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Tag Archives: Mercury direct

Mercury’s Post-Direction Journey: 10 Days in April 2018

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Posted by in astrology, Astrology and Communication, Consciousness Explored, Dreams, Mercury Direction, Retrogrades + Directions, Sabian Symbols

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By © 2017 Jee & Rani Nature Photography (License: CC BY-SA 4.0), CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=58519377

Though Mercury has already stationed for turnaround, it hasn’t happened yet; we have to wait until 2:21 AM Pacific time of the 15th for a technical shift in direction. Merc’s direct motion starts at 4 Aries 46, with Mercury’s first post-direction contacts (other than ones received from Luna) coming on the 25th-26th close together: a square to Saturn in Capricorn and a trine to Ceres in Leo. That leaves a relatively long stretch when Merc is picking up speed and unimpeded (as well as not imposing its own agenda) on anything else. Merc in Aries is about communicating who we are, and what we want, as individuals–so expect a spate of realizing just what it is we want or think, then speaking up, speaking out, followed after ten days or so by giving those ideas solid form, or stopping something we’ve found objectionable (Saturn) in a perfect (that is, balanced) expression of our identity, essence, and authority (Ceres, in all her glory in Leo).

Just hours after technical direction, we see the New Moon in Aries, and in the run up to Merc’s first contacts we see Chiron enter Aries, Sun conjoin Uranus then enter Taurus, and Venus sweep over Sedna and then enter Gemini, from which it sextiles Chiron, both still in 00 degrees–and at that point we see Mercury poised to make his statement. This should bring a kind of progression, a building of energies, that starts with a re-focusing on the sense of woundedness from a Universal one to a personal and individual one. This may prompt unusual revelations about the Self and the identity; things we’ve not seen as wounds before suddenly are, while other hurts we’ve assumed may be exposed as nothing at all. Attention shifts, then, to the material, to nurture, to tending those wounds (and in worst-case scenarios, to feeding them!) Meanwhile, relationships, finances, and our values all take it deep, dipping into instincts, things we ‘know but don’t know’, and into our own ‘blind spot’, in order to reveal the wounds, the ‘true’ state of the identity, and to organize and make sense of what transpired during the retrograde phase. Only then, just before Mercury makes its first aspects post-direction, will we know with any certainty what we should do, and how we should proceed. And that’s the essence of my advice at this time: in spite of the direction, wait–you’ll learn a great deal in those ten days that will have a significant impact on your perspective.

Albrecht Dürer – ‘Wing of a Roller’ 1511 {{PD}}

The Sabian symbol for the direction point perhaps offers a formula: ‘A Triangle With Wings’=elevated balance–not a bad goal, at all.

And now for an update on my dream life. I was in what seemed to be the lobby of an old department store, and as people came through the revolving doors I took it upon myself to decide who could come in and who was turned back. Even in the dream I thought I might be overstepping, but everyone supported me in this role and there were no arguments–everything was decided with my intuition, and everyone seemed to see this as valid. Then I toured the building, which was immense, filled with innumerable rooms, and as I moved through the corridors more and more people came along with me. I returned to the lobby as it seemed that’s where I was ‘needed’. A man sat on an elevated platform; he was in intense pain. I knew him from ‘before’ (which I took to be earlier in the dream). He was Indian, had been a soldier, and had been tortured in the Middle East; he was now severely deformed, with part of his spine sticking out of his back, his entire mid-section twisted. I sat before him and cupped my hands around one of his knees. Between my palms appeared a flow of what looked like deep golden marigold petals, and these somehow took away the man’s pain. Then I woke up (or as they say, did I go to sleep to dream my ‘real’ life?) This seemed to be along the same lines as that last dream I shared, so thought it might be of interest to some.

‘Marigolds and Tangerines’ By Félix Vallotton {{PD}}

Now the astrology. Last night around the time of the dream, the Moon and Mercury were conjoined in Aries in my communication 3rd=intuited information on my role or the actions I should take–communication through emotion (or perhaps empathy). Neptune and Hygeia were closely conjoined in Pisces and smack on my Black Moon Lilith=through dreams what has been ignored or denied is explored, the healthy way shown. t Jupiter trine natal Moon and natal Ceres, forming a Water Grand Trine=a glimpse of my ‘natural’ role/ authority, at expressing a personal, nurturing role, or was it a wee peek at the afterlife (Jupiter is now so strongly associated with death). And t NN is sextile my natal Jupiter, and Ceres sextile and Pallas trine my natal Mars, with t Saturn still within orb of a square to that Mars=addressing the Will, Self-actualization, the life direction; it’s the smart thing to do, though difficult to bring into the reality. t Vesta is square my natal Mercury, and this catches natal Neptune at the midpoint=I must face how I think about what I honor–this message is delivered through the dream life. t Sedna closely opposed my natal Venus=time to treasure what I ‘know but don’t know’, what the instincts reveal, and perhaps to find the value in what has, possibly just until the present, been hidden in my ‘blind spot’. And or all of these interpretations could be followed by a great, big question mark 🙂

Of course, these are just guesses, but it’s fun to look at the astrology and see what it might reveal (or, more often, obscure!) Have a wonderful week!

