Category Archives: current events in the sky

Thoughts On Jupiter and Saturn, Together Again (Or Still?) + Your Weekend 19-21 December 2020 Expect A Blossoming

17 Thursday Dec 2020

Posted by in astrology, current events in the sky, forecast, Jupiter-Saturn conjunction, Saturn in Aquarius, Sun/Mercury Superior Conjunction, Weekend Astrology, Winter Solstice

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Cherry Blossoms in the Evening, by Matsubayashi Keigetsu, Kabuki-za, Tokyo, Japan 1951 {{PD}}

If you’re an astrology aficionado, you’ve likely been focused for some time on the potentials of this current (as Jupiter and Saturn started out within orb of each other in Capricorn early December-ish, with Saturn going into Aquarius first) and future connection (perfecting at 8:14 AM of the 21st at 00 Aquarius 28 as Jupiter catches up). There’s a lot of material out there, so I won’t try to be definitive; I’ll just offer a few observations. One thing we should note right away is that this is an aspect happening now, and that means it’s happening to everyone–and that makes where it falls in the individual natal chart of prime importance, in terms of sorting out the meaning for each one of us.

What effect we can expect in the natal House where this conjunction occurs? We might want to look at Jupiter in Capricorn as previous beliefs about rules, or maybe freedom provided by structure or an intact system, the scaffolding beneath the social order, or beliefs in institutions, authorities, or elders, and Saturn in Capricorn as the hammer coming down, suggesting areas where we have become completely hemmed in, if possible even more so than ever before, and these applying to one or more subjects of the natal House(s) holding Capricorn. With Saturn’s move into Aquarius, we take a Higher Mind perspective: I see why this is as it is, I understand the human need for boundaries, for understanding the nature of things–and I see where I should (and can most effectively) rebel, and gain true independence. We can flag which barriers need to come down, which authorities to support, and with Jupiter’s Aquarius debut, we start sorting our place in the social order, asking ourselves, to which groups do I genuinely belong, and where should I strike out on my own?

There are so many possible permutations of this, so many potential manifestations, but we can sum up at least one related idea as ‘More Or Less’. We may see a marked expansion of one thing even as we see a diminishing of another. These may be complementary (happening in tandem–more water in the glass means less air) or they may not relate to each other at all (a glass of air, and a glass of water, and ne’er the twain shall meet), or loss and gain, the modernizing of beliefs and life structures (to include those institutions and others we support and regard as holding authority), beliefs coming up against reality (and vice versa), more rules, greater restrictions, real-world opportunities that could lead to positions of authority, an elevation in status, or that might age us in place!

Also consider the way the conjunction could unite matters of the two Houses ruled by these planets. It’ll be a pairing with the Saturn-ruled House following the Jupiter-ruled one, meaning that the larger idea of the consequences of learning from and dealing with matters of one House lead to development of our attitudes toward matters of the following one. For instance, if you have Sagittarius on the 1st and so Capricorn on the 2nd, you may see how your personal efforts to expand, reach out to the world, go adventurin’, to teach or learn, or the famous, bachelor-esque, ‘can’t pin me down’ attitude has brought about some sort of Capricornian development affecting personal assets, earning capabilities, talent expression, or the way you feel about and see yourself. Maybe one’s cavalier attitude in dating the boss’ daughter has made her father consider you unsuited for promotion–or maybe your sunny optimism has created reward, a chance at talent expression, or a promotion you might not have otherwise been offered.

Embrace the Real, or Fail to Heal: For the 19th, we’re offered a crisp, clear view of reality–will we take it in? We see precisely where we are able to exercise our power and prerogatives in the real world (Saturn sxt Juno), and are offered a chance to not only adjust our thinking accordingly, aided by fine-tuned instincts, but find we’re at a point where past efforts coalesce into perceptible results (Superior Conjunction of the Sun and Mercury, Mercury qnx Sedna). There’s only one issue, really, but it’s a major one: we may also become aware of how much we gain by keeping alive our wounds (Venus trine Chiron). Love can heal, but for some of us, it will be a struggle to let go of something we’ve seen pay off so handsomely.

The Devil Made Me Do It: Our challenge for the 20th is to sort fact from fancy, as what’s at stake is much more important than we realize in the moment. We may be tempted to violate our highest values, do what’s unhealthy, spill secrets, harm relationships (this either because we can’t keep what we know to ourselves or because of our own desire to be disruptive), all possibly driven by a deeply held belief that we’re being held back or held down. That’s not true; if we go with unfettered fantasy today, we cause our own downfall (Neptune opp Vesta, Venus qnx Black Moon Lilith and Uranus, and parallel Saturn, Mercury sesq Hygeia).

