Category Archives: astrology

Full Moon in Capricorn 13 July 2022: The Test of Desire

12 Tuesday Jul 2022

Posted by in astrology, current events in the sky, Full Moon, Sabian Symbols

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It was the title that made me choose this: A Spirit Serves a Small Breakfast, Angel Brings the Desired, lithograph with watercolor by Paul Klee, 1920 {{PD}}

The Full Moon perfects 11:38 AM PDT of the 13th at 21 Capricorn 21–some nice (but insignificant) numerical symmetry, that, with the closest aspect to the Sun/ Moon-Earth axis a square from Zeus in Libra. This Cardinal T-square promises a tough test of the desire nature or the ambition picture–what are we willing to do to get what we want? With whom will we take our actions? How hard will we push? What problems are we willing to face down? And who or what are we willing to sacrifice in the process?

Will we necessarily run over others in the rush to fulfill our wants? No, it doesn’t have to be that way, but it might, if there are any latent issues of Willfulness, envy, jealousy, or greed in relationships–Eris in Aries opposes Zeus in Libra and so forms a loose Grand Cross with the Full Moon, and that suggests that if there are egos or previously unexpressed aggressions in the mix, we may have to make a choice: coddle others, or reach for what we desire. Or it may be more subtle than that: will we be willing to discomfort others? Will we go against the relationship grain, risking not losing the connection but altering it–and perhaps planting the discordant Eris seed in the process.

A Full Moon in Capricorn is one focused on implementing practical or concrete solutions, bringing about solid or permanent endings, or seeing construction of rules or structures completed–and that means the emotional and intuitive (Moon) must find expression through the material, or what affects the material, in some way (Capricorn Earth).

The Cancer Sun in this scenario has two companions, each widely opposing the Full Moon, one on either side of Sol: Ceres and Mercury. These are energies of Time and Nature, big picture forces, the kind we don’t control, but do affect, as we make our human-sized decisions within their parameters and flow. What we care about (Cancer) is the arbiter, but what we face is the physical impacts that caring makes on our environment (Capricorn), through our actions and choices (Eris in Aries) which guide the outcome within relationships (Libra).

We must note, too, that with a slightly wider orb we see Chiron in Aries also square the Full Moon (but not be included in the Cross). Ah-ha! We find the motive for any hurt in old wounds, festering hurts, in tender flesh beneath scars we thought were healed–but the sextile of the Full Moon to Juno, and trine to North Node/ sextile to SN says we’re acting out of a need to feel our own empowerment, to experience it in real-world terms, and so to shape the future–but we shouldn’t ignore Uranus in proximity to the NN, bringing an element of the untamed, unpredictable, chaotic, or unusual that may offer results a far cry from what we thought we’d create!

The Sabian for the Full Moon is, ‘By Accepting Defeat Gracefully, A General Reveals Nobility Of Character’. Act with pure motives, accept with grace what comes from our choices, and no matter the material result, the Soul will be fulfilled in some important but intangible way. This suggests that those desires driving things in the first place (Zeus) may be, like the energies of Eris that could stir, nothing more than a catalyst within a larger picture, one that tells us something of our Soul’s place (the Sun) in the scheme of Time (Mercury) and Nature (Ceres).

We always look at the Sun for a FM: ‘A Young Woman Awaiting A Sailboat’. Something, then, is on its way, perhaps already on the horizon–and the woman is young, and what’s the outstanding nature of everyone when young? Hopeful and optimistic–so that’s what we should be, too.

One last thing to address: the Moon-Earth combo are headed (at different rates, the Moon in hours, the Earth in days) to conjoin Pluto. Big, bad Pluto. And it’s sextile the Lunation chart Vertex, suggesting it’s an agent of Fate–so tell us something we don’t know! If you have fear of what Pluto brings, you need to take another tack. Instead of seeing it as destructive, as bringing irreversible damage, you might want to try embracing it as an energy that can get things done for us–because Pluto changes nothing we haven’t already been given an opportunity to deal with, get right with, or change ourselves, and we’re definitely scheduled for an encounter. Pluto is the essence of the Truth of things–and the more closely aligned we are with that, the better. We should also turn some attention to two points at 29 degrees at the time of Lunar perfection: Sedna in Taurus, which happens to be trine the Virgo Ascendant in the Pacific zone (other places this won’t be the case). That placement always implies the point or energy is under stress–so West Coasters, watch the environment for precipitous energies (or just brutally critical ones), maybe in the form of details that cause distress or uncertainty, or in a demand for accountability, and don’t expect our instincts to help us much at this point–they are likely to be on the fritz, overloaded with sensory input (Taurus) and probably blocked by our own blind spot material. Go instead on the reality of what we see, feel, and on the ideals we hold for ourselves–the whole point of the challenges our desires will face at this time is to reveal some very true-to-us response, characteristic of the Soul, elevating our idea of ourselves and our abilities to respond and create under pressure.

