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Category Archives: future events in the sky

1-3 August 2019 + A Mini-What You’re Asking: Ascendants, Cusps, & Quincunxes

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Posted by in astrology, Born Today, current events in the sky, forecast, future events in the sky, House Systems, What You're Asking

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‘The Flageolet Player on the Cliff’ By Paul Gauguin 1889 {{PD}}

‘What You’re Asking’ comes from search terms I find in my site stats that could use some explanation, answer, or remark.

Ascendant on 2nd House cusp Whole Sign

Let’s get something straight: in the Whole Sign Universe, the Ascendant sign dictates the 1st House; that means we can’t have the Ascendant in the 2nd House! Because, if the Ascendant is there, that makes it the 1st House! Even very close to the ending of a sign, even in the last degree and minute and second, the Ascendant is still in the 1st. That means the Ascendant can be found anywhere within the 1st House.

In Placidus and many other House systems, the Ascendant delineates the beginning of the 1st House, but with Whole Sign, the sign of the Ascendant makes that sign the entire House, both ahead of and behind the Ascendant itself. This also lays out the rest of the chart, with one sign per House and the Midheaven true to its position; that is, unlike in other systems, the MC doesn’t mark the beginning of the 10th, but instead can fall anywhere the Sun could reach its zenith in a 24 hour period in that part of the world at that time of year.

It’s true that people talk about ‘being on the cusp’ of something: another sign, another House, but the term cusp only means ‘edge’. If you’re on the edge of a cliff, you’re not also below, tumbled into the valley, are you? So let’s stop talking about astrology as if a body or point is being influenced by something it’s not in, or a condition it doesn’t have–that not only makes for inaccurate, even sloppy, interpretation, it encourages those who don’t know better to think they may opt for the natal placement or for the other sign or House it’s near. As they say in that commercial where the woman takes a picture off her living room wall and declares, ‘I unfriend you!’, that’s not how any of this works.

quincunx relationship Scorpio/ Gemini

This made me think someone was looking for the relationship potentials between two individuals, each with the Sun in one of these signs, so I’ll approach this that way. First, an actual quincunx between Suns would require no more than a two degree differential; in that case we might expect that each would perpetually feel they must adjust their identity, their purpose, the nature of their true essence, just to get along with the other. That makes for an uncomfortable, not to say stressful, relationship.

If we’re talking about Suns that are in signs that are quincunx, but that are not in direct dialogue with each other, we might see a similar dynamic, but more diffuse. These two people might not ‘get’ each other, and are most likely to feel mild indifference, and maybe a lack of empathy, barring any other dynamic contacts between charts. Scorpio is Fixed Water: tending to perceive and process emotionally, first and foremost, with those perceptions intensely and deeply felt, and relatively difficult to change. Gemini is Mutable Air: perceiving and processing through the mind, perpetually re-considering and assessing, always searching for new information, and so changeable in their thinking.

In either case, not an easy interaction, no matter their roles or relationship.

Forecast 1-3 August 2019

The 1st sees us in harmony with ourselves, essentially agreeing with what we think! It’s a day that reinforces our mentality and the way we see things, but this offers one bonus: the ability, probably due to the consistency and harmony of our presentation at this time, to heal relationships or asset sources that have been damaged. And that’s a worthy goal, right?

The 2nd is almost the opposite to the 1st, with erraticism and unusual behavior in relationships, financial anomalies, surprises in Love, shocks over worth, and we find the reward from original thinking and innovation. And, we are either going after our own empowerment aggressively, or receiving aggression from others over what is or isn’t our domain. We may feel as if we are victims of the random, but there are two things we can do that should be highly beneficial to us: go over the discrepancies between our highest values and our ambitions; somewhere they’re not meeting up, and that’s causing ‘fulfillment drag’–and willingly excavate those personal matters we’ve ignored or denied, the ones that cause a shadow on the identity or expression of purpose. Hauling this material into the light will be nothing but good, in the end, and we’ll likely find that most of this shadow was generated by our own judgments of ourselves, and can be forgiven at any time.

By the 3rd we’re looking at personal empowerment issues, struggling, even, to make them ‘stick’. The feeling may be that we have to justify, one way or another, the territory we claim. We need to realize we’ve suffered a recent aggressive injury, where someone attacked, maybe very subtly, our right to be–and that has left this scab and we’re picking at it! Here’s your therapy: Stop it! Remind yourself you have the right to claim space to be, to do, to dream, as your own–no need to justify your existence, ever, to anyone, and that includes yourself. Nobody puts Baby in the corner!

For those born with the Sun at 09 Leo. Check your natal chart for the correct Sun degree (you may want to read both the degree number and the one that follows, if you have minutes on your Sun position–together these offer a more complete picture of your year ahead). What is this ‘New World’ you’re waking up to this solar year, and will experience through to your next birthday, dear Leo? Or is it, rather than a new world, a ‘Fresh Hell’? That all depends on the fate you’ve been preparing for yourself over the years. That sounds obvious, but the reality is that this is the year when all those choices, those roads taken and those avoided, coalesce into a meaningful picture. You’ll see, benefit from, and pay for those choices. Noe, if that makes you uneasy, you still have this year during which to clean up your act, to change your fate. If you anticipate the results of your choices with something akin to pleasure, then you’ll know you’ve chosen well, and can spend the year building on the foundation you’ve put in place. In either case, this year you have the ability to shine, especially when showing yourself and what you can do to the world, and you have the energy and focus to use every bit of your muscle to fulfill ambitions and desires–just stay aware of what this pursuit might create, for best results. Good luck!

For those born with the Sun at 10 Leo. Check your natal chart for the correct Sun degree (you may want to read both the degree number and the one that follows, if you have minutes on your Sun position–together these offer a more complete picture of your year ahead). Could you be more ready to critically assess yourself, your life, and where you’re going? No, you’re ready right now, dear Leo, and may spend this coming solar year, through to your next birthday, taking an intuitive but critical measure of your power, your position, your obligations, and your relationship to Nature. This is all in preparation for the smart, creative action you’ll be taking in future. So, don’t worry if you’re more attuned to pondering and trimming, this year, than you are to doing or making a big splash–you’re on your way, and as long as you’re clear on your highest values, you’ll see clearly what to do. Good luck!

For those born with the Sun at 11 Leo. Check your natal chart for the correct Sun degree (you may want to read both the degree number and the one that follows, if you have minutes on your Sun position–together these offer a more complete picture of your year ahead). What is it, dear Leo, that you crave more than anything? Could it be a way to fulfill ambitions that rests on your values and what you honor, and that uses to the fullest your creativity? Because if it is, you’re in luck. This solar year, through to your next birthday, affords you the opportunity to fashion or find the absolute perfect outlet–and that means you could spend the year focused on your needs, and inadvertently neglecting those of loved ones. That’s okay–you’ll have to explain to them that right now, you’ve got to take center stage for yourself. Once you give shape and life to your desire, then you can go back to the caretaking of others that you do so well. Good luck!

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1-4 January 2019 Happy New Year! + A Glimpse At The Year Ahead

31 Monday Dec 2018

Posted by in astrology, current events in the sky, Fist of God, forecast, future events in the sky, Jupiter-Neptune Square

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‘Masked Ball’ By Jules Alexandre Grün 1934 {{PD}}

New Year’s Eve and day share a Scorpio Moon, ripe for intrigue and bringing matters of hidden or ‘power behind the throne’ realities, as well as ‘powerful anima‘ or ‘powerful women’ scenarios to the fore as it glides over both Ceres and Venus. Exercise care at the equivalent of early AM Pacific time of the 1st; that’s when the Moon sextiles Pluto and conjoins Ceres, when we may grapple for authority or struggle for supremacy (over others or Nature itself) without even realizing we’re doing it.

