Resist technique, probably from India for export, Artist not identified CC0

Why does no one seem to want to cooperate with us? And why are they saying things that they know might blow everything up? And why does the unhealthy thing seem like our only option? Are you still reading, in spite of my whining tone? Here’s what I think: 1) if you don’t seek power, that is, don’t fight, there is no struggle, and 2) think seriously, as if the very thought you entertain is itself transformative–because today it is (Juno contra-parallel Zeus, Saturn sq Hygeia, Jupiter semi-sq Ceres, Merc trine Pluto)

French postcard from the 1920s, {{PD}}

Today’s word image is: a dentist drills and fills the wrong tooth. Let’s cut to the chase: what ‘operation’, project, or effort is aimed in an ineffective, even pointless, direction? There’s no excuse for such carelessness, unless . . . our ‘dentist’ doesn’t care.

“Drei Grazien” (‘The Three Graces’)1920 By Albert Maennchen {{PD}}

Actually, what we’re talking about is the trouble with strong women, and by that I mean the disruption of the status quo by the sheer fact that there are more women than ever in this world willing and able to hold and express their own power. In this instance it upsets conventional ‘wisdom’ by alleging that women interacting with the world in a determinative way is somehow impractical; of course, it’s really about those in power not wanting to acknowledge the rage and too-long-denied need for autonomy, Self-determination, and for taking up an adequate amount of space for Self-expression felt by the disenfranchised of all stripe. A true presence in the world is something each and every one of us deserves–today is a day during which you can take significant steps to make this happen. Hint: Think Big, and use the facts–they are definitely trending in your favor (Pluto sesq Pallas, Saturn sq Ceres, Sun sesq BML, sxt Jupiter, trine Pluto, Pallas semi-sq Zeus)

The goddess Thetis dipping the infant Achilles into the river Styx, which runs through Hades. In the background, the ferryman Charon can be seen taking the dead across the river in his boat. The scene was painted by Peter Paul Reubens around 1630/1635 as part of the Achilles Series

Today’s word image is the Achilles heel. We all know what that is, right? One’s vulnerable point. We’ve all been injured there, lately–how did that happen, and what must you do to keep it from happening again? The suggestion is that it occurred because of some sort of unconscious extremity on your part–not to blame you, but to point out how inattention can be as injurious as anything inflicted by others.

In case you missed it: the New Moon, and the great attractors in the natal chart. Have a great day!

Gevork Bashindzhagian. ‘Landscape with Pines’ 1907 {{PD}}

Wisdom and the ‘right’ course are found in the highest values, commitments, and those things you regard as sacred. Let me clarify: wisdom is not found in those things you tell yourself you revere, but in those things you actually honor with your time, energy, money, attention. Using this aspect energy successfully may necessitate some injury to your Self-image; you may find you’re not quite who you tell yourself you are, but no matter how uncomfortable, changes are all for the good. Among other things, this will align your values, your relationships, and your talents in the best perspective possible, allowing for a more genuine expression of your own true nature, your own true power, without quite so many of the filters we apply to win social acceptance, and that inevitably mislead ourselves and others. (Vesta trine Pallas, Venus contra-parallel Ceres, Sun qnx Chiron)

By Mildred Burridge – From the Maine Memory Network of the Maine Historical Society.Item number: 16128URL: http://www.mainememory.net/bin/Detail?ln=16128, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=6261502

Today’s word image is: Two Countries in a Dispute Over Territory. Boundaries and borders are artificial constructs, and they are about two things: the power to control the resources therein, and the responsibility to attend to whomever and whatever occurs there. Is there some part of the life where you are claiming the power, but not taking the responsibility? Or are you taking responsibility somewhere but allowing the power to be taken by someone else?

By Price, Albert M., 1873-1957, photographer – Library of Congress Catalog: https://lccn.loc.gov/2017656439 Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=68071521

As the Sun enters Virgo we’re likely to turn a critical eye on ourselves, others, and/ or our environment; the funny thing is, though we’ll have a helluva time finding common ground in relationships, with a little reflection we’ll know instinctively what actually needs to be corrected (in ourselves and our environment), what needs to ‘line up’, and what’s just a distraction produced by a restless imagination. We’ll also have the chance to see how well-meshed our empowerment urges and our real-life power situation truly are–and if we see a big gap, we are likely to experience which ever one we are most alienated from manifest as another person–so, we may have to deal with someone in authority, someone with whom we must negotiate, someone who takes a parental stance with us, or someone who feels slighted and so insists on exerting her power over us–whether it makes sense or not. Keep reactivity to a minimum, observe what’s outside you (because that’s either something you’re disowning or a warning of a direction you may be headed) and consider how that can be incorporated in a positive way. Use what you care about as an overall guide. (Venus contra-parallel Sedna and qnx Neptune, Juno parallel Ceres)

This tattoo is more common than I would’ve guessed. By Tattoodelmono – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=26508552

Today’s word image is a young man with a large tattoo of a lion that covers his right arm and shoulder. The Sun may have vacated Leo, but Mercury, the North Node, and Pallas are still there. That suggests our thinking, our idea of which way we want to be headed in life, and what’s wise, smart, or practical are somehow lagging behind the times, and the tattoo of the image is associated with the right side, the active, doing energy–so this may be about looking at what we can do to bring our own efforts and the way we see them ‘up to date’–that is, taking them beyond the highly personal viewpoint of Leo to a more objective Virgoan assessment.

‘Coin d’atelier’ By Édouard Joseph Dantan 1879 {{PD}}

We’ll have to adjust, modify, pull back, consider, as we’ll be far too quick on the switch, spontaneous to a fault, erratic and unpredictable in our choices and impulses. Agitated energy, for good or ill, goes toward whatever we put our attention on. But, we’ll also be clever, quick-witted, and able to allow our most original thoughts, ideas, and personal assets to shine in some life area informed by higher mind. It becomes a kind of trade-off: restrain yourself, show the precision of Self-discipline and a thorough understanding of the subject, and expression of your uniqueness really will know no bounds (Sun qnx Mars and parallel Uranus)

Young oak leaves (Quercus robur) and male flowers in the setting sun, Brastad, Lysekil Municipality, Sweden. Photo By W.carter CC0

Today’s word image is actually two images, one for some people, one for the rest, and it’s up to you to know which applies to you. 1) going from a walk to a run. This implies you are ‘picking up speed’ in some area–and this may require both more careful attention, and an awareness that things will be moving by a lot quicker than previously. There’s also an idea of energy expenditure, and how long this pace can be sustained. 2) many shades of green. Does this represent something brand new in the life, is it emblematic of health and growth, is it pointing toward some area where you are ‘green’ and in need of instruction or seasoning, or does it suggest envy or jealousy, yours of someone else or someone else’s of you? In any case, something ‘green’ needs tending, whether that is nurturing or pulling it up by the roots. Do your best in telling the two options apart.