Be Optimistic: The 21st sees both the Saturn-Jupiter conjunction and the Solstice, the longest night of the year in the Northern hemisphere, the shortest in the Southern. Personal effects may be momentarily overshadowed by larger matters, societal or even global ones–and that’s okay, though in all arenas there will be intimations, at the very least, of shifts in power (Pluto semi-sq Ceres). We’ll have plenty of time going forward to consider the conjunction’s effects; right now enjoy that tinge of optimism in the air (Venus parallel Jupiter). Until then, stay safe, and enjoy this point of extremes in our yearly trip around the Sun!

Your Week 15-18 December 2020 Think On It

15 Tuesday Dec 2020

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‘Portrait of the Artist’s Son (Heikki Järnefelt)’
By Eero Järnefelt 1887 {{PD}}

This week I’m going to lump Friday in with the weekdays, as it appears to have a ‘set the stage’ vibe for the weekend. And for today, the 15th, we experience a post-eclipse sorting out that requires attention to those things we may find inconvenient (especially our own erraticism) and or what we’d rather ignore or deny (Mercury sesq Uranus and Black Moon Lilith). This benefits both planning centered on ambitions and desire fulfillment and real world matters, allowing us to get a fix on the far horizon, and should be the theme of our week (Merc sxt Zeus, Venus sxt Saturn and entering Sagittarius, Merc nov Pallas). The thing we need to know, though, is that now’s not the time to act, especially on goals and ambitions (Mars contra-parallel and then opp Zeus); this need to remain static continues through Friday the 18th. Use this period to plan, strategize, and consider–you’ll be glad you did, as the mind is naturally attuned to facts, while real-world knowledge from the past presents us with usable alternatives in the present (Saturn nov South Node), with illumination of most situations in their ‘best light’ by the time of the Superior Conjunction on the 19th.

The 16th continues this trend, with the added needed to consider physical matters with a Higher Mind perspective, as Saturn enters Aquarius. We gain, especially via the social scene, when we show others we’re willing to be responsible for ourselves (Jupiter sxt Juno), rather than looking to others to ‘fix’ what’s not working. The 17th builds on previous trends by delivering a little reward of Love or Money that reflects what we truly value, and truly desire–so that’s something to look forward to, with benefits coming from a stroke of genius within relationships, values expression, or in working toward our goals (Venus nov Zeus).

The 18th asks us to deploy our smarts, to take advantage of past social ‘investments’ for what they can yield now, and to be willing to listen to that interior voice known as instinct, because it can inspire ‘right’ choice (Jupiter nov SN, Venus sxt Pallas, Sun qnx Sedna). What’s wise is found in relationship dynamics and in cold, hard numbers, though today it’s still vital we don’t definitively act or choose, because we won’t do or choose well (Mars opp Zeus)–that comes tomorrow.

Tomorrow’s Eclipse

13 Sunday Dec 2020

Posted by in current events in the sky, eclipse, Solar Eclipse, Transit Effects Explored

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By Kudaibergen Urinbayev – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=46217328

In case you haven’t seen it, here’s something on tomorrow morning’s Solar eclipse–and if it aspects any of your natal placements, there’s something here on what to possibly look for. Have a wonderful eclipse, and stay safe!

Your Weekend 11-13 December 2020 Challenge To Balance

10 Thursday Dec 2020

Posted by in astrology, current events in the sky, Dark of the Moon, forecast, Weekend Astrology

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‘Woman Holding a Balance’ By
Johannes Vermeer c1664 {{PD}}

Catch the report for the Solar eclipse of the 14th here–

Real life is inconvenient, isn’t it? And why oh why, Friday the 11th, are your influences so difficult to balance, so irritating, and why are we so annoyed by others? We think we’re sassy (Mars trine SN, Sun conj and parallel SN, the latter something that happens during eclipse season) when we may really be lashing out based on old hurts; we’re hyper-sensitive, too, going out of our way to protect all those raw spots we’d rather not acknowledge (Vesta parallel Black Moon Lilith) and that’s not smart (Vesta sesq Pallas) as it puts our reactive responses (and our vulnerabilities) on display. How to handle this? Talk it out, communicate, even if our thoughts aren’t especially coherent or if our feelings about things are messy (Mercury trine Hygeia). Problems come when we think our empowerment rests on following our instincts–but today those instincts are either inaccessible or distorted by unrecognized feeling (Juno opp Sedna)–so talk, write, send ‘the message’, concentrate on expressing–that will alleviate tension, probably keep us from getting into it with others, and may reveal ourselves to ourselves, in ways that at other times may be hard to come by.