Just a Few Comments 29 June 2022

29 Wednesday Jun 2022

Posted by in astrology, current events in the sky

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Photo By Julie Demboski 2021 All Rights Reserved

Just a few comments on the current scene: we have Mars in a Cardinal square with Pluto (again, or still? Feels like our Will has been colliding with the powers-that-be for, well, forever!) with Saturn sextile Mars and catching just retro but still stationary Neptune at the midpoint–and let’s not forget, involved in both aspects, is Eris still conjoined Mars. ‘Stirring it up’ is not an adequate descriptor for what’s going on–and yet, it is the most accurate, as doing is prompted by irritations, strife, rivalries we thought we could bury or ignore–or even eliminate the hard way (sq to PL)–but instead we may find ourselves in a balancing act that requires we sort fantasy from reality, dream from delusion, and ideal from unrealistic, in order to achieve in this world (Mars-Nep-Saturn). A stationary Neptune tends to make us believe we’ll be stuck in this delusion/ dream/ nightmare forever–but we just have to remember, it’s an illusion, magnified by a sense of being pressured to do, to change, to make things happen.

And how is achieving your dreams going for you? The recent New Moon offered a booster shot, but may have made us ultra-aware of our own feelings and sensitivities–and that can make us hesitate when maybe we should push forward, get to work, or ignore the implications we think we see in feedback and try it anyway. Right now we’ve got Venus in Gemini sextile Jupiter in Aries–that’s a recipe for valuing our own thoughts and ideas and acting on them optimistically, with an eye to unique opportunities only we can exploit. The Sun’s still square Jupiter, drawing our attention to all the ways we think things aren’t working–but that’s a focus issue, not a real-world one, more a test of faith than a genuine denial of more or better.

If we also note that the Black Moon Lilith point is currently conjoined the Sun, we might begin to suspect that a lot of our negativity, our insistence that we’re being ‘realistic’ when we’re really being pessimistic, is based on rage (and so a feeling of helplessness, ‘it’s just too big for me to do anything about!’) or on things we’ve been reluctant to acknowledge or face–and that’s the answer, the way to get our bearings: feel tender and sensitive and go forward anyway, by being completely willing to see what is, without insisting on covering it with a gauzy filter and a shower of glitter (though who doesn’t like a glitter-bath, once in a while? Well, maybe not Virgo or Capricorn–but the rest of us are down with it!) Knowing why we’re angry or despairing can help, and the instinctual nature is directly tuned in to this right now (Sedna at 29 crisis degrees of Taurus)–so if we trust our internal voice, and approach things with a willingness to see them as they are, it will be very clear what our next step forward should be.

Have a wonderful rest-of-your-week! Here at the blog the 2 million plus hits mark has been reached–never expected that!

New Moon in Cancer June 2022: Keeping It Real

26 Sunday Jun 2022

Posted by in astrology, current events in the sky, forecast, Lunar Aspects, New Moon, Sabian Symbols

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Ferdinand du Puigaudeau {{PD}}

The New Moon perfects on June 28th at 7:51 PM PDT at 7 Cancer 22. There’s an interesting story here, told through a scattering of close aspects: an approaching conjunction of the New Moon factors (Moon and Sun) with the Black Moon Lilith point=what we really care about (Cancer) revealed through what enrages us, or what we have, for whatever reason (possibly need), ignored or denied; pay attention to vivid emotions at this time, as they’ll tell you what you’re invested in (and so what motivates your choices and actions). That’s always good information to have in the forefront of the conscious mind.

Sun-Moon opposes Earth (of course!) and forms a Cardinal T-square with Jupiter in Aries=the impulse is toward action, based on belief or ‘the facts’ as we see them, and the way we interpret them as not being served. The T tells us this may be tricky territory; think of how difficult things become when everyone is sure they’re in the right. It also signals an ‘individual vs. social order’ mentality that is all the tougher because the social arena is seen by the individual as essentially being on a crusade to impose their values–no wonder we’re upset.

The New Moon trines Vesta, and with generous orbs forms a Water Grand Trine with Hygeia=it may be infuriating, that everyone is attuned to their emotional reactions at this time, but it may be necessary, a healthy expression (no matter how provocative) that helps each of us attain an internal emotional balance. What we honor is recognized as important; a re-dedication of one’s intents and energies would be more than appropriate at this time.

