The Full Moon: Fated Displays of Power

30 Monday Nov 2009

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Please see my latest, part 2 of the Annie Oakley/ Calamity Jane series at http://askjulie.wordpress.com Thanks!

 The Full Moon arrives on December 1st at 11:30 PM PST at 10 Gemini 15. Using our usual strict orb of two degrees, we have a couple of aspects that hint at meaning, but don’t actually deliver: a sesquiquadrate of the Moon/ Earth conjunction to Pallas, and a square to the moment’s Part of Fortune. This suggests emotional and material impetus awkwardly brought to bear on power and skills, and all of it ‘in the groove’ of energy flow–in spite of some open conflicts, exercise of abilities feels, if not fated, then certainly attuned to the now, but energies don’t get specific enough to show us the way–and isn’t that what the light reflected by the Full Moon is for? Typically this would drive us in the direction of the opposing Houses of the natal chart across which this opposition falls, and this will figure in on a personal level, bringing ends to subjects involved with the axis. However, if we widen our orb expectation just slightly, we find the Moon/ Earth as part of a Grand Trine with Zeus at 13 Libra 12 and the Vertex at 13 Aquarius 06–does the Vertex count? In this instance, I vote, Yes!

The Grand Trine is in Air, highlighting a mental attitude and response focused on communication–but when we see that Zeus is one of the Trine components, we’re alerted to at least one party’s need to show his or her (or their) power, and the likelihood that this same entity will insist on having his or her way–and will possibly go about getting it through deception or surreptitiously, if need be. The Vertex suggests this dynamic is a fated one, in a way that will course correct lives, and the Moon/ Earth conjunction blends the material world with the emotional and intuitive one, cluing us into the fact that though the approach may be mental, the results will likely show up via emotional reaction and the material results of choices made.

Our Sabian for the Moon is ‘Newly Opened Lands Offer the Pioneer New Opportunities for Experience’ http://www.cafeastrology.com/sabiansymbols_degreemeanings.html This suggests that we’ll meet the energies of the Trine through opportunities offered–and since we are approaching this mentally, we may be inclined to judge and assess according to what we already know; this is not the way to recognize opportunity, which inherently requires a bit of risk. ‘New Lands’ means unfamiliar territory, and the pioneer spirit is one that knows there are no guarantees–we’d do well to adopt a sense of willingness to explore, barring any contraindications occurring in the natal chart by transit or Solar Arc right now.

The Sun, sextile Zeus and the Vertex and opposed the Earth/ Moon, naturally serves to light the Trine. The Sabian for this degree is, ‘In the Left Section of an Archaic Temple, a Lamp Burns In a Container Shaped Like a Human Body.’ Here enlightenment is promised through the ancient, through ritual and tradition, and through the constancy of the Soul. Again we are prompted to awareness of fate and the way it will be affected by the individual Will, and how adherence to or resistance to established ways may be the deciding factor in the way this particular set of events plays out for each of us.

Pic courtesy of NASA

If I Can’t See It, Why Does It Hurt?

23 Monday Nov 2009

Posted by in aspects and placements, astrology, current events in the sky

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The obvious answer to that is, Why must you see something in order for it to have an effect? That’s the situation we’re facing right now: we can feel it, but getting a handle on just where the energies are being generated is nearly impossible. The biggest problems, though, are twofold: we may attribute effects to the wrong sources, and we may insist on things that aren’t necessarily so (the most pronounced of which might be the mantra, ‘Venus square Jupiter means everything is great, dammit!’)

The dynamic in play is a Venus/ Ceres conjunction (strong women, or strong animas, or two values sets, with very different agendas, but both focused on having a power-effect on the situation–look to your values, finances, or relationships for the arena where this appears personally, or in the matters of the natal House where this conjunction is happening for you) opposed Sedna (the ‘blind spot’) all in a T-square with Jupiter/ Chiron (exaggerated hurt or PR, hurt from the social sphere, skills tested under duress–the square–in the social sphere, learning what wounds, or those wounds inflicted by religious, educational, or cultural differences).

This can have about a million different forms, but the essence of it is this: we’re bound to identify hurt coming from somewhere, and get both the nature of the upset and the origins wrong. Sedna makes us unable to see–it’s not a matter of being willing to see, or of making a special effort; the energy of this body removes our ability to accurately pinpoint the conflict (though some number of us will guess correctly in spite of ourselves! It’s just the odds). What, then, can we do about this? How to cope?

