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Tag Archives: Finger of God

Just a Little AstroEssence 14 August 2017 It’s All About Pluto

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Posted by in astrology, current events in the sky, Finger of God, forecast, Horoscope, The Daily Word Image, Transit Effects Explored

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‘My Dream, My Bad Dream’ 1915 by Fritz Schwimbeck {{PD}}

Today it’s all about Pluto. With less than thirty minutes still to travel in apparent retrograde before direction (28 September), the god of the Underworld squats on our chests like the succubus of legend, making it pretty darn hard to breathe. Other energies, at least somewhat more timid than Pluto, sidle up and form aspects, and the result is an almost constant testing of our relationship to Power, and to the ideas of transformation (do you believe?) and destruction (do you feel the pull toward the cliff?) Most of us aren’t completely at ease with the idea of actually being as powerful as we have the capacity to be; we take refuge in cynicism (“People don’t change”) or in Self-sabotage (“See? Nothing ever works out for me!”). If we truly felt our own power, we would believe in the power of transformation, and would have no need for destruction–the clearing out of the outmoded or worn would happen without effort, falling away as we move forward–and change would be, not something that stirs fear or uncertainty. but something that has an almost magical quality, a kind of infinite possibility as our everyday atmosphere.

So, what outlets for power do we have right now, as the dark one sits oh-so-still, making us watchful and uneasy? There’s Venus, moving into opposition, almost begging us to project our negative qualities onto others in relationships, or financial dealings; there’s Mars, moving into quincunx, pugnacious and perhaps looking for a fight over slights, misunderstandings, over a too proud or insistent ‘I Am’; and there’s a square from Zeus, intimating we might fear destruction of our ambitions, dreams, and goals, possibly from our partners (Zeus is in Libra).

Whisperings of Love, 1889 William-Adolphe Bouguereau {{PD}}

Those are all fear scenarios, where we might go if we were unconscious of the Universal flow–but we don’t have to. Instead, we claim our Plutonian power, and we see it united with the contacting energies to make some very positive outcomes. With Venus we may experience the transformations that occur when we apply Love or Money in a completely Self-responsible way, probably in a difficult situation or scenario (the opposition). With Mars we see that true Self-assertion from a position of power requires adjustment, a subtling-down of the ego, so that we move the Universe not through a punch-in-the-nose, but through a quantum vibration that acts in our own best interests–action through inaction, you might say. And with Zeus, we confront the parts of our own power plans, our ambitions and desires, that are calling for others to make it happen for us, or that will disempower us if we attain them–and we take back that initiative, that can-do-ness, for ourselves.

And, through roughly 16 September, we see Jupiter sextile Black Moon Lilith. This makes the bogey man bigger; it exaggerates our anger and our sense of righteousness, too. Beliefs or facts may cooperate with matters ignored or denied to make a potent stew bent on righting (or subjecting others to!) injustice. With Merc retro this could hijack thoughts and make for some over-the-top scenes. Those with natal placements around 20 Taurus need to be especially vigilant, as these transiting elements form a Finger of God with the natal point, prompting expression of this combo in some unfortunate ways related to the natal body or the House(s) it rules. (If you have a natal point 19-21 Taurus and you’d like my brief guess as to what it might bring, leave a comment that includes what body is in this range and what House, if any, it rules.)

By Mutante – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=56224749

Today’s word image is a red and gold paper Chinese dragon, the kind you see dancing through the streets at Lunar New Year. Think back to late January–how does what was happening then figure into now?

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Just a Little AstroEssence 20 July 2017 Imprint

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Posted by in astrology, current events in the sky, Finger of God, forecast, Horoscope, Mars, The Daily Word Image

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‘La fille à la cigarette’, Anders Zorn, 1892 {{PD}}

Mars enters Leo, and we may be hard pressed to control ourselves; we’re either reacting out of fear, anger, or a desperate attempt to avoid something, or we’re feeling like victims of the sudden, the accidental, or of group-think. The rough part is that we feel especially competent, poised to exert our Will, show our skills, or dazzle with our desires or our goals–so sitting back while we receive some shocks from the Universe seems almost impossible.

We need to be careful, particularly in relationships and finances, that ‘unhealthy’ attitudes and emotions (specifically, those that have been denied or kept hidden, even from ourselves) don’t leak out and interfere with, even derail, conscious intentions. In fact, to be as honest within our own minds as possible is the only effective way to get a handle on what swirls around us. Wisdom and practicality offer avenues for and means of empowerment–everything else is essentially spinning our wheels.

Today’s word image is a half-smoked cigarette smoldering in an ashtray. This is actually a memory of mine, from when I was five. Someone had left a cigarette burning, perched on the edge of the ashtray, and just within reach of my infant brother’s flailing little fists (can you imagine? Nowadays most people wouldn’t even smoke in the same room as a baby!) My brother beat the air, made contact with the cigarette, flipped it onto the table, where it proceeded very quickly to burn through the varnished top. I ran for the adults, who at first ignored me, then finally responded–only to chastise me for touching the cigarette! Then began a round of recriminations among the adults: why did you leave a lit cigarette where the children could get at it? Why weren’t you watching the baby? Julie was watching the baby. You don’t have a small child watch another small child! And so on. For years after, every time I saw that burn mark on the table, I remembered the conflicting issues of that day: how I’d felt like I’d saved the day but was treated as if I’d caused the problem in the first place, and how each adult had gone to great lengths to make anything or anyone other than themselves responsible for events. The imprint it left on me was to make me feel automatically overly responsible for circumstances in my environment that were beyond my authority and beyond my control. Is there some area in your life where you have taken on a sense of responsibility, culpability, or even mission for which there is no way you should be held accountable? Astrological note: at the time of the event (I just happen to be clear on the day, as it was my brother’s one month birthday), transiting Black Moon Lilith conjoined my Jupiter, which was sextiled by transiting Mars, together making a Finger of God with apex natal Black Moon Lilith, and transiting Mercury was conjoined my natal Neptune, giving us a picture of why I wasn’t listened to or was misunderstood, how I might’ve been an easy target for blame (all that BML), and suggesting that being ignored concerning speaking out, ‘what I have to give’ (Jupiter rules my 11th) enraged me in a way I wasn’t conscious of!

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Your Week 16-22 June 2017 Silence

15 Thursday Jun 2017

Posted by in astrology, current events in the sky, forecast, Horoscope, Neptune, Retrogrades, Sun/Mercury Superior Conjunction, The Daily Word Image

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Plas Newydd (Anglesey) – Terrace gardens grotto – Neptune as gargoyle By Wolfgang Sauber – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=16274036

On the 16th Neptune stations retrograde at 14 Pisces 15, in close sextile to Juno in Capricorn, herself in apparent retro motion. This forms a loose Finger of God with asteroid Vesta in Leo–and if a personal body sits 12-16 Leo, you’ll see that natal energy as apex to an attempt at empowerment, one that either brings creativity to the fore, or is misguided, out of following your own delusions or misunderstandings. Juno prompts us to use our status, position, or connections to express our Will, and Neptune focuses that expression through our ideals, whether they are spiritual ones, imaginative ones, or off the mark, skewed by deception or delusion. For everyone, the Finger suggests that effort at exercising our prerogatives through creativity or misperception will result in pinpointing what we really care about, or discovery of what we’d like to dedicate our time and energy to; for those with a natal placement in that Leo range, this suggests you’ll see what matters in terms of the contacted energy, or possibly in terms of issues contained in the House it rules, if any. Vesta tells us what we honor in life; the Neptune station will make something about this clear, whether our efforts spring from a creative urge or a misguided one, though we may find we have no time, energy, or support to enact this particular ideal until Neptune is once again direct, in late November 2017.

