Category Archives: astrology

The ‘Why’ of Things

16 Monday Aug 2010

Posted by in aspects and placements, astrology, Consciousness Explored, ECLIPSE magazine

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There seems to be a trend of late wherein what’s often being said (or expressed in some form) is dressed up with what we want it to mean, rather than with the words or expression having a decent relationship to the facts that are evident. This is likely due to Mercury’s relatively disconnected status at present, which leaves us searching for meaning, looking to attach something to our words and thoughts that give them depth–it’s probably why I’m writing this, even, putting my own spin on what comes to me.

The suicide of alleged ‘Craig’s List Killer’ Phillip Markoff brought forward lots of commentary on the news like this: ‘He couldn’t face his future, therefore he ended it all.’ When I heard this extrapolation, the kind of assumption rooted in a personal viewpoint (and rooted in the assumption that the rest of the world thinks as the commentator does), I had to take a look at this man’s chart, and see if that’s really the likely impetus behind his demise. And my conclusion was: absolutely not.

Markoff (12 February 1986 no time known Sherrill New York USA) had a strong ego, particularly intellectually; if anyone could rationalize Self-serving action, it was this Sun/ Jupiter/ Venus conjunct in Aquarius (and with Venus at 29 degrees, Self-worth would’ve been a front-and-center issue).

But my thought was that his suicide was actually a final expression of power: taking the power to direct his fate out of authorities’ hands, power to take some measure of justice/revenge from the families of the victims, and exacting some revenge of his own, by killing himself on the anniversary of the date he and his fiancée had planned to marry–could this last be any more angry, any more determined to exact a toll from a major figure in his life?

So I looked to Pluto, the main symbol of both rage and power in the chart. Pluto is trine Mercury (‘smooth talker,’ powerful words, and a likely ability to influence others), semi-square to Uranus (a constant, subtle irritation to be different, be unique, to express the individuality), sextile to Neptune (like most everyone for the past hundred years! enhances the ability to visualize power situations and outlets–but is highly dependent on House rulerships, which we don’t have here), a quincunx to Chiron (power expressions may be driven by hurt–more on this in a moment), a square to Vesta (power expressions are in conflict with what’s sacred in life–likely driving him under pressure to choose one or the other–to honor vital areas of life or to express personal power–a seductive quandary), a sesquiquadrate to Pallas (more irritation–he knew his power expressions weren’t wise), a conjunction to the South Node (roots in the past) and to the Vertex (fated expression of the energies–coupled with the South Node, we may be seeing something compulsively acted out, driven by distant events). Pluto is also opposed the Sedna/ North Node conjunction, suggesting that he was unable to see how his power-needs might drive his life path.

But Pluto/ Vertex is quincunx Chiron, suggesting that the primal hurt continually stimulated the fated power needs–and through Chiron we see something else: the asteroid opposes Juno, Saturn, Mars, all conjunct in Sagittarius. This suggests that he may have seen women, especially those seeking to empower themselves (Juno), and those looking to find that empowerment through marrying a god (himself, in this scenario), as a source of extreme pain, and perhaps as entities who sought to suppress him as a man (Saturn conj Mars), and he may also have seen authorities and ‘the rules’ (Saturn) as suppressive to the masculine Archetype on which he modeled himself, in this case a Sagittarian one of active ‘bachelor’ and seeking behavior. This Chiron is also sextile Vesta (the wound is sacred) and square Ceres (conflict with Woman as a force of nature–may see women in general as something to be controlled, resisted, and perhaps treated as a threat). Here we may have the source of both his extreme aggression toward women and his choice of death date, lashing out a final time at the fiancée, a woman he likely saw as carrying a Juno/ Ceres Archetype, and thus believed by him to be a very powerful Being.

