Category Archives: future events in the sky

Revisiting the Neptune/Chiron Effect

13 Tuesday Apr 2010

Posted by in Chiron, Consciousness Explored, current events in the sky, future events in the sky, Neptune

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Martyrdom of Saints Crispin and Crispinian by van den Bossche 1494 {{PD}}

The long-lasting Neptune/ Chiron conjunction has put us all through the wringer, and will continue for some time yet. They come close to connecting precisely once again in Fall 2010 but manage, only minutes apart, to never quite meet; once both are direct, Chiron takes off with nary a backward glance for his one-time dance partner. We may see a slowly, steadily, insidiously building tension between the two energies through that November time frame, so I thought it wouldn’t hurt to reprint an article first published in May of 2009 (with slight modifications-read the original with comments here https://juliedemboski.wordpress.com/2009/05/12/neptune-chiron-projection-hurt-and-ownership/), to remind us all of where we’ve been, and where we still, for a while, might have to go. The Dark of the Moon is the perfect time to consider things we might want to absorb as much at a subconscious level as a conscious one, so that the ideas will work subtly to shape our attitudes and interactions. Here it is:

When Chiron and Neptune entered each other’s orb, we began to experience an ongoing test of our connection to reality. True, everyone has areas they’d rather not look at too closely, places in our lives where we keep our perceptions in soft focus around the edges. I’m not speaking of those things we accept or let pass or don’t inspect too minutely, out of an already full life plate, or the simple reluctance to admit something isn’t perfect–that’s not only human, it’s probably vital to healthy functioning, as we could be easily overwhelmed by too much detail, too many things to ‘fix.’ I’m talking about those few of us with a relational disconnect in the overall world view, where the individual’s idea of who they are, and who others are, is deeply and fundamentally off.

This conjunction was early on imbued with both a spirit of Self and aggression and a mentality that framed dissonance as a personal power struggle, with the transits of both Mars and Juno to this combo (Feb-Mar 2009).

The energy became more prominent as Jupiter neared the conjunction of Chiron/ Neptune; its presence boosts the need to project, to broadcast, related ideas and concepts as a means of expressing one’s belief in them, and thereby, at least to the mind that’s confused, proving their validity–it’s a Self-righteous energy that feeds on belief/ faith in an ideal that does not correlate to the reality picture. Jupiter also brings in the social element, the possibility of reaching out and imposing the ideas in the social sphere, again as an expression of their ‘truth’–“I wouldn’t be able to say this publicly if it weren’t true!”

The big problem with all of this is, Chiron and Neptune both hold expression pitfalls for those who are prone to fantasy, delusion, obfuscation, as the conjunction marries the urge to embrace illusion with the primal wound, the sense of hurt that, if left unclaimed and unexplored by the individual, becomes ripe for projection, and that is essentially what we’ve been seeing the past few months, an insistent sense of victimhood which has taken (temporary) hold of a dispiriting few.

How do we sort ‘true’ victims (as there are those who suffer legitimately at the hands of others) from those who have simply taken the worldview that they are victims, fueled by the easy Self-empathy of a complete mis-perception of role, actions, or intents? One easy way is to ask, where does this person ‘live’? Is their sense of Self seated in a me (or us) v. them mentality, where they are ‘done to,’ where others have bad intent, where they are a crusader for good and right in the face of those who are insensitive bullies? In this regard, anyone who disowns the potential to be the aggressor themselves becomes a candidate.

This is not, on its own, definitive, as there certainly are bullies, insensitive louts, and those who mean us harm, and sometimes the world does divide up into sides. There are other factors that distinguish those who are suffering under this transit (and suffer they do, as the pain they feel is real–the problem comes with their clear misunderstanding of where it originates). One distinguishing trait is, they are the aggressor–they pick the fight, typically based on an indignant reaction to what someone else has said or done that violates their delusional sense of Self. Often this has been sought out–the Neptune-challenged individual goes looking for a savior, or at least someone to support their fantasy Self, and when the mirror the other person holds up doesn’t show them the illusion they expect–well it must be that person’s fault, right there–the reflection is wrong, the mirror is wrong, and the person holding the mirror is wrong–because, they firmly believe, it couldn’t be them–in fact, that’s a basic assumption they enter the situation with, that in no way are they misguided, or have anything to learn–a real irony when the situation is a teaching or guidance one.

