay grounded and focused.
Mercury is currently retrograde in Virgo (August 20 through September 12). Instead of worrying about snafus and computer breakdowns, try to be pro-active. Check your car, confirm appointment times and reach out to people you haven’t talked to in a while. And please keep in mind that retrograde periods are great for bringing the past into the present. In preparing to move I came across an old photograph that I decided to frame and hang on the new wall. I googled the friend involved in this photo and now we are emailing. That’s a positive Mercury retrograde event, especially in a technology sign like Virgo. Mercury is the ruler of Virgo. The inter-net is a Mercury-communication-vehicle. Instantly I am reconnected with an old friend. Mercury retrograde can be a positive experience, not just a time of problems.
In spite of the Texas heat, it seems like August has been a relief. For many people there is finally a sense of moving forward into a new life chapter. Enjoy your journey.
Friday, July 9, 2010
Speaking at Cafe Spiritics
On Thursday, July 15, 2010, 7:30 PM, I will be speaking at Cafe Spritics in Richardson, Texas. If you are in the area, please join us.
The Astrology of the Summer of 2010 - Living In A Traumatized World
Eclipses, squares and Plutonian rumbles: Is the Patriarch passing away?
Understanding the planetary configurations in our solar system helps us comprehend why we are living during these shocking times. If you feel stressed and anxious, you are not alone. We are being shaken so that we can evolve. The social order cannot remain the same and there will be conflict as we make the changes that are needed. What is important is this: we can embrace what the planets are telling us and commit to our unique individual life journeys. No matter how difficult the times seem to be, the glass is still half-full. We will talk about how astrology can help us settle down and get connected inside our souls. Whatever is happening “out there” means there is work to be done “in here”!
Part of this evening program will include a brief biographical sharing from my friend, Dr. Edward Johnson. His successful 72-year journey as a physician working within the traditional patriarchy known as health care has brought him to a place of transformation. His journey is a microcosm of what the astrology of 2010 is telling us. We are compelled to balance our masculine world by embracing the feminine polarity of existence.
I will do my best to help you interpret the stars in a way that helps you connect with yourself. The information you receive will help you write your own biographical sketch so you can grasp how you are transforming in the midst of a traumatized world.
The Astrology of the Summer of 2010 - Living In A Traumatized World
Eclipses, squares and Plutonian rumbles: Is the Patriarch passing away?
Understanding the planetary configurations in our solar system helps us comprehend why we are living during these shocking times. If you feel stressed and anxious, you are not alone. We are being shaken so that we can evolve. The social order cannot remain the same and there will be conflict as we make the changes that are needed. What is important is this: we can embrace what the planets are telling us and commit to our unique individual life journeys. No matter how difficult the times seem to be, the glass is still half-full. We will talk about how astrology can help us settle down and get connected inside our souls. Whatever is happening “out there” means there is work to be done “in here”!
Part of this evening program will include a brief biographical sharing from my friend, Dr. Edward Johnson. His successful 72-year journey as a physician working within the traditional patriarchy known as health care has brought him to a place of transformation. His journey is a microcosm of what the astrology of 2010 is telling us. We are compelled to balance our masculine world by embracing the feminine polarity of existence.
I will do my best to help you interpret the stars in a way that helps you connect with yourself. The information you receive will help you write your own biographical sketch so you can grasp how you are transforming in the midst of a traumatized world.
Monday, July 5, 2010
July 2010 Astro Tips
Astro Tips July 2010
Solar Eclipse on July 11—Time to let go of the past.
Every New Moon is a new beginning. The New Moon on July 11, 2010 is a Solar Eclipse at 19 degrees of Cancer. The sign Cancer is ruled by the Moon and the Moon rules the family, women, motherhood, nurturance, food, security, safety, and the home. All of these matters were highlighted during the Capricorn Lunar Eclipse in June and they continue to be in the spotlight this month. Unlike the Lunar Eclipse last month, the Sun and Moon are not connected to other planets. However, the Sun and Moon are conjunct the South Node and that is enough to make this a big eclipse. The South Node represents the past so we might be struggling during this eclipse period with letting go and making changes. We would rather cling to the past. When something is holding us back, it feels scary to move out of our safety zone and everything we know. This month we learn that the seeds we plant, the decisions we make, the projects we initiate, the steps we take, and the contacts we make will have significance at least till the end of the year.
Be ready for anything!
These eclipses especially affect Cancerian and Capricorn folks. They are probably facing crises or decisions that will help them make big changes in their lives. All of us have Cancer and Capricorn somewhere in our horoscopes, even if we have no planets in those signs. Wherever this sign polarity occurs in your chart the eclipses are stirring up your psyche and your everyday life. Some people will move. Some people will focus on children or family. Others will face difficult relationship issues or health challenges or money concerns. We will have to take action to help resolve our problems. The eclipse energy will push us to take action whether we want to or not. Hey, some people may have exciting surprises in their lives that take them to a new frontier. This eclipse can bring positive outcomes to difficulties that have been going on for quite some time.
Our Cancerian Country is also a Patriarchy
Consider the fact that our country was born under the sign of Cancer. The United States of American is the Big Mother and she is struggling. Right now everything here in our country seems to be of a pulling and pushing nature. We want change. We don’t want change. Many women have recently entered the political arena (definitely a Cancer-Capricorn influence). The Arizona law that pertains to immigration is about the safety and security of our homeland. The oil disaster in the Gulf of Mexico has threatened the safety of an ocean, wildlife and the environment of the coastal area. It affects our economic stability and the safety and security of our food supply. How will the Father Patriarch, (Capricorn government, traditional bureaucracy, and business/economic systems), take the appropriate action to protect the Mother, the homeland? How can we trust the fathers when they didn’t prepare ahead of time for the emergency of an oil spill? How do we trust political fathers and mothers to make life-saving decisions for our country when they seem to only care about getting re-elected? The Mother is suffering and we need courageous, intelligent leadership. Where is it? President Obama is challenged with every move he makes. His enemies are standing in line waiting to broadcast discontent instead of support and suggestions. On July 15th transiting Mars will make a conjunction with Obama’s natal Mars at 22 degrees of Virgo. He is challenged to stand up to his critics and to be courageous and intelligent in his leadership.
The strong configuration with Pluto, Uranus and Saturn is still hanging over our heads. How do we make sane, intelligent changes that will insure a more stable country and world? Pluto rules death and tells us loud and clear that some things must die so we can evolve. The problem is we can’t seem to agree on what to get rid of. In Hindu mythology, the God Shiva destroys what he no longer likes and then creatively dances the new into existence. The belief is that Shiva is never satisfied. He is always destroying and creating something new. Maybe the gods are doing their dance and we just have to live through it! We have to dance with the gods.
“There must be some way out of here, said the joker to the thief. There’s too much confusion. I can’t get no relief. “ (Bob Dylan, All Along the Watchtower 1968)
July reaches a high pitch when the Full Moon in Aquarius arrives on July 25/26 (depending on the location) and the Sun has moved into Leo. On the 26th Saturn and Uranus make their fifth and last opposition. Saturn has moved into Libra and it opposes Uranus in Aries. This is the energy pattern that astrologers have been addressing since 2008. Remember in the mid 60’s this pattern also occurred and it initiated great social change in our country. Now we are reaping the result of those changes. There are people who want to eliminate many of the changes that have taken place since the 60’s and 70’s. There are people who want to move beyond where we are! On the one hand there is hope for new way of resolving our big problems. Uranus in Aries gives us new energy. There is a chance for optimism and invention. Saturn in Libra encourages cooperation. But there is also tension. The Planet Mars joins Saturn and they face off across the heavens with Uranus and Jupiter. This is very volatile energy. Mars is the War God and the action hero. Mars has courage but he has a short fuse. Will Aries be progressive or reactionary? Will an angry Mars maverick make an impulsive, tragic move? There could be an uprising. There could be disruptive, damaging weather events. Furthermore, the planet Pluto still sits in the middle, looking crossways at Saturn and Uranus. Since Pluto rules wealth we have to wonder if our economic system will hold steady or teeter on the brink. Stepping out of the comfort zone and making good changes is not easy. If it is hard for us individually, then imagine how hard it is for us collectively. Change is hard because we regress into fear. We forget we have opportunities to be alive and creative. Too often we collapse into fear and discouragement.
The intense energy overload during June, July and August demands we stay focused, grounded and heart centered. In short we have to stay connected with who we know we are. What else can we do if we are to sift through conflicting information and the excessive emotional pitch in the atmosphere? We are each a microcosm of the Big Enchilada and change begins in the cell of each microcosm. Bob Dylan wrote: “so let us not talk falsely now, the hour is getting late.” (All Along the Watchtower 1968). Perhaps we can begin by not talking falsely to ourselves. Maybe the way out is actually the way in?