I know I’m in good company when I say that, like many of my colleagues, I’m finding more and more of my material stolen and published elsewhere. I’m given credit, listed as a ‘contributor,’ or the material is otherwise presented as if I’m a willing participant. Apparently, I’m supposed to be grateful and pleased, as my name is still associated with my work. Somehow these individuals fail to see that, as they reach into my pocket and help themselves, they are depriving me of control of my work, and in some instances, they, not I, profit from it. I think the reasoning goes: it’s already on the internet, you should be flattered that someone wants to read it! Just to let my readers know, any authorized sale or presentation of my work will be announced here, and anyone who claims to be authorized to sell my books or ECLIPSE, or who presents an article, in whole or part, has bootlegged them–they’re only available through me http://dogandsunflower.wordpress.com with a Juno series available through http://sasstrology.com

Speaking of unauthorized access, yesterday morning, after awaking from what felt like a coma (and truth be told, it was already noon), I was sitting near the garden window when suddenly a man appeared, wanting to know if he could take flowers from my yard. Normally I would’ve said, ‘Take some,’ but it struck me that this man had not come to the door, but had instead crossed the yard from the road and was in essence on the verge of helping himself when he saw me. I have some real issues with boundaries–my Pisces Moon symbolizes my life-long challenge, and I’m repeatedly reminded that to claim what is my own, and to do with it what I will (whether it’s my work or a flower in my garden) is bound to attract those who will be angry because I don’t allow them to take. This may especially be an issue now, for many of us, with Mercury poised as it is, and relatively isolated. Even if someone tries to make you feel bad about it (and users will), don’t hesitate to claim what’s yours.

Support the blog and get three or six months worth of forecasts, special sections on events, and more! And many Thanks to those who’ve been so supportive, and especially to those who’ve purchased the mag, visited the page and taken the polls, and who say such nice things in comments, tweets, and ratings! And to those who say not such nice things, or who rate things poorly, I thank you, too, as I value the feedback–but of course I hope you’ll find another astrologer who serves you better–no one should be unhappy!

16 August 2010: Deep Emotion

15 Sunday Aug 2010

Posted by in astrology, current events in the sky

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10 PM of the 15th sees the Scorpio Moon sesquiquadrate Jupiter in Aries, kicking off the week with an eye to expansion of Self-interests–it’s ‘me’ time, for each of us, and rightly so–a kind of suspension that allows us to look long and deep (Scorpio) into what we really need as individuals to assert ourselves beyond the usual horizon. A tall order, not necessarily to be accomplished in a single leap–this is a point when we can get a great intuitive measure and emotional ‘feel’ for our own needs–take advantage of this, as often as not we aren’t really aware of our own best interests, or what we really, truly want.

1 AM PDT of the 16th the Moon sextiles Mercury, which will be retrograding in Virgo in a scant five days (ECLIPSE readers see commentary on this and particularly the direction, which coincides with Pluto’s). Communication will be disjointed, now and for some time, and to some extent each of us may feel isolated–this Moon contact may only highlight what will become very familiar over the coming weeks.

8 AM and the Moon opposes Sedna–don’t expect to know what you feel at this point, and don’t rely on intuition right now–you will simply not have access to it, and by 10 AM PDT the Moon forms a T square with the Sun/ Earth axis, presenting an ‘assessment moment’ in terms of effort and the direction it’s taking you. This may be relatively minor, but serves as a small check-up for how effectively you may be choosing and whether actions are actually taking you where you want to go. 

5 PM-ish PDT the Moon squares Neptune, perhaps delivering a reality check on some point we’ve glossed over or ignored up to now, and by 7 PM the Moon squares Chiron, inviting us to either meet the Neptunian challenge with our most unique skills or to crumple into a sad heap, hurt that everything isn’t handed to us, just so–your choice.

By 9 the Moon trines Uranus in Water, both bodies at 29 degrees, suggesting stress to the emotions and to the matters of the House ruled by Uranus in the natal chart. This upset may wiggle under consciousness and seem unreasonably hard to pin down, and may as well bring emotional surprises or shocks–just remember, a current running through water shocks much worse than the voltage implies!

