Category Archives: Pluto

Full Moon 9 October 2022: Who Are You, What Do You Feel?

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

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‘One Who Understands’ By Paul Klee 1934 {{PD}}

The Full Moon in Aries forms just after first Earth and then the Moon pass over Chiron–and that Chiron is involved in a T-square opposed Venus and square Pallas, begging the question: if that relationship or money thing was so smart, so practical, or such a good use of your skills, assets, or talents, why did it hurt? Or even more confounding, if it didn’t hurt. A Full Moon offers us answers, or at least endings, and in Aries those endings address the ‘I Am’, identity, and our choices and actions. We are likely to have laid at our feet revelation about how we’re processing emotionally some significant recent event–we’d be wise to examine it for the larger message, the one that makes a statement about who we are at our core, right now. Be prepared, as this will likely challenge who we think we are, or will bring into question our actual motivations for doing as we have.

Much of the action in the chart has already occurred by the time the Full Moon arrives, though we do have a few near-future contacts to look at that will reveal what comes next: a semi-sextile to Uranus, a sextile to Saturn, and a square to the Black Moon Lilith point. A sesquiquadrate to Hygeia at 00 Sagittarius and a loose novile to Juno round out the picture. What we have before us are minor shocks, surprises, or revelations that either present barriers or bring something previously only contemplated into our reality–and this brings conflict or discomfort, as we either must deal with what we’ve ignored or denied, or must face something that enrages us. The good news is if we accept our own role in things, and are willing to do something about what we see, we will be allowed grace and true good fortune in tackling it. One important point: if what you’ve been brushing aside is a health matter, it enters a new phase at this point–for good or ill, so this may be the signal to take a new approach in this area.

Here’s the temptation: to keep our eyes trained on that Venus, which opposition is already more than three degrees past once the Full Moon occurs. Looking behind us at that person, romance, partner, asset, reward, or financial circumstance will only distract us in the now; we’re meant to get the message about this, right now, but not to try and re-live, re-litigate, or re-vive.

Then we look to Pluto, stationed direct just a day before, and we may want to blame that dark energy bringing complete and utter change for what happens–but that would be inaccurate, as Pluto is simply standing still (stationary) and offering to point out just exactly where it really does hurt, or where you must make a clean sweep in order to move on. Check the natal chart for any points or bodies Pluto at 26 Capricorn may currently be aspecting: that’s where the real action is–the Full Moon is only about showing you who you’ve become, when you weren’t looking.

The Full Moon Sabian is, ‘Two Dignified Spinsters Sitting In Silence’. What’s your immediate reaction to that image? Do you think it’s sad and depressing, as if these women have missed out on life? Or do you see it as a bit of a triumph, one that has allowed these women to operate outside patriarchal society? Do you see them as independent or oppressed, quiet in peace or quiet in despair? It’s your Rorschach for current Lunar energies, and speaks of some emotional pattern you may need to question, or at least consider from another angle (and that’s so no matter your interpretation).

We also look at the bright engine of the Full Moon, the Sun: ‘A Retired Sea Captain Watches Ships Entering And Leaving The Harbor’. Here we each enjoy a certain distance (retired) from an area of expertise–and what are each of us experts in? In knowing ourselves, of course! We understand the progress we’ve made, and can see the consequences of our choices, with both Pluto and the Full Moon giving us a kind of progress report, a check-up on what we may need to handle next.

The Lunar event itself may be fiery or dull, but in some way shines a spotlight on something about ourselves we need to acknowledge and be aware of, in order to make the best choices we can.

Have a great Full Moon experience! ‘Tis the season for meteor showers–6-10th October the Draconids are visible in the Northern Hemisphere, the 20-21st the Orionids are visible in both hemispheres, and the Leonids fly by 17-18 November, visible in both hemispheres. Dates are for best sightings in the Seattle area, but apply generally by hemisphere as well.

Saturn Enters Capricorn 2017

13 Wednesday Dec 2017

Posted by in astrology, Capricorn, Pluto, Saturn

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Hans Thoma {{PD}}

19 December 2017 8:49 PM Pacific time, though that precise measure isn’t really necessary–Saturn moves slowly enough that its changes can sneak up on us–but when it changes signs, we do feel it, as the world seems to change ‘flavor’ around us. Saturn is the planet of reality, of the material world and all the accomplishments and barriers, both literal and figurative, within it. That’s why we are likely aware of the sign change right away; even if we aren’t conscious of astrology, we may be conscious of a shift, something like when you turn a kaleidoscope just a quarter turn. Things are rearranged, the light behind them may seem different, but they’re (usually) not unrecognizable (that’s more likely when transiting Saturn contacts transiting Uranus or Pluto, giving the kaleidoscope a full turn or two, or even shaking it upside down, and that shake-up may happen personally when transiting Uranus or Pluto contacts natal Saturn).