Solar Eclipse on July 11—Time to let go of the past.
Every New Moon is a new beginning. The New Moon on July 11, 2010 is a Solar Eclipse at 19 degrees of Cancer. The sign Cancer is ruled by the Moon and the Moon rules the family, women, motherhood, nurturance, food, security, safety, and the home. All of these matters were highlighted during the Capricorn Lunar Eclipse in June and they continue to be in the spotlight this month. Unlike the Lunar Eclipse last month, the Sun and Moon are not connected to other planets. However, the Sun and Moon are conjunct the South Node and that is enough to make this a big eclipse. The South Node represents the past so we might be struggling during this eclipse period with letting go and making changes. We would rather cling to the past. When something is holding us back, it feels scary to move out of our safety zone and everything we know. This month we learn that the seeds we plant, the decisions we make, the projects we initiate, the steps we take, and the contacts we make will have significance at least till the end of the year.
Be ready for anything!
These eclipses especially affect Cancerian and Capricorn folks. They are probably facing crises or decisions that will help them make big changes in their lives. All of us have Cancer and Capricorn somewhere in our horoscopes, even if we have no planets in those signs. Wherever this sign polarity occurs in your chart the eclipses are stirring up your psyche and your everyday life. Some people will move. Some people will focus on children or family. Others will face difficult relationship issues or health challenges or money concerns. We will have to take action to help resolve our problems. The eclipse energy will push us to take action whether we want to or not. Hey, some people may have exciting surprises in their lives that take them to a new frontier. This eclipse can bring positive outcomes to difficulties that have been going on for quite some time.
Our Cancerian Country is also a Patriarchy
Consider the fact that our country was born under the sign of Cancer. The United States of American is the Big Mother and she is struggling. Right now everything here in our country seems to be of a pulling and pushing nature. We want change. We don’t want change. Many women have recently entered the political arena (definitely a Cancer-Capricorn influence). The Arizona law that pertains to immigration is about the safety and security of our homeland. The oil disaster in the Gulf of Mexico has threatened the safety of an ocean, wildlife and the environment of the coastal area. It affects our economic stability and the safety and security of our food supply. How will the Father Patriarch, (Capricorn government, traditional bureaucracy, and business/economic systems), take the appropriate action to protect the Mother, the homeland? How can we trust the fathers when they didn’t prepare ahead of time for the emergency of an oil spill? How do we trust political fathers and mothers to make life-saving decisions for our country when they seem to only care about getting re-elected? The Mother is suffering and we need courageous, intelligent leadership. Where is it? President Obama is challenged with every move he makes. His enemies are standing in line waiting to broadcast discontent instead of support and suggestions. On July 15th transiting Mars will make a conjunction with Obama’s natal Mars at 22 degrees of Virgo. He is challenged to stand up to his critics and to be courageous and intelligent in his leadership.
The strong configuration with Pluto, Uranus and Saturn is still hanging over our heads. How do we make sane, intelligent changes that will insure a more stable country and world? Pluto rules death and tells us loud and clear that some things must die so we can evolve. The problem is we can’t seem to agree on what to get rid of. In Hindu mythology, the God Shiva destroys what he no longer likes and then creatively dances the new into existence. The belief is that Shiva is never satisfied. He is always destroying and creating something new. Maybe the gods are doing their dance and we just have to live through it! We have to dance with the gods.
“There must be some way out of here, said the joker to the thief. There’s too much confusion. I can’t get no relief. “ (Bob Dylan, All Along the Watchtower 1968)
July reaches a high pitch when the Full Moon in Aquarius arrives on July 25/26 (depending on the location) and the Sun has moved into Leo. On the 26th Saturn and Uranus make their fifth and last opposition. Saturn has moved into Libra and it opposes Uranus in Aries. This is the energy pattern that astrologers have been addressing since 2008. Remember in the mid 60’s this pattern also occurred and it initiated great social change in our country. Now we are reaping the result of those changes. There are people who want to eliminate many of the changes that have taken place since the 60’s and 70’s. There are people who want to move beyond where we are! On the one hand there is hope for new way of resolving our big problems. Uranus in Aries gives us new energy. There is a chance for optimism and invention. Saturn in Libra encourages cooperation. But there is also tension. The Planet Mars joins Saturn and they face off across the heavens with Uranus and Jupiter. This is very volatile energy. Mars is the War God and the action hero. Mars has courage but he has a short fuse. Will Aries be progressive or reactionary? Will an angry Mars maverick make an impulsive, tragic move? There could be an uprising. There could be disruptive, damaging weather events. Furthermore, the planet Pluto still sits in the middle, looking crossways at Saturn and Uranus. Since Pluto rules wealth we have to wonder if our economic system will hold steady or teeter on the brink. Stepping out of the comfort zone and making good changes is not easy. If it is hard for us individually, then imagine how hard it is for us collectively. Change is hard because we regress into fear. We forget we have opportunities to be alive and creative. Too often we collapse into fear and discouragement.
The intense energy overload during June, July and August demands we stay focused, grounded and heart centered. In short we have to stay connected with who we know we are. What else can we do if we are to sift through conflicting information and the excessive emotional pitch in the atmosphere? We are each a microcosm of the Big Enchilada and change begins in the cell of each microcosm. Bob Dylan wrote: “so let us not talk falsely now, the hour is getting late.” (All Along the Watchtower 1968). Perhaps we can begin by not talking falsely to ourselves. Maybe the way out is actually the way in?
The summer of 2010
This summer seems to be the collision between what has been with what is emerging on the horizon. For two years we have been struggling with a conflict between holding on to the way it has been and breaking into new territory. Saturn, the planet that helps us have structure and continuity in our lives, has been arguing with Uranus, the planet that wants us to awaken and do things differently. Then Pluto, planet of transformation, joined the argument. Pluto reveals secrets so we can change. As Saturn and Uranus form their final opposition (with Pluto squaring both of them), we are ready to begin to do things differently. Does this mean everything will be resolved and we all suddenly sigh and live happily every after? You already know the answer to that question! It does mean we are heading into a new chapter of experience, both individually and collectively. Saturn and Uranus and Pluto enter signs that hold cardinal energy, meaning energy that moves. These cardinal signs (Uranus in Aries, Saturn in Libra and Pluto in Capricorn) invite us to get off the fence and take action. May your new efforts be in accordance with your highest good!
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Eclipse Update June 29, 2010
Eclipse Update
The eclipse on Saturday, June 26th, was in the sign of Capricorn. Remember, Cancer is the sign that opposes Capricorn. We call this the Cancer/Capricorn axis. Cancer (ruled by the Moon) is water and it rules the home, the family, dependency and our fundamental emotional security in life. Capricorn is an earth sign and it governs maturity, responsibility and achievement in life. Capricorn encourages us to rise above our Cancerian babyhood and our dependency issues. During this eclipse period our old issues around childhood and family of origin might be surfacing. The eclipse in Capricorn gives us the push to deal with these issues differently. The eclipse is crisis energy. Many of us are presented with issues regarding our home, our family, our parents, and especially our need to feel safe in this world. How we handle the crisis is our opportunity to tap into our Capricorn resources! Can we respond to the crisis with wisdom and maturity? Can we face the fact that it might take time (the domain of Capricorn) to resolve a problem or to achieve our desired goal? Capricorn advises us: don’t freak out, just take your time.
There is time! On July 11th, the New Moon Solar Eclipse is also in the Capricorn/Cancer axis. The New Moon will join the Sun in Cancer. We will have the opportunity to plant new seeds for juggling family issues with our grown-up place in the world.
The eclipse on Saturday, June 26th, was in the sign of Capricorn. Remember, Cancer is the sign that opposes Capricorn. We call this the Cancer/Capricorn axis. Cancer (ruled by the Moon) is water and it rules the home, the family, dependency and our fundamental emotional security in life. Capricorn is an earth sign and it governs maturity, responsibility and achievement in life. Capricorn encourages us to rise above our Cancerian babyhood and our dependency issues. During this eclipse period our old issues around childhood and family of origin might be surfacing. The eclipse in Capricorn gives us the push to deal with these issues differently. The eclipse is crisis energy. Many of us are presented with issues regarding our home, our family, our parents, and especially our need to feel safe in this world. How we handle the crisis is our opportunity to tap into our Capricorn resources! Can we respond to the crisis with wisdom and maturity? Can we face the fact that it might take time (the domain of Capricorn) to resolve a problem or to achieve our desired goal? Capricorn advises us: don’t freak out, just take your time.