If we treat the New Year’s day aspects as general harbingers of the year ahead, what we see is stress, a suppressed vitality, constraints, serious questions, and the need to adjust and resolve in order to move forward. We might want to pay particular attention to the forming Jupiter-Neptune square, first perfecting on the 13th, shaking a confused, faith dissolving, or overly optimistic fist at the future (NN apex Fist of God). It suggests it may be about two weeks into the new year before we confront our own beliefs, attitudes, and delusions, a point where we find we must act to reconcile potentials with the odds of making them realities.

By Andreas Weith – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=65253643

The New Year also brings a need to be flexible in fitting our status to our ambitions, and vice versa–that is, keeping desires and aims proportional to our actual ability to make things happen. Though it may sound discouraging, it’s in doing what we can that we open the way to do and achieve even more. Nothing is ever gained by sitting on our hands and mourning the power we don’t have.

We also need to be open to the messages the reality picture delivers, to the knowledge we can easily distill or intuit from real-world matters before us, and commit to making as conscious as possible what we ‘know but don’t know’ about our circumstances. The better we are able to sort ourselves and our reality out now, at the year’s beginning, the better we will be set to weather the other two squares (not to mention everything else we will encounter!)

(Juno qnx Zeus, Chiron contra-parallel Juno, Sun conjoined Saturn and both sesq Sedna, Jupiter and Neptune in a loose square forming base to a Fist with apex NN)

With two more instances of the Jupiter-Neptune square set to occur in 2019, we can use this aspect as a kind of marker that will show the potentials for handling ‘the facts’, dreams, faith, and the tendency to obliterate ‘What Is’ with fantasy, delusions, or outright lies.

The second square, which falls on 16 June, shows Saturn closely sextile Neptune and Neptune trine Mercury-Mars in Cancer (which places this duo quincunx Jupiter). The implication may be that both Jupiter-Neptune positives (a capacity to maximize the dream within the reality picture of both fact and belief, optimism and creativity applied, opportunity to create the ideal) and negatives (delusion through belief, opportunity misunderstood or improperly exploited, the facts in direct conflict with the dream) find real-world expression, and that thinking and actions are driven by the conflict between Jupiter-Neptune. This suggests the square is hugely important in understanding what we may face as a society (Jupiter), as well as what will affect us at a personal level. Thinking and action are both oriented toward what we care for and want to nurture (Cancer), at this point; that presents its own challenges, along the lines of unacknowledged emotionalism and blurry boundaries.

The final square, set for 21 September, finds the Black Moon Lilith point very close to Neptune. That suggests a whole lot of resentment, anger, and vengeful energy behind our imaginings–so it’s more important than ever that we have firm ideals and are honest with ourselves over what really is. The temptation will be to allow rage to fuel creative activity–but that can too easily tip into destructive or unrealistic efforts meant to ‘even the score’, rather than aiming to conduct ourselves (and so enhance our world) by ever-reaching for the highest aim possible.

‘The End of Dinner’ By Jules-Alexandre Grün 1913 {{PD}}

We’re better off addressing a couple of highlights between now and the eclipse, rather than having exhaustive aspect analysis, simply because not much happens, and the building tension toward the Lunar event really garners most if not all of our attention. On the 2nd the standout is definitely a Pluto square to Zeus, reminding us how easily our attempts to exert our power can turn destructive as we seek desire fulfillment. The 3rd shows Venus trine the North Node and opposed Sedna, suggesting we may refuse to listen to our instincts in relationships and/ or financial matters, and so map out our future. This day also sees Mercury square Chiron and trine Uranus, warning us that internalized messages of hurt could prompt spontaneous utterances or ideas–and that can be truly Self-sabotaging, if they are born on a wave of upset that we likely aren’t full aware of. With any luck, though, processing those spontaneous thoughts could yield some entirely new approaches, especially in thinking and reasoning. And for the 4th we see Merc enter Capricorn and the Sun sextile Neptune, taking thinking in a practical vein and offering a better-than-recently-has-been base for creative effort, including pursuit of the ideal.

Next up is the second part of the Cinderella Point, and then the New Moon/ Partial Solar Eclipse!

‘Adieu, Cocottes!’ By Jules-Alexandre Grün 1903 {{PD}}

Your Week Ahead 23-28 December 2018

22 Saturday Dec 2018

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

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‘Wintergewitter’ By Albert Ernst Mühlig 1909 {{PD}}

To give myself a little breathing room (and honestly, you’ve probably got a lot to do, too!) I’ll choose one or two (or three!) aspects for each day to talk about. I’ll go for what may add an unusual influence, what may have the biggest impact, and/ or what may be the one energy to concentrate on, and let the others go by. If you’re really longing for the dulcet tones of my-voice-in-your-head, then you may want to try one of my books–

Remember The Future–On the 23rd I’m all about Pluto trine Juno and Venus square Black Moon Lilith; the first suggests easy transformation of status or empowerment standing–just remember that can go in either direction–and the second describes the conflicts arising in relationships and/ or financial matters, with their origins found unquestioningly in those things we’ve ignored or denied. These two may mix, via Mercury sesquiquadrate the North Node, which makes it difficult to keep future effects of current thinking in mind–meaning we may, dealing with others or assets, fail to think of what we’re hoping to build or achieve. We may think only in the moment, probably in trying to justify those matters we’ve chosen to ignore, and so miss the impact this thinking has on our standing, our interactions, and on our future. Proceed with caution.

Photo by David Ellis/USFWS {{PD}}

Trickster Mode–For the 24th the mind tries not to operate in Trickster mode, but almost can’t help it. With Mercury square Neptune, sesquiquadrate Uranus, and parallel Jupiter, we are processing things erratically, unpredictably, creatively, and this likely makes conclusions fall in line with beliefs–which can mean that our Self-reinforcing view wrongly makes us think we are perceiving the world without significant filters. If anything, we’re in danger of fooling ourselves, with Self-honesty the obvious, but highly effective, antidote.

A Touch of Genius–The 25th the noviles set the tone–one between Jupiter and Pluto, and one between Mars and Black Moon Lilith. The facts or following one’s beliefs can lead to real, permanent change–the issue is, how strongly will you be influenced by what you don’t admit to or acknowledge? Whether you mean them to or not, choices and actions will be tailored to what you ignore or deny–be aware.

Bertha Lum 1913 {{PD}}

Mixed Bag–Here are the influences for the 26th; you decide what to do with them: action follows instinct or is subsumed by ‘blind spot’ material (Mars sextile Sedna) and that means we’re operating only half-consciously–and this is so despite our depth of thought, much of which is focused on the past (undoubtedly, it’s that turn to the past that keeps us only half aware of the now (Mercury parallel Pluto and novile the South Node). And how does it all look to us? As if we are disempowered or disrespected at every turn (Sun sesquiquadrate Juno). Keep your head in the present, and realize that your perceptions are skewed toward the negative, and that may prevent any serious missteps.

