Tag Archives: My Weekend Astro Diary

Your Week 14-20 April 2017 A Taste of What’s Holding You Back

12 Wednesday Apr 2017

Posted by in astrology, current events in the sky, forecast, Horoscope, Inferior Conjunction, Pluto, Retrogrades + Directions, Sun/Mercury Inferior Conjunction, The Daily Word Image, Venus

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

, , , , , , ,

‘Merchant’s Wife at Tea’ By Boris Kustodiev 1917 {{PD}}

Friday the 14th we see a perfect blending of ego and action urge with instincts, making for highly successful actions and choices as long as we go totally on those programmed and in-built inclinations. Problems arise from too much conscious attention to values and priorities; this is a time when we quite literally do best to think as little as possible, and to follow the spontaneous instinctive spark we carry within–otherwise, we tie ourselves in knots trying to make material and everyday circumstances meet a ‘purity standard’ that belongs better as an ideal.

Today’s word image is the actor John Wayne. Even when I was a child, he was considered a symbol of American values–but when we inspect those values now, we see their flaws: the embrace of Manifest Destiny, which inherently carries the idea of White superiority; the romanticization of the Western way of life, including its misogynist bent, its assumption of ‘Christian’ values as right and superior, and its lack of regard for both the best interests of animals/ the land, and the rights of other cultures, especially indigenous ones; the idea of rugged individualism, a pernicious code echoing the ‘each man for himself’, ‘survival of the fittest’ ideal which celebrates Self-reliance to an absurd degree, as well as justifying unfettered greed and exploitation, and as fuel for sanctimonious refusal to help others; the romance with guns, which continues today. It may be too much to say we should look at our own ‘John Wayne attitudes’, some way in which we are unquestioningly sure we are carrying the banner of right, or making assumptions about privilege due–it may be enough to look around for and make note of where these ugly Western assumptions may still permeate our thinking, our beliefs about ourselves, our country, or our way of life.

Venus goes direct on the 15th, at 26 Pisces 54; this sends it back toward a re-perfection of that square with Saturn. We get a last taste of barriers, restrictions, obstacles, or required discipline–or we see the cost of those restrictions, or the cost of not having applied them, or what we’ve lost by following (or not following) ‘the rules’, especially as it pertains to relationships. This may present a last, bitter pill, or could show us the difficulty associated with getting what we desire, and though tough, could be the point of delivery–it’s all dependent on previous experience with this square, and the individual impact through the natal chart, especially the unique relationship of each person to the Saturn concepts (which generally dictate whether the retro period represents a ‘taking away’ or an ‘opening the way’).

There’s also a perfection of a Juno sesquiquadrate to the North Node, which on the surface might not seem like much–but when we combine it with the Venus-Saturn effect, with Venus finally leaving her retro phase, we may find, especially if we are female, that empowerment options and circumstances that should help us build our desired future will not be easily exercised. We may find that the patriarchy, the establishment, authorities, elders, or rule-enforcers put obstacles in our way, or try to suppress or stop us. Gaining empowerment is possible, as long as we are willing to work around or be flexible, in terms of those demands or restrictions being made on us.

Today’s word image is a hand-tooled leather bridle. As lovely as the workmanship on one can be, a bridle is essentially an instrument of control, one that works because of the pain it causes (via the metal bit to the sensitive mouth of a horse or other animal). Is there some external control, applied by someone else, that you’re allowing, out of fear of pain if you don’t? What freedom have you allowed to be ‘bridled’, willingly or not? Have you been indoctrinated with the idea that certain behaviors aren’t allowed, that it would be uncivilized (or unladylike, or unmanly) to indulge in them? What’s allowing someone else to ride you–that is, keep on top of you or your performance, in some way–and so control you?

On the 16th we surf an unusually smooth and pleasant minor ‘wave’ of harmonies and sychronicities. Values aid the operation of instincts, actions and choices utilize our most unique skills, and cooperation, especially cooperation between complementary elements (anima and animus, man-woman, assertive and receptive, yin and yang) flows with little effort. It all comes naturally, with the result being that we find the energy and spark to handle what we’ve been ignoring or denying, and in doing so find our personal empowerment options strengthened and elevated.

By Paolo Monti – Available in the BEIC digital library and uploaded in partnership with BEIC Foundation.The image comes from the Fondo Paolo Monti, owned by BEIC and located in the Civico Archivio Fotografico of Milan.This work is free and may be used by anyone for any purpose.

Today’s word image is a single blue balloon, floating up and away from a crowd. That is one of the saddest sights, I think, because it means some child lost their hold; that precious, fleeting pleasure of balloon ownership is, for some probably distraught young one, no more. I find the temporary nature of a balloon part of its appeal; like a flower, you know it doesn’t have a long life–and the fact that they float and fly has always made them special, too. What short-lived pleasure in your life has recently expired? Did you ever think it might simply be practice for enjoying in the moment, and letting go?

By the 17th the real world, as it is right now, is in our faces–and if we handle issues willingly, openly, we find opportunities plentiful and our ability to act unhindered. The issues revolve around deception (by others or our own of ourselves), reality as it is, rather than as we’d like it to be, and how healthy our choices are, at this time; if we can be straight with ourselves over these matters, we will find our personal effectiveness goes beyond anything we’ve been imagining, and that opportunity and support from the social sphere are attracted without any special effort on our part.

Today’s word image is a spider that dangles from a single thread of spider silk above the head of an unsuspecting individual. If you’re afraid of spiders, this might give you the heebie-jeebies–and nobody, frightened of arachnids or not, wants a creepy-crawly in their hair. This may alert us to something undesirable that is ‘hanging over our heads’–and yet we don’t know it, or are not conscious that it poses such a ‘threat’. Maybe the solution is to ‘look up’–or maybe just look around carefully, to be more aware of our surroundings at all times. 

On the 18th we once again see personal power aided by our ability to allow our instincts to call the shots; too, thinking is in line with, and attention is on, the future, allowing us to consciously guide things in the direction we’d like to go. So what’s not working? Wounds around relationships and finances may derail the entire day, unless we are able to set resentments and fears aside and simply listen to the internal pulse of call and intuitive response, without letting negative thoughts intrude.

Today’s word image is an empty closet. You’ve got nothing to hide, right? Or is this a reminder that you’ve got plenty of room, some place clean and ready to hold your things?

On the 19th what we have previously ignored now gets our full attention–and in providing that, we gain in wisdom, practicality, and our ability to affect circumstances. The world is our oyster–and we are poised to start a fresh ‘pearl’, via the Inferior Conjunction of the Sun and Mercury–which is precise about 11:01 PM Pacific time, and occurs just after the Sun’s entry into Taurus. This suggests that the seed planted here may be a physical one, the start of something materially significant, the beginning of a project, idea, or condition that has a material impact, or one involving the senses or sense-perceptions. Just a few hours later, on the 20th, Pluto retrogrades at 19 Capricorn 23, and soon thereafter we see Merc shift back into Aries. This subtly alters our retro period thinking; we change from considering material matters, comfort, and consequences to the potentials behind action and Self-responsibility. We start to consider that we are the ones who can do something about ‘it’. As a backdrop to this, Pluto’s change in apparent direction may simply emphasize the darkness, or the destructive tendencies, inherent in the forces of evolution, transformation, and change. Pluto’s retrograde gives us new appreciation for how close we may be standing to the precipice, and how much more carefully we might want to move–or giving us the urge to either back away to safety, or to jump.

By Dwayne Albert – Originally from en.wikipedia; description page was here., Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2974795

Today’s word image is a pair of sleeping dogs. Do we ‘let them lie’, as in the saying, or are they not performing as they should, barking when trouble approaches? Either there’s a topic not to be touched at present, or an early warning system is down.

