Category Archives: current events in the sky

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

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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!

Monday Poll Round-Up, the Internal Struggle ‘to Know,’ and the Scorpio Moon: Lookin’ for Love

24 Monday Nov 2008

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Happy Monday, and welcome to the weekly poll round-up, where we shake out the poll numbers in an effort to see trends in thought and feeling. I was heartened this week by the high number of positive responses in each of the polls, especially those that evinced a healing and contribution-oriented attitude. The more of us who approach daily life with a consciousness of the interconnectedness of all things, and the willingness to add in positive ways to the Collective energy and experience, the more likely we are to sway things in a positive direction on a planetary scale.

Sound a little high falutin’? I think not, considering that roughly 17-20% in each survey chose an answer that reflects some fear or a distrust of the Universe. There are many many reasons this may be so, and I’m in no position to judge those reasons. What I do know, however, is that the Collective positivity that is in evidence will influence those who are momentarily caught in doubt and fear, and can bouy them in ways they’re hardly conscious of.

I also thought it was tremendously positive that so many showed an awareness of the need to take action, whether it was to make fundamental changes (25%) or to make clearer contact with the internal (a full 47%). Now, I always assume that I’m having experiences at least in part to draw my attention to something that may be brewing within the greater sphere, and these results, plus some recent experiences with individuals, have emphasized that there is a small contingent who are wrestling internally with change and the inevitability of it. They want to grow, they are aware that life is calling them to, and yet they are having great difficulty giving up the idea that they already know–what’s best, the way things ‘should’ be, who they are in the now, and though this drives them to seek guidance and situations that challenge them to grow, they also reject outright the feedback they’re receiving–because they cannot acknowledge that the ‘old’ knowledge that seemed to work so well for them before is no longer valid. I see this as a manifestation of Pluto in the final degree of Sagittarius; those who prosper are those who see that change is coming, and who surrender to a fresh input of information, that gives them the knowledge to go forward, successfully in charge of change within their own lives. This applies to everyone, myself included; for some, the hardest thing will be to give up the outdated idea of who or what they are.

And finally, the Moon enters Scorpio this morning, and we’re, yes, lookin’ for Love, and, you betcha, it’ll be in all the wrong places with this Moon that will dig a little too much, stirring something deep in the Scorpio cave; and by Love I mean any nurture or enrichment or comfort that brings security. How do we combat this tendency to turn over all the wrong rocks, to kiss all the wrong frogs? With a serious, even passionate, need for emotional honesty. Embracing our own emotional depths, accepting even the less shiny or flattering impulses we have, and as well forgiving those in others (even though we may be perfectly justified in holding trespassers at arm’s length!) is the way to deal with this Moon’s squares to the Nodal axis, Chiron, and Neptune. A commitment to emotional honesty also keeps at bay the possible hurt, delusion, and misdirection along the life path that comes to those who insist they couldn’t possess a darker side. An opposition to Vesta only challenges us, again, to be scrupulously truthful, specifically by putting that which is sacred before us and daring us to live up to what we say are our standards. Choose with care, and the Scorpio Moon’s trine to Uranus (the 25th at approx. 9 PM PST) will show how well we’ve handled this, and could bring forward a depth of satisfaction we didn’t really anticipate.

And whatever you do, have a great Monday!

Monday Poll Round-Up, Past and Present Collide, and the Fog Rolls In

17 Monday Nov 2008

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

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We only had one poll this week, ‘Is Love or Money your big ‘danger area’ with Venus in Capricorn?’ As of this morning, 28% say Love, 33% say Money, and a puzzling 39% are looking forward to this, as their natal Venus is in Earth; and I say this is puzzling, as we might expect more like 25% of readers to have Earth Venus placements. So what does this say? Maybe that people who are practical and concerned about concrete Venusian issues read astrology blogs out-of-proportion to their Airy, Watery, and Fiery counterparts.

I’ve had some intense, jarring experiences in the last few days where past and present have met in some unusual and intriguing symbolisms. People I haven’t thought of in years have popped into my head (or my dreams!) and the same seems to be happening to people around me–and I’m assuming, to you, too. What’s driving this? Perhaps Pluto at 29 of Sagittarius, exorcising the distant past, and conveying information about the now at the same time–if All is One, and there is no time in a linear sense, then a window is open that allows us to connect and synthesize elements of the past as they apply to the future, surely a delicious opportunity for understanding and acquisition of knowledge.

