‘Treppe in Algier (Steps in Algiers)’ c1882 By Pierre-Auguste Renoir

Today Vesta enters Scorpio, just as Pallas backtracks into Aries; in opposition these two set up a dynamic of values and priorities based on Truth, secrets, or with hidden origins that directly conflicts with personal wants and Will. We see a viewpoint that narrows from the Universal or Collective to the individual, while what we honor focuses more on the dark, dirty truth and less on maintaining a balance in relationships or in being ‘fair’ and equitable in a way that ignores deservedness. We judge, we assess, and we act according to our own authority; what we can’t do is use those assessment-senses to pursue our own ambitions–somehow it’s just not the day for it.

Today’s word image is a book, where the story inside doesn’t match the description on the outside. If we are the book, and what we’re presenting to the world as who we are on the outside doesn’t match our inner wants and needs, how can we be surprised when we’re unhappy?

This image was so fabulous I just had to use it. It shows the Earth rising from the Moon, as viewed from Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter above Compton crater. NASA/ Goddard Space Flight Center / Arizona State University – http://lroc.sese.asu.edu/posts/895 {{PD}}

There’s only one new aspect perfecting today, a sesquiquadrate of Venus to Chiron; the only way to see this clearly is to view it as coming in the wake of yesterday’s Venus-Jupiter conjunction. Venus suggests a certain continuity of attention, as we go from a focus on bounty, beliefs, facts, and expansion efforts and opportunities related to assets, finances, relationships, talents, and love, to one that, through difficult or uncomfortable circumstances, will reveal (and possibly allow healing of) our wounds. A tough situation in one or more of these areas could also call forward the personal and very unique Chirotic gifts you carry, gifts that since 2012 I see as available not just to others, but to yourself (for more on this, see here). Overall, a day of serious adjustment, where the positivity, abundance, and over-doing of yesterday give way to consideration of how our assets and relationships can benefit from, handle, or otherwise heal long-standing vulnerabilities and hurts.

Today’s word image is a real-life episode. Just as we were pulling out of a parking lot, I was saying I would give something a try, and as I said the word ‘try’ my eye fell on a bumper sticker that said, ‘Mama Tried’. Some people denigrate the concept of trying; it’s true that it allows for failure (as saying, ‘I will’ does not), but it also removes the potential for Self-guilt or blame, should circumstances beyond one’s control prevent reaching the goal. Using ‘try’ is only a problem if it’s wielded as an excuse; otherwise, it’s far kinder to ourselves to recognize that the Will cannot be arbiter of all things.

Read my books! And have a great day!

Tea bowl, Korea, Joseon dynasty, 16th century AD Repaired with Kintsugi (金継ぎ, きんつぎ, “golden joinery”) Photo By Daderot – Own work, CC0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=45589849

Don’t misunderstand that title–I mean it in the purest sense, in essence suggesting that Beauty, like Truth and Love, is something you should move toward–because what will you discover there? Bounty, Reward, Nourishment, Support–in short, Opportunity. Two caveats about how to handle things today: 1) what’s wise or practical will require us to acknowledge our rage, to refuse to ignore or deny what we’d rather not see, to address injustice as we find it; and 2) beware that the mind can be tricked, and communications can be tricky–we’re prone to misunderstand or let our imaginations run away with us, not from someone’s malefic intent to mislead, but from our own creative energies run amok. Channel that fecundity into productive outlets, and realize that true health requires adaptation, more than anything else.

Today’s word image is a beautiful bowl you’d always thought perfect that proves to have a single, hairline crack. Does that flaw ruin enjoyment of the bowl for you? And what in your life are you expecting to be perfect, that may end up being flawed–and how will you react, will you still love the people or things involved, knowing they carry imperfections?

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!

By Manfred W. Jürgens – http://www.m-w-juergens.de/gallery/tafel-071-d-g.html, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17528878

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.

Buy my work here–Thank you, and enjoy your day!

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?

Read more here, and have a great day!

Frederick Childe Hassam 1910 {{PD}}

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.