Smart Money–Choices keep the future in mind, and we know the value of asserting our own authority, of showing our personal competence in the roles we inhabit, and of maintaining awareness of our own agency–the smart money is drawn to expressions of power–so what are those shadows dancing at the edges of our otherwise sunny vision? They are everything we’ve been in denial of. Yeah, I said it right out–and you should face it, negotiate new terms–that’s the thing that must be done on the 27th that will allow inner wisdom to apply itself to empowered actions, making what you do smart and effective (Pallas quincunx Juno, Mars trine the North Node, Venus conjoined Ceres, Sun novile Black Moon Lilith)

‘Salzburg’ Alfred Gelbhaar {{PD}}

What’s The Difference?–we may have a hard time today, the 28th, when it comes to telling what’s smart from what we want, and whether we’re acting and choosing out of hurt or out of the chance to mobilize our most unique skills. How do we sort this out? Dig deep, really deep, into inner wisdom, searching for Truth with a capital ‘T’–that’s the thing that must be your guide in all things today–that, and a little Love (Pallas conjoined Zeus, Mars conjoined Chiron, Pluto square Pallas, Venus sextile Pluto)

This week’s word image is an episode where life hands you a metaphor–mine is, ‘You’ve run out of thyme’. What have you been putting off and putting off, always thinking you’ll do it tomorrow? That’s what you have to do right now.

See the recent Full Moon in Cancer here–

 

 

Venus Retrograde 2018 Experimental Passions

04 Thursday Oct 2018

Posted by in astrology, current events in the sky, future events in the sky, Retrogrades + Directions, Venus, Venus Retrograde

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‘Femme nue’, 1889 By Jean-Léon Gérôme {{PD}}

Venus currently appears stationary, and will begin apparent backward motion on October 5th at 10 Scorpio 50 (and a skosh), 12:05 PM PDT. Every 8 years Venus retrogrades at just a few degrees less in the same sign; last retro in Scorpio began October 7th 2010 at 13 Scorpio 13. We look back to what happened at that time for clues as to what will appear this time; the House of the natal chart where the retrograde falls will tell you what subjects, individuals, or groups will potentially be prominent. These issues may be the same as last time Venus went retro here, they even may pick up exactly where they left off, or another topic represented by the House may come forward, and there’s the possibility that the Venus retro effect may spill over into the matters of the Houses of the natal chart ruled by Venus, as well as Venus’ usual themes of ‘Love & Money’.

Venus’ turnaround prompts us to pull back on aesthetic choices, to reconsider friendships, partnerships, or love interests, to review investments of all kinds, to experiment in these areas. Suddenly we wake up one day and long to try something new in one or another Venus ruled arena; as this retro is in Scorpio, we are likely to dig, excavate, research, our need to find ‘the Truth’ urgent and emotionally stirring, with all the consequent (and probably predictable) upset this brings to relationships, values, or financial situations. We’ll be drawn, one way or another, into a Venusian ‘cave’–how and how deeply we choose to explore it is the retrograde journey.

During the retrograde we may decide to resuscitate some Venusian interest. We could go back to making Art, making money, or making Love, reconnect with an ex-, reach out to a lost friendship, dabble in new income sources, or look to handle our funds or interactions differently than before. What we cherish or find rewarding comes into focus–though we could say it loses its usual focus, giving us a different viewpoint than we are accustomed to–and we may see temporary circumstances that turn as much on finding what doesn’t work for us as by locating what does.

The retro period frees us from the usual Venusian constraints we apply (indicated by the natal Venus placement by House and most especially by sign), but caution from the get-go is necessary: what we may not see is that our judgments made under the influence of the retro may not hold, may in fact revolt or upset us when Venus is once again direct. We need to remain cognizant of the experimental nature of a Venus retrograde–the trick is to venture out of our comfort zones, try new things, but to do so without destroying what already is–though that judgment may come later, once the goddess goes direct.

Who holds emotional power within relationships may be at issue, and the choice to regenerate contacts that may have withered may come before us. Passions of all stripe may be re-ignited, and passion may be the measure against which we judge all things at this time. Does it fire us up, does it move us, does it reach us deep inside? Venus in Scorpio will let us know if it does–or maybe even more important, if it doesn’t–and one thing we can know is that our experiences now will reach into our emotional depths. Feelings that may have been hidden could see the light–and of course, once released that djinn can’t be shoved back into the bottle.

By Max Slevogt 1896 {{PD}}

What we must remember, though, is that our tastes and preferences change shape during the retro; tried-and-true preferences give way to the exotic or strange, or especially with Scorpio, to the dark impulse or forbidden, the urge toward complete obliteration, transformation, or change, the seduction of the extreme. What we fall in or out of love with may or may not better reflect who we really are–it all depends on so many things.

What have you always wanted to try, in line with subjects of the House placement of the retro within the natal chart, but it crossed a line for you? You may be presented with that very thing (or go out seeking it!) between now and 16 November–and add to that Mercury’s retrograde in Sagittarius as soon as Venus completes her apparent backward motion, suggesting that out from under the altered tastes of Venus retro we must immediately re-think our actions or what we’ve learned (Merc in Sagittarius, a Fire sign). Take the hint: during this Venus retro we are likely to do some things we later question; that means changes should be easily un-doable–dying the hair pink, yes! Getting a tattoo, no! Dating someone new, sure! Getting married spur-of-the-moment, nope!

Aspects made soon after the retrograde period begins, or aspects occurring at the turnaround point, often clue us in to the nature of the retro itself, and certainly to the circumstances early in the period. This time, other than a sextile from the Moon once she changes sign, Venus’ first aspect will be a square to Mars in Aquarius. That occurs 10th-11th of October and is accompanied by a conjunction from the Moon to Venus. This suggests that we likely meet at least some consequences of our actions during the retro–and these may show too much of a tendency to intellectualize the Will, perhaps divorcing it from the raw want that Venus can stir, and possibly underestimating the emotional impact our choices will have, on our own egos, or on our ability to continue to exercise our Will.

The retro period offers situations and circumstances that allow us to reconsider our values, to reassess where and on whom we spend our Venus energy, where we give or invest our Love, our cooperation, what we are willing to do in exchange for life giving material support or Soul-enhancing affections.  Happening in Scorpio, we need to remember during the retrograde that what we’re ultimately aiming for is better discovering or understanding the Truth that drives each of us forward–and from there, how well we receive and process and make use of that information is up to us.

Winter is coming! Photo by me

I’ll be taking some time off, so no daily reports for a while. I will pop back in randomly and do plan on reporting on New and Full Moons, and of course will be checking mail and orders. Hoping to finally finish my Moon book–right now I’m working on the Lunar relationship between Carrie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds, and just finished a Juno-heavy Lunar look at Mary Shelley and her mother, Mary Wollstonecraft. Thank you to all my readers, to those who offer support in all forms, and to my clients–you keep me hopping!! and I love you for it 🙂

The Eclipses of July-August 2018

02 Monday Jul 2018

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

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Photo By Naposaurus 2013 Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported

Here are the general forecasts for the eclipse set coming late this summer. Notice that the first two seem strongly connected; I fully expect events around the initial Solar one to lead directly to the events of the Full Lunar one that follows at the end of July.

The Partial Solar eclipse of 12 July 2018 (7:48 PM PDT) falls at 20 Cancer 41 as the Moon, Earth, and Sun align on the same plane, allowing the Moon to ‘eclipse’ the normally dominant Sun at their New Moon meeting. This event also sees Earth, which of course is always opposed the Sun, conjoined Pluto, making its opposition to the New Moon eclipse the centerpiece of the aspect picture; asteroid Zeus forms a T-square with the Sun-Moon-Earth-Pluto axis, and Ceres is semi-square the New Moon. A Solar eclipse, this one in Water, is a new beginning, and that can come gently, like a tide lapping at the shore, or fiercely, like a wave crashing on the beach—but in either case, it brings change, which may slowly pull the sand from beneath your feet, can knock those feet out from under you, and/ or could even wipe the landscape clean in a tsunami, leaving you in an entirely new place. Change, then, is expected, and with Pluto opposed the event and conjoined the Earth, the very ground on which we walk, we may want to be highly attentive to the mix of Water and Earth, emotion and the material, flow and static states, in our world.

