Category Archives: current events in the sky

Jan 5 2010: I Try Something New

05 Tuesday Jan 2010

Posted by in astrology, current events in the sky

≈ 6 Comments

Tags

I’ve decided to try a daily diary-style format for a bit; seems like I’ve been out of contact a little too much of late, though I know it’s irrational to perceive writing to an audience as the kind of exchange one experiences speaking with others-–and yet I do. So, what do we have to look forward to over the coming 24? We’re starting things off with a Moon/ Uranus opposition, Moon quincunx Chiron, which is not only perfect symbology for spontaneous expression of emotion/intuition, and the potential for a demand made on the wound or the skills, it shows the ambush I just received by email: a guy “wanting some insight” on what he perceived to be a very profound moment coming up in his chart. Having absolutely no patience, I wrote quickly to say he should see the ‘Want More’ page; he wrote back, saying no thanks, he didn’t think my time was worth paying for, he thought I would want to do it because I would want to write an article about this upcoming config and, apparently, his breathtaking bad Self! I didn’t want to devote the energy to writing back to inform him that this transit configuration is of course happening to everyone (and I’m sure he’d have time to snap back that he knows this, as he doesn’t appear to have much going on–like all the people who write astrologers looking for free analysis–honestly, would you say to your doctor, I’d like some insight on these symptoms, but I shouldn’t have to pay you, because you can use this in a medical journal!?) The conjunction of Jupiter/ Uranus and their opp by Saturn later in the year will be stressful for some, challenging for others, and carry the spring-tension of a drawn bow, poised to send them hurtling forward, for still others, but it’s not, as Mr M put it, ‘a tipping point’ in any absolute sense; he threw in a square from Pluto for June, too, but let’s not get sloppy! It will be a rare human being for whom this doesn’t have some effect, as is typical when heavyweights form geometric shapes (in the flat chart) in the sky, but let’s not get our panties in a twist. It reminded me of those years when I thought I still wanted to focus on fiction; at parties or gatherings inevitably people would share what they do, and when I’d be feeling adventurous (as I’m more than aware of the pitfalls of declaring something like this in public) and admit that I’m a writer, there’d always be one or two people who would corner me at some point and insist on sharing elaborate (and typically unusually banal) story ideas or plots, and then would cheerfully declare, “You can use that, and I won’t even charge you for it!” I am continually amazed at the general lack of understanding of the creative/ generative processes displayed by the average yokel; a small, totally evil part of me always longed to thank them for sharing what a complete Tool they are–but you aren’t toolish, are you, dear reader? You’ll understand.

But you’re here to find out about your day. The Moon’s quincunx to Neptune brings confusion, a need to adjust fantasy to emotional reality, or a tiny punch to the emotions/ intuition from the ideals, reminding us what we’re really about. The Virgo Moon calls it a wrap with a quincunx to Jupiter; will the social arena demand adjustment, or will we broadcast what we feel, despite our better judgment? Or will we just follow the impetus to expand, that may promise us some emotional relief? Then we’ll see a Void, beginning 4:30-ish PM PST and lasting through 8:58 PM PST–suggesting we should sit back, relax, and not be too focused on controlling that which is clearly out of our reach.

Moon into Libra is not always as soothing as it sounds–sometimes we are put into the tension of a perpetual balancing act as we diplomatically try to please everyone. Don’t let this be you! The Moon will square Pluto by 2 AM PST of the 6th, conjunct Saturn by 4–we may be caught up in ‘iron fist in velvet glove’ syndrome, with a contest (or two) of Will v Will likely.

Anything else for today? Not really, though my attention is drawn to retro Mars as it forms a quincunx with the Sun; this may illuminate our wrong-headed actions, our missteps, and may give us a chance to course-correct before there’s any damage, or anyone else even knows. Gee, thanks, Mars!

Featured Post: http://astrologyexpressed.wordpress.com/2010/01/04/the-mighty-neptune/ I can attest to the link between Neptune and allergies–but Neeti just said nice things about my post, while describing herself as a “half-wit” due to allergy medication–should I be reading between the lines here? Just kidding! Please go check out her observations, if you haven’t already. I’m going to link to at least one outstanding post a day–so watch for this as a regular feature.