The Void’s once again not worth mentioning; the Moon enters Sagittarius at 10:33 PM PDT, with 2:30 AM-ish on the 17th bringing the Moon semi-sextile Pluto, sextile Saturn, and trine Jupiter–is there no rest, as the saying goes, for the wicked? Or the rest of us, for that matter!  The emotions may seem both solid and expansive, filling up the room and immovable–and that may be a good experience or a not so good one, depending on what’s come to the emotional surface from the inner life (Pluto). A time when, whatever the outlook, it’s likely to be exaggerated.

My apologies for skipping Sunday; I have a bad cold and literally slept most of the day–sorry if it threw anyone off. ECLIPSE fills in when I’m not available, with forecasts for August, September, and October, special sections on events such as the upcoming Venus Retrograde, and much more! And many thanks to all who’ve already purchased ECLIPSE; I’ll be adding to the private page sometime this week–I’ll post it here (password at the end of the first article, on creativity, in the magazine). http://dogandsunflower.wordpress.com/new-summer-2010-eclipse/

‘What You’re Asking’: The Problem Man Edition

11 Wednesday Aug 2010

Posted by in aspects and placements, astrology, Astrology and Communication

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Catch the latest ‘What You’re Asking’ over at ‘Been There, Done That’ http://askjulie.wordpress.com/2010/08/11/what-youre-asking-man-problems-by-sign/ Get the RSS feed or sign up at the site for email notification of new posts!

The Belated New Moon of 9 August 2010

11 Wednesday Aug 2010

Posted by in astrology, New Moon

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Actually, it’s not the New Moon that’s belated but my report; we spent an extra day and a half on our trip and I’m now playing catch-up. I’m really glad we did; we had a wonderful time, but I left you all in the lurch (though ECLIPSE readers did get the scoop on influences surrounding the Moon/ Sun conjunction–but we still need the main picture).

The New Moon formed at 8:08 PM on the 9th at 17 Leo 24. Here’s the thing: even using a more generous 3 degree orb, we have no major aspects formed by the New Moon. This means two things: that meaning is concentrated within the placement and symbology of the New Moon itself, and that other aspect pictures in place that don’t touch the New Moon will take on a kind of separate but parallel importance. The peripherals are covered in the mag already, but we still have the Sabian image to inspect.

‘A Chemist Conducts an Experiment for His Students’ This suggests something interesting: we are all tasked with playing one role or the other, chemist (or possibly ‘teacher’) or student (or ‘the one who’s receptive to learning’). We take pride in this role, identify with it, and want to shine in it (the Leo placement). Does it matter which role we take? Not really; each is important within the dynamic, as the teacher does not exist without the student, and vice versa. The House where this falls in the natal chart should help one determine which side of the equation one falls on: 1st through 6th and we are likely to play the student, open, receptive, and gaining by taking in, while 7th through 12th we are likely to play the teacher/ chemist, sharing knowledge, experience, and skills and thereby gaining by creating connection and earning respect.

The fact that both parties are involved in an experiment is also of note, as this implies that what is shared/learned is transmitted by the example of reality, in other words, by the real effects and results obtained when we follow the laws of nature. The teacher, then, teaches by demonstrating for the student(s) what can be expected when the elements of life are mixed in the prescribed way. This means that those in the teacher role may be instructing others without realizing it, simply by the results of their own choices, manifested in their lives, and this says that it may be done through positive or negative example. The teachers among us may be less conscious of their role and the ‘lesson’ they’re imparting than they might think; they may simply believe they are being themselves, ‘shining out’ for all to see.

The students among us are at present more acutely attuned to picking up messages from the world; it’s as if they are super-receptive and are poised, waiting for the information that is offered (and is, as the Universe typically arranges it, precisely what the individual needs).

This effect, of course, lasts strongly through the culmination of the Full Moon two weeks later, and continues with a kind of ghost vibe, an echo of newness that continues through to the next New Moon a month later. The New Moon plants a seed that grows and matures; this says that, in the instance of this Leo New Moon, an exchange of energy, information, and advice by example is seeded and helps each of us grow in both strength of identity (we find out something more about who we are) and in connection and sharing with others via the mechanism of skills demonstrated and information offered (we share our abilities and talents–we ‘shine’)–both are Leo-aligned, bringing forward a clear and necessary concentration on the Self for the coming month.

