Everything Must Change: Week Of November 2

Welcome to a tense week on Planet Earth. It begins with a potent Full Moon in Taurus. Full Moons can set your teeth on edge to begin with, but this moon has the added weight of being a bit of a monster. Kind of appropriate on the heels of Halloween, dontcha think?

This Full Moon sets up a planetary configuration known as a fixed grand square. Sun and Moon are opposite each other in the skies (which results in a full moon), and are at square angles with Mars and Jupiter, also opposing each other. The tension created by a Grand Cross is pretty strong and will challenge each of us as demands come at us from all sides. The trick this week is not to scatter your energy with too many projects at once. If you’re juggling multiple balls, one of them is bound to drop in a moment of confusion or forgetfulness.

Yet, as much as it feels like the friction comes from an exterior force, it’s actually an internal process. It’s the tension inside you that’s building up, and it requires an appropriate release. If you try to control your world through defensive postures you’re going to get stuck in a groove that leads to nowhere but the ditch. If you perceive an attitude of antagonism coming from others, it’s a sign that you yourself may need to find another way to express yourself. Defense mechanisms aren’t going to be tolerated by too many folks this week, so word to the wise: take responsibility for yourself and save the excuses.

If the grand square can be harnessed effectively, the natural outcome will be strength and success. Venus trine Jupiter helps to dispel the tension if you’re involved with any type of creative collaboration, or if you practice compassion or largeness of spirit. It’s about getting in the flow of equanimity, compassion, healing, mentorship, and benevolent leadership. This is all the more pronounced because Chiron in humanitarian Aquarius has resumed direct motion after months in retrograde, and Neptune in Aquarius is about to follow suit this Wednesday.

There’s added complexity to the cosmic energy in play: cosmic tutor Saturn has moved into the sign of Libra after spending two-and-a-half years in Virgo. Each of us, in our own way, will begin the process of examining all of our relationships, be they personal or professional. As if to highlight some of the sicknesses that we engender in relationship, Venus in Libra is currently quincunx Uranus retrograde in Pisces. This can point to the possibility of wanting a certain relationship so badly that you lose sight of the need for balance between you - a balance of give and take, and a balance of responsibility and power. Now that Saturn in Libra has moved into square aspect with Pluto in Capricorn, the comic imperative is that relationships must change or they will be changed. And, of course, it all starts with the man in the mirror.

As you stand under the light of the Full Moon tonight, perhaps you might consider one meaningful way that you could improve the state of a relationship that now requires your loving attention. Blessed be.

Mantra for Week of October 5

This week Neptune retrograde (spiritual awareness) is the release point of a destiny-like configuration known as a yod (or Finger of God). Mercury in Virgo (the pen) and Mars in Cancer (the sword) are part of the configuration, resulting in a drive to mental and physical battle for the underdog. The mantra for this week’s energy:
“I will not cease from mental fight, nor shall my sword sleep in my hand ‘til we have built Jerusalem on England’s green and pleasant land.”
(William Blake, "And did those feet in ancient time")

Namaste.

A Mantra for Venus in Virgo

"Show by your good life that your works are done in gentleness born of wisdom." (James 3:13)

Astro-Curious?

Are you a student of astrology? If so, you’ll know that one of the more challenging aspects of astrology lies in understanding how the planets relate to each other. When planets are in dialogue with each other (or forming specific angles) they are said to be in aspect together. As with human conversations, some planetary dialogues are smooth, others less so. At any rate, I’ve just read a new book by astrologer Matthew Currie entitled Conquer The Universe With Astrology Book One: Aspects! In keeping with Matthew’s style, this is a really witty and easy to comprehend explanation of the aspects. It includes a description of the personality components that emerge when the planets start mixing it up in aspect to each other. I recommend this as a highly useful resource for those of you trying to build your library - and Saturn is transiting Virgo, so now is the time. And may you manage to conquer the universe!

Solstice and New Moon in Cancer

Happy Solstice! The Sun has just moved into Cancer, resulting in the longest day of the year in the northern hemisphere. A classic song from Hair keeps repeating its emphatic chorus in my mind: “Let the Sunshine in!” Of course, Hair is an unapologetic romp through some of the ideals of the coming Aquarian Age. And it plays on my mind in resonance with the cluster of divine energy from Jupiter, Chiron and Neptune (each retrograde) in Aquarius. This heavenly trio trines the Sun and Moon, bringing a sense of renewal. Venus and Mars, the cosmic lovers, are paired in Venus’ luxurious home sign of Taurus. The pair trines Saturn in Virgo, resulting in the appreciation of sensuality, getting in touch with your body, with your health, and with the Earth. How appropriate at this Solstice portal.