Even our coping mechanism comes with a caveat, as Neptune, the Great Obscurer, is involved. We can look to innate wisdom and common sense for guidance (Pallas), as this energy is accessible through feedback from the social realm and from our own attempts to reach out or expand (Jupiter), and through application of the unique Chirotic skills, and our ideals, creativity, and imagination (Neptune). The trine between Pallas and Jupiter/ Chiron/ Neptune allows a funneling of our ‘smarts’ and our most competent attributes so that, by observing the products of actions and thoughts based on our ideal and imaginings, and on the feedback we get from the social sphere, we can determine in what way our perceptual equation is imbalanced. We can pinpoint the relevant power, authority, values, relationship, and financial issues that are really in play at present, and discern whether they truly are injurious, as well as in what way they may serve to help us expand and ‘get the word out.’

Wish I didn’t have to be so vague, but with the involvement of both Sedna and Neptune, nebulousness is almost required! And a word about the Venus/ Jupiter square: don’t forget that a square is a conflict aspect, at least initially–there will be discord within attempts to expand in Venusian areas. If we accept this, we’ll be much more likely to stop insisting that this is a great influence, and start working with it, so that we can resolve the tension and actually make it work for us, likely with great success.

Destined Directions and the New Moon

15 Sunday Nov 2009

Posted by in aspects and placements, astrology, current events in the sky

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earth and moonNew Moon arrives the 16th of November at 11:13 AM PST at 24 Scorpio 34; there’s a trine of Earth to the North Node and the Sun/ Moon combination trines the South Node (using a two degree max orb) and we also have the Sun/ Moon trine the exact Uranus/ Juno conjunction in Pisces (creating a Grand Trine with the South Node) and square Neptune in Aquarius. There is always a birth of the new in the House of the natal chart where the Sun/ Moon conjunction falls, and this time it will bring easy expression of the uniqueness and empowerment circumstances of the Self, which in itself will be a precise test of how well we’ve learned the lessons of the past. The Grand Trine formation in Water suggests that the greatest revelation and payoff will be emotional; the trine made by Earth to the North Node says that whatever progress there is to our destined development will have a marked effect on the material circumstances of our lives.

We are given a clue as to the nature of this birth of the new (or perhaps in this case a re-birth or resurrection, considering the sign is Scorpio) by the Sabian degree symbol, ‘An X-Ray Photograph.’ Putting all our clues together, this says that the renaissance involves a depth of perception, especially emotionally (the Water Grand Trine) in some matter related to the House where this occurs for us in the natal chart. Expect to see something, in fact, to see through something, so that the bare bones of the matter are exposed–nothing is hidden, in the particular area affected. However, to take the symbol a little farther, an x-ray doesn’t show us the nature of the surface of the object or individual–and that suggests that though we may have very sharp and detailed insight into the matter, we may not see the thing, person, or situation as it’s actually presented, a ‘miss the forest for the trees’ kind of focus. We will express our individuality, uniqueness, and empowerment and, depending on the thoroughness of our ability to process what we’ve learned from the past, we can literally see the very structure of things, and yet there may be a problem as we dehumanize what’s before us–and we’re reminded of this by the Earth trine to the North Node in the Earth element, which asks us to see how the material surroundings, the way things look, the tangible, those surfaces and externals mentioned earlier, are giving information about the direction we’re headed, about our future.Moon in shadow

Under oddities and influences we have Vesta at 29 degrees and the Part of Fortune for the moment of the New Moon exact quincunx Mars and sextile the asteroid Zeus (about which I’m preparing an article right now, which is why I noticed! The article will be included in an electronic quarterly in Pdf form that will be available for purchase soon–I’ll also include–and pay–other contributing astrologers for future issues, and hope you’ll give this pub a try!) This combination suggests that we are in some way stressed about those subjects we find sacred, circumstances in the home, or with the sex life, perhaps feeling a contradiction between the actions we would take (Mars), that energy most characteristic of ‘luck’ or a sort of adept touch (Part of Fortune), and the Zeusian attitude of do what we want when we want. This may form a surface current that crosses and mingles with the New Moon energies, distracting and confusing us. The way to keep them separate is to recognize that what creates an emotional impact (and/ or empowerment or sharp perceptions) will relate to the New Moon, while what creates stress will relate to the Mars complex–this requires us mostly to recognize boundaries and what actions typically benefit us, and stick with these, rather than following those impulses to ‘go rogue.’

