It's hard to imagine that we could pack anything more into this month of October. Fall is usually a busy time as we resume our routine, projects and work after the languid days of summer. Now that the kids are back to school, life seems more hectic than usual. And the cosmos is not about to let up or give us a break.
The beginning of October finds messenger planet Mercury conjoined with the moon's north node and heavyweight Saturn all in Scorpio. This means business. Literally and figuratively, getting down to the business at hand. What we began excavating last month, turning over for a really solid, inescapable look, continues through the entire fall season. Continuing, and heightening in some instances, are tug of wars over resources, good ol' money matters: divisions of what's mine versus what's yours, what belongs to whom in terms of banking, finances and property; some of us are figuring out how to fulfill basic survival needs while others are figuring out how to dig themselves out from overspending and overextending themselves. Ka-ching!$$$. Still others are wheeling and dealing big cash, planning or landing major deals.
Since Scorpio is also the psychologist of the zodiac, many of us, however, are involved in much deeper issues at play. Think of Scorpio like a gigantic X-Ray machine: it shows us exactly who we are and the situations we find ourselves in. And with Venus leading the aforementioned troika in Scorpio during the first week of October, there will be a thorough examination of how and where we've refused to change. We will have no place to hide from what we least like about our lives, ourselves or our situations. Scorpio rules karma and balancing the karmic slate. There is no other choice but to acknowledge road blocks in our lives, either internal walls we have built over time or external walls we've refused to work around. Any obstacles in our path cannot be ignored. It's time to go to the doctor and get that shot we've been dreading. Yes, it will sting. Or if situations have been ignored way too long, surgery might be necessary. We must get down to the bones of the matter. But the treatment ultimately serves to heal us or prevent further illness. Because Venus is essentially about love and money, in Scorpio, she stings to move us toward the deepest kind of love: self-love. So we evolve. Grow. In its essence Scorpio rules transformation of any kind, but especially the deepest kind: sex, joint./collective finances, death, rebirth. This month, think resurrection. If it means confronting and exorcising emotional (or by extension, financial) hurt to learn the lesson, so we can finally love ourselves completely, go for it. You will be a new and better you when all is said and done.
Standing back to observe the celestial interplay on a global level, it is hardly comforting to live through yet another US government shut down (BIG collective money). Congress is more interested in operating a government-by-crisis, maintaining walls (their positions and stances) than cooperating to benefit the public good. And the estimated $2 billion ticket for actually shutting down the government is only part of the sting. The rest of us, government employees from the military to park rangers, as well as ordinary citizens (read taxpayers), users, consumers and recipients of government services will feel a mighty sting of inconvenience.
On the opposite side of the coin there is Iran. From seemingly out of nowhere comes an effort by the Iranian government to suddenly go along and get along. Cooperate. Participate. Hardly imaginable even two weeks ago, the new Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has reached out to the West, is willing to allow to nuclear weapons inspectors to examine Iranian facilities, all in order to stem the tide of Western economic sanctions and bring much-needed relief to its people. Dare I suggest the US Congress should take a cue from Iran and cry Uncle? Get over themselves and put the public welfare before individual egos.
On a personal level with Mercury in Scorpio, be mindful of what comes out of your mouth this month. Be careful how you respond to others. The messenger planet can have a laser-like tongue, good for shearing through any bullpucky you're mired in but deadly if words once out of the mouth cannot be taken back. Apologies might not get you anywhere this month. Or the next. So better to be tightlipped than fully regretful! Instead of impulsively lashing out, consider putting the Scorpio X-Ray vision to use: sit back from that irritating person or situation. Watch, observe, listen. Gather as much information as possible. Scorpio is at its best doing deep research. Dive deep and collect what you need. When the time is right, speak your mind. Launch carefully shaped words aimed precisely at your target. You get the hint.
Further enhancing the Scorpio X-Ray vision is Mercury's angle to Neptune giving our insights pristine clarity. This fosters our understanding of where we stand with others, loved ones, co-workers or complex situations. The pair will help us see our way through the catalytic effects of the Sun as it opposes radical Uranus, both challenging transformer Pluto. All bets are off as our will and identity are taunted unexpectedly the first week of October. This is part of a larger, much bigger picture coming into play: what we have known, taken for granted and assumed about life, its traditions, patterns, our relationships, even our purpose, is dodging curve balls one right after another.
The best (and truly only) plan is to be flexible and remember that the single constant in life is change. In a hurricane, which many of us feel as though we're living amidst, the trees that survive are those with branches that sway in the wind. So be like the Yew tree and bend before you break! If you push back now, resist bending, the consequences are less than desirable. The good news is that the New Moon on October 4th opens the way for a clean slate. What ideas and dreams do you want to plant now? Time spent carefully tending the healing work begun in September grows deeper, richer, more fulfilling. Rewarding, even.
On October 8th, Venus enters the sign of Sagittarius, helping us to see life philosophically, broadening our outlook, opening our eyes, relating to life as an adventure. Sagittarius rules spirituality and higher learning. Even as the Saturn-Mercury duo align beautifully with Jupiter, Venus now adds to this mixture, prompting us to step away from the hullabaloo and chaos of the last few weeks and ask thoughtfully, "What does it all mean?" How does our behavior impact our larger, human family? Further still, how does humanity affect all creatures on this planet?
