Saturday, May 31, 2014

Zen and the art of SLOW. June says: Think, be, do, live slowly.

Like the opening bars of a great symphony, June begins softly at first, hinting at where we're to point our focus this month.

June 1st, Jupiter joins the Moon in its home sign of motherly Cancer.  Expand your love, compassion and care, they prompt.  These two form a grand water trine (visualize a giant triangle of uber beneficial energy) to Saturn in Scorpio and healer Chiron in Pisces.   Even as the moon shifts away from this troika,  Saturn and Chiron remain aligned with Jupiter for the balance of June, asking, Can you feel the love tonight?   Remember the strong family bonds among the pride in the Lion King?  That same base of energy supports us now. Amidst life's hullabaloo, they remind us about what truly matters:  Love.    Matters of family, food, and mom blend with shared resources (money/property) and healing at the deepest level offering comfort and rich love when we open our hearts to it.   This energy serves as a strong building block of the firmest foundation on which to create the rest of your life. 

In the wake of April and May's unsettling energies, this bedrock of support enables us to take off our armor and flop down on a beloved sofa or bed, home at last, after surviving the war outside.  Where there is healing work to do, we are offered no finer time to engage in what has lingered far, far too long, festering, nagging for attention and resolution.   May you find peace.

Aiding our quest for peace and healing during the first week of June are deliciously helpful angles between messenger Mercury (how we think and speak), Venus (love and money) and Neptune (universal mind/consciousness itself).  Turn on.   Tune in.  But do not drop out, as Timothy Leary said.  Because you won't want to miss the messages being delivered now; or conversely, for you to deliver important words by acting as messenger.  Be an earth angel.  Especially as messenger Mercury winds down, preparing to turn retrograde motion in empathic and empathetic Cancer.  Slow down your hearing, talking, thinking...Cancer likes slow.  Gentle.  Tender.  Like scrolling through a radio dial for the just the right station, the first week of June affords opportunities to really hear and understand what is essential to know now.   What lesson or message are you missing?  Like Einstein's defnition of insanity, do you keep repeating the same path/task [mistake] over and over expecting a different outcome?  This week you can jump off the merry go round, feet firmly planted on terra firma (thanks to Venus in earthy Taurus), listen, change directions, act.

Remember, the Universe speaks constantly to us if only we pay attention.  Most often, it talks through the mouths of others.  And as I mentioned above, often you are employed by the Universe to deliver the right words to the right person at the right time.  Do not discount the power of your presence and voice.  Sometimes you know when you are dispensing key phrases.  Often, though, we do not realize the power and impact our words can have on another.  What you say (or do) doesn't have to be lofty or a grand gesture.   The simplest and most humble of words and deeds is all it takes to shift the energy.  That is why we tend to overlook what passes right under our noses, "in one ear and out the other"!  In our rush and insistence to seek something BIG to point the way, we ignore the little words, deeds, what already exists, patiently knocking at our door...out of the mouths of babes...

BIG is in fact built on small, sometimes infinitesimal details.   Jupiter and Mercury in maternal Cancer remind us to think:  mom. Since that is what moms (and dads) do everyday in everyway:  tend to the details, the background, yet backbone of life.  Without them, life hangs unhinged. 

Unhinged.  Not a good much less solid space to be.  So it is really helpful to have the above aspects as our lead-in and base for June as saber-rattling, unsettled angles between Mars in Libra (relationships), Uranus in fiery Aries and transformer Pluto heat up for another round, a la April's grand cardinal square, this time, without Jupiter in the mix.  Think of a square table without the fourth leg and you now feel a very uneven energy to the entire month.  The second week of June (5-10) we are given the opportunity to use our ingenuity as the Sun aligns with Uranus.  Think outside of the box, use the unusual or out of the ordinary opportunities to your advantage.  Make things work for you as this offers a tremendous outlet for the discordant energy between Mars, Uranus and Pluto.  Try making a three legged triangular table out of that once square table.  Whittle down the square peg so it does fit through the round hole.  

Again, it is important not to dismiss those signals, voices, signs pointing you along the way as this uneven planetary energy builds throughout June.  As Mercury slows to a halt on June 7th and turns retrograde for the rest of the month, ask where you need to dig deep, revisit or re-work established patterns, relationships, business endeavors, projects (artistic or otherwise) routines and habits that you've outgrown?  For a while now we've been asked to break in new shoes to walk the steps of life.  There is no better time than this month to re-member the RE words of Mercury Retrograde:  re-visit, re-think, re-tool, redistribute, redo, etc.  Re-lax into it all because Mercury's communication snafus will slow you down anyway.   Better to warm up for summer and practice re-charging yourself, your mind, which Mercury rules.  The balance of June is a terrific time to plan, re-hearse, re-wind.  Then after the July 4th weekend, jump into life full till:  book your trip, make the downpayment, launch your relationship/project/business, buy the new car or appliance.