What we see as Saturn enters Capricorn is a perfect blend of effort and time, with the new sign shaping these into real-world results. We see what we have created over a long period, one that required Self-discipline and a persistent application of energy–or, we see circumstances resulting from a lack of application and discipline. We reap results of sustained and serious endeavors, or the long-term neglect of what we should’ve attended to; we see how our use of time affects us. If we thought things would take care of themselves, this may be the point when we find out they have not.

Juno admires hubby Saturn’s new leggings. By Veronese {{PD}}

We can’t really talk about Saturn entering Capricorn without discussing Pluto’s journey through the sign. Pluto plowed through and continues to disrupt, destroying, wreaking havoc to what was secure, solid, established, bringing the possibilities of freedom from old constraints, transformation of institutions and barriers, and also ushering in a long-term falling away of obstructions to our perception of Truth and Reality. That doesn’t mean everyone sees the real world for what it is; it’s still an individual choice where we must be willing to see things as they are—otherwise we can observe certain contingents who seem to be so completely oblivious to reality and ‘the facts’ that it defies logic. This is the Pluto effect: a stripping away of barriers that either shows you the real deal (if you accept that your world is changing) or that prompts a complete turning away from real world circumstances (if you don’t), substituting a Plutonian-centered non reality that promises nothing is changing, and that in fact you will be restored to some previous (unrealistic) level of all-powerful beingness. And now Saturn enters the sign, carrying a bucket of high-grade cement, ready to apply agents of constraint and form to all that Pluto has disrupted.

What we will see is this: that Saturn entering its own sign may result in Saturn cutting off, ending, or constraining transformations created by Pluto in Capricorn, whether those transformations are complete or not. Saturn may require those changes slow down, or it may insist on them taking solid form, or creating a new system within which to work, or it could deny their potential all together–but in any case it begins to solidify what had previously been fluid–or I should say, molten, as Pluto melted down without regard for status or standing. We add time to change, and we get a New Reality–and at the entry of Saturn into Capricorn, we get a glimpse of where things are headed, a peek at what’s beginning to emerge from the shadows.

As Saturn enters Capricorn we look at what aspects it makes immediately; this offers some idea of the initial impact of the sign change. Saturn will semi-square the South Node and Jupiter, which means Saturn is caught at the midpoint of the two; our first view of Saturn’s effects may involve the past and the public sector, or our beliefs and how they mesh with ‘the facts’, or we could see how work or effort made previously may offer opportunity in the present. Saturn will also sesquiquadrate the North Node (of course–in aspect to one Node is to be in aspect to both) and the Sun catches up to conjoin Saturn quickly, suggesting we see the situation when it is still new, raw, fresh–and we see the difficulties of where it will lead. And, the transiting Moon is also in Capricorn when Saturn enters, passing over Pluto. This suggests that what we see may give us a scare, may make us want to ‘reform’ from what we see or intuit, or may show us how we really feel about changes that have happened–and so what we are likely to want to establish, as Saturn makes his way through the sign.

Read more of my work here–and have a great rest-of-the-year!

Just a Little AstroEssence 28 September 2017 Focus On: Pluto Direct

27 Wednesday Sep 2017

Posted by in astrology, current events in the sky, forecast, Horoscope, Pluto, Retrogrades + Directions, The Daily Word Image

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Pierre-Auguste Renoir, ‘The Umbrellas’, c1881-86 {{PD}}

Pluto stations direct today at 16 Capricorn 51, in a planetary pantomime similar to a car that was backing up that stops moving, switches into drive from reverse, but hasn’t yet begun perceptible motion forward: things have changed, but we may not be able to see that, yet. Typically Pluto is background noise, a lot like this measure of Cosmic radiation, persistently there, but not especially distinct; the shape of the Plutonian influence is a wave, not a singular, isolated event, something that washes over, permeates everything, but has a source it’s impossible to pinpoint. You know those times you’re walking around frowning, until you become aware of a kind of pressure on your brow? That’s the Pluto retrograde, exerting its influence, and it’s a lifting of that pressure, equivalent to realizing you don’t need to be so tense, that constitutes the direction. The heaviness that’s lingered for so long dissipates, likely felt either in the House Pluto rules in the natal chart, or where it’s currently transiting; those subjects can suddenly seem less maddening, less compelling, less urgent, with transformation of the energies coming almost unbidden–not necessarily ‘cured’, but certainly less serious. All the gloom may not be wiped away, but there may be the barest frisson as we realize it’s definitely getting lighter.

