As a survivor of last month's cosmic land mine, I hope you were also able to dodge and sidestep yourself to safety. WHEW! We made it to the other side. The likes of such upheaval and scrutiny are rare indeed. Thank goodness. But it is equally good to remember that these periods, as difficult as they feel, are essential to learn what is truly worthwhile and valuable in our lives. Challenge catalyzes growth.
Having come through the dark passage, now what? Lots to clean up and take stock of; in the wake of our lives being held up to Life's X-Ray machine, we can see if there is disease to be rooted out or how to fix the broken parts. And during December the cosmos offers a wealth of resources to accomplish this. In nature's cycle, hard passages are followed by calm and light.
December, then, is a most spiritual month...for the holidays we all know and love, yes; but also for the Sagittarius Sun reigning over most of the month which rules spirituality. Sagittarius is about Spirit with a capital S. Spirit gently guides us toward our highest and best Selves. The beginning of December flows abundantly with remedies of Truth and Understanding, the great "ah-ha!" moments of realization..."now I get it" shining a bright light on the path we are to follow, where to go and more importantly, how to get there.
Aiding us along our way is change agent Uranus making a beautiful angle to the Sun, our will and identity. The effect of this is like having our own personal Steve Jobs on hand to encourage new insights or approaches to complete the work before us while also strengthening our stamina. Additionally, the zodiac's architect Saturn continues helpfully aligning with Pluto and Neptune/Chiron. The combined effort of these is to create a truer you.
First Saturn and Pluto: build baby build! This pair is like no other to foist our productivity into overdrive. Focus on what you need to do and these two will get the job done. For anyone who experienced a total wipeout last month: physically, emotionally, financially, etc., (OR for anyone simply trying to create a solid foundation going forward) Saturn and Pluto are here to pave the way. This is true as well for the Saturn-Neptune/Chiron alignment. That which was torn asunder is now ripe for repair. The healing effects of this cannot be underestimated. For victims of Hurricane Sandy, this period will be especially welcome. Take full advantage of this energy to construct a more accurate, honest, healthier you. Jump at any opportunity for healing: be it something so simple as a massage to restoring difficult relationships to figuring out how to stretch that FEMA check the furthest.
These angles are enhanced by Neptune's friendly alliance with nurturing planet Ceres in the maternal sign of Cancer. Our intuition is heightened now as to how to manage family affairs and matters of house, home and food; when to push and when to let go, how to be helpful and how to nurture ourselves so we can be at our best for others. Trust your gut instinct here, as one snag in this soup is Neptune's challenging angle to the moon's north node. You may find yourself second guessing your internal knowing. A word to the wise now: Don't!
At mid-month, Jupiter in the sign of Geminii opposes the Sun in Sagittarius. Words, communication of all varieties, will fly in abundance. Be aware of situations that curb your freedom, compelling and persuasive arguments/discussions involving spirituality, travel or higher education.
Another two aspects to watch out for involve foggy Neptune: one with planet of love and money Venus and another with Messenger Mercury. Neptune can cause blind spots when it makes difficult angles to planets. It literally can vaporize what it contacts. In the case of Neptune-Venus, be really careful with relationships and money around December 15th. There is a "too good to be true" flavor to this pairing. People, projects, investments might seem very, very enticing. These two are all about GLAMOUR. Lots of shimmery fun...but like ephemeral Glamour, it is an illusion with no substance as you peel back the layers.
This blind spot effect is ramped up by Messenger Mercury's challenge to Neptune. You know you booked that appointment, paid the bill, told your wife so and so was coming for dinner...but the information simply fell through the crack. Disappeared into thin air. Brace yourself. For people who just don't show up, communication snafus and water, water everywhere...the water heater that breaks, the river overflowing its banks, mudslides out West. The upside of both these planetary combinations is how beautifully they coincide with December's spiritual essence. They offer an excellent time to meditate. Cogitate. Seek InnerTruth. Pray and prepare for the New Year.
Fog-laden Neptune may not be such an adverse thing as it will slow us down in response to the lightning fast effects Uranus' generous angles to Venus and Mercury. In the third week of the month relationships, ideas and events can take off like a rocket. Uranus delivers FAST. Talk and you will be heard. Ask and you shall receive. This is a "be careful what you wish for" aspect if ever there was one. So the combined mix of these four planets (Neptune, Mercury, Venus and Uranus) asks us to strike a balance: not to let anyone or anything slip through Neptunian blind spots even as we our intentions manifest faster than we expect. The best means for finding the Middle Path is to concentrate, focus and be very certain of the who, what and how of your desires.
Stop, look, evaluate, listen. Ask: Is he, she, or IT right and true for you? Once you are sure, then hit reply.
Because 2012 ends with a BANG as the Sun conjoins Pluto in practical, pragmatic Capricorn, creating a powerful energy with which to build our lives on the Truth of the matter in the New Year.
Monday, December 3, 2012
Thursday, November 1, 2012
November: No easy time
I'm a true believer in silver linings. November is one of those months where believing and having faith that good ultimately prevails will really help. This month actually kicked off at the end of October with the full moon on the 29th.
Not all of us have been affected by the events that this unusally strong full moon delivered, namely Hurricane Sandy which made landfall near New York precisely at the full moon high tide. Still, like ripples on a lake, the collective One feels the impact to the pool of individuals.
We are always given blessings to assist us through challenges. And November has its share of both. However, this month is simply not an easy time. Obstacles are more than likely to tip the scales in the next few weeks. Your life may not have been turned inside out and thoroughly inconvenienced by Sandy. But each of us will have our load to carry and for many, these will be heavy as November launches a cosmic juggernaut. So strap yourself in and gird your loins, here we go:
The first week finds us still reeling from the powerful full moon at the end of October. Many folks in the Northeastern United States are living without power. The rest of us may find ourselves somewhat powerless or in power struggles. You may feel as though you are backsliding with every few steps taken forward. Take heart. You are far, far from alone. As Mercury, planet of communication slows down and turns retrograde motion on Tuesday, November 6th, effects of trudging through sludge will persist. And November 6th is Election Day. Confusion, miscommunication and misunderstandings are the key note for most of this month. We may very well be in for another presidential situation a la 2000. Romney and Obama are locked in a dead heat leading up to decision day. Let's just pray the Supreme Court does not have to determine who wins the race! And as with all Mercury retrogrades, avoid major purchases (cars, homes, appliances) and signing significant contracts.
Meanwhile, planet of ingenuity Uranus, is making a very helpful angle to Mercury, beckoning us to think outside of the box. Reach for radical solutions, or solutions that feel radical; that in any other time or place we could never imagine making, reaching beyond our deep divides to those we perceive as enemies. Like ranting toddlers, we may not way to but November will not give us much choice. Difficult angles between relationship planet Venus, transformer Pluto and planet of surprise and upheaval, Uranus, catalyze us into action. It will be extremely hard to keep blindly boxing ourselves in. Translation: you will find yourself making some very tough choices; otherwise, your situation will only get that much harder. As foggy Neptune persists in its challenge to the moon's north node, our true north, we may try to keep up pretenses.
However, November's Scorpio Sun says if we do not bend, we will break. Or be broken. This combined with two, count 'em two, eclipses this month drives the intensity of these effects home. Such is the weight placed on our shoulders now. It is not for the faint of heart. The first eclipse is a total solar eclipse on November 13. Eclipses turn up the heat, fling open life's window so wide that no one escapes the glare pouring in. Any facade we may try to maintain will be ripped right off revealing the seamy underside of situations and people. It will not be pretty. Attempts to get away with anything, stick to tricks or rote routines, what worked in the past will simply crumble.
The time is nigh to make good on a cherished lesson from Sesame Street: get along. Find new solutions to age old problems. Set aside ego and pride. Do what you never thought you ever would. Cooperate. New Jersey's ardent Republican Governor Christie learned this lesson and quickly. Hurricane Sandy forced him into reaching out to gratefully accept the helping hand of Barack Obama now extends. The lesson: it is time to work together folks. Cooperate or bust.
Often it takes such massive upheaval and mess to push us in the right direction. Enter the silver lining: heavy lifter Saturn makes an immensely helpful angle to power broker Pluto. This pairing will continue for quite some time. Nothing less that the Lord of Karma and Dharma, Saturn makes himself available with Pluto to show us what is real and what is not; what is worth letting go of and what is worth pursuing; who we really are, who we desire yet to become.
At mid month, agressive Mars enters Capricorn at a critical degree, gradually conjoining Pluto. Like lower and higher octaves, these two are about Power. Who has it, who doesn't and who wants it. And no one shows us what is truly significant like Mother Nature. Lest we forget, she holds the reins of power. We do not Although we have tried, for oh so long, to kid ourselves into thinking we control life. That we're in charge. When we finally submit to her with humility and grace, cooperating instead of fighting against the laws of cause and effect, life has a way of falling into place. The more we resist forces bearing down, the harder the road in front of us becomes. This might make you feel as though you are giving up or giving in. But surrendering inevitably reveals the honest path to travel.