Well, I’m back! So order away–books and magazines will be sent promptly (or, if I’ve retired for the evening when you place your order, as soon as I awake) http://dogandsunflower.wordpress.com  I hope you enjoyed the long, Venus-tinged weekend–I did!

Today’s Link: an astronomer tells us when to best view the Perseids https://transientsky.wordpress.com/2010/08/10/2010-perseids-meteor-shower/

A Discussion Worth Listening To

03 Tuesday Aug 2010

Posted by in astrology, Astrology and Communication

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Just wanted to hook you up with an interview with the excellent astrologer Jude Cowell (pronounced, not like the neckline or Simon, but like a sparkling, concentrated source of energy from the very earth!) She discusses her start as a political blogger, and offers a wealth of information on her techniques and methods, as well as sharing a great deal about her specialty, the machinations of Washington.

Highlights include: use of astrology in ancient times v. its uses now, use of the fixed stars, rectification for public events where you only have an ‘about’ time, discussion of the Gulf oil ‘event,’ the various charts used for the United States and the ‘whys’ behind them (this was especially interesting), mention of ECLIPSE (Jude will have the featured article in an upcoming issue–thanks, JC!) and use of the word ‘varmint,’ which as far as I’m concerned should be on everyone’s lips a lot more often!

Here’s the link, and it’s well worth the listen:  http://webtalkradio.net/2010/07/26/practical-astrology-–-political-astrology/

PLUS NEW MATERIAL AT ‘ECLIPSE’ PAGE! Password is found on the last page of the first article in ECLIPSE–Thanks!

3 August 2010: Dipping Into the Well

02 Monday Aug 2010

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The Leo Sun quincunxes the North Node, setting the tone for the day by shining a light on the direction we’re heading in life; we’ll see exactly where we need to make adjustments. This is a well-timed (could the Universe be anything else?) gift, as we are able to focus on ourselves in such a positive way (it’s the Leo influence) and with the Node in Capricorn, the structures, rules, and boundaries that must change are especially clear. An excellent influence over the coming 2 days; there’s a lot we can do with this energy if we can embrace humility and acknowledge what we could do (or be) better.

Vesta in Virgo is also quincunx Neptune, which offers its own kind of gift: Vesta is modest (and maybe a little too business-like!) in Virgo, and contact to Neptune does a lovely thing–it allows Vesta to loosen up through fantasy, play, imagination, and creativity, while maintaining her standards. This lasts through the 7th, as Vesta moves on to quincunx Chiron (and Neptune pulls back–there’s a limit to how much fantasy a person can handle!) and will bring two possibilities: some will honor the wound (and that’s not good), while others may make the adjustments that bring forward unique skills (and that’s very good!) It’s really your choice.

There’s also a trine of Juno to Uranus in Fire–this is such a strong endorsement of empowerment through individuality and innovation that we’d be fools not to act when prompted–and with Sun/ North Node lighting the way, we can make some incredible progress on the path.

Normally I would talk about the Moon here, but there’s a grouping of energies that I think needs to be discussed, as these may be the ones that trip up some, and inspire others. They are posited from 26 Virgo to 12 Libra, and suggest over 16 degrees an intense well we may be able to dip into. We have Venus, Vesta, Saturn, Mars, and Zeus, and if you have any placements in hard aspect to this degree span (and particularly if these are conjunct something in your chart), then you have the ability to take the tension and use it to access the energies of love and beauty, those things most sacred to us, the action and assertive urges, the essence of productivity and serious effort, and these are the source from which ambition and desire spring, and they also drive it forward while the Zeusian energies of ambition and desire focus all the other energies–and all this can be used to express the natal energy involved, in its best form, as the other energies support it. The stumbling block may be seen in those who respond to these energies as presenting a conflict or even attack (possible with both Mars and Zeus involved), or who shun some of the energies (like refusing the Self-discipline of Saturn), surely inviting suppression or boundary-setting from an external source.