Something to keep in mind as we approach the Solar eclipse: we’re in Dark of the Moon territory, which means the Lunar impetus behind much of what we do is missing–and that can impart its own sense of drifting, unreality, and ungroundedness to proceedings. Not a time to start anything new, and also not a time to try to pin down our own or others’ feelings. Be kind, be (carefully) receptive, and note what floats in and out of both your own consciousness and your world, as this can give helpful hints to what’s bubbling up from the unconscious or currently hidden from view.

The 12th can be met by following two guidelines (or maybe we should call them warnings): 1) don’t communicate anything that conflicts with your genuine deepest values–it’s not smart, and may get you into circumstances or commitments you will be unwilling or unable to continue (Mercury sq Vesta and semi-sq Pallas); and 2) every single thing before us today, every single item highlighted, spotlighted, or illuminated for us will reflect something we need to attend to, recognize, deal with, or accept (Sun sesq Black Moon Lilith). Don’t look away, and don’t betray your own standards–thus endeth today’s admonitions.

On the 13th our own beliefs or philosophies may be stronger than ‘the facts’, which we will almost certainly misunderstand (Mercury sq Neptune and nov Jupiter); this can be good, if faith is called for, but disastrous if we embrace fiction at the expense of reality. Overall, we may be resistant to the real-world situation in relationships and/ or finances, out of a mistaken idea that this is the way to preserve our power and influence (Venus opp Sedna and parallel Ceres), and we have a complicated relationship to ourselves, as well, being knocked off balance by our own erraticism or originality (Sun sesq Uranus) or by the unexpected or by accident, even as we see the options for ambition fulfillment in the upset, and can pinpoint what’s really smart, if we’re open to admitting or acknowledging it (Sun sxt Zeus and nov Pallas). So, it’s a mixed bag where we’re required to walk a tightrope of sorts; results depend on how quickly we can respond to the winds of change, as well as how invested we are in seeing things a particular way, versus in the most objective one.

Solar Eclipse in Sagittarius 2020 Moon in Blue

09 Wednesday Dec 2020

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

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By alyssa BLACK. from toronto, canada – full moon., CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=76519128

This New Moon of the 14th occurs at 8:17 AM PST and is also an eclipse, falling at 23 Sagittarius 08, preceding the Superior Conjunction of the Sun and Mercury at 29 degrees in just about a week. This adds an element of building tension to what is normally with a New Moon a ‘fresh start’ energetically, a clean slate that typically signals the origins of a new beginning. That means new circumstances arrange themselves around an already-tense situation, lending things a ‘jumped into the fire’ quality, and this is even more noticeable because an eclipse on its own signals a wipe-out of previous arrangements–and that means we may find ourselves in the midst of a conflagration (Sag is a Fire sign) that we absolutely have not anticipated–and that quite possibly interferes with manifestation of the new start.

The eclipse doesn’t make many aspects–the major ones are loose, so it’s to the minor ones my attention goes first, as this implies a subtle and nuanced eclipse picture. The eclipse is closely semi-sextile Pluto, suggesting that small discomforts or inconveniences create big change, while the New Moon also noviles Pallas in Aquarius and sesquiquadrates Uranus. This combo implies the influence of the Higher Mind and/ or ‘the group’ in events, with those influences arriving through difficult Uranian means: an accident, a troublesome or unanticipated serendipity, the crashing down of a larger spiritual Truth, the exercise of and surprise brought forward by one’s own originality, or the spotlight on one’s position in (or perhaps alienation from) the group. However, the novile tells us that this spurs or is spurred by something smart, motivated by wisdom or practicality, maybe by the way the Universe presents a set of trying events and then asks, ‘What will you do?’.

Pluto and Uranus both aspecting the eclipse could imply a spark-to-flame destructive event that clears the way for something entirely new–in any case, what happens may be disturbing, upsetting, unsettling, even traumatic, or just unexpected, surprising, but will be for the good (see the Sabian symbol, below).