Mid month is rife with planetary movement.  June 10th finds Neptune also turning retrograde while Venus in Taurus opposes Saturn in Scorpio.   Taurus and Scorpio both concern money:  the first personal, the latter shared.  In the wake of both Mercury and Neptune's shift into retrograde motion, be particularly careful of any spending you do, especially those involving family/spousal relationships.  Best to re-view ideas for expenditures, not commit.  I get it:  reality does happen.  So if the fridge breaks down and it costs just as much to re-pair as to re-place, then do what you need to do to make life work.  But please understand:  where you have a choice, re-frain from spending if you can.  Re-search the best kind of product to buy, money market fund, property or job to invest in.

The Sagittarian Full Moon on June 12 will certainly help your research!  Sagittarius is all about studying, learning and reading.  So allow the full light of the moon to shine brightly on what direction to take, how best to spend your money.   The Archer loves to travel and take classes making this week an excellent time to plan trips and adventures later this summer or year.   When July rolls around, then buy the tickets, book the trip or launch business/artistic projects.  The Sagittarius Moon will put ants in your pants to get going so it is helpful to know the Archer also rules philosophy, spirituality and the higher mind.  Direct your focus toward this philosphical side of the Archer as it lends itself really well to slow thinking so key to this month.  Ponder.  Be of a Zen mindset: 

Do one thing at a time.
Do it slowly and deliberately.
Do it completely.
Do less.
Designate time for certain things.
Devote time for sitting.
Make cleaning and cooking become meditation.
Think about what is necessary.
Live simply.

Supporting our efforts to put a little more Zen in our lives, Mercury passes back over a critical degree of nurturing Cancer from June 14-16.  Make like a crab and sidle up slowly. Feel your way. Your attention will be drawn to mom, your role as a parent, food, family matters, home, children.  The next day, June 17th, Mercury moves back into Geminii bumping into the Sun during the third week of the month.  This duo drives us to get our message across so be sure you do your share of listening and hearing what others are telling you.  Mercury in its natural sign of Geminii can make us quick witted and sharp-tongued, spewing words at lightning speed.  Use caution and think before you speak this week.  Strap on a solid filter.  Compassion and empathy are never too overrated!

The Sun's move into gentle Cancer helps our sympathetic efforts, especially where family is concerned.  We will need all the compassionate strength for ourselves and loved ones as Mars heats up its struggle with Pluto and then directly opposes Uranus the final week of June.  Each of us will be impacted by this trio differently depending on where they fall in your chart.  Given the planets and signs involved, surprises are a safe bet, especially in the relationship and established arenas of our lives both individually and collectively.  As I mentioned earlier, Mars-Pluto-Uranus at odds with each other lends an uneven, unsettled tenor and tempo to our lives.   Use Mercury retrograde and the warmer temperatures outside to their best advantage:  practice relaxation techniques; expend that unsettled, excess energy through plenty of exercise and taking in lots of fresh air.  Nature is a natural healer.

Giving us flexibility to handle the challenges tossed at us, Venus enters versatile Geminii on the 24th.  In this mercurial air sign, we find and apply different solutions to our relationships and ability to earn a living.  Then the New Moon on the 27th in Cancer makes a gorgeous angle to intuitive Neptune.  Be still for a moment.  Close your eyes.  You know what to do.  That is the beauty of this duo.  Now just follow your instincts. 

Jupiter tilts at the lunar nodes from the 24th through the end of the month taunting us to balance myriad facets of our lives:  taking good care of ourselves, our family, plus integrating new strategies at work, in relationships (especially the elderly, children or family) together with harmony, beauty, grace and creativity.  A tall order for sure.  As Mercury slows down preparing to turn direct motion on July 1, reflection and thoughtful consideration are the best tools to learn how to even out the bumps in our lives, fill the potholes if you will, for a smoother rest of 2014.  God speed.




Thursday, May 1, 2014

Checks, Balances and Plot Twists: Finding our Way

We survived April's grand cross and two eclipses.  Hooray!  Life just feels...lighter.   We are not quite out of the woods just yet.  The effect of April's activity is still at play, lingering on.  Significantly reducing the sting from last month, however, May opens with one of the kindest celestial aspects:  the Sun (our will) makes an incredibly helpful angle to transformer Pluto, both planets in earth signs Taurus and Capricorn.  Also mitigating the havoc of last month is the Sun's lovely aspect to Jupiter (abundance) giving us a soft pillow to land on during the first week of May.