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Just a Little AstroEssence 22 December 2017 Take Your Time

21 Thursday Dec 2017

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

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Gardner Symons ‘The First Snowfall’ c1920 {{PD}}

Mercury stations direct in Sagittarius (at 13 degrees, even!). The turnaround points are typically tense; we want to act, as we sense things are changing. We may even sense that our way of processing events is changing, precipitating an urge to act or come to conclusions while we are still ‘ourselves’. There may be a wee panic; am I losing my mind, are people keeping things from me, are my beliefs failing me, what don’t I know? (those last two particularly appropriate for Mercury in Sagittarius) This time Merc changes apparent direction without making any super-close aspects, and since it moves relatively slowly after direction, we require a very close shave to call them significant. We’ll likely feel the shift in matters of the House holding Sag–something will become clearer, or will be apparent–and in the matters of the Houses Mercury rules. Best to give things a day or two before going forward. That tension that can make us want to hurry can cause as much of a warp to perceptions as can the actual retro period, so allow a little time to pass, before going forward.

Today we also see Pluto sextile Vesta, suggesting that highest values, what we honor, what we find sacred may undergo change, possibly from what we learn on the Merc direction, and Jupiter semi-squares Saturn, implying some discord between beliefs and reality, or the social sphere and restrictions (or again, the reality of things), or between what we know and what we see in front of us. This, too, may contribute to the changes to what we value, as we parse the facts and the real-world situation.

Yesterday was the Solstice, the day in the Northern Hemisphere when daylight is shortest, while in the Southern Hemisphere it marks the longest stretch of daylight–so, important everywhere, not astrologically, but symbolically; in winter it suggests a renewal of hope. We’ve seen the ‘darkest day’, and now the light will steadily increase, and as light-sensitive Beings we respond to that positively. We instinctively feel we are safer in the light–and ‘staying in the light’ does, in so many ways, keep us from harm.

Today’s word image is sunlight on the pines, on a very cold day. Take a moment, visualize this (or whatever scenario in nature you find peaceful). Can you smell the cedar, hear the bird song, feel the sun on your skin? Make sure to allow yourself and others time for such pauses in the coming weeks–we’ll all feel better for it.

John Constable {{PD}}

Remember that cloud of healing energy that we formed during the Eclipse years, specifically as an energy ‘bank’ on which those who needed it could draw? Just a reminder that it’s still there, available if you need it–and open for deposits, if you’d like.

Just a Little AstroEssence 5 September 2017 A Tangled Road

04 Monday Sep 2017

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Fairy Tale Forest Creatures by Arthur Rackham 1919 {{PD}}

Mercury stations direct, and Mars enters Virgo–those seem straightforward enough, don’t they? And related, as our action urge enters territory that requires care, precision, attention to detail, to our results, and the sign’s ruler shifts from reclusive and cagey to open and advancing. It all suggests things going forward, and things being worked out–but what else is in the picture, set to exert an influence on these tidy and welcome proceedings?

Venus sesquiquadrates Chiron and quincunxes Neptune, suggesting that not only will relationships be difficult, we could accidentally hurt them (or blunderingly heal them, which is almost a kind of wounding, as well) out of misperception, misguidedness, or sheer fantasy that tells us things are something they’re not. We may have to adjust values or spending to suit partners or our budget, and creativity may cost us, or change our relationships in irritating ways. Then there’s the Sun sesquiquadrate Uranus, illuminating what’s different, strange, freakish, shocking, or unreliable, and this possibly in our own behavior or in relation to the group. What we have, then, is a day that seems on the surface to open a smooth road before us–but that somehow tangles around us, like tree branches in an enchanted forest, in areas of relationships or finance, likely out of our own misunderstanding of these, or in our attempt to align our own interests with the groups’. Step with care, rather than run with abandon–you’re much less likely to take a fall, and will get to see the landscape, besides.

Today’s word image is a movie, already seen, viewed again. Do you re-watch movies, or do you never want to repeat what you’ve already seen? I often have a completely different experience, seeing the whole thing from another perspective, than I did the first time around, so to me it can be highly enjoyable. There’s a situation or circumstance repeating in your life right now–are you seeing it as a boring re-run (and so maybe missing the meaning of its recurrence?) or are you experiencing it anew, seeing whole new meanings in what’s happening (but maybe missing the message it tried to deliver the first time)? The answer to that tells you where and what you might need to adjust, especially in terms of where you need to put your attention.

 

Your Week 28 April-4 May 2017 Unfocus the Self

27 Thursday Apr 2017

Posted by in astrology, current events in the sky, forecast, Horoscope, Mercury Direction, The Daily Word Image, Weekly Astrology

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James Tissot – ‘The Gallery of HMS Calcutta (Portsmouth)’ {{PD}}

This week we may need to ‘unfocus the Self’, allow some distance (with some softening of lines) between our own interests and the rest of the world. Too much of what goes wrong does so because we push forward with the Will and ego, because the feeling is that we have a mandate, that so much excited (in the science meaning, as in agitated) energy within must signify that what we desire is correct in a Universal sense–and that is just not true. Perspective is important this week; so is keeping a strong sense of the real-world as it is, not as we think it is.