Otherwise, we enjoy some very upbeat influences on the 16th, an unusually positive day when what we desire is actually good for us, when we have harmony between the mind and the Soul purpose (and so can choose, think, and act with little if any internal conflict), when we are optimistic about the future, and when we think along lines of ‘natural’ power and authority, and so make the most of our own abilities and influence. Reaching for something? Do it today, but be ready to listen if the internal systems tell you this isn’t your best course, after all–today’s excellent judgment may have you reassessing previous wants and goals.

By Scott Darbey from Canada – bluebells, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=42236316

Today’s word image is bluebells. Simplest symbolisms say flowers are a ‘natural’ cheering thing, bolstering spirits just by being, and blue can be seen as soothing, or in its meaning as sad or depressing. Is there something that should be pleasant and happy that’s actually depressing you or making you sad? Are you having a kind of contrary reaction to something? Is there something natural (something you should accept as part of life) to which you’re having an unwarranted reaction? Are you ‘blue’ in spite of the way things are ‘in bloom’ in your life? That last is a signal that it’s time to seek help, if only confiding in another trusted Being to help you gain perspective.

The 17th our viewpoint may be a bit skewed: we see all the benefits as coming from or being found in ‘the future’, and we tend to disregard the role or origins of some rewarding matters where they formed or were earned in the past. Too, we know what we want and how to get it, but we may be willing to do something unhealthy or negative to make it happen–please consider the merit of the means as much as you do the end.

By Iker Cortabarria from Palma, España – Dragó, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=4263989

Today’s word image is a lizard, sunning itself on a rock. As pleasurable as sunning itself is, this behavior is actually necessary for a cold-blooded (as we describe them) creature. What thing that you enjoy, and possibly see as Self-indulgent, is really a very necessary part of your existence, one that you can’t do without? This asks us to reassess what we see as an indulgence, a luxury, and what is important to our overall health.

By the 18th we’re feeling both wise and ‘lucky’–and that’s a pretty accurate measure of ourselves in the moment. The only thing to watch for is thinking that rejects the reality picture. The only way to get ‘there’ from ‘here’ is to know exactly where you’re starting out–keep this in mind as you choose, act, and do.

Today’s word image is a clown. People seem to have very personal reactions to this Archetype–consider yours definitive for you, specifically as to what it might say about how you see ‘fun’.

‘Fireworks, Vernon Bridge’ by Theodore Earl Butler {{PD}}

The 19th the fireworks are as much internal as external, so that it’s uncertain how much of this will show in surrounding circumstances, and how much will be firecrackers and flashbulbs going off in our heads. What we’ve got going for us: there’s wisdom in spontaneity, in the ‘new’ idea or impulse, in a willingness to invent or innovate, and diving in to test skills can bring surprisingly good results. The group may offer the smart choice, if we find ourselves wondering, and what the intellect supports as wise very likely is. Positives are seated in showing genuine confidence (as opposed to putting on a show) and relationship or financial connections can bolster personal empowerment and reach. Right now the mind has a knack for drawing on the past in productive ways–all of these things are good, and available to us.

What’s not so great? The ego, if it’s ascendant, will keep us away from every healthy option–it’s a matter of feeding negative emotions as a way of enslaving us to our own capricious nature. No one can ask anything of us, if we’re unreliable and unable to take care of ourselves, right? It’s easy to put our attention on hurts, at this point, and that can offer the ego the foothold it needs to run away with things. Too, we see a Finger of God, base of Jupiter-Black Moon Lilith, apex Venus in Taurus, that suggests both beliefs and what enrages us must adjust, if we are to receive the comfort and sustaining nurture of Love or Money.

Not an easy day, but a lively one, where following our best impulses is much more than worth it.

Today’s word image is a phrase I’ve heard multiple times within just a couple of days, from sources ranging from real life to media: “You’re so lucky you must have a golden horseshoe up your ass!” This is a thing? We’ll proceed on the assumption that it is. My first thought was, ‘That can’t be comfortable, so is this luck in spite of the situation being difficult?’ I think that sums it up. Find the spot in your own life where you’ve been very fortunate, despite the pain.

The 20th we may feel at odds with ourselves and the social scene–there’s no safe harbor for Self-expression without critique, the facts don’t support our empowerment, and the worst may be that it’s our own ‘wounded thinking’ that’s creating most of the mess. If we are willing to reconcile with some less-than-positive aspects of the past, we can move on to reap rewards from the creative, the innovative, and the use of skills–and we can do it as the Sun moves into Cancer, pulling our attention toward caring, nurturing, and finding a prominent place in our lives for our emotional reality to shine.

Today’s word image is an old song, ‘The Girl From Ipanema’. If you don’t know it from the radio, you probably know it from the Muzak in elevators and grocery stores. What quality makes a song seep so far into the Collective consciousness that one can’t go long without hearing it in some form? What ‘song’ have you been singing all these years that has now become part of your consciousness–and are you aware of what it says to and about you? Ask yourself, Is it time to change the track?

The 21st sees the Superior Conjunction of the Sun and Mercury (their meeting while Merc is in direct motion). This should bring us the results of something seeded at the Inferior Conjunction. It’s not always evident, and may be so subtle that it seems a matter of course–but it should answer some question, no matter how oblique, that has been up in the air, or bring some communication or thought to a close, offering a form of ‘silence’. To make this meeting possible, we see Merc join the Sun in Cancer; don’t be surprised if what concludes has a prominent element of feeling, or brings an emotional conclusion that will often present as relief.

On other fronts, we see some resistance to what we know instinctively, we see some Self-destructive tendencies that endanger what we really care about, and we may find the imagination running away with us and focused on what we are in denial of or ignoring. You do the math; this is about facing things, pure and simple.

From our yard 2017

Today’s word image is peonies. On a gardening site I saw someone write in, frantically asking how to get rid of the ants that were swarming her peony plants; I and several others wrote back, ‘Don’t! Peonies need ants to help them open!’ This is the danger of engaging with something we know nothing about: not so much that something bad will come to us from it, but that we can cause harm in our ignorance. Whatever this brings to mind, just make sure you really do know what you’re doing.

On the 22nd no new aspects form–both our outlook and our word image for the day will be a kind of Silence. Find it, deliberately make room for it, sit within it. It’s likely to reveal to us just how much noise we’d like to be rid of.

Sorry I’m a little late getting this out. Windows hijacked my computer with a massive update that then wouldn’t allow my astrology program to open–so it took me hours to straighten things out. Have a wonderful week!

