Category Archives: current events in the sky

Notes on Venus Retro in Aries, and Foul Play?

06 Friday Mar 2009

Posted by in current events in the sky, Venus Retrograde

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One thing I haven’t spoken of much is the role that the sign plays in the constitution and effects of any retrograde planet; with Venus in the Cardinal Fire sign of Aries, we should have both a desire to act, to do something about the Venusian subjects that come forward, and a certain fiery conviction: we can do it, and do it we must!

That’s something of a hard line to take in a period where re-assessing and perhaps experimenting with tastes and aesthetics is about as active as we should be; and we all know this is as bad a time as a Mercury retrograde to sign on the dotted line (worse! even, as what’s involved here is an asset of some kind, easily lost, rather than a bit of information we’ve yet to acquire). Looking back at my own history, I realized that Venus retro in Aries (which for me means it’s retro intercepted in the 2nd) evolved from centering on Self-image and Self-worth, to gifts (the arrival of my first daughter) and personal assets (my health and how that affected Self-image) to financial and lifestyle questions; all of these subjects were strongly connected with a Cardinal doing energy, one that demanded I take charge within my own life, and look squarely at who I am (Aries).

So, it’s worth considering that an active stance might be more appropriate than we think in this instance; at least, an active mental stance, that spends the retro sussing out the possibilities for Venusian themed subjects related to the House in the natal chart where the retrograde is occurring. Taking full responsibility for ourselves may be the ultimate expression, in this case, the success of which shines back at us through our Venus-connected losses and rewards for the retrograde period.

And finally, the most recent report I heard on the NFL players missing off Florida brought some mysterious elements forward, such as, why is there only one survivor, who had only mild hypothermia (despite supposedly being in the water, and on top of the overturned boat, exposed to the weather, for 40 hours)? And this person allegedly claims that the other three individuals all removed their life vests and just drifted away. Now, experts on survival at sea say that, in choppy, 60 degree ocean, which is what those people were in, loss of reason can happen relatively quickly, within an hour–but still, all three of them behaving the same way, having the same ‘delusion,’ if you will? I don’t think so. And to top it off, the relatives of the other three have not yet spoken with the survivor–whether this is by police design or simply allowing the individual time to recover, I don’t know–but I do know that that’s where I’d be, in that person’s hospital room, wanting to find out everything I could about my loved one’s disapperance.

I drew a horary at the time my suspicions were first aroused; I won’t be sharing it just yet, but will continue to look into the situation, and see what I can see, as my initial impression is: there’s something fishy here.

And everyone, have a great weekend!

Focus on: Uranus Sesquiquadrate South Node + Mini ‘What You’re Asking’

25 Wednesday Feb 2009

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Starting tomorrow, February 25th, and lasting through March 29th, Uranus in Pisces forms a sesquiquadrate with the Leo South Node. A sesquiquadrate suggests we will experience a long-term adjustment, an irritation that seems to go on and on, related to the current role of transiting Uranus in our chart, and to the South Node. What we will likely find centers in a scenario of continuing upset springing either directly from our past or from those things we believed we’d already handled, and they will disrupt our individual innovative and creative expression, our role within the group, or both. Considering the signs involved, it may be a case where matters are presented as either ‘we do it for the group/ Collective’ (and that’s judged to be ‘good’) or ‘we do it for ourselves’ (with the implication that this is inherently ‘bad’). The most important thing to keep in mind is that we must choose and perform in such a way that we can exorcise the past while being true to what we as individuals choose–in this instance, consideration for the interests of the group can and should be secondary.

And now, a little ‘What You’re Asking’:

How long will Saturn oppose Uranus?

This pairing will move back out of and then into orb again several times before finally separating; the last exact opposition occurs at 00 degrees 25 minutes of Libra and Aries on 26 July 2010, with any leftover effects swiftly diminishing thereafter. The good news is that by then we will have been living with the opposition’s effects for so long that we will likely have long ago developed ways to accomodate its influence; the bad news is that once it goes the chances to reform old structures and strictures will be gone, as will the chance to make solid our inventions and our most original creative ideas. Ending in the Cardinal Libra and Aries also suggests that its final influences will be notably swift, sure, and in a much different vein than those of the Virgo/ Pisces time period. Saturn in Libra and Uranus in Aries suggest we could see solid new partnerships and perhaps martial revolutionary action before it’s all said and done.