It’s also common that the person they choose to blame is someone ‘safe,’ someone who will likely not reject them, or who is not involved in the real problem. It’s almost a form of scapegoating, the ancient practice of designating someone or something as the carrier of all the village’s problems and sins, and then driving the bearer out of town–in this case the ‘village’ being the Neptune-influenced individual, who does not recognize the internal schism that prevents acknowledging the problem as their own.

How do you know when you are dealing with someone thus afflicted? “You think” may be the first words of many of their sentences–they speak as if they’re psychic (Neptune, again!) and yet what you’re hearing has no relation to what’s actually in your mind or heart–and you quickly discover that contradicting them brings out the emotional flood, anger or hurt, one and the same. They come at you claiming a wound, blaming the hurt on you, and yet this doesn’t make sense–it’s like they’ve set off huge emotional smoke bombs, deflecting attention from the real source of upset, determined to extract energy, attention, and penance from the accused–and if you’re the accused, you may think they have a point–until you realize that you are not reacting from emotion, or a need to Self-defend, and that even offered apologies or clear explanations as to your intent are ignored–the individual has a stake in taking a stance that demands you accept their indignation, and that you be responsible for their hurt, even if it doesn’t make sense, and it’s the one-sided, punishing nature of the interaction that is your biggest and best clue that this person is under the Neptune/ Chiron spell, using you as a screen for projection and Self-justification. Even those who claim to speak for the oppressed can be subject to this–for just as likely that they are correct in their remarks is the possibility that they are taking a passive-aggressive tack toward judgment and blame, typically engaging in precisely what they accuse others of.

It’s a sad situation; it can bring to ruin perfectly good relationships, as the Neptune individual does not, will not, cannot allow themselves to see the imperfection in their reasoning–as that would require a release of the illusion of victimhood–and right now, for them, that just feels too good, too safe, and perhaps is the only way they can feel right.

And to those who may feel injury at the hands of others, it’s good to remember, that no one can injure you without your consent.

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See my book on Chiron here http://dogandsunflower.wordpress.com

Today’s Link: On healing http://www.kathryncassidy.com/articles/unhealed_wounds.cfm and this on Chiron/ Neptune/ Jupiter http://content.yudu.com/Library/A182p1/TheTripleConjunction/resources/index.htm?referrerUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.yudu.com%2Fitem%2Fdetails%2F57651%2FThe-Triple-Conjunction-of-Jupiter-Chiron-and-Neptune-2009-Explained both by the great Kathryn Cassidy.

2 March 2010: Busy Busy

02 Tuesday Mar 2010

Posted by in astrology, current events in the sky, future events in the sky, Spiritual Considerations

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Heavy work and social commitments will be keeping me from commenting in the Blogosphere as much as I’d like over the next week or so; I just popped in to make a few observations about today, and will try and get a full report out for tomorrow later this evening. Of course, it’s no biggie if you’ve got the March Forecast available in ECLIPSE http://dogandsunflower.wordpress.com/eclipse-in-depth-astrology-for-the-21st-century/ I’m at work on the Spring issue right now, and appreciate every sale– thanks for your support!

This beautiful photo is in the public domain, thanks to Fanghong-from Wikimedia Commons

Now, on to why you’re really here. The Libra Moon quincunxes the Sun and then conjuncts Zeus 1 PM-3PM today PST. This may light up something that makes us feel uncomfortable, and the answer for many will be either 1) putting ambition or Will-fulfillment efforts into high gear, or 2) aligning with those who are perceived to hold the power. Libra only encourages alliances, and when they seem to be the answer to our own emotional discomfort we may be too quick to throw our lot in with someone a little more Machievellian than we would normally hang out with–and that means this is an influence that could put us in over our heads with the wrong people more quickly than we might realize. For those who keep the power in their own hands, this will actually work out better, though here the caution is to avoid a one-note push forward that focuses too strongly on the Self; this can be avoided by monitoring the emotional reactions, as the Libra Moon will help keep consideration of others at the forefront of thought and response.

