‘Lydia at the Tapestry Loom’ c1881 Mary Cassatt {{PD}}
We may be feeling powerful, adept, that our thinking is on point and that we’ve achieved a perfect balance between spontaneity and ‘the rules’–are we right about that? Yes–enjoy this spurt of confidence, but keep one eye on how we’re drawing a thread from past to future–know that what you do will really matter, some time from now.
Today’s word image is a question: Are you now where and in the state you thought you’d be in one year ago? Consider how your current position differs from that state you imagined, and note what you can do to get closer to realizing what was actually an ideal. You may not have known at that time that you were setting your sights so high; take consolation in knowing you’re a lot closer now than you would’ve been if your goals had only been ordinary–and that means, with most of the work done, you only have a little way to go to make that year-ago vision a reality.
I will be unavailable starting morning of the 10th through Sunday the 12th, and will answer all correspondence, orders, and requests as quickly as possible, starting evening of the 12th Pacific time. Thank you!
Català: Arc de Triomf (Barcelona) 2010 Source Flickr: Barcelona – Arco del Triunfo (08019/1053) Author: javirunner Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic
Juno and Pluto are together in Capricorn, and Vesta is in Libra, with Mercury novile all three. A novile is 40 degrees, and implies a little slice of brilliance offered by the combined energies. So, we see Power Players in the ‘real world’ or dealing with concrete realities (Cap), and cooperative entities invested in high standards and pristine value realization, able at this point in time to communicate, their own priorities and with one another, creating the potential for resolution of major differences. Today provides a window of receptivity wherein those who seemed to have seriously contrasting aims can actually find smart and creative ways to get along, if not join forces. Be on the lookout for sudden opportunities to work out some very knotty problems; our attention will be on what’s healthy (Sun sxt Hygeia), and so guide most to a best-case scenario.
Today’s word image is an event: finding out you aren’t actually part of a Tribe you thought you belonged to. Two things you need to take away upon gaining such a revelation: the first is that this is really a good thing, to know where you don’t belong, and second, that this means there’s another, more comfortable fit out there, somewhere. Be glad when you’re rejected–it’s a loud and clear statement from the Universe, “You’re better than this”–or at the very least, different, in a good way.
Just so you know: there are a couple of places offering free or paid downloads of my books, or offering them in multiple formats, most of which they don’t exist in. These venues not only aren’t authorized to sell or distribute them, they’re likely malware sites, as are any YouTube videos purporting to be by or about me. At this time the only actual sale point is Dog & Sunflower Press. Don’t fall for it–stay bug free!
Dreams smack right up against the reality of commitments and obligations, and actions and choices, though inspired, suffer from ‘I knew it!’ as what we suspected moves might lead to comes to pass. One thing we can do without dealing with the contrary or conflicting? Make Change. Embrace it, enjoy it, and know that destruction, resurrection, or alteration perpetrated now is right in line with the individual who creates it–meaning it’s an expression of intent and priorities, and therefore of Soul. Be willing to acknowledge what you ‘know but don’t know’, and to make adjustments in the course of creating, for best results.
Today’s word image is a band practicing in the hope of securing a new engagement. What are you ‘orchestrating’ right now that is meant to bring reward? Are your goals realistic for the effort (practice) you’re putting in? And does your choice of expression (what the band is practicing) match the venue in which you want to ‘play’? It’s vital that we don’t practice swimming, say, if what we really want is to fly.
Here’s an obvious statement: being conscious helps us spot danger. Arthur Wardle – ‘A Fairy Tale’ date unknown {{PD}}
Venus opposes Pallas, and this is the aspect that will make a statement in each of our lives today. Every fiber of us that resonates to fulfilling wants and appetites, to the beauty of connection and relationships, to gain and having and giving, will push us in a direction that’s in some way fundamentally unwise or impractical. Think of this as the Universe giving us awareness of our own boundaries; the lack of wisdom or the impractical nature of our wants is reflected back to us or made obvious, and that’s probably something we should be grateful for, as otherwise today it would be too easy to blow past our own restraints, propelled by stress and a need to release pressure. It also means go for what you desire, but have the Self-discipline to pull back when others, surroundings, or circumstances (all playing the part of ‘the Universe’) indicate what a bad idea it is–then just go on to the next thing.