Rather than feeling disappointed, Uranus' alignment with the moon's north node and messenger Mercury points us in new directions, encourages us to think of ourselves as being sculpted by the Universe. Chipped away by a cosmic Michelangelo. Wouldn't you rather be a marble masterpiece beheld by all with wonder than stubbornly remaining locked up in a big block of stone? If we cooperate, we are on our way to becoming the masterpiece our soul intended. Planets of divine and earthly love, Neptune and Venus align with Saturn and Pluto at Thanksgiving to underscore our highly powerful potential, and most decidedly, the blessings in our lives.
The second eclipse, lunar, on November 28th, calls us to remember: what we fear most is that we are powerful beyond measure. Let's step across the caverns of fear. Embrace our power. As change agent Uranus aligns with our will, the Sun, we are invited toward ingenious frontiers allowing us to break free of stifling, worn out mindsets and patterns, charting a meaningful and creative new course to grasp; while Mercury turns direct at month's end telling us it is OK, time for fresh ventures and adventures.
Not all of us have been affected by the events that this unusally strong full moon delivered, namely Hurricane Sandy which made landfall near New York precisely at the full moon high tide. Still, like ripples on a lake, the collective One feels the impact to the pool of individuals.
We are always given blessings to assist us through challenges. And November has its share of both. However, this month is simply not an easy time. Obstacles are more than likely to tip the scales in the next few weeks. Your life may not have been turned inside out and thoroughly inconvenienced by Sandy. But each of us will have our load to carry and for many, these will be heavy as November launches a cosmic juggernaut. So strap yourself in and gird your loins, here we go:
The first week finds us still reeling from the powerful full moon at the end of October. Many folks in the Northeastern United States are living without power. The rest of us may find ourselves somewhat powerless or in power struggles. You may feel as though you are backsliding with every few steps taken forward. Take heart. You are far, far from alone. As Mercury, planet of communication slows down and turns retrograde motion on Tuesday, November 6th, effects of trudging through sludge will persist. And November 6th is Election Day. Confusion, miscommunication and misunderstandings are the key note for most of this month. We may very well be in for another presidential situation a la 2000. Romney and Obama are locked in a dead heat leading up to decision day. Let's just pray the Supreme Court does not have to determine who wins the race! And as with all Mercury retrogrades, avoid major purchases (cars, homes, appliances) and signing significant contracts.
Meanwhile, planet of ingenuity Uranus, is making a very helpful angle to Mercury, beckoning us to think outside of the box. Reach for radical solutions, or solutions that feel radical; that in any other time or place we could never imagine making, reaching beyond our deep divides to those we perceive as enemies. Like ranting toddlers, we may not way to but November will not give us much choice. Difficult angles between relationship planet Venus, transformer Pluto and planet of surprise and upheaval, Uranus, catalyze us into action. It will be extremely hard to keep blindly boxing ourselves in. Translation: you will find yourself making some very tough choices; otherwise, your situation will only get that much harder. As foggy Neptune persists in its challenge to the moon's north node, our true north, we may try to keep up pretenses.
However, November's Scorpio Sun says if we do not bend, we will break. Or be broken. This combined with two, count 'em two, eclipses this month drives the intensity of these effects home. Such is the weight placed on our shoulders now. It is not for the faint of heart. The first eclipse is a total solar eclipse on November 13. Eclipses turn up the heat, fling open life's window so wide that no one escapes the glare pouring in. Any facade we may try to maintain will be ripped right off revealing the seamy underside of situations and people. It will not be pretty. Attempts to get away with anything, stick to tricks or rote routines, what worked in the past will simply crumble.
The time is nigh to make good on a cherished lesson from Sesame Street: get along. Find new solutions to age old problems. Set aside ego and pride. Do what you never thought you ever would. Cooperate. New Jersey's ardent Republican Governor Christie learned this lesson and quickly. Hurricane Sandy forced him into reaching out to gratefully accept the helping hand of Barack Obama now extends. The lesson: it is time to work together folks. Cooperate or bust.
Often it takes such massive upheaval and mess to push us in the right direction. Enter the silver lining: heavy lifter Saturn makes an immensely helpful angle to power broker Pluto. This pairing will continue for quite some time. Nothing less that the Lord of Karma and Dharma, Saturn makes himself available with Pluto to show us what is real and what is not; what is worth letting go of and what is worth pursuing; who we really are, who we desire yet to become.
At mid month, agressive Mars enters Capricorn at a critical degree, gradually conjoining Pluto. Like lower and higher octaves, these two are about Power. Who has it, who doesn't and who wants it. And no one shows us what is truly significant like Mother Nature. Lest we forget, she holds the reins of power. We do not Although we have tried, for oh so long, to kid ourselves into thinking we control life. That we're in charge. When we finally submit to her with humility and grace, cooperating instead of fighting against the laws of cause and effect, life has a way of falling into place. The more we resist forces bearing down, the harder the road in front of us becomes. This might make you feel as though you are giving up or giving in. But surrendering inevitably reveals the honest path to travel.
Rather than feeling disappointed, Uranus' alignment with the moon's north node and messenger Mercury points us in new directions, encourages us to think of ourselves as being sculpted by the Universe. Chipped away by a cosmic Michelangelo. Wouldn't you rather be a marble masterpiece beheld by all with wonder than stubbornly remaining locked up in a big block of stone? If we cooperate, we are on our way to becoming the masterpiece our soul intended. Planets of divine and earthly love, Neptune and Venus align with Saturn and Pluto at Thanksgiving to underscore our highly powerful potential, and most decidedly, the blessings in our lives.
The second eclipse, lunar, on November 28th, calls us to remember: what we fear most is that we are powerful beyond measure. Let's step across the caverns of fear. Embrace our power. As change agent Uranus aligns with our will, the Sun, we are invited toward ingenious frontiers allowing us to break free of stifling, worn out mindsets and patterns, charting a meaningful and creative new course to grasp; while Mercury turns direct at month's end telling us it is OK, time for fresh ventures and adventures.
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Falling into October
No month is without its challenges; but if you felt as though you were hanging on to the edge of a cliff by your fingernails at the end of September, you were hardly alone.
The full moon last week combined with three, count 'em three, planets preparing to shift gears into new signs, made the end of last month particularly edgy. Some of that edge has carried over into the beginning of October. The Sun, Pluto and Uranus are very prickly until the second week of the month. Your Will may be challenged every time you turn around. Parents beware! Anyone in a supervisory position, at work or home, pause and take a breath. Measure your words carefully.
Not helping matters is Venus squaring off with Mars. This is raising the ante in relationships, particularly of the male-female variety. The challenging angle can certainly add spice to long-term relationships; but for those having any kind of difficulty, this week could serve to heighten rather than calm underlying storms. Mercury (how we think and communicate) conjoins titanic Saturn at the end phase of Libra, calling further attention to what needs to be clarified and/or corrected in relationships.
However, by the end of this week, Saturn, Venus and Mars make their next move. In addition, our galaxy's heavyweights, Saturn and Pluto take a turn for the better by creating a complimentary angle that will last for quite some time. All this means terrific news for launching new initiatives and getting things done. Hooray!
She might not be at her best in the earthy sign of Virgo, but Venus is super responsible and matter of fact here. She lines up with Pluto in Capricorn and gets down to brass tacks. Whatever requires cleaning up and analyzing, now is the time to take full account and inventory in overlooked areas of our lives. Once you take stock, you'll have a better handle on things and find it easier to make realistic, sound decisions about moving forward. This power is significantly boosted by two planetary pairings: the Sun with Jupiter, and Uranus with Mars.
First, the Sun and Jupiter. This is "your wish is my command" duo. The energy usually created by these two will be somewhat diminished as Jupiter turns retrograde on Thursday, October 4th. Nonetheless, there is power to latch on to here; so focus your Will to cosmic abundance, particularly in the arena of communications where Jupiter is in talkative Geminii.
The fiery alignment of Uranus with Mars further strengthens any message we're trying to get across. Mars moves into freedom-loving Sagittarius on October 7th. Its powerful energy with Uranus enables us to think out of the box and find new solutions to old problems or where we are stuck. This can be a time of breakthroughs, at work, interpersonally, and awakenings within our own selves. If you have hesitated taking a leap of faith, bringing hidden talents out into the open or adventuring into unknown territories, now is an excellent time to go for it!
One word of caution, though, as Mars challenges Neptune; reminding us to check all the facts (the positions of Venus and Mercury will really help you here) before committing to anything. Read all the fine print before signing on the dotted line. A hallmark of Mars being out of kilter with Neptune is disillusionment; things sounding too good to be true usually are. It can also mean water troubles, ie, flooded basements, tears and crying, excessive rain, leaky appliances or roofs. Children, house and home might really demand your attention around October 18th when the Moon and Mars join together. Another aspect of this pair will be that both may insist on complete and utter freedom. Time to walk away from a person, job or problem that is just not serving you; or conversely, break free of that rut you are in and dive into a new relationship or avocation that feeds your soul. Spirit is at the heart of the matter here: taking care of your own soul and spirit, as this is a time of religious and spiritual concerns.