At mid month, Jupiter challenges the Sun while messenger Mercury cycles past a critical, attention-getting degree. Practice deep breathing, check your tongue at the door and exercise far-reaching diplomacy skills you never knew you had. You may need every ounce of grace over the holiday weekend, especially if family events are planned. Remember: you'll never regret what you don't say.
All of this planetary activity is setting up for the lunar eclipse on the Full Moon, Friday, October 18th. Lunar eclipses mark endings in our lives.
Ponder: what is over and done with in your life so you may begin anew? Especially as it pertains to relationships? Where have you given all you could, fulfilled your purpose in another's life, tried your very best in a relationship? Whom do you need to (gracefully) allow to leave, say so long, farewell? Let them move on to someone or something else. It is time. Pluto and Uranus make an exact challenging angle the day before the lunar eclipse. This will feel like a labor pain pushing us hard to release the old in order to deliver the new. And relationship changes are usually the most painful because of the personal histories and emotions involved. Fortunately, like a midwife to ease our pain, an abundance of celestial help envelopes us during this transition despite the utter work and drudgery to let go, clean house of those habits and people whose time is up and must depart.
Only three days after the lunar eclipse, Mercury turns retrograde in Scorpio for three weeks. Repeated messages uncovering, unearthing emotional scars, mysterious deaths, psychological wounds, financial wrong-doings, and wrongs to be righted will surface. Buried "ghosts", aspects of our lives we thought to be dead come alive now, be they long lost friends, relatives or incidents from your past. There is no better time to heal old traumas than during the end of October and beginning of November. Long unsolved homicide cases will be re-opened now and find solutions; long-standing debts, money owed, will be paid. On the psychological side, what potential discoveries about your own past can you identify so you can heal, start fresh, change course when Mercury turns direct motion in November?
It often, usually, takes several steps back in order to keep moving positively forward. During the final days of October, with Mars in the healing sign of Virgo aligning helpfully with Pluto, we can focus on the required work and maintain healthy regimens. Healing and restoration of well-being is sure to follow.
A Special Note to all my readers and clients: Thank you for your continued interest and support in astrology! I have some very exciting news to share: along with continuing to see clients privately, I am so pleased to now offer astrology readings through the Tremont Tearoom in downtown Boston and Celestial Beginnings in South Natick, MA. I am thrilled to partner with each of these wonderful groups which offer myriad healing methods.
The Tremont Tearoom is the oldest psychic institution in New England; Celestial Beginnings is an alternative wellness center created by intuitive healer Annemarie Seidenberg. Please see www.tremont-tearoom.com or www.celestial-beginnings.com for more information.
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
Saturday, August 31, 2013
Soul Matters
August afforded us opportunities to make leaps of faith and September follows up by encouraging our will to match our desires. This is no small thing. Take advantage of it!
The Sun is now in the sign of Virgo which rules health and work. The old adage proves true this month: if you do not have your health, you cannot work. If you do not work at what fulfills you, your health can suffer. Take care of yourself and focus or find work that you find inspiring and enriching; in short, do work that feeds your soul. That you feel passionate about. For those who are willing to work hard to realize dreams and desires, the cosmos says, what you plant now will ripen for harvest over time.
Spiritual and psychological work is particularly relevant this month given the celestial aspects. The Sun, our will, aligns beautifully with Pluto, driver of our desires while the moon's north node pairs with Saturn, ruler of dharma and karma, the latter for the entire month. Both are cycling through psychological Scorpio: the north node calls our name toward the evolutionary soul work to be done while Saturn makes sure we cannot ignore matters any longer. Time's a wastin' nudges Saturn. Soul work is not always easy. It is a time of truth and truth telling, especially with ourselves. Be willing to listen and take stock, evaluate and estimate worth. Ask, what am I worth? What is s/he, it, the situation worth to me? Investigative Scorpio helps us uncover answers.
Finding answers to our questions will heighten with Saturn's challenging angle to Mars during the first week of the month. These two focus our attention and keep miscellaneous distractions at bay. Or, show us how superficial distractions can be. Dig deep, these planets say. Discern what you really want, what will serve your deepest needs. For perennial givers, it is time to pay attention to YOU. For the more self-involved among us, they are asked to focus on others instead. For both types of folks, the question is: can you establish new habits and patterns of being? For a day, a week, a month, longer...?
A word also to watch expenses with the Saturn-Mars angle. Money can be tricky now, especially where shared resources are concerned. Mind your spending on non-essentials. Ask, do you really need this, before buying? Whether what you are spending is time, money or energy, make sure you get a good return on investment, as businessmen say. Fortunately a helpful angle between the Sun and Jupiter guide how and what we invest at the end of the first week. In good faith, we expand, grow.