This event in a Water sign also emphasizes the emotional component eclipses already carry, as they are mainly Lunar events, with the Moon playing the pivotal role, either in blocking the Sun’s light from us (a Solar eclipse) or acting as the screen on which we observe the blocking of the light (by the Earth, as it moves between Moon and Sun) in a Lunar eclipse. This Solar eclipse event doubles down on the emotional, psychological, and intuitive potentials, making us all naturally hyper-sensitive to the atmosphere around the New Moon. Symbolically this speaks of, in the case of a Solar eclipse, emotions themselves causing a blockage between the material world (Earth) and ‘What Is’, including purpose and intent (the Sun). The block is meant as a disruptor, a point at which the usual view just can’t be adopted, as the light in which we view things is suddenly radically different. We keep this in mind as we look at the particulars of any eclipse event, as consciousness about the larger scenario illuminates the smaller details of the single occurrence.

Here we have the sheer power of Pluto aligned with Earth—and of course this kind of aspect always makes me think of earthquakes or volcanoes—most likely of a personal, symbolic nature, and this directly opposes the meeting of Sun and Moon on the ecliptic, so that we have Earth-Pluto, a material or physical power situation, that is receiving no light, as the Moon prevents it. That suggests that at or following the eclipse we face a real-world challenge that we’re prevented from understanding by our own emotional response.

Too, the challenge puts us in a spot: not only is our authority to respond at issue (Ceres), but we see conflicts with our goals, ambitions, and/ or desires (Zeus). The Sabian symbol for the eclipse is, ‘A Famous Singer Is Proving Her Virtuosity During An Operatic Performance’. This not only speaks of the individual need to express ourselves in a way most characteristic of us as unique individuals—to ‘sing out’—with the eclipse challenge one of performance: show us your stuff! In the context of the eclipse, what we see is that the ability to convey who we are, our strongest and most authoritative identity (Ceres) expressed in an earthly venue (Earth-Pluto) is endangered by our extreme emotional response (the eclipse), which blocks an objective assessment of the situation.

The Earth moves, and we react—and that stops a clear understanding of what’s actually happening, and so of knowing what’s actually affected. The change that happens here is serious, but not necessarily permanent; we may do best to see it more as inevitable reform, events or revelations that present us with personal power and ‘territory’ issues we hadn’t yet faced, and conflicts with ambition fulfillment we hadn’t yet acknowledged. Taking that tack tells us that what elicits our emotional reaction at the eclipse could’ve been anticipated, if we’d realized the extent to which these matters, goal achievement and our power reach, needed our attention to begin with.

The Total Lunar eclipse of 27 July 2018 (1:19 PM PDT) falls at 4 Aquarius 44, forming just after contact to, and still within orb of, a retrograde Mars; the Full Moon is also in wide sextile to Chiron and wide square to Uranus, with the latter, ruler of the eclipse itself, forming a T-square with the Sun-Earth-Moon-Mars axis. The only other aspect made is a sesquiquadrate to Venus in Virgo. A Lunar eclipse is a Full Moon, and this one occurs in the crisp, intellectually-oriented, forward-thinking sign of Aquarius, suggesting the event delivers revelation or understanding. Since it’s conjoined Mars, what appears could be the consequences of our own choices or actions, as instituted at the inception point of the previous Solar eclipse/ New Moon, or it could be that what we come to understand drives a current choice or action, with consequences still to be seen. That preceding Moon opposed Pluto, suggesting a power situation revealed, and this Full Moon may be the personal response to it, something driven by our intellectualization of the events that we then act on or choose according to, as we see the outcome of the New Moon start.

The results as manifested at this Lunar eclipse point have the potential for wounding or for calling forth skills (Chiron), but in either instance they show the need to express the individuality, or to accede to the group (Uranus), and all of this is likely spurred by difficulties surrounding relationships, finances, or Self-worth (Venus).

The Full Moon Sabian is, ‘A Council Of Ancestors Is Seen Implementing The Efforts Of A Young Leader’. This suggests that the authority and experience of those who came before plays a vital role in showing us which direction to take; that is, we learn from the past, especially from the experiences of others, appropriate considering eclipses always fall near the Nodal axes, with this Lunar one conjoined the South Node.

Since this eclipse seems so directly connected to the one preceding it, we’ll forgo our usual inspection of the Sun’s Sabian for a Full Moon, since in this case our ‘source’ is the New Moon that came two weeks before. Instead we move on to the next and final component of this eclipse set, the Solar eclipse in Leo.

The Partial Solar eclipse in Leo falls at 18 degrees, 41 minutes on August 11th at 2:57 AM PDT. This event is conjoined Pallas—ah! ‘new wisdom’ is the result of the past two events—with the aspects offering a subtle picture of what it is we’ve gained. A new start in Leo is about ourselves and our identity, and those facets of the individuality that allow us to ‘shine’; the aspects made by the eclipse describe the nature of our attributes, the ways in which we can make our uniqueness known. What begins at this time also has an air of the practical about it, or a sense of skills possessed—but no matter what, a situation that allows us to be our Best Self.

The eclipse-Pallas sextiles Zeus and catches Ceres at the midpoint, even as it semi-squares Venus. This suggests that it’s in the act of reaching for ambition or desire fulfillment that we both gain authority and power and learn what needs to change in relationships or finances in order to make ‘it’ happen. Should we count this as base to a Finger of God, with a loose Neptune apex? Maybe, if we consider that what we likely need to do to fine-tune the ambition picture is rid ourselves of delusions, or utilize our creativity—that’s what can make the whole thing work together.

The eclipse is also apex to a loose Fist of God with base of Saturn and Chiron, and quincunxes Pluto. As apex, the eclipse promises that resolution of conflicts between the reality picture or reasonable restraints applied to our effort, and our own skill set or wounded nature (the latter possibly referring to unreasonable restraints that need removal), offers a ‘New You’, a  fresh expression of identity or purpose, and that this is also an expression of our own wisdom and gifts (Pallas). The contact to Pluto simply tells us adjustment is needed, whether we want to gather power, make a change, eliminate, or transform.

There’s also an Earth Grand Trine that hooks into the eclipse by degree: Ceres (semi-sextile), Pluto (quincunx), and Juno (square). This implies the eclipse may be a spark of sorts, putting into motion material matters that, one and all, are concerned with power and power expression. No matter what else is in play at this time, this Grand Trine reminds us that there are some very real material stakes here, and that even the most innocent of moves holds an ultimate goal of gaining or solidifying the ability to make the individual Will felt and impactful.

If we really want to get loose with things, we can also see that the T-square formed by Juno’s hard angle to the axis  becomes a Grand Cross if we pull Jupiter into the equation. This may remind us that individual development doesn’t happen in a vacuum; others to whom we reach out, look for reactions and interactions, and to get a measure of our own empowerment are part of the picture, and must be taken into account, especially when we think about how beliefs, knowledge, and the capacity to reach out and to accept what we consider ‘foreign’ all shape not just our potentials for success, but our view of our own adequacy, as well.

The Sabian symbol for this New Moon eclipse in Leo is, ‘A Houseboat Party’. That promises a celebration, once we’ve dealt with anything that’s not working on our path forward to Self-expression—but we should also note the party of the image is afloat—that is, hovering on the surface of the water, the symbol of feeling. That tells us that beneath the joy engendered by successful realization of our gifts, skills, and most unique qualities lies a body of emotion, one that it’s entirely possible to sink into, even to lose our joy to. That implies that after this sequence of eclipses we might have a whole new set of emotions to explore—and maybe entirely new feelings related to how we see ourselves (Leo).