The square to Neptune is too wide, for my taste, suggesting that we may think that misleading information, the creative urge, the dream, or a mirage, any or all related to the emotional state, is a motivation when it’s really not. Zeus in Libra is sextile the New Moon, suggesting that ambitions involving relationships we want, or the way relationships affect us going after ambitions, is on the agenda. There is a trine to Mars in his own sign of Aries, telling us how easily we may act, based on a relatively sketchy picture or our own hair-trigger temper; the sense is of being profoundly aware that we are all alone, that we must do something, and this may come from events or be the agent of them, and is probably the driver in the relationship scenario: we must act to make a reality of the desired relationship, or we must act in order to fix a situation where a relationship is precluding our ability to go after what we want.

A New Moon in Sagittarius is typically a Moon where we learn something, are exposed to something foreign, or see the origins of new beliefs or philosophies coalesce; the Sabian is, ‘A Bluebird Perched On The Gate Of A Cottage’. Well that’s idyllic, isn’t it? A bluebird is a symbol for happiness, the ‘bursting out in song’ kind, and its position, at ease on a garden gate, suggests a peaceful environment where the bird feels safe, an ‘in its element’ sensibility. As the Sabian for a New Moon eclipse, this might imply we learn or are exposed to something that brings happiness in the way of feeling ‘at home’ in some situation, or with some change or new start that occurs. It’s a reassuring symbol that tells us in spite of any indications to the contrary within the scenario or related to the initial upset, we’ll be happier with our new circumstances than we were with our old ones.

Special note: those with a natal placement between 21 and 24 of Taurus may find the eclipse brings a real ‘do-or-die’ point in matters of ambition and desire fulfillment, relative to the natal energy, which will act as apex to a Finger of God with base of the eclipse and Zeus. What you’ve been aiming for, wanting, even lusting for will be addressed through the energy of the eclipse, and the result will funnel through the natal point. Good luck with that!

Your Week 8-10 December 2020 Take A Bite

07 Monday Dec 2020

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‘Big Mouth Boat in Liberty State Park, NJ’ Photo By
Ludovic Bertron 2009 CC BY 2.0

On the 8th, words could dig deep, carry destructive undertones, be delivered with the dark shadows that lie behind them peeking through, or could transform us–and this goes both directions, both what we communicate and what’s communicated to us. It’s Mercury parallel Pluto, so more subtle than we might expect–and potentially more serious, in terms of creating, possibly inadvertently, permanent or irrevocable change. This can also lend thoughts and reasoning the ability to x-ray matters and see to their essence, but can also make for unnecessarily pessimistic takes on current matters. Words have power right now, and even the unspoken surges with the power to alter or destroy, so take care with what you put out there, and be aware of the deeper undercurrent, the menacing shadow, or the potential seeds of big, serious change carried within each and every message.

For the 9th optimism may swell to bursting–but we should note it’s definitely not accompanied by a clear or straightforward creative urge–our sunny disposition could seriously mislead us (Sun sq Neptune)–so that if we try to ignore or skip over problems in implementing ‘the dream’ we may tie ourselves in a knot, or worse, bite off way more than we can chew (and when that happens, we choke!) Excess, especially material excess, is in the air with Jupiter in Capricorn closing in to perfect a conjunction to Saturn, aspecting Sedna by trine and receiving a semi-square from Mercury and a novile from the Sun. This means we see the opportunity in things, but may not be willing to think it through or to listen to what we ‘know but don’t know’, to incorporate that ‘blind spot’ material that we desperately need to take into account. Do your best and make tentative plans, ones that stick to current rules while still considering the potential for taking innovative turns later.

The 10th sees change happen whether we like it or not. Winners see and deal with what is, are flexible in attitude, and quick to go with the current that carries those inevitable transformative energies so that through participation they can exert an influence. Winners are tuned in to reality, listen to their own instincts, and are willing to do what’s necessary to make change as smooth as possible; losers fight it all and, well, lose (Mars parallel Sedna, Venus sxt Pluto, Mercury nov Pluto, parallel SN, and semi-sq Saturn, Sun parallel Mercury, nov Saturn, and trine Mars).

Your Weekend 4-7 December 2020 An Enlightenment Burger

03 Thursday Dec 2020

Posted by in astrology, Astrology and Identity, current events in the sky, Daily Guidance, forecast, Weekend Astrology

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By Jean-Pierre Dalbéra from Paris, France – https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Buddha_meditating,_Tokyo_National_Museum,_Japan.jpg, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=85721363

If you didn’t like the last post, you’re really not going to like this one, as I ask, When will all the Self-congratulation end? Don’t get me wrong; I’m all for enjoying our triumphs and accomplishments, and there are plenty of people who have trouble recognizing when they have accomplished, when they have created, who fail to see that they have made a difference, and they need to celebrate and be celebrated. No, what I’m talking about is the perpetual Self-talk that honors a desired image, rather than a genuine status achieved.