This Plutonian shift occurs in the midst of two contradictory pulls, one toward erratic, unwise, unthinking behavior, likely blamed on externals, one toward thinking that we’re honoring what we care about–but it’s in the disparity between thought and reality where our problems lie. We can bridge the chasm by acknowledging that we don’t need to be all-powerful in order to have an impact, and for once thinking may not be our best option–instead we need to concentrate on what’s right in front of us, and deal with things one at a time, rather than retreating to ruminate, ponder, and disconnect.

Not quite the kind of crown we’re talking about. By Pia Ranslet (original painting and photo thereof) – Pia Ranslet, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17530407

Today’s word image is the phrase, ‘Heavy lies the head that wears the crown’, which is actually a misquote of this, from Henry the IV, Pt. 2: ‘Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown’. Is there any real difference between them? Yes, there is. The misquoted version suggests a Plutonian sense of responsibility, that a ruler is burdened by the very fact of being ruler; the actual quote suggests something otherwise, that the one who wears the crown can never rest, with the implication being that their position can never be secure. Why has the saying morphed in popular culture? There may be a tendency to believe that those in charge have great privilege and power, so mustn’t complain of responsibilities–which ignores the original meaning of a ruler actually being a target, the position a precarious one. Maybe this is about an assumption that those who have owe us, or about us forgetting those in charge have problems, too. Is there a place in your world where you see someone as having, and therefore owing you? Do you feel others see you that way? How uneasy are you with your own ‘power position’? And do you, or do you not, want to ‘wear a crown’, based on your beliefs about what that entails?

Your Week 14-20 April 2017 A Taste of What’s Holding You Back

12 Wednesday Apr 2017

Posted by in astrology, current events in the sky, forecast, Horoscope, Inferior Conjunction, Pluto, Retrogrades + Directions, Sun/Mercury Inferior Conjunction, The Daily Word Image, Venus

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‘Merchant’s Wife at Tea’ By Boris Kustodiev 1917 {{PD}}

Friday the 14th we see a perfect blending of ego and action urge with instincts, making for highly successful actions and choices as long as we go totally on those programmed and in-built inclinations. Problems arise from too much conscious attention to values and priorities; this is a time when we quite literally do best to think as little as possible, and to follow the spontaneous instinctive spark we carry within–otherwise, we tie ourselves in knots trying to make material and everyday circumstances meet a ‘purity standard’ that belongs better as an ideal.

Today’s word image is the actor John Wayne. Even when I was a child, he was considered a symbol of American values–but when we inspect those values now, we see their flaws: the embrace of Manifest Destiny, which inherently carries the idea of White superiority; the romanticization of the Western way of life, including its misogynist bent, its assumption of ‘Christian’ values as right and superior, and its lack of regard for both the best interests of animals/ the land, and the rights of other cultures, especially indigenous ones; the idea of rugged individualism, a pernicious code echoing the ‘each man for himself’, ‘survival of the fittest’ ideal which celebrates Self-reliance to an absurd degree, as well as justifying unfettered greed and exploitation, and as fuel for sanctimonious refusal to help others; the romance with guns, which continues today. It may be too much to say we should look at our own ‘John Wayne attitudes’, some way in which we are unquestioningly sure we are carrying the banner of right, or making assumptions about privilege due–it may be enough to look around for and make note of where these ugly Western assumptions may still permeate our thinking, our beliefs about ourselves, our country, or our way of life.

Venus goes direct on the 15th, at 26 Pisces 54; this sends it back toward a re-perfection of that square with Saturn. We get a last taste of barriers, restrictions, obstacles, or required discipline–or we see the cost of those restrictions, or the cost of not having applied them, or what we’ve lost by following (or not following) ‘the rules’, especially as it pertains to relationships. This may present a last, bitter pill, or could show us the difficulty associated with getting what we desire, and though tough, could be the point of delivery–it’s all dependent on previous experience with this square, and the individual impact through the natal chart, especially the unique relationship of each person to the Saturn concepts (which generally dictate whether the retro period represents a ‘taking away’ or an ‘opening the way’).