The Cancer Moon today (the 17th) quincunxes Pluto, suggesting that the emotional implications of the past and present reconciling will be at the forefront of our emotional reality; the Moon will also trine the Sun, then, when it enters Leo, trine Mars at 00 Sagittarius, and what action we might take will come clear. On the 21st the Earth perfects a quincunx to Pluto, bringing the material impact of all this Plutonian dredging and examining into focus (would that we could see this first, then receive the Mars/ Moon impetus to act, but ours is not to question why  . . . ) The upcoming Sun/ Mercury Superior Conjunction on the 24th brings the final message–believe what is communicated at this point, as it will be the key to finishing up with Sag issues successfully.

The fog rolls in–literally, as it has done here in Seattle, and figuratively, with the Mercury/ Neptune square. We know the drill here, know all the keywords that can describe Neptune’s effect on communication, information, short-distance travel, sibling relationships, and so on, so how do we determine which one of the scary (delusion, illusion, deception) or uplifting (inspirational, idealized, dream fulfilled) banners should be hung on Mercury for us as individuals? It’s elementary, dear Watson: look at the emotions behind the messages (Merc in Water) and the ways in which they clash with our ‘mental pictures’ (Neptune in Air). A secondary method involves looking to the positions of transiting Merc and Neptune in the natal chart, noting what they may be aspecting (anything at approx. 19-23 degrees of Air and Water signs, plus the ‘off’ measurements of the quincunx and semi-square)–if this puts at least one of them in hard (conjunction, square, semi-square, opposition, quincunx) aspect to something in the natal chart, then your message and meaning come here–and don’t forget, this is a conflict-meeting of the rulers of several Houses in the natal chart–look here, too, for meaning. If you’re having trouble, describe the situation of the transiting planets in your chart in the comments section (not to my email!) and I’ll see what I can see!

And in the meantime, have a great Monday!

Monday Poll Round-Up, and Identity Shifts: If Barack Obama Wins . . . .

03 Monday Nov 2008

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

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We either see change as fundamental to life, and therefore as having purpose, or we see it as threatening, and so consistently negative. Though I’ve warned of over-simplification of the concepts (particularly the Uranus/ Saturn opposition) that are accompanying the US Presidential election, there is a strong argument to support Uranus as fundamental change that Saturnian forces must deal with; and if that translates to an Obama win, then we have to ask ourselves: What fundamental changes will we feel at a personal level? And definite changes for two specific groups come to mind.

These shifts apply to a basic world view, as innate in what we know as gravity is to living upon the Earth. The first group, white men, will be faced with a symbolic loss of power. The power structure will for the first time in this country look profoundly different than what we are all used to, and for white men, this will be the first time they’ve looked at those at the very top of the pyramid, at the ultimate pinnacle of influence, and not seen themselves. Now, I’m not judging this, or saying that white men will all perceive this change in the same way, and I’m not saying that they think or act as a group, since individuality within all classifications and ways of grouping humans trumps a simple external likeness; but I am saying that in a patriarchal society built on the mostly unspoken presumption of supremacy of the white male as most ‘qualified’ to lead and arbitrate the social order, white men have always enjoyed the kinds of privilege allocated those at the top of the heap. They are more likely to be seen as serious and stable, and therefore a ‘better’ employee, they are in many instances paid more than minorities or women for the same jobs, and, since they ‘look’ just like the power that came before them, they’re more likely to be promoted and mentored by the white men who preceded them. Yes, these are all generalizations, and yes, there are many exceptions–but they typically prove the rule.

So for them, this election may skew the world view in such a way that they may not recognize the landscape as their own. I think this will be true beyond any racism or position of dominance; things just won’t look the same, which is true for all of us, but for the white male, it represents a command to loosen the psychic grip on the reins of power.

The other group affected by this at a profound level will, of course, be Black men and women. Justified pride in looking to the pinnacle of power and seeing one of their own is almost beyond expression for me; I can’t pretend to know the depths of feeling connected to this, but I can know that it will represent a fundamental change for them, too. On the one hand, it will be a peak moment of Collective experience in terms of a group that has been historically underserved, denied opportunity, and has suffered horrific prejudices and injustices, finally seeing a new dawn for themselves within the power structure. This will be undeniably sweet for many in the older generations, especially for the 109 year old daughter of a slave, Amanda Jones, who voted this week for Barack. And for the younger generations, a Black man ascending to the Presidency has to act as a beacon that shows them the truth of the idea that nothing is out of their reach. On the other hand, it makes a demand of the worldview, too: one cannot continue to define oneself as underserved or trodden upon to quite the same extent when one looks at ‘The Man’ (can you tell when I was young?!) and sees distinct cultural, racial, and experiential similarities–suddenly (Uranus) the social landscape changes, quite specifically for different groups (Uranus again) and our disparities may parse out more and more in cultural, educational, and economic spheres, and less and less (I hope) in racial ones. A scant few, married to a victim mentality, may stay with a victim mentality, just as there will be whites who will embarass themselves by railing against the country’s chosen leader, simply because of skin color (but there’s always a chance it’s out of a sense of intellectual inferiority, very Age of Aquarius!)–but there are always some who will be vessels of intolerance, and they come in all shapes, sizes, and colors.