This is most difficult to sort out when the lauded state is ostensibly framed as a spiritual one; that kind of boast is a ‘humble brag’ with a dual purpose: convince others of our own spiritual purity and elevation, and convince ourselves. I’m speaking of things like confusing spiritual routine and practice (daily meditation, particular kinds of yoga, pilgrimages, sessions with a life coach, spiritual advisor, and yes, astrologer, to name just a few possibilities) with spiritual revelation or enlightenment. One is meant to bring about the other, yes, but it doesn’t guarantee it. Spiritual practice is like eating–it’s meant to sate a temporary hunger, it’s not intended to fill you up for a lifetime. That is, revelation or enlightenments, big or small, can come at any time, in pursuit of or avoidance of any thing–intoning ‘om’ doesn’t prove you’ve earned (and so can claim) a state of enlightenment, any more than eating one proves you’ve earned a hamburger–the two concepts aren’t necessarily causal, aren’t even necessarily connected.

At this point you might be asking, where’s the astrology in all this? Well, we have a duo of aspects for the 4th that, when combined, may exert this kind of pull on the ego, the kind that drives us to let others know just how enlightened (or powerful, or knowing) we are: Mars novile Sedna, and the Sun novile Pluto. The novile is an aspect of brilliance, a flash of momentary genius sparked by the contact of the two bodies. Like two bits of flint, nothing special occurs when they’re on their own, but dash them against the right ‘steel’, and you can start a fire.

In this case, the applying body acts as the crucible to hold the spark–and that means there’s a good chance that the ego, the Will, the role we want to play (with the Sun suggesting idealization at a Soul level), won’t allow the spark to ignite at a deeper level; chances are about even that we’ll see the inner knowing, ‘what we know but don’t (consciously) know’, the instinct or, less frequently, the information that lies in our ‘blind spot’ (Sedna), inform a desire for Power (Pluto), in whatever form that appeals to us–and the siren song of spiritual power can be irresistible, for some.

So, be aware of this potential in yourself, and aware of the potentiality in the world around you. The other influences perfecting right now may make us particularly vulnerable to ego exertions or the need to patch over our vulnerability. The South Node sesquiquadrates Black Moon Lilith, while Mercury quincunxes that calculated spot and squares Ceres–all speak of discomfort with matters we’d rather not deal with, especially a sense of being a victim of the past, or of those who held (or still hold) power over us.

But, there are mitigating influences to be found in Mercury’s parallel to Saturn and trine to Chiron. If we can focus our mind on what’s healed and needs healing (and so how to achieve that healing), and ground this in real-world steps, plans, and decisions that aid these, we don’t have to confront the less savory aspects head-on; we can instead focus on our own and others’ genuine well-being, which isn’t as flashy as a turn around the dance floor with the ego, but is a lot more useful and dare I say, ultimately both honest and soothing.

By the 5th we open the gates to the imagination and to creative energy via relationships and/ or spurred by financial questions, and for some, through a recognized need to live values (Venus trine Neptune). We can find an ideal Love, an ideal Expression, or an ideal financial situation–at least, that’s what it looks like right now–and there’s the potential to gain from taking a spiritual approach to those things we value; that is, vetting material or relationship choices through the lens of what we see as ‘the perfect attitude’.

This may not be immediately easily acted on, though (Venus qnx Mars, Sun semi-square Jupiter and Pallas, Mercury semi-square Zeus), and that’s a good thing, keeping us from over-committing or from an unwise investment. What we can do most effectively, and what we have scads of, is optimism, and possibly a myriad of opportunities to choose from and plan for (Mercury parallel Jupiter). Make efforts theoretical, at this point–‘best laid plans’ are best laid right now.

On the 6th we can draw a gem from the past that offers us a power boost in the present (Pallas nov SN, Sun parallel Pluto). This is available to us if we’re willing to do two things: be flexible in our uniqueness of expression (that is, can we accept an edit?) or our insistence on either being ‘in’ or ‘out’ with ‘the Group’, and willing to question our own values. Remember, it should never be threatening to simply examine what our highest standards really imply–if it is, then those values definitely need examination, as does whatever we’re ‘defending’ by avoiding examination (Mercury qnx Uranus and semi-sq Pluto, Sun sq Vesta).