Haven’t had a lot of chance to look around, but you shouldn’t miss Jude Cowell’s take on the New Moon http://www.starsoverwashington.com/2009/11/scorpio-new-moon-nov-16-2009-secret.html and Dipali Desai’s thoughts here http://celestialspace.wordpress.com/2009/11/14/new-moon-in-scorpio-on-november-16th-2009/ and Verena Donath’s here http://verenadonath.wordpress.com/2009/11/16/november-16-2009-scorpio-new-moon-2009/

And don’t forget the Leonids, visible the next few nights http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/33891078/ns/technology_and_science-space/?GT1=43001

See my latest post here http://askjulie.wordpress.com/2009/11/17/being-in-love-ladies-are-you-an-annie-oakley-or-a-calamity-jane/

Both images courtesy of NASA

The Saturn-Pluto Square

02 Monday Nov 2009

Posted by in aspects and placements, astrology, current events in the sky

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A conflict aspect between two serious heavyweights such as these, not surprisingly, has stirred a great deal of concern, but really shouldn’t. It’s a clash of the titans, a rough meeting of forces with ancient origins–and as such, it will affect most of us as significant background, rather than up front pressure or confrontation. It brings to bear on the life general energies that require discipline and effort (and if we don’t discipline ourselves, circumstances come along and do it for us! Such is the influence of Saturn) and that will require the utmost seriousness and honesty–as Pluto will rile the depths until truth be told.

No wonder many people are worried about this! But, not to fear–it’s an excellent long-term opportunity to make significant, down-to-the-roots changes that can immensely better your world. Will it take work? Yes, Saturn’s involved; Will it be dramatic and messy? Yup, Pluto can bring forward the secrets and question the theatrics that have been protecting them like no other. Is this bad? Only if you don’t want to do the hard work–but this doesn’t have to be especially hard, with the difference between difficult and relatively smooth being one’s willingness to address what comes forward. It’s that simple.

Parsing out the effects of this square over time is best done in two ways: an inspection of the ways it contacts the natal chart, naturally, and in watching what through transit touches the square. This latter will give a tenor to the square, giving the energy clash a certain flavor–and right now, that happens to be provided by a sesquiquadrate formed by Jupiter in Aquarius. This stimulates a strong desire to understand the square intellectually (but the majority of its energies are more primal than that–sensing them works better), and it makes us prone to project the effects outward, into our social sphere or society at large. Tensions generated by needed change will find expression in one’s role or interaction in the group arena–which could be unsettling, as everyone changes partners and shifts position, drawing lines in the sand, demanding the bare-knuckles truth, and overall looking to reflect inner changes in significant change to the surroundings.

See my latest post here http://askjulie.wordpress.com/2009/11/17/being-in-love-ladies-are-you-an-annie-oakley-or-a-calamity-jane/

The Slingshot Full Moon

02 Monday Nov 2009

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Earth-Moon NASAThe Full Moon today at 11:14 AM PST acts like a cosmic slingshot, loading two tense configurations that we’ll be hard pressed to escape: a T-square with the Sun (10 Scorpio 30) conjunct Ceres and Mercury at one end, the Earth/ Moon conjunction (10 Taurus 30) at the other, with an arm formed by Mars in Leo; and a Fist of God with the same Sun/ Mars square, both sides sesquiquadrate the Juno/ Uranus conjunction.

Perhaps the most effective way to look at this is by defining each energy cluster; when we do this, and examine the Sabians related to the Full Moon degree, we find something unusual: that these tense aspects will bring a sense of relief and productive serenity. What a surprise! The Sun/ Ceres/ Mercury group in Scorpio brings a blending of the identity with a sense of authority and a natural ease of communication; in Scorpio this promises depth and intensity, the possible involvement of secrets, the desire to clear the air (and we’ve been seeing this for some time; we can assume this is, logically, the culmination, at least of this phase of development). The Sabian for this degree (courtesy of cafe astrology http://www.cafeastrology.com/sabiansymbols_degreemeanings.html) is, ‘A drowning man is being rescued.’ This promises the process has already begun; the conjunction of energies adds that our own capacity to embrace who we are, to believe in ourselves, and to communicate this is instrumental to the realization of the ‘rescue.’ This presents a challenge of its own: if we don’t, in some fundamental way, know ourselves and our identity, we will be at a disadvantage; the rescue may not be a success, our message may be garbled, our identity unclear.