Where the grand cross pushed us out of old patterns, stretching us to the breaking point, Jupiter, the Sun and Pluto offer us the most fertile soil possible to plant our desires (Pluto).  Sow now what you seek to reap later on; especially on the heels of the New Moon eclipse, it is a highly powerful time to manifest desires in spades during the coming months.

At the same time, we are cautioned by a "be careful what you wish for" pair.  Mercury in earthy Taurus opposes Saturn in Scorpio.  We are asked to think and evaluate our values.  Mercury rules words, how we think and communicate.  Scorpio Saturn drives to the root of the matter, insists we look deeply, be absolutely sure of our desires.  Language, words, the right language are at play here.  As are the correct use of verbage, language that can be heard, messages sorely needing to be delivered, feeling our language is insufficient or inefficient, making mistakes with words until we get it right.  Try, try again to make your point, get your message across.  There is a Mercury retrograde feel to this aspect as we are cautioned to be positive about what we really want before putting words into place, planting for permanence.  When you are sure, go for it!

Egging us on to get down to the business of the life we really want, is Venus' entry into Aries on May 3rd.  Where Mercury and Saturn plod along in fixed signs, all discipline and diligence, Venus in fiery Aries stokes our hearts, inflames and burns a fire under our feet to get going.   Leap, seize the day before it disappears, impatiently says Venus in Aries, signaling a check and balance to our lives.  Over analyzing details and facts (as Mercury opposing Saturn is prone to do) prevents us from grasping what lies right in front of us, beckons Venus.  Take hold of the very solutions you seek to deeply embedded concerns.  There are distinct advantages to Carpe Diem (seize the day), leaping first and figuring it all out later on;  letting pieces fall where they may, sorting out and working through details over time.  This is one of those moments.  Grab the brass ring and hold tight to it.  See where the magic carpet ride carries you.  Satisfy Mercury-Saturn by writing it all down as you go so you can discern the meaning when the time comes.

Life really shifts into high gear when Mercury enters Geminii on May 7th.  In its home sign, Mercury (how we think, speak and communicate) operates at warp speed.  Your mind now clicks on all cylinders.  Ideas, thoughts, conclusions and solutions that felt sluggish, out of reach, or intangible, now miraculously seep into our minds.  For the brave and courageous who do seize chances and opportunities, Geminii Mercury delivers the how to part of the equation:  how to make it all work, how to do it, like a veritable operations manual, suggesting, "try it this way or that way..."

The second week of May, the Sun slides into opposition with stalwart Saturn, testing our will, making sure we do not make rash decisions, continuing to monitor the checks and balances of our lives to counter Venus in Aries and Mercury in Geminii.  This is particularly helpful as Messenger Mercury challenges hazy, dreamy Neptune.  Illusion, disillusionment, deception are watchwords with this pair.  Under their spell, it's best to ask:  what is real versus what is illusion?  Make sure you do not buy something that sounds too good to be true (it probably is), over commit yourself, or buy into a fantasy you cannot afford.  The flip side of Mercury-Neptune offers a moment to stop, harness clarity and pristine insight instead.  Know what you are getting yourself into.  Take on only what you can manage.  At the same time, Mercury makes a beautiful angle to Mars in Libra bolstering our energy to tackle what is on our plate, especially in the relationship arena.  Creative ideas and solutions emerge to cut through the fog and disillusionment Neptune wields.

We will need all the help we can get via Mercury-Mars on the relationship front as mid-month gets particularly dicey.   Venus challenges Pluto asking, "Is this the kind of person I want to be with?"  Or more incisively, "Is this the person I want to be?"   Thunderbolt insights and awakenings, surprise relationships occurring or surprises IN relationships and plot twists extraordinaire ramp up exponentially as Venus conjoins Uranus (planet of surprise, shock and awe), both challenging Pluto.  You may feel the cosmos is pulling a massive joke on you but there is no escape under the intense  glare and emotional gymnastics rendered by the Full Moon on May 14.  Wow.  Trigger happy comes to mind.  Expect explosive moments now both on the individual and collective level.  Rash, brash, unpredictable acts and incidents, relationship "accidents" (you know what I mean:  affairs uncovered and/or unclaimed relationships emerge, etc) all come into play.   At a minimum, mid month delivers relationship change.   Think:  band-aid ripped off a wound.  This can be wildly unforseen or erupt after boiling under the surface for a long time.  Bear in mind too that there is also an amazing quality to this time:  meeting the man/woman of your dreams, huge money found/recovered/won, lottery winnings, hitting the jackpot, business deal bonanzas....