How are Mars and Neptune alike?

At first glance this might seem like an odd and unanswerable question, but when I thought about it I realized that if nothing else they have strength of Will in common. Mars is known for his Willfulness, the ego ready to push his way to the front of the line, the Warrior who doesn’t hesitate to fight, and usually for a cause from which he benefits. Neptune is often characterized as soft, wishy-washy, illusive–but I think that’s protective covering for enormous drive to make the dream or ideal a reality. Even in its more negative manifestation, the strength of Neptune is impressive; it takes a tremendous Willpower to create and maintain a fantasy, a deception, or an escapist pursuit, and successfully shut out the world entirely. And when the two connect in the natal chart, we can be looking at one of the most persistent, determined, and yes, stubborn combinations around, if only because so much energy is devoted single-mindedly and with complete faith, to those Neptunian subjects.

Can a person breathe on Pluto?

Sorry. No.

Eclipse, February 2009

07 Saturday Feb 2009

Posted by in aspects and placements, astrology, Chiron, current events in the sky, Earth, eclipse, Moon, Sun, Venus

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february-lunar-eclipse-2009The second part of the Aquarius/ Leo Eclipse set occurs on February 9th at 6:49 AM at 21 Leo 00 (I want to note an unsatifying amount of confusion I’ve found over just when this occurs, and the exact degree reading, and I suspect the actual eclipse moment is slightly later, but for our purposes, this will do–see comments for more on this–and note that witty reader max calls this ‘The Drunken Eclipse,’ with good symbolic reason, see comments), and brings forward an intriguing pattern: the Moon/ Earth conjunction is semi-sextile Saturn, which makes it quincunx the Sun, notably conjunct Chiron at this time; the Sun/ Chiron conjunction has its own semi-sextile, to Uranus, which of course is quincunx the Moon/ Earth combo. So we have a kind of net drawn across the Eclipse, two anchors in the form of  a pair of what could be characterized as opposites, forces that have recently been in long-term opposition. This may suggest that the Saturn/ Uranus struggle, both personally and society-wide, will lay a gentle web of insistence across the Eclipse energy, each with its own view. Saturn says, I can bring even more stability, and a sense of authority and permanence, to those who vibe to the blending of Earth and Moon, to those who equate emotional sustenance and security with the material; from those who are enveloped in the unity of Sun/ Chiron, Saturn in Virgo requires adjustment and an accounting of the details–‘If you want to feel safe, pin down the identity and put boundaries on the Soul Purpose! (and maybe, just a little, fear that you are a crippled Soul!)’

The Sun/ Chiron combo, quite naturally, implies one of two approaches, for those who will vibe to this side of the equation: at a Soul level, one will feel a fusion of the identity and life Purpose with either the most unique gifts and deepest healing energies the Soul possesses, or one will experience the ultimate individual primal wound, and will, at least for a time, be convinced that the Soul itself is marred, with a resultant difficulty with identity consolidation and expression. This energy, in either form, receives the Saturn quincunx (or threat, as we might think of it), but also reaches out by semi-sextile to Uranus in Pisces, which offers the Sun/ Chiron the awareness of its own uniqueness within the Collective–and for many, this will be all the security they require.

Uranus quincunxes the Moon/ Earth, as well, and makes its own ‘threat’: those who find emotional security in the material, in the physical nurturing and sustenance of all (and this is important to understand, that the Moon/ Earth is not an inferior vibe to the Sun/ Chiron–please don’t make that mistake) may be shaken by rebellion, by the urge to disrupt, by the demands of the group, by a need to innovate, but will find their security in the rules and boundaries and traditions represented by Saturn–and this will be all that they require.

There is also a single, other aspect to the eclipse set, a sesquiquadrate from Venus to the Moon/ Earth. Venus is not necessarily loud or flashy (in fact, she shies away from such display), but she is insistent, and this aspect suggests this quality will come forward, framed by the exclamation, ‘I desire!’ (Venus in Aries) On either side of the Eclipse equation, the desire nature will come forward; the only question is, What form will it take? If our sympathies are seated with Earth/ Moon, it may likely be a longing, an emotionally charged wish, aimed at adjustment of the material situation or circumstance; this isn’t greed, or materiality, it’s a plea for whatever we believe in the physical world will soothe and nurture. If we side with Sun/ Chiron, we will more likely want for the healing of a relationship, or even of the Soul to its own assets (nothing is more tragic than a Soul at war with its own talent).