The social landscape I speak of is Jupiter; right now it’s still in Capricorn, ruled by Saturn, but the trine it forms with Saturn does not perfect again; each energy goes its own way, Jupiter moves into Aquarius in early January 2009, and Saturn retrogrades December 31st, while Uranus goes direct late November. And what does all this suggest in terms of change in the social sphere? Inevitable, progressive change, the Saturnian grip loosening, forward thinking energies gaining; maybe this is finally, as the long-ago song suggested, the dawning of the age of Aquarius.

But I’m not entirely convinced that Obama will win, despite the polls. I’m feeling we’re in for some real upheaval, and I can’t put my finger on that nature of it. I’ve wondered if a natural event might not supersede the results of the election, not on the day but shortly thereafter; and I’ve wondered if this election might not turn into another contested catastrophe a la 2000, but with a different flair–or maybe Bush as a lame duck will try to institute changes that will bring everyone under pressure and up in arms (maybe literally–a draft?) At least, we don’t have long to wait to find out what happens.

We had only one poll this week. I actually put up two but Polldaddy has issues (!) so until they’re resolved we must be satisfied with having asked just one question: “How do you think Pluto’s move into Capricorn will affect you?” Overall, more people were positive about anticipated changes, or were neutral, feeling it was hubbub over nothing (55% total) than were concerned. A troubling few answered as if they are sure they will be victims of Pluto–but they should remember, as one of the options said, Pluto can’t do anything to us that we don’t agree to.

And have a great Monday!

Seeking Advice During Mercury Retrograde

06 Monday Oct 2008

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

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Just a reminder that, in these tough times when so many of us are looking for effective guidance, we must remember that most basic of admonitions: seek advice from those who really know. Sometimes we lose the logical connection during a Mercury retrograde; we forget that the proof is in the ‘life pudding,’ so to speak. Does it make sense to ask for relationship advice from someone who can’t sustain one? or to ask financial advice from someone who can’t make a living? how about health advice from someone who is not able to resolve their own health issues in a timely way? No, it doesn’t make sense at all; but we can easily forget this in the midst of Mercury retrograde, when we feel a lot of pressure to decide, get things done/ going, to make up our minds; this might be an especially pressing issue for those experiencing a hard transit from Mars right now. If we use our intuition in seeking advice, we’ll do well–as long as it’s truly our intuition speaking, and not our agitated and frustrated mental faculties as they struggle against the retrograde tide.

Are we requiring perfection of those who offer guidance, formally or informally? Not at all; nor should we–learning comes through experience. But to seek, say, financial advice from those struggling to make ends meet makes no sense–if one can’t do ‘it,’ whatever it is, for themselves, then how can they advise others? It’s the same in any area–would you call an electrician to handle a plumbing problem? You see my point. (This also implies that the individual has some asset they could and probably should exploit, that’s being ignored in favor of something else, likely something that is feeding the ego, and little else).

What about those who offer advice but are not truly up to the task? I have a theory about what people choose to do in life: they either choose to do something they’re really good at, or they choose to do the very thing they actually need done for them. I realized this when I met a nurse who desperately desired nurture from the Universe; and she wasn’t a very good nurse!

This doesn’t mean that we avoid learning new functions, or that we only undertake what we are already competent with; it does mean that we don’t ‘practice’ on others until we are very clear about ourselves.

 

The August Eclipses, 2008

28 Monday Jul 2008

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

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The August Eclipse set will fire us up (Leo) and present us with a distinct mental challenge (Aquarius): do we put ourselves first, or do we go with the group? For some, this will translate into an even more personal dynamic, with a twist: the dilemma will be between weighing the efficacy of what we must do to earn individual glory, versus the temptation to rebel against group demands, which offer an implied glory for the individual (likely of a reflective nature, where the individual basks in the glory of group achievement or ascendancy), just without the personal ‘spotlight’ effect. So, the essence of the eclipse influence will be a measuring of action (Fire) in terms of a kind of ‘attention payoff,’ with the main question involving whether the choices must be independent and Self-focused to attain Self-glory, or whether acts must comply with what the group thinks, wants, requires in order to earn its acclaim.