There’s also a perfection of a Juno sesquiquadrate to the North Node, which on the surface might not seem like much–but when we combine it with the Venus-Saturn effect, with Venus finally leaving her retro phase, we may find, especially if we are female, that empowerment options and circumstances that should help us build our desired future will not be easily exercised. We may find that the patriarchy, the establishment, authorities, elders, or rule-enforcers put obstacles in our way, or try to suppress or stop us. Gaining empowerment is possible, as long as we are willing to work around or be flexible, in terms of those demands or restrictions being made on us.

Today’s word image is a hand-tooled leather bridle. As lovely as the workmanship on one can be, a bridle is essentially an instrument of control, one that works because of the pain it causes (via the metal bit to the sensitive mouth of a horse or other animal). Is there some external control, applied by someone else, that you’re allowing, out of fear of pain if you don’t? What freedom have you allowed to be ‘bridled’, willingly or not? Have you been indoctrinated with the idea that certain behaviors aren’t allowed, that it would be uncivilized (or unladylike, or unmanly) to indulge in them? What’s allowing someone else to ride you–that is, keep on top of you or your performance, in some way–and so control you?

On the 16th we surf an unusually smooth and pleasant minor ‘wave’ of harmonies and sychronicities. Values aid the operation of instincts, actions and choices utilize our most unique skills, and cooperation, especially cooperation between complementary elements (anima and animus, man-woman, assertive and receptive, yin and yang) flows with little effort. It all comes naturally, with the result being that we find the energy and spark to handle what we’ve been ignoring or denying, and in doing so find our personal empowerment options strengthened and elevated.

By Paolo Monti – Available in the BEIC digital library and uploaded in partnership with BEIC Foundation.The image comes from the Fondo Paolo Monti, owned by BEIC and located in the Civico Archivio Fotografico of Milan.This work is free and may be used by anyone for any purpose.

Today’s word image is a single blue balloon, floating up and away from a crowd. That is one of the saddest sights, I think, because it means some child lost their hold; that precious, fleeting pleasure of balloon ownership is, for some probably distraught young one, no more. I find the temporary nature of a balloon part of its appeal; like a flower, you know it doesn’t have a long life–and the fact that they float and fly has always made them special, too. What short-lived pleasure in your life has recently expired? Did you ever think it might simply be practice for enjoying in the moment, and letting go?

By the 17th the real world, as it is right now, is in our faces–and if we handle issues willingly, openly, we find opportunities plentiful and our ability to act unhindered. The issues revolve around deception (by others or our own of ourselves), reality as it is, rather than as we’d like it to be, and how healthy our choices are, at this time; if we can be straight with ourselves over these matters, we will find our personal effectiveness goes beyond anything we’ve been imagining, and that opportunity and support from the social sphere are attracted without any special effort on our part.

Today’s word image is a spider that dangles from a single thread of spider silk above the head of an unsuspecting individual. If you’re afraid of spiders, this might give you the heebie-jeebies–and nobody, frightened of arachnids or not, wants a creepy-crawly in their hair. This may alert us to something undesirable that is ‘hanging over our heads’–and yet we don’t know it, or are not conscious that it poses such a ‘threat’. Maybe the solution is to ‘look up’–or maybe just look around carefully, to be more aware of our surroundings at all times. 

On the 18th we once again see personal power aided by our ability to allow our instincts to call the shots; too, thinking is in line with, and attention is on, the future, allowing us to consciously guide things in the direction we’d like to go. So what’s not working? Wounds around relationships and finances may derail the entire day, unless we are able to set resentments and fears aside and simply listen to the internal pulse of call and intuitive response, without letting negative thoughts intrude.

Today’s word image is an empty closet. You’ve got nothing to hide, right? Or is this a reminder that you’ve got plenty of room, some place clean and ready to hold your things?