By the 7th we’re not only feeling strong enough to take those edits suggested yesterday, we can face our own demons and with grace modify our relationships and asset usage to reflect our deepest values. Bonus: this offers healing to what had been a difficult situation (Ceres sextile Black Moon Lilith, Venus qnx NN and sesq Chiron).

Your Week: 1-3 December 2020 Cool Your Heels

01 Tuesday Dec 2020

Posted by in astrology, current events in the sky, Daily Guidance, forecast, Weekly Astrology

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By MarsPF2 – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=35406445

That’s a really old saying, isn’t it? ‘Cool your heels’–calm down, don’t rush, be patient. Nobody wants to hear it, but sometimes it’s the best advice you can get–and post-eclipse, it almost always applies.

The appetite for astrological updates and in-the-moment commentary is endless, voracious, and I hate to say, indiscriminate. The want for more information about tomorrow is understandable, but also typically accompanied by a lack of processing of the current data. That is, people always want to know what’s coming; they’re looking ahead to the change, rather than to what they can do right now. Even when they’ve received info for today yesterday, they’re asking, ‘What about tomorrow?’ And my answer is, ‘What about it?’

I don’t mean to be glib, I mean to point out that alerting others to what’s coming doesn’t really matter if they have glossed over, consumed and discarded, failed to genuinely understand or apply today’s info. In my view, too many people read astrological material with an eye to feeling it strike a cord. That’s a bias that’s useful to a point, but also only tends to reinforce what they’ve already sensed (or, worse, been simply hoping for, wish fulfillment). If one absorbs only what one already ‘knows’ or wants to believe, one absorbs very little.

It’s a challenge to actually stop and think about information you’ve received that you might find uncomfortable, that might contradict one’s wants, that might be hard to hear–and that challenge can be summed up this way, as a question: Do you want to grow?

Here’s a little catch-up, on what the eclipse brought.

Today, the 1st of December, Mercury enters Sagittarius, and the natural tendency is for the mind to reach out, to roam, to look for knowledge–but unless we are willing to actually see and process what’s before us, we end up skimming over what’s presented, only becoming aware of what corresponds to already-held beliefs. Knowing that’s the inclination, we can use this shift in energy two ways: one is to unfetter our usual way of thinking, allowing the mind to genuinely wander–and that invites us into new, undiscovered, stimulating territory.

The other is a means of alignment, a good way to measure what we take in during this transit: is it factual? That’s a Jupiterian specialty, an association likely growing out of Jupiter’s other tendency, to exaggerate. Being careful to sort belief or philosophy (also both Jupiter-oriented) from facts is important, and will pay off; we can’t be misled if we accept info that doesn’t take a viewpoint, that is made up of bald realities. As CNN’s John King said of the election, “It’s not fraud, it’s math.” (And here’s where I give a gentle nudge to those ‘it’s on the cusp’-ers, those who want to read a placement as if it’s the next or previous House or sign if it’s close to the margin: the math tells you where it is, and what to interpret it as–it’s not up for debate).

If you skipped down to that 1st of December listing, because you told yourself you don’t have time for my jibber-jabber, then ‘cool your heels’ is meant for you directly. Or maybe what I can best say is: this blog isn’t meant for you, and you’ll get very little out of it. You’ll be happier and better served by someone my husband describes as ‘blowing sun sign sunshine’, an astrologer who specializes in the massively general and upbeat. There’s nothing terribly wrong with that; it certainly serves a purpose, it’s just not the purpose I want to serve.

So, by the 2nd we either nail down the practicalities or the wise course to take (Saturn conj Pallas), or we suppress what’s smart in favor of bolstering personal authority or ambition (Merc parallel Ceres and nov Zeus). The interesting thing is, we would normally think this could play out either well (if we respect our own inner wisdom) or badly (if we serve ambition or hubris), but this time it all hinges on whether we value our own highest standards and commitments (Venus sxt Vesta). That’s what determines our real-world success or lack of it–so know what you stand for, before you engage.

The 3rd suggests we may become aggressive, or feel compelled to assert ourselves, out of sheer discomfort (Merc sesq Mars), especially if that’s an irritation that comes from the disparities in our own thinking, or our chafing at what is communicated to us. That could seriously threaten health or relationships, or even the financial picture, and could lead to a disconnect between our effectiveness and our highest values (Vesta contra-parallel Juno, Venus contra-parallel and square Hygeia). Put healthy practices, connections, and commitments first, and try to keep irritability in check–you’ll be glad you did.