A Blue New Year’s Eve: Lunar Eclipse Dec 31st 2009

23 Wednesday Dec 2009

Posted by in current events in the sky, eclipse

≈ 12 Comments

Tags

,

There

We end the year with a Blue Moon, a second Full Moon in a single calendar month; fun, colorfully describes a rarity, but doesn’t mean a lot astrologically, as calendars aren’t strict reflections of the Cosmos, but man-made measuring conveniences. Now that I’ve stomped all the fun out of this concept, I’ll just keep going: New Year’s Eve is also arbitrary–shouldn’t it fall at the last degree of Pisces (if you’re an astrologer) or on the last day of winter (if you’re a Wicca or Druid or anyone who loves and feels the Earth) or last day of summer (whichever way your summer goes, depending on hemisphere, if you live in a really hot place–there’s a reason both Arab and Indian astrologers named a too-close to the Sun placement severely weakened)?

But, if you’re like me, you may like to believe that there’s a reason the Collective has chosen this day to designate the end of our trip around the Sun. I like to believe that our mass agreement invests some days with a wee bit of magic, and this is one of them. Plus the use of the word ‘eve’ to describe the day before something else-it holds a sense of anticipation, of something’s coming get ready: Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve, All Hallow’s Eve, Eve of Destruction–you see what I mean.

So, I approach this Blue Moon, New Year’s Eve Eclipse like a hopeful robin looking for a worm on the astroturf–it all may be artificial, but there’s got to be something good here, too! Such a pile-up of man-designated ‘events’ with one indisputably not (the eclipse) puts me in a mood to go looking for the magic–here’s what I see, for the eclipse at 10 Cancer 14 December 31st at 11:12 AM PST:

The Full Moon is in Cancer, conjunct (of course) the Earth, and when we see that our strict two degree aspect rule for eclipses gets us nothing, we realize just how soft and nurturing the reflected light of Moon in Cancer can be. It will bathe us in a glow, and the larger aspects it makes (a generous 3.5 degree max) are soft and diffuse, too, not bringing the usual clarity and psychic punch that an eclipse holds, but instead riding in on the atmosphere like a mist (or fumes, or poison gas!)  Cancer holding a meeting of the Moon and the Earth, and the power of the alignment (even though it’s partial from our viewpoint) suggests that emotional and intuitive matters will ‘announce’ themselves through material and physical circumstances, and all will be in the Cancer mode: caring and caretaking, concerned, sensitive, especially to the moods and motives of others, and not entirely from a caring point, but from a selfish one, as well, as Cancer is always prone to feel emotionally vulnerable, with the worry that they will be abandoned in some form, or not cared for, behind much of their own offers of care (“I’ll love you and care for you now, and you’ll return the feeling and favor, won’t you?’ It’s interesting that Cancer takes an active, Cardinal approach to getting what it wants–but with the Cardinals we must remember that a sense of proportion and balance comes into play–and with Cancer, the energy wants back what it gave out–in a Cancer approach to things, that’s only right). Cancer may assume obligation to care back by anybody or thing they nurture or love–and that can be the fly in the ointment for the immature (and by that I mean entity who has not grown into the full meaning of the sign) Cancer energy. So we’ll all be swimming in a soft murk of Cancer energy–we just needed to know the possible pitfalls (as the positives about genuine care and support are obvious).

Even with liberal orbs, we get very little, but it does serve to tell us what will be lurking in that nursing, nurturing, I-care-so-much-it-hurts Cancer vibe. We have a trine from the Moon/ Earth to Pallas=wisdom and skills are in harmony with the eclipse energy–but this is a reflective, Moon energy, and we would be smart to ask a few questions (and Pallas gives us the ability–it’s up to us to do so wisely): I feel it, it seems smart, but is that light coming from you or me? Am I accepting your assertion as intelligent, as my own, when maybe it’s neither? Do I have the skills and acumen to undertake or understand what’s before me? Am I using my own inner wisdom in assessing the situation before me?

The Moon/ Earth combo is also square Zeus=the asteroid Zeus is one I’ve been studying intently of late, and what it represents, in general terms, is a fitting counterpoint to the female Juno, a largely male designator (though it has meaning for a woman, as well) keyed to ambition, power, authority and the temptation to abuse it, and wilfullness (see my upcoming in-depth analysis of Zeus in the first issue of my magazine, due in January!) This aspect suggests to me that we may divide up, ever so casually, into those who are receptive (for the Moon’s light has been received–and for some, this may come with the role of victim) and those who would wield the power and control (and for some this could be as abusers, in some sense). The aspect sets up a dynamic of those who care (or who pretend to) in conflict with those who, under the guise of partnership or fairness (Zeus in Libra) will try to take the reins for themselves. This won’t necessarily be nasty; it’s simply a recognition of the motivations of each, and the way that they’re bound to conflict (square).