Today’s word image is: you dream of a friend who learns of a terminal illness but this knowledge allows her to break free from restraints and do what she wants. Clearly, it’s a call to liberation, a suggestion that one doesn’t need to wait for a threat to mortality before opening up and following one’s dreams. The only question is, then, does this apply to you, or to someone you know?
The radical, erratic, and unreliable among us find themselves helplessly attracted to those who are steadfast in their dedication, their priorities, and who give off a certain saintly aura due to the purity of their commitments–and of course, the opposite will hold, that those dedicated to a cause will want to be with someone who just can’t commit. There are also those who are taking the academic approach, and they will be drawn to those who are passionate beyond all reason, as the passionate will be attracted to those who take a cool, theoretical approach–and those who want to be in the avant garde may find themselves pulled toward what they care about most, rather than their usual preference for what is fashionable. In all these matters of attraction, we find that the benefits come in looking deeply into something, and from accepting that what seems light has a darkness, and what seems dark can hold the key to the light–it’s all in how thoroughly we accept reality, as it stands, rather than as we think it should be. One warning: beware of twisted and so unhealthy thinking or reasoning; to accept it, it may be required that we adjust our values, morals, and ethics–and that’s a sure sign it’s really no good.
Today’s word image is two fish swimming in opposite directions. That’s Pisces, of course! In what way are you contradicting yourself, putting effort in two opposing directions and so effectively thwarting any real progress or resolution (or perhaps just obscuring the issue)? If something doesn’t spring immediately to mind, check matters of the natal House that holds Pisces or features it on the cusp, and/ or any bodies or points ruled by Neptune, or the matters of the House where Neptune is currently transiting. And if need be, stop swimming for a second, if only to get your bearings.
The 5th we may experience a series of reveals, things suspected or glimpsed, confirmed, things feared or hoped for suddenly there before us, with big ‘C’ Change, especially in perceptions, inevitable. Shifts in perception almost certainly bring a questioning of our values or commitments, but it’s healthy to willingly refresh the viewpoint–anything else risks a loss of originality in expression, or of value related to output or relationships, so that we fall behind socially as well as in our own evolution and growth if we try to freeze things in place.
The most important energies all revolve around Pluto. We see Mercury parallel the Underworld god upon entering Sagittarius, and we see Pluto himself, on his slow grind around the zodiac, conjoin asteroid Hygeia. What we think changes by expanding; our world and its possibilities get much bigger, or show more potentials, than we anticipated possible. Repeat the mantra, ‘Change is good’, even if on the surface it’s disconcerting or frightening–on the 6th we get a solid preview of what’s coming, so any mystery or sense that things are out of control doesn’t last long. The Gemini Moon quincunxes Pluto-Hygeia morning of the6th Pacific time, offering a peek at the kinds of feelings these changes might stir.
‘Bad Girls’ By Felipe Gabaldón 2009 Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic
The word image for these two days is a person who exhibits no obvious identification with either sex. Gender fluidity is all the rage these days, and it’s about time–why should anyone have to confine themselves to a single label, or to label themselves at all? This image suggests we should let our attitudes gain more movement and less constriction, allowing us to remove a label we’ve always chafed at wearing.
Part of the series One Hundred Famous Views of Edo, no. 094, part 3: Autumn By Hiroshige {{PD}}
We’re back living in our own heads again, this time focused on ambitions, identity and personal power/ effectiveness, as well as relationships and the unspoken assumptions and illusions that permeate them. That seems like a lot of material, until we realize that it’s actually laser-focused through the lens of Self. In particular, we are consumed with what we may know but not consciously acknowledge about those closest to us; we need to be aware that our take on the situation will be refracted through our own ambitions and desires, and so be inextricably linked with conditions we want fulfilled specifically because we are so plagued by the needs such fulfillment is meant to serve. That means that we shouldn’t draw any grand conclusions about our relationships or about others today–aim instead for illumination of Self, and to understand what our ambitions and wants actually say about us.