Catalyzing our growth is the challenging angle that continues between Jupiter, Uranus and Pluto. This troika began last month and continues to incite change in our families, as well as other established structures, traditions and customs. What we have been comfortable with for long periods of time now shifts. It requires more leaps of faith. Think of the leap of faith taken by Antoinette Tuff, the Georgia school secretary who calmly talked a prospective school shooter out of his plan to murder police, school children, teachers and staff. When asked how she succeeded in calming down the shooter enough to change his mind, Ms. Tuff attributed her strength and abililty to faith. She talked to the shooter about how she recently moved past her own life challenges to live a new, better day.
Thank goodness most of us won't be faced with such severe situations; although the shifts we encounter now might feel just as dramatic internally. Not since the 1960s have we experienced change on this level. Can you rise to meet the change? The New Moon on September 5th affords us a wonderful opportunity to set the stage, ask that our needs be met, that we greet change positively. Think of your deepest wishes, then say or pray for what you truly want to manifest in your life.
When the week of September 9th begins, messenger Mercury enters Libra challenging Pluto while Venus enters Scorpio Both ask us to act on our desires and get our message across to those needing to hear it. Venus persistently persuades with this effort during the rest of September as she joins Saturn and the moon's north node. A potentially big pay off from divorce settlements, lawsuits or inheritances may arise; or conversely, sizeable investments could occur via collective resources for projects, business or partnership.
Desire comes in many forms and with all the transformative Scorpio energy, sex naturally figures largely. Saturn and Venus ensure of heightening of sexual desire at a minimum, or justice if there was sexual misconduct on the other end of the spectrum. Scorpio involves mystery and intrigue so deep psychological soul matters continue to surface for resolution and healing. Dig and you shall find. Was there some kind of trauma or misconduct in your childhood or earlier adulthood waiting to be addressed and reconciled? Along with the healthful Virgo Sun, this month is optimal to be your own best undercover investigator to get to the bottom, heart and root of the matter.
Because just as this celestial line up in Scorpio won't let you get away with anything, neither will Scorpio's ruler Pluto as it turns direct motion on September 20th. If you pay attention to what just won't go away (that which refuses to be ignored), this can be a deeply healing time, as well as a very inspiring time, particularly on the humanitarian front. When we remember we are ONE, help, aid and problem solving for our collective global family is possible now as the Sun enters Libra on September 23rd. Libra is about balance and relationships. With the Sun's challenging angle to Pluto, as we seek balance for ourselves and our world, so do we catalyze change.
Take care of your SELF, your soul needs, and by extension arises a more considerate, orderly and civilized world. Not to mention that it also helps to be consciously kind to others...Especially when we remember that each of us struggles in our own way, although it may not seem so from the outside looking in at another. It is wise to bear in mind that we really do not know the obstacles another faces. With autumn upon us, Mars challenges Venus, focusing our quest for balance. Conflicts with the opposite sex, our own internal opposing forces, and demands on resources will surface, all of which push us to find meaningful balance in our relationships: to ourselves, our work and co-workers, our loved ones.
To request an astrological reading, please go to my website: www.hilaryharley.com under the readings tab to learn the kinds of readings that I offer. You do not need to be present for a reading.
The Sun is now in the sign of Virgo which rules health and work. The old adage proves true this month: if you do not have your health, you cannot work. If you do not work at what fulfills you, your health can suffer. Take care of yourself and focus or find work that you find inspiring and enriching; in short, do work that feeds your soul. That you feel passionate about. For those who are willing to work hard to realize dreams and desires, the cosmos says, what you plant now will ripen for harvest over time.
Spiritual and psychological work is particularly relevant this month given the celestial aspects. The Sun, our will, aligns beautifully with Pluto, driver of our desires while the moon's north node pairs with Saturn, ruler of dharma and karma, the latter for the entire month. Both are cycling through psychological Scorpio: the north node calls our name toward the evolutionary soul work to be done while Saturn makes sure we cannot ignore matters any longer. Time's a wastin' nudges Saturn. Soul work is not always easy. It is a time of truth and truth telling, especially with ourselves. Be willing to listen and take stock, evaluate and estimate worth. Ask, what am I worth? What is s/he, it, the situation worth to me? Investigative Scorpio helps us uncover answers.
Finding answers to our questions will heighten with Saturn's challenging angle to Mars during the first week of the month. These two focus our attention and keep miscellaneous distractions at bay. Or, show us how superficial distractions can be. Dig deep, these planets say. Discern what you really want, what will serve your deepest needs. For perennial givers, it is time to pay attention to YOU. For the more self-involved among us, they are asked to focus on others instead. For both types of folks, the question is: can you establish new habits and patterns of being? For a day, a week, a month, longer...?
A word also to watch expenses with the Saturn-Mars angle. Money can be tricky now, especially where shared resources are concerned. Mind your spending on non-essentials. Ask, do you really need this, before buying? Whether what you are spending is time, money or energy, make sure you get a good return on investment, as businessmen say. Fortunately a helpful angle between the Sun and Jupiter guide how and what we invest at the end of the first week. In good faith, we expand, grow.