Your Week 7-13 April 2017 Taking Measure

06 Thursday Apr 2017

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

≈ Comments Off on Your Week 7-13 April 2017 Taking Measure

Tags

, , , ,

‘The Lacemaker’ Joost van Geel c1650 {{PD}}

Here we are, poised at the threshold of Mercury’s turnaround, and that almost guarantees an exaggerated tension. The worst thing is that we are likely to mistake the source of our upset; the natural tendency is to look around, to try to find the source of the irritation, pinning it on something in our lives we feel isn’t going right. In this instance, though, the source is in the very air itself–or, to be more accurate, it’s amplified through material mechanisms, through the senses and the very environment itself (Merc in Taurus), so that we feel it (and maybe literally feel it, suffering from food or environment related sensitivities, in the process), maybe we’re even encased in it, so that looking outside for a logical source of tension doesn’t help, and may actually mislead us into thinking if we just handle the job or conflict or relationship or situation correctly, we can banish the upset. We can’t–and that should be a freeing thought, to know that the tension is not personal, is not aimed at you or coming from something in your life you could modify to banish it, that it just is.

On the 7th matters of role, identity, and life direction are vetted through the ambitions and goals as they stand now. A few things we need to know: our ambitions are exaggerated at this time, so that we either aim too high in the moment or see ourselves as vastly inadequate to what we want–and neither is useful, as they send our energies into less- or un-productive directions; we are (probably unconsciously) taking a stance that is contradictory to the prevailing social one, similar to that of an adolescent to authority figures, and we’re perhaps convincing ourselves that this shows our ability to think independently–but anything we adopt in reaction to the social order runs the risk of destroying our ability to respond creatively, as we’ll think we’re being unique when we’re being anything but; and, we aren’t nearly as reliable, consistent, or grounded in real-world mechanics as we believe we are. What’s going on now skews our Self-image so that it may be difficult to act in a way where we can reliably anticipate the outcome. Be willing to adjust your responses as you go along, to cooperate with the group and not hold back on what you can offer–and don’t argue with the facts, even as you must be open to applying faith in going after your goals.

Today’s word image is the number 47. Watch for it, note when it appears, use it as a marker of synchronicities and an indicator of going in the ‘right’ direction.

The 8th sees us find some difficult obstacles littering the path, and some hard truths revealed in relationships or finances. The immediate impulse is to change what we see, but we are prone to be too extreme in our editing. We refuse to succumb to illusion–but that also cuts us off from imaginative thinking. Face the unpleasant in relationships or finances squarely, and let instincts speak; it’s your best chance of wresting real-world effectiveness into a modest yet manageable form, and so creating solid choices on which to base the near-future.

Today’s word image is a mouse in the corner munching a crumbly. Have you been too modest in some area, settling for crumbs? Claim a larger stake–you are worthy of it.

On the 9th we see Mercury retrograde, at 4 Taurus 50, so that we see the period start out making us re-think our material options and choices, asking ourselves, ‘What do I think of what I have?’ but rather quickly devolving into ‘What do I do about it?’ as Merc moves back into Aries. The first aspect Merc makes in backward motion is a semi-sextile to Pallas, hinting that we are concerned, more than anything else, with what’s wise, with figuring that out, during this retro period, which lasts until 3 May.

Today’s word image is a skunk sitting in half a coconut. I know! Weird! Are there two things in your world that just don’t go together? Does one of them stink, and does that one seem to be using the other one for cover? Is someone ‘serving up’ (perhaps in some exotic form) something that appears to be black and white, but which may actually be a stinker? Inspect this fragrant duo, particularly for the way they may be presented together, but don’t actually mesh at all.

For the 10th we see action meet the authority to act, supported by a revelation or two revealed with the Merc retrograde, probably an idea resurrected or that suddenly again seems viable (we may have Saturn’s recent direction change to thank for that). We are competent and ready–so are there any issues? Yes–there’s a need to keep our eyes open for what may have been hidden from us, denied, or ignored–that’s really the only thing that may trip us up at this time.

Alfred de Bréanski c1900 ((PD))

Today’s word image is a rolling river, where big rocks below the surface create tiny, crashing falls. What along the way seems to be flowing smoothly, but instead provides small obstacles, little falls that disorient or slow? Does this suggest the need to step out of the river, for a time, or does it imply we’re not seeing/ anticipating small obstacles, which allows them to have an outsized impact?

On the 11th we need to brace for the unusual, the freak, the surprising, the shocking, the revelatory, the higher understanding, delivered by something that conflicts with our highest standards or that interferes with our priorities. We may feel temporarily disempowered–but that’s the key, we’re only off-balance temporarily.

‘Blomstereng nordpå’ Harald Sohlberg {{PD}}

Today’s word image is a field of daisies. I don’t know about you, but I think it might be soothing to just sit there for awhile.

The 12th offers a sudden or surprising opportunity to make a dream, ideal, or creative venture a reality. Well that’s spectacularly, extraordinarily nice.

Your word image today is your dream–literal or figurative–and what it says about you, right now.

For the 13th we may feel hidden currents, a kind of energy rip-tide undermining our sense of personal authority, personal power, or effectiveness of reach–and yet our standards and priorities are intact, and can be acted upon. Values guide our choices, and our moves, and as long as they do, all is well, if we can avoid being drawn into the darkness by matters we’d rather ignore–to ignore them right now is actually the thing to do. Be prepared to learn new and possibly unusual things about yourself, or about how others see you, and perhaps to revise the identity because of them.

Photo by Petr Kratochvil, released into the public domain. Thanks, Petr!

Today’s word image is a present not yet delivered to the recipient. Is there something of value, something that conveys love and caring, that you have possession of that needs to be given to another? Too often we wait for ‘the right time’ to say something meaningful–when that time is really now.

If you come here regularly, please consider a small donation or book purchase in support of the blog–And have a wonderful week!

Your Week 31 March-6 April 2017 Divided Loyalties

30 Thursday Mar 2017

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

≈ 4 Comments

Tags

, , , ,

No. 61 (Rust and Blue), 1953 Mark Rothko Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles Via Wikimedia Commons

Today, the 31st, it becomes a contest between our ambitions and goals and our need for power and exercise of the Will via the assistance, approval, and acceptance of others. We’ll try to find a balance that allows the most Self-expression and assertion while still keeping rewarding situations and relationships intact, and which side prevails (exerts more influence) depends on which you value more, cooperation or getting your way. The biggest issue may be, with Merc entering Taurus, that thoughts become overly cautious, plodding, or too materially-oriented, and this may especially frustrate those heavy in Air, or those Water types who find themselves awash in emotion, and stuck there.

Today’s word image is this: the concept, word, or essence of ‘indivisible’. When you hear that word, what comes to mind? Is there something in your life, with which you are involved, that you cherish (or disdain), where there’s no daylight between you and that thing or person–and how do you feel about that inseparability? Do others sometimes confuse your essence with this other? Do you feel overwhelmed, vulnerable, or held back by this association? Or does this union somehow elevate you?

On the 1st the social order requires we adjust our need for personal authority so that there’s no conflict with what society demands from us–and that’s not something most of us will do willingly. Two things to navigate by: the past offers some subtly brilliant means and methods of dealing with the requests and requirements of others–use them–and listening to your inner voice of what’s wise and what’s practical will bring rewards and positives in excess of what we imagine, or even think possible.

Today’s word image is a pair of squabbling black birds. I can’t seem to get this picture out of my head. It suggests to me two alike entities in conflict, not recognizing their own likeness–and so not seeing the list of mutual interests they share, or the ways working together would benefit them–and so leads me to today’s Venus retro conjunction with Pallas, and in particular to Earth’s placement in Libra (not to mention Zeus and Jupiter together in Libra, emphasizing how ambitions get a boost, too), and all of it suggesting we find both wisdom and material benefits by calling up Venusian appreciation and cooperation.