Full Moon 1 January 2018 The Making of an Emotional Truth

30 Saturday Dec 2017

Posted by in astrology, current events in the sky, forecast, Full Moon, future events in the sky, Moon, Sabian Symbols

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William Stott of Oldham. ‘The Birth of Venus’ 19th century {{PD}}

The Full Moon of the 1st at 11 Cancer 37 at 6:23 PM Pacific time doesn’t make many close aspects, though it does form a Water Grand Trine with Neptune and Mars; the Full Moon also opposes Sun-Venus, which are heading toward Superior Conjunction, and which during that period (5th-9th, roughly) will pass together over Pluto. This Sun-Venus circumstance-to-come only figures in as it alerts us to potential responses to Full Moon events–and it could be that the Full Moon itself acts as a pre-echo, a harbinger of what the Sun-Venus situation will bring, likely involving changes to the valuing of the identity, to the sense of Self-Love, to the concept of what assets we possess, both literally and in the form of talents and abilities; or, Pluto may contribute transformation energy, a kind of nuclear blast that sends change out in incontestable ripples, or it could bring about shifts in Sun-Venus through an experience with Power–and this all kicked off by a Lunar completion, finish, realization, or ending, one that anticipates some entré to the Sun-Venus-Pluto effect via the developments of the Full Moon.

And what are those? They will concentrate largely in a re-balancing of effort/ Will and the creative urge. We may see where we need to do more, where to apply our creative ideas, how to facilitate those things that so far have dwelt only in the imagination–and we do this through feeling (Cancer, the Moon, Water GT) as it can be materialized (Moon’s conjunction to Earth). The most useful result may be that we will see exactly how to make what has remained nebulous or a mere creative notion into a materialization of emotion, in essence a felt event or object, an expression of what we care about, something that encapsulates a personal emotional Truth.

‘The Pearls of Aphrodite’ Herbert James Draper 1907 {{PD}}

The opposition to Sun-Venus simply points to the future, to the alteration (as the two move over Pluto) of our Self-concept and/ or our asset picture, changing it in response to what we do or create at the Full Moon. We create the image of ourselves by what we create! Simple and confusing, all at once.

Are there dangers here? Of course–they are Martian: the ego can overwhelm, aggression can take hold, or illusion can drive a less-than-productive course–and yet, it’s all useful, in that we will be allowed to refine our efforts, to see more clearly how to make the world in the image we prefer–so even disappointing results can show us the way.

The Sabian for this Full Moon is, ‘A Chinese Woman Nursing A Baby Whose Aura Reveals Him To Be The Reincarnation Of A Great Teacher’. With this image we see Universal recognition of the advanced spirit, of the ‘teachers’ we all encounter, no matter what form they take, whether they be individuals, institutions, or events; that is, if we look we can see what can guide us, what holds worth, what will advance our own spirit–it simply requires willingness to see, something we aren’t always open to.

For a Full Moon we also look at the Sun’s Sabian: ‘An Illustrated Lecture On Natural Science Reveals Little-Known Aspects Of Life’. Again, if we are willing to see (or listen, in the spiritual sense–‘an illustrated lecture’) what we might otherwise (incorrectly) refer to as ‘the secrets of Life’ will be revealed (incorrect because there are no secrets, not really)–and again, all it takes is intention to see, is willingness to let go of illusion.

Your Week 3-9 March 2017 Enjoy the Moonlight

02 Thursday Mar 2017

Posted by in astrology, current events in the sky, forecast, future events in the sky, Horoscope, Mars, Retrogrades, Sun/Mercury Superior Conjunction, The Daily Word Image, Venus Retrograde

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'Moonlit Landscape' Archip Kuindshi 19th c. {{PD}}

‘Moonlit Landscape’ Archip Kuindshi 19th c. {{PD}}

3 March just enjoy the growing moonlight.

Today’s word image is actress Tilda Swinton. She’s not everyone’s cup of tea for the very reasons we should all embrace: not feeling the need to conform to others’ expectations, responding from genuine feeling and concern for others/ the planet, allowing the creative essence within to drive the existence, not fearing one’s own uniqueness (and this latter is particularly tough, since we are instinctively ‘programmed’ to feel that conformity is safety). Today, have yourself a Tilda moment: be, or do, whatever you are moved to.

4 March Venus retrogrades! Here’s something on dating during a retro, and then there’s this: “Any Venus area where we have met a dead end while she’s direct is an area prime for rejuvenation during retrograde. This means that the changed tastes and willingness to try the new and unusual in Venusian pursuits that typically surfaces during this time can be a means to re-generate a part of life that we have worn into a rut with too narrow a viewpoint, taste palette, or definition of what’s ‘right’ or appropriate for us. ‘New’ can definitely be the keyword that frees up an area and an approach leading to new relationships, experiences, and an enhanced aesthetic sense that lasts and benefits us long past Venus’ direction. The retro period can serve to modify our Venusian standards and perceptions so that they are wider and at the same time more refined once the planet appears to move forward again.” This rejuvenation is related to the House subjects where the retro occurs, which are likely very close to where Venus reversed direction 8 years ago, with the retro energy now re-visiting these topics in new form (or, sometimes, picking up precisely where they left off). And there’s also this on the current cycle.

It’s an odd mix today, as actions shape the future even as thoughts and reasoning are obscured, inspired, deluded, or steeped in deception. Opportunities and ‘luck’ come from tackling hidden, ignored, denied, or enraging matters head-on and doing one’s best–everything else simply turns in upon itself.

Too literal? By misocrazy from New York, NY - Cropped from Kipper, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17673198

Too literal? By misocrazy from New York, NY – Cropped from Kipper, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17673198

Today’s word image is a shack with a sign that reads ‘Red Herring’. What established thing in your life (possibly something that has a sense of ‘shelter’ about it) is actually a ramshackle distraction or misdirection–a red herring?

The 5th is a day when our physical actions and choices are highly effective in real-world terms–in shaping our surroundings, in producing material results, in stopping or containing the impact we have–and this is doubly so if our acts have spiritual or creative inspiration behind them. Just be aware: thoughts are thoroughly divorced from instinct, and in order to make things work, we must be our most reliable, by-the-book selves.

Today’s word image is a cement retaining wall with this spray-painted on it: ‘Please let me get what I want this time.’ A retaining wall holds back something, typically earth, preventing it inundating another area or collapsing beneath a structure. So, perhaps we can see this plea as requiring our own restraint or holding back in order to get what we want. Maybe we need to ‘firm up’ the foundation of something important to us. Or we can see the spray-painted sentence as the internal mantra of so many people, those who are always focused on the next thing, always believing their wishes aren’t heard or fulfilled; inevitably these people fail to see and appreciate what they have, since a good part of their Self-image is wrapped up in seeing themselves as denied. Take a good look around, beyond gratitude, and consider that singing a song that’s always got a sense of deprivation at its center simply attracts that very quality.

For the 6th, which just so happens to feature the Superior Conjunction of the Sun and Mercury (their meeting when Merc is in direct motion), also shows a kind of serendipitous array of contacts that promise both a strong awareness of opportunity, the social order and its requirements, the facts, and/ or the need for more, and a clear sense of ambitions and goals. Simultaneous to that, though, is a sense that we are not empowered, and that the opportunities spread before us are, one way or another, unwise in what they offer or require us to do. Concentrate today on what’s presented whole, done, or completed, in such a way that we can contemplate a new approach or venture without actually having to take too many steps right away.