Friday the 28th the temptation is to charge forward, sure we are right. Impulsiveness feels sanctioned and may even be rewarded, and the mind is lightning-quick; we think we’re leading the pack, but Merc’s retro status combined with the parallel to and conjunction with Uranus says that we’re not able to decipher all those ideas and perceptions just yet. Like radio signals sent from some far away star and recorded by our brains, we can’t address those signals consciously yet–we know they exist but aren’t yet aware of what they mean–and that says that most action will be premature, carried out without a clear idea of the possible impact or potential consequences.

When it comes to empowering ourselves, we are confused, deluded, or inspired about what will work, if only because it appears we must compromise priorities and values to reach an ideal power state–but not only do we not have to make such a compromise, doing so won’t bring us what we think it will. We’d instead find that to bend our values will be to have given our mojo to the group, and they’ll (inevitably) wield it badly. Keep your own counsel, take notes on those brilliant ideas and sudden perceptions, and remain aware of those issues we’d all rather ignore or deny, as they figure in to the landscape whether or not we choose to acknowledge or address them.

What did you envision? By SpaceX – https://www.flickr.com/photos/spacexphotos/17071818163/, CC0

Today’s word image is a year: 1988. That’s roughly a full Saturn cycle ago. Can you see any threads running from then to now? How did the future look to you at that point? Did things go as you thought they would? How accurately did you see what was coming, and how have your beliefs and knowledge changed since then? And if you were born after that year, what particular knowledge or beliefs (Saturn in Sagittarius) do you hold that are shaping your future right now? This is about being conscious of what we’ve built, and what we’re building now.

The 29th, though we can draw wisdom from the past like water from a well, we can’t seem to apply it in finances or relationships. We want to shape these positively, to lay a rewarding or profitable groundwork for the future–with such intentions, why aren’t our efforts succeeding? 1. We’re thinking too much about power, and especially about imposing our Will–and that can come off to others as aggressive, preventing meaningful connection. 2. We’re spending too much energy in our own heads, failing to realize that knowing what we want to accomplish doesn’t get it done–we’re congratulating ourselves mentally before we’ve taken action. 3. We’re chafing at what our own instincts are telling us–and that likely means we’re rejecting internal signals in favor of keeping up a facade or fantasy. Let go of prejudices against reality (for that’s what it is, when we reject knowledge, or insist on putting it through a perceptual sieve) for best results in applying wisdom earned in the past to issues in play today.

Today’s word image is a lone, uniformed girl on a volleyball court, holding a volleyball, with no one else in sight. Is there some ‘court’ or life arena where you’re all ready for a ‘game’ or a challenge, but there’s no one else interested in playing? Such frustrations may point to being out-of-step with the current picture of ‘where the action is’, and may suggest we are trying to exert too much control over the game, trying to force others into an arena where we are more comfortable, and so assume we’d have an advantage. Consider that no matter how frightened or uncomfortable we are with the idea of stepping onto an active playing field, absolutely nothing will change if we don’t join in with others, playing the games that actually matter to them and to us.

Looking for an online Astrology class for beginners? Here’s one from Kelly that starts 1 May

On the 30th we may experience a bit of a crisis: we disconnect from reality, and then wonder why things don’t go well! The issue: fear meets our wounds, and we act out our pain via the Will. We try to flex our muscles, make things go our way, just to reassure ourselves that we’re potent, and maybe worthy. We may perceive it as the group or social order keeping us down, or rules or authorities imposing limits, but the reality is we wouldn’t feel that way if we weren’t looking for validation. First, we are not tickets, we are humans–no need for validation, we are worthy as we are, and that is true of any state in which we exist. Today, focus the Will and desires on materially-oriented goals and dreams; when we are forced to stop thinking about things in terms of the ego, and instead must process physical steps to accomplish, we go a long way toward eliminating all that could hold us back right now.

A funicular in Le Havre. Photo By Philippe Alès – Own work, GFDL, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=9908206

Today’s word image is a funicular. These charming crosses between a trolley car and an elevator are uniquely suited to move people and small goods up and down steep hillsides. What is the ‘steep hillside’ you’re facing? Is there a tidy funicular (perhaps overlooked in favor of a more direct and laborious approach, in our figurative vernacular ‘cutting a road from the hillside’ or ‘using pack mules’, perhaps?) that if utilized instead would make climbing that hill a whole lot easier? What can pull you up in a way and with a speed that your effort alone just can’t?

May 1st (sometimes known as May Day) brings unqualified reward (Love, Money, or Other) from whatever we put our attention on. Choose carefully, and spend energy where you hope to profit, gain, and give and receive various forms, types, and shapes of love.

They look like they get what May Day’s all about. ‘Women dancing with veils at the May Day Pageant’ No place or year cited. No restrictions.