As Saturn settles into the deep waters of Scorpio for the next two years, one thing is for certain. Each of us will be required, yes required, to thoroughly examine and establish a working order in our lives. Do not for a minute think that you can play cosmic hooky. The Universe has a way of making us show up for duty, paying the bill. With the delicious Sun-Saturn alignment to Neptune at the end of October, we should be able to walk in the light that we seek in our lives. A bit of work on ourselves now ensures very deep healing at the root level. From there, all things are possible.
The full moon last week combined with three, count 'em three, planets preparing to shift gears into new signs, made the end of last month particularly edgy. Some of that edge has carried over into the beginning of October. The Sun, Pluto and Uranus are very prickly until the second week of the month. Your Will may be challenged every time you turn around. Parents beware! Anyone in a supervisory position, at work or home, pause and take a breath. Measure your words carefully.
Not helping matters is Venus squaring off with Mars. This is raising the ante in relationships, particularly of the male-female variety. The challenging angle can certainly add spice to long-term relationships; but for those having any kind of difficulty, this week could serve to heighten rather than calm underlying storms. Mercury (how we think and communicate) conjoins titanic Saturn at the end phase of Libra, calling further attention to what needs to be clarified and/or corrected in relationships.
However, by the end of this week, Saturn, Venus and Mars make their next move. In addition, our galaxy's heavyweights, Saturn and Pluto take a turn for the better by creating a complimentary angle that will last for quite some time. All this means terrific news for launching new initiatives and getting things done. Hooray!
She might not be at her best in the earthy sign of Virgo, but Venus is super responsible and matter of fact here. She lines up with Pluto in Capricorn and gets down to brass tacks. Whatever requires cleaning up and analyzing, now is the time to take full account and inventory in overlooked areas of our lives. Once you take stock, you'll have a better handle on things and find it easier to make realistic, sound decisions about moving forward. This power is significantly boosted by two planetary pairings: the Sun with Jupiter, and Uranus with Mars.
First, the Sun and Jupiter. This is "your wish is my command" duo. The energy usually created by these two will be somewhat diminished as Jupiter turns retrograde on Thursday, October 4th. Nonetheless, there is power to latch on to here; so focus your Will to cosmic abundance, particularly in the arena of communications where Jupiter is in talkative Geminii.
The fiery alignment of Uranus with Mars further strengthens any message we're trying to get across. Mars moves into freedom-loving Sagittarius on October 7th. Its powerful energy with Uranus enables us to think out of the box and find new solutions to old problems or where we are stuck. This can be a time of breakthroughs, at work, interpersonally, and awakenings within our own selves. If you have hesitated taking a leap of faith, bringing hidden talents out into the open or adventuring into unknown territories, now is an excellent time to go for it!
One word of caution, though, as Mars challenges Neptune; reminding us to check all the facts (the positions of Venus and Mercury will really help you here) before committing to anything. Read all the fine print before signing on the dotted line. A hallmark of Mars being out of kilter with Neptune is disillusionment; things sounding too good to be true usually are. It can also mean water troubles, ie, flooded basements, tears and crying, excessive rain, leaky appliances or roofs. Children, house and home might really demand your attention around October 18th when the Moon and Mars join together. Another aspect of this pair will be that both may insist on complete and utter freedom. Time to walk away from a person, job or problem that is just not serving you; or conversely, break free of that rut you are in and dive into a new relationship or avocation that feeds your soul. Spirit is at the heart of the matter here: taking care of your own soul and spirit, as this is a time of religious and spiritual concerns.
As Saturn settles into the deep waters of Scorpio for the next two years, one thing is for certain. Each of us will be required, yes required, to thoroughly examine and establish a working order in our lives. Do not for a minute think that you can play cosmic hooky. The Universe has a way of making us show up for duty, paying the bill. With the delicious Sun-Saturn alignment to Neptune at the end of October, we should be able to walk in the light that we seek in our lives. A bit of work on ourselves now ensures very deep healing at the root level. From there, all things are possible.
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Direction: Habits and Transformation
September brings a shift of the lunar nodes from fiery Sagittarius to the water sign Scorpio. The nodes are directional points, determining the push and pull of our lives. Think of them as a compass: north and south poles on a map. They stimulate us to release what no longer serves us while pushing us toward our potential, scary sometimes though that may be.
The nodes' shift into Scorpio has a penetrating effect. We are asked to go really deep and sit with what we may have avoided; then harder still, change what we've avoided changing. Scorpio can have a take no prisoners feel to it if we try to run away or escape. It says we really don't have a choice in the matter. Time to face the music and dance. If nothing else, Scorpio is very psychological. You may already feel it is way past high time to examine and explore matters that you have carried from early childhood into adult life. You may want to open up the doors to yourself; look at patterns, habits and choices that you have resolutely clung to but are in no way healthy or helpful now.
Often we cling to habits based on what we were taught as children, or these sometime arise as coping mechanisms to get us through difficult situations. Or, we may develop habits knowing full well they are unhealthy and not in our best interests. Changing habits is no easy task. It can be as simple as finding time for exercise or proper sleep, to more demanding habits like division of household labor/chores, or quitting smoking, altering diets and patterns of eating, as well as drug or alcohol consumption.
Ethereal Neptune continues to make a challenging angle to the lunar nodes this month. One of the difficult characteristics of Neptune is it can envelope us in what feels like dense fog. However, once we do the work it requires of us, we can cut through the fog and reach places of pristine insight about ourselves, others and life situations.
The good news is right now is ripe for delving inward to figure out what patterns work and don't work for us; in doing so we can come to crystal clear understanding to help heal old wounds and grow into our potential. We have several forces helping us out in this process.
Venus encourages us toward our highest self through September 9th along with Uranus, planet of change, catalyzing us until mid-month. And, as they have for so much of this year, Saturn aligns with Neptune. I call this the "dream-maker" pairing, since Saturn is the architect of the zodiac and enables us to build life step by step, while Neptune is the stuff of dreams: music, film, our subconscious. Time to go build the future of your dreams. You are on the threshold!
At mid-month there is a giant push forward allowing our transformation to become the selves of our hopes and desires. You might even feel that energy now...kind of like sitting in a stationary car or plane when the engine revs. Pluto, planet of desire and transformation is about to turn direct on September 16th at the same time as the New Moon. Set your intentions. Once you set your sights on something you desire, be it a new job, new home or way of life, etc., the wheels of transformation are set into motion. Aiding and abetting us in this movement forward are nothing short of the Sun (our Will) and Mercury (how we think and communicate).
It takes 60 days to change or create a habit. This is an excellent time to break a habit, launch a project or establish healthy patterns. Repeating affirmations are especially helpful now. Start small and build toward a goal. By applying your Will to how you Think in positive and constructive ways, you can accomplish anything!
Toward the end of September, titanic Jupiter weighs in with all the abundance we can handle, alighning with Venus, planet of love and money, and enhancing our power of positive thinking via Mercury. At the same time, just as a reality check, Venus challenges the lunar nodes, asking us: are you really sure you want to go in this direction? What is this change/transformation we seek really worth? Is it valuable, helpful, healthy? What will happen if we continue clutching to patterns that are not working anymore?
Do a double take in the mirror just to make sure of what you want. Stagnate or grow, the choice is always yours.
The nodes' shift into Scorpio has a penetrating effect. We are asked to go really deep and sit with what we may have avoided; then harder still, change what we've avoided changing. Scorpio can have a take no prisoners feel to it if we try to run away or escape. It says we really don't have a choice in the matter. Time to face the music and dance. If nothing else, Scorpio is very psychological. You may already feel it is way past high time to examine and explore matters that you have carried from early childhood into adult life. You may want to open up the doors to yourself; look at patterns, habits and choices that you have resolutely clung to but are in no way healthy or helpful now.
Often we cling to habits based on what we were taught as children, or these sometime arise as coping mechanisms to get us through difficult situations. Or, we may develop habits knowing full well they are unhealthy and not in our best interests. Changing habits is no easy task. It can be as simple as finding time for exercise or proper sleep, to more demanding habits like division of household labor/chores, or quitting smoking, altering diets and patterns of eating, as well as drug or alcohol consumption.
Ethereal Neptune continues to make a challenging angle to the lunar nodes this month. One of the difficult characteristics of Neptune is it can envelope us in what feels like dense fog. However, once we do the work it requires of us, we can cut through the fog and reach places of pristine insight about ourselves, others and life situations.
The good news is right now is ripe for delving inward to figure out what patterns work and don't work for us; in doing so we can come to crystal clear understanding to help heal old wounds and grow into our potential. We have several forces helping us out in this process.
Venus encourages us toward our highest self through September 9th along with Uranus, planet of change, catalyzing us until mid-month. And, as they have for so much of this year, Saturn aligns with Neptune. I call this the "dream-maker" pairing, since Saturn is the architect of the zodiac and enables us to build life step by step, while Neptune is the stuff of dreams: music, film, our subconscious. Time to go build the future of your dreams. You are on the threshold!
At mid-month there is a giant push forward allowing our transformation to become the selves of our hopes and desires. You might even feel that energy now...kind of like sitting in a stationary car or plane when the engine revs. Pluto, planet of desire and transformation is about to turn direct on September 16th at the same time as the New Moon. Set your intentions. Once you set your sights on something you desire, be it a new job, new home or way of life, etc., the wheels of transformation are set into motion. Aiding and abetting us in this movement forward are nothing short of the Sun (our Will) and Mercury (how we think and communicate).