There is time! On July 11th, the New Moon Solar Eclipse is also in the Capricorn/Cancer axis. The New Moon will join the Sun in Cancer. We will have the opportunity to plant new seeds for juggling family issues with our grown-up place in the world.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Lunar Eclipse June 26, 2010
Lunar Eclipse June 26, 2010
On June 26 the Lunar Eclipse brings the Moon in Capricorn into a tight conjunction with intense/powerful Pluto. This Full Moon eclipse is forming a Grand Square with the Sun and others planets. Think of a square box. The Sun and Mercury (in Cancer) are one point on the box. Saturn (in late Pisces) is another point. Jupiter and Uranus (conjunct in Aries) the third point. The Moon exactly conjunct Pluto is the fourth point. We are sitting inside a big heavenly box with tons of pressure and it feels like we can’t get out of it. Fortunately Jupiter and Uranus moved into energetic Aries a few weeks ago. We can get out of this enclosure. The trick is to be innovative and to think out of the box. It helps to be willing to be courageous. Some people will just punch a hole in the thing and jump free. We can talk about all the points of this configuration but that might take a while. Let’s just focus on the Full Moon sitting at the exact same degree with Pluto during this eclipse. Pluto is pressuring us to deal with our internal complexes and our external projections. We will be in the dark, but Pluto (the dark one sitting with that Full Moon) is stirring up the deeps recesses of the soul. Keep in mind that an eclipse is not a one-day event. This energy has been building for several months and it continues for several months. The activities and pressures in your life have been building up to this week.
When the world was dived up, Zeus gave himself the seeable realm and gave other parts to his brothers. Poseidon (Neptune) got the mysterious ocean. Hades (Pluto) got the scary underworld. Pluto didn’t like being relegated to the dark below. His job was to manage death and transformation. However, Pluto got something very big: the riches buried deep in the earth. There are riches in everyone’s underworld. Our riches may not be tangible ore or diamonds. Symbolically the underworld holds our intangible gold: resourcefulness. We have talents and abilities, insights and realizations. We have strength, empowerment, and confidence buried inside.
Astrologers do not name planets and other celestial bodies when they are discovered. Astronomers (The International Astrological Union) give the names and astrologers tell the stories. Traditionally astronomers have used western mythology as their guidebook for naming discoveries. Pluto is far from the Sun so it orbits in perpetual darkness. Perhaps this is why astronomers gave that small cold body the name, Pluto. Pluto rules the underworld where darkness and mystery reside. For astrologers Pluto is also the unconscious, that which is hard to access (it’s way out there or it’s way in there). Have you wondered why Pluto was demoted from its planetoid status? There are scientific reasons to astronomers. However, astronomers had already named this distant body in our solar system. It is not so easy to remove the energy that was set in motion when Pluto was discovered in 1930. Maybe those astronomers who voted against Pluto’s planetary status were reflecting our resistance to digging into the dark psyche of the collective. Pluto is the depth of the psyche. Individuals who have the Moon conjunct Pluto in their charts are considered emotionally intense. They may hold deep secrets. They may be powerful healers. They may be powerful manipulators. It may be hard to unravel a Moon/Pluto unconscious. It might be a lifetime chore to discard the toxicity acquired early in life (or in past lives). Pluto is small but heavy. This weekend we all have Pluto sitting with the Full Moon.
Pluto, from the Greek word, plutos, means wealth. Hidden in each of us, there are riches sitting latent and ready to be uncovered and brought to the surface. If we don’t find the wealth, it just sits there, idle. We miss life opportunities. When we do find it, we rejoice. We have more resources to work with. To get to our treasures we have to get dirty and dig. Sometimes we have to get rid of stuff, like too many clothes or a bad attitude. Pluto is also associated with elimination. If we toss out what we no longer need, then we make space for the uncovering. We allow the wealth to surface and we begin to create something new. Pluto is also the ruler of death. When we die, we don’t take our coins with us. We go empty and alone into the underworld. Sometimes we have living experiences that are traumatic and it feels like we have been thrown into the underworld. When we return to the living, we ponder the gifts of that journey.
Pluto has a lot to do with the collective unconscious. As a group, we now have the opportunity to become more informed, thoughtful, wise and intelligent about life on Planet Earth. Fortunately we seem to be sticking the shovel down to uncover the corruption of wealth and power. We are looking for the treasure that will make life better here, but before finding it, the dirt has to be cleared away. Whether it’s our personal issue, a national issue or a global issue, we are struggling to expose the hidden stuff during this eclipse period. Living in an age of technology with instant information, we have the opportunity to explore the depths of our inner selves as well as the depths of our collective operations. The shenanigans of some of the powerful and the wealthy are being exposed. We are excavating our collective manure and it isn’t pretty. That is how Pluto works. First we experience the toxicity then we examine it, then we expose it, then we react to it, then we transform it.
Plutonium: a powerful, but very toxic substance and a little bit goes a very long way. It can be used for good. It can be used for destruction. This eclipse energy is highly concentrated. It is contained in a tight box that is ready to either collapse or explode. An eclipse like this reminds us that the gods are powerful when they command that we must transform. Let us remember to have compassion for the people who are undergoing profound changes that are life shattering. Pluto’s transformation can be tragic, confusing and without explanation. If we are standing and walking, if we have shelter and food, if we have family and friends supporting us, then we are blessed and lucky. The mystery of Pluto’s powerful hand has passed us by for a little while longer.
Finally, don’t forget that Jupiter and Uranus have moved into independent Aries. This energy will help all of us dig up our riches and get out of the box.
On June 26 the Lunar Eclipse brings the Moon in Capricorn into a tight conjunction with intense/powerful Pluto. This Full Moon eclipse is forming a Grand Square with the Sun and others planets. Think of a square box. The Sun and Mercury (in Cancer) are one point on the box. Saturn (in late Pisces) is another point. Jupiter and Uranus (conjunct in Aries) the third point. The Moon exactly conjunct Pluto is the fourth point. We are sitting inside a big heavenly box with tons of pressure and it feels like we can’t get out of it. Fortunately Jupiter and Uranus moved into energetic Aries a few weeks ago. We can get out of this enclosure. The trick is to be innovative and to think out of the box. It helps to be willing to be courageous. Some people will just punch a hole in the thing and jump free. We can talk about all the points of this configuration but that might take a while. Let’s just focus on the Full Moon sitting at the exact same degree with Pluto during this eclipse. Pluto is pressuring us to deal with our internal complexes and our external projections. We will be in the dark, but Pluto (the dark one sitting with that Full Moon) is stirring up the deeps recesses of the soul. Keep in mind that an eclipse is not a one-day event. This energy has been building for several months and it continues for several months. The activities and pressures in your life have been building up to this week.
When the world was dived up, Zeus gave himself the seeable realm and gave other parts to his brothers. Poseidon (Neptune) got the mysterious ocean. Hades (Pluto) got the scary underworld. Pluto didn’t like being relegated to the dark below. His job was to manage death and transformation. However, Pluto got something very big: the riches buried deep in the earth. There are riches in everyone’s underworld. Our riches may not be tangible ore or diamonds. Symbolically the underworld holds our intangible gold: resourcefulness. We have talents and abilities, insights and realizations. We have strength, empowerment, and confidence buried inside.
Astrologers do not name planets and other celestial bodies when they are discovered. Astronomers (The International Astrological Union) give the names and astrologers tell the stories. Traditionally astronomers have used western mythology as their guidebook for naming discoveries. Pluto is far from the Sun so it orbits in perpetual darkness. Perhaps this is why astronomers gave that small cold body the name, Pluto. Pluto rules the underworld where darkness and mystery reside. For astrologers Pluto is also the unconscious, that which is hard to access (it’s way out there or it’s way in there). Have you wondered why Pluto was demoted from its planetoid status? There are scientific reasons to astronomers. However, astronomers had already named this distant body in our solar system. It is not so easy to remove the energy that was set in motion when Pluto was discovered in 1930. Maybe those astronomers who voted against Pluto’s planetary status were reflecting our resistance to digging into the dark psyche of the collective. Pluto is the depth of the psyche. Individuals who have the Moon conjunct Pluto in their charts are considered emotionally intense. They may hold deep secrets. They may be powerful healers. They may be powerful manipulators. It may be hard to unravel a Moon/Pluto unconscious. It might be a lifetime chore to discard the toxicity acquired early in life (or in past lives). Pluto is small but heavy. This weekend we all have Pluto sitting with the Full Moon.
Pluto, from the Greek word, plutos, means wealth. Hidden in each of us, there are riches sitting latent and ready to be uncovered and brought to the surface. If we don’t find the wealth, it just sits there, idle. We miss life opportunities. When we do find it, we rejoice. We have more resources to work with. To get to our treasures we have to get dirty and dig. Sometimes we have to get rid of stuff, like too many clothes or a bad attitude. Pluto is also associated with elimination. If we toss out what we no longer need, then we make space for the uncovering. We allow the wealth to surface and we begin to create something new. Pluto is also the ruler of death. When we die, we don’t take our coins with us. We go empty and alone into the underworld. Sometimes we have living experiences that are traumatic and it feels like we have been thrown into the underworld. When we return to the living, we ponder the gifts of that journey.