We’re well into tomorrow PST before the Moon makes overtures to any other body, so I’ll leave you with the aspect of the day: Vesta in Leo opposed Neptune in Aquarius. This can create an interesting stand-off for us, internally or externally, as the purest conception of what we find sacred in life (Vesta) is challenged to live up to the ideals present in real-life (Neptune); and of course there’s a lot of ego and pride behind upholding what we consider sacred (Leo), so that when we are presented with the contrast to the way the ideals have actually structured our existence (through the Higher Mind–Aquarius–as it directs Spirit) we may be disconcerted to find that there is a gap between what we purport to believe and the way we have created this in the life. It’s important that we align these two, for our own spiritual health; we have until December 15th, 2011 to do it–that’s when Vesta meets Neptune at 28 Aquarius, and the two need to blend perfectly, as dissonance will be felt in every cell.

And this is something http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/35662192/ns/technology_and_science-space/?GT1=43001

Greetings from the Future!

28 Wednesday Oct 2009

Posted by in Fist of God, future events in the sky

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future fashion

Friday's fashions are nothing like today's

For the past two days I’ve been feeling like we’re two days farther into the week than we are; yesterday I thought it was Thursday, and today feels like Friday–so I’m just going to give up and go with the (time) flow, and tell you a little something about what it’s like here and today, Friday, October 30th, 2009. I hope you weren’t expecting anything flashy; it’s really pretty much like it was Wednesday, with gray skies and cool, late Fall weather where I am. The world is still spinning (or at least, that’s what the media tells me) and life is still a piquant mix of tragedy and sorrow and joy and hilarity and nonsense. So, why did I bother to write to you, you ask? Because of this Fist of God, formed by a Sun/ Ceres conjunction, square Mars, all these sesquiquadrate the Juno/ Uranus conjunction. We really should be ready for it; it may come out swinging, not in a bad way, but in a challenging one, and if we’re on top of the energy, we can use it.

First, though, if any of the elements of the Fist touch anything in your natal chart, pay special, close attention, for God may be thinking of reaching out and poking you, just you, with this fist–or at least, that’s what it may feel like, like you were singled out for a special drubbing by the capricious powers-that-be. Sun/ Ceres at 7 Scorpio, Mars at 6 Leo, and Juno/ Uranus at 21 and 23 Pisces, respectively, are the points to watch, and if your contact is with Juno/ Uranus, be especially alert, as you will be at the apex point of the energy–and so receiving the brunt of the Sun/ Ceres -/Mars square. For myself, I have my natal Moon sitting smack-dab between Juno and Uranus, making my emotional state, my intuition, and my subconscious wide open to receive the energy of the square (in empowerment of the individual form, I hope!) You have to wait two whole days to experience the effects for yourself; I only have to wait until later this afternoon 🙂

Overall, the picture is one of possible individual empowerment (or group empowerment) via the conflicts between powerful authorities (Sun/ Ceres) and pure action (Mars). This suggests that the energy generated will arise out of authorities’ choices in the face of actions observed–and it may lead to opportunity for the individual, the rebel, the intellectually engaged, the innovator, the avant garde Artist, the modern, the revolutionary, the reformed. The Uranian energy is, somewhat strangely, keyed to both hope and cynicism–if we can maintain a balance between the two, while remaining poised to strike while the figurative iron of opportunity, choice, and chance is hot, we can make outstanding use of the energy offered by this Fist of God.

No worries; I’ll wait here (Friday, that is) ’till you catch up!

See the latest ‘What You’re Asking’ featuring Eros on the MC, stalker synastry, and what to do about emotional isolation in relationship, here http://askjulie.wordpress.com/2009/10/27/what-youre-asking-eros-in-public-an-emo-ghost-and-stalker-synastry/ and see and purchase my books here http://dogandsunflower.wordpress.com Thanks!

Picture is from http://davidszondy.com/future/fashion/future_fashion.htm a site that has everything you’d want to know about fashion in the ‘future’!