Catalyzing our growth is the challenging angle that continues between Jupiter, Uranus and Pluto. This troika began last month and continues to incite change in our families, as well as other established structures, traditions and customs. What we have been comfortable with for long periods of time now shifts. It requires more leaps of faith. Think of the leap of faith taken by Antoinette Tuff, the Georgia school secretary who calmly talked a prospective school shooter out of his plan to murder police, school children, teachers and staff. When asked how she succeeded in calming down the shooter enough to change his mind, Ms. Tuff attributed her strength and abililty to faith. She talked to the shooter about how she recently moved past her own life challenges to live a new, better day.
Thank goodness most of us won't be faced with such severe situations; although the shifts we encounter now might feel just as dramatic internally. Not since the 1960s have we experienced change on this level. Can you rise to meet the change? The New Moon on September 5th affords us a wonderful opportunity to set the stage, ask that our needs be met, that we greet change positively. Think of your deepest wishes, then say or pray for what you truly want to manifest in your life.
When the week of September 9th begins, messenger Mercury enters Libra challenging Pluto while Venus enters Scorpio Both ask us to act on our desires and get our message across to those needing to hear it. Venus persistently persuades with this effort during the rest of September as she joins Saturn and the moon's north node. A potentially big pay off from divorce settlements, lawsuits or inheritances may arise; or conversely, sizeable investments could occur via collective resources for projects, business or partnership.
Desire comes in many forms and with all the transformative Scorpio energy, sex naturally figures largely. Saturn and Venus ensure of heightening of sexual desire at a minimum, or justice if there was sexual misconduct on the other end of the spectrum. Scorpio involves mystery and intrigue so deep psychological soul matters continue to surface for resolution and healing. Dig and you shall find. Was there some kind of trauma or misconduct in your childhood or earlier adulthood waiting to be addressed and reconciled? Along with the healthful Virgo Sun, this month is optimal to be your own best undercover investigator to get to the bottom, heart and root of the matter.
Because just as this celestial line up in Scorpio won't let you get away with anything, neither will Scorpio's ruler Pluto as it turns direct motion on September 20th. If you pay attention to what just won't go away (that which refuses to be ignored), this can be a deeply healing time, as well as a very inspiring time, particularly on the humanitarian front. When we remember we are ONE, help, aid and problem solving for our collective global family is possible now as the Sun enters Libra on September 23rd. Libra is about balance and relationships. With the Sun's challenging angle to Pluto, as we seek balance for ourselves and our world, so do we catalyze change.
Take care of your SELF, your soul needs, and by extension arises a more considerate, orderly and civilized world. Not to mention that it also helps to be consciously kind to others...Especially when we remember that each of us struggles in our own way, although it may not seem so from the outside looking in at another. It is wise to bear in mind that we really do not know the obstacles another faces. With autumn upon us, Mars challenges Venus, focusing our quest for balance. Conflicts with the opposite sex, our own internal opposing forces, and demands on resources will surface, all of which push us to find meaningful balance in our relationships: to ourselves, our work and co-workers, our loved ones.
To request an astrological reading, please go to my website: www.hilaryharley.com under the readings tab to learn the kinds of readings that I offer. You do not need to be present for a reading.
Thursday, August 1, 2013
Leap and the net will appear!
As August begins, we continue to be supported by the grand trine between Jupiter, Neptune, Saturn, Mars and the North Node of the Moon in water signs Cancer, Pisces and Scorpio. The effect of this gives an underlying, soothing safety net, cradling our efforts, like a parent helping a child to walk for the first time. This first week, Messenger Mercury joins fiery Mars and abundant Jupiter in nurturing Cancer to emphasize our focus on family, children and the elderly, food and home.
Venus in practical, planning Virgo flows beautifully along with transformer Pluto in pragmatic Capricorn to give sound support to what we seek to strengthen, build and grow, particularly in regard to Virgo's arena of service, health and work. You may find yourself drawn into helping others, volunteering or managing the health or care of another. Think human family, related or not...
Thank your lucky stars for this cosmic assistance provided now as changes are afoot. As Pluto and Uranus continue their challenging dance, Mars acts like a trigger to both these planets, igniting us into action. By the end of the first week in August, any family relationships, home or food concerns will have to be dealt with. If these have gone unnoticed or intentionally ignored, no longer can they remain so. Mars persists, demanding attention.
The Sun aligns with Uranus, bringing our Will to bear on what demands change even as relationship planets Venus and Mars allow us to go along and get along. Just the right people seem to surface to lend a hand. Good thing too, as the Sun challenges the lunar nodes which call us toward our evolutionary goals, destiny and fate. In short, they push us to grow. The Sun's angle to the nodes activates us out of our stubborness, our unwillingness to embrace change. But change we must. Remember: stagnate or grow. The choice is yours. Prodding us even further is Jupiter's opposition to Pluto. Planet of abundance, Jupiter rules faith while Pluto rules desire and transformation....as we desire, so do we transform. This combination incites us to have faith in ourselves and believe in our transformation.