The Moon/ Earth conjunction is at 10 Taurus 30, the Sabian for which is, ‘A woman watering flowers in her garden.’ This image is in radical juxtaposition to the one for the Sun, and suggests the serenity found both in the process of drowning (at a crucial stage the mind takes one elsewhere, to the memory of something calming and earth-bound) and evokes the flashes coming to the rescued: I will stay home in the garden from now on! It represents the natural reaching toward the polar opposite (water to land) that is the logical result of a land creature (humans) overwhelmed by an element where he or she is only temporarily comfortable (water)—and that brings us to the idea that what we may be rescued from by our sure knowledge of ourselves is the emotional, intuitive, and subconscious influences that have seemed to be overcoming us of late (Moon, manifested–Earth).

The Leonine Mars arm of the T-square suggests that the tension inherent in exercising the ego’s prerogatives (and these are keyed to the Soul’s needs, Leo) will bring about the rescue and resolution, which puts us in a position to tend and enjoy our metaphorical garden, the results of all we’ve been nurturing–in other words, we’ll get what we deserve by our actions that resolve this tension-need.

The other configuration, the Fist, takes the Sun-Mars square, bringing forward the productive tension of the ego/ identity energy mix, and puts both parts into a situation calling for adjustment to empowerment needs and the need to express the uniqueness (or, for some, the need to show themselves within a group). Though tense, this too allows us to resolve a pressing need, and to access some of our most vital Self-expression energies; these are certainly, as well, some of our most original.

Creative types should benefit enormously from this Moon, as will anyone dealing with boundary and empowerment issues, and so will those who have been stuck, in some sense, within the process of creating the life–they will be rescued by the coalescence of their own most typical energies and impulses, and placed in the ‘garden’ of their own creation.

Look to the House of the natal chart where the Sun influence is present (Leo cusp, natal Sun placement, transiting Sun) for ideas as to what areas might offer you the reflection your identity needs to recognize itself, and to the Full Moon House for the life area where the need to resolve the tension has been manifest (and accept that this is where the relevant tension shows–this elaborates on what we’re being rescued from). The dynamic across the House axis where the Full Moon falls is one of material renewal and spiritual resurrection. Where Mars in Leo falls in the natal chart is where the ego can act to end the crisis–but don’t expect this to go forward without some upset and conflict, particularly internally–that’s just the nature of all those squares and sesqui-s!

The Juno/ Uranus conjunction draws on the entire cosmos (Pisces) for empowerment and creative ideas–so even the sky isn’t the limit, in terms of what you can access! The slingshot quality of all these components is that tension, movement, and release will propel us toward the goal–just aim as carefully as you can!

Fun Fact: have any of your heard of this before? The built-in dictionary that comes with Works says:

na·tal [náyt’l]
adj
 of buttocks: relating to the buttocks 
[Late 19th century. < Latin natis “buttock”]
Encarta ® World English Dictionary © & (P) 1998-2005 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.

What??

Greetings from the Future!

28 Wednesday Oct 2009

Posted by in Fist of God, future events in the sky

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future fashion

Friday's fashions are nothing like today's

For the past two days I’ve been feeling like we’re two days farther into the week than we are; yesterday I thought it was Thursday, and today feels like Friday–so I’m just going to give up and go with the (time) flow, and tell you a little something about what it’s like here and today, Friday, October 30th, 2009. I hope you weren’t expecting anything flashy; it’s really pretty much like it was Wednesday, with gray skies and cool, late Fall weather where I am. The world is still spinning (or at least, that’s what the media tells me) and life is still a piquant mix of tragedy and sorrow and joy and hilarity and nonsense. So, why did I bother to write to you, you ask? Because of this Fist of God, formed by a Sun/ Ceres conjunction, square Mars, all these sesquiquadrate the Juno/ Uranus conjunction. We really should be ready for it; it may come out swinging, not in a bad way, but in a challenging one, and if we’re on top of the energy, we can use it.