Other aspects in effect at the time of the Eclipse, and so displaying a possible hand in things, include Venus sextile Jupiter, Juno, and Mars (exaggerating all the effects of the above Venus influence, and throwing in questions of Self-empowerment, for good measure); Mercury sesquiquadrate Ceres, suggesting communications from whatever we regard as ‘authorities’ will likely chafe; Juno and Jupiter conjunct the North Node, perhaps making each of us put too much importance on sorting out our ‘destiny’ at this moment, and thus taking ourselves far too seriously, Vesta creating a T-square with the Nodes, suggesting that a true clash is in the air over what we truly find sacred on the life path, and finally Venus at the Juno/ Pallas midpoint, giving us the idea (perhaps wrongly) that our Venus-influenced decisions are both vital to our empowerment and wise.

NASA Eclipse website: http://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/eclipse.html

Beth Turnage talks about the eclipse effect through the Houses here: http://www.astrologyexplored.com/the-astrology-of-eclipses-january-26-2009-the-ring-of-fire/

Another view of the eclipses (scroll down for February’s) http://www.astrologycom.com/eclipse.html#lunar

Did It Happen To You?

05 Thursday Feb 2009

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

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Just something I noticed yesterday, and I must preface this with the caveat that not every communication I received falls in this category; but I did hear from a scattering of individuals who all had something I’ll define as a theme in common: they were busy ‘showing me.’ These were people I don’t hear from often, the rarity of their communications part of what tipped me off to the trend. Did this happen to you? Did you hear from someone whose message was passive-aggressive,  filled with angry engagement that you don’t (or perhaps no longer) feel? The tone of these notes/ messages was ultimately sad, as these individuals somehow feel that something is owed them psychically, emotionally, and yet that’s not appropriate to the existing relationship (and in my case, it never was appropriate, a condition that these people do not seem to fathom). It was the psychic equivalent to Bill Gates’ mosquito releasing stunt: irritating as he tried to make a point, but not really of significance.

Now, don’t get me wrong, my mailbox wasn’t stuffed with hate mail–far from it, but there were enough out-of-the-way communications (some of them wearing very pretty words and images) that it made me take a look at conditions. My first thought was the Moon; it was moving through Gemini, so no surprise that people felt motivated to speak out, and in easy aspect to many energies (specifically the gathering in Aquarius–and that’s a lot of air, spurring us to think, whether we want to or not). Jupiter squared Vesta, and this may be key to the tone: these individuals may have been challenged to measure their own beliefs against what they truly find sacred–and when we come up short, the tendency is to rationalize and justify, for the ego (Mars–more about him in a moment) to jump forward. Mercury moved into semi-sextile with Neptune yesterday, and this says that communications can be guided by ideals or by delusion and fantasy–you decide. But I think the real trigger may have been Mars–as it moved from Capricorn (restraint, reality) to Aquarius, we may have seen the brakes come off the aggressive and assertive energies, with a tendency now to intellectualize and rationalize (Aquarius) one’s desire to lash out (or just to speak out–as I said, not all communications will fall into the ‘show you’ category). So, if this happened to you, I would say take it less as a true communication and more as a statement, an instance where someone is showing how they believe (Jupiter) you should be engaged with them, in defiance of the real life situation.

Today much the same is in effect, with one important difference: the Moon goes Void today at 9:45 AM PST today (the 5th) and remains so until 8:05 PM PST. This suggests that, with the same conditions in effect, we could have two radically different outcomes: messages received today may be of the same character, but they may either pack no punch (where even the individual speaking doesn’t believe what they’re saying), or they could spark a completely unanticipated response within you, leading you somewhere you never expected to go.

CHIRON IN THE NATAL CHART is available directly from me, or from Dog and Sunflower Press (which is me, too!) and so is THE ASTROLOGY OF INTIMATE RELATIONSHIP–email juliedemboski@hotmail.com or dogandsunflower@hotmail.com to order–Thanks!

Here’s some great truth-telling going on about male/ female relationships, excerpted from an upcoming work by Jessica Shepherd http://moonkissd.com/2007/12/12/use-your-venus-ladies-not-your-mars/ and here http://blogs.astrology.com/venus_beyond/2009/02/chiron-neptune-node-shake-the-disease.html

Take note of more Mercurial happenings here with Jude Cowell http://judecowell.wordpress.com/2009/02/05/inauguration-2009s-mercury-return-feb-15/

And have a great Thursday!