Thus we are invited, encouraged, and prodded to make great leaps of faith this month. Leap into the future, your future, to create a new life for and through yourself. Leap for your own good, your own best interest . Leap and the cosmic net will appear. Jupiter in the Great Mother-ing energy of Cancer the Crab gently tells us everything will be OK as we take our first steps toward the new. Don't worry; the Universe has got us, our back, will catch and cradle us in its giant arms if we fall.
At mid-month we might find no other choice than fall into Her arms. Some of us may find our backs to the wall (or at the end of a rope or plank) where we may be forced to leap. Scary place to be; but for the more resistant, ending up between a rock and a hard place is all too common, the repository for those who hit the default button once too often, expecting relief or escape but refusing to heed cosmic cues.
Think Anthony Weiner. The former US Congressman expects the public to keep believing that he has changed, reformed his tawdry habits; wants us to trust him, enough to vote him into leading the most powerful city in the United States. Mr. Weiner might better learn to trust himself. Period. Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me. As Messenger Mercury challenges Saturn, ruler of dharma and karma, saying "I told you so, that you'd end up stuck if you didn't mend your ways," it is unlikely that Mr. Weiner will succeed in his New York City mayoral bid. At the time of this blog post, he is currently running a distant fourth in the polls. The public won't be fooled again.
Meanwhile, helping our growth efforts is Mercury's alignment with Uranus, smoothing changes to how we communicate. Paving our way as well are Saturn and Pluto's complementary angles. These plus Pluto's flowing angle to the lunar south node say: set me free, why don't you babe. Moving away from our comfort zone, we are invited to release old habits and patterns no longer of value. This planetary combination eases our growth, adoption of what will work. You may have fallen down more than once as you move toward change, but try, try again. Getting closer to your goal, the road can become steeper and more difficult. Eventually, though, you will reach your destination. In mid-August, success is nigh.
The catalyst may very well be Venus. The planet of love and money shifts into Libra, its ruler, on August 17, a far more comfortable place for her. Which is why when she forms an immensely challenging angle between Jupiter, Uranus and Pluto, a few could be catapulted into stardom. Some will be catapulted into bliss, love, or wealth, a la winning the lottery, getting the job you prayed for, or meeting the partner you've long dreamt about; conversely, some will be catapulted into movement; situations, especially relationships, may reach the breaking point and become totally intolerable. You may awaken to realize a long-time friend really isn't a friend and now choose other friends to spend time with. Abused women may finally walk out on their abusers, no longer willing to be a victim regardless of cost to personal freedom and/or having children in tow.
Whatever your situation, most of us will be catalyzed into action. Saying no is highly improbable with this cosmic combo. Acceptance will be our likely choice. And ultimately, saving grace. Because that is Venus. The emodiment of grace. So with Venus leading the charge, think Velvet Revolution. Often fiery Mars, messenger Mercury or the emotional Moon cause us to act. This month, however, imminent change may come wrapped in difficulty. Look for blessings in disguise. At first glance, we may not recognize, or might refuse, gifts intended for us, to pull us along our path, to go where our soul needs to grow. Like the rainbow after a storm, silver linings appear and we are the better for the experience. Realize invaluable lessons learned.
The true value of these teachings will become increasingly evident as messenger Mercury joins the Sun, our Will, during the final week of August. At that time, both form a beautiful angle to transformer Pluto, solidifying a firm foundation to build upon as we head home from the beach, mountains or other vacation venues. After Labor Day, rich, rewarding work awaits us with autumn's approach.
Venus in practical, planning Virgo flows beautifully along with transformer Pluto in pragmatic Capricorn to give sound support to what we seek to strengthen, build and grow, particularly in regard to Virgo's arena of service, health and work. You may find yourself drawn into helping others, volunteering or managing the health or care of another. Think human family, related or not...
Thank your lucky stars for this cosmic assistance provided now as changes are afoot. As Pluto and Uranus continue their challenging dance, Mars acts like a trigger to both these planets, igniting us into action. By the end of the first week in August, any family relationships, home or food concerns will have to be dealt with. If these have gone unnoticed or intentionally ignored, no longer can they remain so. Mars persists, demanding attention.
The Sun aligns with Uranus, bringing our Will to bear on what demands change even as relationship planets Venus and Mars allow us to go along and get along. Just the right people seem to surface to lend a hand. Good thing too, as the Sun challenges the lunar nodes which call us toward our evolutionary goals, destiny and fate. In short, they push us to grow. The Sun's angle to the nodes activates us out of our stubborness, our unwillingness to embrace change. But change we must. Remember: stagnate or grow. The choice is yours. Prodding us even further is Jupiter's opposition to Pluto. Planet of abundance, Jupiter rules faith while Pluto rules desire and transformation....as we desire, so do we transform. This combination incites us to have faith in ourselves and believe in our transformation.
Thus we are invited, encouraged, and prodded to make great leaps of faith this month. Leap into the future, your future, to create a new life for and through yourself. Leap for your own good, your own best interest . Leap and the cosmic net will appear. Jupiter in the Great Mother-ing energy of Cancer the Crab gently tells us everything will be OK as we take our first steps toward the new. Don't worry; the Universe has got us, our back, will catch and cradle us in its giant arms if we fall.