The Solstice is emphasized by a New Moon in Cancer on its heels. At this point, Sun and Moon are conjoined in an opposition to Pluto retrograde. Integrating powerful feelings – even those beneath the surface – brings feedback, leading to greater awareness of what makes you feel secure and nurtured. The mixture of Cancer’s energy – which takes comfort in looking backwards – with Pluto retrograde – which also refers to the past or turning inwards – may coincide with you reflecting on how you have usually processed your emotions (Cancer) in days gone by. Do those methods increase or diminish your sense of power (Pluto)?

The healing from this New Moon comes in the form of a trine from the Lights to the retrograde cluster of Aquarian planets: Jupiter, Chiron and Neptune. Expect an increase in your ability to see past the Self, and to see yourself in a broader context; to realize that all emotions and feelings are human, and that we have all shared similar feelings at various points. Your intuition increases, and the body is prepared to “re-set” to good health. You may experience a surprisingly cathartic release, thanks to Uranus’ involvement in this lunation. Uranus is at the apex of a t-square from the opposition of both Lights to Pluto retrograde. Uranus needs to be appeased in some way, or the result is crankiness, insecurity, jealousy, trying to control or hide feelings, or conversely unleashing them in an explosive torrent. Try doing something different to feed Uranus’ need for innovation and excitement. It may feel tentative or awkward (the Lights quincunx the North Node) but, at this New Moon, the same-old same-old won’t cut it if you expect to navigate the week’s cosmic currents. Uranus in Pisces represents that part of you that feels like the renegade on a quest to save the world. But you cannot save anyone without saving yourself first. That is the message from the Aquarius stellium - physician, heal thyself! Now we turn within for healing, guidance from a higher power, and mystic revelations.

In keeping with the current square from Mercury in Gemini to Saturn in Virgo, I am compelled to take some time out from writing, and to just experience the flow of the cosmic tides. When time moves as fleetingly as it does (at least in my little corner of the Universe) it’s a challenge to integrate the powerful energy at work. But that is what I am called to do now, and so I will honour that. I will likely be back in August when, no doubt, the sands will have shifted again, resulting in new awareness. I wish you a Summer of blessings and peace. In the meantime, please continue to read my weekly lovescopes at Sasstrology. Namaste.

Graphic provided courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

Journeying Between Worlds: Week Of June 15

Just as the planets are clearly bodies in motion, so are we all. And the journey is about to get more exciting (or weird, depending on your viewpoint). If you’re a mystic who hopes to travel to other realms, the Cosmic travel agency has your ticket prepared.

Since all journeys begin with planet Mercury, let’s begin there. In Greek mythology, Mercury was the only god permitted to travel to the Underworld - Hades’ realm. (Hades’ name – like all of the Olympian gods’ names - was appropriated by the Romans and he was re-named Pluto. Don’t get me started.) Currently Mercury is in a tense angle with Pluto. This uncomfortable aspect (called a quincunx) between Mercury, guide of souls and Pluto, speaks of an uneasy albeit necessary journey to the river Styx. My mind automatically links this Mercury-Pluto relationship with Chris De Burgh’s song, Don’t Pay The Ferryman. If I can extend the metaphor, though, of course we must pay the ferryman. It’s not merely a simple matter of commerce for services rendered; if you consider the deeper implications, it is in your best interest to relinquish (Pluto) whatever it is that you’ve been holding onto - at considerable cost to your well-being - in order to get to the other side (whatever the other side represents to you). Moreover, the awkward nature of the quincunx angle suggests that it is not through the mind alone (Mercury) that one can release the deadweight. Only total acceptance of the greater forces of change can help us relinquish the deadwood in our lives, if ever we are to bring new life or energy in.

Cue Jupiter, Chiron and Neptune. This stellium reveals that enlightenment comes through spiritual efforts. The mind (Mercury) must be aligned with the heart (Sun). Let’s review this planetary trio: each is in the universal sign of Aquarius. Whereas Chiron and Neptune recently began their retrograde phases, Jupiter just went retrograde on Monday. Now the search for a guru leads us within. The message is that you cannot find it out there if you haven’t yet found it inside. This energy is about locating the divine spark that glows eternally within you. To that end, along comes Sun, representing your solar (or soular) journey. Sun in curious Gemini makes a favourable trine to retrograde Jupiter, Chiron and Neptune. This has the effect of pointing a flashlight (Sun) at your interior landscape. Now, with clearer eyes, you can see what kind of shape your spiritual centre is in. Because Jupiter is conjunct Chiron and Neptune, their energies are very much mixed in with this planetary cocktail. Include healing techniques (Chiron), insight, intuition, compassion, creativity, imagination and union with Source (Neptune) in your expanding (Jupiter) toolbox.