Eclipse, January 2009

03 Tuesday Feb 2009

Posted by in aspects and placements, astrology, current events in the sky, Dark of the Moon, eclipse, forecast, future events in the sky

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solar-eclipse-january-20092The next annular Solar Eclipse occurs January 25th at 11:59:44 PM PST at 6 Aquarius 30 (note that the eclipse starts slightly after the actual New Moon). Keeping orbs very tight (approx. 1-1.5 degrees) we have three aspects: a conjunction of the Sun and Moon to Jupiter; a square to Vesta; and a trine to Pallas. The character of the Eclipse is big, exaggerated, and if it aspects natal placements, I would anticipate that the time through to the next eclipse set (in July-August ’09) will carry a similar tone on a personal level of ‘bigness,’ relative to the energies aspected. For instance, if it hits your Venus by close orb (especially if the aspect is ‘hard,’ a conjunction, semi-square, square, sesquiquadrate, or opposition–even a semi-sextile can irritate) you may see months of overblown importance of love and/ or money, or secondarily an exaggeration of the subjects of the Houses Venus rules natally.

As it is, all of us may find ourselves wrestling (yes, I think the sheer largeness and push of the energy will cause upset) with Aquarian ideals; it may be a matter of each of us feeling the ‘New Age’ is here in some respect, and going gung-ho with our personal agendas. These could center on a fresh (for us) approach to academics (as in attempting to bring Ivory tower principles to everyday existence), inventiveness and innovation applied to life circumstances, rebellion from what is (with its own particular danger of pointlessness and potential for destruction), and a strong desire to push one’s own specific brand of ‘group think’ on others. What’s the result? Likely real difficulties and clashes due to our tendency to fail to respect what’s sacred to others, what may be considered their ‘home turf,’ and I wouldn’t be terribly surprised to see a rash (so to speak!) of infidelities of one kind or another, all indicated by the Eclipse’s square to Vesta.

None of this sounds like good news, but we can take a different tack, choose a different reaction, via the Eclipse’s trine to Pallas. This offers us a source of wise information (Pallas in Gemini), a network that will support good choices, as well as venues through which to develop and exercise our skills. The implication is that, if we concentrate on what we can do, what we can offer that speaks of our most meaningful and useful traits and talents, then we can for the most part avoid the brouhaha that may follow those who carry the banner of a cause, no matter how just, as they will definitely be inclined to overlook the rights of others.

Dane Rudhyar describes this degree in An Astrological Mandala as ‘A Child is seen being born out of an egg.’ He refers of course to the ancient symbol of the Cosmic Egg, out of which the Universe was said to have been born, and out of which a new one is said to be symbolically emerging. This suggests a number of possibilities, including that the philosophies that come forward at this time are free of past prejudices, biases, and traditions, very Aquarian in that sense; and yet, as a symbol of global ‘newness,’ this degree also implies a loss of both localness (and thus relevance to the everyday life of each of us) and the care and maturity that comes with accumulated knowledge and experience. So, for the coming few months through to the next Eclipse set, we may find ourselves and/ or those around us inclined to trade what we know for what we hope is better, with a likely mixed result, and the best outcomes promised to those who serve at a practical and useful level.

Minor aspects of this Eclipse include a pair of semi-squares to Venus and Uranus, and a sesquiquadrate to Saturn, all of which reinforce the difficulty with boundaries and Self-control, the values anomalies and challenges to both relationships and finances that can be expected with the above-described mentality ascendant, and a drive toward the Aquarian that is at once refreshing and unnerving.

Try image interpretation for this Eclipse set: http://starsoverwashington.blogspot.com/2009/01/jan-26-solar-eclipse-leads-to-lunar.html And add this enlightening take on the Solar Eclipse to follow in July: http://starsoverwashington.blogspot.com/2009/01/solar-eclipse-29-cancer-72209.html

Will post the second half of the Eclipse material later–have a great Wednesday! By the way, Dark of the Moon begins late night the 22nd PST–no matter what you are doing for the three days preceding the New Moon, take a meditative approach, and don’t try to launch any new ventures.