At mid-month we might find no other choice than fall into Her arms. Some of us may find our backs to the wall (or at the end of a rope or plank) where we may be forced to leap. Scary place to be; but for the more resistant, ending up between a rock and a hard place is all too common, the repository for those who hit the default button once too often, expecting relief or escape but refusing to heed cosmic cues.
Think Anthony Weiner. The former US Congressman expects the public to keep believing that he has changed, reformed his tawdry habits; wants us to trust him, enough to vote him into leading the most powerful city in the United States. Mr. Weiner might better learn to trust himself. Period. Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me. As Messenger Mercury challenges Saturn, ruler of dharma and karma, saying "I told you so, that you'd end up stuck if you didn't mend your ways," it is unlikely that Mr. Weiner will succeed in his New York City mayoral bid. At the time of this blog post, he is currently running a distant fourth in the polls. The public won't be fooled again.
Meanwhile, helping our growth efforts is Mercury's alignment with Uranus, smoothing changes to how we communicate. Paving our way as well are Saturn and Pluto's complementary angles. These plus Pluto's flowing angle to the lunar south node say: set me free, why don't you babe. Moving away from our comfort zone, we are invited to release old habits and patterns no longer of value. This planetary combination eases our growth, adoption of what will work. You may have fallen down more than once as you move toward change, but try, try again. Getting closer to your goal, the road can become steeper and more difficult. Eventually, though, you will reach your destination. In mid-August, success is nigh.
The catalyst may very well be Venus. The planet of love and money shifts into Libra, its ruler, on August 17, a far more comfortable place for her. Which is why when she forms an immensely challenging angle between Jupiter, Uranus and Pluto, a few could be catapulted into stardom. Some will be catapulted into bliss, love, or wealth, a la winning the lottery, getting the job you prayed for, or meeting the partner you've long dreamt about; conversely, some will be catapulted into movement; situations, especially relationships, may reach the breaking point and become totally intolerable. You may awaken to realize a long-time friend really isn't a friend and now choose other friends to spend time with. Abused women may finally walk out on their abusers, no longer willing to be a victim regardless of cost to personal freedom and/or having children in tow.
Whatever your situation, most of us will be catalyzed into action. Saying no is highly improbable with this cosmic combo. Acceptance will be our likely choice. And ultimately, saving grace. Because that is Venus. The emodiment of grace. So with Venus leading the charge, think Velvet Revolution. Often fiery Mars, messenger Mercury or the emotional Moon cause us to act. This month, however, imminent change may come wrapped in difficulty. Look for blessings in disguise. At first glance, we may not recognize, or might refuse, gifts intended for us, to pull us along our path, to go where our soul needs to grow. Like the rainbow after a storm, silver linings appear and we are the better for the experience. Realize invaluable lessons learned.
The true value of these teachings will become increasingly evident as messenger Mercury joins the Sun, our Will, during the final week of August. At that time, both form a beautiful angle to transformer Pluto, solidifying a firm foundation to build upon as we head home from the beach, mountains or other vacation venues. After Labor Day, rich, rewarding work awaits us with autumn's approach.
Tuesday, July 2, 2013
Cosmic Life Support
In the raggle-taggle race and noise of life, grace seems to be something of a lost art, an increasingly lesser-known virtue. Along with "elegance of movement, manner or design," one dictionary defines grace as "God's loving mercy towards mankind."
It is this latter vein of loving heavenly mercy, this form of grace, that we are given ample opportunity to renew our acquaintance during the month of July. The month begins with Messenger Mercury and Abundant Jupiter already cycling through the maternal, nurturing sign of Cancer to the strains of what could be The Crab's theme song: The Beatles, "Let It Be." When I find myself in times of trouble, Mother Mary comes to me, speaking words of wisdom, Let it be.
Mother and child energy, pure love, infuses our hours like oxygen for the weary and war-torn even as Mercury retrograde underscores that it is best to slow down, measure our words and pace. For the next three weeks, until July 20, messenger planet Mercury cycles backward in nurturing Cancer, inviting us to tune in to our inner worlds, remember, read, review, relax, restore.
Enter grace...if we allow ourselves to slow down and stop ceaselessly marching forward. Grace requires less doing and more being. It is an excellent time to take stock of our proverbial own back yards: to get these in order before we worry about anything else. Focus on the home front, family relationships especially those regarding Mom and children, revisit your attitude and interest in food and cooking, review estate, will and trust concerns, house projects or any real estate ventures. Most of all this period encourages us to take time off to be with family, either on vacation in a distant land or on your patio or porch.
For the entire next year, Jupiter's exalted generosity in Cancer could not agree more, supporting our efforts for less busyness in favor of simple living. Contemplate. Just be. Smell the flowers, float on a lake, photograph memories, dance. Enjoy. Reflect on what what you learn by living a slower life. Because reflection is what Cancer is all about. Cancer is ruled by the Moon, which we see only because of our Sun's reflected light. As the nurturing force of the zodiac, Cancer moves us to take care of ourselves, our interests, of others. Healers all varieties are often Cancer Sun signs or have significant areas of their natal charts in Cancer.
