Artist be trippin’. Our Lady of “The Most Bright Star” 1700 Photo by A.I. Kazantsev {{PD}}

The mind is ‘bright’ today, in some fundamental way that separates it from the ego and the Will–and so allows us to consider things in an unusually objective light. Objective, that is, if we are not trying to run an agenda for our own gratification or empowerment; if we are, we’ll likely convince ourselves our reasoning is sound. The test? Are our thoughts focused on making someone else do or react as we like? If so, we’re not on an impartial course.

But most of us will be aligned with our highest values, with relationships and finances benefiting from this, as well as bringing about a ‘mental health’ state that is strongly centered in facets of our ‘Best Self’. Barring any contrary transits to a personal natal placement, the overall effect should be one of extraordinary insight and the chance to judge our circumstances accurately, and to make especially clear-sighted plans, that are faithful to those matters, situations, causes, and individuals that matter most. Good day for: mending interactions with the mate, choosing investments, and assessing relationships in ways that reveal their sacred nature (or their lack of it) (Venus parallel Vesta, Mercury sxt Hygeia, sq Juno, contra-parallel Mars, and parallel the Sun, which is contra-parallel Mars)

‘Mother and child’ by Blek le Rat, Los Angeles Photo by Stefan Kloo 2008 CC BY 2.0

Today’s word image is a mother with her child. Whatever you have created in this world, accept it, love it, and try to understand it or try to understand why you made it, before you even think of trying to change it.

Caspar David Friedrich 1809 {{PD}}

Our own inner wisdom and practicality make us acutely aware of matters hidden, ignored, denied, or that enrage, and yet we also know that to dig up the past or what’s already been will prevent not just healing, it will distance us from our own values, making personal navigation exceptionally difficult. We don’t feel good turning away from what needs to come to light, and we know that empowerment comes directly from dealing with reality, with ‘what is’ in its most concrete terms–but being too aggressive, even in pursuit of reform, will have the unfortunate effect of making us just ‘one of the mob’, even if we’re just a mob of one. All that makes us unique, original, special in our own way is temporarily erased when we indulge our sense of righteous anger. A little humility, along with the strength to question whether we actually do know better, will go a long way toward helping us form an accurate picture of who and where we are, and so help us know what we can do and be most effectively (Pallas trine Black Moon Lilith, Chiron sq Vesta, Saturn nov Juno, Mars qnx Uranus, Merc sesq SN, sq Ceres, then enters Leo)

Today’s word image is a man holding two leashes, and no dogs. Are we getting ahead of ourselves, somehow, ambitious to equip ourselves for what hasn’t yet occurred? There’s being prepared, and then there’s doing something so far ahead of developments that it becomes nonsensical. Make sure you’re not trying to rush something that, one way or another, needs more time.

‘Dazu Rock Carvings, Bao Ding buddhas’
23 February 2007 Photo by Truthven Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported

The good news is thoughts, ideas, and communications are healing–don’t keep kindness to yourself, as sharing will actually be a salve to others–instincts can guide where and when to apply–and the matters of the Houses of the natal chart ruled by Mercury can be ‘put right’ at this time, with sudden ideas or an unexpected ‘coming together’ of info adding illumination, though radical or abrupt changes to what already is won’t be supported, and neither will messages centered on change or rebellion–we just won’t hear those and be moved, as we might otherwise be. So, energy expression should go toward making the world a better place, especially intellectually or conceptually, with a generous helping of Love for ourselves the foundation (Venus enters Leo, after spending the day in a ‘crisis of caring’ at 29 degrees Cancer).

Now the more difficult circumstances: an underlying discord between opposing or complementary entities (male-female, positive-negative, yin-yang) prevents smooth coordination or any chance of working together for very long. We may be perceiving the reality picture as a rough one, and could use the unity, use the help–but past frictions are making true cooperation impossible at this moment. Give it some time–each person has to work through that sticking point, likely a mental one, that’s inhibiting real teamwork–and accept that we have our own impediments to cooperation, too–it’s not just the other guy. Now is not the time to push for big change; we’d do best to get our own thoughts into some kind of objective, and very patient, order (Venus contra-parallel Mars and sesq SN, Mercury sq Uranus, trine Chiron, sesq Saturn, and sxt Sedna)

Textile bag “Chuspa”
created between 0900 and 1470 Pre-Columbian {{PD}}

Today’s word image is an open purse. This is figurative, of course; ‘currency’ comes in many forms. ‘Generosity’ is a keyword; so is consciousness of (rather than judgment of) worth. Share in appreciation, not out of obligation; the positive effects of paying attention to and ‘promoting’ what we find of worth (no matter what form it takes) are amplified at this time. It’s a situation of ‘what we send out we get back’, very quickly, at this point in time. Experiment (says my Aquarius Ascendant!) and you’ll see this almost instantly at work.