This ‘n That, On The Way to the Lunar Eclipse of 30 November 2020

24 Tuesday Nov 2020

Posted by in astrology, Configurations, current events in the sky, eclipse, Full Moon, Lunar Eclipse, Retrogrades + Directions, Sabian Symbols

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By Étienne Léopold Trouvelot 1882 Buy prints of his extraordinary work at https://publicdomainreview.org/collection/the-trouvelot-astronomical-drawings-1882

The upcoming eclipse is a Full Moon at 8 Gemini 38 at 1:26 AM PST of the 30th, and as with every Full Moon, we’re likely already feeling a building tension, attached to some matter either in the natal House where the eclipse occurs, or in some Lunar-related area of our lives (and that can be something involving your Lunar placement, something ruled by the Moon in the natal chart, or a Lunar topic in general, such as mothering, intuition, or nurture). This one, though, being an eclipse, brings a wipe-out to some kind of thinking that has become outmoded, shakes up ideas or perceptions, likely through difficult, unusual, shocking events, because of assertions by ‘the group’, or through accidents, serendipities, or sudden insights provided by Higher Mind (the Sun, which is of course opposed the eclipse and the illuminator of the Moon, quincunx to Uranus). With Full Moon events we alter our thinking or perceptions because of emotional or intuitive ‘enlightenment’ of one kind or another.

The eclipse is apex to a loose Fist of God with base of Pluto-Zeus, suggesting that eclipse revelations (another Uranian concept!) may bring resolution to conflicts between ambitions and desires (Zeus) and matters of Power (Pluto), now held, recently lost, or currently sought. It’s an equation arising from clashes, upset as catalyst to an answer that doesn’t just allow emotional satisfaction or relief, but that changes how we think, how we process ideas of Power and our own wants, as well.

If we really want to be loose with our numbers (and who doesn’t, once in a while, in the name of recognizing the flow of energy?) we can find the eclipse as part of the base of a Finger of God with a wide sextile to Chiron, apex a Venus that’s not really quincunx Chiron, but is linked via the Lunar event. The Finger implies if we can heal something about our own ego, our expression of Will, our actions and choices (which might mean forgiving ourselves for something we’ve done), or heal some concept we have around our own aloneness, whether literal or existential (all Aries, linked to Chiron’s current location), and do this in tandem with or prompted by eclipse events, then we can harmonize some schism, unite in relationship or via aesthetics, or discover some vital Truth (Venus in Scorpio).

Our Sabian for the Full Moon is, ‘A Quiver Filled With Arrows‘. The events of this eclipse arm us, give us plenty of chances to ‘hit the target’; whatever occurs, then, offers a kind of resource, something that facilitates our own activity. The Sun, light-giver and reason for the apparent eclipse phenomenon in the first place, has the Sabian, ‘A Mother Leads Her Small Child Step By Step Up A Steep Stairway’. Are we the mother, or the small child? I see this as the Universe being the mother, showing us the way, assisting us as we try to do better, as we try to climb. That means, then, that if you are knocked back a bit by eclipse events, that the larger flow is telling you that whatever you were trying or after isn’t for you–at least not right now. Taking a warning is always better than ignoring one, wouldn’t you agree?

For a little something on possible effects of eclipse contact to your natal chart, you can take a look here–

Before the Eclipse

The 25th-29th brings hurtful thinking (or possibly thinking that works at solving the kinks inherent to utilizing our skills), but also circumstances that firmly support our personal authority and expression, and this sets a success dynamic in place through the eclipse. If we dwell on slights we short-circuit the positive impetus, but if we examine hurt in light of how to heal, how to prevent further damage, and/ or for the part we played in its creation, we empower ourselves significantly, and open the door to both skill utilization and surrounding conditions that facilitate our intents.

Look at it like this: there’s a lot of good mojo available to those who 1) aren’t afraid of their own power, and at the same time willingly embrace genuine responsibility (and that latter is as opposed to saying one is responsible but not actually dealing with a matter); 2) those who actively value the most original and unique parts of themselves (and by extension, who accept those things in others); 3) who wield power in areas that are specifically appropriate to who and what they are (in the largest, Universal sense, not in the worldly ‘labels and qualifications’ kind); and 4) those who are both honest with themselves AND able to listen to instincts (being honest means the instincts are indeed instincts–not wishful thinking or personal propaganda–and so can be trusted). Center efforts on something meaningful to you at a Soul level, and you just might make significant progress at this time.