 

 

 

The Lunar Eclipse February 2017 Daring To Be Ourselves

07 Tuesday Feb 2017

Posted by in Configurations, Finger of God, Full Moon, Kite, Lunar Aspects, Lunar Eclipse, Sabian Symbols

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'The Circus' George Bellows 1912 {{PD}}

‘The Circus’ George Bellows 1912 {{PD}}

Lunar Eclipse (Full Moon) 10 February 2017 4:32 PM PST at 22 Leo 28

This eclipse occurs concurrent with and involved in several configurations: a Finger of God with base of Lunar eclipse-Jupiter, apex Chiron; a Kite involving the eclipse axis and Saturn-Hygeia and Uranus; and a Fire Grand Trine of Luna-Earth, Uranus, and Saturn-Hygeia; a Finger with base of Sun and Saturn-Hygeia, apex Vesta, with this latter body only 5 minutes off exact semi-sextile to the Lunar eclipse; a loose Fixed Grand Cross with the Sun-Earth-Lunar axis squaring an opposition of Sedna and a 29 degree Black Moon Lilith —and unrelated to the eclipse, a Finger with base of Sedna-Chiron, apex Jupiter, and a loose Cardinal Grand Cross with Vesta, Uranus, Pluto, and Zeus-Jupiter.

But if we keep a reasonable orb of roughly 3 degrees + or –, we don’t have any aspects to the eclipse that aren’t wrapped up in a config, though it’s arguable that Venus and Mars, roughly 5 degrees apart in Aries, both form sesquiquadrates to the eclipse outside of any configuration—they’re the exception. These contacts suggest issues may masquerade as male-female, animus-anima, or complementary opposites in conflict, or requiring adjustment—when the real issues lie in the energy patterns of the configurations—the Mars-Venus energy may just represent the delivery system, a clash between disparate elements that demands adjustment.

lunar-eclipse-february-2017

Eclipse inclusion in multiple patterns implies a highly dynamic set of circumstances that may appear to be independent of one another, but that are almost certainly linked through the Lunar energy (the exceptions being the Finger apex Jupiter and the Cardinal Grand Cross)—and that Lunar link grounds these dynamics in time—that is, it allows the eclipse itself to represent a locus where all these energies converge. Will each individual experience all the dynamic energy patterns of the eclipse? No, but each will experience some of them, largely depending on how (and how intensely) the eclipse fits in to the personal natal chart picture.

The event occurs in Leo, suggesting our attention is on ourselves, our role, our effectiveness, how well we ‘shine’, on issues of generosity and purpose, on identity and focus, and on the concept of ‘heart’ defined as the enthusiasm and commitment with which we meet a subject, and we add to this matters represented by the natal House in which the eclipse occurs. We definitely get feedback in these areas, but it will spread out in many different situations or life areas, so that events may appear distinctly unrelated. This is part of why the eclipse energy will be so confusing: the mix of internal and external information coming at us will be both interdependent (the many contacts) and carry a scent of revelation (Sedna, Uranus), Self-discovery (Leo), and crisis (Black Moon Lilith at 29 degrees, Saturn-Hygeia, Chiron), so that we may easily be distracted by any number of issues, our attention drawn in any number of directions.

Let’s start with the Finger of God with base of Lunar eclipse-Jupiter, apex Chiron; this implies that feelings about, or intuitions centered on, the actual material situation as it applies to ‘the facts’, education, anything ‘foreign’, anything at a distance, or to our social position or the general milieu that surrounds us, creates hurt or demands utilization of our most unique skills. We can answer the intuitive knowing, the emotional reaction, and the social ‘stress’ with either a hurt reaction or one that mobilizes our talents—our choice.

Carl Spitzweg c1885 {{PD}}

Carl Spitzweg c1885 {{PD}}

Next we have the Kite involving the eclipse axis and Saturn-Hygeia and Uranus. We may see sudden events or revelations concerning or affecting the ‘health’ of real-world matters or material situations, possibly through rules or restrictions imposed by ‘the group’—or, we see sudden, easy suppression of the health (or what was an otherwise healthy situation), with the result showing at the Lunar eclipse, and revealing something important about identity or purpose (Sun in opposition). This could suggest sudden shifts in what’s considered ‘healthy’, the normalizing of the abnormal, the pressures of revolution on tradition, the past, and current authorities, the prospect of revolution, and all of it under inspection for whether these are healthy options, in the largest sense, or not. This can be a messy scenario that either makes the eclipse event have emotional impact, or creates the emotional impact from which the eclipse events arise.

The Fire Grand Trine of Luna-Earth, Uranus, and Saturn-Hygeia carries much the same message as the Kite, but offers the option of creating balance (the Trine) through action/ ‘doing’  (Fire). Considering the eclipse occurs in Leo, a Fire sign, it’s likely that taking action will be our natural response—how comfortable we are with that, though, can only be determined by how and in what House the eclipse hooks into the natal chart.

The other eclipse-involved Finger consists of a base of Sun and Saturn-Hygeia, apex Vesta, with this latter body only 5 minutes off exact semi-sextile to the Lunar eclipse; here the Finger dynamic may masquerade as either an offshoot of or a distraction from the eclipse itself. Issues of identity, purpose, and Self-expression are tested via the reality picture, forcing you to ask the question, ‘How well am I actualizing myself and my potentials?’—and the answer is found in your commitments, your highest values and your ability to live them, and in those matters and individuals to which you dedicate your life energy. Those are big subjects, writ on a big canvas, and so we may feel we are unable to answer adequately or meaningfully, at least in terms of being able to translate big causes and trends to the spiritual and concrete energy dedications of the individual life. This is one question that needs to be answered, and answered specifically at this time—don’t brush it off.

There is a Fixed Grand Cross with the Sun-Earth-Lunar axis squaring an opposition between Sedna and a 29 degree Black Moon Lilith, suggesting a crisis with matters too long ignored, denied, or unjust, prompted by our own denial of our instincts or weaknesses, and triggered by the eclipse event. This has ‘dilemma’ written all over it—and as a Fixed matter, may seem intractable. One thing to keep in mind is that, despite all the influences at work (and sometimes at cross-purposes) the essence of things is still a Full Moon, an ending that may have the nature of a wipe-out in the House where the eclipse falls—and that means that no matter what is happening, some circumstances are drawing to a close, even if in the moment they still appear viable.

Overall, what we may need to do, as the impressions and issues layer, one upon another, is focus our choices and actions through those positive expressions available to us, thereby minimizing the distractions and possible destruction inherent in concentrating our energy and attention on the negative situations and circumstances presented. We see outlets in assessing our effective actualization, in the choice to approach things from a healed rather than a hurt perspective (and so emphasize health in all our choices), and most especially in the promised potential of creating balance by taking action. It seems confidence in our ability to handle what comes along, a positive focus on what’s healthy, a willingness to deal with real-world realities and the facts, a determination to make the most of who we are as individuals, are all key to meeting and accepting these energies, using them to their utmost, rather than being overwhelmed by them.