It takes 60 days to change or create a habit. This is an excellent time to break a habit, launch a project or establish healthy patterns. Repeating affirmations are especially helpful now. Start small and build toward a goal. By applying your Will to how you Think in positive and constructive ways, you can accomplish anything!
Toward the end of September, titanic Jupiter weighs in with all the abundance we can handle, alighning with Venus, planet of love and money, and enhancing our power of positive thinking via Mercury. At the same time, just as a reality check, Venus challenges the lunar nodes, asking us: are you really sure you want to go in this direction? What is this change/transformation we seek really worth? Is it valuable, helpful, healthy? What will happen if we continue clutching to patterns that are not working anymore?
Do a double take in the mirror just to make sure of what you want. Stagnate or grow, the choice is always yours.
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
The Bounty of August
For a while now and a few years to come, outer planets Pluto and Uranus have been breaking down old patterns to make way for the new. The new everything. At times, this jarring movement has left us feeling bereft for the familiar and comforting. However, during August, a shift toward what is possible shines. As this month kicks off, Day 1 begins with a full moon in Aquarius, sign of genius and inventiveness. These are key notes for the following weeks, both in work and relationships.
Under the bright light of the full moon, the Sun, change-agent Uranus and the moon's north node align in fire signs to show us that when we merge our will, ingenuity and focus, absolutely anything can be accomplished. It is a time of insight and ignition...a feeling of get ready, get set, GO! This force is so strong that even those with their heads buried in the sand will still feel an impetus urging all of us toward new frontiers of learning and growth. How cool is that?
Supporting this fiery energy is a union between Venus and taskmaster Saturn in communicative air signs. Venus seeks to smooth our path ahead while Saturn gets the job done. Their alliance helps us to persuasively convey our ideas to those we hope to influence. This planetary pairing provides a lasting effect for partnerships, both business and romantic. Also, Mercury is in a key position to move us in the right direction. Where we may have felt without direction before, we now understand exactly how to move forward...as though staring at a map and finally understanding where the roads connect to get us to our destination.
The timing could not be better. The first ten days of August is the perfect time to line up all the pieces and then when Mercury turns direct motion on the 9th, it is full steam ahead! Launch those endeavors and sign those contracts. Waiting to begin breaking ground on a new project? After August 10th, dive right in.
Around the same time, Venus moves into the nurturing sign of Cancer and aligns with intuitive Neptune. You may not know exactly how you came to draw certain conclusions, you will simply know something. If you have a hunch right now, follow it! You will be spot on, especially in areas concerning familiy, home, food, children or the elderly. A highlight of this pairing is that family vacations taken near bodies of water will be very beneficial. So even if you cannot take a whole week off for vacation, a day trip to the beach or a nearby lake will feel like a true get-away.
If you are going on a family vacation at mid-month, remember that every family member needs space to unwind and do their own thing. We are often so busy in our regular individual lives that we can forget how to come together as a family. Venus' opposition to Pluto, and Mars conjoining Saturn in Libra is all about making relationships work. Be mindful of your behavior. Whether you find yourself in a business setting or away with a group in the mountains around August 15, each person has his or her own agenda (even small children). The planetary positions will make us all aware of the needs of others versus our own. Libra and Venus are about balance. How do we strike a balance to ensure everyone's needs and desires are met? This is the work for the last half of August.
Helping us out is Mercury's positive angle to Uranus. Inventive solutions will seemingly emerge from the ether, moving us out of tight corners and sticky situations. Somehow, the right words will bubble to the surface of our minds. Seize these and apply promptly!
In the last week of August, the Saturn-Mars duo in creative Libra will make a flowing angle to Neptune. Artists: unleash yourselves!! Creative ideas and our imaginations set sail. So you think you are not creative? Now is a terrific time to unlock your hidden talent and explore it. Come to think of it, Saturn and Mars will probably not let you keep it buried but insist you apply effort to ingenuity.
Mars shifts into Scorpio toward September, releasing strong passions...for whatever you have up your sleeve, just as the Sun and Pluto align in earth signs. With our Will and our Desires fostering practical accomplishments, we can build any future we envision.
Under the bright light of the full moon, the Sun, change-agent Uranus and the moon's north node align in fire signs to show us that when we merge our will, ingenuity and focus, absolutely anything can be accomplished. It is a time of insight and ignition...a feeling of get ready, get set, GO! This force is so strong that even those with their heads buried in the sand will still feel an impetus urging all of us toward new frontiers of learning and growth. How cool is that?
Supporting this fiery energy is a union between Venus and taskmaster Saturn in communicative air signs. Venus seeks to smooth our path ahead while Saturn gets the job done. Their alliance helps us to persuasively convey our ideas to those we hope to influence. This planetary pairing provides a lasting effect for partnerships, both business and romantic. Also, Mercury is in a key position to move us in the right direction. Where we may have felt without direction before, we now understand exactly how to move forward...as though staring at a map and finally understanding where the roads connect to get us to our destination.
The timing could not be better. The first ten days of August is the perfect time to line up all the pieces and then when Mercury turns direct motion on the 9th, it is full steam ahead! Launch those endeavors and sign those contracts. Waiting to begin breaking ground on a new project? After August 10th, dive right in.
Around the same time, Venus moves into the nurturing sign of Cancer and aligns with intuitive Neptune. You may not know exactly how you came to draw certain conclusions, you will simply know something. If you have a hunch right now, follow it! You will be spot on, especially in areas concerning familiy, home, food, children or the elderly. A highlight of this pairing is that family vacations taken near bodies of water will be very beneficial. So even if you cannot take a whole week off for vacation, a day trip to the beach or a nearby lake will feel like a true get-away.
If you are going on a family vacation at mid-month, remember that every family member needs space to unwind and do their own thing. We are often so busy in our regular individual lives that we can forget how to come together as a family. Venus' opposition to Pluto, and Mars conjoining Saturn in Libra is all about making relationships work. Be mindful of your behavior. Whether you find yourself in a business setting or away with a group in the mountains around August 15, each person has his or her own agenda (even small children). The planetary positions will make us all aware of the needs of others versus our own. Libra and Venus are about balance. How do we strike a balance to ensure everyone's needs and desires are met? This is the work for the last half of August.
Helping us out is Mercury's positive angle to Uranus. Inventive solutions will seemingly emerge from the ether, moving us out of tight corners and sticky situations. Somehow, the right words will bubble to the surface of our minds. Seize these and apply promptly!
In the last week of August, the Saturn-Mars duo in creative Libra will make a flowing angle to Neptune. Artists: unleash yourselves!! Creative ideas and our imaginations set sail. So you think you are not creative? Now is a terrific time to unlock your hidden talent and explore it. Come to think of it, Saturn and Mars will probably not let you keep it buried but insist you apply effort to ingenuity.
Mars shifts into Scorpio toward September, releasing strong passions...for whatever you have up your sleeve, just as the Sun and Pluto align in earth signs. With our Will and our Desires fostering practical accomplishments, we can build any future we envision.
Monday, June 4, 2012
Focus on Relationships
June always strikes me as a mini-holiday season. Minus the cold air, hot chocolate and carols on the radio, June often finds us giving gifts...at life cycle events such as weddings and graduations. Even if you don’t have family members in school, there is something similar between the conclusion of events before summer’s hiatus and the winding down of the calendar year in December.
Today hosts a lunar eclipse, where the Sun is opposite the full Moon. Every full moon marks culmination and completion. Think about what is currently happening for you. Are there any significant endings or events occurring in your life? In the case of this eclipse, the Sun conjoins Venus in communicative Geminii opposing an adventurous Sagitarrian Moon. This pairing finds an emphasis on verbal and written communication, siblings, short and long distance travel, life lessons, education and spirituality. Are any of these areas in your world seeing heightened focus?
Eclipses mark significant turning points in life. They act as portals, doorways opening to new experiences; doorways that also close behind you, indicating certain passages in your life are now over and it is time to move on so your soul can grow. I had to laugh noting how this eclipse is personally affecting me and my family. Today, my oldest daughter picked up her cap and gown for high school graduation. Sometimes the heavens speak so literally to us. Nothing says, “you need to move on from this place” like virtually putting cap and gown in your hands! Needless to say, this eclipse marks how my role in my daughter’s life is greatly changing as she moves out of the house and into adult life.
Intuitive planet Neptune now fosters this push and pull of new growth and letting go. It is making a difficult angle to the lunar nodes. Neptune rules water and some of us may actually find parts of our lives completely under water or washed away. If not by flooding, then perhaps by a flood of emotion, via tears perhaps. Releasing old habits and patterns isn’t always easy. However, Neptune asks us to surrender: accept what we cannot change and embrace new people, situations. Ask yourself what no longer serves you, habits, possessions, professions, etc. Are the people surrounding you in your best interest?