We note a semi-sextile, only seven minutes past, formed by the New Moon and Venus in Gemini=with all this emoting and feeling going on, it’s obvious relationships will be affected, especially in the way we think about others in our circle. This may affect those networks that we’ve previously relied on for earning or other reward, so be prepared–nothing occurs without consequences at this time, described by the Saturn/ Eris-Mars sextile=real world results of choices and actions that stir, or arise from, strife. This sextile also catches Neptune at the midpoint=we’re either operating on ideals or fantasy, and it’s easy to mix them up–hence the rampant belief that each of us is in the right.

Forgiving orbs also give us a Fist of God, base of South Node square Saturn, apex New Moon=the past smacks right up against reality, and the discomfort caused launches New Moon beginnings. With the event in Cancer, those beginnings are likely to be simple changes of (or realizations about) feeling. Answers may be provided by the New Moon novile Pallas and semi-square the North Node=when we look clear-eyed at the difficulties our current choices may cause in the future, we’ll opt for the smart thing, the wise thing–so that’s a positive we should aim for. Also of note is Sedna at 29 Taurus, ramping up the perception that the material situation is at a crisis point. Try not to over-react. It may feel like an instinctual perception, and so be hard to override with the conscious mind, but the reality is this is just a perception–not a reflection of real circumstances–so relax a bit.

The Sabian for the New Moon is, ‘A Group Of Rabbits Dressed in Human Clothes Walk As If On Parade’. I think this is a warning: don’t take on roles you don’t understand or ‘dress up’ the meaning of what you’re doing as other than what it is. Maybe it’s an admonition about humility, or maybe a prompt to ‘keep it real,’ rather than just parading around, thinking we’re right.

The Return of the Goddess

12 Sunday Jun 2022

Posted by in astrology, goddess energy, Something For You, Spiritual Considerations, The Social System, The Word Image

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Goddess Bhadrakali Worshipped by the Gods from a tantric Devi series, Artist Unkinown, 12th century {{PD}}

This is a reprint from ECLIPSE, slightly modified, and has already appeared here at the blog under a different title–but I do think the ideas bear repeating. Looking for the Full Moon report? See it here.

There’s been lots of talk these days about the return of the goddess–but I don’t think the goddess was ever gone. Seeing it as a disappearance/ re-appearance is seeing it through patriarchal eyes: women have always been, so goddess has always been. A patriarchal society is a Doing-oriented society, one that recognizes and values action, while (typically) disparaging its opposite, the essence of female energy: the receptive, the accepting, the open, the Being-oriented. Goddess energy is female energy, and functions by filling space and time with its very existence; it is vital simply by being, whereas male energy only exists when it is in motion, closed, targeted, inflicting itself on others or the environment. It’s a disparity that many have difficulty grasping, and this is chiefly because we have been indoctrinated with a bias for movement, action, ‘results’, and a sense of accomplishment that relies on seeing change, rather than feeling it. The goddess can sit perfectly still and sense the inevitable processes of growth and decay all around her–she is in fact aware that she is part of this cycle–while those invested in the god-like animus credit only the effects the hands or mind have on the landscape.

In modern Western society we’ve been conditioned to see worth and even virtue in emulating male doing energy, no matter one’s role. We applaud activity, even when it’s purpose or value is questionable, and we see this ‘busy’ attitude reflected in phrases like ‘Protestant work ethic’, ‘Yankee ingenuity’, ‘make hay while the sun shines’, and so on. This is not to say that effort is not important, but that it is only one side of an equation; to celebrate doing and accomplishing without also celebrating the contemplation, depth, communion, feeling, sensitivity, and intuition that can not only shape and guide effort but make sure efforts are effective, is to make action a god, and to cast being as a meaningless state that offers nothing to our advancement–and of course, nothing could be further from the truth.

We tend to have disdain (or at least, less regard) for the kind of contemplative or menial or repetitive tasks that act as a meditation and are much more a being state than a doing one; we may label these ‘women’s work’ (oh, the derogatory tone with which this is spoken!) and see them as beneath us, since they don’t include the slap-dash of going from A to B–but that would miss the point. No one thought to ask the grasshopper why he fiddled while the ants worked–but no grasshopper lives through the winter; it would’ve been a waste of his time to put away food for days he wouldn’t see. (And if we want to get technical about it, the ants would awaken from a torpor to begin their work and replenish their colony before much had grown or bloomed out in the world, so they did need a storehouse). In nature there is balance and reason, room for both god and goddess energy, a different set of rhymes and rhythms that apply to each creature–and we should keep that in mind when judging what’s appropriate or ‘right’, useful and useless.



