11 Wednesday Aug 2010
Posted in aspects and placements, astrology, Astrology and Communication
≈ Comments Off on ‘What You’re Asking’: The Problem Man Edition
Catch the latest ‘What You’re Asking’ over at ‘Been There, Done That’ http://askjulie.wordpress.com/2010/08/11/what-youre-asking-man-problems-by-sign/ Get the RSS feed or sign up at the site for email notification of new posts!
11 Wednesday Aug 2010
Actually, it’s not the New Moon that’s belated but my report; we spent an extra day and a half on our trip and I’m now playing catch-up. I’m really glad we did; we had a wonderful time, but I left you all in the lurch (though ECLIPSE readers did get the scoop on influences surrounding the Moon/ Sun conjunction–but we still need the main picture).
The New Moon formed at 8:08 PM on the 9th at 17 Leo 24. Here’s the thing: even using a more generous 3 degree orb, we have no major aspects formed by the New Moon. This means two things: that meaning is concentrated within the placement and symbology of the New Moon itself, and that other aspect pictures in place that don’t touch the New Moon will take on a kind of separate but parallel importance. The peripherals are covered in the mag already, but we still have the Sabian image to inspect.
‘A Chemist Conducts an Experiment for His Students’ This suggests something interesting: we are all tasked with playing one role or the other, chemist (or possibly ‘teacher’) or student (or ‘the one who’s receptive to learning’). We take pride in this role, identify with it, and want to shine in it (the Leo placement). Does it matter which role we take? Not really; each is important within the dynamic, as the teacher does not exist without the student, and vice versa. The House where this falls in the natal chart should help one determine which side of the equation one falls on: 1st through 6th and we are likely to play the student, open, receptive, and gaining by taking in, while 7th through 12th we are likely to play the teacher/ chemist, sharing knowledge, experience, and skills and thereby gaining by creating connection and earning respect.
The fact that both parties are involved in an experiment is also of note, as this implies that what is shared/learned is transmitted by the example of reality, in other words, by the real effects and results obtained when we follow the laws of nature. The teacher, then, teaches by demonstrating for the student(s) what can be expected when the elements of life are mixed in the prescribed way. This means that those in the teacher role may be instructing others without realizing it, simply by the results of their own choices, manifested in their lives, and this says that it may be done through positive or negative example. The teachers among us may be less conscious of their role and the ‘lesson’ they’re imparting than they might think; they may simply believe they are being themselves, ‘shining out’ for all to see.
The students among us are at present more acutely attuned to picking up messages from the world; it’s as if they are super-receptive and are poised, waiting for the information that is offered (and is, as the Universe typically arranges it, precisely what the individual needs).
This effect, of course, lasts strongly through the culmination of the Full Moon two weeks later, and continues with a kind of ghost vibe, an echo of newness that continues through to the next New Moon a month later. The New Moon plants a seed that grows and matures; this says that, in the instance of this Leo New Moon, an exchange of energy, information, and advice by example is seeded and helps each of us grow in both strength of identity (we find out something more about who we are) and in connection and sharing with others via the mechanism of skills demonstrated and information offered (we share our abilities and talents–we ‘shine’)–both are Leo-aligned, bringing forward a clear and necessary concentration on the Self for the coming month.
Well, I’m back! So order away–books and magazines will be sent promptly (or, if I’ve retired for the evening when you place your order, as soon as I awake) http://dogandsunflower.wordpress.com I hope you enjoyed the long, Venus-tinged weekend–I did!
Today’s Link: an astronomer tells us when to best view the Perseids https://transientsky.wordpress.com/2010/08/10/2010-perseids-meteor-shower/
05 Thursday Aug 2010
We’re hitting the Wayback machine first (not that internet-y storage device, but the real Wayback), so come along, Sherman (that makes me Mr. Peabody!) while we look back to last Sunday, at a phenomenon that continues in a much less distinct way right now. The Sun gave off the most unreal light, a bright copper that gave an eclipse-like quality to the air even at midday. Cars beneath it shone like they were under yellow streetlamps and it gave an apocalyptic air to everything; this was the Sun we would have as it gasped and died, the pre-nova burn that made it at once radiate more solar energy but somehow shine less brightly. Of course, the transiting Leo Sun was touching my natal Uranus on the 1st and 2nd, and we always feel a little bit freaky when our own uniqueness is so emphasized–so maybe it was as much me as the Sun.
