Just a Little AstroEssence 26 December 2017 Hidden

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Fernand Khnopff – ‘The Veil’ 1887 {{PD}}

It’s all about what’s hidden, ignored, denied, or about what has and continues to enrage us; the mind is filled with these thoughts, and all attention goes there (Sun conjoined Black Moon Lilith, Mercury parallel BML). A very special key, one that frees us from this obsessive and mostly fruitless ruminating, is found in the past, in experiences or lessons that we didn’t suspect, until now, to truly be of use (Sun-BML nov SN). Think back for that solution or answer; it’s of an Aquarian nature, found in the modern, technological, advanced, intellectual, in the matters of the House where Aquarius is in the natal chart, or in a simple state of understanding, which may involve taking a cooler approach to things, from a different angle than you assumed before.

By Javcon117* from USA – My Pink Snowman, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=54768735

Today’s word image is a snowman. To my surprise, I’ve found that people have very individual associations with and feelings about snowmen. When I think of them, I feel a little tired. As a child the adults always suggested making them, but wouldn’t allow use of anything but rocks to make a face–and the result was a bit grim. It always seemed like a sad labor that resulted in a grit-faced monster, rather than the jolly being I’d envisioned. Now to me a snowman symbolizes someone’s idea of ‘keeping others busy’, that is just disappointing, a waste of time and energy, to those others; I’ll look around for that in my life. So what do snowmen mean to you? That’s what you should ask yourself–and go from there.

Just a Little AstroEssence 25 December 2017 Engaging the Future

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A tree on Hadrian’s Wall (Sycamore Gap) in Northumberland, UK. Photo by Tom Habibi, Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported

Venus and Saturn, conjoined and at the midpoint of South Node-Jupiter, engage the North Node by sesquiquadrate–and we note a brief Fist of God is formed by the Moon when in very late Pisces/ very early Aries it squares Venus-Saturn and so also sesquiquadrates the NN (lasting from about 2-8 PM Pacific time). Solid manifestations of Love may be the theme today–ironic, on a day when so many will exchange gifts–but for everyone a sense of being able to look around and touch what you love, what you value, what you see as an asset–and as well to see where that love, in all its forms, may be lacking. It’s all about how past choices, how past responses to ‘the facts’, to social pressures, and one’s own level of optimism and adventure have created the Now–and during the period of the Fist, we get a chance to reconcile the feeling nature and intuitive perceptions (the Moon) with the Love state within the material reality (Venus-Saturn)–and quite naturally, this creates the future (NN apex).

The Peace Bridge, Tbilisi By Amir Hossein Eslami – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=63883484

Today’s word image is the phrase ‘Peace on Earth’. We’re not likely to get this, as long as there are nation-states, tribalism, and conflicting interests–but we can try. Make your own little corner of the world a peaceful haven; that’s not just a good thing for you, but a contribution to us all. Merry Christmas, if you celebrate, and wishing All a wonderful last week of this surprising and tumultuous year!

Just a Little AstroEssence 24 December 2017 Reckoning

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Михаил М. Гужавин (Mikhail Markelovich Guzhavin)- Зимняя ночь (1917) {{PD}}

It’s a day of reckoning, where our optimism is tempered with a stark awareness of how and why our hopes and intentions may not mesh with the current life direction, and where opportunities may cause conflict with our plans (Jupiter sq Nodal axis)–and this, in turn, might play on our wounds, and make us question our own strength and fitness to live out our choices (Mars sesq Chiron, Sun sesq Ceres). With Saturn and the Sun just entering Capricorn, and Merc freshly direct, we may feel a wee bit overwhelmed, as if barriers and dead ends are popping up everywhere. The reality, though, is that we’re being asked to slow down and take a thorough look, both at where we are and what we want. Venus helps, as she enters Cap, attuning us to the benefits of hard work and the parameters of concrete realities, even as she conjoins Saturn and novile Vesta, showing us what we treasure (and so are sure we want to keep solid) in terms of commitments, relationships, and those things we honor. If we see there’s no hurry, we can embrace our needs, values, and priorities, and so see clearly how we want things to progress.