Pluto has a lot to do with the collective unconscious. As a group, we now have the opportunity to become more informed, thoughtful, wise and intelligent about life on Planet Earth. Fortunately we seem to be sticking the shovel down to uncover the corruption of wealth and power. We are looking for the treasure that will make life better here, but before finding it, the dirt has to be cleared away. Whether it’s our personal issue, a national issue or a global issue, we are struggling to expose the hidden stuff during this eclipse period. Living in an age of technology with instant information, we have the opportunity to explore the depths of our inner selves as well as the depths of our collective operations. The shenanigans of some of the powerful and the wealthy are being exposed. We are excavating our collective manure and it isn’t pretty. That is how Pluto works. First we experience the toxicity then we examine it, then we expose it, then we react to it, then we transform it.
Plutonium: a powerful, but very toxic substance and a little bit goes a very long way. It can be used for good. It can be used for destruction. This eclipse energy is highly concentrated. It is contained in a tight box that is ready to either collapse or explode. An eclipse like this reminds us that the gods are powerful when they command that we must transform. Let us remember to have compassion for the people who are undergoing profound changes that are life shattering. Pluto’s transformation can be tragic, confusing and without explanation. If we are standing and walking, if we have shelter and food, if we have family and friends supporting us, then we are blessed and lucky. The mystery of Pluto’s powerful hand has passed us by for a little while longer.
Finally, don’t forget that Jupiter and Uranus have moved into independent Aries. This energy will help all of us dig up our riches and get out of the box.
Monday, June 7, 2010
Mars and Jupiter Change Signs-June 7, 2010
June 7, 2010. Mars and Jupiter Change Signs.
Back in October of 2009 Mars slipped into fire sign, Leo. It did its retrograde phase in this sign as well. We have had over seven months of Mars in Leo, a sign of creativity and inspiration. As of today, June 7th, Mars has moved on into Virgo. If you have had month of inspiration but no focus to get stuff done, you may feel relieved. Virgo is a hard-working, methodical energy that wants to get it right. Time to get busy and knock off that to-do list. Hopefully Mars settling into Virgo will help those in charge of the oil disaster in the Gulf make good decision and get the job done. The time for talk and ego display (a Leo trait) is over. Get down to Virgo business and solve the problem.
The planet Jupiter moved into the sign of Aries yesterday. It joined Uranus, the planet that recently changed from Pisces to the constellation of Aries. This is one hot-potato energy. Aries is courageous fire. Aries is the individual awakened and smart. Groups of Aries driven citizens are starting to clean up their own beaches. Who needs BP? Who can wait for a slow government to take action? Jupiter and Uranus in Aries will tackle the job and there will be stories to tell of heroes and heroines.
The combination of Jupiter/Uranus in Aries and Mars in Virgo might require constant adjustment to external events, but adjustment, flexibility, hard work and intuition can lead to creative, successful solutions.
Back in October of 2009 Mars slipped into fire sign, Leo. It did its retrograde phase in this sign as well. We have had over seven months of Mars in Leo, a sign of creativity and inspiration. As of today, June 7th, Mars has moved on into Virgo. If you have had month of inspiration but no focus to get stuff done, you may feel relieved. Virgo is a hard-working, methodical energy that wants to get it right. Time to get busy and knock off that to-do list. Hopefully Mars settling into Virgo will help those in charge of the oil disaster in the Gulf make good decision and get the job done. The time for talk and ego display (a Leo trait) is over. Get down to Virgo business and solve the problem.
The planet Jupiter moved into the sign of Aries yesterday. It joined Uranus, the planet that recently changed from Pisces to the constellation of Aries. This is one hot-potato energy. Aries is courageous fire. Aries is the individual awakened and smart. Groups of Aries driven citizens are starting to clean up their own beaches. Who needs BP? Who can wait for a slow government to take action? Jupiter and Uranus in Aries will tackle the job and there will be stories to tell of heroes and heroines.
The combination of Jupiter/Uranus in Aries and Mars in Virgo might require constant adjustment to external events, but adjustment, flexibility, hard work and intuition can lead to creative, successful solutions.
Monday, May 31, 2010
The Sun in Gemini
The Sun in Gemini: Communication
The Sun entered Gemini on May 20. Ruled by Mercury, this Air sign rules communication and commerce. The six o’clock news, the newspaper, the political pundit, CNN, MSNBC, FOX and Google are all under the influence of Mercury and the sign of Gemini. What did we do before Google? All the information on the web, whether factual or fanatical, has Mercury/Hermes as Muse. The technology of the Internet may be associated with the planet Uranus, but the content is Mercury and Gemini. In mythology Mercury/Hermes was a trickster. All you have to do is channel surf and you hear a trickster talking and spreading his story over the airwaves. Other factors influence communication. The planet Neptune rules inspiration as well as deception and illusion. Communication is influenced by Neptunian ideology and the collective unconscious. On May 31 Neptune went into its six-month retrograde phase. On that day Neptune was opposing Mars (assertion). When these two planets connect there is always the possibility of talk that may or may not be true. This Neptune/Mars aspect is also a potentially disappointing omen for the outcome of the Gulf Oil catastrophe. Whatever we hear during these Gemini days may be only half-truths. Communication may be slick, like oil.
Challenges and Opportunities
The planetary activities have been challenging for months. Now we step into accelerated urgency as we address complex national and global problems. It just seems that there is no rest stop on the road for many weeks to come. There are challenges but there are opportunities. Saturn went direct on May 30. Projects and plans that have been delayed can now get going. If you have been working behind the scenes on your projects or if some big chore you need to complete has been delayed over and over again, now is the time to take action. Saturn is currently in Virgo at 28 degrees. In another seven weeks Saturn will move into Libra for two years. People born in the late degrees of Virgo, Pisces, Gemini and Sagittarius are finishing up some big karmic jobs in the next seven weeks (before Saturn moves on to Libra). The pay off can take a concrete form, like a longed for job, a project completed, a new set of rules or regulations (financial reform) or some serious situation resolved (here’s hoping). The outcome may be subtle: an experience painted with wisdom and maturity.
Uranus and Jupiter in Aries
In early June Jupiter enters Aries and joins Uranus. This will give all of us a glimpse of our uniqueness. Furthermore, in some area of your life you are ripe for change. Jupiter will give a positive lift to that change feeling and for some change will come swiftly. Just remember that Jupiter will take a retrograde turn back into Pisces in September. If you can’t make that change in spite of your current enthusiasm, don’t worry. Jupiter will spend many months in Aries in 2011 and changes can happen. Right now, plant the seed. Now that Uranus has entered Aries we need to seriously think about our unique life spark. What is your passion? What is special about you? How might you express that specialness? Of course I am assuming that a person will ask that whatever s/he does be in accordance with the Highest Divine Will. Unfortunately Uranus in Aries has the potential for fanaticism and immaturity. Put Jupiter and Uranus in Aries on the same chair in the living room and you get a big head with impulses fueled by ego. While the Sun travels through Gemini, and Uranus and Jupiter are in Aries, we might expect even more outrageous verbal and written expressions of opinions. In our current global atmosphere there is also the possibility that uniqueness will take violent forms.
What To Do.
The New Moon on June 12 will form difficult connections with Saturn, Jupiter and Uranus. Jupiter opposing Saturn means immature souls will be frustrated when they don’t get what they want in the moment. Astrology suggests that we all be careful with our thoughts and words during this time. That means patience and it means take time to listen to others. In addition to a stressed New Moon in the sign of communication (Gemini), there is more difficultly. Mercury, ruler of Gemini, ruler of communication, will be irritated by aspects with Mars and Neptune. Again, what we hear may not be the truth. Again, people may say things they later regret. Some will speak from heated discontent, deception, anger and fear. Many will be caught in lies. The truth gets more and more uncertain and illusive as we babble ideology and neglect compassion. We hear so many words, but we don’t know what to believe. What is the truth? Does it even exist here in the physical dimension? How do we hold the tension of complexity in this bizarre realm we call reality? Sometimes you just have to wonder, is it all true and I just don’t get it? But if you are reading this, you know you are here in this life during these evolving times for some reason. You do not have to be a billionaire or a famous somebody or a winner on American Idol to have purpose in life. Be yourself, be authentic, think about what you can set in motion to make your life mean something for yourself, for those you love and for all life on our planet.
From The Emerald Tablets, translated by Dr. Doreal: "Man’s search for understanding in the laws which regulate his life has been unending, yet always just beyond the veil which shields the higher planes from material man’s vision the truth has existed, ready to be assimilated by those who enlarge their vision by turning inward, not outward, in their search."
The next astro tips will address the Lunar Eclipse on June 26th. Stand by.