‘Jupiter in the Guise of Diana Seducing Callisto’ By Gerrit van Honthorst {{PD}}

The picture above is a testament to recognition within the patriarchal structure of Western society that sometimes receptivity is needed in order to gain what is wanted. There’s irony in a doing-dominant entity choosing to enact the anima in order to get something, which getting is in itself a highly animus thing, the kind of goal the doing energy is consistently targeting and pursuing. In the painting Zeus (Jupiter) has apparently learned that abduction and rape don’t win him any friends; instead he transforms into the goddess of the Moon and the Hunt, Diana, and lures Callisto with the Moon’s sensitivity, responsiveness, and ability to reflect back to others what they ‘shine’ with–and yet, in choosing Diana’s form, he’s choosing the most animus-like of the goddesses, in terms of her Self-expression through hunting and pursuit. Empathy requires the surrender of boundaries to the point that one Being can feel the other Being, complete, which the male-oriented cannot do without putting aside the continual, outward thrust of energy that is the normal modus operandi for them.

Even in Zeus’ choice, though, the usefulness of the receptive, Being stance is denigrated, as it’s seen as a tactic with which to accomplish  a goal, rather than as a state of Being just as valid and as dynamic in its own way as any action. With Zeus it’s a means to an end, and so falls in a long line of actions meant to fulfill the animus aim; if it were a true goddess energy, the communion would be without boundaries, and no specific outcome would be on the agenda–being would be enough. If quantum mechanics are correct and the butterfly’s movement is enough to topple a civilization as the shift ripples through matter and time, then the even more subtle shifts in consciousness, attitude, belief, and the effects of both prayer and love are felt as strongly as anything built, accomplished, or acquired. So next time you see a woman sitting with eyes closed, or standing quietly out in the grass, or strolling along with no destination in mind, or rocking a child, you’ll know just how busy, how important what she’s doing, really is.

Your word image is a pair of things: the mention of Karma addressed in or in the name of works of Art, and a key that suddenly appears on the floor at your feet. As they’ve come up at the same time, I can’t help but think they’re linked, each describing a part of what needs our attention. The key came first. Of course, there’s the key, the ‘at your feet’ part telling me it’s laid out before me, presented even, no searching required. The image seems to say: Here’s what you need, that vital thing that will open it all up, let you in to where you want to go. I kept seeing references to Karma related to Art that made me wonder what was in the Collective air that was influencing Artists. Too often I feel that Karma is mis-represented as something outside ourselves, when in my view it’s really just the accumulated energy of our own choices and actions, bouncing off the energy of everything else in existence–that is, it’s not something weighing and judging you, out to get you, to ‘balance’ the Universe, it’s just you, meeting your own energy in another form. So, that would suggest that the key we need to acknowledge, pick up, and use, the use of which will be entirely to our benefit, presents in a situation that’s nothing more than our own accumulated efforts and attitudes, bringing about particular results and circumstances. My thought is: you’ll know this ‘Karmic’ thing, and what it means, when you see it–and you’ll also know, it’s the key you’ve been looking for.

Friedrich Haag

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Sagittarius Full Moon 14 June 2022: A Map To Dreams

09 Thursday Jun 2022

Posted by in astrology, current events in the sky, Full Moon, Sabian Symbols

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‘Bluebird’ By Paul Sableman

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This Full Moon perfects at 4:52 AM PDT of the 14th at 23 Sagittarius 25, within sextile to Saturn, square to Neptune, and trine to Eris, suggesting that discipline, restraint, and precedent, especially the intellectual variety (Saturn in Aquarius) can easily lend form to our dreams and ideals (Neptune in Pisces), though we’re bound to see (and should respect) the limits to what can be (the square). It’s a point of discovery, reckoning, or fulfillment in what we envision, imagine, hope for, idealize, or misperceive, one that displays the geography of the ‘dream terrain’ and offers a map of how to get there. The feeling nature, the intuition, and a general sensitivity will, if we allow it, inform our way forward, either by reinforcing beliefs or conveying vital facts (Sagittarius). Our creative energy (Neptune) acts as a fulcrum across which we are invited to find balance between what we’re conscious of, what’s obvious to us, what we already see and understand (Sun in Gemini) in relation to our feelings about our surroundings, what is, how we’d like to venture out, what we see as exotic or foreign, and what we want to learn or know (Moon-Earth in Sagittarius).

The trine to Eris is the only real sticking point. It’s too easy (trine) to fall into contentious circumstances with others, especially if there are already tensions below the surface; even more volatile are situations and relationships related to desire and ambition fulfillment, these springing from the recent sextiles of both Earth and the Moon to Zeus. What we want with a passion (and how we go about getting that) may be the source of conflict at this time. If someone objects to your pursuit of something, ask yourself this: is what I’m doing injurious to them? If the answer is no, their attitude is coming purely from jealousy; if the answer is yes, then you must stop and consider whether causing hurt to someone else is worth what you might get. In case you’re not sure, the answer is: causing harm is never the right course.