Today’s word image is a piece of embroidery that takes years to complete. Is there some project you’ve been working on, piece by piece, for a long time? Have you put off completing it for some time, because it’s complicated, or other life events have called? Or is that a way to see life, each ‘stitch’ (choice/ action) creating a pattern that close up isn’t discernible, but makes a distinct ‘picture’ when viewed from a distance?

‘Embroidery with Scenes from the Life of the Virgin’ unknown artist {{PD}}

Just a Little AstroEssence 23 December 2017 Revved Up

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By Dietmar Rabich – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=53804703

The only aspect perfecting today is a parallel of Mars and Juno. That may not sound like much, until you consider that puts the need for personal empowerment together with the ego, the sex drive, the action urge, the Will, the ‘I Am’, and the very energy that gets us out of bed in the morning! We may not even realize how strong our push, not just for autonomy, but for making an impact, making a difference, or making waves might be. Self-awareness and caution are highly prized today, but so is the opportunity to make significant inroads in meaningful, personal goals and in advancing the individual agenda.

‘View of a Corridor’ 1662 By Samuel van Hoogstraten {{PD}}

Today’s word image is a bag of birdseed that bursts, sending seed everywhere. ‘Eating like a bird’ comes to mind, a phrase meant to indicate a delicate appetite, even though we now know that birds eat tremendous amounts for their size each and every day–and that suggests some appetite or ‘push’ toward something that we or others see as or are characterizing as something quite the opposite to what it actually is. Where is want being portrayed as quite modest, when it’s really quite ravenous? Do you want to furnish a massive amount of whatever it is that’s required, or are you thinking it’s time to align appetites and consumption so that there’s no misperception of where resources are going?

Just a Little AstroEssence 22 December 2017 Take Your Time

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Gardner Symons ‘The First Snowfall’ c1920 {{PD}}

Mercury stations direct in Sagittarius (at 13 degrees, even!). The turnaround points are typically tense; we want to act, as we sense things are changing. We may even sense that our way of processing events is changing, precipitating an urge to act or come to conclusions while we are still ‘ourselves’. There may be a wee panic; am I losing my mind, are people keeping things from me, are my beliefs failing me, what don’t I know? (those last two particularly appropriate for Mercury in Sagittarius) This time Merc changes apparent direction without making any super-close aspects, and since it moves relatively slowly after direction, we require a very close shave to call them significant. We’ll likely feel the shift in matters of the House holding Sag–something will become clearer, or will be apparent–and in the matters of the Houses Mercury rules. Best to give things a day or two before going forward. That tension that can make us want to hurry can cause as much of a warp to perceptions as can the actual retro period, so allow a little time to pass, before going forward.

Today we also see Pluto sextile Vesta, suggesting that highest values, what we honor, what we find sacred may undergo change, possibly from what we learn on the Merc direction, and Jupiter semi-squares Saturn, implying some discord between beliefs and reality, or the social sphere and restrictions (or again, the reality of things), or between what we know and what we see in front of us. This, too, may contribute to the changes to what we value, as we parse the facts and the real-world situation.

Yesterday was the Solstice, the day in the Northern Hemisphere when daylight is shortest, while in the Southern Hemisphere it marks the longest stretch of daylight–so, important everywhere, not astrologically, but symbolically; in winter it suggests a renewal of hope. We’ve seen the ‘darkest day’, and now the light will steadily increase, and as light-sensitive Beings we respond to that positively. We instinctively feel we are safer in the light–and ‘staying in the light’ does, in so many ways, keep us from harm.

Today’s word image is sunlight on the pines, on a very cold day. Take a moment, visualize this (or whatever scenario in nature you find peaceful). Can you smell the cedar, hear the bird song, feel the sun on your skin? Make sure to allow yourself and others time for such pauses in the coming weeks–we’ll all feel better for it.

John Constable {{PD}}

Remember that cloud of healing energy that we formed during the Eclipse years, specifically as an energy ‘bank’ on which those who needed it could draw? Just a reminder that it’s still there, available if you need it–and open for deposits, if you’d like.