More eclipse info available here  http://celestialspace.wordpress.com/2009/01/16/new-moonsolar-eclipse-in-aquarius-on-january-25th26th-2009oc/

The Test

15 Thursday Jan 2009

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

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This is the test: how will we respond when confronted with something crushing, to our hopes, to the plans and goals of someone we love, to the life circumstances presented? How will we deal with a worst-case-scenario that we always thought would somehow be avoided? And we must understand something right at the start: what’s being tested is the standard of our own attitudes and beliefs, the relationship we have internally with the Universe; it’s not a test imposed from the outside, though the externals embody challenges particular to each of us as individuals. Who are we, and where do we go, in a spiritual sense, when trials come? This is the test.

Everyone appears to be grappling with something like this now, something that shows quite clearly how closely our spiritual ideas and ideals align with (or diverge from) our practice of such in the material world. Those who believe the spiritual and the physical do not reflect each other are having the worst time right now, as they confidently reject the concept of our earthly existence as a manifestation of both spirituality and karmic challenge. And please don’t misunderstand; I’m not saying that those who appear ‘lucky,’ have money, or accomplish much are somehow ‘doing better,’ spiritually speaking, than the rest of us–for who can know with certainty the real challenges being faced by any individual other than ourselves? For those who seem blessed, the test may come in a form such as, When I have great luck, how do I treat others? When I enjoy prosperity, what do I do with it, and how do I spend my intangibles, like time and love? When I accomplish, do I appreciate the roles others have played in my success? And those who enjoy abundantly in the material world may be in the midst of a response that could lead them to a hard fall, a big loss, a tragedy, in any area–for, since all energy is in spiritual terms interchangeable, the difficulties faced may play out in any arena, and carry their own special meaning for the individual–and the rest of us may have little awareness of the reality of things for anyone else.

Astrologically, I see a handful of likely culprits that may describe hurdles we’re facing; of course, one will be more or less responsive, depending on how such aspects hook into the natal chart. For some it will be a medley, for others only one aspect will be the focus of the challenge; and how we respond is as unique and individual as each Being. As well, major transits to natal planets at this time may carry the individual key to the current challenge.

Some of the aspects considered have been in effect for a while, others are just forming, but in any case the circumstances have been shaping up in their overt manifestations for roughly two to three months, so I believe a majority probably take the Saturn opposition to Uranus as background. This is likely a contest of wills, with each side firmly convinced that their approach is the ‘right’ one. That alone should be the clue that flexibility and empathy are the keys to unlocking the stalemate, no matter the subjects or justifications. For those whose upsets came rather abruptly (even though one can look back and trace a vapor trail of potential as the two factors made their way toward each other) I would suggest that Saturn quincunx Neptune may be expressive of the challenge: fear v. delusion, the tried and true v. the unknown, the solid v. the intangible, tight boundaries v. none at all. Too, the Saturn/ Neptune quincunx may be adding to the already existing situation, providing a sense of ‘reality v. unreality’ to the proceedings. And for some, the shift of Pluto into Capricorn may hold the key, with its challenges that ask, is our world, and what we do in it, truly relevant, or must it undergo extreme and irrevocable change?

Sun conjunct Juno is another candidate, bringing classic identity and empowerment struggles to the fore. Do I do it for me, or do I do it because ‘they’ told me to, and if I do, what does that make me? Choices here are dependent on how thoroughly we know our own Soul identity and purpose for both effectiveness and meaning, while the Jupiter/ Pallas square pits our own internal wisdom against the social order; the conflict is on a larger scale, or at least against a wider backdrop, with our choice affected by how conscious we are of the social standard, and how dependent we are on society’s judgement to feel comfortable in our own skin.

Points at which we may get feedback that will let us know how well we’ve handled things (many revolve around Mercury as messenger): Jan. 19th Venus semi-square Pluto= values, finances, and relationships surrender to ‘the Truth; Jan. 20th-23rd Venus conjunct Uranus= generally may indicate our response to the events of the 19th, if we’re ‘keyed’ to Venus; those awaiting news or revelation must get through the retrograde period first, then Mercury turns around and reveals what was ‘cooking’: Feb. 20th-23rd Mercury conjunct the North Node= it’s a destiny-shaping message; will we listen? Feb. 22nd-24th Mercury conjunct Jupiter= the social order gives us feedback, or the repercussions of our struggle are bigger than we anticipated; Feb. 25th-27th Mercury conjunct Juno= we learn who holds the real power, and we find the definition of andextent of our own strength in the process; Feb. 28th-Mar. 3 Mercury conjunct Mars= if the message requires action, this is when we’ll take it; Mar. 3rd-4th Mercury conjunct Chiron= we hear how to heal; again, do we listen? We also have a ‘weak point’ March 4-6th when Mercury conjuncts Neptune and we are in danger of succumbing to illusion or fantasy, inner generated or offered from without, and we have a possible ‘payoff point’ on March 4th when Venus sextiles Pallas, highlighting the wise course in relationships, values support, and finances.