The Sabian for the Moon is, ‘A Bluebird Perched On The Gate Of A Cottage’. This is an almost Disney-esque image–so maybe somewhat idealized, somewhat sanitized, perhaps echoing Neptune and what it could present or inspire at this time. A bluebird is symbolic of a dream realized perfectly, a harbinger of spotless ‘luck’–and it perches on a cottage gate, suggesting auspicious entry into a (new) ‘residence’, which could mean any particular aspect of living. Encouraging us, then, to enter into that new thing we’re considering at the Full Moon.

The Sabian for the life-giving, all-illuminating Sun is, ‘Children Skating Over A Frozen Village Pond’. Again, an idyllic and idealized image, this one of recreation, specifically carried out by children–so probably corresponding to the child within each of us, to a simple enjoyment at engaging in play–which is the ultimate creativity. Taken together, the two images suggest that aiming for manifestation of the highest version of your creative energy can succeed right now, and the way to make it happen is to approach the effort as if it’s play. If you’re anything like me, you may need the encouragement of that external source, the one that offers permission to indulge in the purely creative–so here it is: use the time surrounding the Full Moon to enjoy yourself, in that way where one musing follows another, where you experiment, where you’re not acting with one eye on the social sphere, measuring how they’re perceiving you, but responding only out of curiosity and enjoyment. We need to note, though, that this scene is set in winter–at the peak of winter, in fact, when it’s safe to skate on a pond. That might suggest that it may be some time before we see this dream manifest–or that we need to change the atmosphere, cooling things down, perhaps being a little more overtly dispassionate in pursuit of our goals, ‘playing it cool’.

Helpful hints: Pallas and Venus will be close at the Full Moon, in Taurus. Indulge your senses, appreciate comforts, see the wisdom behind beauty. And for those with a natal point 22-26 of Leo, that natal body fills in a Fire Grand Trine with Eris and the Moon-Earth, and so may put you squarely in someone’s fiery cross-hairs–proceed with extra care, as feelings may be highly flammable (I know, it’s actually inflammable, but you know how we had to switch the meanings, because people kept confusing them!)

Have a lovely weekend–use it to prepare for that inspiration the Full Moon is almost certain to deliver, and which it will, if you’re not distracted by the realities of what you find out, by the need for form or limits, or by the tensions possibly surfacing with others.

Merc Direct: We’re Free!

03 Friday Jun 2022

Posted by in astrology, current events in the sky, Mercury Direction, Retrogrades + Directions

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‘Woman in Ecstasy’ By Ferdinand Hodler 1911 {{PD}}

Merc made apparent turnaround in the wee hours this morning PDT, the 3rd, and we may all be feeling just a bit freer, now–and you may have felt the Moon in Cancer form a sextile soon after direction, giving us a strong dose of emotion around what transpired during the retro period, and that may have been soothing or unsettling, but has probably been put into proportion, by now. What’s coming, though, is where our attention should be.

Mercury direct moves from a retro approaching sextile to Neptune to a waning one, with contact not having been made since Merc first passed in direct aspect, what feels like a lifetime ago (so, roughly a month!). This likely eases the mind as we feel more and more rational, less influenced by an overactive imagination or delusion/ deception–and this easing/ freedom feeling is even more apparent as Merc moves away from a some-time-ago square to Saturn–change and limits seem to fall away, boundaries no longer as defined or restrictive as they seemed.

So that’s all good. The question becomes: will these perceptions be accurate, in terms of our reality? The first two contacts Mercury direct makes tell the story: a trine to Pluto, followed by a conjunction to Sedna. This suggests that all the loosening and relaxing may lead to a surfacing of rage, an impulse to purge, a destructive desire, or a wish to transform or resurrect. This might apply to something one spent considerable time pondering or dealing with during the retro–suddenly, a big change might seem very positive. Judgments about the fitness of this conclusion can only be made in light of the natal scenario, but if things have been overall steady and positive, it may be just the thing to pursue, particularly if it has the character of attending to the long-neglected or the long-sensed but unaddressed. Use your instincts, and be honest with yourself–genuine honesty is the only way those instincts are worth a sh*t.

Saturn retrogrades on the 4th, and Neptune in just over 3 weeks, on the 28th. The former may lift even more restrictions, opening the way further, especially in intellectual pursuits, the new and the innovative, the original and unique, if you’re a Saturn retro responder– but, if the retro cycle tends to withdraw security or dependable supports in your world, then you’ll see the characteristic responses, concentrated in changes to your understanding of things, or calling into question what seemed unique, original and worthwhile just days ago, with the springing up, likely without explanation, of roadblocks and denials.