The Finger and Cardinal Grand Cross that don’t directly figure in to the eclipse offer their own possibly distracting (or aiding) input, which we may easily mistake for eclipse energy. The Finger of Sedna-Chiron, apex Jupiter, implies the potential for taking our injured instincts public, or trying to base ‘facts’ on our own wounds (shades of ‘alternative facts!’); a better use would be application of instincts and skills (especially those honed through hurt and experience) to expansion of our knowledge and our world. The Cross consists of Vesta, Uranus, Pluto, and Zeus-Jupiter, and seems most likely to act as support for the idea of creating balance through action (Cardinal energy), particularly action that is original, fearless, based on highest values, and takes an optimistic view of our goals.

The Sabian for the Lunar eclipse is, ‘In A Circus The Bareback Rider Displays Her Dangerous Skill’. This smacks of the courage (a very Leo thing!), daring, and confidence that the eclipse will call forth if we respond with our ‘best Self’. The situations presented may be dicey, uncomfortable, out of our element, or downright dangerous, but in any case will be handled best with a combination of bravery and skill.

Niko Pirosmani 'Black Bear' {{PD||

Niko Pirosmani ‘Black Bear’ {{PD||

We also look at the Sun for a Full Moon event: ‘A Big Bear Sitting Down And Waving All Its Paws’. This is an odd position for a bear, simply because the action doesn’t serve any purpose, and in fact may make the animal more vulnerable than it would otherwise be. We may see a lot of emotional ‘paw waving’, lots of motion and drama that leads nowhere and may even distract from what we need to see. This eclipse is definitely a kind of test: of nerve, of concentration, on seriousness of purpose, and of the skills, abilities, and learning we have so far accumulated—but remember, the test isn’t coming from the outside, observed and measured by some authority; its sole purpose is so that we can see our own abilities, measure our own skills, and sharpen our own focus and clarity of intent.

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Very clear explanations of the eclipse phenomenon

Your Week 3-9 February 2017 Pointing the Way

02 Thursday Feb 2017

Posted by in astrology, current events in the sky, forecast, future events in the sky, Horoscope, The Daily Word Image

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James Tissot - 'Young Lady in a Boat' 1869 {{PD}}

James Tissot – ‘Young Lady in a Boat’ 1869 {{PD}}

Configuration of the Week is a Finger of God apex Jupiter with base of Sedna-Chiron. This may promote a tendency to combine hurt and blind spot material, and then display it publicly (or worse, to think our wounds and unknowns add up to ‘facts’)–Ouch! It’s a matter of maintaining vigilance, of not allowing ourselves to slip into an unconscious state where our own internal justifications prop up an inclination toward exhibitionism or Self-aggrandizement–and yet, if we can willingly access what lingers near the surface of consciousness, and apply our most unique skills and talents to dealing with it, we just may create opportunities for ourselves. There’s always a way to use even the most negative-seeming contacts in a positive way–and this is one of those times.

Friday February 3rd we know what we want, but the very fact that we do prevents our effective empowerment; we get in our own way, but why? Our thoughts are grounded and our instincts are good–but our attention is on all the wrong things. We’re preoccupied with our desires, our appetites, and with personal relationships, and it’s this very single-minded pursuit of our wants that trips us up in the first place. For once, knowing where we want to go doesn’t help us get there. If we can focus on other than our goals, things that benefit others but align with our aims (a cause important to us, someone else’s objectives, or something aimed at the greater good, perhaps), we have a much better chance of seeing our wants fulfilled as part of a larger picture, a Collective good, or a mass shift–and this is so even if our ambitions are highly personal or specific only to us.

Today’s word image is a white bed sheet, drying on a line outdoors on a sunny day. Every time I think no one does this anymore, I see laundry on the line. I prefer drying things this way–they smell so nice!–but in rainy Seattle it’s not really an option. So, what past method of achieving an end is perfectly serviceable, and though you now have an effective, more ‘modern’ way to get there, you might want to consider reviving the old practice, when the ‘weather’s just right’?

Saturday the 4th dawns with our inner and outer attention firmly on the physical world, especially those parts of the world that engage our senses. We are busy reading what’s beneath the tangible and material, and measuring almost instinctively how this can support or serve ambition fulfillment. You may get the feeling those around you are being oddly sneaky–but that’s how focus on our inner state and reactions reads when we’re trying to correlate what we’re perceiving sotto voce with what we’re trying to make happen. Use the imagination and creative skills actively–otherwise they can draw misunderstanding or deception from others–and notice that a factual approach to health matters is illuminating, as well as providing more options than you might have anticipated.

By Pierre5018 - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=37953605

By Pierre5018 – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=37953605

Today’s word image is a pair of used tickets to a long-ago event. Sometimes we hold on to ephemera because it actually evokes a positive memory, and sometimes we hold on to bits and pieces out of habit, neglect, or a sentimentality that replaces true feeling. You know what to do: keep what brings you truly pleasant associations, discard all the rest.

Sunday the 5th Jupiter turns around (for some it will be the 6th already), stationing retrograde early in the 23rd degree of Libra. The first contact Jupiter will make with retro status will be a square received from Vesta in Cancer, as the asteroid retros back to perfect the aspect. This little picture suggests the Jupiter turnaround may prompt the urge to do something drastic about the home, mate, a cause to which we’re committed, or a cooperative venture, in response to what will be perceived as pressure from ‘the facts’ or the social sphere. This will be an artificial crisis, allowed to flourish in the atmosphere of doubt that comes from some pull back, withdrawal, or end to expansion. Optimism wanes, and we think we must jump into action–no, we don’t.

Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec 1894 {{PD}}

Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec 1894 {{PD}}

Today’s word image is a single glove. Unless you’re missing a hand or exceptionally desperate, this can safely be classified as a useless item. What remnant, leftover, or useless accessory lingers, either from your inattention to the details or your failure to just throw it out?

Monday the 6th dark thoughts menace–all those matters we’d rather ignore, deny, or that enrage us keep popping into consciousness–and as we’re dealing with our interior dialogue it seems the social order, or any offered opportunities, grate on our highest values or disrespect what we honor most. Perceptions are likely distorted as what we know that sits just below the surface of awareness stands on our last nerve and sends us looking for problems. Realize the way out is found by acknowledging what we’d normally rather turn away from, and in genuine holistic thinking.

Today’s word image is a match box with a blue devil on the cover. The Devil may be a symbol of our lesser nature, or instance where we ‘fell from the light’–and maybe we’re sad (blue) about that transgression. Fully admitting it happened, then forgiving ourselves, is the only way to let go for good.

For Tuesday the 7th let’s concentrate on Mercury, which enters Aquarius, parallels Pluto, noviles Neptune, and squares Ceres; this suggests a focus on functions of the higher intellect, on understanding what unfolds before us, on the future, on modern or ‘new’ methods, on the academic (as opposed to the real-world/ material), the unique, on the innovative, inventive, and original, and on the individual position (especially as it applies to cooperation and leadership) within the group. Thoughts bring change, almost without our realizing it, and we are highly creative; the only problems come from authorities, who seem to block us or point out problems with our plans, and from Mother Nature Herself, when ‘natural’ functions or roles interfere with progress. This is a period when form follows thought; make the most of it.

Today’s word image is a plumbing leak. The image is one of containment failure, specifically of emotion (water)–and this is a desired containment, one that allows us to function well and have particular needs met. What’s not being ‘held in’? What feeling, better contained, is escaping into the world? And what other emotion may be pushing (via ‘water pressure’) this better-held-in feeling out?