The Sun entered Gemini on May 20. Ruled by Mercury, this Air sign rules communication and commerce. The six o’clock news, the newspaper, the political pundit, CNN, MSNBC, FOX and Google are all under the influence of Mercury and the sign of Gemini. What did we do before Google? All the information on the web, whether factual or fanatical, has Mercury/Hermes as Muse. The technology of the Internet may be associated with the planet Uranus, but the content is Mercury and Gemini. In mythology Mercury/Hermes was a trickster. All you have to do is channel surf and you hear a trickster talking and spreading his story over the airwaves. Other factors influence communication. The planet Neptune rules inspiration as well as deception and illusion. Communication is influenced by Neptunian ideology and the collective unconscious. On May 31 Neptune went into its six-month retrograde phase. On that day Neptune was opposing Mars (assertion). When these two planets connect there is always the possibility of talk that may or may not be true. This Neptune/Mars aspect is also a potentially disappointing omen for the outcome of the Gulf Oil catastrophe. Whatever we hear during these Gemini days may be only half-truths. Communication may be slick, like oil.
Challenges and Opportunities
The planetary activities have been challenging for months. Now we step into accelerated urgency as we address complex national and global problems. It just seems that there is no rest stop on the road for many weeks to come. There are challenges but there are opportunities. Saturn went direct on May 30. Projects and plans that have been delayed can now get going. If you have been working behind the scenes on your projects or if some big chore you need to complete has been delayed over and over again, now is the time to take action. Saturn is currently in Virgo at 28 degrees. In another seven weeks Saturn will move into Libra for two years. People born in the late degrees of Virgo, Pisces, Gemini and Sagittarius are finishing up some big karmic jobs in the next seven weeks (before Saturn moves on to Libra). The pay off can take a concrete form, like a longed for job, a project completed, a new set of rules or regulations (financial reform) or some serious situation resolved (here’s hoping). The outcome may be subtle: an experience painted with wisdom and maturity.
Uranus and Jupiter in Aries
In early June Jupiter enters Aries and joins Uranus. This will give all of us a glimpse of our uniqueness. Furthermore, in some area of your life you are ripe for change. Jupiter will give a positive lift to that change feeling and for some change will come swiftly. Just remember that Jupiter will take a retrograde turn back into Pisces in September. If you can’t make that change in spite of your current enthusiasm, don’t worry. Jupiter will spend many months in Aries in 2011 and changes can happen. Right now, plant the seed. Now that Uranus has entered Aries we need to seriously think about our unique life spark. What is your passion? What is special about you? How might you express that specialness? Of course I am assuming that a person will ask that whatever s/he does be in accordance with the Highest Divine Will. Unfortunately Uranus in Aries has the potential for fanaticism and immaturity. Put Jupiter and Uranus in Aries on the same chair in the living room and you get a big head with impulses fueled by ego. While the Sun travels through Gemini, and Uranus and Jupiter are in Aries, we might expect even more outrageous verbal and written expressions of opinions. In our current global atmosphere there is also the possibility that uniqueness will take violent forms.
What To Do.
The New Moon on June 12 will form difficult connections with Saturn, Jupiter and Uranus. Jupiter opposing Saturn means immature souls will be frustrated when they don’t get what they want in the moment. Astrology suggests that we all be careful with our thoughts and words during this time. That means patience and it means take time to listen to others. In addition to a stressed New Moon in the sign of communication (Gemini), there is more difficultly. Mercury, ruler of Gemini, ruler of communication, will be irritated by aspects with Mars and Neptune. Again, what we hear may not be the truth. Again, people may say things they later regret. Some will speak from heated discontent, deception, anger and fear. Many will be caught in lies. The truth gets more and more uncertain and illusive as we babble ideology and neglect compassion. We hear so many words, but we don’t know what to believe. What is the truth? Does it even exist here in the physical dimension? How do we hold the tension of complexity in this bizarre realm we call reality? Sometimes you just have to wonder, is it all true and I just don’t get it? But if you are reading this, you know you are here in this life during these evolving times for some reason. You do not have to be a billionaire or a famous somebody or a winner on American Idol to have purpose in life. Be yourself, be authentic, think about what you can set in motion to make your life mean something for yourself, for those you love and for all life on our planet.
From The Emerald Tablets, translated by Dr. Doreal: "Man’s search for understanding in the laws which regulate his life has been unending, yet always just beyond the veil which shields the higher planes from material man’s vision the truth has existed, ready to be assimilated by those who enlarge their vision by turning inward, not outward, in their search."
The next astro tips will address the Lunar Eclipse on June 26th. Stand by.
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Uranus enteres Aries May 27, 2010
What will happen when Uranus moves into the first sign, Aries? On the day of the Full Moon in fire sign Sagittarius (Thursday, May 27), Uranus gives us about a ten-week preview of the next seven years. In August Uranus returns to Pisces until March of 2011, then back to Aries. Uranus moves from a water sign to a fire sign. Water is emotional; fire is energetic and active. Pisces is the last sign, the results of the collective. Aries, the first sign, is the individual, the pioneer, and the warrior. Pisces is sensitive; Aries is tough-skinned. Aries is me, me and more me. Aries takes action based on courage and intelligence. Since Saturn will be in the opposite sign, Libra, there will still be need to cooperate and strive for fairness in all activities. One would expect Uranus in Aries to bring great inventions. New celebrities will surface in science especially. There will be new trailblazers, heroes and social reformers. It’s good to be grounded in ones purpose in life. The Aries energy, however, is known for impatience and forging ahead regardless of the consequences. Uranus in Aries could mean individualism carried to terrible extremes. We can’t forget that Mars, the god of war, rules Aries. Furthermore, Aries is the first sign, so it suggests immaturity. We do not get to choose from the nice side of the list. Aries has courageous and innovative energy and Aries can go on the warpath.
Jupiter also will move into Aries and join Uranus in June. A conjunction of Jupiter and Uranus may bring some help to our many problems, both personal and collective. However, Jupiter/Uranus in Aries will be making a stressful aspect to Pluto (now in Capricorn). On the day Uranus enters Aries Venus will be in Cancer. This too is a stressful connection. The chart of the United States has Venus in Cancer. Venus rules money. Ergo: Uranus and Pluto will be affecting our country. There are and will be challenges to our values and our monetary system. Astrologers who specialize in astrology’s connection with the financial market must be looking closely at this one.
It takes Uranus eighty-four years to travel around the Zodiac. When Uranus entered the pioneering sign of Aries in April of 1927, Bell Telephone made the first successful long distance television transmission. It was an image of Herbert Hoover, then Secretary of Commerce. Uranus was in Aries from 1927 to 1935. These were very insecure and difficult financial years in our country. If we have gained wisdom from the past, then Uranus in Aries offers hope because it is the first sign. Aries can initiate new methods and new solutions. Uranus in Aries invites all of us to put aside fear and be courageous. Uranus in Aries gives us the opportunity to re-invent our lives if we have the resources and wits to make it happen. Ultimately Uranus is about awakening: to who we are, to our individual talents and contributions, and to the bigger cosmic picture that connects us all. We are each unique in the big web of life.
Jupiter also will move into Aries and join Uranus in June. A conjunction of Jupiter and Uranus may bring some help to our many problems, both personal and collective. However, Jupiter/Uranus in Aries will be making a stressful aspect to Pluto (now in Capricorn). On the day Uranus enters Aries Venus will be in Cancer. This too is a stressful connection. The chart of the United States has Venus in Cancer. Venus rules money. Ergo: Uranus and Pluto will be affecting our country. There are and will be challenges to our values and our monetary system. Astrologers who specialize in astrology’s connection with the financial market must be looking closely at this one.
It takes Uranus eighty-four years to travel around the Zodiac. When Uranus entered the pioneering sign of Aries in April of 1927, Bell Telephone made the first successful long distance television transmission. It was an image of Herbert Hoover, then Secretary of Commerce. Uranus was in Aries from 1927 to 1935. These were very insecure and difficult financial years in our country. If we have gained wisdom from the past, then Uranus in Aries offers hope because it is the first sign. Aries can initiate new methods and new solutions. Uranus in Aries invites all of us to put aside fear and be courageous. Uranus in Aries gives us the opportunity to re-invent our lives if we have the resources and wits to make it happen. Ultimately Uranus is about awakening: to who we are, to our individual talents and contributions, and to the bigger cosmic picture that connects us all. We are each unique in the big web of life.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Mercury Stationary Direct May 11, 2010
Mercury Stationary Direct May 11, 2010
Mercury’s retrograde phase ends Tuesday, May 11. Whenever Mercury goes retrograde or direct, we refer to the planet as stationary. That means Mercury will be moving very slowly for another week or so. If you brain cells feel like they have been sitting out in the cabbage patch or under a flower pot (!), rest assured you will start thinking again. It might take a few days. If you want to be really technical, Mercury’s retrograde period through Taurus will end on May 28. On that day Mercury returns to the degree in Taurus where it went retrograde April 17. Perhaps Mercury retrograde has an unconscious component. This time, in Taurus, we have been unconsciously sorting through what is important to us. As the days of May unfold you may find yourself starting to take action on what is important. It could be letting go of something you no longer need. It could be planning something that is the next step for your life purpose.