Alice’s Matrix, Logos, the Upcoming Merc Retro, and ‘In Consultation’

03 Thursday Sep 2009

Posted by in astrology, Consciousness Explored, future events in the sky, Mercury retrograde

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It seems you can take the astrologer off-line, but can’t stop her from thinking about astrology (and life, and synchronicity, and people) with any reasonable ease; so I’m back with a few odds and ends that have been rattling around in my brain, and this is where I want to thank everyone who sent me such wonderful good wishes for my cyber pseudo semi-retirement–your kind expressions, encouragment, and support give me excellent incentive to (eventually) return.Alpine hare

Last week my husband, John, and I were walking along a street in Seattle–and this is an especially cement-y and high rise-y street–and suddenly we spot a rabbit as it scoots across the sidewalk, out into traffic, and safely to the other side, where it disappears down an alley. John said, “Hey, there must be a glitch in the matrix,” meaning we’ve seen an inconguity that suggests there is a reality that is more ‘real’ than the one we’re experiencing, that there is a bleed through, a glimpse of what does not belong but, somehow, does; apparently it’s an Alice in Wonderland world, filled with bunnies. We laugh a little at this, a facetious, ‘oh yeah, we’ve just seen something we weren’t supposed to’ moment, when the pay phone just to my left rings. Now, for those of you who aren’t familiar with the movie ‘The Matrix,’ which is a story that proposes the world we are experiencing is simply a mental construct, as our true reality is that our bodies are sitting in a gelatinous soup, hooked to multiple obviously uncomfortable hoses, acting as human batteries for the evil . . .well, you get the picture. And the way the enlightened, freed people who are trying to free the rest of humanity from their liquid captivity move ‘between the worlds’ is by means of a ringing telephone which must be answered in order to facillitate the move from one consciousness to the other.

So here I am, after just seeing something totally out of place (and in the movie the implication is that incongruities and deja vu are indeed signs of glitches, which means you are being given a ‘hint’ toward consciousness) and there is a ringing pay phone, and no one else nearby, not even on this block. The first ring and we both stop in our tracks; the second and we look at each other; the third and I reach over and answer the phone. Somehow I assumed I should be the one to answer, either because I was closer to it, or because I’m an ego maniac who believes the Universe is always trying to communicate with me (which means I should probably ditch my aluminum foil hat).

I lift the receiver and put it to my ear; I’m really, strangely, excited, believing that I am going to get some kind of synchronicitous message. I don’t speak, and neither does the caller; then I say, “Hello?” and there is a very gentle but deliberate sound of hanging up. I’m disappointed; I was expecting a revelation of sorts–but maybe I got one after all, if I look at this episode in the context of the way I’ve been hearing the term ‘logos’ frequently–it seems to stand out in bold relief against the background of my life–and the unlikely synchronicity caught my attention, as I’m just not acquainted with a lot of Greek speakers or theologians. Whenever some idea, word, or phrase suddenly crops up in venues and conversations unrelated to one another, I look at it with the idea that there’s something for me to become aware of in the concept, something I need to think about, ruminate on, and sometimes write about, because I’m assuming that this idea contains a message from the Universe, a whisper that carries a world in a single word; and ‘logos’ does.

Typically translated as ‘the word,’ ‘logos’ carries a meaning both deeper and having a wider compass than does our concept of ‘the word,’ even when we use it to designate a creed, philosophy, or rule of law. If the intellect had a spirit, we might describe it as logos, as there is referenced in the term the concept of intelligence and reason applied to and embodied as a life energy. Logos is a living philosophy, and in some cases a philosophy of living. My attention, then, has been drawn to the very thought-fabric of life–an awfully big subject.

The ringing phone, though, may have narrowed the focus for me. I had a choice: ignore the call, or take it. And I took it, so perhaps the message, that revelation I was waiting for in words, is coming in logos: pick up (or maybe become) the receiver, be willing to hear the message, be open to life’s conversation. 