Today’s word image is a flock of crows flying east to their roosts for the night. Every evening around here we see a mass exodus as the crows fly a couple of miles to where they sleep. They seemed to just disappear. When I finally found out where they roost, it made sense: they chose a forested hill with no activity, completely out of sight but very close to the lake and all those sources of delicious trash, humans. What are you neglecting to allow down time? Something or someone may need to retreat periodically in a way that seems mysterious to you–let them, and know that their chosen circumstances allow them to regenerate in a way that seems safe to them.

‘Crows Fly by Red Sky at Sunset’ Portfolio/Series: from the Series Hana Kurabe Artist: Shibata Zeshin 19th century

2 May offers a somewhat uncomfortable reality check (it only hurts by as much as we are misaligned with real world circumstances), and brings about a reassessing of the values in terms of how much they support our need to shine. It’s a legitimate question, especially if we’ve valued things that act more as barriers to Soul expression than as conduits for it. It’s time we recognize that conducting ourselves according to random moral judgments or ideas of false modesty aren’t just outdated, they prevent authenticity–so here we have the chance to re-shape behaviors and commitments so they actually reflect what we honor in life, and what we find sacred.

Today’s word image is a blue dinner plate. That brings to mind the old ‘Blue Plate Special’. Whether you are aware of it or not, you’re ordering up something special, something unique, just for you, the answer to some appetite–look around, and become conscious of what it is you’re asking for.

By 3 May we are rarin’ to go with all those ideas we’ve amassed during the retrograde of Mercury, which is over today. The great thing is that through the mind we currently have a direct pathway to the instincts and to knowledge we carry deep inside–but while it’s still a tad too early to act in physical terms, it’s prime time to translate creative energies into real-world forms, so do something artistic, or that calls for as much flair as it does calculation.

Today’s word image is a man in a desert, burying a red box. Before you go all ‘Seven’ on me (“What’s in the box!!?”) imagine that it’s a gift, chosen by your Higher Self, just for you at this time in your life. Now, what’s in the box? And when will you feel ready to go dig it up?

The 4th of May sees us aim for healthy–and that might not manifest as you would expect. Some of us will need to express anger, to take action, or to act out, especially if we are faced with matters too long ignored, denied, or that have too long enraged us. The pot boileth over, and often with good reason. Some may suffer Self-recriminations over missteps in the past–please don’t, it’s all over, the only one left who needs to forgive you is you–and though thoughts and ideas may run in an overheated or too enthusiastic vein, they also help get us moving. Those not in need of speaking out are likely to take steps to better treatment of their own bodies or their psyches–but in every case, what’s done is done to push us in a healthier direction.

Not all fancy wear is for ladies. Young Chinese actor in very formal Chinese dress, ca.1920 Photographer: Pierce, C.C. (Charles C.) {{PD}}

Today’s word image is a formal gown, that the purchaser has never gotten to wear. What elevated role, event, task, or accomplishment have you been moving toward for so long, it seems you’ll never get to ‘be’ that? It’s not only never too late, you’ve been going in this direction all along–so how much longer before you ‘dress up’ in the desired identity, and step out?

Have a wonderful week, my friends! And to all the lovely people who have written to me this week, requested services, or otherwise sent kindness my way, thank you. Please know I’m moving as fast as I can and will answer, or change the availability on my Services page, as soon as possible.

8 January 2017 Scanning the Horizon

07 Saturday Jan 2017

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

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By Arctic light - Frank Olsen - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=28219474

By Arctic light – Frank Olsen – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=28219474

The AstroEssence: The Messenger stations direct at 1:43 AM Pacific time, and I find that taking a snapshot of the moment of direction often reveals something about the trends to follow–so here goes. Mercury changes direction while being body of latest degree, which suggests a real turnaround in our conclusions and recently-reached assessments–not a big surprise at a station of Merc, but definitely more pronounced than we might expect, and in Sagittarius what we may find ourselves doing is scanning the horizon, for what we can learn, for ‘the facts’, or to find circumstances that reflect, or where we can implement, our faith. The first aspect Mercury will make (not counting Lunar ones received) will be a quincunx to Vesta, implying that adjustments in the values picture, and within the home and mate relationship, are to be anticipated. Too, we may find ourselves reassessing our commitments; what we value may have irrevocably altered during the retro period, but we’re just finding out, or even beginning to consider the implications, now.

The realizations of direction are accompanied by the urge to act, to ‘correct’ what’s not to our highest standards or what doesn’t reflect our commitments adequately, and we may find our attention repeatedly drawn toward those elements within our ambition or desire picture that don’t support, or that contradict, our identity, the Soul-image we carry of ourselves in ideal form. We may see the benefits in curbing our originality (being part of the group may offer more than being a standout, at this point), and relationships may ask that we forego erratic behavior or a too-spontaneous approach to interaction–but these conditions are only temporary, and it’s still up to us to choose (Merc stations direct, Mars sesq Vesta, Venus semi-sq Uranus, Sun sq Zeus)

By Théodore Chassériau - Web Gallery of Art: Image Info about artwork, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=6726493

By Théodore Chassériau – Web Gallery of Art: Image Info about artwork, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=6726493