This has been an eventful retrograde period. The Icelandic volcano erupted and delayed travelers. The oil spill in the Gulf region is forcing humanity to re-examine a civilization based on buried black gold. The near collapse of the stock market seemed to have been caused by an individual’s computer error (a typical Mercury retrograde happening but in this case producing a near financial catastrophe). Finally, information about the financial situation in many European countries has surfaced for global dissemination. Greece is being saved by the European Union; however, unless Greece and its citizens re-examine how they are managing their resources, little will change. Part of the problem in Greece apparently is simply how few people actually pay taxes. Can nations exist without contributions from their citizens? Is Greece a small microcosm of the large global problem? Mercury retrograde in Taurus has exposed the awful truth: the people who live on Planet Earth are in big debt. We have to re-think how we do this journey. The financial news from Europe tells us again that we are all connected. What affects one affects all.
The Mercury in Taurus theme continues a little longer. This Thursday, May 13, the New Moon joins the Sun at 23 degrees of Taurus. Matters of money, stock markets, debt and value systems will continue to be spotlighted. Congress will have no choice but to find some way to regulate the financial arena. There may be disagreements about how to do this, but the pressure is on to find ways to insure our national financial security. We are all a part of this collective problem. How do we re-think how we are utilizing what resources we have? Will we get a chance to find new systems for managing our global economy? Or will change be forced upon us because we have already created something that is unstoppable? Hopefully Mercury in Taurus heading in a straight direction (as well as the New Moon falling in Taurus) will give the people and leaders of the world common sense, insight, tenacity and strength to address our acute global problems.
Mercury’s retrograde phase ends Tuesday, May 11. Whenever Mercury goes retrograde or direct, we refer to the planet as stationary. That means Mercury will be moving very slowly for another week or so. If you brain cells feel like they have been sitting out in the cabbage patch or under a flower pot (!), rest assured you will start thinking again. It might take a few days. If you want to be really technical, Mercury’s retrograde period through Taurus will end on May 28. On that day Mercury returns to the degree in Taurus where it went retrograde April 17. Perhaps Mercury retrograde has an unconscious component. This time, in Taurus, we have been unconsciously sorting through what is important to us. As the days of May unfold you may find yourself starting to take action on what is important. It could be letting go of something you no longer need. It could be planning something that is the next step for your life purpose.
This has been an eventful retrograde period. The Icelandic volcano erupted and delayed travelers. The oil spill in the Gulf region is forcing humanity to re-examine a civilization based on buried black gold. The near collapse of the stock market seemed to have been caused by an individual’s computer error (a typical Mercury retrograde happening but in this case producing a near financial catastrophe). Finally, information about the financial situation in many European countries has surfaced for global dissemination. Greece is being saved by the European Union; however, unless Greece and its citizens re-examine how they are managing their resources, little will change. Part of the problem in Greece apparently is simply how few people actually pay taxes. Can nations exist without contributions from their citizens? Is Greece a small microcosm of the large global problem? Mercury retrograde in Taurus has exposed the awful truth: the people who live on Planet Earth are in big debt. We have to re-think how we do this journey. The financial news from Europe tells us again that we are all connected. What affects one affects all.
The Mercury in Taurus theme continues a little longer. This Thursday, May 13, the New Moon joins the Sun at 23 degrees of Taurus. Matters of money, stock markets, debt and value systems will continue to be spotlighted. Congress will have no choice but to find some way to regulate the financial arena. There may be disagreements about how to do this, but the pressure is on to find ways to insure our national financial security. We are all a part of this collective problem. How do we re-think how we are utilizing what resources we have? Will we get a chance to find new systems for managing our global economy? Or will change be forced upon us because we have already created something that is unstoppable? Hopefully Mercury in Taurus heading in a straight direction (as well as the New Moon falling in Taurus) will give the people and leaders of the world common sense, insight, tenacity and strength to address our acute global problems.
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Sun in Taurus: Gaia
Sun in Taurus: Gaia
Years ago we began to see maps depicting Earth changes. I always wondered about those maps. Would the day come when Dallas would be a seacoast? Could New York City really disappear? What kind of imagination was creating these new landlines? Maybe someone was tuning in to 2010. Of course that somebody was Edgar Cayce. Cayce’s prophecy said that a new age would begin around 2000. It would be accompanied by a polar shift and loss of landmass all over the world. Now it is 2010 and we have had enough big Gaia disruptions to fill a year and it’s only the first of May. The recent eruption of Iceland’s Eyjafjallajokull volcano was a sight to see in pictures and video. Wow. Mother Earth is getting our attention. A couple of earthquakes was not enough. We need a big volcano to speak to us. We need massive flooding in Appalachia. We are being hit over and over again with a message: we aren’t really in charge here. And if we are even minimally in charge, we need to think hard about cause and effect. Now we have the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. If you go digging around in Neptune’s territory, Neptune might get mad. We might have to look at what we have created. I am not meaning to place blame on any corporation or person. Accidents happen. It’s the accident itself that needs our attention. What have we, as a collective, created? We are visitors here. The Earth will hopefully endure no matter what we do, but it would be nice if we could figure out how to be polite guests.
The Sun travels through earthy Taurus while Mars in fire sign Leo makes a cranky aspect to the Sun. By the time we reach the New Moon in Taurus, on May 13, the Sun and Moon will have been in cranky mode with Neptune also. It’s possible that it will take a lot of energy to overcome the damage of this oil spill. We can spend our time blaming a company. We can be really crazy and spend our time blaming environmental saboteurs. Or we can come out of this crazy, crazy dream and try to solve some very real problems. Maybe we cannot continue to behave as if we are the honored guests on planet Earth. Maybe turtles are as important as I am. When the Moon gets Full on May 27, and Neptune has squared the Sun and Moon, we will be immersed in the urgent message about how wounded the oceans are. The oil spill will be an invitation to educate humanity about our living, breathing oceans. Expect lots of educational programs on the seas and their importance to our survival and the survival of all living creatures.
Did you ever hear this expression: I was asleep when I thought I was awake? I cannot remember where I heard this little phrase but it is a fitting handful of words for the astrology of right now. This now continues for several more months. We are just getting started on our journey of awakening. Pluto, ruler of the underworld, is very tense during 2010, and the underworld has erupted. Pluto, ruler of the unconscious, is making square aspects with both Saturn and Uranus. What does this square thing mean? It means urgent! It means conflict and pressure. It means challenge because it is an invitation to aim for solutions and something better. But first we have to become conscious. All this time we thought we were awake. But we were sleeping. We really believed we could always fly when we wanted to fly, eat what we wanted to eat (will you miss gulf shrimp?) , live where we wanted to live, have what we wanted when we wanted it. Pluto and Uranus say wake up. We have been sleeping. We thought we were more important than those turtles sinking in the oil.
We associate the Sun’s passage through Taurus with reverence for the Earth. During May we celebrate Wesak to remember Buddha’s birth and enlightenment. The Full Moon in Scorpio, last month, was the actual time for Wesak but there are celebrations throughout May all over the world to honor the Buddha. Buddha’s enlightenment included his connection with the present and with the beauty and preciousness of everything around him right here on Planet Earth. How appropriate for the sign of Taurus. This is a challenging year. The least we can do during the days of Taurus is to wake up to the preciousness of where we reside. During May we can meditate on the awesomeness of lightening bolts flashing around Eyjafjallajokull. We can hold our own private ceremonies to honor the dead creatures in the Gulf of Mexico. We can send our loving energy to those who are displaced by floods and Hurricanes and Tornados. We can be reverent for our home. Taurus days are a time for planting, a time for mating, a time for earthly pleasures. In addition to the sensual delights that the energy of Taurus brings our way, the planetary alignments are speaking clearly. We are waking up to a living, breathing planet. We live here with a lot of other living, breathing, sentient life.
Years ago we began to see maps depicting Earth changes. I always wondered about those maps. Would the day come when Dallas would be a seacoast? Could New York City really disappear? What kind of imagination was creating these new landlines? Maybe someone was tuning in to 2010. Of course that somebody was Edgar Cayce. Cayce’s prophecy said that a new age would begin around 2000. It would be accompanied by a polar shift and loss of landmass all over the world. Now it is 2010 and we have had enough big Gaia disruptions to fill a year and it’s only the first of May. The recent eruption of Iceland’s Eyjafjallajokull volcano was a sight to see in pictures and video. Wow. Mother Earth is getting our attention. A couple of earthquakes was not enough. We need a big volcano to speak to us. We need massive flooding in Appalachia. We are being hit over and over again with a message: we aren’t really in charge here. And if we are even minimally in charge, we need to think hard about cause and effect. Now we have the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. If you go digging around in Neptune’s territory, Neptune might get mad. We might have to look at what we have created. I am not meaning to place blame on any corporation or person. Accidents happen. It’s the accident itself that needs our attention. What have we, as a collective, created? We are visitors here. The Earth will hopefully endure no matter what we do, but it would be nice if we could figure out how to be polite guests.