On the 19th what we have previously ignored now gets our full attention–and in providing that, we gain in wisdom, practicality, and our ability to affect circumstances. The world is our oyster–and we are poised to start a fresh ‘pearl’, via the Inferior Conjunction of the Sun and Mercury–which is precise about 11:01 PM Pacific time, and occurs just after the Sun’s entry into Taurus. This suggests that the seed planted here may be a physical one, the start of something materially significant, the beginning of a project, idea, or condition that has a material impact, or one involving the senses or sense-perceptions. Just a few hours later, on the 20th, Pluto retrogrades at 19 Capricorn 23, and soon thereafter we see Merc shift back into Aries. This subtly alters our retro period thinking; we change from considering material matters, comfort, and consequences to the potentials behind action and Self-responsibility. We start to consider that we are the ones who can do something about ‘it’. As a backdrop to this, Pluto’s change in apparent direction may simply emphasize the darkness, or the destructive tendencies, inherent in the forces of evolution, transformation, and change. Pluto’s retrograde gives us new appreciation for how close we may be standing to the precipice, and how much more carefully we might want to move–or giving us the urge to either back away to safety, or to jump.

By Dwayne Albert – Originally from en.wikipedia; description page was here., Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2974795

Today’s word image is a pair of sleeping dogs. Do we ‘let them lie’, as in the saying, or are they not performing as they should, barking when trouble approaches? Either there’s a topic not to be touched at present, or an early warning system is down.

Mars and Pluto Retrograde April 2016 Impact Withdrawal

15 Friday Apr 2016

Posted by in astrology, current events in the sky, Mars, Pluto, Retrogrades

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'At Low Tide' Edward James Poynter 1896 {{PD}}

‘At Low Tide’ Edward James Poynter 1896 {{PD}}

What happens when, within less than 24 hours, both Mars and Pluto begin apparent retrograde motion? These are the agents of energy, power, and drive in the horoscope, and fuel all choice, change, and action; with both symbolically withdrawn, we may find the wind taken from our sails, both individually (Mars) and Collectively (Pluto). And, considering that first Mars (at 5:14 AM PDT of the 17th) then Pluto (12:26 AM PDT of the 18th) recedes, we may find first an individual breakdown or denial of initiative, quickly followed by a larger tide of energy removed from the landscape. A recession of impetus on both a personal and societal scale may offer the impression that there’s no way forward, and nothing to be done–but it’s important to remember that these are particular points in a cycle, and we just happen to have experienced them in close proximity to each other, creating the sense of an extreme loss of power, a sudden and seemingly insurmountable weakness–but of course, all we need do is wait for another turn of the wheel.

Thomas P. Anshutz - 'Low Tide' {{PD}}

Thomas P. Anshutz – ‘Low Tide’ {{PD}}

Like a tide going out, the sense of being impacted by events, as well as moving to create impact ourselves, may dissolve, leaving a sort of turning inward in its place. With Mars reversing direction in Sagittarius the sense may be of having optimism removed, knowledge negated, no way to reach out, and with Pluto in Capricorn the sense of institutions, barriers, and obstacles as insurmountable may become acute. The prospects for change may seem nil, both from our own viewpoint in personal matters and on the larger social scene. Again, what we need to remember is that this is a figurative low point, in energy terms, not a death knell to either evolution or progress.

Mars’ first contact in retrograde will be a square to the Moon. This suggests the change takes a heavy emotional toll, especially in areas where we have expressed or absorbed criticism, or where we have labored or served in hopes of a positive result (Moon in Virgo). Pluto’s first contacts in retrograde will be a square from Zeus and a trine from the (still in Virgo) Moon. Here the emotions absorb the bad news a little more easily, probably because we see that denial of or irreversible changes to widespread ambitions and desires is shared by whole swathes of society.

What we need to do is adjust; we need to see that a straightforward assault won’t bring the results we want, and neither will one that threatens destruction or transformation–both extremes of the Plutonian coin will lose credibility in this environment. Considering that the Moon is an immediate contact of both bodies, it may pay to take a more receptive route to facilitate both action and change; a sensitive stance where the intuition and feelings play as great a role as the Will may be the most effective way to deal with the energy shift. There is also the potential for channeling wants and efforts through the Arian Venus, who can muster behind the Will exceptionally well, and who keeps the ‘I Am’ in mind even as she seeks the cooperation and assistance of partnership.

If you have placements in 15-17 degrees of the Cardinals, you’ll no doubt feel the grind by withdrawal of an energized environment (in fact, it may present some serious problems), and if you have hard aspects to Mars (in the 6-8 degree range) you may find at least part of the energy withdrawal could involve your own ability to deliver being questioned. Since this likely occurs in adjacent Houses of the natal chart, we may find that our own actions in the matters of the House where Mars is currently transiting may trigger the withdrawal that follows in the Pluto House. No matter what, dear Reader, take it all in stride, for this too shall pass.