On the 2nd we must accept changes to or the evolution of the power structure, to include the ways this impacts our own reach, territory, and prerogatives. Stick with your values and yet roll with the punches, looking for the ways these can be turned to your advantage. This calls for, as a previous President used to say, “strategery”, but with Venus entering Pisces at this point, we’ll know the worth of our dreams, delusions, relationships, and spiritual goals, so we can accurately assess shifts to life direction.

Sergey Vinogradov ‘Igraet’, 1914 {{PD}}

Today’s word image is a piano. What’s your ‘musical instrument’, reading ‘musical’ to mean Self-expression?

For the 3rd it’s all about communication, specifically about resolving issues, persistent memories, or thought patterns from the past, in order to build a way forward. Once again, power is the centerpiece of what we ponder, consider, talk about, or argue over; just be aware that today each thought, communication, and exchange represents a step into the future.

Today’s word image is a frog on a lily pad. That image presents an entity in its ‘right environment’. Are you in your ‘right environment’?

The 4th entangles us in matters that test the true extent of our empowerment, the validity (for us) of our stated goals and ambitions, and denies us reward from expected or socially-sanctioned circles, only to offer it if we can follow our instincts in a healthy way. Action requires adjustment–nothing short of that will do.

Today’s word image is a silk rosette. That’s something that’s purely, indisputably decorative, with no useful function. How do you feel about things that are meant only to convey beauty? Your attitude toward the strictly decorative can reveal hiccups and blockages in your ability to receive pleasure, to enjoy the senses and Nature, and can interfere with the accuracy of perceptions by imposing judgments on others (for instance, judging negatively those who take time to adorn themselves, if you’re a get-up-and-go kind of person).

NASA {{PD}}

Two major astro ‘events’ fall on the 5th: Saturn stations retrograde late in the 27th degree of Sagittarius, and Mars perfects a neat trine to Pluto, both of which are direct. Here’s an edited something I wrote some time ago about what to expect from a Saturn shift in direction: “There are typically two kinds of response to a Saturn retrograde: one may feature the famous change to what we thought was solid and sure, basically a replacement of what was sure with what’s uncertain, or we may be freed-up from restrictions or containment–it can be a time of realizing that our reality is not bound in quite the way we thought it was. So, we can see either of these basic approaches (or both, as some people experience one internally, one externally). Will those ambitions and desires you’ve been working to solidify happen, or dissolve once and for all into dust? Will externals deny us, will support be withdrawn, will the rules suddenly become meaningless, will roadblocks fall, leaving the way open? Each of us must face whether we really are ready to get what we want, whether we are willing to work with or around restrictions and obstacles, and how seriously we wish to employ hard work, Self-discipline, and restraint, in order to achieve. Those matters are, really, the issues of the retrograde period.”

The first aspect Saturn makes in retro status will actually be one the Old Man receives, a square from retro Venus in Pisces, on the 8th. That suggests to me that what is removed (or conversely, what restriction is put in place) with the initial retro results (days later) in a difficult situation involving relationships, finances, and/ or matters of the Houses in the personal chart ruled by Venus. Add to this the Mars trine to Pluto, and we have a coinciding urge to act to change, transform, or destroy, probably concerning whatever it is that the retro first presented. That means, if the Saturn turnaround brought restriction, we’ll have the desire to do something to remove the obstacle, while if the Saturn retro lifted whatever had previously held us back (or manifested the results of our hard work), we’ll feel we have the power and effectiveness to move forward and implement our Will. In either case, it’s a brief period (approximately 5th-8th) when we’ll have the energy and focus to create change, overcome obstacles, or find another channel for our energies.

By User:Bye – Own work, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=901690

Today’s word image is a ticket from a long-ago event. Are you sentimental, keeping reminders of experiences, do you take photos, or do you rely solely on memory? If you tend to accumulate keepsakes, when you come across them, do they still have the power to evoke the event? If they don’t, it’s time to clean house.

On the 6th we may find our sense of what’s wise or practical trying to find equilibrium with what’s needed to move forward into the future. The reality is, the future happens whether we take those steps we’ve planned or not, and in every case, we really have little control over the outcome of our plans, so make sure you do what you feel is wise, because that way, you’ll know you’ve done your best.

Today’s word image is not words, but this:

By Michael Jastremski – legacy.openphoto.net, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=218157

Have a wonderful week!

Your Week 24-30 March 2017 Future-Oriented

22 Wednesday Mar 2017

Posted by in astrology, current events in the sky, Dark of the Moon, The Daily Word Image

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

, , , , , ,

‘Surfer Girl’ by William Fulton Soare, oil on canvas, c. 1935 {{PD}}

I’m completely unavailable the 23rd-28th, so all comments, questions, purchases, and requests will be processed when I return to the keyboard. Have a wonderful week! jd

On the 24th our wounds, mental, psychic, emotional, spiritual, get in the way of hearing our own instincts, social feedback, ‘the facts’, as they speak; we resist input, the standards set by our own values, and the way our Self-image has been impugned by realities that have until now remained hidden, denied, or that have enraged us with their seeming inaccuracy. All this upset is most likely to come out through imbalances of power within relationships or that involve money; these trigger a sense of defensiveness or inferiority, and we’re off to the races. The antidote? Accepting that you’re not perfect–and that just because someone reflects back to you something you don’t like or that you disagree with, doesn’t mean either of you is right.

We’re in the Dark of the Moon at this point; expect more inner activity than outer–or, maybe I should say, expect inner realities to be more real than outer ones–and allow those lulls, moments of deep contemplation, and reveries to organize your thoughts and feelings for you. Sleep late or go to bed early, rest and rejuvenate–dream, ponder, or embrace silence–it’s time.

‘Still Life with Nautilus Cup’ Willem Claesz. Heda 1640 {{PD}}

Today’s word image is apple pie. Do you have a personal association with this? I do, as I don’t like apples much, and am not fond of pie; as a child this dessert always seemed like a small punishment, rather than a treat, especially because we were rarely allowed to decline (something about hurting the cook’s feelings)–so when I think of apple pie, I think of something mildly unpleasant, that I may be forced to ‘enjoy’. Obviously, few people have this particular thought around an apple pie; only you know what it means for you.

The 25th The Sun conjoins Venus while the latter appears in a retrograde state; we may get a good, clear look at lacks in the areas of Money or Love (or matters ruled by Venus in the natal chart), especially as they apply to the matters of the natal House in which the apparent meeting occurs–but we should note that at the same time, the Sun will be contra-parallel Pallas, while Venus is parallel Mercury and both are contra-parallel Juno, Venus is trine Black Moon Lilith, and Merc noviles Neptune. These contacts suggest that what we pay attention to, that is, the message we receive from all around us, may be distorted somehow, unwise or impractical to the extent that it disempowers, should we follow through on what we see or learn while in our current state of mind, and that’s key: the value of this particular set of contacts lies in the worth of what we uncover, what was previously disguised or kept hidden from ourselves; it’s what’s discovered that’s of worth, not our taking action upon it. Once we’ve processed the material, and are able to look past the impulse toward poor judgment and refuse to fix our gaze on what’s missing, we can recognize that what’s been revealed (whether we had to work for that info or realization, or it was delivered to us) is about the most useful thing we could’ve been given at this time, particularly in terms of making successful plans we can act on in future.

Today’s word image is a bluebird. Most associations, no matter from what culture they come, link a bluebird with happiness, specifically optimism about tomorrow, or an ideal situation to reach for, especially something that seems unattainable. Look for that note of optimism, that promise of something better, that harbinger right in front of you–it’s there to let you know everything will be all right.