What will really push these points is fiery planet Mars in analytical, perfectionist Virgo smack in the middle of the eclipse equation. A word of caution: now is not a time to parse words; rather, brush up your negotiation skills. Charm comes to mind. Messenger planet Mercury will really help guide your tongue the first part of June as it makes a lovely angle to intuitive Neptune. You will get a vibe of what not to say and how to turn a phrase for better reception. Like a polished diplomat, find ways to deftly charm your way through prickly conversations that may present themselves at work or home. Honey always works better than vinegar. Apply honey generously now!
Picking up where this planetary pair leaves off, game-changer Uranus makes a great angle to Venus from mid to late June. Say hello to new relationships and particularly, new ways of positively expressing yourself to people. You may be pleasantly surprised listening to words coming out of your mouth... how truly clever you can be. This in turn will enable you to magnetize refreshing new relationships, and breathe new life into old, valued relations.
All of this activity is building toward two significant celestial events at the end of June, both involving people. The last week of June, Saturn and Venus turn direct motion. This is important as Saturn has been cycling through Libra, sign of relationships, art and beauty. And Venus is the planetary ruler of Libra. With both planets in air signs, communication is the watchword. Once both of these planets move forward out of their retrograde motion, relationships (including the most important one…that of you to your SELF) that have been out of kilter will right themselves and establish balance. Venus and Libra are all about harmony and peace. Truly, there is nothing more essential in life than the pursuit of these.
Today hosts a lunar eclipse, where the Sun is opposite the full Moon. Every full moon marks culmination and completion. Think about what is currently happening for you. Are there any significant endings or events occurring in your life? In the case of this eclipse, the Sun conjoins Venus in communicative Geminii opposing an adventurous Sagitarrian Moon. This pairing finds an emphasis on verbal and written communication, siblings, short and long distance travel, life lessons, education and spirituality. Are any of these areas in your world seeing heightened focus?
Eclipses mark significant turning points in life. They act as portals, doorways opening to new experiences; doorways that also close behind you, indicating certain passages in your life are now over and it is time to move on so your soul can grow. I had to laugh noting how this eclipse is personally affecting me and my family. Today, my oldest daughter picked up her cap and gown for high school graduation. Sometimes the heavens speak so literally to us. Nothing says, “you need to move on from this place” like virtually putting cap and gown in your hands! Needless to say, this eclipse marks how my role in my daughter’s life is greatly changing as she moves out of the house and into adult life.
Intuitive planet Neptune now fosters this push and pull of new growth and letting go. It is making a difficult angle to the lunar nodes. Neptune rules water and some of us may actually find parts of our lives completely under water or washed away. If not by flooding, then perhaps by a flood of emotion, via tears perhaps. Releasing old habits and patterns isn’t always easy. However, Neptune asks us to surrender: accept what we cannot change and embrace new people, situations. Ask yourself what no longer serves you, habits, possessions, professions, etc. Are the people surrounding you in your best interest?
What will really push these points is fiery planet Mars in analytical, perfectionist Virgo smack in the middle of the eclipse equation. A word of caution: now is not a time to parse words; rather, brush up your negotiation skills. Charm comes to mind. Messenger planet Mercury will really help guide your tongue the first part of June as it makes a lovely angle to intuitive Neptune. You will get a vibe of what not to say and how to turn a phrase for better reception. Like a polished diplomat, find ways to deftly charm your way through prickly conversations that may present themselves at work or home. Honey always works better than vinegar. Apply honey generously now!
Picking up where this planetary pair leaves off, game-changer Uranus makes a great angle to Venus from mid to late June. Say hello to new relationships and particularly, new ways of positively expressing yourself to people. You may be pleasantly surprised listening to words coming out of your mouth... how truly clever you can be. This in turn will enable you to magnetize refreshing new relationships, and breathe new life into old, valued relations.
All of this activity is building toward two significant celestial events at the end of June, both involving people. The last week of June, Saturn and Venus turn direct motion. This is important as Saturn has been cycling through Libra, sign of relationships, art and beauty. And Venus is the planetary ruler of Libra. With both planets in air signs, communication is the watchword. Once both of these planets move forward out of their retrograde motion, relationships (including the most important one…that of you to your SELF) that have been out of kilter will right themselves and establish balance. Venus and Libra are all about harmony and peace. Truly, there is nothing more essential in life than the pursuit of these.
Thursday, May 3, 2012
May Madness!
This first week of May finds us moving toward a Full Moon....yes, that's right: Full Moon in Capital Letters. Popular culture has come to label Perigee full moons such as the one on Saturday, May 5th as "Super Moons". The term stems from the fact that a Perigee moon is one that is in closest orbit to the earth.
How does this impact us? Just as the tides of our oceans are influenced by the moon, so does the moon affect our lives. All full moons bring culmination to any matters: court decisions, graduations, debts to be settled, turning points in relationships, etc. Full moons mean fruition.
So a Super Moon, especially this one in the sign of Scorpio, is bigger and stronger. You will feel the effects of this culminating cycle for sure, if you haven't already. Scorpio rules passion and sex, mysteries, and shared resources. By the end of this week you may find yourself in a tidal wave of romance, uncovering long-sought answers to a matter hidden for years, or dealing with the IRS (yes, the Tax Man who manages shared resources is a Scorpio). This is a sign that plumbs the depths, takes pleasure in going deep. And whatever it uncovers under the bright glare of this Super Moon will be highly revealing! So a word to the wise: do not even try hiding something, be it an affair, issues dealing with money, or otherwise.
On the heels of the full moon, Jupiter conjoins the Sun in the sign of Taurus over Mother's Day weekend. Your inner artist or gardener will get an immense boost from this combination. How lovely! Now is a great time to plant anything out of doors. For those born in the sign of Taurus, enjoy the wonderful energy coming your way during the next year; as it only occurs once every twelve years.
This mid-month period is enhanced by Mars making a beautiful angle to Pluto in the earthy signs of Virgo and Capricorn. Health or work related problems that have remained elusive will now find solutions. Practicality rules... so dive into any endeavor involving building something from the ground up: be it actual construction, a project or business.
Also occurring at mid-month, Venus turns retrograde. As the planet ruling love and money moves inward, you may want to hold off until the end of June before leaping into new relationships or changing the status of a special relationship, such as engagement or marriage. Consider as well waiting to invest funds in new markets, stocks or business enterprises. Take these next few weeks to do your homework about how to invest your hard-earned dollar; evaluate how you really feel about that new love interest. Is he or she truly right for you? How do you see any future together?
The end of May brings some key answers. First, a solar eclipse occurs on May 20 at the very beginning of messenger sign Geminii. This event, along with the conjoining of the Sun, Mercury and Venus in Geminii bears significant information for each and every one of us. Use this time to pause, take a breath, close your eyes and hear what the universe is trying to impart. The last week of May, you will be given the answers to your questions: just open your heart and mind to learn how best you can grow.
How does this impact us? Just as the tides of our oceans are influenced by the moon, so does the moon affect our lives. All full moons bring culmination to any matters: court decisions, graduations, debts to be settled, turning points in relationships, etc. Full moons mean fruition.
So a Super Moon, especially this one in the sign of Scorpio, is bigger and stronger. You will feel the effects of this culminating cycle for sure, if you haven't already. Scorpio rules passion and sex, mysteries, and shared resources. By the end of this week you may find yourself in a tidal wave of romance, uncovering long-sought answers to a matter hidden for years, or dealing with the IRS (yes, the Tax Man who manages shared resources is a Scorpio). This is a sign that plumbs the depths, takes pleasure in going deep. And whatever it uncovers under the bright glare of this Super Moon will be highly revealing! So a word to the wise: do not even try hiding something, be it an affair, issues dealing with money, or otherwise.
On the heels of the full moon, Jupiter conjoins the Sun in the sign of Taurus over Mother's Day weekend. Your inner artist or gardener will get an immense boost from this combination. How lovely! Now is a great time to plant anything out of doors. For those born in the sign of Taurus, enjoy the wonderful energy coming your way during the next year; as it only occurs once every twelve years.
This mid-month period is enhanced by Mars making a beautiful angle to Pluto in the earthy signs of Virgo and Capricorn. Health or work related problems that have remained elusive will now find solutions. Practicality rules... so dive into any endeavor involving building something from the ground up: be it actual construction, a project or business.
Also occurring at mid-month, Venus turns retrograde. As the planet ruling love and money moves inward, you may want to hold off until the end of June before leaping into new relationships or changing the status of a special relationship, such as engagement or marriage. Consider as well waiting to invest funds in new markets, stocks or business enterprises. Take these next few weeks to do your homework about how to invest your hard-earned dollar; evaluate how you really feel about that new love interest. Is he or she truly right for you? How do you see any future together?
The end of May brings some key answers. First, a solar eclipse occurs on May 20 at the very beginning of messenger sign Geminii. This event, along with the conjoining of the Sun, Mercury and Venus in Geminii bears significant information for each and every one of us. Use this time to pause, take a breath, close your eyes and hear what the universe is trying to impart. The last week of May, you will be given the answers to your questions: just open your heart and mind to learn how best you can grow.
Thursday, April 5, 2012
April = Full Steam Ahead!
What a mixed up winter we've had! I've lived in Northeastern United States most of my life and can never recall flowering trees budding in March! Wow.