The extraordinary color came from distance forest fires that sent a nasty smoke into the air–nothing supernatural, or end-of-world-y, about it. But it did kick off a period that I think focuses on Venus, and lasts through the 9th, and that may have a real other-worldliness about it. It concerns relationships, love, assets, talents, and yes, those 2nd House and 7th House things with which Venus is associated–but it most strongly seems to resonate on the personal assessment level: what are my talents? what is my worth? how am I sharing this? what’s really important to me? Astrologically, this may reflect Venus’ path at semi-square to the transiting Sun; it’s the most at odds the Venus energy can ever be to the source of life, and so may bring forward enough dissonance for asset and attitude reflection.
It started with Venus within conjunction range of Vesta on Sunday; anything contacting Vesta feels sacred, but Vesta also calls us to assess what really is sacred to us at the most profound level. This contact kicked off a Venus bonanza that last through the 10th. Today, the 5th, it all gets magnified, amped up by Venus’ exact contact to Vesta at 28 Virgo, which also places the two quincunx the rough midpoint of Chiron/ Neptune=assumptions about both wounds and skills are called forward and measured against fantasy, imaginings, ideals, and creative energy. We see the true worth of our Chiron/ Neptune complex (for we all have one, at this point, after our long trudge with these energies together, and this is all about our wounds, our talents, and how creatively they’re utilized, as well as how realistic we are in assessing them). Now we find out the worth of the complex, and we are asked to decide if it’s something we want to incorporate permanently. This is a serious issue, so pay attention, as what we choose to add to the repetoire at this point will become a prominent part of us, so don’t toy with hurt as a major player in the psyche or especially in relationships, and don’t choose a wounded persona that could eventually define you.
On the 6th Venus is strained; she’s at 29 degrees and molested by Chiron. It may be very hard to see why not to go with woundedness as a righteous part of relationship–but don’t. It’s a road paved with regret.
By the 7th Venus enters her home turf of Libra and opposes Uranus at the Aries Point; relationship and personal revelation is the result–we’ll be very surprised at the partnerships offered, at the assets shared and the companionship denied, and personal earning power and talents may also show a new result. We are in Dark of the Moon at this point, so it all may be very subtle, or something the results of which you don’t see until after the New Moon.
By the 8th our lady is conjunct Saturn, and perhaps nursing a reality-check hangover–this isn’t bad at all, it just brings the exciting possibilities of yesterday down to earth and puts them in a realistic, workable form. The 9th sees Venus oppose Jupiter–now we’re cookin’! The Venusian possibilities that were introduced, that we envisioned and then revised, are ready for action in a big way, but again, we may want to plan, and move on the New Moon.
On the 10th we get the square to Pluto that closes it all out. We can purge, change, and transform the Venusian elements of our lives to a new and much more pleasing form (Venus in pretty pretty Libra), in concert with the New Moon. This is a real opportunity to bring forward your most valuable talents and skills, to birth them along with the powerful ‘start’ energy of the New Moon–good luck!
See ECLIPSE for more detailed forecasts; I will post a New Moon forecast (pretty close to the last minute!) when I return.
I won’t be available through the 10th, and that means no comments will post (though you may make them and they’ll go up later), and no book or ECLIPSE sales will occur, though you can order and they will be sent as soon as I can get back to my computer. I’m sure I’ll miss talking to you all on a daily basis, but I’m off on my own Venusian adventure–see you on the other side!
03 Tuesday Aug 2010
Posted in astrology, Astrology and Communication
Just wanted to hook you up with an interview with the excellent astrologer Jude Cowell (pronounced, not like the neckline or Simon, but like a sparkling, concentrated source of energy from the very earth!) She discusses her start as a political blogger, and offers a wealth of information on her techniques and methods, as well as sharing a great deal about her specialty, the machinations of Washington.