First, though, if any of the elements of the Fist touch anything in your natal chart, pay special, close attention, for God may be thinking of reaching out and poking you, just you, with this fist–or at least, that’s what it may feel like, like you were singled out for a special drubbing by the capricious powers-that-be. Sun/ Ceres at 7 Scorpio, Mars at 6 Leo, and Juno/ Uranus at 21 and 23 Pisces, respectively, are the points to watch, and if your contact is with Juno/ Uranus, be especially alert, as you will be at the apex point of the energy–and so receiving the brunt of the Sun/ Ceres -/Mars square. For myself, I have my natal Moon sitting smack-dab between Juno and Uranus, making my emotional state, my intuition, and my subconscious wide open to receive the energy of the square (in empowerment of the individual form, I hope!) You have to wait two whole days to experience the effects for yourself; I only have to wait until later this afternoon 🙂

Overall, the picture is one of possible individual empowerment (or group empowerment) via the conflicts between powerful authorities (Sun/ Ceres) and pure action (Mars). This suggests that the energy generated will arise out of authorities’ choices in the face of actions observed–and it may lead to opportunity for the individual, the rebel, the intellectually engaged, the innovator, the avant garde Artist, the modern, the revolutionary, the reformed. The Uranian energy is, somewhat strangely, keyed to both hope and cynicism–if we can maintain a balance between the two, while remaining poised to strike while the figurative iron of opportunity, choice, and chance is hot, we can make outstanding use of the energy offered by this Fist of God.

No worries; I’ll wait here (Friday, that is) ’till you catch up!

See the latest ‘What You’re Asking’ featuring Eros on the MC, stalker synastry, and what to do about emotional isolation in relationship, here http://askjulie.wordpress.com/2009/10/27/what-youre-asking-eros-in-public-an-emo-ghost-and-stalker-synastry/ and see and purchase my books here http://dogandsunflower.wordpress.com Thanks!

Picture is from http://davidszondy.com/future/fashion/future_fashion.htm a site that has everything you’d want to know about fashion in the ‘future’!

See the Pretty Fishies

26 Monday Oct 2009

Posted by in Art

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Must pop in and recommend you download the latest X-Ray Mag (a diving magazine–download is free) to see the undersea portfolio of prima astrologer Jude Cowell  http://www.x-ray-mag.com/  Stunning pictures with lush color, expert rendering, crisp detail–a must see! And don’t neglect to check out Jude’s work here http://shop.cafepress.com/jude-cowell The holidays are coming!

Fly Girls: Earhart, Coleman, and Co.

23 Friday Oct 2009

Posted by in aspects and placements, astrology, Astrology of Careers Vocations and Callings

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Swank as Earhart

Swank as Earhart

In honor of the new Hilary Swank biopic on Amelia Earhart (and the controversy surrounding its star, who has recently been criticized for sleeping nude and allowing her boyfriend’s young son to see her this way), let’s look at the chart of the pioneering aviatrix and of her rival, another female pilot who could’ve easily outshone Amelia, if not for the efforts of Earhart’s husband–more on that later; first, we’ll peek at Swank’s chart, and see if there’s anything in the natal chart that might indicate the chance of winning two Oscars before age 29, as well as the affinity for sleeping naked. We have no time of birth, but we do have a date and place for Swank (30 July 1974  No Time Known  Lincoln NE USA). Without angles we’re frustrated in connecting energies to the public image, but we are able to see the Leo Sun trine Sag Neptune, a creative and extremely outgoing Soul urge; add the Moon and Pallas each at 29 degrees (Sag and Cap, respectively) and we have the emotional necessity to express the skills–this really is the signature of someone who in just being alive will be compelled to express express express the creative and imaginative nature–and it’s the kind of energy that draws the attention (and admiration, via the skills) of others–and their projections, as well, through the strong Neptune/ Sun contact–really perfect for a performer. No angles takes away a main timing element, but we do notice that the natal Saturn, Mercury, Venus conjunction did, by Solar Arc, contact the Sun at the ages of 18 (Mercury), 25 (Saturn–the year of her win for ‘Boys Don’t Cry’–see? Saturn brings good things to those who work hard!) and 26 (Venus–the point when the paycheck likely soared), so it’s not hard to image major accolades coming in early adulthood to this Leo lady. As to the stir over sleeping habits, Hilary’s Vesta/ Uranus conjunction says that the individuality and uniqueness (as well as the urge to be different) of the Self is sacred to her, and the exact Chiron/ Uranus opposition suggests that the expression of one’s freedom could be a way of refusing to succumb to wounds to the Self-esteem or fears (and that there’s not an ounce of lasciviousness in her penchant for nudity). Not at all a surprise, then, that this Leo should be chosen to portray another Leo, aviatrix Amelia Earhart (24 July 1897  11:30 PM  Atchison KS USA) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amelia_earhart. Rather than concentrate on what every schoolchild already knows about ‘Lady Lindy,’ as she was called (after Charles Lindburgh, another ambitious pilot), I’d like to point out two lesser known facets of her life, the first being her involvement with nursing and social work.