A Poke in the Eye from Mother Nature: Ceres Fist of God

23 Tuesday Dec 2008

Posted by in astrology, current events in the sky, Fist of God

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Today, December 23rd, focus is on a Fist of God with asteroid Ceres as the focal point. This came together yesterday and will continue through the 28th, with a promise of unsettled relationships among authority figures/ Mother Nature, society as a whole, travelers, and those who wish to expand or educate, and the areas of life we find sacred, including the home and sexual expression. This particular combination may be seen at work in the hubbub surrounding Obama’s selection of anti-gay rights preacher Rick Warren, the release of  the movie ‘Milk,’ the story of openly gay San Francisco city councilor Harvey Milk’s murder (along with SF Mayor George Moscone) at the hands of Dan White (who entered the annals–that’s with two ‘n’s!–of law with the ‘Twinkie Defense,’ claiming his behavior was based on a nutrient poor, chemical heavy diet), and in the way the weather crippling so much of North America seems to have settled in for the long-term (or at least through the 28th), making travel difficult and hampering the gathering at ‘home’ for many this season. In all quadrants we may see authority challenged and fighting back, Mother Nature simply relentless in her expression, and overall a pattern, unsettled and unsettling, of forces, both tangible and intangible, at odds.

Though the weather can be very tough to deal with, most difficult may be the upsets to the home front and the expression of sexuality, and to those things we find most sacred. The involvement of Vesta is very tense, symbolized by its spot at 29 degrees of Aries; this suggests that Self-assertion for everyone, and particularly for those who must exert some form of leadership, in Vesta’s arenas is under intense pressure. It feels as if one must act; so the question becomes, how?

Vesta is just past a trine to the Sun (when we became aware of the Vesta problem), and now heads toward trine with Mars and Pluto, and of course square to Jupiter. These aspects suggest that the freedom to act, to change the situation, to transform circumstances, is on the way; and there is also the idea that the social sphere may not support what you intend–but don’t let that bother you. With Vesta involved in your actions, there should be no reason to doubt the validity of your Self-assertion urges.

If your Vestal inclination will impact relationships, then you should be cognizant of the sesquiquadrate formed by Venus to Earth, as well as Venus’ conjunctions to Chiron and Neptune. This says relationships, and possibly financial situations, may need to be adjusted to accomodate actual circumstances, and that our relationships may feature hurt and fantasy, delusion, or inspiration out of proportion to the reality of things. Just knowing that our perceptions are not necessarily accurate in this area at this time will help us deal with what’s presented, and prevent jumping to conclusions.

And check out Monica Starr’s Astrology Mundo for several fun articles and links (and if you have an unnatural fear of snow globes, you’ll want to take a look!), as well as her predictions for 2009 http://astrologymundo.wordpress.com/

Monday Poll Round-Up, Mars in Late Sag, and What You’re Asking, Vol. 3

22 Monday Dec 2008

Posted by in aspects and placements, astrology, current events in the sky, Mars, Moon, natal placement

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There was only one poll this week, involving what we commonly read when we read our horoscope in a Sun sign column. I wondered if readers were taking a straightforward approach (18% do, reading their Sun sign), a tailored approach (18% use their Moon sign, and 36% concentrate attention in an area where they have a stellium), or if people were getting mavericky with unique takes on the matter (such as reading the sign of the chart ruler–00%!). A full 55% read the sign of their Ascendant, and, considering the way Sun sign columns are typically delineated, this makes sense, as they’re most accurate when we use the sign on our Ascendant as our representative.

Mars late in Sagittarius seems to be getting under everyone’s skin, with attacks on linebackers and a man who decided to jump into Knut the polar bear’s cage leading the charge of too-aggressive behaviors. Why should this be? A late sign degree adds stress, and this, coupled with Sag’s natural inclination to reach out, to expand, could be triggering our least controlled manifestations of the ‘I am’ urge. It doesn’t help that it’s already in proximity to Pluto, and drawing on the potential for violent, destructive, change-insisting action. Look to the area (House) where Mars is now transiting in your natal chart for clues as to the areas in which you’re vulnerable to spontaneous assertion that may go too far.