Lynn Koiner has said that Neptune retrograde specifically opens our inner sight in a way that is more obvious than when Neptune travels direct. Based on my own personal experiences with this energy I agree with her. What I’ve noticed specifically is that when I’m experiencing a cosmic download (please tell me some of you understand what I mean by this) in which information just comes to me – unlike the period when Neptune is moving direct – I retain and synthesize the info that comes through when Neptune is retrograde. Just my own observation, and I’d be interested in hearing from you about your own Neptunian downloads.

And, while we’re at the far end of the flake spectrum, let me make mention of Venus and Mars. They are currently paired in earthy Taurus, grounding some of our idealistic visions from the Aquarius stellium into reality. The aspect I want to note is their brilliant quintile to Jupiter, Chiron and Neptune retrograde. There’s a subtle ability to tune into the music of the spheres, to dance with the Cosmos, and to see how the Universe has imprinted itself upon your internal search engine. Google could only dream of such an ability! If you consider such information to be of value, then structural Saturn in analytical Virgo will help you to build and fortify your information system. Blessed be!

*Artwork provided courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Full Moon in Sagittarius: Week Of June 7-14

What a mighty week we have in store, kicked off by a potent Full Moon in Sagittarius. At this lunation, Sun and Moon are diametrically opposed each other, offering us a chance to reflect (Moon) on where we insist on creating polarities in our own lives. Each of us can afford to broaden our perspectives right now. See the bigger picture of your life; witness the tapestry that’s being woven daily, and notice how the multiple threads (Sun in Gemini) gradually create an ever-growing picture (Sagittarius). Sometimes that tapestry is gorgeous, even though some painful episodes have, no doubt, been woven into it. There’s something ironic about that, don’t you think?

Perhaps this week you can delight in the ironies that life offers up. Kind of like dental floss stuck in your teeth. Or Jim Morrison’s long-ago claim that he’s a Sagittarian, the most philosophical sign (his words), but that he doesn’t believe in astrology. You’ve just gotta love it. Because, as we move rapidly away from the dualistic black/white, good/evil responses we’ve been taught to honour, maybe a little irony shows us how to hold two seemingly opposite concepts in dynamic tension. Such false oppositions merely play into our cultural addictions and glamours - which Uranus in Pisces has been awakening us to for years now. Let the large scope of the Sagittarius Full Moon bring you into that sacred space that Uranus in Pisces has opened for us. It’s the energy of the spiritual nomad seeking union with The All, in which dualities cease to exist.

But you don’t have to find that divine union all by your lonesome. Sagittarius Moon medicine reminds us of the power of faith in a larger order, while the heavenly union of Jupiter, Chiron and Neptune (each of them retrograde now) in group-oriented Aquarius helps us find our spiritual tribe. Together, we get there with greater strength. Mercury is squaring this Aquarius stellium, spurring us to act in community for a greater purpose than personal ambition. Brilliant ideas (Mercury sextile Uranus) that promote your biggest dreams (Jupiter retrograde conjunct Chiron retrograde and Neptune retrograde) can only come to life through disciplined effort, (Saturn at apex of t-square from Sun-Moon opposition), so that you “do” your mission with ease (Mercury trine North Node). It’s time to get moving on your dreams – your action and mobility are required. Visualization (or being in your head) is only one part of the process toward manifestation; action is also essential. And the corollary is that if you’re only focused on what you’re doing, without actually considering its merits or larger purpose (hello Moon in Sag), you’re cutting yourself off or merely going through the motions, like an automaton.

There’s healing potential available to us all, and it’s emphasized by Venus and Mars trine Pluto retrograde. Here is the desire and courage to face your demons, to go after what you want, and to see the power dynamics at work in your life. Bear in mind the warning from Pluto retrograde quincunx the South Node: it’s necessary to make certain adjustments, because the old way just doesn’t fit the present any longer – at least, not without considerable cost or pain. To a large extent, Pluto in Capricorn plays a part in re-shaping our lives. It points to the dismemberment of some of our cultural institutions, re-fashioning global infrastructures, and the slaying of sacred cows. All things considered, should you need to move to greener pastures, you’ve been imbued with the acute sight to recognize where those greener pastures are located. The subtle influence of Mercury biquintile Pluto retrograde reveals a gift for utilizing your resources, and for passing that info onto others.

Mercury biquintile Pluto, simultaneously square the retrograde Jupiter-Chiron-Neptune stellium in humanitarian Aquarius also encourages us to share the love. Big love. Pass it on. Even to the ones you cannot yet feel love for. Ironic, yes?