And the Sun in the eclipse receives a conjunction from Venus, both in Capricorn. Venus kisses the Sun, but it’s likely to be a dry, papery kiss with business on its mind, or maybe with the goal of building or solidifying something (like a relationship). The real Venus moment comes with the exact conjunction of Venus to the Sun and Moon at the Solar Eclipse to follow two weeks later–until then, romance (in the largest sense) may have to take a back seat to other, likely power related, concerns.

Did we find the magic? Not exactly-but if we tap the genuine, Moon related, Cancer oriented bits within ourselves (especially in terms of the natal House where the Moon/ Earth meeting occurs) we can work a little magic in the soft light of the eclipse all on our own.

Also see Dipali Desai’s excellent article here http://celestialspace.wordpress.com/2009/12/27/be-here-now-full-moonlunar-eclipse-in-cancer-dec-31st-2009/

The Fantasy New Moon-16 December 2009

14 Monday Dec 2009

Posted by in astrology, current events in the sky, Moon

≈ 11 Comments

Tags

The Moon, in a false color image to show terrain contrasts. Photo courtesy of NASA

The Moon and Sun meet at 4:01 AM PST at 24 Sagittarius 39. When the Sun and Moon align (at least from our viewpoint on Earth) we see a strong pull of energy in the direction of the pairing. It’s a time for new starts; the impetus is all in one direction, offering an advantage if we’ll plan our activities to follow this flow. These new beginnings can be made in the matters of the natal House where the New Moon falls–we all know this–what we may not know is that there is a New Moon picture made by the bodies the Moon and Sun aspect closely, and that these energies, all together, tell us what to expect from the seed that’s planted over the coming month.

For the final New Moon of the year we have an interesting set of influences on our Sag seed energy: sextiles from Jupiter and Neptune (and from Chiron, if we give just a little in our usually strict two degree orb), all in the Fixed Air of Aquarius, and a square from Uranus in open, Cosmic Pisces. Sagittarius is an energy of outreach; we are naturally urged to ‘go forth,’ in some sense, to learn, to teach/ share, to discover, to expand: our world, our knowledge, our horizons. This time, the influence from the Jupiter/ Neptune/ Chiron combination is one that will hold a different emphasis, depending on the astrological chemistry of each individual. The primary potentials are for massive or exaggerated hurt, fantasy, or ideals fueling that Sag outreach. It’s a mental complex rooted in ideas that we’re very sure of (Aquarius, Jupiter, Sagittarius) and that means we may form sparks of thought (the seeds of the New Moon) that are in essence plans to somehow share or reach out (Sagittarius, waxing Moon energy), strongly influenced by the Aquarius energy to which we respond most prominently. These ideas of outreach are propelled by our primal wound (Chiron), our fantasies or delusions (Neptune), and/ or our ideals (also Neptune).

Belief (Jupiter/ Sagittarius) is behind what is planted; which energy we respond to (Jupiter=beliefs, Chiron=hurt, or Neptune=delusions, fantasies, or ideals) is largely dependent on our own natal charts. Do we have strongly developed philosophies of life, a knowledge orientation? Then Jupiter will lead the pack, and may provide exaggeration or put one’s personal beliefs foremost; do we easily see ourselves as victims, targets, or scapegoats? Chiron is the likely star, as our desire to make contact will be driven by the hope of alleviating pain; do we struggle with staying grounded, either because of difficulty connecting to reality, or because we are consistently imposing our ideals on reality? Neptune is probably in play, obscuring, inspiring, and misleading our efforts. Our responsiveness to these energies natally will strongly influence our experience of this New Moon, and the month to come.

There is another factor to consider: Uranus in dreamy Pisces. The energy of individuality, rebellion, and group-think forms a square to the New Moon, and the seed that’s born contains a germ of radicalism, creativity, and innovation, and introduces the possibility that our New Moon ideas will be vetted via the group–and yet the square promises that these facets will be added through conflict, and that this confrontation takes a Piscean form. This suggests that we could receive this influence subconsciously, through dreams and visions, through images, movies, or music, or through an experience of the Collective.

Considering all factors, this is a New Moon of potentials; the biggest challenge is to take the seed energies and sort usable energies, facts, knowledge, inspiration, images and visions, from delusions, fantasies, and responses seated in old hurts. One way to stay grounded (and thus make best use of these potentials) is to earth ourselves through the sign energy of Earth’s current position, in Gemini. This suggests we can bounce ideas off others, discuss, network, and fact-check, in order to see what’s truly feasible, and what may be a little too pie-in-the-sky.

If I Can’t See It, Why Does It Hurt?