The Venus/Uranus-Pluto challenge also warns of fire, war and accidents.  Around your home or office, take extra precautionary measures to ensure appliances are off before leaving and smoke detectors are in workng order. Slow down your motions.  Take your time.   This troika incites a tug-of-war with time.  Ask:  what is the hurry, where are you rushing to?   The Russian front...?  This threesome could very well incite a surge in the Ukranian-Russian conflict.   Better to apply this immense energy to ask yourself the hard questions:  "Am I bringing honesty and integrity to this relationship/situation?"  Most cannot be bothered with introspection; rather, will feel compelled to pull the trigger now.  Before you snap the trigger (or allow another to pull your trigger), take a breath.  What will happen if you wait an hour, a day before acting or responding?

Giving tremendous ballast and long-term consequences to any of our actions, the Full Moon also conjoins heavyweight Saturn in Scorpio.  Remember:  our emotions trigger our thoughts which trigger our actions/words.  If you can control and effectively maneuver your emotions, you can control your thoughts and deeds.  Once you pull the trigger, there is no going back, no escape and no return to where you were before that moment.  Be sure to act in accordance with your highest good as there will be significant consequences and repercussions from your words and actions at this time.

That said, those in untenable circumstances (the oppressed, abused or vicimized) have a pivotal opportunity to break free and reach safe haven now.  Think:  freedom, especially emotional freedom.  Rarely has a better chance surfaced to stand up for yourself and your loved ones.  Once you land safely (and a net always appears to catch you), you can stop, breathe, make plans for the next hour, day, week, month.  Chart a new, healthier life now.  There is no need to be victimized any longer.

As the Venus/Uranus pair challenges Jupiter (abundance), relationship clashes (particularly on the home/family/mother front) can escalate.  Homeland/country, family, property, inheritance or estate matters can spiral into motion.  For those escaping abusive situations, stand your ground.  Do not give up.  You may feel that a mountain of obstacles stands in your way.  Remember, these are to be worked around and through.  In terms of global unrest involving our human family, the effects of the Full Moon on May 14th are still much at play, as Mars, god of war turns direct on May 20th.  The next day, the Sun enters communicative Geminii.  A war of words may ensue; what Putin began in Ukraine back in March as Mars turned retrograde, could be undone.  But not without a fight.
Ukrainian Russians (those that grew up under the old Soviet regime) are vying for position, will claim a stake of the Ukrainian homeland.  They remember the relative security of a communist blanket and fear the uncertainty engendered by free market competition and a democratic system.

At the same time, big solutions are at hand with Jupiter in Cancer (motherland, mothers, food, family, nurturing, home and country) making a wonderful angle to Saturn in Scorpio (long-standing, deep-seeded matters).  If we want them, solutions are available to us now and may be successfully applied.   Hunger abated, homes bought and sold, property exchanged, inheritance gained, homeland defined and defended.  It all depends on our willingness to open to possibilities.  And then apply some elbow grease.

The Sun's challenge to Neptune during the final week of May can help us with this.  The Sun represents our Will and Neptune is the Unifier.  The offer us a question:  will you remain closed, shut down and turned off, or are you able to soften, become inclusive, seek answers you have not considered before.  A word of caution here:  this duo lends itself to fantasy.  Be careful of sly temptation in all varieties, especially being talked into [staying in] unhealthy situations or relationships, whether at work, partnership, family.  Turn Sun-Neptune's potential into healthy, imaginative solutions when problem solving rather than pressing the escape button.  Deal with the underlying cause.  Be realistic.  Think about what you can actually accomplish in a certain time frame.  Try not to bite off more than you can chew.

On May 29th, Venus moves into its own sign of Taurus and Mercury shifts into maternal Cancer.  These are highly complementary energies and will promote self-care and nurturing for those people and projects we are invested in.  Our friends, our family...even if your family is not defined by blood relatives.  And make sure to include yourself on that list.  Venus-Mercury enhances and enriches our imagination:  how do I best take care of myself?  How do I most effectively nurture the people, ideas, career, home that I love?

A walk along the water's edge helps enormously to promote imagination.  In the hustle-bustle of modern life, we've come to believe that taking time off is a waste of time.  Au contraire.  Venus-Mercury reminds us otherwise.  A walk in the woods, near water, alone anywhere, is the most valuable time of all, to re-charge, let go, dive deep, explore, discover the wonders of our world, most especially our self.   Fresh insights gained deliver magic solutions to what once befuddled and confused.  Walk in good health.