Wednesday the 8th the scenario is definitely our choice: do we allow wounding to shape values and/ or skill usage, or do we heal by actually embracing our highest principles (including being responsible for our own progress)? You know the better answer.

Today’s word image is a dog barking frantically at a stranger, but as the person approaches and then passes the animal, the dog becomes calm. Is there someone in your life who’s making a lot of (possibly aggressive) noise that is perhaps making you avoid something, or hesitate to go forward? Don’t be afraid–they’re ‘all bark, no bite’.

Thursday the 9th even though we are doing the smart thing, the original, innovative, or inventive thing, we find values undermining health, or health undermining values, which has the further impact of altering the life course. What to do? Find the point where values and health intersect, and put your energy and attention there–that gives you a great starting point.

Today’s word image is a peace sign. Use personal associations, or look for this as a time or place synchronicity marker.

Donate — Read — Be happy!

Great suggestions for planning the year ahead from Astrologer Kelly Surtees–

4 January 2017 Jupiter, Jupiter, Jupiter!

03 Tuesday Jan 2017

Posted by in astrology, Born Today, current events in the sky, forecast, Horoscope, The Daily Word Image

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By NASA, ESA, the Hubble Heritage (STScI/AURA)-ESA/Hubble Collaboration, and A. Evans (University of Virginia, Charlottesville/NRAO/Stony Brook University) - http://hubblesite.org/newscenter/archive/releases/2008/16/image/bj/

By NASA, ESA, the Hubble Heritage (STScI/AURA)-ESA/Hubble Collaboration, and A. Evans (University of Virginia, Charlottesville/NRAO/Stony Brook University) – http://hubblesite.org/newscenter/archive/releases/2008/16/image/bj/

The AstroEssence: Jupiter’s contact to Uranus is getting all the press, but I want to talk about another pair of the Behemoth’s contacts that are currently very close, the sextile to Saturn and the quincunx to Chiron (which of course gives us a square between Saturn and Chiron). First a note on the Jupiter-Uranus opposition: there’s a tendency to characterize a major aspect between the slower-moving bodies as having some kind of blanket effect on everyone, but like any aspect, it may appear more or less potently in the individual life–and this one may only be observed as we watch the social order (Jupiter) in conflict with groups or rebellious individuals (Uranus). If this opposition aspects any bodies in the natal chart, you’re probably feeling the conflicts over freedom, belief, dependability, originality, independence, and reasoning (beliefs vs. facts vs. higher mind intellectual rationales); where this opposition falls in the chart may also pinpoint the areas, relationships, and subject matters where, whether it touches natal bodies or not, the conflict may be felt. But remember, these are big concepts, and may not always be obvious to us in the moment–and we must be careful not to project our expectations onto the atmosphere or into life events; instead we must be aware of potentials, but not too prone to attribute everything to a single celestial event. Now on to those other Jupiter contacts.

Jupiter connects it all; here with its moon Ganymede. NASA/JPL - ftp://nssdcftp.gsfc.nasa.gov/miscellaneous/planetary/voyager/jupiter/vg1_p20945.tiff {{PD}}

Jupiter connects it all; here with its moon Ganymede. NASA/JPL – ftp://nssdcftp.gsfc.nasa.gov/miscellaneous/planetary/voyager/jupiter/vg1_p20945.tiff {{PD}}

The sextile of Jupiter to Saturn, and the quincunx to Chiron, both speak of real-world conditions impacting us, shaping our world views and actually wounding us via material matters, restrictions and denials, rules and authorities, and/ or the requirements made of us when we build or achieve (and yes, we may think, ‘Jupiter-Uranus!’–but it may be Saturn-Chiron). We’ll have to adjust to these conditions, or suffer hurt; but the up side is that these stresses may also call forward unique skills, and the involvement of Jupiter tells us that we have the needed facts, the faith, and/ or the optimism to tackle issues. Bonus if you have any natal bodies at 18-22 Taurus: this would act as apex to a Finger of God with base of Jupiter-Saturn, suggesting that the Taurean energy is the key to expanding your opportunities or your world.

We also feel a slight but perverse current in the direction of altering what we already know to be wise that stirs unneeded upheaval within relationships and financial matters. The need may be to perfect what we care for most, with the intellectual itch we feel with Merc in Sagittarius urging us on, but do your best not to let an inclination to be contrary override some more than acceptable standards and practices already in place. Ask yourself, Will this really make things flawless? The answer is, likely, no (Perfecting today: Pluto semi-sq Pallas and Venus, Venus qnx Vesta, Mercury enters Sagittarius)

Tidbit: With Sedna opposed Black Moon Lilith across the Taurus-Scorpio axis, doors will open–the question is, Do you want to go through them? If you choose to enter, expect a deep and slightly disturbing (that is, unsettling in the way certain matters just. can’t. be. ignored) experience.

Das Schokoladenmädchen (Fräulein Baldauf) (1744) Jean-Étienne Liotard {{PD}}

Das Schokoladenmädchen (Fräulein Baldauf) (1744)
Jean-Étienne Liotard {{PD}}

Today’s word image is a harried waitress moving from unoccupied table to unoccupied table. This symbol may ask us to consider what we’re really serving, in our day-to-day hurry; a look at not just our activities, but the purposes they serve and the way they affect others, may also be in order. No one wants to waste effort ‘serving’ something that, in some sense, is empty.

For those born with the Sun at 14 Capricorn: Ambitions may push against instincts and what you know deep within this Solar year, through to your next birthday; you may spend the entire time trying, in one form or another, to reconcile your desires and aims against the sense that you shouldn’t proceed toward them, at least not with the individuals you are currently planning to work or march into the future with. A few things to measure your feeling against: look at the implications behind the material situation; you may be assuming this will go a certain way favorable to you when your inner voice is trying to tell you it won’t–and count only the facts and actual material accomplishments, not plans or brags, if you want an accurate picture of things. Good luck, Cappy, and Happy Birthday!

23 December 2016 In the Balance

22 Thursday Dec 2016

Posted by in astrology, Born Today, Configurations, current events in the sky, Finger of God, forecast, Horoscope, The Daily Word Image

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Well I'd be safe--and you? "De Heksenwaag (Witches' scales) at Oudewater, Netherlands. In medieval times, women suspected of witchcraft were weighed on the scale. Should they weigh more than a specified amount, they were deemed unable to fly and therefore not witches. At that time, a certificate from Oudewater saved many women who were at danger of stoning or being burnt at the stake after a rigged trial. Today such certificates are a tourists attraction." Martinvl - Own work CC BY-SA 4.0

Well I’d be safe–and you? “De Heksenwaag (Witches’ scales) at Oudewater, Netherlands. In medieval times, women suspected of witchcraft were weighed on the scale. Should they weigh more than a specified amount, they were deemed unable to fly and therefore not witches. At that time, a certificate from Oudewater saved many women who were at danger of stoning or being burnt at the stake after a rigged trial. Today such certificates are a tourists attraction.” Martinvl – Own work CC BY-SA 4.0

The AstroEssence: Our attention is on health, our own and that of systems and organizations with which we are involved. That balance among the ins and outs, consumption and elimination of what’s not needed, utilization of energy and resources, a re-thinking of restrictions and constraints, is underway. We must face realities; some of those deal with endings, others with exploitation (in a positive way) of our talents and assets, and we look at ‘what is’ with an eye to reform–that’s a very good way to spend the day, sussing out just what needs to change, and how we can achieve a reasonable balance among elements. See the forecast for those born with the Sun at 2 Capricorn, below, for info on the current Finger of God (Hygeia sq the Nodes, Venus trine Zeus, Mercury parallel Saturn, Sun parallel Hygeia)

Library Walk New York City Photo by Lesekreis CC0

Library Walk New York City Photo by Lesekreis CC0

Today’s word image is a pencil. What’s the big advantage of using a pencil? It’s easily erased. Figuratively speaking, don’t write anything in ink at this time–things will change too much in the near future for us to anticipate successfully where we’ll be and what we’ll want later.