The total Solar eclipse of August 1st occurs at 3:12 AM PDT at 9 Leo 32, and is part of a single configuration; the Sun/Moon conjunction, opposed Earth, forms a T-square with Vesta in Taurus (see previous entry for other aspects active at this point). A fire lights us from within as the Moon and Sun meet; the aspect pattern says we will assess our material situation to see how this fits with the urge to act, and it also implies our conflicts in this regard will be presented by the home situation, the sex life, and/ or those subjects we hold sacred. That’s a formidable challenge, and one that is at the core of who we are; in order to successfully negotiate the eclipse energy, we must determine what our essential sacred values are, and then we must act accordingly. This is, however, only the initial phase of the set, and so we look to the Lunar eclipse that follows for clues as to how this scenario will play out.

The two weeks between the eclipse points will be fraught with tension, at least as regards our personal ambitions and our urge to forward our own cause. Though some may paint this as too much Self-focus, too vain, it is an absolutely appropriate response–no time should be wasted in judging ourselves for what occupies our attention. Instead we must make a concerted effort to understand our priorities, and what we need to fulfill the Leonine desire for acclaim. Focus on the Leo related elements of your natal chart will outline the methods, venues, and most effective approach(es) that you can take in dealing with the initial eclipse energy. During the two week interim both Mercury and Venus move from Leo to Virgo, and gently move our processing abilities from concentration on ego needs to the categorization and details that will help us implement the actions we’ve discovered we must take in order to thrive. When each of these energies meets Saturn (Mercury the 15th, Venus the 13th) be prepared to be presented with either an actual material manifestation of the action-need, or with an idea or concept that will point the way to fulfillment–either way, it will be solid; the only thing preventing successful use will be an unwillingness to recognize what’s come to us.

The partial Lunar eclipse (Full Moon) arrives at 2:15 PM PDT on August 16th at 24 Aquarius 21. Is a partial eclipse less powerful than a total one? I like to think so, simply because ‘total’ suggests an overwhelming influence we can’t avoid, while ‘partial’ gives us wiggle room, and possibly implies that some will remain largely unaffected by this contact unless it also aspects a personal natal placement or point.

This is a meshing of Moon and Earth, a blending of emotion/ intuition and the material; the Sun in opposition puts ego and Soul urges ‘out there,’ either in direct contrast to, or unavailable or unrelated to, the Moon/ Earth combo. The Soul/ ego/ identity becomes ‘the Other,’ and our focus becomes the emotional reaction to the material surroundings/ situation. We look to the feeling reality to guide us in material choices; the sensibilities respond to the unseen behind the physical world and the everyday object. We can make decisions about material matters with uncanny emotional accuracy at this point, if we can allow intuition to work ‘in the moment’–trying to get intuitive insight ahead of the game means we will be relying on every faculty except the intuitive–keep this in mind if you happen to be one who finds it difficult to walk into something without your mind already made up.

At Lunar Eclipse time we also see Mars exactly square Pluto and sextile Ceres, Chiron less than one degree from conjunction with the North Node, and Venus exact trine Vesta. Less precise in aspect, but still of note, are Ceres sesquiquadrate Juno and quincunx Pluto. These aspects suggest the atmosphere we’ll face as we are immersed in the emotional/ material meld. The ego Self will be bent on destruction or transformation, either in concert with or on its own authority; action feels both necessary and justified, but that authortiy on which we rely, whether personal or external, may need adjustment in order to truly be in our own best interests, the kind that keep us empowered, and again, the destruction/ transformation urge is linked with this. With Chiron/ NN and Venus trine Vesta we see elements of (misperceived) fatedness or woundedness, and a possibly too-adamant reverence for the sacred, enter the mix. These can make us intractable, unreasonable, and can give the ego too strong a foothold on the action, as it uses what we hold dear to justify nearly anything it wants. On the positive side, we may see Chirotic skills brought to the fore, and a true appreciation for relationships/ assets; we may even profit from events.

Though eclipse effects are strongest at the event itself, influences will play out through to the next eclipse set in January/ February 2009. Matters of Self, Self-promotion, and absorption/ resistance to the group will be recurring themes; look to the Houses of the natal chart where the eclipses occur for the areas of your life mostly likely to be affected.

Watch the eclipse here: http://oregonspacegrant.wordpress.com/2008/07/24/view-a-full-solar-eclipse-webcast-live-at-omsi-august-1-2008/

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