Highlights include: use of astrology in ancient times v. its uses now, use of the fixed stars, rectification for public events where you only have an ‘about’ time, discussion of the Gulf oil ‘event,’ the various charts used for the United States and the ‘whys’ behind them (this was especially interesting), mention of ECLIPSE (Jude will have the featured article in an upcoming issue–thanks, JC!) and use of the word ‘varmint,’ which as far as I’m concerned should be on everyone’s lips a lot more often!
Here’s the link, and it’s well worth the listen: http://webtalkradio.net/2010/07/26/practical-astrology-–-political-astrology/
PLUS NEW MATERIAL AT ‘ECLIPSE’ PAGE! Password is found on the last page of the first article in ECLIPSE–Thanks!
02 Monday Aug 2010
Posted in aspects and placements, astrology, current events in the sky
The Leo Sun quincunxes the North Node, setting the tone for the day by shining a light on the direction we’re heading in life; we’ll see exactly where we need to make adjustments. This is a well-timed (could the Universe be anything else?) gift, as we are able to focus on ourselves in such a positive way (it’s the Leo influence) and with the Node in Capricorn, the structures, rules, and boundaries that must change are especially clear. An excellent influence over the coming 2 days; there’s a lot we can do with this energy if we can embrace humility and acknowledge what we could do (or be) better.
Vesta in Virgo is also quincunx Neptune, which offers its own kind of gift: Vesta is modest (and maybe a little too business-like!) in Virgo, and contact to Neptune does a lovely thing–it allows Vesta to loosen up through fantasy, play, imagination, and creativity, while maintaining her standards. This lasts through the 7th, as Vesta moves on to quincunx Chiron (and Neptune pulls back–there’s a limit to how much fantasy a person can handle!) and will bring two possibilities: some will honor the wound (and that’s not good), while others may make the adjustments that bring forward unique skills (and that’s very good!) It’s really your choice.
There’s also a trine of Juno to Uranus in Fire–this is such a strong endorsement of empowerment through individuality and innovation that we’d be fools not to act when prompted–and with Sun/ North Node lighting the way, we can make some incredible progress on the path.
Normally I would talk about the Moon here, but there’s a grouping of energies that I think needs to be discussed, as these may be the ones that trip up some, and inspire others. They are posited from 26 Virgo to 12 Libra, and suggest over 16 degrees an intense well we may be able to dip into. We have Venus, Vesta, Saturn, Mars, and Zeus, and if you have any placements in hard aspect to this degree span (and particularly if these are conjunct something in your chart), then you have the ability to take the tension and use it to access the energies of love and beauty, those things most sacred to us, the action and assertive urges, the essence of productivity and serious effort, and these are the source from which ambition and desire spring, and they also drive it forward while the Zeusian energies of ambition and desire focus all the other energies–and all this can be used to express the natal energy involved, in its best form, as the other energies support it. The stumbling block may be seen in those who respond to these energies as presenting a conflict or even attack (possible with both Mars and Zeus involved), or who shun some of the energies (like refusing the Self-discipline of Saturn), surely inviting suppression or boundary-setting from an external source.
As of Thursday, the 5th, I’ll be unavailable, and not in proximity of a computer, and that means there will be no daily entries and no purchases of ECLIPSE or my books will be possible (you can order but they won’t be processed and sent until the 9th or 10th). My apologies–I will do a brief overview tomorrow for the weekend here at the blog, and if anyone would like to get the magazine or order a book, now’s the time! http://dogandsunflower.wordpress.com/new-summer-2010-eclipse/
And to ECLIPSE readers–any problems with the page? You’re all so quiet (even though I know you’re going there!) Anything you’d like to see there, please sign in and leave your suggestions in the page comment section–and a special Thank you to all those kind Souls who purchase the mag and then answer my note with a note of their own! It adds a lovely touch, I enjoy hearing how you’re doing, and it makes it all so much more personal–Much appreciated!
Today’s Link: Beth Turnage knows all about Sedna; see her excellent discussion of it in a real-life chart here http://www.astrologyexplored.com/new-astrological-discoveries-a-reader-asks-about-her-sedna/
And have a great one!
