Astro Tips

April 22, 2020

Linda Sprague

Today is the 50^th anniversary of Earth Day.  Thank you Mother Earth. Today is also the day of the New Moon in Taurus, the-most-earthy of the earth signs!  New Moons are connected with new beginnings, planting seeds, setting goals.  Some people will be planting crops and flowers. Others will be setting tangible goals related to values and finances.

The Sun and New Moon are conjunct Uranus, all in Taurus. Uranus is the planet of awakening and revolution.

The Sun and New Moon in Taurus are lining up with the planet Uranus, currently transiting the sign of Taurus for seven years.  All planets have a variety of meanings. Uranus is associated with shocking change (like the Rune of Disruption: due to bad weather, a tree may fall on your house).  There is another meaning for Uranus that is very fitting for Earth Day and for this time of ordained quietness. We associate planet Uranus with awakening.  Awakening leads to revolutions.  Uranus was discovered in 1781.  It was the first planet identified with the use of a telescope, thus symbolizing a new age of enlightenment and technology.  Both the American Revolution and the French Revolution awakened humanity to a new way of life.  Our Republic grew from the revolution against Great Britain.

Everything is interconnected and the web is holy. Marcus Aurelius, Roman Emperor

I am going out on one of the tree limbs in the forest outside my window here in the Ouachita wilderness to say this:  The Earth is re-awakening and we are reconnecting to the Earth.  The NBC evening news paid homage to Earth Day with scenes from all over the planet showing the positive effects of humans staying home, for example no smog in LA and diminished pollution in New Delhi, India. Then there was a rainbow in the sky and the song, Over the Rainbow. Earth is looking good. It’s feeling good. Can we keep it that way?  Maybe we don’t have to get in a car and go to work every single day.  Some astrologers say that Uranus brings events that are irreversible. Once the tree falls on your house, you must get a different roof.  Now that we have been silenced by a pandemic, can we find a new road to walk down? It should be a road that includes our awareness of the interconnectedness of humans and planet earth and all sentient beings. It might even include our awakening to our connection with the entire Universe!

Michael Moore has been on several talk shows this week to announce his new documentary,  “Planet of the Humans.”  This documentary about humans and the environment makes its debut during this New Moon in Taurus. The timing of the film is perfect. 

Life is inter-relational. We are moving beyond the cause/effect paradigm.

The planets do not make things happen. They are a part of everything else. There is truth in the esoteric phrase, As above so below. We are connected to Earth, our solar system, the Milky Way and the Universe. And the entire Cosmos is connected to us. It’s an ongoing relationship with cycles, evolution, destruction, rebirth and on and on. We sit with our family, we hold a crystal, we ask what it means to be a Taurus, a Gemini or any sign.  We learn from these connections and we find meaning in the cosmic relationships.

All of these current events are connected:  NBC honors Earth Day with uplifting visuals that touch us with humility and gratitude;  “Planet of the Humans” offers insight on the environment and the need to find new ways for sustainability; there is a rainbow in the sky on Earth Day; an organization reaches out to ask us to sing to trees for a month; nature offers solace during a time of fear and uncertainty; the Sun and Moon meet up with planet Uranus and insist we reflect on our connection to magnificent planet; our hearts open as we receive love from Mother Earth and we give love back to her.

We are walking down a new road. Listen to the wind for further instructions.

Sun. New Moon. Uranus. Beautiful day. A population has returned to the cave to wait out an epidemic.  This is a cluster of events that brings hope, clarity and determination. Taurus is a fixed earth sign. We can commit to a different path. Tuning into the natural world and allowing its inhabitants to speak to us and inspire us, is part of our Earth Day awakening. Allowing the energy of the Sun, Moon and Uranus to guide us through the transformation we need at this time is a gift from the heavens. Let this energy flow beyond one day. Let is become our new life style.

Astro Tips Full Moon February 9, 2020

Full Moon is 20 degrees of Leo, with Sun in Aquarius (20 degrees)

The Full Moon today, February 9, 2020, is in the sign of Leo. Leo encourages us to individuate and to enjoy being the center of attention. Leo’s opposite sign, Aquarius, requires that we unite with our peers and cooperate for the good of all. This is the polarity of Leo and Aquarius.  For most of us mortals, we live in a balance of self and others.  We enjoy being the centerpiece and we enjoy being in communion with others.

Today the full moon makes an aspect to Neptune that indicates we are all somewhat emotionally sensitive.  Some people will go overboard with sensitivity and even experience some paranoia or victim type feelings.  The lesson is about balance.  We don’t have to reject our feelings, but rather have some perspective. Perhaps a talk with a good friend will help sort things out.

Donald Trump has a Leo ascendant with planet Mars in Leo sitting on that spot (this is in his natal horoscope).  The full moon is only a few degrees away from his Mars and ascendant.  The full moon in Leo sitting on his Mars in Leo can cause agitation, sensitivity and anger. Furthermore today Mars is in the sign of Sagittarius (25 degrees) opposing Trump’s Sun in Gemini. This aspect has been happening this past week. It encourages anger and retaliation. It suggests that he is convinced that he is right to be at odds with his foes. The full moon today amplifies his emotional sensitivity to the events of the past few weeks.  Perhaps he is feeling victimized. For sure with the Moon quincunx Neptune and affecting his Mars, there is lack of clarity.   His behavior in the past few years has not shown us a person who seeks emotional balance. This full moon suggests that President Trump will continue his retaliations in the days ahead.

I guess that means the rest of us must strive for clarity and balance to make up for the lack of it on the collective level. The president does hold the kettle of negativity and hot water that is brewing everywhere we turn. He is the big archetype for the narcissism that is epidemic in our society.  Healing begins with each individual.  Today, I strive to balance my burning Leo need to be the center of attention with my heart felt Aquarian yearning to be of service to humanity.  How’s that for a little full moon mantra?