I truly cannot complain about the lack of snow and ice (compared to the prior winter) but the past few months I felt like I was living somewhere other than New England. The rest of the country hasn't had it so easy, though,with record tornadoes destroying parts of the midwest and south, and torrential rains in the Pacific Northwest. Even Hawaii had ten days of straight rain while a storm parked itself over the islands last month. After one of the driest winters ever, New England will be crying for some of that rain if we do not soon get some April showers. The weird weather since January, and especially this last month of March, only heightened the feeling that we've been stuck in alternate universe, a psychic quagmire, spinning our wheels.
So....I am really glad to say: April brings a completely fresh start. Leave winter behind and point your best foot forward. The planets are aligned to help you. This month sets us off to the right start as messenger planet Mercury turned direction motion yesterday. It has been circling back through the watery sign of Pisces. You may have felt like you had a low-grade fever or a fog filled your brain. Nothing you aimed to accomplish seemed to get done. However, with Mercury moving forward now, the fog occupying our minds lifts. Our judgment clarifies as a clear breeze blows across decisions to make. Our thoughts had a thorough housecleaning, and now are polished, ready to take up a new mantle.
Substantially helping this feeling, fiery planet Mars also turns direct on April 14th. Next week you will really start feeling more like yourself again. The kinks and knots in your system and life will smooth out like a traffic jam gradually unsnarling. Hooray! I know so many folks (including here on the home front) dealing with health concerns or tangles at work caused by Mars' reverse shift through practical Virgo. Animals or people who work with animals may have been particularly affected these past few months. The up side of our recent experiences is that we sure found out what did not work. And when you think about it, knowing what not to do is equally important as what to do. It gives us the opportunity to try what will work. Feeling the sting of "no", or rejection, is as they say, "one 'no' closer to 'yes'."
Now as the planets help us to move forward, mysterious ailments or scuffles at work (or a lack of work) will be clarified and remedied. All the while, Saturn has been making a beautiful angle to Neptune, giving us strength to carry on with our dreams. This dream-maker energy receives a tour-de-force boost at mid month when Mercury joins planet of surprise Uranus in fiery Aries, forming a terrific angle to the moon's north node. Pieces of yourself or your world that you seek to change are at hand. Feel the revolution within. Break free from the chains of habit. Toss out those rigid expectations and traditions foisted on you as a child or in your current relationships. It is true that where we are right now is precisely because of our choices. But as adults, we can also choose to be something else. Be that change you wish to see in the world. Then watch the ripple effect circle out from your being.
April 20-30 is the time to aim for precisely what you want and release your arrow straight toward your target. The Sun (our will) lines up with Pluto, planet of desire and transformation, and Mars to deliver the goods. Prepare to receive. Manifestation is yours. Just in time for the season of graduations and weddings. Funny how the cosmos works! Projects, in some cases, efforts we have worked on for a long, long time will come to completion. Ah, fruition. Stand up and take a bow. Raise your glass and celebrate the months and years of very hard work now finished. Well done! Then, bestowing grand celestial applause, the nurturing, emotional moon joins this earthy troika on May Day. Even as Mother Earth says a heartfelt, "Congratulations", she gestures for us to plant the seeds for our next venture....
I truly cannot complain about the lack of snow and ice (compared to the prior winter) but the past few months I felt like I was living somewhere other than New England. The rest of the country hasn't had it so easy, though,with record tornadoes destroying parts of the midwest and south, and torrential rains in the Pacific Northwest. Even Hawaii had ten days of straight rain while a storm parked itself over the islands last month. After one of the driest winters ever, New England will be crying for some of that rain if we do not soon get some April showers. The weird weather since January, and especially this last month of March, only heightened the feeling that we've been stuck in alternate universe, a psychic quagmire, spinning our wheels.
So....I am really glad to say: April brings a completely fresh start. Leave winter behind and point your best foot forward. The planets are aligned to help you. This month sets us off to the right start as messenger planet Mercury turned direction motion yesterday. It has been circling back through the watery sign of Pisces. You may have felt like you had a low-grade fever or a fog filled your brain. Nothing you aimed to accomplish seemed to get done. However, with Mercury moving forward now, the fog occupying our minds lifts. Our judgment clarifies as a clear breeze blows across decisions to make. Our thoughts had a thorough housecleaning, and now are polished, ready to take up a new mantle.
Substantially helping this feeling, fiery planet Mars also turns direct on April 14th. Next week you will really start feeling more like yourself again. The kinks and knots in your system and life will smooth out like a traffic jam gradually unsnarling. Hooray! I know so many folks (including here on the home front) dealing with health concerns or tangles at work caused by Mars' reverse shift through practical Virgo. Animals or people who work with animals may have been particularly affected these past few months. The up side of our recent experiences is that we sure found out what did not work. And when you think about it, knowing what not to do is equally important as what to do. It gives us the opportunity to try what will work. Feeling the sting of "no", or rejection, is as they say, "one 'no' closer to 'yes'."
Now as the planets help us to move forward, mysterious ailments or scuffles at work (or a lack of work) will be clarified and remedied. All the while, Saturn has been making a beautiful angle to Neptune, giving us strength to carry on with our dreams. This dream-maker energy receives a tour-de-force boost at mid month when Mercury joins planet of surprise Uranus in fiery Aries, forming a terrific angle to the moon's north node. Pieces of yourself or your world that you seek to change are at hand. Feel the revolution within. Break free from the chains of habit. Toss out those rigid expectations and traditions foisted on you as a child or in your current relationships. It is true that where we are right now is precisely because of our choices. But as adults, we can also choose to be something else. Be that change you wish to see in the world. Then watch the ripple effect circle out from your being.
April 20-30 is the time to aim for precisely what you want and release your arrow straight toward your target. The Sun (our will) lines up with Pluto, planet of desire and transformation, and Mars to deliver the goods. Prepare to receive. Manifestation is yours. Just in time for the season of graduations and weddings. Funny how the cosmos works! Projects, in some cases, efforts we have worked on for a long, long time will come to completion. Ah, fruition. Stand up and take a bow. Raise your glass and celebrate the months and years of very hard work now finished. Well done! Then, bestowing grand celestial applause, the nurturing, emotional moon joins this earthy troika on May Day. Even as Mother Earth says a heartfelt, "Congratulations", she gestures for us to plant the seeds for our next venture....
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Manifestation Magnet!
As with all things in life, with the blessings also come the challenges. So goes this month of March. First the good stuff.
Venus just entered her rulership Taurus, joining Jupiter which has been there for some time. The down-to-earth, practical artisan sign of Taurus innately understands the good life; but it is not afraid of hard work and knows what it means to earn money and make a living. Taurus is the "show me the money" sign and rules the stock market. Hence the phrase: "It is a bull market".
Taurus has a softer side too, the artistic earth mother. Some of our greatest artists are Taurean: Barbra Streisand, Leonardo da Vinci, Salvador Dali, Greta Garbo to name a few. Rarely do creators born under the sign of the bull fit the classic image of the starving artist. Rather, these folks are masters of combining ingenuity with pragmatism. Specifically, they value worth, especially their worth and do not shrink from acquiring adequate compensation for their efforts. Remember, Taurus is ruled by Venus, goddess of love. She knows love begins with the Self. And the goddess loves herself very much by enveloping her life with valuables: creature comforts and the means to obtain them. So although a female Taurus might be a vision of angelic femininity, never forget that underneath she has the iron will of a bull. In the end, she gets what she wants!
So how does this energy parlay itself for each of us? This month, the coupling of titan Jupiter, bearer of blessings and abundance, with Venus, planet of love and money delivers the goods wherever it passes through our charts. For some, this could result in actual money. One of the largest powerball jackpots ever was recently claimed for $336 million. For others, the Venus-Jupiter pairing will bear harmonious relationships, peace of mind, restoration of health, a new job.
As if this pairing wasn't enough, Venus and Jupiter will form a beautiful angle with transformer Pluto and action-trigger Mars. Simply said: four planets in earth signs equals manifestation. Glad tidings to you! The effects of this carry forward through the rest of March so make the most of this time. This week in particular Venus also aligns with its higher octave, dreamy Neptune, underscoring the cosmic goodies you receive. Contributing to these beneficial results as well is the continuing alliance of dream-machine Neptune and Saturn. We will need all of these universal blessings as we face the month ahead.
Thursday's full moon in analytical Virgo certainly gleans each and every part of the work that needs to be done. For those stricken by the unprecedented rash of March tornadoes in the South and Midwest, this will help you pick up the pieces in order to go on. Uranus, planet of surprise conjoined with messenger Mercury in fiery Aries is delivering complete upheaval. However, with this pair comes a significant bright side: potential EUREKA breakthroughs in technology and science. Without exaggeration, long-awaited cures for disease are upon us. Expect the unexpected....accidental discoveries. And accidents. Complete unpredictablity is the watchword.