With Neptune we’ll be looking at a change in background noise, more than anything. Re-consideration of the creative, of ideas and ideals, may be on the agenda, and often this turnaround can prompt one to dig for the Truth of something, as we try and connect our conceptions to reality.

That’s our glimpse ahead. Have a wonderful weekend!

New Moon in Gemini 30 May 2022 The Clash

29 Sunday May 2022

Posted by in astrology, current events in the sky, New Moon, Sabian Symbols

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‘Flight of Airplane’ By Olga Rozanova 1916 {{PD}}

Am I late with this New Moon report? You bet I am. Too much to do, not enough sit and look at the Moon time. The New Moon perfects at 4:30 AM PDT of the 30th at 9 Gemini 03, and makes no major aspects with a tight orb, the closest being a square to Juno in Pisces and, perhaps most telling, a semi-square to Eris in Aries. What does that tell us? That what starts with this Gemini New Moon may be more talk than action–but that doesn’t mean it won’t affect us.

The Lunar event might seed the inconvenient energy of conflict over empowerment, especially over pursuit of a dream or creative effort–and whether because of empowerment disagreements or simply from all that irritating talk, anybody whose inner dialogue is out of harmony with their environment and/ or the line of patter they’re trying to sell others will find themselves or those around them lashing out. There may be lots of spontaneous finger pointing; remember that old saying about when you point at someone, there are four fingers pointing back at you? That’s this energy: being reactionary to ideas, assertions, plans, talk, suggests conflict between your own inner reality and the persona or thinking you’re trying to make others believe or accept. This isn’t an indictment; if you find yourself suddenly clashing with externals, it’s not that you set out to deceive anyone–it’s a signal to you that what you think you are and what you really are/ think/ or are doing is out of alignment–and we sabotage ourselves when the inner and outer don’t match.

With ruler Mercury still retro, our best course of action may be no action; instead, careful thought, a study of the actual power situation, and a revision of plans will all benefit us on direction. We’re approaching the liminal point, the time when Merc is slowing, poised to resume apparent direct motion soon, and this period always brings its own kind of stress, the kind that can push us to move forward when we’d do better to wait just a little longer.

The New Moon Sabian is, ‘An Airplane Performing A Nose Dive’. The thing with a nosedive is that pilots practice those so that if the plane suddenly does dive, they’ll be adept at pulling it out of the plunge. Are we practicing how not to crash and burn, how to pull ourselves out of Self-destructive attitudes, thinking, or behaviors, with what this New Moon presents? I think the answer might be yes.

Thank you for your patience–it’s been tough to keep up lately. I’m getting some practice keeping a handle on things–just like the New Moon says I should. Have a wonderful New Moon in Gemini!

Mars and Jupiter, Together Again

26 Thursday May 2022

Posted by in astrology, current events in the sky, Mars-Jupiter Conjunction, The Word Image

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Though not exactly on point for the topic, I thought the rendering of this painting made it worth sharing. We can imagine Jupiter descending from the cloud, commanding Venus out of the way, and demanding Mars buddy-up with him–with an array of possible results. And who knows what Vulcan is doing in there. ‘Mars and Venus Surprised by Vulcan’ By Alexandre Charles Guillemot 1827 {{PD}}

The meeting of Mars and Jupiter perfects in the wee hours of the 29th AM PDT. Do we need to be so precise? Yes and no; this meeting isn’t that rare, occurring every couple of years+, give or take, depending on retro sequences, and these are major energies–it’s not like they slip from awareness day-to-day. On the other hand, the melding of energies related to ego, action, aggression, and Self-focus (in both positive and negative senses), and those related to the social order, knowledge, and the exaggeration of all that’s touched promise lively times–and this happening in Mars’ sign of Aries only adds, get ready for it, fuel to the fire.

So, what can we expect? A lot of that depends on 1) what House in the natal chart this combo falls in–that offers a prime stage for Mars-Jupiter assertion, 2) what Houses these two rule in the natal chart–look for combined elements to figure in, most likely presented through the House where the meeting occurs, and 3) how well we as individuals get along with our own Martian impulses and Jupiterian urges. It’s also worth noting if your natal Mars or Jupiter are receiving any transits–and if they’re hard (semi-square, square, quincunx, opposition) then you need to take into account that this energy is already under stress. That’s a lot to synthesize–which is exactly why astrology isn’t one-size-fits-all.

A few hints I can offer: if this conjunction falls above the horizon in your natal chart (in the 7th through 12th Houses, and for Whole Sign from Descendant to Ascendant, counter clock-wise) then you’re probably going to perceive these energies coming at you from the outside, from the social sphere, from religious or higher education sources, from individuals in your life who consider themselves leaders, from having to face ‘the facts’, from aggressors looking for an excuse to impose their Will, the effects trickling down for the most part from larger entities or groups to the individual–and perhaps pitting the individual against the larger group or organization.