This is super-helpful, from Astrologer Leah Whitehorse—

Focus on: Merc Meets Pluto 29 January 2016

28 Thursday Jan 2016

Posted by in astrology, Capricorn, Cardinal Activity, current events in the sky, Mercury, Pluto

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We may wonder in our own world which side of the power struggle is Jacob, which one the Angel? 'Jacob Wrestling with the Angel' by Léon Bonnat 1875 {{PD}}

We may wonder in our own world which side of the power struggle is Jacob, which one the Angel? ‘Jacob Wrestling with the Angel’ by Léon Bonnat 1875 {{PD}}

Merc and Pluto both show up for this meeting in button down shirts, clutching their wallets and pearls, equipment for weighing and measuring carefully calibrated, posture rigid and eyes glazed over with ‘the rules’–they’re ready for business. Mercury has finally given up flight and is headed back to where he left off; he’s ready to talk, to negotiate, to inform, as long as things stay on topic, and he’s aware of the status quo, conscious of the need to deliver the establishment’s message. Pluto is out to change the system, destroy boundaries, and he’s been in this territory for a while; once he’s altered or transformed what is, a strange thing happens: the destructive energy is dissipated, and expressions of power come forward, power that enforces a new set of rules, boundaries, and installs a new authority in place of the old. The question is, where do these two meet in expression? Capricorn gives them both a tone, a background, a set of attitudes to play with, but each carries its own essence, bringing about a kind of chemical reaction that, despite their meeting in the same sign, may bring confrontation.

The root of the conflict may be this: Mercury is messenger of those who hold the reins right now; Pluto, half way through the sign, has already thrown the acid, the Molotov cocktail, and is in the process of taking the ruin of what was and constructing something new from it. That, my friends, is a fundamental conflict of interest. These two come together, and one, the quicker-moving one, is interested in making the argument for keeping things as they are; the other has been at work for quite a while, and is in the midst of creating a kind of re-birth in our ideas of authority, boundaries, and restraint. And both claim practicality, and the health of both personal life structures and those of governments, countries, and large systems, are best served by their methods.

What can we expect? The voice of current power-holders may carefully craft their message, with restrictions on who knows what, meant to keep things static, for safety, for the well-being of all, and of course, to retain power; the agents of change may claim a moral superiority in their very existence, a ‘change for change’s sake’ stance that does not acknowledge the new authorities rising from the ashes, intent on replacing the old, are just as distorted in priorities and viewpoint as the previous holders of power were. In other words, change does not equalize anything, nor does becoming part of the current power structure, because both are intent on grabbing power and keeping it–and when that is the goal, no message will assuage those without influence, and no revolution will make the situation more equitable.

So, what we may witness today are communications that have power acquisition and retention at their core–and this may be played a thousand ways, with harsh or destructive words, transformational ideas, the resurrection of concepts we thought were surely gone, and the obliteration of the old rules–but all of it concealing, one way or another, the power struggle currently at the heart of the Universe. In your own life an awareness that power is behind literally everything we deal with at this time will help reveal the layers of meaning. We need to understand that there’s an intensity to this (thanks, Pluto!) that goes beyond the normal level of power-seeking we see everyday, giving even the simplest exchanges a life-or-death tone that may seem over the top–but if we purge our minds of clutter and propaganda, we see the Truth of what’s being negotiated beneath.

For Your Perusal: An Excerpt From The New VESTA Book

17 Saturday Oct 2015

Posted by in astrology, Pluto, Vesta

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BAL11062 Charon and Psyche (oil on canvas) by Stanhope, John Roddam Spencer (1829-1908) oil on canvas 95.2x138.4 Private Collection Roy Miles Fine Paintings English, out of copyright

Here’s Pluto’s boatman and the representative of consciousness. ‘Charon and Psyche’ by John Roddam Spencer Stanhope 1882 {{PD}}

A little weekend reading for you, a sample from my latest, ‘We Are All Vessels: VESTA IN THE NATAL CHART’ with Vesta indicating what we revere in life and dedicate our energies to, as well as describing the attitude toward the home and the mate:

Vesta in Aspect to Pluto—power is what’s really revered, though in hard aspect the individual may rebuke power or see those in authority as abusive—but still be striving to hold some form of power, if only over him- or herself. They may be genuinely interested in reform, or could simply overthrow the current system and install one of their own. This person could truly understand and embrace the idea that change is the way of the Universe—and they could act as a powerful example to others because of it. Sex may be especially intense for and with these individuals, even when it’s casual.