23 Monday Nov 2009

Posted by in aspects and placements, astrology, current events in the sky

≈ 6 Comments

Tags

The obvious answer to that is, Why must you see something in order for it to have an effect? That’s the situation we’re facing right now: we can feel it, but getting a handle on just where the energies are being generated is nearly impossible. The biggest problems, though, are twofold: we may attribute effects to the wrong sources, and we may insist on things that aren’t necessarily so (the most pronounced of which might be the mantra, ‘Venus square Jupiter means everything is great, dammit!’)

The dynamic in play is a Venus/ Ceres conjunction (strong women, or strong animas, or two values sets, with very different agendas, but both focused on having a power-effect on the situation–look to your values, finances, or relationships for the arena where this appears personally, or in the matters of the natal House where this conjunction is happening for you) opposed Sedna (the ‘blind spot’) all in a T-square with Jupiter/ Chiron (exaggerated hurt or PR, hurt from the social sphere, skills tested under duress–the square–in the social sphere, learning what wounds, or those wounds inflicted by religious, educational, or cultural differences).

This can have about a million different forms, but the essence of it is this: we’re bound to identify hurt coming from somewhere, and get both the nature of the upset and the origins wrong. Sedna makes us unable to see–it’s not a matter of being willing to see, or of making a special effort; the energy of this body removes our ability to accurately pinpoint the conflict (though some number of us will guess correctly in spite of ourselves! It’s just the odds). What, then, can we do about this? How to cope?

Even our coping mechanism comes with a caveat, as Neptune, the Great Obscurer, is involved. We can look to innate wisdom and common sense for guidance (Pallas), as this energy is accessible through feedback from the social realm and from our own attempts to reach out or expand (Jupiter), and through application of the unique Chirotic skills, and our ideals, creativity, and imagination (Neptune). The trine between Pallas and Jupiter/ Chiron/ Neptune allows a funneling of our ‘smarts’ and our most competent attributes so that, by observing the products of actions and thoughts based on our ideal and imaginings, and on the feedback we get from the social sphere, we can determine in what way our perceptual equation is imbalanced. We can pinpoint the relevant power, authority, values, relationship, and financial issues that are really in play at present, and discern whether they truly are injurious, as well as in what way they may serve to help us expand and ‘get the word out.’

Wish I didn’t have to be so vague, but with the involvement of both Sedna and Neptune, nebulousness is almost required! And a word about the Venus/ Jupiter square: don’t forget that a square is a conflict aspect, at least initially–there will be discord within attempts to expand in Venusian areas. If we accept this, we’ll be much more likely to stop insisting that this is a great influence, and start working with it, so that we can resolve the tension and actually make it work for us, likely with great success.

Destined Directions and the New Moon

15 Sunday Nov 2009

Posted by in aspects and placements, astrology, current events in the sky

≈ 3 Comments

Tags

, , ,

earth and moonNew Moon arrives the 16th of November at 11:13 AM PST at 24 Scorpio 34; there’s a trine of Earth to the North Node and the Sun/ Moon combination trines the South Node (using a two degree max orb) and we also have the Sun/ Moon trine the exact Uranus/ Juno conjunction in Pisces (creating a Grand Trine with the South Node) and square Neptune in Aquarius. There is always a birth of the new in the House of the natal chart where the Sun/ Moon conjunction falls, and this time it will bring easy expression of the uniqueness and empowerment circumstances of the Self, which in itself will be a precise test of how well we’ve learned the lessons of the past. The Grand Trine formation in Water suggests that the greatest revelation and payoff will be emotional; the trine made by Earth to the North Node says that whatever progress there is to our destined development will have a marked effect on the material circumstances of our lives.

We are given a clue as to the nature of this birth of the new (or perhaps in this case a re-birth or resurrection, considering the sign is Scorpio) by the Sabian degree symbol, ‘An X-Ray Photograph.’ Putting all our clues together, this says that the renaissance involves a depth of perception, especially emotionally (the Water Grand Trine) in some matter related to the House where this occurs for us in the natal chart. Expect to see something, in fact, to see through something, so that the bare bones of the matter are exposed–nothing is hidden, in the particular area affected. However, to take the symbol a little farther, an x-ray doesn’t show us the nature of the surface of the object or individual–and that suggests that though we may have very sharp and detailed insight into the matter, we may not see the thing, person, or situation as it’s actually presented, a ‘miss the forest for the trees’ kind of focus. We will express our individuality, uniqueness, and empowerment and, depending on the thoroughness of our ability to process what we’ve learned from the past, we can literally see the very structure of things, and yet there may be a problem as we dehumanize what’s before us–and we’re reminded of this by the Earth trine to the North Node in the Earth element, which asks us to see how the material surroundings, the way things look, the tangible, those surfaces and externals mentioned earlier, are giving information about the direction we’re headed, about our future.Moon in shadow