Today’s word image is a pair of events: an individual leaps from a balcony railing, in one instance landing on a car, in the other landing on a trampoline and smilingly bouncing up. I’d say this is about how we take a fall, or a let-down, with one alternative ending in ‘crushing’ defeat, and the other suggesting an indomitable spirit that refuses wounding or censure. It’s always our choice how we process a problem or a loss, but we should remember that just because it hurts, it saddens us, or it removes the potential opportunity, doesn’t mean it has to stop our forward momentum or permanently end our efforts. Think of it as a ‘Leap of Faith’, where the faith to recover is more important than the faith it took to make the step in the first place. Do we need to mourn an upset? Of course, that’s part of acceptance and acknowledging what will never be–but if we want to be healthy, we don’t stay in that ‘down’ state, but bounce back, as quickly as we can.

For those born with the Sun at 18 Capricorn: Look to the emotions, especially as they express through the material world, through sustenance, comfort, and security, to navigate this Solar period through to your next birthday; you’ll find plenty of ‘messages’ in the way others share their material bounty that will be a lot more telling than anything they say–and conversely, your best expression of the feeling state comes through translating this into gifts, caretaking, or support of any kind for those you love. It’s an interesting, touchy-feely year for you, where you can, by expressing how you feel, pave the way for ambition and desire fulfillment, without actually having to go directly after them–what you want is instead drawn to you. Good luck, Cappy, and Happy Birthday!

21-22 September 2016 Changing Impressions

20 Tuesday Sep 2016

Posted by in astrology, Born Today, current events in the sky, forecast, Horoscope, Mercury Direction, Retrogrades + Directions, The Daily Word Image

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Aksel Waldemar Johannessen 'Skiläufer in verschneiter Landschaft' - c. 1918 {{PD}}

Aksel Waldemar Johannessen ‘Skiläufer in verschneiter Landschaft’ – c. 1918 {{PD}}

The AstroEssence for the 21st: Here’s what I wrote when the retrograde period for Mercury began; you might want to check it out and see if it played out like this for you. And now, a word about Merc’s direction, which occurs at 14 Virgo 49 at 10:30 PM Pacific time of the 21st. As I wrote at that time about the direction, it occurs “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.” It’s a close trine, perfecting quickly, and so implying transformative sweeps of our mental landscape that translate into sweeping change in the material one (or, if you prefer, destruction of previous thinking, probably on subjects ruled by Merc or indicated by the Houses it rules or where it’s turning around), replaced with a vacuum, that will be filled with a new viewpoint during the period immediately following direction. The next aspect set for Mercury after that conversation with Pluto is a sextile to Juno that catches Zeus at the midpoint. This implies that the changes we make will be empowering, and they may either bring access to ambition fulfillment more quickly than we anticipated, or they may require the adjustment of the ambition picture, as we realize what making an effective impact on our surroundings really entails.

We also may see adjustment to relationships or finances, according to what happened in the past. This is something we will likely feel we must do, in a kind of delayed reaction that suggests we will only now be realizing the need for response and change (Venus sesq SN)

The AstroEssence for the 22nd: The Sun moves into Libra, and so of course the Earth moves into Aries, with the axis connecting to Jupiter by parallel/ contra-parallel. A sense of optimism and opportunity accompanies this sign shift, though it may feel at first like the social sphere drowns out the conversation between individuals. That’s only a hint that we best spend our energy attending to matters of health, and to what’s practical and smart in material areas, especially those where we are ‘the engine’ that makes it happen (Earth in Aries) (Mars sxt Hygeia, Earth nov Pallas)

Allegory of communist press censorship, analogue picture taken in 1989. Artist: Jacek Halicki Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported

Allegory of communist press censorship, analogue picture taken in 1989. Artist: Jacek Halicki Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported

The word image for the 21st is a newspaper article about you. Do you have a memory of an actual event that occurred for which you were featured, singled out for attention, or for which you won accolades, or do you envision a future accomplishment or act of infamy? Whichever it is, you’re likely right now to be reviewing that event or expectation, and reassessing its importance in your life, with the central question being, What else will you do that will be worthy of notice, and will it be considered positive or negative by those who come after?

The word image for the 22nd is a pair of old-fashioned skis. When I first started skiing as a child, boots were lace-up, and proper ski height (for your wooden skis!) was determined by holding your arm straight up–that was the correct ski length for you. Everything, I mean everything, has changed since then. You may have a personal memory or connection with some practice, sport, or tradition that has taken a completely, almost unrecognizable form in the interim between ‘then’ and ‘now’, or this may simply be a reminder that everything evolves, bringing up the question, ‘Is now better than then, or is the idea of ‘better’ even relevant?’

Mihail Simonidy 1904 {{PD}}

Mihail Simonidy 1904 {{PD}}

For those born with the Sun at 29 Virgo: you’re headed toward a period of emotional harmony, but it’s going to take some work, and most of the year through to your next birthday, to get there. It’s a matter of making the right choices, being willing to commit assets (be they material or talent-related), and taking specific steps to both stay healthy and be open to instincts; do this, and what you create may be one of the most enjoyable periods of your life. Good luck, Virgo, and Happy Birthday!