02 Monday Aug 2010
Posted in current events in the sky
≈ Comments Off on 2 August 2010: The Box
Through to 10:30 PM PDT there’s a configuration, a Grand Square, with the transiting Taurus Moon, the Sun/ Earth axis, and Pallas, and it’s really what’s grabbing the attention today for me. It’s a grab box, if you will, the energies of which make a vessel for all the other energies at play right now. I’m thinking that, just for today, these are the four corners that will contain our experience–or at least, those experiences that are new to the scene.
We start with the Sun in Leo, suggesting that the ego, our figurative ‘heart,’ and the need to ‘shine’ are prominent–so it’s an active, outgoing energy that we’re dealing with. This is square Pallas in Scorpio, making us smart but sharp, inclined to dig (possibly where we shouldn’t) and to wound (possibly when we shouldn’t). It bolsters the ego and makes everything, especially things associated with commerce, practical skills, and, lest we forget, aggressive action (warfare) not just do-able but a wise course–hmm, not so fast. We could be using our perceptive intelligence to dig up what we need, or we could be using it in vengeful ways that serve the ego–we need to be very sure of the distinction first (not that it will change what we do, but rather that it’s important to know how we feel and why we’re doing it).
This is, naturally, square the Earth in Aquarius; we may be prone to justify intellectually anything we take up today. The material at this point seems like something we can handle just with our minds–always a mistake. This also suggests that surprises, ‘rebellion’ in some form of the materials with which we work, or anarchy/ chaos is a possibility–so thinking all we have to do is think about it (or think it, and it’s so, ‘magical thinking’–this is most possible if you’re having a significant transit of or to Neptune) is the trap too easily fallen into here.
This is square the transiting Moon for quite a space of time (most of typical awake time for many West Coasters). The Moon in Taurus tells us a few things: that the emotions and intuitions are grounded right now in the senses, in what’s familiar–it’s the point at which in the Moon cycle we’re most connected to the physical world–and for those who live primarily in their heads this can be anywhere from uncomfortable to disorienting, as the body and the material make their demands, and they’re so lush, so real, that we can really know that phrase, “beside ourselves” with the whole experience.
What else is going on? See the longer-term, and other day-by-day forecasts, here http://dogandsunflower.wordpress.com/new-summer-2010-eclipse/ Thank you!
Today’s Link: astrology applies to everything, doesn’t it? http://wewhoareabouttodie.com/2010/07/31/the-astrology-of-rejection-letters-virgo/
31 Saturday Jul 2010
Posted in current events in the sky
Mars pulls away from Saturn, and the energy we found tied down inexplicably in relating to others begins to free up; Mars moves toward opposition to Jupiter, and we move as individuals toward the social–and, when the opposition perfects, Mars will fill in a T-square with Pluto/ Jupiter, and we may see a very interesting thing: the individual sees the Self in juxtaposition to the social order, and the impetus is to destroy a little of each. There may be a strange Self-dislike come forward, or perhaps it will be more like a desire to purge, to rearrange, to rid the individual of what’s outlived its time–and we may see the same in our social arena, viewing one or more components as needing to be changed or destroyed in order for us to continue to interact with the larger group. Uranus at 00 says the group is malleable, and Saturn is pulling in the opposite direction, making the slightest opening, loosening, of what appears to be immovable. The rules can be changed; now’s the time to do it.