Today’s word image is a photo album, almost completely filled. It’s the season for closing out certain activities, relationships, pastimes, practices, and this is so whether we are actively moving toward these endings or not. Mourn or break it off and be free, but in either case, remind yourself that this is part of a larger pattern, a ‘putting to bed’ of the past, and that it’s making room for the New.
‘Music Making Couple’ Willem Cornelisz Duyster Early 17th century {{PD}}
The Full Moon occurs at 10:22 PM Pacific time of the 3rd at 11 Taurus 58, and makes only a few contacts within our required close-aspect framework for drawing a Full Moon picture. The most interesting thing to me is that some of the contacts offer the potential for individuals to experience configurations, should they have a natal body or point in the ’empty’ space. For instance, The FM sextiles Neptune, suggesting that if one has a natal placement at 10-14 Libra, then the sextile creates a base for a Finger of God, with the apex the natal body. On its own, the Full Moon-Neptune sextile says inspiration, imagination, ideals, and illusions may, with a little effort or input, reach fruition or conclusion with the FM event; add a personal apex point, and you have a recipe that says, ‘A Neptunian thing that’s brought to conclusion or ‘ripens’ with the event will trigger a tricky or uncomfortable situation that is resolved by adjusting the expression of that natal apex energy.” (Please note: Mars, at 7 Libra 51, is just too far outside an acceptable orb–1.5-2 degrees max–for quincunxes at this point.)
We see a similar situation with the Full Moon’s trine to Juno. Here the aspect suggests that the FM event shows us a likely avenue of, or actually delivers, material empowerment and a sense of authority or effective role in real-world matters (Earth signs). If an individual has a natal placement at roughly 11-15 Virgo, that fills in an Earth Grand Trine, bringing a chance for empowerment via expression of the natal energy, a kind of ‘Grand Result’ brought forward by accomplishment, timing, and a willingness to act within one’s empowered role.
The full moon photographed from the Apollo 11 spacecraft NASA {{PD}}
Lastly, the Full Moon makes a fist on its own: a Fist of God is formed by the Full Moon-Earth square Ceres with apex the midpoint of Saturn-Black Moon Lilith (the latter being at 29 degrees, and so under stress, anyway). I know it’s not exactly kosher to consider a midpoint as a configuration apex, but here we actually need to; otherwise we have a Full Moon that in an energy sense may ‘short-circuit’ in a sextile, trine, and square that offer disjointed and seemingly unconnected outlets for Lunar expression. With the Fist we see impact of one sort or another that forces or necessitates conflict or confrontation within a power situation or dynamic (Ceres), the only hope for resolution of which is found in real-world (Saturn) acknowledgement of transgressions, matters ignored or denied, or in allowing entities already under stress full and uncensored personal expression (BML).
The Sabian Symbol for the Full Moon (remember, we read the next degree up for any minutes above the 00 mark; in this instance we read 12, listed at the referenced site as 11-12 Taurus) is, ‘A Young Couple Window Shopping’. This is an image of bonded individuals with time on their hands, dreaming, forward-looking. That may seem to negate the idea behind the Fist, until you consider how much a young couple may ignore or deny as in the early stages making the relationship work may seem so vital. Rose-colored vision (Neptune sextile) and a sense of empowerment drawn from a grown-up role (Juno) may incline the individuals/ parties to hide or disregard disparities, disrespect, or power imbalances (square to Ceres) that surface as each entity gets to know the other. Prejudices, assumptions made, and the belief in inequality of the sexes may poison interactions and be muffled, leading to subdued rage and the need to relate to an illusion (Neptune) rather than a three-dimensional individual, Being, or entity (BML). This Full Moon, then, offers a chance to resolve some of the issues that arise naturally in wanting to put our own ‘best foot forward’, and in wanting to see our ideals in the Other. It does it by bringing about a Taurean emotional conclusion or revelation that shows us that we are both personally empowered to handle things, and that we must deal with some real-world disparity or offense, before we can move on.