For those born with the Sun at 2 Capricorn: There’s a lot of fight and energy in you this year, for good reason: your Solar Return features a Finger of God with base of Sun-Mars and apex of Vesta. This describes the entire year, ‘Big Picture’ style: through the course of the year, through to your next birthday, you will learn and then fine-tune what you must do to honor what’s important to you, including your mate, your home circumstances, and those causes to which you want to dedicate your life, taking all those interactions and commitments to the next level. This is the preliminary step in living your values in an unprecedented (not unpresidented!) way, and so attracting into being your next dream. Good luck, Cappy, and Happy Birthday!

 

20 September 2016 The Fickle Finger of Instinct

19 Monday Sep 2016

Posted by in astrology, Born Today, current events in the sky, Finger of God, forecast, Horoscope, The Daily Word Image

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Frederick Sandys - 'Portrait of May Margaret', 1865-6 {{PD}}

Frederick Sandys – ‘Portrait of May Margaret’, 1865-6 {{PD}}

Those of us with a memory of the late 60s-early 70s will remember ‘Laugh In’, with its award of the Fickle Finger of Fate, given to someone with whom fate, in this sense karma, had recently caught up. Always, the negative outcome was the result of the entity’s own choices–these were Self-created dilemmas, problems, and circumstances of shame, not inflicted by any outside body. Today we, too, encounter the tremendous potentials offered by a Finger, and our results will arise directly from what we’ve built, invested in, or created in our lives–so, not fickle at all.

The base is formed by Mars in Sagittarius and Venus-Hygeia in Libra, with the apex drawn by Sedna. What this suggests is that our informed/ educated actions and choices will join with the health of our finances or relationships, and as these two work together we either fall directly into our ‘blind spot’ (those areas others can see, and see the obvious conditions of, while we have no clue), or we tap into instincts and that knowledge of the world we carry just below consciousness. So, it’s either a recipe for showing how much we’re unaware of in a particular area, or for connecting firmly with our own internal guidance system, and making the most of it. Not to despair if you find yourself having waltzed right into some facet of your own ignorance (for that’s all unawareness is, a not knowing that is revealed by our engagement with something or some life area we aren’t fully informed about); it’s nothing to be ashamed over, it’s simply an opportunity to experience and gain understanding–the only time you should feel shame about it is if you refuse to learn from what’s presented–then it’s on you.

We’ll also see Mercury slow for direction, hovering within roughly 25 minutes of the turnaround, in trine to Pluto and sextile to Juno. This makes for powerful and empowering thought, ideas, and plans that are generated at least in part by our own tension and frustration with the Merc retro cycle and what it has produced, denied, or held back–but we must remember not to act just yet. With the Finger we are meeting circumstances previously formed and now delivering results as we make choices based on relationship or money developments, so taking action based on previously formed viewpoints is natural–with the circumstances of Mercury we are generating new mental material–and must wait for the turnaround before it can be successfully vetted.

The Sun is also parallel Ceres and semi-square Black Moon Lilith. This suggests a strong sense of confidence and ‘natural’ authority, but that sureness may be a little too influenced by unacknowledged rage, or a deep need to ignore or deny some aspects of the situation–and that means you may adopt the saying, ‘The best defense is a good offense’ without really knowing you’re being aggressive. The power today is centered in knowing where you’re weak, and where you excel at perception and understanding, and being controlled and yes, wise enough, to acknowledge the reality and potential repercussions of your state, and respond accordingly.

By Mohammed Jaffar from Montreal, Canada - 30e Festival du cochon de Sainte-Perpétue, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=34477664

By Mohammed Jaffar from Montreal, Canada – 30e Festival du cochon de Sainte-Perpétue, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=34477664

Today’s word image is a pig. Some places they are symbols of prosperity and luck, in others of gluttony or greed, with some societies seeing them as meat machines that can convert almost any fodder to pork, while others view them as unclean and so inedible. Your own associations with the animal and what it represents are important here, simply because, no matter what you think, that thought is not universally held. Seeing a pig or pig-related item may alert you to a synchronous moment, an alert to question your assumptions and perhaps what you consider ‘common knowledge’.

For those born with the Sun at 28 Virgo: love or money is sneaking up on you this year, Virgo, in a way that might almost be described as ‘unpleasant’. And yet, these are things we all want, and want more of, no? The trick may be to realize that there’s a rainbow at the end of that storm (or a pony in that stable full of sh*t, or however you think of a not readily apparent payoff to a less than appealing situation). This should tell you, though, that those efforts to deal with what’s not so great will pay off, likely in a much bigger way than you anticipate–so yay for that! Good luck, Virgo, and Happy Birthday!

 

29-31 August 2016 The Approach to the Solar Eclipse + Mercury Retrograde

28 Sunday Aug 2016

Posted by in astrology, Born Today, current events in the sky, Dark of the Moon, Finger of God, Fist of God, forecast, future events in the sky, Horoscope, Mercury Direction, Mercury retrograde, Sun/Mercury Inferior Conjunction, The Daily Word Image

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By Akseli Gallen-Kallela - Scanned by Alexius Manfelt 2007-12-01, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3170601

By Akseli Gallen-Kallela – Scanned by Alexius Manfelt 2007-12-01, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3170601

I’m going to wrap everything up together in this forecast for a few days ahead, as I finish the eclipse report (which should be available here on Monday the 29th) and give myself a little breather. This coincides with Dark of the Moon, a good time to plunge into a Merc retro period, as we’re already more open to the feeling and sensing nature, the mind stilled (somewhat) by the lack of Lunar light; we don’t find what we think, or what we think we feel, so prone to block incoming information as it usually is. Between Merc’s retreat and the looming eclipse, it seems that making the forecast as tight and easy to remember as possible might be best for everyone–so here goes:

The 29th: We may be inclined to be too headstrong, and so sabotage ourselves–cooperation is the key that both empowers us and brings about serendipitous reward and/ or ambition fulfillment (Mars sq Nodal axis, Venus enters Libra and nov Juno, Sun nov Zeus)

Today’s word image is a wounded bird. Accommodating an injury, whether it’s physical, psychic, emotional, or spiritual, is vital to both recognizing its impact and then helping it heal. Ignoring it only offers the potential for the wound to get worse–and if you don’t heal, how will you ever fly?