Amelia trained as a nurse in response to the flu pandemic of 1918, and at her Saturn Return, after she’d already earned her pilot’s license and garnered a reputation as an aviator, she began work with Dennison House, a resource for disadvantaged families. We see this in the natal Saturn/ Uranus conjunction in the 7th (the need to do something concrete, progressive, socially relevant, for others); possibly, too, in the Moon/ Pluto conjunction in the 2nd, suggesting deep empathy out of personal experience, and the Grand Square of Sun/ Earth axis and Pallas/ Chiron opposition (this latter across the 12th/7th axis), showing a serious need both to show the skills for personal fullfillment and glory, and to heal wounds, both personal and of the Collective (in this instance, Chiron taking on transpersonal expression, attempting to alleviate some of the darker suffering of others–Scorpionic Chiron in the 7th).

Amelia on the wing, George on the ground

Amelia on the wing, George on the ground

The other thing about Amelia we might not be aware of is that she wasn’t the only famous aviatrix of the time (notably Beryl Markham–read about her interesting life http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beryl_Markham and Bessie Coleman, about whom we’ll talk in a moment), but it may have seemed that way to many in the US, as Amelia’s marriage to George Putnam of Putnam publishing fame in 1931 put her firmly in the limelight–not because her exploits were more impressive than anyone else’s, but because Putnam not only published and promoted her book, ‘The Fun of It’ very successfully, he knew how to work that era’s publicity machine as few others did. The reality was that though others were known for feats just as exciting as Amelia’s at the time, we chiefly have her disappearance, while trying to complete an around the world flight with co-pilot Fred Noonan, as well as her husband’s tireless pre- and post-disappearance promotion, to thank for her status as legend.

The last radio contact with Earhart and Noonan occurred at 8:55 AM local time near Nukumanu Island on the way to Howland Island in the Central Pacific Ocean. If we look at the chart for the time of last contact as it relates to the natal chart, we don’t see a lot of bang-up contact, and to me this suggests that Earhart likely landed her plane on an atoll, rather than plummeting to her death in the ocean (and this is supported by the spotting of old wreckage by satellite in 2001). What we do see hints at some possibilities: the 29 degree Ascendant suggests that at this point, her fate was sealed–whatever was wrong had already cascaded into a determined course; natal chart ruler Venus in transit shows a semi-sextile to the natal Part of Fortune (dubbed the Part of Misfortune by Richard Houck, who found it involved often at points of fate determining events), square to Juno, and opposition to Saturn and Uranus, signalling a moment when the individual is challenged in many significant ways; T Neptune square N Ceres (with T Ceres and Juno at 00 degrees, calling for adaptablility to the ‘new’ vibe), suggesting perhaps that Earhart’s natural sense of earth and sky, so vital to a flyer, may have been confused, or that she may not have recognized a ‘natural’ problem of some kind; and the transiting Moon sextiled natal Pluto–an emotionally charged glimpse into the abyss, certainly echoing the natal situation (of the loaded 2nd House, containing Moon, Pluto, Ceres, Neptune, Venus, Part of Fortune).  Another note on the natal chart: the Mars/ Jupiter conjunction in the 5th, endowing the individual with the romantic view of exploration and pioneering efforts, and connecting the ego and animus to these, with Jupiter ruling the 8th and 9th, bringing in the need to garner others’ support and to explore what’s ‘foreign’–certainly a signature for Earhart’s efforts as a flyer.

Bessie and her plane

Bessie and her plane

Another female flyer, Bessie Coleman, gave Amelia a run for her money–if Amelia hadn’t been married to Putnam, it might have been Bessie who would be the stronger presence in the national consciousness–especially considering that Coleman was the first licensed Black pilot, male or female, in the world. ‘Queen Bess’ (26 January 1892  no time known  Atlanta TX USA) was inspired by returning WWI pilots to take to the air–and when she couldn’t get anyone to teach her how to fly in the US, she went to Europe, where she studied with some of the best flyers in the world. Coleman performed around the country as a barnstormer, a flyer who astounds crowds with daring feats and acrobatics; she became a celebrity, known for her ability and willingness to perform the most difficult stunts. Unfortunately, Bessie didn’t live long enough to fulfill her dream, which was to establish a school for young people of color who wished to fly. It was in 1926, while up with her mechanic and publicity manager at the stick, that Bessie was thrown, unsecured, from the open cockpit to her death. A (literal) wrench in the gears caused the controls to jam and the plane to plow into the ground–and in many ways this rings true to the chart, where great talent and drive is shown as being challenged at every turn (the many squares).