For those born with the Sun at 00 Libra: it seems you’re looking for your version of Power, your rightful place in the natural order, and you’re looking to expand your world with new experiences, travel, learning–so what’s stopping you? This may be your best opportunity for some time to come to do what you want–you’re fairly well positioned for it, relatively speaking, if I’m reading this thing right–so I would encourage you to go for it. Good luck, Libra, and Happy Birthday!

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Your Weekend 21-23 May 2016 Icebergs and Wreck in Sunset

20 Friday May 2016

Posted by in astrology, current events in the sky, Fist of God, Full Moon, Mercury Direction, The Daily Word Image

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The title of this painting says it all. 'Icebergs and Wreck in Sunset' Frederic Edwin Church 1860 {{PD}}

The title of this painting says it all. ‘Icebergs and Wreck in Sunset’ Frederic Edwin Church 1860 {{PD}}

Though we’ve already discussed the Full Moon, that isn’t the only influence we’ll feel on the 21st. Whether we are more attuned to just one or two of these, pummeled by the Fist, or we are aware of all of them, there’s one thing today’s aspects have in common: they feel like a crisis. Those things we’ve been ashamed of, wished to ignore, or that have made us angry (and with which we haven’t dealt) in the past suddenly imply that there are secrets, depths, that may make the issues much worse than we ever thought; or maybe we feel that keeping to our values will wreck our empowerment options; or it could be we perceive a threat to home, mate, family, or to a cause dear to us (or dear to our Self-image, as something we use to define ourselves); or perhaps the social sphere, a lack of knowledge, or a failed or unreachable opportunity is jarring our concept of our own personal power, authority, and threatens to remove what we’ve ’til now seen as our territory.

And the level of aggression involved, the level of destruction threatened if we don’t comply by standing down in some energetic or psychic sense, is extraordinary–and though it will obviously have an external component, we must consider it may be in our own minds, or even more likely, a form of our own anger or aggression, bouncing back at us. We know this because of the way each aspect circles back around to something very personal: our values, our ego, our fear, our Self-image.

We are clever Beings; we know how to protect our viewpoint, justify our interests and our objectives, and for a few of us, at least, this is the origin of our sense of assault. For some this is an answer to our own failure to go forward when the way was clear–maybe we thought the ‘opening’ would last forever, maybe we were trying to do it ‘right’ and didn’t see that making the move, not our form, was most important–and just maybe we are unable at this time to see how truly responsible we are for our own situation. It’s much easier to say the reasons for where we are are ‘out there’, but the reality is, we got here by making choices (or by refusing to make choices)–and so ends another depressing (though it should be empowering, knowing it’s all in our own hands!) sermon on Self-responsibility–no wonder I’m not more popular!

There’s a Fist of God, apex Vesta, base of Zeus and Pluto, closely aligned the 21st that the Sun comes along and lights up the 22nd and 23rd. We juggle ambitions and desires, our very real need to feel powerful in our own world, and factors that may renew or destroy, and we find that what really matters are those things to which we’re dedicated–and then we must decide if we will honor those with our choices, or not. Real-world results, with real-world measures of our own power, authority, and reach, appear, but we need to be careful; what draws our attention may send us the false message that rebellion, Self-absorption, or chaos are positive responses, that they will empower. The true nature of the situation, though, is in the basics, what actually lies before us, with our best course of action one that finds ways for us to express our uniqueness and our spontaneity within those relationships and life structures we actually find sacred; that is, there’s no need for disruption or destruction, if we are clear on what we truly care about.

Artist unknown {{PD}}

Artist unknown {{PD}}

A note on the station direct of Mercury: it occurs AM of the 22nd PDT at 14 Taurus 20, and makes no aspects moving forward (other than receiving a quincunx from the Moon) for some time. This suggests forward motion makes for a sense of aloneness, a sense of ‘I’ve just awakened, now where is everyone?’ Don’t be surprised if in the first few days after direction communication seems more smoke signals and carrier pigeons than direct talk and clear terms–it all evens out, soon enough.

(Perfecting the 21st: Black Moon Lilith enters Scorpio, the Fist, Jupiter qnx Ceres, Mars opp Vesta, Vesta qnx Juno; the 22nd Merc stations direct, Uranus nov Vesta, Saturn trine Ceres, Sun contra-parallel Saturn and conjoins Vesta to become part of the Fist; the 23rd the Sun nov Uranus, Venus semi-sq Ceres )

Word images for–the 21st: a phone booth stands, still maintained and in service, in a deserted warehouse district. This implies that despite our sense of communications as difficult pre-direction of Merc, we should be reassured that some area we thought it was ‘no use’ trying to communicate in is still active, if not easily accessible.