By Giovanni Dall'Orto - Own work, Attribution, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=5208666

By Giovanni Dall’Orto – Own work, Attribution, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=5208666

The 30th: change of mind might echo a change of heart; we benefit by facing what we’ve recently ignored or denied. All positives today come from embracing our own personal uniqueness (Venus nov Black Moon Lilith, Sun parallel Uranus and nov Hygeia, see also Mercury Retrograde, below)

Today’s word image is a pumpkin, ripened to orange in the garden. That’s a sign of fall–and yet it’s still August! What thing in your world seems to have arrived much more quickly than you anticipated? Is it truly ‘out of season’, or is it indicating more time has passed than you thought? What’s unexpectedly ‘ready to go’?

The 31st: reality-based evolution (whether that is transformational or destructive) is smart, with opportunity fostered by confidence in one’s abilities, a determination to deal with facts and ‘what is’, and a refusal to be rebellious just for the hell of it (Pluto nov Pallas, Jup p Ceres, Sun contra-p Nep and sesq Uranus)

Today’s word image is Pinocchio. The little wooden marionette wanted to be a real boy so much he actually became one. Is there some ‘impossible’ thing you’ve been wanting? Because you may just get it (and all that attends it, all the positives and negatives), after all. And don’t forget to tell the truth.

Lavender_wedding_cake_with_cream_white_swirls_and_ribbon_as_topper

By Jessica Erin Higgins – originally posted to Flickr as lavender wedding cake, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=10310914

For those born with the Sun at 7 Virgo: sorting deceptions and illusions from realities, along with a sense of the emotions as being ‘closed off’ and inaccessible, may be the two toughest things for you to face this year, Virgo. This may be the year when you see and deal with every possible impediment or obstacle in your path to what you want–and then you may find, quite suddenly, that you’ve gotten exactly where you wanted to go! So go to work on those problems–it will all pay off handsomely, in the end. Good luck, and Happy Birthday!

For those born with the Sun at 8 Virgo: empowerment, the status you crave, and being part of a ‘power couple’ (even if you’re a silent or unwitting partner) may be in your year ahead, Virgo; success depends on how well you incorporate your ideals into your every day, how ‘married’ you are to having no illusions (hint: the more you like The Truth, the better), and being willing to exercise your creativity (no matter how minor the effort, or how creaky your attempts–use makes them better and better). Be brave, be willing, and get over your fear of heights–you can’t reach the top without letting that go. Good luck, Virgo, and Happy Birthday!

For those born with the Sun at 9 Virgo: the anticipation feels killer, doesn’t it? Almost there, you may be telling yourself–but somewhere along the way, did you forget where you were going? That may be the sense you have of things this year, through to your next birthday, Virgo. It may be difficult to believe that your dreams have changed, as has your idea of what it would be to ‘make it’–but they have, and it’s up to you now to respond to those changes and alter course. Until you do, you may remain stuck–or worse, succeed in meeting the old goal, and being immensely disappointed in how it doesn’t fit your life now. Look at what’s deep inside–that’s the only way to know what’s real, and needs to be followed. Good luck, and Happy Birthday!

By Steven Depolo - originally posted to Flickr as IMG_5971, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=10325105

By Steven Depolo – originally posted to Flickr as IMG_5971, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=10325105

For those born with the Sun at 10 Virgo: you have to look at those matters that enrage you, or that you’ve been ignoring or in denial of–they are the keys to moving forward this year and bringing your dreams to reality. A new emotional viewpoint unfolds for you no matter what, though how you deal with all these factors, the feelings and the problems, will determine your future, and possibly your fate–so don’t hesitate to tackle difficulties; it’s vital you make your voice heard. Good luck, Virgo, and Happy Birthday!

 

Mercury Retrograde 30 August-22 September 2016: Taking Aim at the Material

'Young Samurai and Female Attendants Practicing Archery' Utagawa Toyokuni I 歌川豐國 c1800 {{PD}}

‘Young Samurai and Female Attendants Practicing Archery’ Utagawa Toyokuni I 歌川豐國 c1800 {{PD}}

Mercury begins apparent retrograde motion at 6:04 AM Pacific time of the 30th at 29 Virgo 04–and immediately it feels like we’re thrown into a state of mental crisis! Criticisms, doubts, and potentially a headlong rush back toward either ‘the facts’ or the standards of the social sphere ensues–and this is just our immediate reaction. The retro period is one that prompts us to re-think, examine, and question the material situation (Earth sign) and how we got to where we are. We ask ourselves if we’re satisfied with what we’ve got, with what we see around us, with what we’re earning, bringing in, getting, enjoying, and whether our resources are adequate to our intentions; our thoughts about the material situation, likely keyed to matters of the House where the retro occurs (and secondarily to the Houses ruled by Merc), are vetted, and by the end of the retro we may have a completely different idea of what we need and want materially at this time. This interval will change our material aims, both how we think of our goals, and how we intend to get there.

If we look at the retro picture poetically, we see that Mercury was in pursuit of Venus, newly fled into Libra (to the shelter of a partner? or a tax or investment shelter? or a partnership of earning and caring, or one of being valued or valuing the partner as an asset?) but the chase slows and then abruptly ends, with Merc retreating to a social milieu (a retro meeting with Jupiter) that welcomes him and envelops him with ‘I told you so’ and ‘What were you thinking?’ and ‘What more do you want?’ This meeting can also signal a retreat to ‘Big Picture’ thinking that believes the individual is too important to mess with details–a misunderstanding of the energy, in this instance.

Heed instincts and the wisdom of impulses on the 6th, as Merc trines Sedna, and be prepared–this re-thinking and re-ordering may hurt, or potentially could heal our ideas about the material world and our place in it (the 10th). At the same time as the hurt/ healing, we also receive a personal shock, lightning strike, or group contribution that offers wise revelation, that brings forward just what we need to hear, realize, or learn (Merc as apex to a Finger of God with base of Uranus-Pallas). A Fist of God forms the 12th with Mercury-Sun square Mars, apex Ceres in Taurus, that suggests action combines with thought, ideas, plans and though it’s not easy, the result will be the best ‘power position’ we can hope for materially in the moment. This also happens to be the point of the Inferior Conjunction of the Sun and Mercury, so keep awareness of whatever ‘seeds’ may be planted, deliberately or inadvertently, at this time. Mercury goes direct around 10:30 PM Pacific time on the 21st, in the midst of a trine to Pluto. This suggests change, transformation, destruction, reformation, right out of the gate, based on the changes to our mentality and to our view of the material world, and our place in it.

The page on the September eclipses is up!

Thank you, and enjoy the run up to the eclipse!