No creator info provided {{PD}}

No creator info provided {{PD}}

Today’s word image is a paper doll. Remember those? We practiced our cutting skills on these cheap, easy-to-carry-along and fun-to-change-the-look-of representations. Though wonderfully entertaining, they weren’t durable, and they had their limits as they were difficult to make stand and required some patience when dealing with clothes and accessories. What in your life brings joy but is ephemeral, and may need extra care in order to preserve?

The 7th it’s all about health, mental, emotional, and the healthiness (or lack of it) related to our choices and actions. Changes and choices made today build the future, but we are in danger of making at least some of those out of fear or a compromised sense of our own wants, abilities, and power. Kinetic energy in all its forms contains a certain genius at this time–get moving and get inspired. If you can trace ‘it’ back to a fear, don’t go forward, but if you can be confident in your integrity and aims, then absolutely move ahead.

Ilja Repin 'Apples and Leaves' 1878 {{PD}}

Ilja Repin ‘Apples and Leaves’ 1878 {{PD}}

Today’s word image is an apple. What does that bring to mind? The Adam and Eve story? One a day keeps the doctor away? The story of William Tell–and are you the archer or the potential victim, with the apple on your head? Do you think of your favorite apple thing–cider, pie–or do you think of the orchards, with their delicate blossoms and their twisted trunks? In order to create the same kind of apple again and again, we resort to grafting–apples in nature are distinctly different from every tree, with no two alike. Think of the role some humble component plays in your life, and discern whether it’s a freakish natural gift, or whether it’s taken a lot of intervention and engineering just to be what it is.

For the 8th action and choice bring us power and automatically help us stake out our territory, and thoughts and reasoning are easily aligned with the highest values and priorities. The down side? We can only seem to see what’s not working with our ambitions and goals, and may spend too much energy on trying to adjust and correct, rather than pursue.

Today’s word image is a white rabbit with red eyes. When you think of a rabbit, do you think of a pet, a casserole, the Chinese zodiac symbol, Alice in Wonderland, cosmetics testing, the old-fashioned pregnancy test, the way they multiply like wildfire, how some so casually carry the rabbit’s foot for luck right up until they realize how grisly that is? Personal associations are important with this, and at least part of the meaning may lie in how often and varied have been the cultural associations projected upon the rabbit, all of which spring from how we decide to relate to this rather unresponsive and unconcerned animal.

On the 9th Mars enters Taurus, and so the Will, ego, and actions become more material and sense-related in expression. At the same time, thinking resists the facts–it may seem like too much to adjust our prejudices to reality–but at the same time we may demand sweeping change. Try to get the entirety of the psyche on the same page.

Thomas Gainsborough - 'Mary and Margaret Gainsborough, the artist's daughters' c1758 {{PD}}

Thomas Gainsborough – ‘Mary and Margaret Gainsborough, the artist’s daughters’ c1758 {{PD}}

Today’s word image is two sisters who seem to be polar opposites but are actually very much the same. Where in your life are there two elements that you’re assessing as very unalike that are in reality two peas in a pod?

Enjoy your week!

Your Week 24 February-2 March 2017 The Maelstrom

23 Thursday Feb 2017

Posted by in astrology, current events in the sky, forecast, future events in the sky, Horoscope, The Daily Word Image

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NGC 5194 Over 60,000 light-years across, M51's spiral arms and dust lanes clearly sweep in front of its companion galaxy (top), NGC 5195. Image data from the Hubble's Advanced Camera for Surveys has been reprocessed to produce this alternative portrait of the well-known interacting galaxy pair. They about 31 million light-years distant. Not far from the handle of the Big Dipper, they officially lie within the boundaries of the constellation Canes Venatici NASA {{PD}}

NGC 5194 Over 60,000 light-years across, ’94’s spiral arms and dust lanes clearly sweep in front of its companion galaxy (top), NGC 5195. Image data from the Hubble’s Advanced Camera for Surveys has been reprocessed to produce this alternative portrait of the well-known interacting galaxy pair. They are about 31 million light-years distant. Found not far from the handle of the Big Dipper, they officially lie within the boundaries of the constellation Canes Venatici NASA {{PD}}

Let’s talk about this Cardinal Grand Square that’s been around for a bit, but seems to be firming up now: Pluto, Mars-Uranus, Vesta, Zeus-Jupiter. At first it seemed to me to suggest a kind of stand-off, energetically speaking, with power firmly entrenched (Capricorn), the individual Will lighting up the group cause (Aries, with both Mars and Uranus), those things we honor as things we need to protect and nurture (Vesta in Cancer), and opportunity and desire looking for a partner (Jupiter and Zeus, respectively, in Libra)–and initially it seemed these forces balanced one another with a resulting static condition–nothing moves, but everything’s charged up. But it being formed for a few days created a curious effect: it seemed no longer static, but moving, as if it flowed in a circular fashion. Change, leads to action, leads to assessing values, leads to spotting opportunity and fosters ambitions, which leads to change, ad infinitum. We can step into and out of this swirl wherever it contacts our chart, and through the mechanism of the energy (body or point) that makes contact. That contacting Cardinal energy spurs the natal one–and in no time we’re in the maelstrom. Slowing it down requires grounding ourselves through the actions associated with each step; pursuing them consciously and deliberately keeps one from being swept up in the current and overwhelmed.

On the 24th we may not be able to help ourselves; our ambitions and desires are overblown, we’re prone to Self-indulgence and speaking thoughtlessly, and all of it happens as we simply look for a way to feel empowered. We suffer from both a too-narrow Self-focus and a sense that to uphold standards is to kiss opportunity good-bye–not so. The best approach is one that shows restraint, that respects the rules and structures currently in place, and that puts hard work ahead of short cuts. It’s not glamorous, but what results if we hold back is something truly worth having, that has the bonus of not leaving carnage in our wake.

Today’s word image is someone carrying a bowling ball, who is unable to put it down. What’s your bowling ball? That is, what’s your freakishly heavy burden, voluntarily picked up but from which you now can’t find a way to part? Freedom from the burden only comes with your own effective release, achieved by letting go of the idea that you must first perform expiation.

For the 25th change and how smart it is (or isn’t) is front and center. Like yesterday, we’re separated in some important way from our own creativity, the kind of adaptability that would normally spring from our imagination and allow us to adapt to circumstances in unique and productive ways; we are instead stuck thinking about how we can wrestle desire, fanciful or unrealistic ideas, and inevitable evolution into some shape we can handle, and with luck, benefit from. Thinking about what to do is healthy–it may be the only way we’ll get any purchase on events–but we may be too shy of the past to see the benefits of lessons learned and relationships left behind, and we may be too dependent on opportunities conforming to us to realize the only real opportunities we’ll get are those that will demand we conform to them.

Today’s word image is thirst. Though it may seem like an appetite, it’s actually a genuine need. What are you mistaking as greedy that’s really about survival?

The 26th will be covered in the Solar eclipse post to follow.

Thinking is a bit destructive on the 27th, in spite of the way, if we focus on the possible profits in every situation, we’ll see how the past has taught us to get the most from the present. Focus, in fact, aligns with the creative essence and makes a fount for those who home in. Just like yesterday, be ready to accommodate opportunity and ambition fulfillment with what they call for, rather than with how you want them to be.

'Hirsche im Winterwald' (Deer in a Winter Forest), A. Thiele 1874 {{PD}}

‘Hirsche im Winterwald’ (Deer in a Winter Forest), A. Thiele 1874 {{PD}}

Today’s word image is a deer in the forest, pausing to listen. We should, too, as something may be sneaking up on us–and if we’re still, we’ll hear the rustle and snap as it makes its way toward us.

For the 28th we may question or even reject our own highest values in direct proportion to how empowered we feel; the more empowered, the more likely we are to think our own standards can be safely bent or broken. Not so. Note, too, that instincts aren’t trustworthy at this time; the ‘blind spot’ almost guarantees a screw up, so go instead with the tangible and the measurable, but everything else set aside for later.