What surprises, shocks, stirs the intellect, educates, or offers a radically forward-thinking vision today, the 26th, is future-oriented–our reaction and/ or the revelation delivered is a startling glimpse at what’s ahead for us, especially in terms of ‘reward’–but be aware that what has been shaped by our own choices and appears now is a direct result of rejecting certain elements of the past–that’s at least as important to know going forward as is what’s coming.

Today’s word image is a skull and crossbones. Poison! Pirates! What’s telling you to stay away at all costs–and you’re probably ignoring the warning?

The 27th we’re going to feel energized–it’s probably contributed to by the New Moon energy–or it may just be that we’re offered inspiration or a crack at power or making our imprint on things, and we do it. The thing is, don’t expect the reality picture to cooperate; material circumstances throw up roadblocks, or the real world simply resists our efforts–and this is due either to what we don’t (yet) know, or have ignored or denied, creating a ‘block’ of our own making, or we are potentially deceived, mislead, or so angry we can’t operate effectively. If there was ever a day to start over, to abandon dead ends and missteps, today is it, with our new start going best in the area of the New Moon.

Today’s word image is a surfer riding a wave. This figure is poised, in control of the ride, relaxed atop that powerful natural flume, using the ocean’s energy (read: the Collective) to propel her forward. What ‘wave’ is offering you a big, natural boost of energy, a means of gaining ground that you control your own relationship to and with? That’s the thing to hop on now, if only because it offers a graceful and harmonious means of propulsion, one that makes you part of and yet arbiter of a personal movement, trend, or other form of expression.

The 28th may be the day of biggest import this week, if only because instincts will be disconnected from imagination and the creative urge, and this could imply we cook up some disasters, or maybe just make some boneheaded moves, before we even realize how disoriented we are. The aspects suggest our grounds for aesthetic judgment become just a little crass, rooted in material worth, the pleasing of others, trends of the moment, or in trying to bring something new forward that is measured solely by its status as an oddity–and none of those stances are particularly productive or rewarding, because of our failure to connect with our own true tastes. What works? A type of informed spontaneity probably flows best, as our choices and actions can be truly unique and inspired when we allow them to emerge spontaneously from previously curated understanding and past intellectual exploration: the informed mind sparks the creative.

“Photo: Graeme Main/MOD” OGL

Today’s word image is a hand of cards, a Royal Flush. In many games, that’s the best hand possible. In what way in your life were you dealt a Royal Flush, and how have you used it?

On the 29th we’re set to make things happen; we’re feeling ready and able, but flaws in our Being or our perceptions can get in the way. It’s one of those times when our effectiveness is a direct reflection of our health: are we doing it spurred by pure and positive Soul energies, or is some wound, especially one rooted in our own disapproval of ourselves, the driving force? Intention is the wellspring from which all comes; today we’re required to operate without ulterior or polluted motives, in order to succeed.

Today’s word image is a fisherman who spends all day at the pier but goes home without any fish. What are we ‘fishing for’ that’s just not gonna happen? Time to acknowledge that, and move on.

For the 30th all astro-eyes are likely on the perfection once again of the Jupiter-Pluto square. This has been a shake-down of massive proportion, simply by the way facts, beliefs, rage, revenge, the social order, and change all conflict to create an unusually tenacious instability. It’s a clash that demands unlearning; it also requires we expand our ideas of power, destruction, and regeneration, breaking them, sometimes forcefully, from the old mold and asking us to accept new definitions and new forms–and this, naturally, changes our idea of ‘the facts’ and what we know. This square marks another point in an evolution of knowledge. Accept the ‘new order’, because until you do, you won’t have any idea who to believe, and with whom to partner.

That previously mentioned disconnection from our own imaginative abilities (on the 28th) spills over into today, but now we’re offered a way to access the creative spark, peripheral as the method is: let it flow through the instinctual nature. Children, those who are ill or distracted, those with lots of Pisces, dreamers, drunks, and the feral all experience a thinner barrier between conscious reality and the impulsiveness and sensitivity of the unseen; listen to them, emulate them, and/ or study them, for hints as to how that access works.

Today’s word image is a flag. What kind of flag springs to mind? Consider that a tiny Rorschach test that speaks of your view or orientation, right now.

Your Week 17-23 March 2017 Going Natural

16 Thursday Mar 2017

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

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

, , , ,

‘Nelson Atkins Museum in Kansas City’ Photo by Carol M. Highsmith, who donated her life’s work of more than 100,000 gorgeous images to the US Library of Congress for royalty-free use. Thank you, Carol!

On the 17th the reality picture pushes us to act, but there’s something we need to know: what we’re referencing as a smart choice was indeed smart, in the past; now it’s disempowering. We can’t use our minds to try to sort this out–that means it falls to the intuition, the emotions, and/ or the feedback from others to guide us today.

Photo By Sicilian – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=25619216

Today’s word image is a bowl of figs. Those are symbols of Juno; look at your empowerment situation, options for conveying your Will, your personal province: are you expressing your power in the way you choose, or have you fit your power into the situation–and if the latter, how can and should this arrangement change?

The 18th we have two things that need doing: acting to improve our health, and thinking about/ communicating within our relationships (or, for some, substitute for the latter ‘thinking about expenditures, earning, and debt’). Keep the focus on your own options, choices, and preferences, rather than getting distracted by externals, including the demands of others on our time and attention.

Today’s word image is a song. Take the title to heart.

By the 19th we may be feeling like we’ve run out of options; the facts are causing conflict with our priorities and values, what we’re hearing seems to be denying us our rights, and our own negative take on things is discouraging, to say the least. The answer? Go at power, exercising your Will, and seeing to your ‘territory’ obliquely; it’s only by sneaking up on something that we can make an impact without having to contend with resistance, subterfuge, or a ‘disappearing act’.

By H. Ambrose Kiehl – H. Ambrose Kiehl Photograph Collection, Laura and Miriam Kiehl, Seattle, 1899 {{PD}}

Today’s word image is a woman chopping wood. What is the zen phrase? ‘Before enlightenment, chop wood, carry water, after enlightenment, chop wood, carry water’. What change did you expect that never materialized? And have you undervalued what has occurred out of disappointment? Consider that evolution brings its own benefits, and we may need to set aside expectations in order to appreciate them.

The 20th may find us visiting (or even wallowing in) the past, with our focus being all that we should have done differently. Look–we’ve already inspected what was, already been propelled along the time stream–so why not shift our thoughts in the direction of what we’ve attended to in the past that made us a success? Here’s where we access that useful kernel of truth that can help us in the present.

Bronze-age dolphin fresco at Knossos. {{PD}}

Today’s word image is a dolphin. If these highly intelligent mammals had legs and thumbs, they’d surely be in charge. What’s the equivalent in your world? What threats or promises does this thing or Being offer, and how do you feel about it?

On the 21st inspiration empowers, spiritual alignment lends authority to the exercise of prerogatives, and the creative finds expression–but somehow we aren’t considering the facts, and this exerts a cost on our health. That’s a vague formula, I know–but its most likely manifestation is in a kind of optimism that prompts a euphoric disregard for indulgences or excesses that take a toll on our well-being. We know we shouldn’t, but things are going so well . . . we are tempted to, anyway. With the Sun in Aries we are likely hyper-aware that we are Self-determining; listen to instincts, as they speak without the distraction of either hope or cost.

Today’s word image is a suitcase packed well ahead of the trip. What are you preparing for, that it’s not time for yet? Could the reserved resources be better used elsewhere, at this point? Are you projecting part of your energy into the future, making it unavailable in the present? Living with one foot in a reality that hasn’t arrived may feel like being prepared to some, but in reality it can’t help but distract from where we are now.