As of Thursday, the 5th, I’ll be unavailable, and not in proximity of a computer, and that means there will be no daily entries and no purchases of ECLIPSE or my books will be possible (you can order but they won’t be processed and sent until the 9th or 10th). My apologies–I will do a brief overview tomorrow for the weekend here at the blog, and if anyone would like to get the magazine or order a book, now’s the time! http://dogandsunflower.wordpress.com/new-summer-2010-eclipse/

And to ECLIPSE readers–any problems with the page? You’re all so quiet (even though I know you’re going there!) Anything you’d like to see there, please sign in and leave your suggestions in the page comment section–and a special Thank you to all those kind Souls who purchase the mag and then answer my note with a note of their own! It adds a lovely touch, I enjoy hearing how you’re doing, and it makes it all so much more personal–Much appreciated!

Today’s Link: Beth Turnage knows all about Sedna; see her excellent discussion of it in a real-life chart here http://www.astrologyexplored.com/new-astrological-discoveries-a-reader-asks-about-her-sedna/ 

And have a great one!

ECLIPSE Bonus Page is Up!

30 Friday Jul 2010

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Unbelievable, I know, but I got moving and got the page up earlier than planned. The password is featured at the end of the initial article on Finding Creativity in the Summer issue of the magazine. Come one, come All, ECLIPSE readers, and share your thoughts–see you there! (Link above and to your right under ‘Pages’)

And for those who still need their copy of ECLIPSE, with detailed forecasts for the coming three-month period, articles on the creative complex, Pluto, and so much more, get it here http://dogandsunflower.wordpress.com/new-summer-2010-eclipse/ Thank you!

28 July 2010: Pointing Out Our Creative Clout

28 Wednesday Jul 2010

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Though with a Pisces Moon encouraging a mellow (what a ’70s word!) creative atmosphere (and with this peaking at 3-5 PM PDT as the Moon trines Pallas in Water), we might wonder at those energies making a low-level but persistent irritation for us; they may harsh our buzz, if you’ll pardon the hippie-talk, without us understanding exactly why–the discord is seemingly contained in a handful of aspects that we’ll review here.

First, the Mars/ Chiron quincunx at 29 degrees of their respective signs=it’s a feeling of Earth emergency v. Air emergency as the two energies vie for attention. The doing energy of Mars calls us to remedy the material/ physical situation, but we are thinking we’re wounded, or that this is a situation we must heal, rather than change with action. It’s a matter of perspective; the Saturn/ Uranus opposition plays on this, with this long-term energy of stasis v. radical change being hit by transiting Mercury–with Merc’s quincunx to Uranus causing spontaneous, quirky, and unnecessarily radical and rebellious thoughts–great for invention, innovation, and the creative ‘lift,’ and bad for everything else, as it inserts a level of excitement that may be interpreted by our brains as fear.

There’s also the quincunx between Juno and Neptune, offering creative empowerment if we’ll take the energy in hand and acknowledge Self-responsibility (both for what we created and what we make of what’s handed to us). This all, Juno, Neptune, Chiron, Mars, makes a loose Finger of God that suggests if we take advantage of (and responsibility for) the energies we can make something that is greater than the sum of its parts. Not a bad promise at all.

Mars/ Saturn (solid action, or suppression) opposes Uranus/ Jupiter (bursts of innovative energy, or exaggerated instability) and all squared by Pluto, suggesting we can destroy or transform using this impetus–it’s not over yet.

On the radar: by tomorrow Venus squares Ceres; expect something along these lines: values, finances, or relationships are challenged by authorities or the maternal force; or one’s aesthetics are dissed by Mom; or two ladies clash, and it’s obvious they have different asset-sets (and so different priorities/ weaknesses/ strengths) which likely stir jealousy and a competitive desire to ‘win’ on both sides. This is an energy that can seem to jump out of nowhere (especially when we feel very ‘together’ and so think we’re invulnerable to this kind of emotion and tender-ego response!)

Want to know what’s coming? Want to explore your own ‘creative complex’? Want to be in on the inside discussion at the mag’s private page (coming August 1st)? Grab the newest ECLIPSE http://dogandsunflower.wordpress.com/new-summer-2010-eclipse/ And to all those who’ve already so generously supported the mag–Thank You!