We also look at the Sun in a Full Moon event: ‘An Official Embassy Ball’. This suggests some en masse social event or shared experience may act as trigger to the conflict and resolution of the Full Moon. The official nature of the symbol implies a wider societal event may mirror our own personal one, and that all may involve a kind of diplomatic outreach, a formalized celebration of roles and relationships, and actions and choices meant to ‘smooth’ interactions.
‘Moonlight’ Ilya Repin 1895 {{PD}}
A culmination of Lunar energy implies an emotional resolution or ending; happening in Taurus, it likely involves comfort, stability, assets, security, or attempts to create these circumstances that reach an apex or conclusion at this time. In this case, the Full Moon may bring easy manifestation of delusions or ideals (Neptune), and effortless autonomy or empowerment (Juno), accompanied by a tough power situation or a denial of or by authority (Ceres). This suggests a mixed bag that brings about something that answers wants but also requires Self-responsibility–and that may be hampered by higher authorities or by others who block or negate our expression, with all of it keyed to resolving the material, physical, or real-world situation surrounding our relationships and/ or our roles–it’s an effort to right imbalances and sweep conditions too long ignored away for good–and it works, if we can acknowledge our true feelings and needs, willingly embrace Self-responsibility, and recognize the reality of our interactions and our situation.
月岡芳年 TukiokaYositosi（1839-1892） – The ukiyoe “鹿児島暴徒出陣図” {{PD}}
Real-world difficulties, blockages, or barriers lead to inspired solutions, approaches, and attitudes, and original or fortuitous ideas. That suggests we shouldn’t be too discouraged by what doesn’t work out, and should instead cast it as the thing that can bring out our most creative and profitable thoughts. That sounds good, doesn’t it?
Winslow Homer – ‘After the Hurricane, Bahamas’ 1898 {{PD}}
Today’s word image is castaways on a desert island, struggling to survive, are hit by a hurricane. Sometimes the sh*t storms just keep coming; know that you will get through it. Things go best with an optimistic attitude and a commitment to do all you can to affect circumstances positively, because that will pay off.
Today, the 31st, and tomorrow, the 1st of November, we hit a point in the yearly cycle when the Veil Between Worlds is thinnest. You can feel it, can’t you? (I note here that this applies to the Northern Hemisphere–I’d love to hear from those in the Southern who can tell me if that thinning Veil follows autumn, or is hooked to this point in the year, despite it being spring there). It’s a spooky time; the past is more alive than the present, and we see it reflected in the aspects for these two days, notably in the Sun’s parallel to the South Node point, then semi-square Saturn and sesquiquadrate Chiron. This involves a turning away from reality, and a difficult relationship to our own wounds or even to those we’re causing in others; the tendency may be to justify ourselves and our injuries with contorted logic. This sets us up to lash out and believe (at least temporarily) in ways that are contrary to what we know to be wise, empowering, or practical (Jup opp Pallas, Nep qnx Ceres, Mars sesq SN). Part of the pressure is unavoidable, as we build toward a Full Moon, but the rest of it can be managed, if we’re willing to take a step back.
There are ways to alleviate what surely will be distressing if it goes unchecked. Look to the future and what you want to see there, and refuse to be intimidated by past hurts (Venus sxt NN, Sun sesq Chiron); if you do, by the 1st, you’ll be thinking like a healer, embracing your beliefs and firmly rejecting acting from wounds, all of which have the benefit of aiding goals and ambitions and helping us sort out and eliminate unconscious influences (Merc trine Chiron, Mars contra-parallel Chiron, Venus conj Vesta and parallel Zeus, Vesta contra-parallel Sedna).
Today and tomorrow’s word image is an old, destructive habit that threatens to rear its ugly head and send things, especially relationships, seriously off track. You know what I’m talking about, and you know what to do.
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