Linda Sprague

Saturn Pluto Conjunction January 12, 2020

Astro Tips

Saturn/Pluto Conjunction

January 12, 2020

The planetary cycle of Saturn and Pluto

Saturn and Pluto have been together in the sign of Capricorn for two years, since 2018. During the past week the planets have been lining up to form what is called a conjunction. They are sharing the same degree (22 degrees) in the sign of Capricorn.  Today, January 12, the two planets are forming the exact conjunction. Mercury is sitting with them. The impact of the conjunction is indicated by what has been going on during the last year and especially during the past week. However, hindsight is always better than foresight. We won’t know the full impact for some time.

The union of Saturn and Pluto occurs every thirty years. If you want to reflect on how the interaction of Saturn and Pluto affects our planets, here are some dates to research:  Saturn and Pluto united in the sign of Aries in 1851; in the sign of Taurus in 1883; in the sign of Cancer in 1915; in the sign of Leo 1951; in the sign of Libra 1982.

Now we have Saturn and Pluto together in Capricorn.  This same conjunction occurred in 1518!  The Religious Reformation in Europe lead by Martin Luther was underway.  The first printing of the Bible, called the Gutenberg Bible, happened in 1454.  This printed version of the holy text allowed dissemination of Judeo-Christian history into the populace. This in turn led to the questioning of religious authority. Individuals began to realize they could pray directly to God. They did not need a priest to mediate between them and the higher power. Martin Luther stuck his neck out and said the Catholic Church was in error to charge people for forgiveness. The custom was to pay for indulgences that helped with your forgiveness. Martin Luther called attention to the misuse of power and wealth in the church. The Roman Catholic Church did everything possible to maintain its power. Many people sacrificed their lives to bring this Reformation into the world. This is an example of how we look at planetary cycles—in this case, the union of Saturn (planet of structure and the status quo) and Pluto (ruler of secrets and abuse of power) that produces transformation and evolution. These ideas are based on the meanings assigned to deities in Greek mythology.

Saturn -  Pluto conjunction January 2020: As Above, So Below

Here are three areas that show relationships between this planetary cycle and Earth activities.  Astrology does not say that the planets are causing something to happen.  Astrology does say that there is a relationship between planetary activities and life on Earth. As above, so below.

EARTH CHANGES

Earthquakes, Fries, Tornadoes, Hurricanes.  Saturn is earthy and heavy. Pluto is the underworld. It seems that the intensity of earth events is greater than we have seen in a long time. The fires in Australia are horrifying. Scientists are saying that human behavior is a primary contributor to these horrific events. Puerto Rico experienced how many earthquakes in a few days? And not long ago Puerto Rico had its devastating hurricane.  These earth catastrophes are deepening (a Plutonian attribute) our awareness of our connection to the earth and to each other. They are also deepening our love and appreciation for animals and all the floral being taken out.  The long term effect of the Saturn/Pluto upheaval experienced as earth changes is hopefully one of elevated consciousness to make changes in our life styles and to overcome our hubris of being the most important thing here on planet earth.

POLITICAL SOCIAL CHAOS

Saturn rules governmental institutions, structures, operations, rules and regulations, the law, etc.  Pluto rules chaos and destruction.  Saturn rules the status quo. Pluto rules the abuse of power by those in leadership. Huge entities are Plutonian.  Corporations are both Saturnian and Plutonian.  Same goes for governments. There are solid structures that help society and there are hidden agendas. Remember, Pluto is Hades! Pluto also rules wealth. How much more abuse of wealth can we tolerate?  On the one hand, Pluto wants to destroy the misuse of energy, wealth and power. On the other hand, those who HAVE the wealth and power want to destroy anything that stands in the way of their holding onto what they have. This is a serious struggle.  Our comprehension of the Saturnian reality of what is going on is greater now. Plutonian secrets are being pulled up from the underworld.  The recent activity in the Middle East is full of historical secrets and manipulations. Do we really have to get involved in a war to show off?  Those who talk about the end of times and the rapture are giving in to leaders full of hubris. They stand in the way of clarity and potential movements towards peace.

INDIVIDUAL TRANSFORMATION

What does Saturn/Pluto cycle in Capricorn mean for the individual?  For people living under dictatorships or under the gun of violent crime organizations, this is a time of despair.  Pluto is winning in those locations. People want to get somewhere that assures safety.  The United States and other countries are halting the hospitality. Where do people go for a safer life? For those of us lucky enough to live in relative freedom, our job is to wake up and smell the misuse of power and to do whatever small thing we can do to put a stop to it.  Our job is to grow up and to be responsible in our own lives.  We need the structure, organization and reality that Saturn provides. However, we are challenged to let go of turning over our power to leaders, organizations, churches, or cults that give lip service to the needs of humanity.  Leaders need to be held accountable to their behavior and lies. The old paradigm that the good father, or patriarchal system, will take care of us is over. Humanity is searching for another paradigm to live by.  We are trying to figure out how the distribution of wealth can be different so that people are not suffering so much. There is no need to call it communism or socialism. It doesn’t have a name yet! We are on our way to a different way of living. We are trying to evolve to a consciousness that shows respect for our planet, for all sentient beings and all of life. Is it possible?  This current Saturn/Pluto cycle in Capricorn is shaking our earth cage.  Can we move beyond our arrogance and co-habit this earth space?  Can we grow up and be responsible for this beautiful earth? Can we learn discernment?  Can we learn to share? Capricorn is an earth sign.  This planetary period demands that we pay humble attention to our behavior on Planet Earth.