We see Bessie’s spirit loud and clear in the natal chart. A Sag Moon shows the need to reach out, explore, and the willingness to go far to fulfill the emotional needs; Uranus forms a T-square with the Sun/ Earth axis, suggesting that dynamism of the individuality acted to energize (and also present challenges to) the Soul expression and identity and material situations; Vesta is quincunx Saturn–this struck me as an expression of the need, or even insistence, of ‘getting off the ground’–quite literally, in this case! The Nodes create a T-square with Pallas apex, implying that intelligence ran the destiny–but also presented plenty of challenges to moving forward successfully (such as through the desire to do something she at first was unable to find co-operation or support for); Sedna quincunx Uranus, epitomizing perhaps the form many problems took, but also an ‘engine’ that helped drive accomplishment, in that she may not have seen how her own rebelliousness to the system, individuality, innovative spirit, and intelligence served to both hinder and propel her accomplishments; Venus trine Uranus=treasuring the uniqueness of Self, something any groundbreaker needs; and I see bravery in the ‘chain reaction’ conjunction of Venus (at 7 Pisces), then successively Ceres, Jupiter, and finally Juno (at 22 Pisces)–this combo epitomizes a very strong, capable, and confident individual with both the ability to empower herself and an ultimate faith in the Universe (Pisces) that supports her independent path. Read about ‘Queen Bess’ here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bessie_Coleman and here www.bessiecoleman

Here’s an excellent update on Amelia’s status http://ameliaearhart.com/news/2009/10/earharts-final-resting-place-believed-found/, with thanks to Jude Cowell’s http://www.starsoverwashington.com/ for pointing the way

Where do we Find our Talents? (Reprint from April ’08)

15 Thursday Oct 2009

Posted by in aspects and placements, Ceres, Chiron, Venus

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I thought this might be a good subject for contemplation during this Dark of the New Moon in Libra–I think many of us are feeling the need to re-focus on talents and assets; too much energy scattering and distraction of late have left many feeling just a wee bit ragged.

In assessing talents I go straight for Venus and Chiron in the natal chart. Venus represents our assets, sometimes quite literally; these are traits and abilities we can pull out of our pockets and use, the best examples being Venus-ruled gifts such as singing ability or artistic talent. Venus attributes always carry an undefinable je ne sais quoi that shines through and designates the result as talent, rather than mere effort. Venus is like ability currency we can spend as we like; it draws admiration, and marks us as naturally skilled, whether we work to develop that ability or not.

Chiron is another kind of attribute entirely, a much more subtle ability that is highly unique and personalized to our Beingness and experience. The Chirotic skill has the quality of being channeled through us, and because of this it’s an asset we can freely offer to others, while this specific aid remains unavailable for our own use. We can profit from Venus; the profit we derive from Chiron is personal and spiritual, for the most part, with the goal being to take the Chirotic experience from a personal to a transpersonal level.

We can make the most of our total assets and abilities when we find a way to make Chiron and Venus work in concert; this doesn’t necessarily involve them working together in the same area–in fact that rarely produces success, instead fostering a confusion of purpose and values–but rather calls for each to be prominent in its proper domain, dictated by placement and aspects.

We have a fine, subtle example of the two working in concert in actress and activist/ ambassador Audrey Hepburn (4 May 1929, 3:00 AM, Ixelles Belgium). She began life drawing strongly on Venus, studying ballet, but after a move to the Netherlands in hopes of sheltering from the Nazis, she and her mother weathered the occupation, where young Audrey carried messages, hidden in her ballet shoes, to resistance fighters. This duality of gifts continued throughout her life, as she became an international movie star and UN goodwill ambassador, visiting and advocating for those experiencing some of the harshest conditions on earth.

She has Venus in Aries retrograde in the 1st; the 1st spans from the 28 Aquarius ASC to 26 Aries cusp of the 2nd, and also contains Pallas and the Moon in Pisces, and Uranus in Aries. Venus rules the communication 3rd and the 8th of support from and resources of others/ life and death issues, and she has six Taurus placements: Ceres, Chiron, the Sun, Jupiter, the North Node, and Vesta. Her Chiron, as mentioned, is in Taurus, and thus concerns the Venusian outlets of Taurus, in this case perhaps the food supply, as that was the focus of the UN activity. Her wound in this regard may have shown in the circumstances of the occupation, with food scarce and stability and security non-existent, and her gift may have been the appreciation of these very things–many of her movie roles show a woman who moves her focus from appreciation of the material to appreciation of the fabric of human relationship.