Today’s word image is a folding knife with a beautiful antler handle. Do you believe that utilitarian things should be beautiful? If so, do you follow this precept in what you buy, invest in, create, and surround yourself with? If not, is it because you consign different things to different categories, perhaps believing that the useful must be modest or plain, without using resources unnecessarily in creating them? Do you object to the use of animal products in making the knife, and if so, is this posturing or do you follow through in all areas of your own ‘consumption life’? Do you think beauty (and so Art) is frivolous? And if you do, how much of a dissonance does this create in you when you see and respond to a work of Art?

On the 1st of March Creativity Reigns–but will that be a creative urge that translates into manifestations of ideas and inspirations, or into spinning deceit, illusion, or the entanglement of confusion in your approach and responses? There’s a genuine possibility that we won’t be able to tell the difference–so do your best to find a concrete outlet for the creative spark–that way you can easily see the result.

Strength and power are vital and easily accessed, especially via the anima and its related energies: receptivity, being as a state of action, nurture, acceptance. Independent thinking aligned with one’s highest values brings opportunity and a chance for ambition realization–so make the most of this.

Vincent van Gogh - 'The Parsonage Garden at Nuenen in Winter' 1883 {{PD}}

Vincent van Gogh – ‘The Parsonage Garden at Nuenen in Winter’ 1883 {{PD}}

Word image for the 1st is an old tree, uprooted by a gentle wind. That’s not possible, is it? It is if the tree’s roots died months ago from drought. What matter that feels established and permanent, venerable and sturdy, is already for all real purposes dead?

The 2nd we focus on perfection of the Jupiter-Uranus opposition. This creates a kind of solid fulcrum, hard as bone, off which other energies will swing, bounce, hinge, or hang. It’s a dynamic Cardinal connection that bisects the flat chart and connects for the individual both the Houses across which it stretches (Aries and Libra) and the Houses these two planets rule (those holding Sagittarius and Aquarius). In the most general terms, it’s likely to create unexpected opportunity or a chance event that stirs concepts surrounding the individual’s position within ‘the group’, as well as the relationship to ‘the facts’ and including a ‘reliability factor’ (or unreliability factor, as the case may be)–and spreads out from there via the other aspects in play and the way this opposition connects with the nativity of each person.

The atmosphere surrounding the Cardinal opposition is one of sudden events triggered, fortuitous or calamitous, and promises thinking too focused on power acquisition or on getting others to do as we say, which ends up sabotaging our own actions and wants, and drawing on factors from the past, most of which need to stay there. It just doesn’t pay to take matters into our own hands. Allow serendipity to do the heavy lifting. Though actions seems called for, the key may be to allow the facts and opportunities to surface and be made evident on their own.

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Your Week 3-9 February 2017 Pointing the Way

02 Thursday Feb 2017

Posted by in astrology, current events in the sky, forecast, future events in the sky, Horoscope, The Daily Word Image

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James Tissot - 'Young Lady in a Boat' 1869 {{PD}}

James Tissot – ‘Young Lady in a Boat’ 1869 {{PD}}

Configuration of the Week is a Finger of God apex Jupiter with base of Sedna-Chiron. This may promote a tendency to combine hurt and blind spot material, and then display it publicly (or worse, to think our wounds and unknowns add up to ‘facts’)–Ouch! It’s a matter of maintaining vigilance, of not allowing ourselves to slip into an unconscious state where our own internal justifications prop up an inclination toward exhibitionism or Self-aggrandizement–and yet, if we can willingly access what lingers near the surface of consciousness, and apply our most unique skills and talents to dealing with it, we just may create opportunities for ourselves. There’s always a way to use even the most negative-seeming contacts in a positive way–and this is one of those times.

Friday February 3rd we know what we want, but the very fact that we do prevents our effective empowerment; we get in our own way, but why? Our thoughts are grounded and our instincts are good–but our attention is on all the wrong things. We’re preoccupied with our desires, our appetites, and with personal relationships, and it’s this very single-minded pursuit of our wants that trips us up in the first place. For once, knowing where we want to go doesn’t help us get there. If we can focus on other than our goals, things that benefit others but align with our aims (a cause important to us, someone else’s objectives, or something aimed at the greater good, perhaps), we have a much better chance of seeing our wants fulfilled as part of a larger picture, a Collective good, or a mass shift–and this is so even if our ambitions are highly personal or specific only to us.

Today’s word image is a white bed sheet, drying on a line outdoors on a sunny day. Every time I think no one does this anymore, I see laundry on the line. I prefer drying things this way–they smell so nice!–but in rainy Seattle it’s not really an option. So, what past method of achieving an end is perfectly serviceable, and though you now have an effective, more ‘modern’ way to get there, you might want to consider reviving the old practice, when the ‘weather’s just right’?

Saturday the 4th dawns with our inner and outer attention firmly on the physical world, especially those parts of the world that engage our senses. We are busy reading what’s beneath the tangible and material, and measuring almost instinctively how this can support or serve ambition fulfillment. You may get the feeling those around you are being oddly sneaky–but that’s how focus on our inner state and reactions reads when we’re trying to correlate what we’re perceiving sotto voce with what we’re trying to make happen. Use the imagination and creative skills actively–otherwise they can draw misunderstanding or deception from others–and notice that a factual approach to health matters is illuminating, as well as providing more options than you might have anticipated.

By Pierre5018 - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=37953605

By Pierre5018 – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=37953605

Today’s word image is a pair of used tickets to a long-ago event. Sometimes we hold on to ephemera because it actually evokes a positive memory, and sometimes we hold on to bits and pieces out of habit, neglect, or a sentimentality that replaces true feeling. You know what to do: keep what brings you truly pleasant associations, discard all the rest.

Sunday the 5th Jupiter turns around (for some it will be the 6th already), stationing retrograde early in the 23rd degree of Libra. The first contact Jupiter will make with retro status will be a square received from Vesta in Cancer, as the asteroid retros back to perfect the aspect. This little picture suggests the Jupiter turnaround may prompt the urge to do something drastic about the home, mate, a cause to which we’re committed, or a cooperative venture, in response to what will be perceived as pressure from ‘the facts’ or the social sphere. This will be an artificial crisis, allowed to flourish in the atmosphere of doubt that comes from some pull back, withdrawal, or end to expansion. Optimism wanes, and we think we must jump into action–no, we don’t.

Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec 1894 {{PD}}

Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec 1894 {{PD}}

Today’s word image is a single glove. Unless you’re missing a hand or exceptionally desperate, this can safely be classified as a useless item. What remnant, leftover, or useless accessory lingers, either from your inattention to the details or your failure to just throw it out?

Monday the 6th dark thoughts menace–all those matters we’d rather ignore, deny, or that enrage us keep popping into consciousness–and as we’re dealing with our interior dialogue it seems the social order, or any offered opportunities, grate on our highest values or disrespect what we honor most. Perceptions are likely distorted as what we know that sits just below the surface of awareness stands on our last nerve and sends us looking for problems. Realize the way out is found by acknowledging what we’d normally rather turn away from, and in genuine holistic thinking.

Today’s word image is a match box with a blue devil on the cover. The Devil may be a symbol of our lesser nature, or instance where we ‘fell from the light’–and maybe we’re sad (blue) about that transgression. Fully admitting it happened, then forgiving ourselves, is the only way to let go for good.