Aligning with Jupiter during all of July is Saturn in Scorpio and Neptune in its own sign of Pisces, forming what is akin to a cosmic life support system. All three planets are in water signs which by nature are emotional, passionate, creative and highly imaginative. Inspiration, hardwork, dreams, nurturing, teaching and learning beautifully collide to smooth the way for any project, business or relationship. In short, you will feel in the flow. Not a coincidence given the amount of planets in water signs! Bask and rely on this tremendous cushion easing our movements, cosmic life lines that will soften dramatic shifts, changes and transitions occurring during this otherwise challenging time.
Such life lines are very helpful in the first week of the month when the lunar nodes are at attention-getting degrees. The north node pulls us toward significant transformation and change while the south node pushes us to leave material thoughts and goods behind. Release what you no longer need...be it psychological baggage or too much stuff in the closet! Fortunately, the Sun's magical alignment with the lunar north node will focus our attention on broader and deeper concerns for our future emotional, mental and spiritual well-being.
We may be even further prompted and prodded toward change as the Sun makes a challenging angle to transformer Pluto and radical Uranus in Aries, ruler of fire and explosives. Expect fiery surprises, particularly in the arenas of home, home-land, and family. The horrific and still unexplained loss of 19 fire fighters in Arizona is one example of how this energy can manifest. Watch for other kinds of explosions too: mind your mouth at family barbecues this week; avoid saying the wrong thing at the wrong time, or just the wrong thing period. Also be careful of what you eat over the July 4th holiday... try not to overeat until you feel you will explode. With Uranus in fiery Aries, allow professionals to handle fireworks. The Sun in homey Cancer warns it is best not to set off any fireworks around your house. Turn off or extinguish any fire-related items: stoves, barbecues, lanterns, campfires, tikki torches, etc. Hopefully Mercury's retrograde phase will thwart any planned surprise attacks on the homeland since such attempts may not be fully effective or realized due to communication snafus. Jupiter's current Cancerian shield will provide extra blankets of protection over any mass gathering.
At the same time, casting a glow on our relationships and projects, radical Uranus makes a helpful angle to Venus, planet of love and money. Highly inventive and ingenious Uranian energy enables us to find new, different methods and paths we have not tried before to break through blocks and obstacles with loved ones or aspects of our lives. Conversely, new people and prospects will enter our lives; or, people and segments of our lives that we've continuously overlooked spark us to take a fresh look. Awakened, you might wonder why you've never noticed what or who has been right under your nose all along, just waiting for you to pay attention...
And July 10th, it will be hard for anyone not to notice what screams to be heard and seen when Venus reaches a critical degree of Leo, saying: look at me! This is a terrific time to change up, re-make old deep-seeded habits that no longer serve us, in our relationships or work. Mercury's pass back over the Sun in careful Cancer will ease any transitions especially pertaining to family, house, food or creative endeavors.
At mid-month, fiery Mars joins Jupiter in Cancer where they will travel together for the rest of the month. Mars ignites the watery alliance between Jupiter, Saturn and Neptune, sharpening our focus and demanding the Cancerian domain of children, home, food and family be dealt with. Just as Mars' activating energy pushes us to get going, Pluto drives the point home. Like a closer in a baseball game, Pluto's opposition to Jupiter-Mars makes sure we peel back that proverbial rug, take a long hard look at what we swept under its cover, aka, what we just didn't want to deal with. No more. Overweight from eating too much? Does Mom need to be moved into a safe environment, ie, a retirement community that can care for her 24/7? Spots on your ceiling from a broken pipe or leaky roof? Take care of it now, say Mars-Pluto. Lob off those extra pounds; find a long-term care facility for Mom; repair the roof before winter sets in. Mercury's alliance with the lunar north node pulls our thoughts toward the direction we need to go to accomplish all of the above.
The final days of the month we can move ahead with plans formed in previous weeks. Mercury turns direct motion on Saturday, July 20. Over the next three days, Venus enters Virgo, easing health and work concerns while the Sun moves into Leo sparking creativity, fun, and risk-taking: leap in and try new ways to tackle what rises up to greet you. Go ahead and sign contracts and documents or make significant purchases. Venus, the very planet of grace makes a helpful angle to work-horse Saturn even as the latter challenges the Sun, reminding us that we are cosmically supported to move gracefully and with dignity while we dig deep to meet life head-on.
It is this latter vein of loving heavenly mercy, this form of grace, that we are given ample opportunity to renew our acquaintance during the month of July. The month begins with Messenger Mercury and Abundant Jupiter already cycling through the maternal, nurturing sign of Cancer to the strains of what could be The Crab's theme song: The Beatles, "Let It Be." When I find myself in times of trouble, Mother Mary comes to me, speaking words of wisdom, Let it be.
Mother and child energy, pure love, infuses our hours like oxygen for the weary and war-torn even as Mercury retrograde underscores that it is best to slow down, measure our words and pace. For the next three weeks, until July 20, messenger planet Mercury cycles backward in nurturing Cancer, inviting us to tune in to our inner worlds, remember, read, review, relax, restore.