–the 22nd: a girl sits under an oak, counting acorns. Isn’t that just like us, to be so fixated on new beginnings, and so readily taking for granted what is already grown, that we put our attention on the ‘might be-s’, rather than what is? Here we may be admonished not to put too much stock in the potential of an ‘acorn’ well before it’s shown itself to be anything but food for squirrels 🙂

Table set for a birthday party, probably 1940s Wales. Source of the file: http://www.llgc.org.uk/en/ CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication

Table set for a birthday party, probably 1940s Wales. Source of the file: http://www.llgc.org.uk/en/ CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication

–the 23rd: a table is set for a meal that never happens; everything collects dust. Where have you created the perfect ‘setting’ but failed to follow through and use it to its best advantage? This may take a little introspection, a little thought, as it’s not always obvious to us where we may have made all the preparations, except for the ones that will really ‘serve’ some purpose.

If you want to order something, do it now–I’ll be unavailable from noon of the 21st through evening of the 23rd, and no one will be overseeing the Press, so no questions or queries will be answered, and no book orders filled, until my return to the keyboard. Thank you for a really lovely spring–and here’s to summer!

See and order books here, see services here, and donate at right–thanks, and enjoy your weekend!

 

Your Weekend 22-25 January 2016 What’s Smart? + The Leo Full Moon

21 Thursday Jan 2016

Posted by in astrology, current events in the sky, Full Moon, Mercury Direction

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Artist Willem van Aelst 'Still life with hunting equipment and dead birds' 1668 {{PD}}


Artist
Willem van Aelst ‘Still life with hunting equipment and dead birds’ 1668 {{PD}}

The 22nd Pallas enters Aquarius and, especially while Merc remains retro, we may convince ourselves that every thought is an informed or wise one; au contraire, mon ami, it’s just not so. We may discount our own strength in a situation, even as we treat our wounds as sacred, to be honored rather than healed. This leads to some heavy forms of communication, destructive in some instances, transformative in others. The results all depend on what we really want to change and what we truly care for, deep inside (Vesta parallel Chiron and semi-sq Ceres, Merc conj Pluto)

The 23rd we feel a strong pull into the future, a forward-looking optimism that has practical values and a sense of personal responsibility at its root. We are in a position to understand our minds and our thinking clearly, though not in a position to act on the fairly objective picture we have; we are too damaged by, or perhaps fearful of, further hurt to choose an effective course (Jupiter conj NN, Venus into Capricorn, Merc parallel Ceres, Sun parallel Merc and semi-sq Chiron)

The Full Moon in Leo arrives at 5:46 PM Pacific time at 3 Leo 29. The closest aspect this FM makes is a sesquiquadrate to Chiron; it also opposes Pallas, and takes what amounts to a very wide swipe by quincunx (and so essentially misses) Venus fresh in Cappy (and it’s that newness to the sign that may make Venus more susceptible than usual). This suggests that the Full Moon brings an end, through difficult circumstances, to some unwise, ego-driven hurt that we’ve clung to too long. We have compromised both our values and our ability to heal this insult by willingly resuscitating it; now we have the chance to let it go, once and for all.

‘A Formally Dressed Elderly Man Stands Near Trophies He Brought Back From A Hunting Expedition’ This Full Moon Sabian says that what must be let go is something from the past, something we have collected and cherished (in our own way–the trophies), and we receive a hint that what we are called to let go resulted from our own aggression–but the circumstances that ‘earned’ them are no more, so that our energy is better focused in the now, and in what’s to come, than it is dwelling on the past (and that’s no matter how recently this past has been). It’s important to note that the ‘trophies’ the image refers to, at least in a hunting context, are actually living things pursued and killed, rather than the metal cups and plaques we nowadays typically label ‘trophies’, and this suggests the entire concept of pursuing and laying aggressive claim to the life energy (in whatever form) of another living thing is past its time. We ‘age’ ourselves when we cling to what was, whether it was a glory or a debacle–this Full Moon will show us that, and offer a letting-go opportunity.

For another take on the Full Moon, see Lua Astrology–

The 24th we set out to honor the reality picture, to deal with circumstances as they are, and to dedicate our energy and efforts to building knowledge, to reaching out, to discovering (Saturn in Sagittarius), but what’s been denied, hidden, ignored, or has enraged us at some point surfaces again and prompts rebellion, erratic reactions, or pushes us forward to a point where our response is totally original (at least within our typical lexicon of behavior). The fact is we can’t deal with the reality picture in any effective way if we are wearing a lens of anger or denial; that distorts our vision and automatically means our choices will not be the best we could make. Accept that the issue must be dealt with, and be thankful you were given the chance to handle it, rather than allowed to go ahead and make a muddle of things (Saturn trine Vesta, Uranus opp Black Moon Lilith)

The 25th we find a way to express our Will through our current status or empowerment situation–and isn’t that what we always seek? Be aware that, if you’re dealing with less-conscious others, your competence may attract some aggression–but pay it no mind (Mars conj Juno) We also have Mercury direct today. He turns around just shy of the middle of Capricorn, so if you have placements halfway through the Cardinals you can expect a certain amount of news or communication urgency related to the contacted natal energy–probably somebody (maybe you!) is trying to ‘nail it down’. First thing our valiant messenger contacts (not counting hits to Merc from the Moon) is Pluto, by 30 January; this may be the point when we get the ‘down and dirty’ that happened during the retro period but which somehow remained hidden, until now.