These people may create major transformations, either through their own agency or by changing elements within their environment; witness the impact of ‘Father of the Atom Bomb’, nuclear physicist Robert Oppenheimer (22 April 1904 8:15 AM-time may not be correct- New York New York USA/ Whole Sign). Pluto and Vesta are only 39 minutes apart in Gemini; transformative ideas, ones in this case involving actual generation of power, the splitting of the atom, is what this man was dedicated to. Not enough symbolism for you? Ceres opposes this pairing and Saturn trines it (and that trine contact is exact, to the minute, to Vesta); that puts Oppenheimer tuned-in to reality but in opposition to Mother Nature, at least in terms of her relationship to humans. She’ll split her own atoms, thank you, in our Sun and other stars—not in a lab, or a bomb.

An interesting side note: The natal Sun is in Taurus, square Aquarian Chiron and quincunx Pallas in Sagittarius. This suggests a Soul Purpose (the Sun) that may have compelled him to do things he didn’t actually think wise (Pallas) or far-sighted (Sagittarius) in terms of effect, intellectual exercises (Aquarius) made reality, that may wound (Chiron) the earth (Taurus) and possibly Oppenheimer’s own psyche (Aquarius, with the sign also holding Black Moon Lilith at 29 degrees=things hidden or ignored are uncovered under stress, and Juno-Saturn as mentioned previously, which makes the empowerment Oppenheimer accesses literal). Of course, this is read with hindsight—it’s unlikely we could’ve discerned this possibility before the Manhattan Project—but after seeing the explosion of the first atomic bomb, mid-July 1945, Oppenheimer said he thought of words from the Hindu scripture, the Bhagavad Gita: “Now I am become Death, the destroyer of worlds.” An appropriately reverent thought for Pluto-Vesta.

A Pluto-Vesta contact could also make for an individual who reveres renewal and re-birth, and so someone who either takes on the unpleasant tasks of destruction for the Collective (anything from trash collector to mortician) or who compulsively destroys situations or relationships, not from a lack of Self-esteem or a penchant for Self-sabotage, but because for them a sense of a ‘clean slate’ carries something of the holy about it. This person may also be too quick to honor a ‘might makes right’ mentality, or to use extremes in temperament as a mechanism to exert control over people or situations. It’s like a statement: “My temper is a sign I’m dealing with sacred territory, therefore what enrages me must not be questioned or ignored”.

Order VESTA and all my books here, and if you’ve already got it, consider a rating or review at Dog & Sunflower or at GoodReads–thanks! Have a great weekend!

Just a Little Something from ECLIPSE 4-10 July 2014

04 Friday Jul 2014

Posted by in astrology, ECLIPSE magazine, Pluto

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Persephone and Hades Enthroned, 500-450 BC, Greek, Locri Epizephirii, Sanctuary of Persephone--Photo by Daderot {{PD}}

Persephone and Hades Enthroned, 500-450 BC, Greek, Locri Epizephirii, Sanctuary of Persephone–Photo by Daderot {{PD}}

Here’s a little something from ECLIPSE, on finding the parental influence in the natal chart through contacts to the personal planets and lights–in this case, we’re looking at Pluto:

Pluto—this is the symbol of what’s commonly known as ‘The Devouring Mother’, but that’s too narrow a definition by far; this is really a designator of a power figure, male or female, who overwhelmed the individual, and likely persuaded them that, whatever energy Pluto contacted was not to be theirs; the typical indoctrination involves framing the energy as destructive, as likely to obliterate the individual if she or he engages with it. Who would tell (or imply) something like this to a mere child? Sometimes it’s done out of fear, in an attempt to protect, but just as often it arises from rage, an attitude that says, ‘If I can’t have this, neither can you!’ When this is the voice we carry in our minds, we are likely forbidden to even think about the energy too much; we have been so conditioned to see it as, essentially, death, that we avoid it actively. As we see others access it, though, this leads (at least at first) not to accessing it ourselves, but to rage of our own at being denied something we see others have: we in essence become in attitude the mirror of our caretaker in regard to this subject. The classic example is Venus square Pluto, which traditional literature calls a denial of Love for the individual until they learn to be loving. I find this a misunderstanding of the dynamic at work: the individual appears to not understand Love and to behave badly because of it, but they are actually reacting to the denial of Love, in that they are raging at being denied what they see everyone else have. They are not devoid of Love themselves, but so afraid of it (and in some cases this applies to money/ assets, too) that they dare not approach it. Remedy begins when the individual first tastes genuine Love (not romance) and finds they don’t die; dramatic as it seems, that’s what it takes to show them they can not only have it, that they are worthy of it—and that is the essence of the positive Plutonian Archetypal form, the ability to be powerful and unafraid, and so abandon the need to rage and destroy.