6:30 AM-ish on August 1st PDT the Aries Moon trines Ceres in Fire, and the emotions and intuition are lit up through Mother Nature or through the maternal (and this can be through any venue that calls forward our protective urges). 1:30 PM the Moon quincunxes Venus and we must adjust the emotions to those things we most treasure, especially relationships as they may be especially prone to our critical assessment at this time (Venus in Virgo). The inclination is to contort the emotional picture to accommodate what we think the relationship(s) need, but what’s really happening is that we’re making critical judgments and imposing them on ourselves–to gain a real picture of what the relationship needs we must get ourselves and our emotional viewpoint out of the way (Moon in Aries) as it is actually tainting the perceptions. By 5:30 PM PDT the Moon quincunxes Vesta and priorities help us adjust the emotions to a state that’s easier to live with! A square to Juno in Cardinals at 11:30 PM PDT brings the emotions and intuition into conflict with our own empowerment needs or with an actual empowered anima; upset can be significant if we do not feel strong within ourselves. By 12:52 AM PDT the Void begins, with the Moon entering Taurus at 1:13 AM PDT, with the only caution being that to try to impose the Will during the Void will, naturally, come to naught. The Moon in Taurus will, as always, turn our attention to the sensual, the physical, and to the stability of all we possess, though in this case we may tend to be more critical of it than is warranted, and we may concentrate too much on taking accounts–when the Moon then trines Pluto (7 AM on the 2nd) the inclination may be to eliminate what seems to be costing us too much. Be very careful in sorting out the wheat from the chaff, and take special care when applied to matters of the House where the Moon is transiting–here we may be too quick to chuck out what has value in the name of tidy housekeeping.
For more detail and depth, access the rest of the forecast here http://dogandsunflower.wordpress.com/new-summer-2010-eclipse/ and join us on the page for ECLIPSE readers–Thanks!
Today’s Link: Great Saturn info here http://astroharmonia.blogspot.com/
30 Friday Jul 2010
Posted in astrology, ECLIPSE magazine
≈ Comments Off on ECLIPSE Bonus Page is Up!
Unbelievable, I know, but I got moving and got the page up earlier than planned. The password is featured at the end of the initial article on Finding Creativity in the Summer issue of the magazine. Come one, come All, ECLIPSE readers, and share your thoughts–see you there! (Link above and to your right under ‘Pages’)
And for those who still need their copy of ECLIPSE, with detailed forecasts for the coming three-month period, articles on the creative complex, Pluto, and so much more, get it here http://dogandsunflower.wordpress.com/new-summer-2010-eclipse/ Thank you!
29 Thursday Jul 2010
We get a late start to the day (at least, sleepy West Coasters do!) with a mid-Pisces Moon-what is it we all seem to be waiting for? I think it’s mostly the Mars/ Chiron quincunx at 29 degrees–it makes an atmosphere where it feels like we may need to get up and run any second (or where something might run toward us, and hurt us!) There’s a pressure on to act, to heal, and to access the unique skills, and no matter what we’re doing, it feels like we’re sitting around on our duffs doing nothing. Saturn opp Uranus in the Cardinal 00 degree epitomizes a very similar energy, this time with a more ‘should I stay or should I go?’ (or is it ‘should I sit tight or totally disrupt the party?’) feel, but in any case the energy is one of restlessness and even compulsion, and this gets worse for late July as on the 30th Mars comes to conjunct Saturn at 00 Libra and the Moon moves to conjunct Uranus at 00 Aries, this latter beginning at 1:41 PM PDT, also on the 30th.
Juno quincunxes Neptune=imagination, creativity, and ideals can empower, if we’ll make the needed adjustment; otherwise we could take a wrong turn trying to feel we have command of things. By the 7 PM hour PDT of the 29th the Moon will oppose Venus, bringing some vital awareness to the love or finances situation, and this is all positive in the sense that what we see is what we need to see and accept in order to make the situation better–use this event to your advantage, as by the 5 AM hour PDT of the 30th Venus is trine Sedna in Earth and love or money may be nowhere to be found; that’s the impression, as love won’t have fled so much as be so cunningly camouflaged that we can’t see it–and if it’s in the financial area that this occurs for you, the feeling of being poverty-stricken, or suddenly not having the required assets for the task, may deal a big blow to the ego and the emotions via the sense of security that will have vanished. Know that this is temporary, with the effect gone in no more than a day or two; know, though, that you’re not seeing reality so much as getting a glimpse of what could be if . . . .
By the 31st the Moon in Aries will trine the Sun in the 6-8 AM hour PDT–if you have placements 8-ish Sag this could be a fulfilling day for you, with the Sun and Moon co-operative spirit offering balanced completion or revelation in matters related to the body involved. Also on this day the Sun squares Pallas, lighting up what’s smart (and also how we may be avoiding the wise course in favor of something less so).