This is magnified by Mercury's retrograde phase from March `12-April 5. If you find yourself with that Taurean windfall mentioned earlier, hold off on major purchases and signing contracts until mid-April. I know that t he last thing you will feel like doing as the earth warms up is turning inward as the retrograde suggests. But if you do need to boost your self worth by spending that extra cash or time with a new special someone, do it over a spa weekend or getaway retreat. And you may very well want to hide around the time of the spring equinox (March 20), when the Sun joins Mercury and Uranus. Unrest in the middle east will reach fever pitch. Think revolution. Stalwart structures such as banking and government will continue to experience upheaval. This is not a time for the faint of heart. Remember, in order to evolve, the old must give way to the new. This nearly always involves a period of breaking down so a new order may be created. Think about how life is calling, perhaps demanding, you to change. Note to self: flow rather than fight. Resisting only brings pain and shame. After all, if Syrian President Assad had chosen to flow rather than fight, how many of his citizens would still be living?
May the force be with you!
Venus just entered her rulership Taurus, joining Jupiter which has been there for some time. The down-to-earth, practical artisan sign of Taurus innately understands the good life; but it is not afraid of hard work and knows what it means to earn money and make a living. Taurus is the "show me the money" sign and rules the stock market. Hence the phrase: "It is a bull market".
Taurus has a softer side too, the artistic earth mother. Some of our greatest artists are Taurean: Barbra Streisand, Leonardo da Vinci, Salvador Dali, Greta Garbo to name a few. Rarely do creators born under the sign of the bull fit the classic image of the starving artist. Rather, these folks are masters of combining ingenuity with pragmatism. Specifically, they value worth, especially their worth and do not shrink from acquiring adequate compensation for their efforts. Remember, Taurus is ruled by Venus, goddess of love. She knows love begins with the Self. And the goddess loves herself very much by enveloping her life with valuables: creature comforts and the means to obtain them. So although a female Taurus might be a vision of angelic femininity, never forget that underneath she has the iron will of a bull. In the end, she gets what she wants!
So how does this energy parlay itself for each of us? This month, the coupling of titan Jupiter, bearer of blessings and abundance, with Venus, planet of love and money delivers the goods wherever it passes through our charts. For some, this could result in actual money. One of the largest powerball jackpots ever was recently claimed for $336 million. For others, the Venus-Jupiter pairing will bear harmonious relationships, peace of mind, restoration of health, a new job.
As if this pairing wasn't enough, Venus and Jupiter will form a beautiful angle with transformer Pluto and action-trigger Mars. Simply said: four planets in earth signs equals manifestation. Glad tidings to you! The effects of this carry forward through the rest of March so make the most of this time. This week in particular Venus also aligns with its higher octave, dreamy Neptune, underscoring the cosmic goodies you receive. Contributing to these beneficial results as well is the continuing alliance of dream-machine Neptune and Saturn. We will need all of these universal blessings as we face the month ahead.
Thursday's full moon in analytical Virgo certainly gleans each and every part of the work that needs to be done. For those stricken by the unprecedented rash of March tornadoes in the South and Midwest, this will help you pick up the pieces in order to go on. Uranus, planet of surprise conjoined with messenger Mercury in fiery Aries is delivering complete upheaval. However, with this pair comes a significant bright side: potential EUREKA breakthroughs in technology and science. Without exaggeration, long-awaited cures for disease are upon us. Expect the unexpected....accidental discoveries. And accidents. Complete unpredictablity is the watchword.
This is magnified by Mercury's retrograde phase from March `12-April 5. If you find yourself with that Taurean windfall mentioned earlier, hold off on major purchases and signing contracts until mid-April. I know that t he last thing you will feel like doing as the earth warms up is turning inward as the retrograde suggests. But if you do need to boost your self worth by spending that extra cash or time with a new special someone, do it over a spa weekend or getaway retreat. And you may very well want to hide around the time of the spring equinox (March 20), when the Sun joins Mercury and Uranus. Unrest in the middle east will reach fever pitch. Think revolution. Stalwart structures such as banking and government will continue to experience upheaval. This is not a time for the faint of heart. Remember, in order to evolve, the old must give way to the new. This nearly always involves a period of breaking down so a new order may be created. Think about how life is calling, perhaps demanding, you to change. Note to self: flow rather than fight. Resisting only brings pain and shame. After all, if Syrian President Assad had chosen to flow rather than fight, how many of his citizens would still be living?
May the force be with you!
Monday, February 6, 2012
Neptune: Music, Magic, Mystery...and more!
Never a dull moment as the cosmos continually churns things up to push us forward!
We are on the cusp of a full moon in Leo that occurs tomorrow, Tuesday. Think boundless courage and creativity. It is really difficult to hide yourself or anything you want to keep hush-hush under the blazing light of Madame Moon. So take advantage of this glorious lunar spotlight: ask how you can shine? Make like a lion and roar! Let your voice be heard. This is no time for shrinking violets. Rather, it is a great week for unleashing creativity, be it projects or ideas.
Aiding and abetting this energy is Neptune. Last week, the Dream Weaver moved into its own sign of Pisces where it shall remain for a nice long time. How long you may ask...? Oh, until 2025. So we might as well settle in for what Neptune does best: making exquisite music and art, dreaming up solutions to stubborn problems, caring for our fellow man, animals and planet with a level of compassion to make Mother Theresa proud.
But be careful. Just as Neptune is the highest form of divine love, it also rules the lowest man has to offer: drugs/alcohol, addiction, escapism. Its astrological sign Pisces is symbolized by two fishes swimming in opposite directions. Make sure you are not pulled down below the surface by the fish headed the wrong way. Attach yourself to the fish swimming toward a productive, healthy future. Wherever Neptune is passing through your chart, you will face two distinct choices: dissolution or creative dream building. Sometimes this can occur simultaneously as we may be relunctant to let go of part of our lives that is no longer useful. So a relationship, job or habit may dissolve like quicksand. And there is nothing we can do about it. You may find yourself scratching your head, quoting that line from the Talking Heads song...."well, how did I get here?"
Never fear. If a piece of your life isn't working for you, the cosmic dissolver Neptune appears to virtually wash it away so you can start fresh. That's where creative dream building comes into play. How should you really be spending your hours here on earth? Dream. Then build.
Enter Saturn. The planetary taskmaster continues to make a beautiful angle to Neptune through the end of March. Saturn will help you plan and execute your dreams. This energy is catalyzed by Saturn's opposition to titanic Jupiter in pragmatic, earthy Taurus, doubly ensuring you will not float out to sea on ethereal Neptune's waves; rather, you are safely tethered to earth with enough breathing room to grow. Strengthening our growth and evolution is Jupiter's solid angle to Pluto which continues to build through mid-March. Material resources are here to support us as we take initial steps forward. Leap and the net will appear. Close your eyes and go for it!
Remember, it is easier to change if we are in the driver's seat operating the controls rather than being controlled for our own good. Stay ahead of the curve instead of risking being struck by the cosmic cattle prod forcing change upon you. A few planetary interactions this month will take care of that. First, Saturn just turned retrograde at a critical degree of Libra, the relationship czar. This is urging us to look closely at those around us as we set sail to our dreams. Are the people close to us (including ourselves) helpful or hurtful? What people or parts of yourself need to be let go of, changed for the better?
Also asking us how we want to be treated is Mars which continues its retrograde in Virgo. Work, health and habits are getting a thorough review until April when Mars turns direct. Above all else, Virgo is about service. We must serve ourselves before we can serve others. Which is why if our health isn't in good shape, we are unable to work or help our families. Make sure your basic habits are serving you: eating and sleeping well? Getting enough exercise? If these habits are "working" for you, then you can focus energy outwardly. How do you want to best serve your family, workplace, community? Are you able to devote just a few hours a week volunteering for a charity or cause that sparks interest? One note of caution is that you may want to hold off on acquiring a new pet until mid April, as Virgo rules the pets we own.
The focus on relationship heightens through Valentine's Day which could be full of surprises... super OR explosive, this year. Relationship planet Venus conjoins unpredictable Uranus, both in a challenging angle to Pluto at the end of this week and all into next. This might make for unusual or surprising events. Instead of a routine box of chocolates and roses, unexpected marriage proposals, or conversely, breakups could occur. Nothing like Uranus to keep us on our toes, in suspense, waiting with baited breath. So help yourself. Now is a great
time for some yogic breathing: you control the breath instead of it controlling you! Breathe and prepare. The best offense is a good defense.
We are on the cusp of a full moon in Leo that occurs tomorrow, Tuesday. Think boundless courage and creativity. It is really difficult to hide yourself or anything you want to keep hush-hush under the blazing light of Madame Moon. So take advantage of this glorious lunar spotlight: ask how you can shine? Make like a lion and roar! Let your voice be heard. This is no time for shrinking violets. Rather, it is a great week for unleashing creativity, be it projects or ideas.
Aiding and abetting this energy is Neptune. Last week, the Dream Weaver moved into its own sign of Pisces where it shall remain for a nice long time. How long you may ask...? Oh, until 2025. So we might as well settle in for what Neptune does best: making exquisite music and art, dreaming up solutions to stubborn problems, caring for our fellow man, animals and planet with a level of compassion to make Mother Theresa proud.