And finally, an installment of ‘What You’re Asking.’

Does natal Mars in the 12th correlate to a tendency toward child abuse?

I should begin this answer with a caveat that applies to any placement in general: there is no specific position for any planet that gives such a definitive behavioral indictment (or, in a more positive light, a gift) as such. We must look at the whole chart, and in the case of Mars in the 12th, the aspects and the House ruled by Mars become instrumental in delineating meaning. Even then, we have multiple interpretations to choose from. In this case, a 12th House Mars in the most general terms tends to make the individual unaware of their capacity for anger and Self-assertion; and yet, they are typically highly assertive people, as the Martian energy drives the subconscious and underlies everything. So, with Mars here, what we’re really talking about are people who, in one way or another, do not fully comprehend how they may be expressing Martian energies, and this can lead to some very unconscious behavior until the energies are fully integrated into the consciousness. This also means that it’s tough to engage in any conversation with these people about their aggressive tendencies when they are still operating below consciousness; what seems like blatant denial is often more a simple inability to see their own Mars–but be prepared, they will often see it in everyone else!

This can be a classic placement for one who sees others as being aggressive with them, and they may attribute others’ behavior as the ‘reason’ they lash out–‘she egged me on’ or ‘he was asking for it.’ And yes, if the individual is largely unconscious, and Mars rules the 1st, 2nd, 5th, 7th, or 8th, it could suggest child abuse–but if applicable, this combination could also suggest a leader or someone with a warrior sensibility who can defend others vigorously, an adept businessman or woman, someone unusually brave, or a successful athlete. The many possibilities of any placement are why we must take extra care not to buy into a too neat, too abbreviated definition of any energy, whether the interpretation is positive or negative.

What are the effects of a Void of Course Moon in a natal chart?

A Void of Course Moon is, as we know, a descriptor of the Moon after it has made its final major aspect in the sign through which it travels, and before it enters the following sign. In general, a VOC Moon period is a time when there is little impetus behind new starts or beginnings, and this idea follows from the fact that the Moon is the most changeable of all the main energies of the chart, and so is symbolic of growth, maturing, of the progression of events. It also suggests a period of unpredictability; things will likely not go as planned when undertaken at this time, and results may be unexpected and surprising, all because we don’t have the impetus of the Moon quickly contacting other bodies on which to count in moving circumstances forward.

When a natal Moon is VOC, it is the most ‘mature’ energy, degree-wise, in the chart, and it may or may not make aspects to other energies. If it fails to aspect anything, then the emotional picture becomes a huge focus for the individual; she or he may spend a lifetime trying to make emotional connections, both with the Self and with others. No matter the aspect picture, there may be a feeling that everything is felt extra intensely, that the world is in some way ‘too close’ to the sensibilities, and yet it seems to the individual it’s a thousand miles away in terms of relating successfully. This individual may have a sense that they are the ‘oldest Soul’ in the room (and here let me say, that is a lot of poppycock! some are more mature, some more experienced, some have absorbed their lessons better, but there is no order of creation for Souls!), but a better definition may be that they have a very serious, wise way of looking at the World–and this person may have a very difficult time fitting in with others–no matter their surface amiability, they may continually feel they are a stranger in a strange land.

And, stay snug, and have a great Monday!

Solstice, Shmolstice

18 Thursday Dec 2008

Posted by in astrology, current events in the sky

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I can’t do it better than this! http://judecowell.wordpress.com/2008/12/15/winter-solstice-2008-sun-cap-moon-libra/

This weekend, the Sun is in the last degrees of Sagittarius and coming to conjunction with Pluto–look for tension when ‘reaching out’ to others–it’s just the way it is, and you may find yourself feeling touchy as well. Don’t take it personally; look to the spirit of the lovely Libra Moon and approach contacts with a stance of co-operation, fairness, and loving connection, and you may see problems disappear. x-ray_sun1 

Other notable notes: work with Saturn quincunx Neptune, to fashion reality to fit your dreams; Venus sesquiquadrates the Earth and helps bring values, relationships, and earning situations ‘down to Earth’–that’s good, as it means we’ll easily see where and how to adjust things to our liking; Mars sextiles Neptune, marrying action to imagination and inspiration; Juno sextiles Uranus, empowering the uniqueness within each of us, and making interaction of the empowered individual with the group profitable for both; Vesta trine Pluto says it will be easy to do needed deep cleaning and regeneration on the home front, in the sex life, and in activities related to those causes to which we’re dedicated, and we won’t have any trouble seeing how to proceed here, either, as the Sun comes along to light the way.