And this leads us to what is traditionally seen as a rough time for communication, the upcoming Mercury retrograde, on Monday 7 September at 9:45 PM PDT at 6 Libra 10. Almost immediately Merc will contact Vesta by sextile, suggesting that our mentality will be poised to consider what’s truly sacred to us, what we need, particularly companionship-wise (Libra) on the home front, and the sex life may be featured as well. We will become aware of what we want to change, transform, or perhaps destroy (square to Pluto), then Merc’s opposition to Juno makes us actually want to move forward, with the change from Air to Earth, and 29 degrees of Earth for Merc, at that–as we know, big decisions or the instigation of something important shouldn’t be undertaken during the retrograde (and this has only a few exceptions). We feel the urge to rearrange the material reality even more with the stress inherent to 29 degrees, and Juno at 29 of Pisces only serves to point out our ideal empowerment situation, likely making us feel we mustmake the considered changes; but no! Even with the trine to the North Node that follows, Mercury is still in retrograde, and so are our capacities for reasoning and judgment–and remember, in the early part of Merc’s retro period we are particularly clueless, cast adrift from our usual ways of processing and perceiving. This cautionary chain of events takes us through to the Inferior Conjunction of the Sun and Mercury, which is a ‘seed’ time, perhaps literally with the conjunction falling in earth; in any case it will be one corner of a Mystic Rectangle that includes the Nodes and the Earth/ Juno conjunction. This may allow us a very special extended moment within the retrograde cycle, beginning in terms of inclusion of Mercury energies, on the 18th of September. The Mystic Rectangle can act as its own energy matrix, pulling energies together, and reconciling opposites, in a surprisingly harmonious mix. We all may get a tremendous boost in terms of material empowerment, and we’ll possibly see the light at the end of the tunnel regarding the direction we’re currently headed. Is there a chance we’ll have to course-correct, that everything won’t be rosy? Yes, there is, but the best thing about the Mystic Rectangle is that it musters the energies for our use; so the real question is, will you step up and take what’s revealed at this point under advisement, with an eye to improving your material situation, or will you pretend that destiny is already laid out, and you’re at the mercy of forces greater than yourself? Your choice.

For a while now I’ve wanted to address some issues with consultation as they play out for both astrologers and clients, and I’ll be doing it through a once-in-a-while feature called, ‘In Consultation.’ I used to wonder, when I’d look at astrological offerings on the Internet (this was back in the day, well before I had a presence here) at the way astrologers were very strict in their time allocations, and very adamant in saying, “You’re buying this, and that’s all.” I just didn’t have their problems; my clients were all co-operative, sessions were always face-to-face, no boundaries were ever crossed. Now I know what they’re talking about; there’s something about the nature of contact in cyberspace that can definitely cause some problems. My thought is this: if you value an astrologer’s advice, then you should be willing to pay for it–there is no such thing as “just a quick question”–and you must recognize boundaries. Would you waltz into your physician’s office and insist on a quick rundown of your symptoms “just because you’re curious”? No, you would regard this person as busy, with a schedule, and you would expect to have to make an appointment and to pay for his or her expertise and experience, which is reasonable considering you expect to benefit from it. All this applies to approaching an astrologer, as does the idea that you are contracting to receive specific services; asking for, pressuring for, or angling for more is a little like going out to dinner and asking them to throw in an extra entree, just because you want it–we love our jobs, but we expect to get paid for them like everyone else. Would you show up at work, do lots extra, and then be okay with only getting paid for some of it? I thought not.

As for astrolgers, we must remember that no matter how friendly we become with someone (and it’s true, we often develop friendships that flourish after consultation) we are the ones who have the responsibility to keep things professional any time we are in consultation–and everyone involved must make the distinction. And please, if your astrologer says, “No calls after 9 PM my time,” or “one question at a time,” don’t think you’re the exception! If rules are stated for the consultation, the expectation is that you are an adult and can follow them. Does that sound harsh? The tendency is for all of us to play a little fast and loose when we’re not seeing each other in person–and that means that some who wouldn’t think of being inappropriate in person feel safe doing so by computer. Long ago I had a client (not actually a paying client, but someone I volunteered to help with a situation) and this person, after receiving the promised material, wouldn’t stop asking for more–going on and on about “my gift.” When I pointed out to her that this was not a gift, but the result of years of hard work and study, she became angry–because she told me, if it was a gift, I was obligated to give it away for free to anyone who asked for it–and it was clear that if she were forced to recognize that it took work, then she would recognize she needed to pay, as she would for any other service. Both sides of the consultation should keep this in mind: the client needs to remember he or she is paying for expertise that took years to develop, and the astrologer should remember that too–we aren’t hooked in to some special ability that elevates us to guru, prophet, or cult leader, so we shouldn’t pretend we are–we’re just hard working professionals who want to be treated that way.

Now, back to my cave!

See my books here http://dogandsunflower.wordpress.com

Eclipse, January 2009

03 Tuesday Feb 2009

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Test

15 Thursday Jan 2009

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

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

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

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

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

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

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