‘The Guitar Player’ By Giovanni Boldini 1873 {{PD}}

A Mini-Lesson on Parallels and Contraparallels

We’ve got a lot of parallels and contra-parallels perfecting today, so maybe it’s time for a reminder of what these are: a parallel is when two or more bodies are on the same side (either north or south) of the celestial equator, also known as the ecliptic, and also at the same declination (distance) from it; a contra-parallel is when two or more bodies are at the same declination from the ecliptic, but on opposite sides, one north and one south. The effect of a parallel is similar to a conjunction, neither positive or negative but joined (though there can be the implication of harmony through enmeshment or lack of differentiation), with all the potentials that might bring, while a contra-parallel mimics an opposition in effect. I like to think of parallels and contra-parallels as being more subtle than the aspects they echo, with, for example, a conjunction of Mars and Uranus shouting, ‘Here we are, together, raising hell!’ and a parallel of the two being more like a whisper, ‘Psst, over here–are you mad, erratic, spontaneous, aggressive, have a can-do spirit? Go!’ The conjunction is there, in your face, and the parallel is subliminal, barely discernible–unless you’re looking for it.

Today we’re looking toward the arenas where we hold power and authority, toward Self-expression through familiar territory–somehow it feels important, like it’s the smart thing to do, and may pay off–but our actions and choices aren’t smart or practical–in fact, they’re downright unhealthy in some way. We might want to stop for just a moment and ask ourselves why it feels so important to us to have an impact right now–are we feeling invisible, rebellious, destructive, or deliberately ignored? None of those are a good basis on which to make decisions. Listen carefully; there’s inner knowing available, the kind that can tell you exactly which facet of things needs transforming in order to provide reward, profit, Love, or to honor relationships–and in the end, that’s what really matters, isn’t it?

(Pallas contra-parallel Hygeia, Mars parallel Hygeia and contra-parallel Pallas, as well as Mars semi-sq Sedna, Venus semi-sq Pallas and nov Pluto, Sun sxt Ceres)

‘The Tight-Rope Walker’ By Jean-Louis Forain c1885 {{PD}}

First, a quick refresher: parallels and contra-parallels occur when two or more bodies are at the same declination (distance) both on one side of the ecliptic (a parallel), or one north, the other south (contra-parallel), as observed from Earth. The parallel emphasizes a harmony between the bodies comparable to a conjunction, while the contra-parallel resembles an opposition. We have a number of these perfecting today; I imagine it as one of those laser set-ups the jewel thief has to stealthily navigate. Breaking the beam won’t set off any alarms, but may cause a wee internal panic, sending our attention off in less-than-productive directions–and who needs that?

We may find ourselves measuring our empowerment and our options to express ourselves in proportion to the current state of health; the best thing we can glean from this urge is to see the ways we may hobble ourselves, or the assumptions about ability we might make, based on our perceptions of our physical state. We are a bit haunted by our usual assumptions, even: we may see it as choosing to be courageous or practical and ignore our physical Beingness, or to honor the wound and so build efforts around not disturbing it. Neither is a winning course, but recognizing the need for balance, and finding and pairing complementary energies, is.

Seeing the worth of the Will while not necessarily bowing to it is important, as is valuing all that we can do (as opposed to mooning over what’s out of our reach at present). Our mantra today may be Beauty In Action; opportunity and ‘the facts’ both become clear and offer clever ways to claim our territory, exercise our Will, and prompt us to successfully negotiate rather than demand or struggle over.

(Perfecting today: Juno parallel Hygeia, both contra-parallel the Sun, Chiron contra-parallel Pallas, Venus parallel Mars, Jupiter nov Ceres)