We have some very helpful energies available to us right now, especially if we’re looking to create and to cleanse, so access these with the thought of enhancing your life, and remember that what inspires you, and what you aspire to, can be made manifest, though a cautionary point is in order: the subconscious, via Neptune, can be especially active right now, so if something comes forward that you believe you’d never have asked for–think again!

Monday Poll Round-Up, Venus-Jupiter Smash-Up, and, What’s Up?

01 Monday Dec 2008

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

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It’s Monday Poll Round-Up, and we’ve looked at each Moon this week, asking what people feel will be the challenges for each. Overall, the results are steady, with 56%+ each time giving answers indicating either positive feelings or a positive outlook on their ability to cope. This is heartening, telling us that more than half of us are meeting events with the best attitude possible, and that means chances for success in anything we apply ourselves to also goes up. A big plus: nobody was simply looking to escape–kudos to all, for the willingness to take responsibility, while the biggest plus is likely one we’re not even aware of: the emotional influence works largely through the unconscious, and with a positive outlook we may encounter ‘set ups’ and situations that are predisposed to a positive outcome, in response to our positive attitude; we really do create our own Universe!

The negatives, averaging around 34%, were troubling, if only for the way some of us expressed feelings of helplessness or some degree inability to cope as well as we’d like. My impulse is to say, Don’t be afraid, everything is as it is because a) the Universe truly is working in your best interests, and anything happening is happening in order to steer you in a particular direction and to give you particular experiences, and 2) if you are responsive to what is being revealed to you, there is no reason to fear–it’s only when you are not heeding the information offered that fear is a reasonable response, as the situation becomes similar to a driver on the highway who ignores ‘do not enter’ ‘wrong way’ ‘one way only’ and ‘stop’!

The ‘Dandies and Dictators’ poll was intriguing, mostly for the way a full 20% feel that the men they know are neither dandified nor dics (!) My only question then was, what are they? as I was unable to think of any male I’ve ever known who didn’t hold even a very mild desire to either be admired/ the center of attention/ or glory in his metrosexualtiy (some of the results of a dandified Juno) or to gently boss others around (again, Juno showing her power within the male psyche).

Venus and Jupiter meet in Capricorn, but here again, we must be willing to see the actual effect created, rather than looking in vain for what we expect. Will we get more love and/or money? Certainly that’s one alternative, but we must also note that circumstances might be deceptive, illusory, or inspired (Neptune influence), or they might bring results that are unduly restrictive, or results may be withheld, for now (Saturn aspect). So, we might not know immediately what this smash-up means, and there’s always the chance that it can have more than one influence for the individual; in fact, I would assume this will indicate at least two manifestations: one oriented toward the matters of the House in the natal chart where this conjunction takes place, and one drawing on one or more combinations of subject of the Houses each rules in the natal chart.  We must also consider that Jupiter’s involvement might signal exaggerations of the current state of love, money, relationships, so that whatever their present status, we will get a snoot full, and that may be great or not so! If you are having difficulty synthesizing possible meanings for the meeting of Venus and Jupiter, I would be glad to give suggestions specific to the various Houses they rule in your chart; please elaborate in the comments section. And, to round it all out, here’s a link to the astronomical take on the two: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27958792/?GT1=43001

My sense is that we’re all at least a little puzzled by the state of things, either personally or on the world stage, with the horrors of Mumbai being the latest assault on our Collective psyche and sensibilities. Take the direct approach; look around your own life for signs of both pitfalls and promise. This morning I saw a mating pair of eagles in flight, certainly an unusual sight, especially so close to a city; and yet where I live the tall cedars, firs, and pines of the Northwest have been preserved in place to a surprising degree, and wild life is still abundant. Certainly, none of us should be surprised to see such a soaring beauty in our own surroundings, and in our own lives, if we’ll just look into the heavens.

And whatever you do, have a great Monday!