During this period we also see Neptune turn around in his home sign of Pisces (late afternoon PST of the 28th)–and he does so poised to make his first contact (excluding Lunar ones) by square to the Nodal axis. That suggests we all might get a dose of reality through our efforts to either move forward (NN), resolve the past (SN), or in trying to maintain continuity of past circumstances into the future (SN/NN axis). Generally, this direction should ‘lift the fog’, or otherwise allow more access to the creative (but also, make the pitfalls of the deceptive or deceitful more prominent, and so more difficult to recognize, as well).

Have yourself a merry little Thanksgiving!

Your Weekend (And Then Some) 21-24 November 2020 ‘It’s All Venus’

21 Saturday Nov 2020

Posted by in astrology, current events in the sky, The Weekly Word Image, Weekly Astrology

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Venus may encourage (or maybe force) us to look at ourselves, as much as she may comment on relationships or finances, during this period. ‘Rokeby Venus’ 1644 By
Diego Velázquez {{PD}}

Why oh why does everything feel as if it has a hidden side, or contains a trap, or involves something we aren’t informed on? Blame it on Venus entering deep-dive, mysterious Scorpio, and the Sun entering Sagittarius, the latter prompting us to look for the facts–and Venus continuing to seduce us with the idea that there’s something yet to be discovered.

For the 21st we add to the Venus theme an inability to know what to do (Mars contra-parallel Neptune) and perceptual difficulties around knowing what’s healthy for us (Mercury square Hygeia). The result may be that we act foolishly (or at least, not ideally) because we just don’t see what’s good for us! So, proceed with caution.

By the 22nd we still have choice and action difficulties, mainly driven by distorted ideas of who we are or by wonky thinking (Merc qnx Mars and contra-parallel Hygeia, Sun sesq Mars)–but, if we can embrace a role centered in personal responsibility (which automatically then confers personal authority) we can gain, benefit, or maybe even discover some of those things we were sure were being kept from us (Venus trine Ceres). A great time for negotiation, especially if you are aware of your own worth.

The 23rd we’re flooded with creative thoughts (Merc trine Neptune) but may not feel we have the authority to pursue creative goals–or it may feel as if the ways in which we’re not qualified are being pointed out left and right (Sun sq Ceres). However, that spotlighting of supposed-weaknesses is actually a great thing, because once we ‘clap back’ to the idea we’re not prepared, we discover how truly ready we are to pursue our ambitions (Sun nov Zeus). So the real impediment isn’t our skill level–we discover we’re perfectly well-equipped–it’s our failure to know what our creative impulses are really worth, how they’ll pay off or affect our relationships (Venus sesq Neptune). We can gauge all this by a simple metric: if that shiny goal or thing or reward or love or pot of gold isn’t opposed our highest values (that is, if the getting of it doesn’t require us to do something we judge as ‘wrong’), then we should go for it, knowing that fear of being inadequate to the task is just a ghost boo-hoo-hooing around in our minds (Venus contra-parallel Vesta).

On the 24th there’s really only one thing before us: Love and/ or Prosperity/ Talents face off against all those things we’ve buried, ignored, or denied in order to keep the relationship, the effort, the performance, or the venture afloat. Meet issues honestly–the clock’s run out on at least one matter you’ve been avoiding for too long–and the only way to handle it and still receive its benefits is to go through it, to unflinchingly admit what must change, what must be acknowledged, what’s long overdue for recognition or acceptance or to take on a new form, a new version of itself, one that until now has been, dare we say, thwarted. Time to fly (Venus opp Black Moon Lilith).

The Weekly Word Image is the reading of a Will, where of all who gather, only one inherits. What are our expectations in life? If we’re not careful, we can easily start to believe that something that might come our way, should come our way–and that soon segues into believing we are owed, deserve it, have earned it–and that can become the assumption that it’s winner take all. I believe we’ve had this kind of image lately because there’s an overwhelming sense in the Collective psyche that there are certain things we’re owed, and we’re going to insist on having our way–no matter what. It’s our responsibility as individuals to check our own assumptions, to pull back and accept a reasonable perspective based on the evidence, to acknowledge that just because ‘we want’ doesn’t mean circumstances must automatically conform (or that because we want, we must then be ‘right’), and that we should consider taking a beat, rather than just bulling our way forward, hell or high water.