Maxfield Parrish ‘Mary, Mary, quite contrary’ 1921 {{PD}}

Why do we have this idea that our power resides in doing things contrary to instinct? We get one of those wrong-headed notions today and may have trouble shaking it, especially because it seems like just pushing through, heedlessly powering ahead, is the answer–but it’s not. We do best to put our efforts toward thoughtful transformation of the current scene, toward trying to get back in touch with what’s natural for us, and toward planning: our future, our Path, for fulfillment of ambitions and desires. In fact, thinking about goals may be the most effective thing we can do, as if these are clear, our actions and choices will automatically fall into the pattern our aims describe (Ceres sesq and Merc contra-parallel Sedna, Mars parallel Pluto, Mercury conj and parallel Zeus)

Drawn By Walter Crane, Engraved and Printed by Edmund Evans 1907 {{PD}}

We can address issues, especially practical problems, ones that are skill-related, or ones that are pressing us for smart solutions, with the greatest of imagination and ease today. Thinking it through is necessary, and at first we may start from the point of what we can’t change, but soon inspiration is upon us–so we’d be wise to tackle things we’ve previously seen as insurmountable or as not presenting any viable solutions–because today, if they can be solved, we’ll be able to see the solution. That doesn’t mean, though, that we’ll magically see a way forward for something that’s not meant to be in the first place–only that which can thrive with the right approach will fire the imaginative and creative spirit today. Also beware of accepting deceptive or misleading communications; the same energy that opens us to the creative also opens us to untruths.

(Neptune opp Pallas, Mercury sq Pluto and parallel Neptune)

Tea harvesting in Japan ‘Smiles at Harvest Time’ 1914 Photo by Elstner Hilton, published to Wikimedia by A.Davey from Portland, Oregon, EE UU under a Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license

Here’s something interesting on a tea especially harvested during particular Full Moons–

‘Old Mill: The Morning Bell’ by Winslow Homer 1871 {{PD}}

Calling it a grind really is making this weekend sound much more harsh, and perhaps much slower-paced, than it really will be. With Pluto stationing direct on the 30th, we may feel that immensely slow grind and reversal and not really notice that in other ways we’re fleet, smart, wrestling with creative problems, with creating the future, and with looking for the best ways to empower ourselves, and so get where we want to go. Actions are effective and efficient; trouble only comes when we try to pin down power, especially when we try to mull, categorize, and codify it. If we’ll only let it flow through us, a river of energy that carries our talents, then we can draw on that power like a watermill, giving that power expression shape, form, purpose.

Be aware, too, that our psychic wounds have a direct pipeline to our health, and so may show in bodily issues even more strongly than usual. Our imaginations can cause problems, as well, if we overthink or go with speculation instead of fact (Perfecting this weekend includes: Chiron conj Hygeia, Mars parallel Saturn, Merc contra-parallel Hygeia, sesq and contra-parallel Juno, and qnx Neptune, Sun parallel Pallas and contra-parallel Ceres, Pallas nov NN)

Have a lovely weekend!

You may be as inspired as Joan of Arc today, here shown offering guidance to a young woman. By Jules Bastien-Lepage {{PD}}

Two major players make subtle contacts today, and though there are a few other ‘conversations’ taking place, none carry the impact to the mentality and the attention-focus these do. We see Mercury novile Jupiter and sesquiquadrate Sedna, suggesting some brilliant thoughts on the philosophical meaning of things, on the belief system, on the social order, and on personal attempts at learning/ educating and expanding the scope of the individual purview, and these may shake the instincts, challenging us to integrate ‘blind spot’ material or to access that which we ‘know but don’t know’. The mind is inspired by faith or by fact, and that creates some stress over some aspect of the interior ‘knowing’. Likely, the dazzling idea or realization springs directly from this stirred un- or barely conscious material. It’s a chance for both revelation about the Self, and revelation about the world you live in.

The other dynamic aspect is the Sun’s trine to the Black Moon Lilith point. This helps the Mercury realization process by putting a spotlight on those things we naturally push into the shadows. We really can’t be indifferent to what we have ignored, denied, or what has enraged us, and it, too, is stirred up. Like a centrifuge the mind spins a lot of unconsciously held material today, and what is pulled from that can create optimism or open up opportunity–so take note of what surfaces at this time, even if it doesn’t immediately seem to have value or obviously forward your cause–because, eventually, what it adds to conscious thought, and its usefulness, becomes clear.