But be careful. Just as Neptune is the highest form of divine love, it also rules the lowest man has to offer: drugs/alcohol, addiction, escapism. Its astrological sign Pisces is symbolized by two fishes swimming in opposite directions. Make sure you are not pulled down below the surface by the fish headed the wrong way. Attach yourself to the fish swimming toward a productive, healthy future. Wherever Neptune is passing through your chart, you will face two distinct choices: dissolution or creative dream building. Sometimes this can occur simultaneously as we may be relunctant to let go of part of our lives that is no longer useful. So a relationship, job or habit may dissolve like quicksand. And there is nothing we can do about it. You may find yourself scratching your head, quoting that line from the Talking Heads song...."well, how did I get here?"
Never fear. If a piece of your life isn't working for you, the cosmic dissolver Neptune appears to virtually wash it away so you can start fresh. That's where creative dream building comes into play. How should you really be spending your hours here on earth? Dream. Then build.
Enter Saturn. The planetary taskmaster continues to make a beautiful angle to Neptune through the end of March. Saturn will help you plan and execute your dreams. This energy is catalyzed by Saturn's opposition to titanic Jupiter in pragmatic, earthy Taurus, doubly ensuring you will not float out to sea on ethereal Neptune's waves; rather, you are safely tethered to earth with enough breathing room to grow. Strengthening our growth and evolution is Jupiter's solid angle to Pluto which continues to build through mid-March. Material resources are here to support us as we take initial steps forward. Leap and the net will appear. Close your eyes and go for it!
Remember, it is easier to change if we are in the driver's seat operating the controls rather than being controlled for our own good. Stay ahead of the curve instead of risking being struck by the cosmic cattle prod forcing change upon you. A few planetary interactions this month will take care of that. First, Saturn just turned retrograde at a critical degree of Libra, the relationship czar. This is urging us to look closely at those around us as we set sail to our dreams. Are the people close to us (including ourselves) helpful or hurtful? What people or parts of yourself need to be let go of, changed for the better?
Also asking us how we want to be treated is Mars which continues its retrograde in Virgo. Work, health and habits are getting a thorough review until April when Mars turns direct. Above all else, Virgo is about service. We must serve ourselves before we can serve others. Which is why if our health isn't in good shape, we are unable to work or help our families. Make sure your basic habits are serving you: eating and sleeping well? Getting enough exercise? If these habits are "working" for you, then you can focus energy outwardly. How do you want to best serve your family, workplace, community? Are you able to devote just a few hours a week volunteering for a charity or cause that sparks interest? One note of caution is that you may want to hold off on acquiring a new pet until mid April, as Virgo rules the pets we own.
The focus on relationship heightens through Valentine's Day which could be full of surprises... super OR explosive, this year. Relationship planet Venus conjoins unpredictable Uranus, both in a challenging angle to Pluto at the end of this week and all into next. This might make for unusual or surprising events. Instead of a routine box of chocolates and roses, unexpected marriage proposals, or conversely, breakups could occur. Nothing like Uranus to keep us on our toes, in suspense, waiting with baited breath. So help yourself. Now is a great
time for some yogic breathing: you control the breath instead of it controlling you! Breathe and prepare. The best offense is a good defense.
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Happy New Year! Debunking the Mayan myth and more
Forget what you've heard about the Mayan prophecy. The world is not coming to an end in December 2012. The most logical explanation for the Mayan calendar ending on 12/21/2012 I have heard is that they simply could not see beyond that date thousands of years ago when carving it on to a stone slab. Such a point in the future must have seemed like eternity, so far in the distance the day might never arrive. As fate would have it, the Mayan people vanished long before 12/21/2012. Perhaps if their civilization had survived, a new, extended version of the calendar, created say on paper..., most likely would have charted a calendar through this millenia and a few more beyond.
Sleep soundly and fear not. For 2012 brings good tidings! In Chinese astrology, this is the Year of the Dragon, a truly magical time. And 2012 has the makings for dreams coming true.
The first weekend of the New Year brings a full moon in the home-loving sign of Cancer the Crab. Come in out of the cold on Saturday and snuggle down into your toasties. Put a pie in the oven and curl up by the fire. Really, is there anything more delicious? Yum. This weekend is a warm, relaxing culmination after all of the holiday excitement and frivolity. Take advantage of the quiet time to share your thoughts, ideas and dreams for the future: both titans Jupiter and Saturn cast a beautiful angle to Mercury, communication planet. For the next week, Jupiter magnificently amplifies whatever you are saying; while Saturn gives your message structure and resonance. With Mercury finishing up in the fiery sign of Sagittarius, aim your arrow well. Now is the time to make yourself heard.
The good vibes of the full moon continue to heighten through MLKing, Jr. weekend, as Venus and Neptune pair up in Aquarius. These are the love planets. In Aquarius, sign of the unconventional and group conciousness, you may find yourself on an unexpected romantic weekend or the recipient of long-overdue recognition by a group you belong to: SURPRISE!
Accept such beautiful cosmic love graciously and use it to support your dreams. Because this is dream-building time. Adding to the Venus-Neptune match is the harmonious energy between Saturn and Neptune. Saturn is all about putting one foot in front of the other, building slowly, surely, effectively. But illusory Neptune could not be more different. It is ephemeral, like irridescent vapor. Think fame, dreams, film, and yes, addiction. Things you cannot catch with your bare hands that delight the senses, make you high. So when Saturn and Neptune align, it is similar to a master filmmaker at work: shooting a scene each day, then, after three months of hard work (Saturn), pure entertainment is created...a movie (Neptune).
So ask yourself: what is your dream? More importantly, why do you want that dream. If you understand why you want something, the what and the how are easier to fill in the blanks. Right now, Saturn and Neptune are in the signs of mental signs of Libra and Aquarius. This planetary grace is particularly beneficial to art, relationships and invention. What art can you create? What dream relationship do you want? How can you reinvent yourself? When you know why you want to pursue a certain dream (Neptune), doing the work (Saturn) becomes a step-by-step guide.
Plant your dream during the New Moon on Monday, January 23rd, then plan to work hard. And you could have to work extra hard, as fiery planet Mars turns retrodgrade on the same day. Since Mars is cycling through the work and health sign of Virgo, you may feel bogged down as though a heavy weight is on your shoulders, or that your wheels are spinning but not gaining any traction. Take care of your health this winter. Do not skimp on exercise or eating and sleeping well. Rest assured, pun intended, if you invest the time and energy in your dream, by mid April things will really start moving forward. Progress! Hooray!
Sleep soundly and fear not. For 2012 brings good tidings! In Chinese astrology, this is the Year of the Dragon, a truly magical time. And 2012 has the makings for dreams coming true.
The first weekend of the New Year brings a full moon in the home-loving sign of Cancer the Crab. Come in out of the cold on Saturday and snuggle down into your toasties. Put a pie in the oven and curl up by the fire. Really, is there anything more delicious? Yum. This weekend is a warm, relaxing culmination after all of the holiday excitement and frivolity. Take advantage of the quiet time to share your thoughts, ideas and dreams for the future: both titans Jupiter and Saturn cast a beautiful angle to Mercury, communication planet. For the next week, Jupiter magnificently amplifies whatever you are saying; while Saturn gives your message structure and resonance. With Mercury finishing up in the fiery sign of Sagittarius, aim your arrow well. Now is the time to make yourself heard.
The good vibes of the full moon continue to heighten through MLKing, Jr. weekend, as Venus and Neptune pair up in Aquarius. These are the love planets. In Aquarius, sign of the unconventional and group conciousness, you may find yourself on an unexpected romantic weekend or the recipient of long-overdue recognition by a group you belong to: SURPRISE!
Accept such beautiful cosmic love graciously and use it to support your dreams. Because this is dream-building time. Adding to the Venus-Neptune match is the harmonious energy between Saturn and Neptune. Saturn is all about putting one foot in front of the other, building slowly, surely, effectively. But illusory Neptune could not be more different. It is ephemeral, like irridescent vapor. Think fame, dreams, film, and yes, addiction. Things you cannot catch with your bare hands that delight the senses, make you high. So when Saturn and Neptune align, it is similar to a master filmmaker at work: shooting a scene each day, then, after three months of hard work (Saturn), pure entertainment is created...a movie (Neptune).
So ask yourself: what is your dream? More importantly, why do you want that dream. If you understand why you want something, the what and the how are easier to fill in the blanks. Right now, Saturn and Neptune are in the signs of mental signs of Libra and Aquarius. This planetary grace is particularly beneficial to art, relationships and invention. What art can you create? What dream relationship do you want? How can you reinvent yourself? When you know why you want to pursue a certain dream (Neptune), doing the work (Saturn) becomes a step-by-step guide.
Plant your dream during the New Moon on Monday, January 23rd, then plan to work hard. And you could have to work extra hard, as fiery planet Mars turns retrodgrade on the same day. Since Mars is cycling through the work and health sign of Virgo, you may feel bogged down as though a heavy weight is on your shoulders, or that your wheels are spinning but not gaining any traction. Take care of your health this winter. Do not skimp on exercise or eating and sleeping well. Rest assured, pun intended, if you invest the time and energy in your dream, by mid April things will really start moving forward. Progress! Hooray!
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