On the 22nd we look to make the future pay off–and in focusing on what we can gain, we may kill inspiration, imagination, and genuine goals and ambitions, substituting a ‘sure thing’ (though a less desirable thing to us) in Love or Money, instead. Access your instincts (again!)–it’s the only way to balance consideration of the future with your dreams.

By Eva Rahman Nishi – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=32557857

Today’s word image is a topiary. This is a natural thing shaped unnaturally. What is being distorted in the name of beauty or to make it ‘presentable’, that you may want to let ‘go natural’, now?

The 23rd things suddenly get complicated, dynamic, and we may be faced with unavoidable realities that force decisions; we may feel that the smart way (that is, the way we would’ve gone) is blocked, and the mind resists change and those things it would rather pretend don’t exist. What assists us? A willingness to adjust our course, valuing our own strength, prerogatives, and those roles where we hold authority, and an openness to the spontaneous, the sudden, and the original–these factors can turn what seems like a frustrating dead end into a clever, unique, and exciting plan for the future.

Today’s word image is a little Emily Dickinson:

Much madness is divinest sense/To a discerning eye;/Much sense the starkest madness./’T is the majority/In this, as all, prevails,/Assent, and you are sane;/Demur,–you’re straightaway dangerous,/And handled with a chain

The March 2017 Full Moon in Virgo: Trusting the Self

11 Saturday Mar 2017

Posted by in astrology, current events in the sky, forecast, Full Moon, Grand Trine, Horoscope, Sabian Symbols, Virgo

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

, , , , , , , ,

Annie Louisa Swynnerton (née Robinson) – ‘The Sense of Sight’ 1894 {{PD}}

The Full Moon in Virgo falls on the 12th at 22 Virgo 13 at 7:54 AM PDT; it fills in a loose Earth Grand Trine with Sedna and Pluto, opposes Pallas and Chiron, quincunxes Uranus, and sextiles Vesta. The Grand Trine promises that whatever is fulfilled, concludes, ends, or reaches its apex with this Full Moon will bring a state of stability (meaning remain as it is, or as it coalesces at this point) through (get ready for the paradox!) acceptance of change and instinctive responses to it. I know! Seems contradictory to say that circumstances of transition and embrace of instincts (including instinctive understanding and knowledge) can bring about a sense of security, ease with circumstances, and a stable picture of and relationship to the environment/ material situation, but it does–and this endows us with a sense of surety, of ‘knowing’ deep within, that allows us to handle challenges related to practicality, what we would typically think of as wise or smart options, and allow us to navigate potential hurt. We may be faced with wounding circumstances or those who oppose us out of a sheer sense of superiority, who try to control us through our wounds, and we may be told we aren’t wise enough to make our own choices–and this would be oh-so-wrong. Being willing to follow our own lead is important; so is holding fast to what we honor and find sacred. We must make our choices, original or rebellious as they may be, in alignment with our values, with what we care about–and then we go forward from there.

Original caption: 1897-Lady lion tamer caged with lion. — Image by © Bettmann/CORBIS

The Sabian for the Full Moon is, ‘A Lion Tamer Displays His Skill And Character’. I associate this symbol strongly with the FM’s quincunx to Uranus in Aries; that is the closest major aspect the Full Moon makes. We as individuals are the Lion Tamer in our own lives; we control the whip (our Will) and chair (how we ‘furnish’ our lives), taking the lead (Aries), acting (Aries) in ways that spring from and also reveal our skills and character (Uranus). Awareness that we are the source of our own situation is vital; Self-responsibility and the roles we have taken on, willingly or not, must be (and likely will be) magnified within our own perceptions at this time, so that we can truly and completely understand and accept our part in our own creation–that is, our formulation of ourselves, and our world.

We may be overloaded on Pisces energy right now, looking for the concrete, the actionable, the thing we can hold in our hand; this Moon in Virgo delivers it to us, and your first hint that you’re dealing with the current Lunar energy may come through a criticism, a demand for accountability, a health or dietary matter, or enmeshment in the details of some issue. That’s your clue that, going forward, it’s all about You.

Your Week 3-9 March 2017 Enjoy the Moonlight

02 Thursday Mar 2017

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

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

, , , , , , ,

'Moonlit Landscape' Archip Kuindshi 19th c. {{PD}}

‘Moonlit Landscape’ Archip Kuindshi 19th c. {{PD}}

3 March just enjoy the growing moonlight.

Today’s word image is actress Tilda Swinton. She’s not everyone’s cup of tea for the very reasons we should all embrace: not feeling the need to conform to others’ expectations, responding from genuine feeling and concern for others/ the planet, allowing the creative essence within to drive the existence, not fearing one’s own uniqueness (and this latter is particularly tough, since we are instinctively ‘programmed’ to feel that conformity is safety). Today, have yourself a Tilda moment: be, or do, whatever you are moved to.

4 March Venus retrogrades! Here’s something on dating during a retro, and then there’s this: “Any Venus area where we have met a dead end while she’s direct is an area prime for rejuvenation during retrograde. This means that the changed tastes and willingness to try the new and unusual in Venusian pursuits that typically surfaces during this time can be a means to re-generate a part of life that we have worn into a rut with too narrow a viewpoint, taste palette, or definition of what’s ‘right’ or appropriate for us. ‘New’ can definitely be the keyword that frees up an area and an approach leading to new relationships, experiences, and an enhanced aesthetic sense that lasts and benefits us long past Venus’ direction. The retro period can serve to modify our Venusian standards and perceptions so that they are wider and at the same time more refined once the planet appears to move forward again.” This rejuvenation is related to the House subjects where the retro occurs, which are likely very close to where Venus reversed direction 8 years ago, with the retro energy now re-visiting these topics in new form (or, sometimes, picking up precisely where they left off). And there’s also this on the current cycle.

It’s an odd mix today, as actions shape the future even as thoughts and reasoning are obscured, inspired, deluded, or steeped in deception. Opportunities and ‘luck’ come from tackling hidden, ignored, denied, or enraging matters head-on and doing one’s best–everything else simply turns in upon itself.

Too literal? By misocrazy from New York, NY - Cropped from Kipper, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17673198

Too literal? By misocrazy from New York, NY – Cropped from Kipper, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17673198

Today’s word image is a shack with a sign that reads ‘Red Herring’. What established thing in your life (possibly something that has a sense of ‘shelter’ about it) is actually a ramshackle distraction or misdirection–a red herring?

The 5th is a day when our physical actions and choices are highly effective in real-world terms–in shaping our surroundings, in producing material results, in stopping or containing the impact we have–and this is doubly so if our acts have spiritual or creative inspiration behind them. Just be aware: thoughts are thoroughly divorced from instinct, and in order to make things work, we must be our most reliable, by-the-book selves.

Today’s word image is a cement retaining wall with this spray-painted on it: ‘Please let me get what I want this time.’ A retaining wall holds back something, typically earth, preventing it inundating another area or collapsing beneath a structure. So, perhaps we can see this plea as requiring our own restraint or holding back in order to get what we want. Maybe we need to ‘firm up’ the foundation of something important to us. Or we can see the spray-painted sentence as the internal mantra of so many people, those who are always focused on the next thing, always believing their wishes aren’t heard or fulfilled; inevitably these people fail to see and appreciate what they have, since a good part of their Self-image is wrapped up in seeing themselves as denied. Take a good look around, beyond gratitude, and consider that singing a song that’s always got a sense of deprivation at its center simply attracts that very quality.