The Sun travels through earthy Taurus while Mars in fire sign Leo makes a cranky aspect to the Sun. By the time we reach the New Moon in Taurus, on May 13, the Sun and Moon will have been in cranky mode with Neptune also. It’s possible that it will take a lot of energy to overcome the damage of this oil spill. We can spend our time blaming a company. We can be really crazy and spend our time blaming environmental saboteurs. Or we can come out of this crazy, crazy dream and try to solve some very real problems. Maybe we cannot continue to behave as if we are the honored guests on planet Earth. Maybe turtles are as important as I am. When the Moon gets Full on May 27, and Neptune has squared the Sun and Moon, we will be immersed in the urgent message about how wounded the oceans are. The oil spill will be an invitation to educate humanity about our living, breathing oceans. Expect lots of educational programs on the seas and their importance to our survival and the survival of all living creatures.
Did you ever hear this expression: I was asleep when I thought I was awake? I cannot remember where I heard this little phrase but it is a fitting handful of words for the astrology of right now. This now continues for several more months. We are just getting started on our journey of awakening. Pluto, ruler of the underworld, is very tense during 2010, and the underworld has erupted. Pluto, ruler of the unconscious, is making square aspects with both Saturn and Uranus. What does this square thing mean? It means urgent! It means conflict and pressure. It means challenge because it is an invitation to aim for solutions and something better. But first we have to become conscious. All this time we thought we were awake. But we were sleeping. We really believed we could always fly when we wanted to fly, eat what we wanted to eat (will you miss gulf shrimp?) , live where we wanted to live, have what we wanted when we wanted it. Pluto and Uranus say wake up. We have been sleeping. We thought we were more important than those turtles sinking in the oil.
We associate the Sun’s passage through Taurus with reverence for the Earth. During May we celebrate Wesak to remember Buddha’s birth and enlightenment. The Full Moon in Scorpio, last month, was the actual time for Wesak but there are celebrations throughout May all over the world to honor the Buddha. Buddha’s enlightenment included his connection with the present and with the beauty and preciousness of everything around him right here on Planet Earth. How appropriate for the sign of Taurus. This is a challenging year. The least we can do during the days of Taurus is to wake up to the preciousness of where we reside. During May we can meditate on the awesomeness of lightening bolts flashing around Eyjafjallajokull. We can hold our own private ceremonies to honor the dead creatures in the Gulf of Mexico. We can send our loving energy to those who are displaced by floods and Hurricanes and Tornados. We can be reverent for our home. Taurus days are a time for planting, a time for mating, a time for earthly pleasures. In addition to the sensual delights that the energy of Taurus brings our way, the planetary alignments are speaking clearly. We are waking up to a living, breathing planet. We live here with a lot of other living, breathing, sentient life.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Taurus Sun-Scorpio Full Moon
Reply to: Linda Sprague stardoor@sbcglobal.net
The Sun in Taurus; Full Moon in Scorpio.
The Sun entered Taurus, the sign of the Bull, on April 19th. How interesting that we assign the Bull to Taurus and at the same time, Taurus is ruled by the planet Venus, a symbol of the feminine. To understand this association of the bull with the feminine we have to go back at least 4000 years. At that time the vernal equinox, the beginning of spring, occurred in the constellation of Taurus. This we now know was the Age of the Great Mother, the Neolithic Age of agriculture. Spring signified fertility and the creation of new life. The seeds were planted and the crops created the food to nurture the people. The appearance of new life was celebrated in ancient times by the symbolic union of the masculine bull with the goddess. The Moon, exalted in the sign of Taurus, is also the Great Mother. The bull symbolizes strong procreative seed and the Moon (the Goddess) the fertile place to receive that seed. We cannot ignore the union and balance of the masculine and feminine when the Sun travels through Taurus. We continue the ancient Taurus traditions with Earth Day on April 22. We celebrate Taurus by sowing the fields, planting flowers in the yard, potting petunias for the patio, and driving into the country to visit the wildflowers. Bluebonnets and Paintbrush and Poppies touch our souls. They remind us how the seasons go round and round; and so far, we can count on the Bluebonnets to bloom every year when the Sun is in Taurus. Life pushes up from the earth again and again. The mystery continues. How many people still follow the almanac and its suggestion to plant when the Moon is waxing? How may still honor May Day? On May 1st Celtic people collected wild flowers and danced around a May Pole (symbolic of the tree of life?) to bring fertility to the land.
Here we are in 2010 still enchanted, cheered and lifted up by spring. In the midst of our current civilization, struggling with ecological fragility and earthquake after earthquake, we still bask in the sunny days of April. Meanwhile, our mental selves worry about how we will make it financially. Venus, ruler of Taurus, governs what we have that is of value. The Moon, exalted in Taurus, governs our fertility. What is value and fertility? Our abundance and prosperity, our very survival. No wonder those born under the sign of Taurus are associated with the ability to be thoughtful, deliberate and tenacious in the realm of resources! Perhaps Taurus is stubborn like a Bull because he is determined to ensure the security and continuance of life. That could mean progeny, crops, real estate or financial portfolios. How will Venus and the Moon be fertile and abundant if the Bull doesn’t do his job?
When the Sun travels through Taurus, the Moon is Full in the opposite sign, Scorpio. If Taurus insists on preservation and holding on, Scorpio answers with a message to honor the process of life. Only by letting go can new life emerge. Scorpio, ruler of death, reminds us of life’s ongoing transformative, mysterious process. Taurus focuses on the product; Scorpio emphasizes the process. Taurus is the seed, Scorpio the generate process that gives it life. The beauty of nature, and the beauty of any creative process come from the depths of Scorpio’s passionate Eros energy. This month we witness the Full Moon in Scorpio on Wednesday, April 28th. Mars, still traveling through Leo, puts stress on the Moon in Scorpio and on the Sun and Mercury in Taurus. The fixed signs are very fixed this month. Perhaps there is a desire to keep things the way they have always been. Don’t rock the yacht. And yet, we are provoked by Mars to get moving, to take action. Maybe we are frustrated that life isn’t changing the way we want it to change. Furthermore, the planetary configuration that is driving human activities during this entire year, make us want to generate change in our lives. On April 26th, Saturn and Uranus repeat their opposition aspect that began last year. This time Pluto is in the middle of that opposition. Holding on versus breaking free is still on our agenda. What do we keep in place? What do we change? What is working? What isn’t working? Collectively, our emotions are truly in motion: revolution and reaction to revolution. Do we really want to change? As a society can we handle change? And what happens if we don’t change? There are many who cannot envision a different society, one in which there is enough for everyone.
The emphasis on fixed energy (Taurus, Scorpio and Leo), combined with the pressure to break through and awaken to a new life, makes this Full Moon week a period of irritation. The Sun in Taurus encourages us to kick back and enjoy our senses, to be earthy and to give in to spring fever. The Moon in Scorpio ignites our passions. Mars says do something; don’t just smell the wildflowers. The rest of the solar system seems to connect us with a higher drive to remember we have our own unique purpose. We have something to contribute to these days of transition into a new reality on planet Earth.
The Sun in Taurus; Full Moon in Scorpio.
The Sun entered Taurus, the sign of the Bull, on April 19th. How interesting that we assign the Bull to Taurus and at the same time, Taurus is ruled by the planet Venus, a symbol of the feminine. To understand this association of the bull with the feminine we have to go back at least 4000 years. At that time the vernal equinox, the beginning of spring, occurred in the constellation of Taurus. This we now know was the Age of the Great Mother, the Neolithic Age of agriculture. Spring signified fertility and the creation of new life. The seeds were planted and the crops created the food to nurture the people. The appearance of new life was celebrated in ancient times by the symbolic union of the masculine bull with the goddess. The Moon, exalted in the sign of Taurus, is also the Great Mother. The bull symbolizes strong procreative seed and the Moon (the Goddess) the fertile place to receive that seed. We cannot ignore the union and balance of the masculine and feminine when the Sun travels through Taurus. We continue the ancient Taurus traditions with Earth Day on April 22. We celebrate Taurus by sowing the fields, planting flowers in the yard, potting petunias for the patio, and driving into the country to visit the wildflowers. Bluebonnets and Paintbrush and Poppies touch our souls. They remind us how the seasons go round and round; and so far, we can count on the Bluebonnets to bloom every year when the Sun is in Taurus. Life pushes up from the earth again and again. The mystery continues. How many people still follow the almanac and its suggestion to plant when the Moon is waxing? How may still honor May Day? On May 1st Celtic people collected wild flowers and danced around a May Pole (symbolic of the tree of life?) to bring fertility to the land.