Don’t want to miss any new postings here? Irritated by aggregators that don’t pick up every post, and you don’t get the scoop in a timely way? Sign up for email notifcation of every new entry (upper right of this page) or capture the RSS feed in your favorites (also uppoer right).

Today’s Link: Excellent commentary on Saturn/ Uranus: http://chirotic.wordpress.com/2010/07/26/the-war-of-earth-and-sky/

Good News and Bad News

26 Monday Jul 2010

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Now that we’re all basking in the light of this Full Full Full Moon, it’s time to publish the NEW Fall issue of ECLIPSE! The good news is it’s bigger than ever, with an expanded, almost day-by-day forecast for August, September, and October, special sections on the upcoming Mercury retrograde, advice on the effects and best way to deal with Venus retrograde, the direction of Merc and Pluto that’s almost simultaneous, and so much more!

The bad news is, 1) I’m still the only astrologer writing it, so you may suffer a slight overdose of me, and 2) I’ve decided to raise the price, as these past ten months (the time I’ve been putting these issues together) have shown me that I want to continue to do this, but my client time, and thus my income, has suffered dramatically. Now that I’m sure I’ll continue to make the investment of time and energy, I feel like I need to change things up, and get in for the long-haul–and a hike in the price will allow me to make it, along with the blogs (especially Been There, Done That, which I’ve neglected) the focus of my daily efforts.

Check out the current issue, Summer 2010, here http://dogandsunflower.wordpress.com/new-summer-2010-eclipse/ And thank you!

21 July 2010: Neptune Inspires Us

21 Wednesday Jul 2010

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The Sun sextile Saturn forms the base to a Finger of God with apex Neptune, and here’s the thing: this could be pointing the way for today, if we can organize ourselves and envision solid goals. Neptune in Aquarius will receive the energy, taking it to a level that is imbued with ideals and creativity, and a high degree of ability to conceptualize–but only if we can turn our attention completely in the direction of the productive (Saturn). But we can’t ignore Chiron; it’s there, conjunct Neptune, acting as its own potential, separate outlet for the Sun/ Saturn co-operation, and this could come forward as a call to bring the Chirotic skills out to play. If we can combine both Neptune and Chiron, we can enjoy a tremendously effective and energetically ‘charged’ opportunity to further our material and real-life agendas. A scant few will be distracted by the Chiron wound–and if that’s you, it’s an indication that you need to address the place that the primal hurt holds in your consciousness. It suggests you are so focused on ‘living the hurt’ that you may miss opportunities to seriously improve things for yourself.

Juno sextiles Mars, each 5 degrees from one of the base bodies (Mars to Saturn, Juno to Sun), offering a kind of shadow effect, with empowerment efforts and action combining to support the Neptune/ Chiron positive expression (or to act out the Chirotic wound, this latter likely in a Neptunian way that involves avoiding reality, somehow).

Meanwhile the Sagittarius Moon takes all day to work its way to a square to Venus, sextile to Zeus, and quincunx to the South Node, 3 PM-ish PDT. We may be cruising along until this forms, then POW! our freewheelin’ ways run up against unexpected and relatively unpleasant relationship or financial issues, and they’re likely repeats from the past–so that our protestations about what a surprise they are don’t really hold up–we could’ve seen it coming, if we’d only been able to acknowledge that the issues weren’t resolved.

By 8 AM PDT of the 22nd the Moon conjuncts Ceres, squares Vesta, and soon thereafter trines Mercury and quincunxes Sedna. This unites the emotional Self with a sense of authority and a strong conscious connection to nature, but this may challenge what we honor, or may disrupt the home or sex life, and this all gets communicated, perhaps without our realizing it. It’s a slippery, weird emotional slope where we only want to follow natural inclinations that make us feel strong, and the next thing we know we’ve stepped on a variety of toes. No way around it, just stay as conscious as possible, and perhaps refrain from volunteering info we don’t really need to share.

And have a great day! Very shortly we’ll have a new issue of ECLIPSE and the new book on Juno–watch for details!