For the 6th, which just so happens to feature the Superior Conjunction of the Sun and Mercury (their meeting when Merc is in direct motion), also shows a kind of serendipitous array of contacts that promise both a strong awareness of opportunity, the social order and its requirements, the facts, and/ or the need for more, and a clear sense of ambitions and goals. Simultaneous to that, though, is a sense that we are not empowered, and that the opportunities spread before us are, one way or another, unwise in what they offer or require us to do. Concentrate today on what’s presented whole, done, or completed, in such a way that we can contemplate a new approach or venture without actually having to take too many steps right away.

No creator info provided {{PD}}

No creator info provided {{PD}}

Today’s word image is a paper doll. Remember those? We practiced our cutting skills on these cheap, easy-to-carry-along and fun-to-change-the-look-of representations. Though wonderfully entertaining, they weren’t durable, and they had their limits as they were difficult to make stand and required some patience when dealing with clothes and accessories. What in your life brings joy but is ephemeral, and may need extra care in order to preserve?

The 7th it’s all about health, mental, emotional, and the healthiness (or lack of it) related to our choices and actions. Changes and choices made today build the future, but we are in danger of making at least some of those out of fear or a compromised sense of our own wants, abilities, and power. Kinetic energy in all its forms contains a certain genius at this time–get moving and get inspired. If you can trace ‘it’ back to a fear, don’t go forward, but if you can be confident in your integrity and aims, then absolutely move ahead.

Ilja Repin 'Apples and Leaves' 1878 {{PD}}

Ilja Repin ‘Apples and Leaves’ 1878 {{PD}}

Today’s word image is an apple. What does that bring to mind? The Adam and Eve story? One a day keeps the doctor away? The story of William Tell–and are you the archer or the potential victim, with the apple on your head? Do you think of your favorite apple thing–cider, pie–or do you think of the orchards, with their delicate blossoms and their twisted trunks? In order to create the same kind of apple again and again, we resort to grafting–apples in nature are distinctly different from every tree, with no two alike. Think of the role some humble component plays in your life, and discern whether it’s a freakish natural gift, or whether it’s taken a lot of intervention and engineering just to be what it is.

For the 8th action and choice bring us power and automatically help us stake out our territory, and thoughts and reasoning are easily aligned with the highest values and priorities. The down side? We can only seem to see what’s not working with our ambitions and goals, and may spend too much energy on trying to adjust and correct, rather than pursue.

Today’s word image is a white rabbit with red eyes. When you think of a rabbit, do you think of a pet, a casserole, the Chinese zodiac symbol, Alice in Wonderland, cosmetics testing, the old-fashioned pregnancy test, the way they multiply like wildfire, how some so casually carry the rabbit’s foot for luck right up until they realize how grisly that is? Personal associations are important with this, and at least part of the meaning may lie in how often and varied have been the cultural associations projected upon the rabbit, all of which spring from how we decide to relate to this rather unresponsive and unconcerned animal.

On the 9th Mars enters Taurus, and so the Will, ego, and actions become more material and sense-related in expression. At the same time, thinking resists the facts–it may seem like too much to adjust our prejudices to reality–but at the same time we may demand sweeping change. Try to get the entirety of the psyche on the same page.

Thomas Gainsborough - 'Mary and Margaret Gainsborough, the artist's daughters' c1758 {{PD}}

Thomas Gainsborough – ‘Mary and Margaret Gainsborough, the artist’s daughters’ c1758 {{PD}}

Today’s word image is two sisters who seem to be polar opposites but are actually very much the same. Where in your life are there two elements that you’re assessing as very unalike that are in reality two peas in a pod?

Enjoy your week!

Your Week 24 February-2 March 2017 The Maelstrom

23 Thursday Feb 2017

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

≈ 4 Comments

Tags

, , , ,

NGC 5194 Over 60,000 light-years across, M51's spiral arms and dust lanes clearly sweep in front of its companion galaxy (top), NGC 5195. Image data from the Hubble's Advanced Camera for Surveys has been reprocessed to produce this alternative portrait of the well-known interacting galaxy pair. They about 31 million light-years distant. Not far from the handle of the Big Dipper, they officially lie within the boundaries of the constellation Canes Venatici NASA {{PD}}

NGC 5194 Over 60,000 light-years across, ’94’s spiral arms and dust lanes clearly sweep in front of its companion galaxy (top), NGC 5195. Image data from the Hubble’s Advanced Camera for Surveys has been reprocessed to produce this alternative portrait of the well-known interacting galaxy pair. They are about 31 million light-years distant. Found not far from the handle of the Big Dipper, they officially lie within the boundaries of the constellation Canes Venatici NASA {{PD}}

Let’s talk about this Cardinal Grand Square that’s been around for a bit, but seems to be firming up now: Pluto, Mars-Uranus, Vesta, Zeus-Jupiter. At first it seemed to me to suggest a kind of stand-off, energetically speaking, with power firmly entrenched (Capricorn), the individual Will lighting up the group cause (Aries, with both Mars and Uranus), those things we honor as things we need to protect and nurture (Vesta in Cancer), and opportunity and desire looking for a partner (Jupiter and Zeus, respectively, in Libra)–and initially it seemed these forces balanced one another with a resulting static condition–nothing moves, but everything’s charged up. But it being formed for a few days created a curious effect: it seemed no longer static, but moving, as if it flowed in a circular fashion. Change, leads to action, leads to assessing values, leads to spotting opportunity and fosters ambitions, which leads to change, ad infinitum. We can step into and out of this swirl wherever it contacts our chart, and through the mechanism of the energy (body or point) that makes contact. That contacting Cardinal energy spurs the natal one–and in no time we’re in the maelstrom. Slowing it down requires grounding ourselves through the actions associated with each step; pursuing them consciously and deliberately keeps one from being swept up in the current and overwhelmed.

On the 24th we may not be able to help ourselves; our ambitions and desires are overblown, we’re prone to Self-indulgence and speaking thoughtlessly, and all of it happens as we simply look for a way to feel empowered. We suffer from both a too-narrow Self-focus and a sense that to uphold standards is to kiss opportunity good-bye–not so. The best approach is one that shows restraint, that respects the rules and structures currently in place, and that puts hard work ahead of short cuts. It’s not glamorous, but what results if we hold back is something truly worth having, that has the bonus of not leaving carnage in our wake.

Today’s word image is someone carrying a bowling ball, who is unable to put it down. What’s your bowling ball? That is, what’s your freakishly heavy burden, voluntarily picked up but from which you now can’t find a way to part? Freedom from the burden only comes with your own effective release, achieved by letting go of the idea that you must first perform expiation.

For the 25th change and how smart it is (or isn’t) is front and center. Like yesterday, we’re separated in some important way from our own creativity, the kind of adaptability that would normally spring from our imagination and allow us to adapt to circumstances in unique and productive ways; we are instead stuck thinking about how we can wrestle desire, fanciful or unrealistic ideas, and inevitable evolution into some shape we can handle, and with luck, benefit from. Thinking about what to do is healthy–it may be the only way we’ll get any purchase on events–but we may be too shy of the past to see the benefits of lessons learned and relationships left behind, and we may be too dependent on opportunities conforming to us to realize the only real opportunities we’ll get are those that will demand we conform to them.

Today’s word image is thirst. Though it may seem like an appetite, it’s actually a genuine need. What are you mistaking as greedy that’s really about survival?

The 26th will be covered in the Solar eclipse post to follow.

Thinking is a bit destructive on the 27th, in spite of the way, if we focus on the possible profits in every situation, we’ll see how the past has taught us to get the most from the present. Focus, in fact, aligns with the creative essence and makes a fount for those who home in. Just like yesterday, be ready to accommodate opportunity and ambition fulfillment with what they call for, rather than with how you want them to be.