For Tuesday the 7th let’s concentrate on Mercury, which enters Aquarius, parallels Pluto, noviles Neptune, and squares Ceres; this suggests a focus on functions of the higher intellect, on understanding what unfolds before us, on the future, on modern or ‘new’ methods, on the academic (as opposed to the real-world/ material), the unique, on the innovative, inventive, and original, and on the individual position (especially as it applies to cooperation and leadership) within the group. Thoughts bring change, almost without our realizing it, and we are highly creative; the only problems come from authorities, who seem to block us or point out problems with our plans, and from Mother Nature Herself, when ‘natural’ functions or roles interfere with progress. This is a period when form follows thought; make the most of it.

Today’s word image is a plumbing leak. The image is one of containment failure, specifically of emotion (water)–and this is a desired containment, one that allows us to function well and have particular needs met. What’s not being ‘held in’? What feeling, better contained, is escaping into the world? And what other emotion may be pushing (via ‘water pressure’) this better-held-in feeling out?

Wednesday the 8th the scenario is definitely our choice: do we allow wounding to shape values and/ or skill usage, or do we heal by actually embracing our highest principles (including being responsible for our own progress)? You know the better answer.

Today’s word image is a dog barking frantically at a stranger, but as the person approaches and then passes the animal, the dog becomes calm. Is there someone in your life who’s making a lot of (possibly aggressive) noise that is perhaps making you avoid something, or hesitate to go forward? Don’t be afraid–they’re ‘all bark, no bite’.

Thursday the 9th even though we are doing the smart thing, the original, innovative, or inventive thing, we find values undermining health, or health undermining values, which has the further impact of altering the life course. What to do? Find the point where values and health intersect, and put your energy and attention there–that gives you a great starting point.

Today’s word image is a peace sign. Use personal associations, or look for this as a time or place synchronicity marker.

Donate — Read — Be happy!

Great suggestions for planning the year ahead from Astrologer Kelly Surtees–

This Week 28 January to 2 February 2017 The Better Approach

27 Friday Jan 2017

Posted by in astrology, current events in the sky, forecast, future events in the sky, Horoscope, The Daily Word Image

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Vincent van Gogh - (1889) {{PD}}

Vincent van Gogh – ‘Olive Trees with the Alpilles in the Background’ (1889) {{PD}}

Saturday January 28th sees the New Moon of the preceding day usher in growing understanding, and this results in us really noticing both the value of our instincts and those instances where authorities show a distinct lack of wisdom. It’s a great day to ground ourselves in and reinforce our own standards and priorities, and as well to take an accurate measure of the reality picture.

Word image for the 28th is an olive branch with olives on it. This made me think of the phrase, ‘the fruits of peace’. What are those? Whatever results from our acceptance of what is, since that acceptance itself brings about a state of peace, at least internally. What have you accepted, ‘made peace’ with, that you are now seeing the benefits of?

Sunday the 29th we focus on the Mercury conjunction to Pluto and the sesquiquadrate both form to the North Node. The North Node is a point that, at least theoretically, points in the direction of current affairs; it tells us where we will end up, should we continue in the way we are reasoning, behaving, choosing now. This aspect set suggests an evolution of or transformation of thought/ thinking that then requires some (probably difficult) adjustments to our life direction. This shift in thinking can be destructive or can bring mental re-birth, with a consequent alteration to where, if we continue with the reformed approach, we will end up–and both the potential changes in thought and the potential changes in destination are obvious today, if we will only look.

Word image for the 29th is a man who comes to you and says, ‘I can give you something so that you won’t remember what’s coming, once it’s over.’ Do you take it or not? The essence of this question may be, In your future do you anticipate so much pain that after the fact you want to pretend it never happened, or do you want to be aware of what you and others did so that nothing escapes your judgment? Think of it as drinking from the river Lethe, which allowed one to reincarnate by wiping away all memory–or would you rather drink from Lethe’s companion river, Mnemosyne, where one remembers everything in complete detail, including tremendous pain, which is not allowed to fade? This may be a choice between peace and the ability to meet things anew, to refuse to carry burdens of anger or guilt, or to remember all, which equips one to choose and interact in an absolutely just way, but also requires we carry every pain ever experienced–and this pain can’t help but distort our approach to others and to life.

On Monday the 30th to act or choose is to wound ourselves or others, chiefly by the way to be wise we must violate our values, or conversely, to support our values, we must do something unwise or impractical. How do we know which is the better option? By taking our ambitions and desires out of the reasoning equation. Making the choice an impersonal one removes the potential for wounding and allows a fair standard of both values and wisdom to be upheld.

Word image for the 30th is a memento or keepsake from the past that features the color blue. It could be a photo with a background of blue sky, a blue patterned scarf, a Tiffany jewel box, a passport from certain countries–anything that wouldn’t be quite the same if it weren’t blue. This could serve one of two purposes: to bring you abruptly into the present moment when you see it, or to take you back to that moment, and what it taught you.

Tuesday the 31st may find us struggling to avoid it but inevitably hurt, in the end. Though we may be convinced that balance will prevent injury, it does not–so does anything keep us from being wounded? No, but then again, to be wounded is to receive events, revelations, information, or consequences in a way that insists one is vulnerable and unable to avoid being affected. There are three things we can do to minimize negatives: 1) don’t insist on independence or originality in thinking at this time, 2) don’t insist all material matters must go according to your standards (and don’t try to suppress what you don’t agree with), and 3) choose to focus on what doesn’t hurt–there, isn’t that better?

Frederick Carl Frieseke - 'Girl in Blue Arranging Flowers' 1914 {{PD}}

Frederick Carl Frieseke – ‘Girl in Blue Arranging Flowers’ 1914 {{PD}}

Word image for the 31st is a house with no mirrors. Symbolically speaking, we’re talking about a ‘resident’ who achieves no ‘Self-reflection’ (or a vampire, your choice). Sometimes an unwillingness to examine one’s own ways, beliefs, or methods is framed as modesty, or as being aggressively engaged with the world, so that the Self is disregarded in the quest to focus on others, and other things–and of course the opposite, a house filled with mirrors, suggests vanity and Self-absorption–but could also be seen as a willingness to face things as they are, a desire to see the Self appropriately placed within the surroundings, and as a vote for clarity and realism in perception. In which house would you be more comfortable, and where, in actuality, do you live?

Wednesday the 1st promises us something magical, or maybe simply inspirational, through pursuit of the practical or what’s smart. It’s almost presented as the reward for doing the most effective, modest, and intelligent thing, and we should be prepared for the potentials: it can heal our minds or a distorted way of thinking, it can show us how we benefit by no longer ignoring or denying something, and it prompts us to modify our actions, possibly only a little, but enough to change our destiny.

Word image for the 1st is a confession, that in other times you would have dreaded, that instead brings you closer. What would a younger you have absolutely believed would’ve been a terrible thing, that now, with acquired wisdom, you see is actually good? It’s a bit of a stumper, but I’m sure you’ll come up with something.

Thursday the 2nd we may find ourselves mentally abandoning opportunities or our own standards in an attempt to retreat to the past. We think we’re being practical, but we’re actually being unhealthy, believing that locking out the present is a safe option. How to avoid the general miasma that surrounds this kind of thinking? Embrace the practical or wise, no matter how dull, and then look at it in a totally new way.

'L'Absinthe', by Edgar Degas1875 {{PD}}

‘L’Absinthe’, by Edgar Degas1875 {{PD}}

Word image for the 2nd is a bottle filled with something you cannot drink. It doesn’t matter why you can’t drink it (whether it’s alcohol and you’re an alcoholic, it’s radiator fluid and you’re not a car, and so on)–what does matter is your reaction: do you let what’s forbidden you dominate your thoughts and attention, or do you move on, not noticing the bottle again?