Have a lovely weekend!

Mercury Direct: Hard Truths & Serious Fantasies

16 Saturday Mar 2013

Posted by in current events in the sky, Mercury Direction

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'Fantasy' by Pierre Puvis de Chavannes 1866 {{PD-Art}}

‘Fantasy’ by Pierre Puvis de Chavannes 1866 {{PD-Art}}

Mercury goes direct on the 17th, at 1:03 PM PDT, at 5 Pisces 38. A chart for the moment of direction of a body can often tells us a little something both about what the retrograde meant, and what tack the planet will now take in forward motion. This kind of chart may resonate through the coming weeks simply because the planet will be at its most ‘still’ point at this time, as motionless as a body ever gets, and so may ‘mark’ the Cosmos with a particular vibe. Keeping our usual strict 2 degree or so orb, we see that Mercury turns it around in aspect to the Moon (a square) and Neptune (a conjunction)–and for depth we note the wide-ish semi-sextile to both Mars and Uranus in Aries.

This combination of aspects suggests some hard emotional and intuitive truths may be revealed, likely through exchange of info, gossip, or thoughts with others (Gemini), or through something written, which contradicts what we perhaps idealized, misunderstood, or were mislead about (Merc in Pisces conjunct Neptune). With Mercury having spent the entire retrograde in Pisces, we can be fairly sure that there is something we missed over this period, something we imagined we knew or understood, or some condition we assumed was in effect that was not.

To be fair, though, there was also the potential for something fantastic to be born in this retro period; many of us came up with the spark or idea that will change our lives, take us in a new direction–and we may not even recognize this, yet. Particularly if your new idea or direction involved both a creative and a co-operative element, you are already on your way to realizing significant changes to the way you   ——–  Fill that in with the matters of the House ruled in your natal chart by Pisces/ Neptune.

This retro period dared a lot of people to dream; now, with direction, the work of making those dreams realities begins, and the first order of business includes a confrontation with emotional realities and information previously not known (Moon in Gemini), and a re-forming and re-visiting of the creative entity birthed since the retrograde began (Merc conj Neptune–but you’ll notice Mercury is ahead of Neptune, and so will not make exact contact again, emphasizing that this will not bring new creative visions, but will only feature them over the time between direction and Superior Conjunction). The informal contact from Mars and Uranus in Aries says that our main ‘instrument’ will be our own Self-interest, Will, and initiative, driven by our unique point of view, the support of the group, and the general willingness of all to innovate–we’ve got nowhere to go but forward from here.

Mercury Direct 17 March 2013For much more, including the complete astro forecast that features an hour-by-hour Lunar forecast, articles, and commentary, please subscribe–thanks! And this week the issue’s a double!

Helpful re-tooling for the direction at Digital Journal

29 December 2010: An Endless Well of Plutonian Feeling

29 Wednesday Dec 2010

Posted by in current events in the sky

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If only what's coming up from the depths would be this idyllic Siemiradzkiego 1898 {{PD-Art}}

The Moon enters Scorpio at 12:49 PM PST. This could be a time when we feel like saying, ‘Scorpio, you are a real bitch.’ The atmosphere will seem unusually harsh, with emotional challenges to creativity, with feelings of attack (rather than actual attack) coming forward, and the aesthetic both volatile (via the emotions) and too willing to embrace the unsightly and to re-cycle what may or may not still hold some value. Disorientation may be the overriding result, as we face Merc’s direction (11:20 PM PST).

9:04 AM PST the 29th: I wrote the above several days ago, and now that we’re here, I’m not feeling it in quite the same way–so what’s up? Let’s look at the aspects in effect right now–the Moon is 17 minutes from her Void, with a square to Ceres the last aspect. This suggests to me that we’re in the midst of a natural progression, and that we don’t ‘arrive’ at the Scorpionic reaction until we hit the Scorpio Moon–well that makes sense.

I think all our energy is really focused toward the Mercury Direction tonight (11:20 PM PST), and that tension may override other considerations, with the Moon’s entry into Scorpio enhancing the stress inherent in a station and making it the key player in today’s scenario.

Of course, the Mars/ Saturn square is exact, and Pluto sits at the Sun/ Pallas midpoint, and both are promises of assertive, even volatile, energy making an appearance materially/ physically–and it seems like a smart alternative or channel for our energy! The only chance of this being productive is found in being entirely conscious of just how much ‘push’ there is in the psyche. Pluto can be stealthy, and right when we think we’ve used up all that assertive juice more comes along–and must find an outlet. As long as we can accept that it will keep coming (for Pluto has depths and depths and no end) we will continue in conscious mode, and not fall prey to lashing out, acting out, or passing out from sheer rage, pique, or shock!

See more on the Private Pages (Only for ECLIPSE Readers) at right–get your password with purchase of ECLIPSE AstroJournal, Fall issue, links at right–Thanks! And ECLIPSE Readers, watch for a New Year’s Eve forecast that will be added to December’s Evolving Forecast later today!