Just a Little AstroEssence 21 December 2017 What Have We Become?

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Today the Sun enters Capricorn, parallels Venus, conjoins Saturn, and falls at the midpoint of the South Node and Jupiter (and so sesquiquadrates the North Node). This collection of contacts tells us who we are, specifically what we have created in the real world, in terms of both our personal character and our accomplishments, an appropriate assessment and review as we stand on the cusp of the Mercury direction. This happens naturally; the mind goes toward measuring quality and status, particularly in concrete, quantifiable terms. The influences on this process involve our values and our internal wisdom and practicality (Venus trine Pallas), which work together to create an accurate portrait of what we have become. Believe your own Self-assessment; you’re on solid ground with it, as long as you don’t succumb to rationalization or a denial of instincts (Venus qnx Sedna).

Today’s word image is a hot air balloon floating over a prairie at dawn. Does this signal adventure to you, ‘rising above’, ‘getting a bird’s eye view’, freedom, or is it frightening, something that could suddenly go out from under you and plunge you to earth? Is it transportation, romantic, impractical, or just fun? Or does it suggest something (an idea, a personality) inflated on ‘hot air’, that can’t travel on bombast forever? For some reason I’m seeing this symbol as something to be interpreted personally, as if only the individual associations have valid meaning–so it’s your call completely.

Just a Little AstroEssence 20 December 2017 A Sparkly Kick

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The 20th, like so many other days recently, holds a special, sparkly-magic kick, if we can only get out of our own way to use and enjoy it! The viewpoint offered by our creative imagination and/ or our ideals opens up myriad possibilities to exercise our prerogatives and make a significant impact on our own lives–the limits hinge on our ability to imagine ourselves in power (Neptune nov Juno)–and we gain, earn, or benefit through optimism, reaching out through publication, teaching, or broadcasting functions, or through the largesse of the social sphere (Venus nov Jupiter). The hitch, that stumbling block we may be tempted to place at our own feet, concerns the wound scenario, particularly within relationships or financial situations (Venus sq Chiron). To combat the urge to Self-sabotage, we must fully and without reservation embrace our most unique qualities, the things that make us so precisely who we are (Venus trine Uranus). Do that, and we can count on surprises and revelations that bring reward.

John Singer Sargent – ‘The Birthday Party’ 1886 {{PD}}

Today’s word image is a reflection of that Venus-Uranus trine and the Venus novile to Jupiter: a household prepares for a birthday party. What’s a birthday party but a celebration of an individual’s uniqueness? The world just wouldn’t be the same without the contributions of each and every one of us; be aware of that today, as the idea that individual Beingness itself is worthy (and so worth celebrating) may be a good thing to remember. The reward that comes from recognizing each unique contribution may surprise you.

Just a Little AstroEssence 19 December 2017 Saturn Into Capricorn

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Saturn in Capricorn will give us the determination and iron constitution necessary to climb that mountain. Plate from ‘The Fables of Aesop’, “The Wolf and the Goat” 1909 By Edward Julius Detmold {{PD}}

With no other aspects perfecting or changes happening today, all the focus is on Saturn and the sign of Capricorn–even the Moon is there! So here’s a re-look at my previously published post, with the good news that the tension suffered (starting around the 10th) while Saturn lingered at 29 Sagittarius will dissipate. The sense of a ‘fresh start’ is bound to be evident–make the most of it!

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).

See? Capricorn energies can be your friend. ‘Heidi and a Goat’ By Jessie Willcox Smith 1921 {{PD}}

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.

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 areotherwise 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.

Today’s word image is a dream where you were directly provided with ‘the answers’–that you can’t remember upon awakening! Be reassured–those keys are in your mind somewhere–and will come to you at the right time.

Read more of my work here, or search for your favorite topic here at the blog. And here’s a little something discussing tensions associated with the 29th degree, as well as a few other topics–and have a great rest-of-the-year!