 

17-18 August 2016 Inspired by Higher Mind

16 Tuesday Aug 2016

Posted by in astrology, Born Today, current events in the sky, Finger of God, Fist of God, forecast, Full Moon, Horoscope, Lunar Aspects, Sabian Symbols, The Daily Word Image

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A Summer Shower, by Charles Edward Perugini 1888 {{PD}}

A Summer Shower, by Charles Edward Perugini 1888 {{PD}}

The AstroEssence of the 17th and 18th, and the Lunar Essence of the Full Moon in Aquarius: Leading up to the Full Moon we are faced with a question: Are we changed by Love, Money, or secrets revealed about values or assets, or are we the agent of change in areas of Love, in finances, in the keeping or spilling of secrets, or in recognizing a change in our values, and so changing how we relate? Since Earth signs are involved (Venus trine Pluto), we should expect a material, or at least tangible, impact; we may be ‘undone’, with some Venusian aspect of life devastated, destroyed, or transformed (don’t panic, this may be a good thing!) This fundamental change sets the stage for the conclusion, end, or completion associated with the Full Moon, 2:25 AM PDT of the 18th at 25 Aquarius 51. This is a near miss, an almost eclipse, and the impact we feel may be as much the Venus-Pluto aspect that precedes the Lunar event (as it leaves us reeling and yet unsure of what hit us) as it is the pull of the Full Moon itself.

This Full Moon, along with Uranus, forms the base for a Finger of God, with apex Jupiter. Should we also include Mercury, which is conjoined Jupiter and within orb of Uranus, but not the Full Moon? It’s a tough call, but I’m inclined to say Yes, as proximity to the other elements of the Finger means Mercurial energy will enter in some form–it just may not be what it seems. That is, we may believe we have come by rational means to a concluding belief, decision to expand, teach, or learn, or concerning a social role (Jupiter)–but the mind may simply be a means of translating our perceptions at the level of Higher Mind (Uranus) that is revealed through events of this Aquarian FM. This suggests it may be Higher Mind inspired feeling (Aquarius Moon) that is really running the show, not the cogitations of our limited, trapped-in-three-dimensions brains. Awareness of this will make us more open to spontaneity and give us confidence in our own choices (both Uranus in Aries) and this in turn allows a more attuned experience than does being overly-focused on our thinking and the illusion of control this inevitably gives.

Different fingers. Pink Sherbet Photography from USA - 'Happy Finger Friends Love' by D Sharon Pruitt CC BY 2.0

Different fingers. Pink Sherbet Photography from USA – ‘Happy Finger Friends Love’ by D Sharon Pruitt CC BY 2.0

Too, let’s note the way Chiron is caught at the midpoint of the Finger’s base; since the opposition with Jupiter is separating, the implication may be that the dynamic of the Finger begins with a wound, or with an instance of healing, that then spurs the Higher Mind understanding that melds with the FM event to offer that Jupiterian result.

The Full Moon is also apex to a loose Fist of God (or Thor’s Hammer, for you Vikings) with base of Vesta and Hygeia. This may take us further back in time, to where an instance or pattern of not honoring our health (the Cardinal square between Vesta and Hygeia) helps bring about the Full Moon event–which, as you know, is likely to be related to matters of the House where the Full Moon falls.

A novile is formed by the Full Moon to Pluto, and the Sun/ Earth-Moon axis squares Sedna, creating a T-square. A sense of rebellion from what is instinctual may combine with a deep urge toward destruction and change–this makes a kind of engine for the configurations to run on, generating some deep conflict and energizing our embrace of change. We may reject or find unacceptable our usual, unprocessed response, and the conflict this engenders, along with an advantageous glimpse of what things might be like with the upsetting factors gone, eliminated, or reformed, is enough to make all the rest spring into action.

Elefantino di Giulia Orecchia Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International

Elefantino di Giulia Orecchia Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International

And now we need to examine the elephant in the room. Her name is Pallas, and she’s conjoined the Full Moon in Aquarius. This suggests that everything involved with the Full Moon is a measure or test of our wisdom and practicality, as well as our skills and ability to apply them. This theme will loom large, and yet we won’t necessarily be seeing events, feelings, urges, and our responses to them as a test-taking or assessment–that only comes later, when the conclusion that is unavoidable with a Full Moon event makes it clear we wound up where we are because of what we consider smart, what we know, and how practical our ultimate orientation.

The Sabian symbol for 26 Aquarius (remember, we read up) is, ‘A Garage Man Testing A Car’s Battery With A Hydrometer’. This emphasizes the mechanism of testing, which we’ve already discussed. A battery is Uranian, while the hydrometer points toward the importance of feeling and so the Water signs involved: Chiron in Pisces, and one part of the Fist base, in Cancer. Both these signs are volatile emotionally, at least in part because the barriers between the individual and the Collective/ Others is blurred, even as we ‘test’ it from our own unique expressions of Will and viewpoint (Uranus in Aries). This could imply that if we are having a hard time processing our own feelings surrounding this FM, we may divert our emotions into a Big Picture expression, one that allows us to express but doesn’t risk quite so much emotional exposure, even to ourselves.

We also look at the Sun’s Sabian with a Full Moon, simply because it is the origin of all light, and so enables perception. ‘After The Heavy Storm, A Rainbow’. So, whatever troubles are stirred at this time, we can be assured it’s for the good, or at the very least, that it will all work out positively.

The only aspects not addressed by the FM are Venus’ contra-parallel to Zeus and parallel to the North Node; these add a flavor of drama, wherein relationships, values, or finances push back on our ambitions, and where we struggle to reconcile wants with maintenance of what we care about. It’s easy to see that this will add tension to the feeling nature, and again make us work to figure things out, rather than allowing Higher Mind to possess us for a time.

(Perfecting on respective days: Venus trine Pluto/ Pallas sesq Hygeia, Venus contra-parallel Zeus and parallel NN, Sun sq Sedna)

Odilon Redon - L'oeuf 1884 {{PD}}

Odilon Redon – L’oeuf 1884 {{PD}}

The word image for both days is a peeled, hard-boiled egg. We’re always talking about ‘potential’, especially in terms of our own lives and our own creativity. An egg is potential itself, but hard-boiling it captures potential and turns it into solid mass; it is what it is, at that moment–there’s no more room for development. The events of this Full Moon may show us that certain things can no longer remain (at least in our minds) in that state of potential; they will have already hardened, taken shape, and so must be accepted, used, dealt with as they are.

For those born with the Sun at 25 Leo: speaking of potential, you are fairly bursting with it–but what you need to know is that making the most of it won’t come easily: you will be tempted to fight every instinct and the deep, rhythmic primordial knowledge of life itself as it attempts to guide and inform you. Why would you resist that? It could be that you’ve come to believe too strongly in your own individuality; it’s time to acknowledge that there are forces out there bigger than you, and that they want to help. Good luck, Leo, and Happy Birthday!

Olaus Magnus 1555 {{PD}}

Olaus Magnus 1555 {{PD}}

For those born with the Sun at 26 Leo: a lot of things have come to an end recently, and you move into a new emotional ‘day’, with all the optimism that can offer. You’ve learned a great deal; we could say you’ve become wise, from all you’ve experienced. It’s time to take what you know and apply it in the smartest way possible; all that you know will coalesce to create a kind of ‘magic touch’ that, with even minimal effort, will manifest exactly what you’re aiming for. Good luck, Leo, and Happy Birthday!

See more to read here, donate, and enjoy a wonderful Full Moon!

Full Moon in Aquarius August 18 2016