Under oddities and influences we have Vesta at 29 degrees and the Part of Fortune for the moment of the New Moon exact quincunx Mars and sextile the asteroid Zeus (about which I’m preparing an article right now, which is why I noticed! The article will be included in an electronic quarterly in Pdf form that will be available for purchase soon–I’ll also include–and pay–other contributing astrologers for future issues, and hope you’ll give this pub a try!) This combination suggests that we are in some way stressed about those subjects we find sacred, circumstances in the home, or with the sex life, perhaps feeling a contradiction between the actions we would take (Mars), that energy most characteristic of ‘luck’ or a sort of adept touch (Part of Fortune), and the Zeusian attitude of do what we want when we want. This may form a surface current that crosses and mingles with the New Moon energies, distracting and confusing us. The way to keep them separate is to recognize that what creates an emotional impact (and/ or empowerment or sharp perceptions) will relate to the New Moon, while what creates stress will relate to the Mars complex–this requires us mostly to recognize boundaries and what actions typically benefit us, and stick with these, rather than following those impulses to ‘go rogue.’

Haven’t had a lot of chance to look around, but you shouldn’t miss Jude Cowell’s take on the New Moon http://www.starsoverwashington.com/2009/11/scorpio-new-moon-nov-16-2009-secret.html and Dipali Desai’s thoughts here http://celestialspace.wordpress.com/2009/11/14/new-moon-in-scorpio-on-november-16th-2009/ and Verena Donath’s here http://verenadonath.wordpress.com/2009/11/16/november-16-2009-scorpio-new-moon-2009/

And don’t forget the Leonids, visible the next few nights http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/33891078/ns/technology_and_science-space/?GT1=43001

See my latest post here http://askjulie.wordpress.com/2009/11/17/being-in-love-ladies-are-you-an-annie-oakley-or-a-calamity-jane/

Both images courtesy of NASA

The Saturn-Pluto Square

02 Monday Nov 2009

Posted by in aspects and placements, astrology, current events in the sky

≈ 8 Comments

Tags

A conflict aspect between two serious heavyweights such as these, not surprisingly, has stirred a great deal of concern, but really shouldn’t. It’s a clash of the titans, a rough meeting of forces with ancient origins–and as such, it will affect most of us as significant background, rather than up front pressure or confrontation. It brings to bear on the life general energies that require discipline and effort (and if we don’t discipline ourselves, circumstances come along and do it for us! Such is the influence of Saturn) and that will require the utmost seriousness and honesty–as Pluto will rile the depths until truth be told.

No wonder many people are worried about this! But, not to fear–it’s an excellent long-term opportunity to make significant, down-to-the-roots changes that can immensely better your world. Will it take work? Yes, Saturn’s involved; Will it be dramatic and messy? Yup, Pluto can bring forward the secrets and question the theatrics that have been protecting them like no other. Is this bad? Only if you don’t want to do the hard work–but this doesn’t have to be especially hard, with the difference between difficult and relatively smooth being one’s willingness to address what comes forward. It’s that simple.

Parsing out the effects of this square over time is best done in two ways: an inspection of the ways it contacts the natal chart, naturally, and in watching what through transit touches the square. This latter will give a tenor to the square, giving the energy clash a certain flavor–and right now, that happens to be provided by a sesquiquadrate formed by Jupiter in Aquarius. This stimulates a strong desire to understand the square intellectually (but the majority of its energies are more primal than that–sensing them works better), and it makes us prone to project the effects outward, into our social sphere or society at large. Tensions generated by needed change will find expression in one’s role or interaction in the group arena–which could be unsettling, as everyone changes partners and shifts position, drawing lines in the sand, demanding the bare-knuckles truth, and overall looking to reflect inner changes in significant change to the surroundings.

See my latest post here http://askjulie.wordpress.com/2009/11/17/being-in-love-ladies-are-you-an-annie-oakley-or-a-calamity-jane/

The Slingshot Full Moon

02 Monday Nov 2009

Posted by in astrology, current events in the sky

≈ 4 Comments

Tags

Earth-Moon NASAThe Full Moon today at 11:14 AM PST acts like a cosmic slingshot, loading two tense configurations that we’ll be hard pressed to escape: a T-square with the Sun (10 Scorpio 30) conjunct Ceres and Mercury at one end, the Earth/ Moon conjunction (10 Taurus 30) at the other, with an arm formed by Mars in Leo; and a Fist of God with the same Sun/ Mars square, both sides sesquiquadrate the Juno/ Uranus conjunction.