Venus in the 1st in Aries suggests a personal leadership role that has value to herself and to others. She was out front as both a fashion icon (and lifelong friend of designer Givenchy) and as a celebrity advocate–she was one of the first to visit the places in need of aid and interact with the inhabitants for the camera, in the hope of inspiring the world–this in itself says she was able to elevate Chiron from personal to transpersonal, as a world stage (depending, of course, on the size of your world) where one’s actions have a large ripple effect is one of the signs Chiron has been maximized.

Venus ruler Mars is in Cancer in the 6th–this was everyday work for her, suggesting she was living her values, very much a ‘what you see is what you get’ position. Mars ruler Moon is in the 1st in Pisces, giving the personalized connection to the Collective welfare. Moon ruler Neptune is in the 6th in Leo, just at the DSC–helpful for an actress–and Neptune ruler Sun is in Taurus in the 2nd of talents and Self-worth–and we’re back to Venus.

We see Chiron swept up in the Venus energy flow in this chart, and get a further hint as to how it works in concert as Taurean Ceres sits at the midpoint of Chiron/ Venus; this draws a picture of how important nature and personal authority would be in this life, suggesting that these areas would bridge the manifestations of both Venus and Chiron as she sought to bring aid and comfort, by using her personal authority, to others.

See my books on Chiron and on personal relationships here http://dogandsunflower.wordpress.com

Dark of the Moon Practice, New Moon Expectations

14 Wednesday Oct 2009

Posted by in current events in the sky, Dark of the Moon, Grand Cross/Grand Square, Moon

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sliver moonDark of the Moon begins late evening of the 14th, Pacific time (approx. 10:30 PM). A passive meditation on relationships (New Moon in Libra) may be in order over the days preceding the Sun/ Moon conjunction. Though a meditation in motion is recommended (this is a practice of being, with the meditation an attitude carried throughout the day) it may not be easy, as the Dark period likely keeps us thinking about relationships almost obsessively; for some, the obsession may concern one’s Art or one’s efforts at diplomacy, judgment, or fairness of issues. Even as we look to other subjects, those interactions that need attention or resolution continue to intrude. Putting attention on these subjects is very appropriate, but don’t pressure yourself to come to some decision or resolution. The period preceding the New Moon is a time for contemplation and passive consideration of what the relationship or issue needs–it’s not a time to leap into action, come to conclusions, or make pronouncements.

The New Moon of the 17th occurs at 24 Libra 58 at 10:31 PM Pacific, and the only aspect within one degree is a Grand Cross created with the Earth and Nodes. This suggests a dynamic start-point, a birth, a decisive energizing that affects the life direction. The Sabian symbol for this degree (courtesy of http://www.cafeastrology.com/sabiansymbols_degreemeanings.html) is “The Sight Of An Autumn Leaf Brings To A Pilgrim The Sudden Revelation Of The Mystery Of Life And Death” The image, too, suggests the importance of the moment in terms of a new understanding that affects the life destiny in major ways. Now, this doesn’t mean we should each expect our own personal lightning bolt–instead we may do better to approach the New Moon with the idea that we cannot know ‘the big moments,’ the turning points in our lives, in all cases, as sometimes they are quiet instants of reflection that quicken the intelligence and open our spiritual eye to some vital truth never before seen. This is what the degree promises: that the faithful seeker (the Pilgrim) will be given the spark of knowledge and comprehension that applies to key life energies, forces, or experiences. Not a bad promise, at all, and likely to be lived out over the time between this New Moon and the next.

It’s of note that the New Moon will occur exactly conjunct Fixed Star Arcturus (24 Libra 22), which long-time readers will know I use as Psyche, per Michael Munkasey’s persuasive suggestion. This may bring the issues Psyche dealt with (love of one she doesn’t completely know, curiousity that wounds the relationship, the jealousy and vindictiveness of other women, the opportunity to listen to the spirit and accomplish ‘impossible’ tasks, the awakening or resurrection to a ‘new,’ more powerful Self) to the forefront, especially for women.

Julie Demboski's ASTROLOGY

Addressing the Individual Experience Within the Universal Truth

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