Here we are in 2010 still enchanted, cheered and lifted up by spring. In the midst of our current civilization, struggling with ecological fragility and earthquake after earthquake, we still bask in the sunny days of April. Meanwhile, our mental selves worry about how we will make it financially. Venus, ruler of Taurus, governs what we have that is of value. The Moon, exalted in Taurus, governs our fertility. What is value and fertility? Our abundance and prosperity, our very survival. No wonder those born under the sign of Taurus are associated with the ability to be thoughtful, deliberate and tenacious in the realm of resources! Perhaps Taurus is stubborn like a Bull because he is determined to ensure the security and continuance of life. That could mean progeny, crops, real estate or financial portfolios. How will Venus and the Moon be fertile and abundant if the Bull doesn’t do his job?
When the Sun travels through Taurus, the Moon is Full in the opposite sign, Scorpio. If Taurus insists on preservation and holding on, Scorpio answers with a message to honor the process of life. Only by letting go can new life emerge. Scorpio, ruler of death, reminds us of life’s ongoing transformative, mysterious process. Taurus focuses on the product; Scorpio emphasizes the process. Taurus is the seed, Scorpio the generate process that gives it life. The beauty of nature, and the beauty of any creative process come from the depths of Scorpio’s passionate Eros energy. This month we witness the Full Moon in Scorpio on Wednesday, April 28th. Mars, still traveling through Leo, puts stress on the Moon in Scorpio and on the Sun and Mercury in Taurus. The fixed signs are very fixed this month. Perhaps there is a desire to keep things the way they have always been. Don’t rock the yacht. And yet, we are provoked by Mars to get moving, to take action. Maybe we are frustrated that life isn’t changing the way we want it to change. Furthermore, the planetary configuration that is driving human activities during this entire year, make us want to generate change in our lives. On April 26th, Saturn and Uranus repeat their opposition aspect that began last year. This time Pluto is in the middle of that opposition. Holding on versus breaking free is still on our agenda. What do we keep in place? What do we change? What is working? What isn’t working? Collectively, our emotions are truly in motion: revolution and reaction to revolution. Do we really want to change? As a society can we handle change? And what happens if we don’t change? There are many who cannot envision a different society, one in which there is enough for everyone.
The emphasis on fixed energy (Taurus, Scorpio and Leo), combined with the pressure to break through and awaken to a new life, makes this Full Moon week a period of irritation. The Sun in Taurus encourages us to kick back and enjoy our senses, to be earthy and to give in to spring fever. The Moon in Scorpio ignites our passions. Mars says do something; don’t just smell the wildflowers. The rest of the solar system seems to connect us with a higher drive to remember we have our own unique purpose. We have something to contribute to these days of transition into a new reality on planet Earth.
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Mercury Retrograde in Taurus April 2010
Mercury (in the sign of Taurus) enters its retrograde phase on April 17, 2010 and continues until May 11th. Taurus, ruled by Venus, is the commander of the second house of the Zodiac, our values and resources. We come face to face with our issues around money, the current unit we use for resources. I say current unit because, who knows? Maybe someday resources will be based on something quite different than coins, paper and portfolios. Mercury retrograde in Taurus is a good time to review our financial situation and our budget. Watch for mistakes in accounts. Keep a close eye on spending. Taurus also rules what we value. We may find ourselves reconsidering what is important to us. What we thought we needed, well, maybe we don’t really need it. Mercury in Taurus is inconsistent with impulsive purchases. Most people will be cautious in their spending while Mercury goes through Taurus.
At a core level, Taurus and our second house have so much to do with our self-worth. Since both Venus and Mercury are traveling through Taurus at the moment, maybe we are re-visiting some issues about our self-worth. In our culture it’s natural to think that our worthiness is connected to our bank account. However, in the current state of financial and social unpredictability, it might be wise to contemplate our self-worth without money in the equation. While Mercury is in this retrograde phase, consider reviewing your self worth. What are your true and real resources? I’m suggesting the intangible ones and as well as the tangible. Maybe your resources include resourcefulness (somehow I always have what I need); support from family and friends; a home that is paid for; flexibility; the smarts to handle all kinds of crises; the ability to nurture/feed yourself and others on a shoe string; or some ability that is always in demand for an exchange (massage therapy swapped for computer help). With Mercury retrograde we are invited to meditate on our self-worth; our value to ourselves and to others; and our resources (concrete and intangible).
On the bigger, macro level, Mercury retrograde in Taurus (a ruler of money) certainly points to what is happening in Washington, D C. Goldman Sachs is accused of possible past fraud (retrograde Mercury brings up stuff from the past) and Congress struggles to figure out how to control the Big Financial Beast, the banking industry. Mercury retrograde in Taurus suggests we are returning to this issue to resolve it in some way. Do not expect any solution during this retrograde time, but maybe we will begin to redefine our collective values about our financial institutions. What are banks for? Who do they serve? Do they have too much power in the marketplace and in Washington? Regulation, no regulation?
Finally, Mercury is the ruler of communication. Whenever Mercury is in its retrograde period we are challenged to be clear in our communication. As astrologer Raymond Merriman has pointed out: what is spoken or intended and what is heard and what is understood are not always the same. Good advice. We need to repeat what we said. We need to repeat (feed back) what we heard! Some people have reported that the Mercury retrograde period felt like it started before April 17th, for example getting dates and times mixed up and equipment malfunctions. If these retrograde occurrences are not connected to Mercury, then think about it this way: we are overwhelmed with so much to keep track of. How can we get it all correct? How can we remember it all? When Mercury is in Taurus we expect down to earth thinking and communication (it is what it is). We do not like to have to take so many factors into account when Mercury goes through Taurus. Taurus is a fixed (keep things the way they are) sign. Mercury in Taurus means our thinking wants to stay fixed. Yet the world around us is demanding we be flexible and open to changing how we think about life. It’s a big job for Mercury in Taurus.
At a core level, Taurus and our second house have so much to do with our self-worth. Since both Venus and Mercury are traveling through Taurus at the moment, maybe we are re-visiting some issues about our self-worth. In our culture it’s natural to think that our worthiness is connected to our bank account. However, in the current state of financial and social unpredictability, it might be wise to contemplate our self-worth without money in the equation. While Mercury is in this retrograde phase, consider reviewing your self worth. What are your true and real resources? I’m suggesting the intangible ones and as well as the tangible. Maybe your resources include resourcefulness (somehow I always have what I need); support from family and friends; a home that is paid for; flexibility; the smarts to handle all kinds of crises; the ability to nurture/feed yourself and others on a shoe string; or some ability that is always in demand for an exchange (massage therapy swapped for computer help). With Mercury retrograde we are invited to meditate on our self-worth; our value to ourselves and to others; and our resources (concrete and intangible).
On the bigger, macro level, Mercury retrograde in Taurus (a ruler of money) certainly points to what is happening in Washington, D C. Goldman Sachs is accused of possible past fraud (retrograde Mercury brings up stuff from the past) and Congress struggles to figure out how to control the Big Financial Beast, the banking industry. Mercury retrograde in Taurus suggests we are returning to this issue to resolve it in some way. Do not expect any solution during this retrograde time, but maybe we will begin to redefine our collective values about our financial institutions. What are banks for? Who do they serve? Do they have too much power in the marketplace and in Washington? Regulation, no regulation?
Finally, Mercury is the ruler of communication. Whenever Mercury is in its retrograde period we are challenged to be clear in our communication. As astrologer Raymond Merriman has pointed out: what is spoken or intended and what is heard and what is understood are not always the same. Good advice. We need to repeat what we said. We need to repeat (feed back) what we heard! Some people have reported that the Mercury retrograde period felt like it started before April 17th, for example getting dates and times mixed up and equipment malfunctions. If these retrograde occurrences are not connected to Mercury, then think about it this way: we are overwhelmed with so much to keep track of. How can we get it all correct? How can we remember it all? When Mercury is in Taurus we expect down to earth thinking and communication (it is what it is). We do not like to have to take so many factors into account when Mercury goes through Taurus. Taurus is a fixed (keep things the way they are) sign. Mercury in Taurus means our thinking wants to stay fixed. Yet the world around us is demanding we be flexible and open to changing how we think about life. It’s a big job for Mercury in Taurus.
Friday, April 9, 2010
welcome to my new blog
Welcome to my astrology blog. For years I have been sending out astro tips. In the near future, my astro tips will be appearing here. Each month you can expect current information about the planetary scene. There may also be an occasional short astro flash to keep you updated on important happenings in the heavens.
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