Perhaps the most effective way to look at this is by defining each energy cluster; when we do this, and examine the Sabians related to the Full Moon degree, we find something unusual: that these tense aspects will bring a sense of relief and productive serenity. What a surprise! The Sun/ Ceres/ Mercury group in Scorpio brings a blending of the identity with a sense of authority and a natural ease of communication; in Scorpio this promises depth and intensity, the possible involvement of secrets, the desire to clear the air (and we’ve been seeing this for some time; we can assume this is, logically, the culmination, at least of this phase of development). The Sabian for this degree (courtesy of cafe astrology http://www.cafeastrology.com/sabiansymbols_degreemeanings.html) is, ‘A drowning man is being rescued.’ This promises the process has already begun; the conjunction of energies adds that our own capacity to embrace who we are, to believe in ourselves, and to communicate this is instrumental to the realization of the ‘rescue.’ This presents a challenge of its own: if we don’t, in some fundamental way, know ourselves and our identity, we will be at a disadvantage; the rescue may not be a success, our message may be garbled, our identity unclear.

The Moon/ Earth conjunction is at 10 Taurus 30, the Sabian for which is, ‘A woman watering flowers in her garden.’ This image is in radical juxtaposition to the one for the Sun, and suggests the serenity found both in the process of drowning (at a crucial stage the mind takes one elsewhere, to the memory of something calming and earth-bound) and evokes the flashes coming to the rescued: I will stay home in the garden from now on! It represents the natural reaching toward the polar opposite (water to land) that is the logical result of a land creature (humans) overwhelmed by an element where he or she is only temporarily comfortable (water)—and that brings us to the idea that what we may be rescued from by our sure knowledge of ourselves is the emotional, intuitive, and subconscious influences that have seemed to be overcoming us of late (Moon, manifested–Earth).

The Leonine Mars arm of the T-square suggests that the tension inherent in exercising the ego’s prerogatives (and these are keyed to the Soul’s needs, Leo) will bring about the rescue and resolution, which puts us in a position to tend and enjoy our metaphorical garden, the results of all we’ve been nurturing–in other words, we’ll get what we deserve by our actions that resolve this tension-need.

The other configuration, the Fist, takes the Sun-Mars square, bringing forward the productive tension of the ego/ identity energy mix, and puts both parts into a situation calling for adjustment to empowerment needs and the need to express the uniqueness (or, for some, the need to show themselves within a group). Though tense, this too allows us to resolve a pressing need, and to access some of our most vital Self-expression energies; these are certainly, as well, some of our most original.

Creative types should benefit enormously from this Moon, as will anyone dealing with boundary and empowerment issues, and so will those who have been stuck, in some sense, within the process of creating the life–they will be rescued by the coalescence of their own most typical energies and impulses, and placed in the ‘garden’ of their own creation.

Look to the House of the natal chart where the Sun influence is present (Leo cusp, natal Sun placement, transiting Sun) for ideas as to what areas might offer you the reflection your identity needs to recognize itself, and to the Full Moon House for the life area where the need to resolve the tension has been manifest (and accept that this is where the relevant tension shows–this elaborates on what we’re being rescued from). The dynamic across the House axis where the Full Moon falls is one of material renewal and spiritual resurrection. Where Mars in Leo falls in the natal chart is where the ego can act to end the crisis–but don’t expect this to go forward without some upset and conflict, particularly internally–that’s just the nature of all those squares and sesqui-s!

The Juno/ Uranus conjunction draws on the entire cosmos (Pisces) for empowerment and creative ideas–so even the sky isn’t the limit, in terms of what you can access! The slingshot quality of all these components is that tension, movement, and release will propel us toward the goal–just aim as carefully as you can!

Fun Fact: have any of your heard of this before? The built-in dictionary that comes with Works says:

na·tal [náyt’l]
adj
 of buttocks: relating to the buttocks 
[Late 19th century. < Latin natis “buttock”]
Encarta ® World English Dictionary © & (P) 1998-2005 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.

What??

Dark of the Moon Practice, New Moon Expectations

14 Wednesday Oct 2009

Posted by in current events in the sky, Dark of the Moon, Grand Cross/Grand Square, Moon

≈ 3 Comments

Tags

, , ,

sliver moonDark of the Moon begins late evening of the 14th, Pacific time (approx. 10:30 PM). A passive meditation on relationships (New Moon in Libra) may be in order over the days preceding the Sun/ Moon conjunction. Though a meditation in motion is recommended (this is a practice of being, with the meditation an attitude carried throughout the day) it may not be easy, as the Dark period likely keeps us thinking about relationships almost obsessively; for some, the obsession may concern one’s Art or one’s efforts at diplomacy, judgment, or fairness of issues. Even as we look to other subjects, those interactions that need attention or resolution continue to intrude. Putting attention on these subjects is very appropriate, but don’t pressure yourself to come to some decision or resolution. The period preceding the New Moon is a time for contemplation and passive consideration of what the relationship or issue needs–it’s not a time to leap into action, come to conclusions, or make pronouncements.

