So let’s see what we can surmise from answers to the polls featured here this week. The first question (this poll is now closed) was “Does knowing about aspect possibilities ahead of time help you deal with the energies?” This was pretty straightforward: 79% yes, 21% no, with nobody seeing it as irrelevant–not too surprising at an astrology site!–though I am concerned about that 21% who answered no, as the essence of astrology is understanding what isn’t apparent on the surface–and this answer suggests that these people are suffering a disconnect between the information offered and the ability to apply it in their own life–and that, of course, is the goal of astrology. In my experience, that disconnect usually (but not always) indicates that there is some distortion in how we’re seeing the circumstances of our life–if there weren’t, application would be clear (even if it’s not easy!)
All the rest of the questions are still open, but at last peek, the second question, “Have your chickens come home to roost?” referring to the Mercury direction, showed a startling 21% of you noticed no effect at all, with 43% dining on their spoils and a sad (or angry!) 36% feeling that the Universe was requiring them to clean the coop. Hooray for the 43% of happy diners–they’re obviously doing something very right! The unhappy 36%, though, aren’t necessarily doing anything wrong-instead I suspect they’re being offered an opportunity to weed out some Mercury-related elements of the life that aren’t serving their best interests. And to those who felt no effect–either they’re not terribly attuned to Mercury, or they’ve missed the signals, and will get a surprise that something developed right under their noses and without their knowledge, with the likely reveal coming at the Superior Conjunction of the Sun and Mercury (25-26 November).
“About What Venus subject are you most trepidatious right now?” A full 52% answered money–upcoming posts will address this subject as much as possible. 29% said love–also a topic I’ll make an effort to concentrate on (or see my book ‘THE ASTROLOGY OF INTIMATE RELATIONSHIP’). 10% of you said Art was the Venusian subject most on your mind–check out Neptune for hints as to where and in what way you could be aided in your quest to create. And the final 10% are split evenly between Beauty and Other–Hmmm.
As to the question of anticipating whether Saturn-Uranus or Neptune will exert the biggest impact on you, more than a third (35%) are betting that Neptune is deluding, deceiving, or confusing them. I was not happy to hear this–M. Scott Peck defines confusion as one of the hallmarks of the influence of evil, and I think he might be right, if we define evil as any influence not seated in a Loving intent (and thus working against the best interests of the individual, likely by seeking to prevent the individual from accessing his or her own resources–and that can be anything positive–in order that those resources can be available to someone else). There is a lot of hope, with 26% believing that Neptune is acting as inspiration of one kind or another, and 22% see the stronger influence for them personally in the Saturn-Uranus opposition, with this implying a pretty clear cut (and thus more easily resolved) dilemma. 9% of you are focused on Pluto–understandable, as this can be a formidable energy, requiring all one’s attention when active in the chart–but a puzzling 9% are focused on other matters–and I wonder, what influence could be superseding these powerhouses in the individual’s life?
And finally, a whopping 57% of you do not identify with your Sun sign, feeling that there’s much more to who you are–and all I can say is, Yes! I love it when readers want to grasp the nuances and tackle the complexities–it makes for very interesting individuals! But, those who do identify with their Sun (a full 29%) strike me as individuals who aspire to purity in the best sense–who respond to the clarity and definition offered by identification with the Sun. And 14% were playful (and honest!), answering that they identify with the Sun sign, but only when they like the description! Now there’s a group that’s flexible, and willing to roll the dice!
Now here’s a thought to mull over, bumper sticker wisdom if I’ve ever seen it (don’t discount the power of such a simple thing, though–sometimes it reaches right to the heart of what we must address). The question is, ‘What are you pretending not to know?’ I’d love to hear from each of you, gentle readers, about what this might bring to mind. I’m still mulling it over, as this turned out to be a powerful question for me, but will share when I’ve worked it all out.
Here is a really eloquent example of what it means to expand one’s worldview and one’s thinking, without the permanent Self-pity, anger, or depression that might overcome and destroy those of us who hold a lesser consciousness: http://blogs.suntimes.com/ebert/2008/10/i_think_im_musing_my_mind.html
A fine explanation of Diwali (perhaps familiar to fans of ‘The Office’ if not through other means) here: http://blogs.astrology.com/vedic_astrology/2008/10/happy-diwali.html#more
You may want to check out this lovely essay that delves into the spiritual significance of autumn http://laurenlesko.com/398
And now for something completely sweet (literally!): http://buttersugarflour.com/
Happy Monday!
Julie Demboski's ASTROLOGY 
What am I pretending not to know? What a powerful question. I just read it and it immediately cut through a familiar Neptunian-fog that keeps me from taking full responsibility for my choices in life. The problem I’ve encountered is that when Im in that fog I just can’t see the truth– so I try and try but the trying comes from a place that is not quite based in a full truth. This question sort of acted like a therapist or astrologer– helping me to see what I couldn’t before. I’m going to go write about it while I have the clarity. Thank you!