Just a Little AstroEssence 18 December 2017 Improving on Realism

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All that Sag and New Moon energy makes us ready to tackle problems and make things better. ‘Riddaren Rider’ 1914 By John Bauer {{PD}}

Under the light of a waxing Moon, we inspect our values, our relationships, our assets, and ourselves for the health and ‘rightness’ of things. It’s a day where we assess, and maybe tackle inconsistencies, in what we care about–and where we find clever ways to make things better, to help them flourish. We come to understand: it’s all good (Venus nov Hygeia).

Today’s word image is Paul Bunyan and Babe, his Blue Ox. Do you know these characters? You can read up on it here in a fairly comprehensive view of the origins and iterations of this folk figure. This image suggests to me someone or something big, out-sized even, hard-working, good-hearted, an extraordinary, larger-than-life entity that carries mythic status. Are you dealing with someone or something like this right now? Do you feel overwhelmed? Does a myth-like quality surrounding someone or something make it especially difficult to deal with, or to get others to see in a realistic light? In spite of its positive nature, do you feel that the mythic size of this offers no place for you to express as it takes up all the figurative oxygen in the room, or perhaps you feel bowled over by the sheer magnitude of it, and so one way or another find yourself ‘left in the dust’? Don’t let your feelings fester, and know that you’re not a ‘bad guy’ just for wanting to make an impact, have a say, feel relevant, and see things (or have others see things) in a realistic light.

See what to expect from the New Moon of the 17th here–and read up on tomorrow’s entry of Saturn into home port Capricorn here–thanks!

Your Pre-New Moon Weekend 16-17 December 2017 Finding Peace

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‘Feeding the Doves’ By George Dunlop Leslie {{PD}}

The Dark of the Moon leading up to the New Moon in Sagittarius will be gently fraught with energies that may make us feel a little anxious or aggressive, but that channeled successfully will actually lead to profit, originality, and successfully bringing forward lessons learned in the past and applying them to construct the future (Venus sxt Zeus and semi-sq Mars, Mercury sxt SN/ trine NN, Sun trine Uranus-Pallas) Relationships support ambitions, even if we may find it a tad hard to get others to take action in the way we envision, and despite Merc’s retro status, we see what’s smart, what’s practical, and what is uniquely suited to the current situation. All this is available if we take a cool, intellectual or innovative approach to matters (Juno enters Aquarius), and if we take the Merc retro precaution of being fully aware that there are facets of our decisions and information of which we don’t yet have knowledge.

By the 17th we’ll have found the ‘right’ creative channels and our own most profitable and authoritative role, and our actions and choices are likely fortuitous, despite being a wee bit haunted by doubts or the fear that we’re missing some vital clue. We end up finding that priorities and values are challenged to prove their relevance and veracity; as long as we’re clear on our ideals, we’ll have a solid ability to assess the direction in which our actions and choices are taking us.

Hint: The key to dealing with Mercury retrograde this time around may be in compartmentalizing ‘thought areas’, tackling them in narrow, one-at-a-time fashion that doesn’t demand we mentally process everything at once, just one small specific matter before us–and of course, use our feeling nature, as much or more than we use our minds, to suss out the landscape.

Word image for the weekend is: a dove, caught in a chimney. The global symbol of peace enters a conduit intended to release smoke and toxic gasses and then can’t find its way out. Sounds like the experience of the current Collective spirit! On a personal level, this suggests that our sense of cooperation, our willingness to live in harmony with others, our inner intentionality of causing no harm has taken a wrong turn, and is in danger of being extinguished. We can put it another way: our feelings of hope may be floundering, slowly poisoned by a loss of freedom, autonomy, and a chokingly toxic atmosphere. All is not lost; it will take careful, gentle, persistent efforts, but our sense of hope can be returned to its natural, free state–so don’t give up on those things that ‘keep hope alive’.

Or, is there a scenario in play right now where you feel someone is ‘shoving peace down your throat’, demanding a passive, play-nice interaction, despite your actual feelings. If so, time, with great care, to extricate yourself from constraints and express how you feel.

See the New Moon of the 17th here–and have a wonderful weekend!

Julie Demboski's ASTROLOGY

Addressing the Individual Experience Within the Universal Truth

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