'Hirsche im Winterwald' (Deer in a Winter Forest), A. Thiele 1874 {{PD}}

‘Hirsche im Winterwald’ (Deer in a Winter Forest), A. Thiele 1874 {{PD}}

Today’s word image is a deer in the forest, pausing to listen. We should, too, as something may be sneaking up on us–and if we’re still, we’ll hear the rustle and snap as it makes its way toward us.

For the 28th we may question or even reject our own highest values in direct proportion to how empowered we feel; the more empowered, the more likely we are to think our own standards can be safely bent or broken. Not so. Note, too, that instincts aren’t trustworthy at this time; the ‘blind spot’ almost guarantees a screw up, so go instead with the tangible and the measurable, but everything else set aside for later.

Today’s word image is a folding knife with a beautiful antler handle. Do you believe that utilitarian things should be beautiful? If so, do you follow this precept in what you buy, invest in, create, and surround yourself with? If not, is it because you consign different things to different categories, perhaps believing that the useful must be modest or plain, without using resources unnecessarily in creating them? Do you object to the use of animal products in making the knife, and if so, is this posturing or do you follow through in all areas of your own ‘consumption life’? Do you think beauty (and so Art) is frivolous? And if you do, how much of a dissonance does this create in you when you see and respond to a work of Art?

On the 1st of March Creativity Reigns–but will that be a creative urge that translates into manifestations of ideas and inspirations, or into spinning deceit, illusion, or the entanglement of confusion in your approach and responses? There’s a genuine possibility that we won’t be able to tell the difference–so do your best to find a concrete outlet for the creative spark–that way you can easily see the result.

Strength and power are vital and easily accessed, especially via the anima and its related energies: receptivity, being as a state of action, nurture, acceptance. Independent thinking aligned with one’s highest values brings opportunity and a chance for ambition realization–so make the most of this.

Vincent van Gogh - 'The Parsonage Garden at Nuenen in Winter' 1883 {{PD}}

Vincent van Gogh – ‘The Parsonage Garden at Nuenen in Winter’ 1883 {{PD}}

Word image for the 1st is an old tree, uprooted by a gentle wind. That’s not possible, is it? It is if the tree’s roots died months ago from drought. What matter that feels established and permanent, venerable and sturdy, is already for all real purposes dead?

The 2nd we focus on perfection of the Jupiter-Uranus opposition. This creates a kind of solid fulcrum, hard as bone, off which other energies will swing, bounce, hinge, or hang. It’s a dynamic Cardinal connection that bisects the flat chart and connects for the individual both the Houses across which it stretches (Aries and Libra) and the Houses these two planets rule (those holding Sagittarius and Aquarius). In the most general terms, it’s likely to create unexpected opportunity or a chance event that stirs concepts surrounding the individual’s position within ‘the group’, as well as the relationship to ‘the facts’ and including a ‘reliability factor’ (or unreliability factor, as the case may be)–and spreads out from there via the other aspects in play and the way this opposition connects with the nativity of each person.

The atmosphere surrounding the Cardinal opposition is one of sudden events triggered, fortuitous or calamitous, and promises thinking too focused on power acquisition or on getting others to do as we say, which ends up sabotaging our own actions and wants, and drawing on factors from the past, most of which need to stay there. It just doesn’t pay to take matters into our own hands. Allow serendipity to do the heavy lifting. Though actions seems called for, the key may be to allow the facts and opportunities to surface and be made evident on their own.

Enjoy this blog? Consider a donation or book purchase in support–Thanks!

Your Week 17-23 February 2017 Fathom It

16 Thursday Feb 2017

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

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

, , , ,

Ilya Repin 1875 {{PD}}

Ilya Repin 1875 {{PD}}

The 17th we are tuned in to our instincts–actions reflect a kind of psychic muscle-memory that makes our choices highly expressive of who we are–it’s just that, with our eyes on the prize (likely Love or Money) we may find ourselves too radical, too impulsive, or caught up with matters previously ignored or denied, and so sabotaging what would otherwise be harmonious activity. Put conscious attention on the pay off you’re looking for; this may serve to re-align those action urges with our ‘ideal Self’ expression, and so be most true to who we are at our best.

Today’s word image is a classic play, badly staged. What ‘performance’ are you currently witnessing that is clumsy, unconvincing, and/ or that doesn’t respect the source material? And will you choose to be a critic, to walk out on the show, or be inspired to put on a better show yourself?

On the 18th we just can’t see relationships or finances clearly, not through any fault of our own, but due to a highly disorienting psychic haze that settles on the subject matter and makes it indecipherable. This is partly about issues we’ve ignored or denied–it’s as if this attitude has been in place just long enough to make attempts at focusing or fathoming impossible as we work against our own practiced, voluntary blindness–and it’s also about the way we’ve refused to stick to the facts, of late; wishful thinking is not helping, and it’s time to acknowledge that. Use ideals as a guide, and don’t expect anything to be clear in the moment.

Today’s word image is three crows, their feathers gleaming blue-black in the sunlight, perched along a fence. Watch for a trio, trinity, threesome, or triumvirate, and note that, though they may present very differently, they are all actually very much alike.

The 19th we’re so focused on our ambitions and desires that we can think of little else–nor should we. Make plans, consider, research, anticipate–it’s time to create a crisp, clear mental picture of what we want.

François Barraud - 'Nature morte avec carafe de vin, pain et lunettes' c1930 {{PD}}

François Barraud – ‘Nature morte avec carafe de vin, pain et lunettes’ c1930 {{PD}}

Today’s word image is a delicious, very appealing, dark purple drink. Is it wine, grape soda, prune juice, pomegranate with or without alcohol, a raspberry lemonade, blueberry liqueur, or something else? Whatever comes to mind, consider that a symbol of the lens you’re currently applying to life (in cruder terms, the Kool-Aid you’ve chosen to drink). For instance, wine might suggest you are intoxicated with the world at present, allowing it to work a kind of spell on you that may cause you to act in an uninhibited manner, to positive or negative effect. If it’s made from fruit, consider how you may be squeezing things for all they can give you–and so may be resourceful or, conversely, spending too much time wringing the last drops from already-spent events. If it’s sweet, you might consider that it makes it easier to get through what might otherwise be disheartening times, but that it also makes one prone to ’emotional spills’ that can be quite sticky. You get my drift.

On the 20th we’re much too fond of our own erratic nature (which we might mistake for originality) and so end up disrespecting the very things that are most important to us–and that’s too bad, because if we can set aside the need to show others how unique we are, we have a good shot at coming up with some truly original ideas, to be implemented later, when we can separate the weakness of the ego (the times when we need external reinforcement and reassurance) from the useful idea or creative spark. It’s all about removing the demand for attention or recognition from the equation–true modesty is an incubator for effective ideas and plans–do your best.

'1900 Exposition universelle' Photo by William Herman Rau Library of Congress {{PD}}

‘1900 Exposition universelle’ Photo by William Herman Rau Library of Congress {{PD}}

Today’s word image is a tower with no windows and no doors. What are you finding inaccessible, that if you could access it, would offer a view with much greater range and depth?

On the 21st we may find ourselves smack-dab in the middle of the past, re-hearing old messages (especially from the social circle), and having trouble connecting with our own power and potentials. Particularly in the case of Venusian energies, we may see their expression (listen up, ladies!) as incompatible with expression of authority, dominion, and our own natural gifts. This is the kind of thinking that separates us from our own strength–and may be ‘offered’ to us by someone (or through some mechanism) from the past. Forewarned, as they say.

Today’s word image is an innocent party favor, a paper crown. Look around you; who’s wearing theirs with a fun attitude, and who’s taking theirs seriously, and without a trace of irony. That latter’s who you need to watch out for.