If the combo falls below the horizon/ Ascendant to Descendant, you’re likely to be in the middle of it–generating assertive efforts (especially to gain knowledge or just to gain, to get more), possibly in response to vulnerabilities that, at the moment, are perceived out-of-proportion to their likely impact. Or you find yourself face-to-face with information or a social environment that requires you to assert yourself. Or you aggressively go after opportunity–or create opportunity, with your efforts. Or, it seems vital to sort out ideas around your own role, leadership/ leadership potential, enactment of your Will, or your Self-image. Will you have to go to war? You might not have to, but you might want to–the thing is, being aware of the distorted, objects-are-closer-than-they-appear nature of what’s going on right now may help you avoid unnecessary battles and overreaction.

If Mars-Jupiter hits a natal point or placement by hard aspect, expect a challenge to or a need to act on those natal energies, and if the contact is soft, see it as an opportunity to take action that is more likely than not to be successful. I’d say this aspect has been in range for a day or two, and will move quickly, waning by June 3rd–and that means that, though it may influence the susceptible for about a week and a half, it’s likely to precipitate one-off events, rather than initiate a long arc–so awareness and a minimum of Self-control mitigates any fly-off-the-handle influence during this rather brief period of vulnerability.

Though I appreciate your interest in what I might say, I have to ask that you refrain from asking about your personal placements in the comments or by writing to me directly. I love your comments and I hate to disappoint, but when they put me to work, it cuts into book time. The Moon book is by far the largest astrology manuscript I’ve ever produced (I’m wearing ALL the hats!) and everything that draws me away from that just prolongs the wait.

We also have a Word Image for which I’ll offer absolutely no interpretation: you are in a fight with someone, a person you want to leave your house/ territory/ area, and heavy glass vases are the weapon of choice–and it’s frustrating, because despite good aim, none of the projectiles hit your opponent–and you are hit, but it causes no pain.

‘Moss Roses in a Vase’ By Edouard Manet 1882 {{PD}}

Today’s Train Wreck

23 Monday May 2022

Posted by in astrology, current events in the sky

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Considering current influences, we should just let this stressful train pass, and go about our other business. ‘The Passing of the Train’ By Darío de Regoyos y Valdés 1902 {{PD}}

That’s Ceres in Cancer (upping her ‘Mommy’ quotient) trine a 29 degree Vesta and square a 29 degree Mars in Pisces and Jupiter in Aries–with Merc retro also at 29 degrees closely conjoined Sedna, both in Taurus=that’s a lot of tension! That’s a train wreck as nerves, perceptions, instincts, values, and actions/ choices all demand supremacy within the psyche–and do we have a release valve via Ceres? Not really; she supports Vesta’s questioning of priorities and commitments, pushing those in the direction of obligation: to family, to nurturing duties, to elevating the personal authority over any other–and that may not be where our preferences really lie–but it may be very hard to argue that, as the maternal, our duties of care and oversight, and our deference to Mother Nature speak so loudly they drown out other stressed energy ‘voices’.

I feel like any cognizant Being equipped with a nervous system will be hard pressed to sort this out right now–so what do we do when something overwhelming has us in its grasp? One answer is to look to other energies–not for rescue, but for refuge. If we don’t force ourselves to respond to what’s pressing, if we focus elsewhere, then we can navigate this with our sanity intact and our spirit sheltered–and this so happens to be a time when, despite all the tension, we don’t have to move on very many things in the moment.

Two avenues stand out to me: one is the conjunction of Venus and Eris in Aries. I wouldn’t blame you for an initial recoil from these two, but hear me out: Eris offers Venus the kind of backbone, a surety of purpose, an ease with assertion, aggression, and action, that Venus doesn’t normally enjoy in Aries; usually she’s uncomfortable with being singled out, called to the front, or required to defend herself–but not now, with Eris at her back. Remember, Eris only brings out discord that’s inherent in others or the situation–if the energies she touches are in harmony with themselves, she adds confidence and a kind of bravery to Venusian efforts–perfect for a sojourn in Aries.

The second thing I’d like to point out is a sextile between Pallas and Juno. A sextile requires us to take advantage of opportunities–good things can be made from these contacts, but won’t come automatically, or will be mild if they do, unless we put our own energy behind it. In this case we see Pallas in Taurus keeping us practical, our wisdom applied to enhancing or maintaining our prosperity and our comfort, material and otherwise; now, united with Juno in Pisces, we add to this inclination to promote ours and others’ welfare, and appreciation for our personal bounty, with imaginative ways we can gain, prosper, and better control our own material position in the world. We suddenly find we own the personal authority to make things better–empowerment of the best kind, and only adding to the confidence we’ll see if we focus on Venus, right now.