The aura of generalized tension that pervades the last of July appears to each of us to have particular, personal sources–and yet if it exists for all, it’s more likely we’re under a mass effect that we are as individuals choosing to accept as unique and assign to what looks like an upset in our lives. This should tell us two things: that it’s not what we think it is that’s bothering us, and that it’s not all about us! This should be freeing, if we can let go of that compulsion to attend to and fix and meddle that we are convinced will finally allow us relief, because it won’t. Take it easy, do your best, but know that nothing will change the current atmosphere–and then vow to relieve the tension harmlessly, gently, with acceptance of things as they are.
I’ll be taking a short break in August, but a nearly daily forecast is available in ECLIPSE http://dogandsunflower.wordpress.com/new-summer-2010-eclipse/ If you like the forecasts here on the blog, you’ll love the ones in the magazine, as they’re more detailed, with special notes on the upcoming retro Mercury, the direction of Pluto, and the once-every-18 months retrograde of Venus, what it means and how to handle it + ‘What You Won’t See on the Blog’ for New and Full Moons, as well as articles on Pluto, the 6th House, the Creative Complex, and much more! Only $4.95 http://dogandsunflower.wordpress.com/new-summer-2010-eclipse/ Thank You!
28 Wednesday Jul 2010
Posted in astrology, current events in the sky
≈ Comments Off on 28 July 2010: Pointing Out Our Creative Clout
Though with a Pisces Moon encouraging a mellow (what a ’70s word!) creative atmosphere (and with this peaking at 3-5 PM PDT as the Moon trines Pallas in Water), we might wonder at those energies making a low-level but persistent irritation for us; they may harsh our buzz, if you’ll pardon the hippie-talk, without us understanding exactly why–the discord is seemingly contained in a handful of aspects that we’ll review here.
First, the Mars/ Chiron quincunx at 29 degrees of their respective signs=it’s a feeling of Earth emergency v. Air emergency as the two energies vie for attention. The doing energy of Mars calls us to remedy the material/ physical situation, but we are thinking we’re wounded, or that this is a situation we must heal, rather than change with action. It’s a matter of perspective; the Saturn/ Uranus opposition plays on this, with this long-term energy of stasis v. radical change being hit by transiting Mercury–with Merc’s quincunx to Uranus causing spontaneous, quirky, and unnecessarily radical and rebellious thoughts–great for invention, innovation, and the creative ‘lift,’ and bad for everything else, as it inserts a level of excitement that may be interpreted by our brains as fear.
There’s also the quincunx between Juno and Neptune, offering creative empowerment if we’ll take the energy in hand and acknowledge Self-responsibility (both for what we created and what we make of what’s handed to us). This all, Juno, Neptune, Chiron, Mars, makes a loose Finger of God that suggests if we take advantage of (and responsibility for) the energies we can make something that is greater than the sum of its parts. Not a bad promise at all.
Mars/ Saturn (solid action, or suppression) opposes Uranus/ Jupiter (bursts of innovative energy, or exaggerated instability) and all squared by Pluto, suggesting we can destroy or transform using this impetus–it’s not over yet.
On the radar: by tomorrow Venus squares Ceres; expect something along these lines: values, finances, or relationships are challenged by authorities or the maternal force; or one’s aesthetics are dissed by Mom; or two ladies clash, and it’s obvious they have different asset-sets (and so different priorities/ weaknesses/ strengths) which likely stir jealousy and a competitive desire to ‘win’ on both sides. This is an energy that can seem to jump out of nowhere (especially when we feel very ‘together’ and so think we’re invulnerable to this kind of emotion and tender-ego response!)
Want to know what’s coming? Want to explore your own ‘creative complex’? Want to be in on the inside discussion at the mag’s private page (coming August 1st)? Grab the newest ECLIPSE http://dogandsunflower.wordpress.com/new-summer-2010-eclipse/ And to all those who’ve already so generously supported the mag–Thank You!
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Today’s Link: Excellent commentary on Saturn/ Uranus: http://chirotic.wordpress.com/2010/07/26/the-war-of-earth-and-sky/
Julie Demboski's ASTROLOGY 