The 22nd we take Action! with a capital ‘A’, and our choices are fueled by instinct, though we may very quickly find that a combination of influences (our own ambitions, insistence on ignoring the social sphere and who actually holds the power, reluctance to think about what we’ve been ignoring or denying) create some untenable dynamics that seem to demand sacrifice in order to move forward. That is incorrect–what they really demand is a reasonable willingness to modify our ambitions and aims, as well as openness to feedback (available through study of the facts and/ or the social sphere) that fills in the gaps in our own ‘blind spots’. Stay calm, and navigate with care.

By Thomas Altfather Good - Original Work, GFDL, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=21041094

By Thomas Altfather Good – Original Work, GFDL, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=21041094

Today’s word image is canned soup. Nobody prefers canned soup to homemade, do they? What are you accepting that represents ease but inferior quality? And is that how you want to live?

For the 23rd, be advised: Thoughts are Things. Be aware of the potential for Self-sabotage (chiefly by not owning your power or role as an authority) or by acting as if those thoughts you are manifesting are not really something you’re in control of. Look too for the possibility that others may demand you modify your standards or values in order to win their approval. Of course, don’t–though you may just want to remain still (they can’t see you if you don’t move!) until their attention focuses elsewhere.

Today’s word image is a flower and a note addressed to you, lying on a table. What kind of flower is it, and what does the note say? After you answer that, consider that the note is from your own unconscious mind–now what is it telling you?

Donate!   Read!   Enjoy your weekend!

 

Your Week 10-16 February 2017 Accept It

09 Thursday Feb 2017

Posted by in astrology, forecast, Horoscope, The Daily Word Image, Weekly Astrology

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

, , , , ,

Robinet Testard, Allegory of Music or Erato in an illuminated manuscript of Echecs amoureux, ca 1496-1498 {{PD}}

Robinet Testard, Allegory of Music or Erato in an illuminated manuscript of Echecs amoureux (failed loves), c1496-1498 {{PD}}

I have only a couple of things I’d like to add to the eclipse picture for the 10th: Mother Nature backs instincts–trust them, they’re unlikely to be delusions or wishful thinking at this point, though be careful to vet them against the facts or the reality picture, to insure they aren’t simply distractions from the core (eclipse) issues; be aware it’s a false equivalency if someone tries to persuade you that prosperity is a direct reflection of smarts–it isn’t; and it may be tempting to distort values to fit current situations–don’t.

No word image for today–we’ve got enough pictures flying around in our minds as it is.

In the lee of the eclipse, on the 11th we see and live, or deny and suppress, what’s healthy–there’s no in-between–and since opportunities will abound, we need to be clear on what’s smart (and that means what’s healthy), in order to take advantage of them. Best source of wisdom? I hate to say it, but it may be authorities, custom, tradition, and father figures–but keep in mind, sometimes we can learn as much from examples of what we shouldn’t be as we can from what we should.

Today’s word image is a double-headed swan. What do we say about swans, besides that they’re beautiful? That they mate for life. The symbol may suggest such a committed melding, a ‘two fleshes that become one’ kind of relationship, and that relationship may be between individuals or an individual and some commitment. We tend to hold this up as the ideal of marriage in our society–but is it truly healthy to lose oneself in commitment to another? It can be–if we maintain a separate and Self-respecting sense of identity, interests, and values (the two heads)–that is, if we don’t subdue our own Beingness in favor of the partner’s–and if we are willing to walk away should the relationship become destructive to who we are.

For the 12th we may feel overwhelmed by seemingly inevitable and relentless change, destruction, transformation, resurrection, entropy, decay, and shifts to structures and forms we’ve always counted on. The vertigo is understandable, and may persuade us that our ambitions and goals may be harmed by changes we can’t stop–but that fear is simply an expression of the disconnect between our conscious minds and our instincts. A good place to jump-start the connection is with the transiting Moon and the subjects of the natal House the Moon’s currently passing through; it’s roughly at mid- to late Virgo, and just from its current sign we know that being accountable, that taking a detail or critically-oriented approach, one focused on results (the Harvest), will help us align the conscious mind with the unconscious perceptions–and so remove the tension that can grow when we perceive but don’t ‘know’.

Today’s word image is something green–whatever thing, of whatever shade, that grabs your attention. It’s a synchronous marker, a notice to pay attention now, a wake up call to something untested, untried, or unripe, a hint to watch what’s growing. If the green is a shade you wouldn’t find in nature, then consider what unnatural thing may have been masquerading as organic to your life.

The 13th brings a perceptible shift–it becomes apparent that what’s been hidden or ignored is fact-based, is seated in wide-ranging relationships, and missing this may have stymied opportunities–and we may feel rebellious from, or very much at odds with, our own wisdom, nature, and personal authority. We reject the very idea that we should’ve been paying attention. We may seek to avoid responsibility–we play the rebel, the righteous one, or the genius, and in the role see an escape from the mundane or the disciplined–but really, our instincts and impulses will lead us astray–only the concrete, the contained, the austere, and the serious will offer progress at this time.

Today’s word image is one customer ignored while another is attended promptly. That is an awful situation, whether you are the one ignored (and so feeling shamed and infuriated by the way you’re treated) or the one who receives help in the presence of the ignored one (and so feeling equal parts embarrassed, guilty, and angry) as even in the situation of noting to the clerk, when it applies, that the other person was first rarely prompts a change. This image may speak to our own assumptions about what we’re ‘owed’, as well as pointing out that sometimes we just have to deal with others’ prejudices and filters, no matter what our position. It also may suggest that feelings such as shame or guilt that are unrelated to our own actions are an inappropriate burden we’re not meant to carry; these have roots in unresolved internal matters, and have attached themselves to someone else’s choices, making us feel somehow responsible even though we aren’t.

On the 14th those who own their own empowerment both shape the future and ‘win’; but be aware that actions and choices have a tendency to arise from past experiences rather than a position of strength, and that you may be feeling certain social pressures that threaten wounds, and so must be adjusted for.

Gustav Klimt 1902 {{PD}}

Gustav Klimt 1902 {{PD}}

Today’s word image is a storm anticipated that never arrives. Are we looking for upset, drama, trouble? Being prepared for it is one thing, but arranging our lives around potential ‘bad weather’ is an entirely unnecessary other thing, one that bleeds energy from our efforts and taints our goals and expression of purpose.

For the 15th we see all forms of Nature (including human) support our expression of our most unique and individual skill sets, but we must go forward on mental and emotional energy alone, as creativity just isn’t available; the creative urge is stuck somewhere under the rules, the incorporated voices of authorities past and present, and in our own fears of being freakish or out-of-control. Any time you’re feeling queasy, just think about what really matters to you, and re-align efforts from there.

Today’s word image is a rocking chair. Take things as they come, accept the ebb and flow of energy, and relax with something soothing and meditative.

The 16th, in a somewhat round-about way, brings man-woman issues seated in who holds what power. Everyone has something to say about this: the social sphere, authorities, Mom, people who are angry, those who aren’t gaining what they’d hoped or meeting their goals, the empowered and the disempowered, literally everyone with a stake in the game–and that applies doubly to those who see themselves as above it all–they are more vulnerable than anyone to wrestling for power without realizing they are! It’s easy to be destructive or wish to wipe the slate clean, but think carefully before you do, because at this time the baby of progress goes right out with the clearing-the-decks-bathwater, scuttling any advantages we’ve so far acquired.

Today’s word image is time travel. Say what?! You’ll have a little taste of that today; it gives you the chance to decide whether you want to go back to that era, or not.

I’m a little late spreading the word, but you might want to check this out at the excellent ‘Neptune and the Oak’

This week in a song (at least, this is the way it might feel):