The New Moon of the 17th occurs at 24 Libra 58 at 10:31 PM Pacific, and the only aspect within one degree is a Grand Cross created with the Earth and Nodes. This suggests a dynamic start-point, a birth, a decisive energizing that affects the life direction. The Sabian symbol for this degree (courtesy of http://www.cafeastrology.com/sabiansymbols_degreemeanings.html) is “The Sight Of An Autumn Leaf Brings To A Pilgrim The Sudden Revelation Of The Mystery Of Life And Death” The image, too, suggests the importance of the moment in terms of a new understanding that affects the life destiny in major ways. Now, this doesn’t mean we should each expect our own personal lightning bolt–instead we may do better to approach the New Moon with the idea that we cannot know ‘the big moments,’ the turning points in our lives, in all cases, as sometimes they are quiet instants of reflection that quicken the intelligence and open our spiritual eye to some vital truth never before seen. This is what the degree promises: that the faithful seeker (the Pilgrim) will be given the spark of knowledge and comprehension that applies to key life energies, forces, or experiences. Not a bad promise, at all, and likely to be lived out over the time between this New Moon and the next.

It’s of note that the New Moon will occur exactly conjunct Fixed Star Arcturus (24 Libra 22), which long-time readers will know I use as Psyche, per Michael Munkasey’s persuasive suggestion. This may bring the issues Psyche dealt with (love of one she doesn’t completely know, curiousity that wounds the relationship, the jealousy and vindictiveness of other women, the opportunity to listen to the spirit and accomplish ‘impossible’ tasks, the awakening or resurrection to a ‘new,’ more powerful Self) to the forefront, especially for women.

Intriguing Aspects At Large

05 Monday Oct 2009

Posted by in aspects and placements, astrology, current events in the sky

≈ 4 Comments

Tags

, , ,

I look and at first see the same old same old, starring that Mystic Rectangle involving the Nodes, that just won’t go away–and I’m looking for it to dissolve as it doesn’t seem to be making life any better for us–at least, not in any new, obvious way–I think it set its effect some time ago, so it feels like a running ‘good luck’ thing for some and a ‘bad luck’ thing for others (if the elements of the Rectangle are in significant hard contact to important parts of your natal chart), and a mixture for those with both hard and easy contact. So, it hasn’t recently offered us much that’s new, until right about now, as Mercury moves into proximity to conjunction with Saturn, and Mars sneaks up on the South Node; suddenly our outlook changes just a bit–we’re primed to actually move on some of what’s been presented as possible (or possibly presented as outside our reach, depending on the aforementioned contact), and we have a strong urge to make our thoughts manifest. The impetus to make ‘it’ happen comes forward–but is it wise to act?

Mars is still quincunx Neptune, and the Juno/ Uranus combo is trine the Arian strongman–this suggests that implementing plans (specifically those plans you’ve been itching to get off the ground, but have so far been either totally in the planning stages or have somehow been thwarted when you did try to go forward) would be difficult–we can’t really tell what action’s needed, and underlying it all there may be too much ‘I’ll show you!’ energy, too much neediness to feel empowered, which makes it just too tempting to do anything in order to meet your goals. Better in my view to hold off until about the 8th; then Vesta is firmly entrenched opposed Jupiter, and the Sun is sextile our saucy, sacred tart, and together this signals we’ll see very clearly our own values vis a vis society and our personal social sphere–and that makes it easy to know what we want to do. As well, we’ll have the energy to do what we intend, as opposed to the current situation, where the energy seems to flow on and off as if controlled by a giant, invisible switch.

In fact, the 8th has a lot of big selling points in terms of what positive aid may be available to us. The Moon will be trine the Sun (that energy bounce), Mercury will be exact semi-sextile Ceres at 28 Virgo/ Libra, respectively(a glib tongue, the power, authority, and charisma to negotiate successfully, and very possibly a ‘right time, right place’ aspect, especially if either makes soft contact to the natal chart), and Venus moves to within conjunction of Saturn, opposition of Uranus/ Juno, and quincunx of Chiron/ Neptune. The first two sets of aspects put in place a dynamic of what we value, relationships, and assets being either ‘nailed down’ in some way, of being featured center stage as we want (demand?) their materialization, and we muster what education and skills, and sense of empowerment, we own in service of this. The latter aspect, Venus quincunx Chiron/ Neptune, may with care serve to make us sensitive in a highly positive way, possibly divinely inspired, and if we’re flexible, in touch with our ideals. And that is the key, remaining flexible to both take advantage of the influences and to avoid, in over zealousness to create precisely what we believe we want, shutting out the love that is there, available, being offered.