Many thanks to those who’ve been so generous with me–your spirit inspired the daily image! And everyone, have a great start to your week!

‘Rue de Paris, temps de pluie’ Gustave Caillebotte 1876 {{PD}}

Interactions today are based on instincts, with the goal, conscious or not, of the need to wound or heal others or ourselves (contradictory and varied intents are to be expected), and we follow our internal prompts in spite of difficulties thrown in our way by circumstances, ‘the rules’, or authority figures. Those in power are bent on pointing out to us what’s wrong with what we want or aspire to, but we are thinking big, and can use mental faculties to tap into faith or opportunity (which is dictated by where your idols lie) and use it as propulsion forward. One warning: be very clear in the differences among thought, feeling, instinct, and desire–it’s easy to confuse them, especially when we want something so much we justify it as instinctual, rather than a choice–instincts, and opportunities shown us by the mind, are what we should be following today (Venus sxt Sedna, sesq Saturn, and trine Chiron, Mercury sxt Jupiter, Sun sq Zeus)

Today’s word image is an outdoor concert in the rain. Are you the kind of person who would see this as an adventure, an inconvenience, or an insult, feeling the concert would be ruined? Can you enjoy something as much when it doesn’t go as planned as you do when it does? Do you take such developments personally, or do you see them as just part of living? We may do well to widen our parameters for accepting and enjoying the unexpected; in our symbol, we see a chance to appreciate two sensations, two senses, at once.

Montpellier Mural
Photo by Wolfgang Staudt from Saarbruecken, Germany Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic

Relationships or finances could offer nasty surprises, the unexpected could cost us, and what we care about or our values could be challenged by modern advances or a ‘forward thinking’ stance we’re not ready for, while innovations could, at least initially, spark conflict or take an undue toll. What arises may blindside us, not least because we may have been living too much in our own heads, listening to a tape loop that reinforces what we already think; we missed some shouted warnings, threats, and/ or outright promises concerning change, specifically the way our ambitions and goals need to be modified for continued viability. There is also the matter of those in authority (or those who think they hold it) becoming secretive or ‘going negative’ in some way, in an attempt to hold on to power. If we can get outside our own heads and get some perspective, we’ll do fine–doing that means all those things that arrive as shocks or surprises to others don’t surprise us at all. Those able to be most objective and least Self-involved win (Sun-Merc opp Pluto and sq Zeus, Venus sq Uranus, Juno enters Scorpio)

Eva Gonzalès – ‘White Shoes’ 1878 {{PD}}

Today’s word image is a shoe. What kind of shoe do you see? Use the very first image that pops into your mind. Shoes are quite literally a form of foundation; the characteristics of the shoe you imagine should tell you a little something about the current state of your psychic, social, and spiritual foundation, with a willingness to interpret the information symbolically opening the way to effective ‘repairs’.

See more eyeball fooling painted surfaces, and Enjoy your Thursday!

A Sunday on La Grande Jatte, Georges Seurat, 1884 {{PD}}

Our thoughts are idealized, and our attention is on the ‘bright spots’ of the past–and if we lived in a vacuum, that would suit these inclinations splendidly. We are thinking a great deal about what perfection looks like, or would be. As it is, though, we may find that either Love or Money matters (whichever is your particular poison) tempts us to go against what we know to be wise, or to venture into territory calling for (or possibly promising to others) skills we don’t possess. The remedies: take note of creative ideas; the inspiration is genuine, though it’s important to accept that we might not be in a place at present to act on those ideas, not least because our idealized version of things will present a number of problems. Don’t do anything you know to be unwise–this needs to be stated only because the obviousness of the sentiment might make us think it’s something to transcend. And when you’re in over your head, acknowledge it and ask for help–it’s the smart thing to do (Venus sesq Pallas, Mercury trine Neptune, Sun trine SN)

Neu Schwanstein, the castle that inspired Disney’s Sleeping Beauty castle. Photo by böhringer friedrich Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.5 Generic

Today’s word image is Disneyland. Yes, the ‘Magic Kingdom’, mother of all theme parks. How do you feel about the place? Almost everyone has a reaction, whether they’ve ever been there or not. Are you enchanted with the re-imagining of Archetypal figures, angered by the pernicious stereotyping, worn out at the thought of trudging through an artificial world with the family? Do you see it as too tame, or a shame, promoting a worldview that’s so supremely Western and so terribly white? Do you look forward to the chance to enjoy what you enjoyed as a child, and do you identify with any of the characters to be found in Disney products? Your reaction to the idea of Disneyland itself likely corresponds to the way you’re approaching the world, assumptions, judgments, and all. Allow your response to reveal something useful, in terms of real life, and your attitude toward it.

Please see the previous post for info on the New Moon. Enjoy your Tuesday, and U. S., it’s back to work!