You’re welcome, Chris. It’s your great attitude, persistence, and dedication to honesty that will one day bring you the clarity you desire. I can’t help but think you are likely a great example of a dedicated seeker to others in your world.
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What am I pretending not to know? How much economic class influences my life and the lives of those around me. The constant unspoken question is, “Am I in?” “Am I in the highest class I can be?” Why? Because the lower classes live in fear that the upper classes will abuse their power against them. And the upper classes live in fear that they’ll lose their footing and thus be abused by those who have power over them.
We see the stereotypes played out in TV shows and movies, but, no one ever talks about it. It’s the greatest taboo topic of our times.
Hi April–I don’t know who you hang out with, but I hear talk about social class, economic advantage, fluidity (or lack of it) in social movement, and topics that range far and wide from this, on a regular basis–on the contrary, this is not a taboo area for discussion and dissection at all. And this leads me to think that maybe you approach the question of ‘What are you pretending not to know?’ from a sociological perspective because what you are avoiding consciousness of personally would be like exploding a bomb in your life if it were to come to your attention. The question itself has no real validity unless applied at an individual level; you might do best to take a careful look, and see if there might not be an elephant in the room with you.
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I can how it appears to be a big picture, objective, social kind of thing. But actually, I do feel it everyday. I feel it as people look me over. I feel myself wondering if I’ll be accepted as I am? Or will I be rejected for not being upper class enough? Or lower class enough? True, people talk about it in a distant way. But face to face, about you and me. Or us and the new co-worker – it’s taboo. Many people allow class to dictates how they’ll behave toward another. Our behavior toward one another is HEAVILY influenced by this, but, when it’s called out, it is DENIED. That’s the taboo.
Personally, I grew up with wealthy, highly educated adults who were more like guardians. (Like the dad in the Sound of Music before he met Maria.) The truth is that my dad came from a terribly low income immigrant farming community and through scholarships was able to open doors until eventually, he was able to marry out of his class. I was the child of his first marriage and my mother was from the same immigrant low income farming community. So, I’ve always had strong ties to both sides. Like Harry Potter, I’ve witnessed one type of lifestyle, while simultaneously being barred from it. Even while its privileges were denied, I was fully expected to uphold all the rigors of being a part of it: Do well in school, get a good job – but we’re not going to be there for you socially, not at graduations, or milestone events…..so, yes, as an individual, I am constantly wondering which class I really want to be in and can I afford not to be in one or the other.
What I find interesting is that people are very disturbed by this juxtaposition. There are not a lot of people who can deal with it. If I’m “upper class” then they want something from me. There are dues to be paid in order to run with that crowd, personally and professionally. If I am “lower class,” then other lower class people tend to be more genuine and accepting of what I feel is my “true” self. But it becomes awkward if I begin to use my education to solve problems at work, or appear too confident. So, I have this great education, but, no social status. If I use my education, my bosses are threatened by me. But bosses who would be more accepting of my education can’t hire me because I can’t fulfill the social package that is required in the upper class. All in all, I don’t mind too much anymore….I’ve kind of found my spot and figured out what matters most to me. Interestingly, I’ve had the opportunity to work with many high profile people. I credit this to the fact that I strive to treat everyone with the same respect that I’d reserve for the absolute most important person in my life. Celebrities appreciate it – it gives them a break from those who always seem to want something from them.
But I do still find it a taboo topic and I find that interesting. Perhaps if we all made it less taboo, we’d find a new way to heal our world, heal our society.
Along my journey, I also worked in government. I see how desperately those attached to power – not necessarily the politicians but perhaps their staff – hold onto power. Perhaps if the topic became less taboo, we’d all be able to focus on more positive solutions. I don’t know. Just an idea. I’ve been mulling this over for many years now.
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What am I pretending not to know?
That’s a good one, I had to laugh! I’m not pretending to know, is my answer.
It’s all in our faces anyway. The good, the bad and the ugly. And closing one’s eyes while on the merry-go-round induces motion sickness at the very least.
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I’m pretending not to know that my fiscal chickens are coming home to roost. I’m pretending not to know so as not to be overwhelmed by the dread.
having finished The Astrology of Personal Relationship I want take the opportunity to gush: this was the most valuable relationship astrology book I have ever read, and I have read many. not only was the advice pithy and succinct but it was all so beautifully written as to be a complete joy to read. your writing style is poetic and invigorating! thank you!
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Hi Satori,
I hope you will consider taking a good hard look at the fiscal, before it becomes unavoidable; you’ll have much more control if you meet circumstances head-on.
I am stunned by your generous assessment of my book. Thank you so very much for taking the time to let me know that it was worth the read! I’m very grateful for your kind words.
Julie
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