And catch this list of recommended blogs I’m very happy to have been included on: http://mountainastrologer.com/tma/some-of-the-current-best-astrology-blogs

On Purpose

06 Sunday Sep 2009

Posted by in astrology, Consciousness Explored, current events in the sky

≈ 8 Comments

Tags

, , , , , , ,

I was listening to Dr. Wayne Dyer (http://www.drwaynedyer.com/) speak this morning on Purpose; how we as individuals are prone to continually ask, ‘What is my Purpose?’ (at least, those who have reached the stage of considering such things–though I tend to think even those who are totally unconscious in their Beingness are ‘working the Universe’ the same as everyone else, with the same goals and intentions, though their true goals are much more likely to remain unknown to them!) and Dr. Dyer says that the asking of the question is our Purpose trying to re-connect with us; and in tandem with this, he quoted a teacher of his (the name escapes me– apologies to this individual) who, when queried on how he could experience peace when others suffered all around the globe, replied, in essence, that nothing in his life was an accident. Together, these two ideas, that our Purpose is at every moment trying to connect to us, and that nothing is unintentional, combine to suggest that, even in our darkest, most misguided, or confused moments we are seeking to make contact with our Purpose, and that nothing we do is without point, without an opportunity to express who we are and why we’re here.

So, we can approach the idea of Purpose in a very simple, straightforward way: the Purpose for each and every one of us is this: to add to the World. That’s all. The term ‘Purpose’ is almost useless when we look at it this way, as the inclination is to believe that purpose itself comes from the outside, like being cast in a role in a movie, or as if it’s something with almost magical properties for happiness (possibly that we chose pre-birth) and that now, if we can just discover it, all elements of our life will fall into place–no more problems, serenity NOW!–while if we see it as ‘what we add to the World,’ we see that it consists of literally every thought, word, and deed, and that all of these are a matter of personal choice, with total control and responsibility (the ability to respond) falling squarely to ourselves.

And now, a bevy of excellent contributions to the World:

Enlightened discourse on the state of our union  http://starsoverwashington.blogspot.com/2009/09/falling-romes-and-americas-us-sec-full.html

The joy of Saturn/ Uranus in action http://lucywatchthesky.com/2009/09/02/hands-up-who-wants-to-die-a-cardinal-t-square-a-saturn-uranus-opposition-and-one-exhausted-lucy/

Fun with maps http://questionofmindfulness.wordpress.com/2009/09/06/relocation-charts/#more-1730 

Lessons in love http://laurenlesko.com/7939 

And a few notes on upcoming influences:

Jupiter, Chiron, and Neptune are all paddling in reverse right now as fast as they (figuratively) can, which I anticipate means it’s a form of ‘every energy for itself’! Expect these to seemingly pop up on the grassy knoll of your life like a lone assassin (though of course we know they really aren’t working alone), with each bringing to matters of the House transited and/ or the natal energy contacted the following: Jupiter bringing the tendency to exaggerate or overdo (or perhaps broadcast indiscriminately), Chiron struggling to control the sense or possibility of wounding, and Neptune making it at least as tough for you to see clearly as it was for Michael Jackson’s kids when they were still veiled, masked, or, like the little one, wearing a blanket, translated as your own private sense-muffling Idaho, which of course only confuses us all the more with the onset of Merc retro. Just take it easy, would be my admonition.

Venus is sextile Ceres (love, relationships, finances, or values must be negotiated, and/ or nature takes a gentle, season-changing swing at our assets or what we love); Venus then sesquiquadrates Juno the 7th and 8th (this demands adjustment of assets, relationships, or values to accommodate the needed empowerment position); and then Venus quincunxes Earth, and they travel in aspect together now through the 15th (we can’t avoid rearranging or modifying Venusian subjects as required either by our current material circumstances or by what we must seek in order to create a more copacetic material environment).

Thanks, everyone–you’ve all been incredibly supportive and encouraging as I ease off online engagement–though as you can see, I’ll still be back plenty–have a great week!

Just in case you’re wondering, I used hitchhiker’s screen name in the tags only because, though I know her actual name, it’s not even hinted at on her site–so I thought discretion was in order.