These influences will linger a bit, especially if they prompt precipitous choices and actions–because repercussions won’t let us forget, in positive or not so positive ways, but today really is the day for a successful attitude re-alignment, with the mind out of the way, so to speak, and the Sun sextile Jupiter–optimism is ours, if we’ll only look for it. And if you came here from Facebook, you might want to sign up for email notices sent when I post–I won’t always put things on FB.

Lunar Eclipse in Scorpio 15 May 2022 Total Emotional Metamorphosis

10 Tuesday May 2022

Posted by in astrology, Full Moon, Lunar Eclipse, Sabian Symbols, T-Square

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‘Butterflies’ By Odilon Redon c1910 {{PD}}

Is it the T-square formed by this Lunar eclipse, the Sun-Sedna, and the arm of Saturn-Vesta that will be most prominent, the T offering a dynamic emotional confrontation (probably over what we should see/ recognize, but don’t) that may be resolved through honoring real-world manifestations of what’s sacred (or that may conclude with the shut-down of some outlet we have been dedicated to)? Or will it be the trine to Mars-Neptune sending at least some of us chasing the Dream (or maybe, the mirage), or will we feel the delicate quincunx to Eris, as she extracts full-blown conflict from what should be minor discomfort? Much of what’s emphasized for the individual will depend on what in the natal chart is stimulated–but all of us are likely to feel the sweep of this Total Lunar eclipse in Scorpio (that happens to sextile ruler Pluto) as it digs deep, brings forward a Truth, unearths secrets, purges shame or guilt, resurrects what we thought lost, or brings a searing and complete end to something that once was a passion: vital, central, something we believed we couldn’t live without.

That’s the essence of it all, really, right there–to go on would just be extraneous. So, other energies in play may include the Jupiter-Ceres Cardinal square at 00 Aries-Cancer, respectively=the individual role within the larger social order or belief system (Jupiter in Aries) has to work it out with the sense of personal authority, and/ or the care-giving role(s) (Ceres), as they are chosen to show who and what we care about (Cancer). At time of perfection Chiron and Venus are still very close together in Aries, and semi-sextile Uranus=hurt in relationship may take on a too-singular view, losing sight of the fact that any interaction automatically involves more than one person, who also has needs and viewpoint of their own–and something in this arena could shock or surprise us–so get out ahead of it by keeping the needs of others in mind. And finally, Hygeia in Scorpio opposes Pallas in Taurus=what’s practical or wise will expose the weakness or rot behind what we’ve been calling healthy–not pretty, but infinitely useful.

I’d like to look at the Sabians involved in the T, as I suspect these will be the major energies felt by most. The Lunar eclipse Sabian is, ‘American Indians Making Camp After Moving Into A New Territory’. The question here is, is the new territory a place entered by choice, or was the move forced, remaining where one is untenable? Considering the general history of the Native American, we might infer that this move, whether willing or not, may be due to the incursion of others.

For the Sun we have, ‘A Spanish Gallant Serenades His Beloved’. The Sun, as light-giver to the Moon, may represent the catalyst: a (potential) invader, indeed, who likely sees himself as a ‘lover, not a fighter’–or maybe in the case of wooing someone, a (forceful) persuader. What does the T tell us? Saturn describes real-world circumstances or conditions: ‘A Butterfly With The Right Wing More Perfectly Formed’. That phrasing implies the left wing is perfect–the right is just more perfect! Is that even possible? There are no degrees of perfection. Add this to the symbol for Vesta: ‘A Tree Felled And Sawed To Ensure A Supply Of Wood For The Winter’. Storing up for the future, investing, in a sense. Does that suggest that exaggerated assessment, judgment, or appraisal is a kind of storing up, putting things in a kind of relationship bank? That can certainly be what someone serenading another is thinking–that the attention and flattery is an investment in the future–but what about moving into new territory?

To my mind at least one of the possibilities is encountering (or being) someone at the eclipse who goes into what for them is new territory: trying praise, flattery, and maybe a little smoke (!) in place of more aggressive methods for getting what they want. If you run into someone who’s, probably outside their usual behavior, trying a ‘catch more flies with honey than vinegar’ approach, you’ll know that they want something. It’s not necessarily nefarious in its current form, but whatever they’re aiming for, know that going along with it might eventually completely run you off what is, right now, your territory, your land. Be aware this condition is possible through the next eclipse set, 6 months down the road.

The event itself falls on the 15th, 9:14 PM PDT, at 25 Scorpio 17.