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Pluto Retrograde 14 April 2014

14 Monday Apr 2014

Posted by in astrology, current events in the sky, Pluto, Retrogrades, Retrogrades + Directions

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'Nocturne in Blue and Silver' James McNeill Whistler c1870s {{PD}}

‘Nocturne in Blue and Silver’ James McNeill Whistler c1870s {{PD}}

Pluto retrogrades at 4:47 PM PDT, and may get lost so close to the Lunar eclipse. It’s not that this won’t have an effect–it will send out the psychic equivalent of infrasound–but that it will likely be attributed to the boogy man of the eclipse, which has become the catch-all Lunar basket for every menacing vibe around. The turnaround of Pluto happens below consciousness; we don’t notice it, until we notice it, typically as a shift in background, in tone, in luck–suddenly things aren’t going smoothly, secrets can’t be kept (or, conversely, something is submerged or ‘gotten away with’ which we can count on being revealed on direction), something hidden nags, something dark lingers at the edge of the light. It’s all very ominous–except it’s not; Pluto is just as much a part of the Universe as any other energy. When it’s direct we see the wisdom in taking out the trash, cleaning up the mess, in death and decay as part of the cycle, but on retrograde all we see is the trash, the mess, or the death and decay–we may be so riveted by this display that we forget it’s an integral part of making the whole thing work.

If the representative of the god of the Underworld turns around in hard aspect to any of your natal bodies or points, you may become especially aware of the darkness associated with those areas–or you may need to deal with your own or another’s power displays related to it. Pluto retrogrades for almost six months at a time; this time it goes direct on 22 September 2014 at 10 Capricorn 59. The sheer length of its apparent backward movement means we sooner or later accommodate the planet’s motion within the psyche; it soon feels like it’s ‘just the way things are’–and for nearly half a year, it is.

A Little More on the Pluto Retrograde

16 Tuesday Apr 2013

Posted by in Current Affairs, Current Events, current events in the sky, Pluto, Retrogrades

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Another day, another time. 'Rainy Day, Boston' Childe Hassam 1885 {{PD-Art}}

Another day, another time. ‘Rainy Day, Boston’ Childe Hassam 1885 {{PD-Art}}

The bombings in Boston yesterday are, like all such events, horrific, and asto enthusiasts may note this occurred with the Sun-Mars conjunction in Aries–a fiery and martial placement and combination–and with these two sextile Vesta, and widely conjunct a distressed Venus at 29 Aries. This points to values as the motivating force, and, considering the kinds of injuries involved (shrapnel and limb, especially lower limb) and the choice of place and time (Patriot’s Day, a world-renowned marathon) my thought was that this was sparked by rage at such injuries, which are distinctly the kinds created by war, and especially by IEDs (Improvised Explosive Device). I believe the perpetrator (and I think there’s only one) has either suffered this kind of loss him- or herself, or that this has happened to a loved one, and shattered their respective worlds. No matter what their pain, it is no excuse for inflicting the same on others. I send my thoughts and prayers to those who were injured and traumatized, and my gratitude to those who ran toward the blasts, to help–and I’m sure most, likely even all, my readers do, too.

The bombing can be seen in the light of the Pluto retrograde, as part of the need to express that often surrounds a change in direction point. I had planned to talk a little about venting those smaller matters that we bury until such an astrological event cracks open the cellar door, as described in the previous post by the retro’s sextile to Chiron, signifying mild hurts; but of course this applies to deeply seated rage, to passion and obsession, as well, if that is what has been suppressed or ignored. I think we’ll find our personal subjects for the retro period in the House(s) in the natal chart ruled by Scorpio; at least, that’s where I’m finding mine! What House is Scorpio on for you, and what experiences have you correlated with the Pluto retro over the past few days–and are these the same areas, or do they differ?

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