Enter grace...if we allow ourselves to slow down and stop ceaselessly marching forward. Grace requires less doing and more being. It is an excellent time to take stock of our proverbial own back yards: to get these in order before we worry about anything else. Focus on the home front, family relationships especially those regarding Mom and children, revisit your attitude and interest in food and cooking, review estate, will and trust concerns, house projects or any real estate ventures. Most of all this period encourages us to take time off to be with family, either on vacation in a distant land or on your patio or porch.
For the entire next year, Jupiter's exalted generosity in Cancer could not agree more, supporting our efforts for less busyness in favor of simple living. Contemplate. Just be. Smell the flowers, float on a lake, photograph memories, dance. Enjoy. Reflect on what what you learn by living a slower life. Because reflection is what Cancer is all about. Cancer is ruled by the Moon, which we see only because of our Sun's reflected light. As the nurturing force of the zodiac, Cancer moves us to take care of ourselves, our interests, of others. Healers all varieties are often Cancer Sun signs or have significant areas of their natal charts in Cancer.
Aligning with Jupiter during all of July is Saturn in Scorpio and Neptune in its own sign of Pisces, forming what is akin to a cosmic life support system. All three planets are in water signs which by nature are emotional, passionate, creative and highly imaginative. Inspiration, hardwork, dreams, nurturing, teaching and learning beautifully collide to smooth the way for any project, business or relationship. In short, you will feel in the flow. Not a coincidence given the amount of planets in water signs! Bask and rely on this tremendous cushion easing our movements, cosmic life lines that will soften dramatic shifts, changes and transitions occurring during this otherwise challenging time.
Such life lines are very helpful in the first week of the month when the lunar nodes are at attention-getting degrees. The north node pulls us toward significant transformation and change while the south node pushes us to leave material thoughts and goods behind. Release what you no longer need...be it psychological baggage or too much stuff in the closet! Fortunately, the Sun's magical alignment with the lunar north node will focus our attention on broader and deeper concerns for our future emotional, mental and spiritual well-being.
We may be even further prompted and prodded toward change as the Sun makes a challenging angle to transformer Pluto and radical Uranus in Aries, ruler of fire and explosives. Expect fiery surprises, particularly in the arenas of home, home-land, and family. The horrific and still unexplained loss of 19 fire fighters in Arizona is one example of how this energy can manifest. Watch for other kinds of explosions too: mind your mouth at family barbecues this week; avoid saying the wrong thing at the wrong time, or just the wrong thing period. Also be careful of what you eat over the July 4th holiday... try not to overeat until you feel you will explode. With Uranus in fiery Aries, allow professionals to handle fireworks. The Sun in homey Cancer warns it is best not to set off any fireworks around your house. Turn off or extinguish any fire-related items: stoves, barbecues, lanterns, campfires, tikki torches, etc. Hopefully Mercury's retrograde phase will thwart any planned surprise attacks on the homeland since such attempts may not be fully effective or realized due to communication snafus. Jupiter's current Cancerian shield will provide extra blankets of protection over any mass gathering.
At the same time, casting a glow on our relationships and projects, radical Uranus makes a helpful angle to Venus, planet of love and money. Highly inventive and ingenious Uranian energy enables us to find new, different methods and paths we have not tried before to break through blocks and obstacles with loved ones or aspects of our lives. Conversely, new people and prospects will enter our lives; or, people and segments of our lives that we've continuously overlooked spark us to take a fresh look. Awakened, you might wonder why you've never noticed what or who has been right under your nose all along, just waiting for you to pay attention...
And July 10th, it will be hard for anyone not to notice what screams to be heard and seen when Venus reaches a critical degree of Leo, saying: look at me! This is a terrific time to change up, re-make old deep-seeded habits that no longer serve us, in our relationships or work. Mercury's pass back over the Sun in careful Cancer will ease any transitions especially pertaining to family, house, food or creative endeavors.
At mid-month, fiery Mars joins Jupiter in Cancer where they will travel together for the rest of the month. Mars ignites the watery alliance between Jupiter, Saturn and Neptune, sharpening our focus and demanding the Cancerian domain of children, home, food and family be dealt with. Just as Mars' activating energy pushes us to get going, Pluto drives the point home. Like a closer in a baseball game, Pluto's opposition to Jupiter-Mars makes sure we peel back that proverbial rug, take a long hard look at what we swept under its cover, aka, what we just didn't want to deal with. No more. Overweight from eating too much? Does Mom need to be moved into a safe environment, ie, a retirement community that can care for her 24/7? Spots on your ceiling from a broken pipe or leaky roof? Take care of it now, say Mars-Pluto. Lob off those extra pounds; find a long-term care facility for Mom; repair the roof before winter sets in. Mercury's alliance with the lunar north node pulls our thoughts toward the direction we need to go to accomplish all of the above.
The final days of the month we can move ahead with plans formed in previous weeks. Mercury turns direct motion on Saturday, July 20. Over the next three days, Venus enters Virgo, easing health and work concerns while the Sun moves into Leo sparking creativity, fun, and risk-taking: leap in and try new ways to tackle what rises up to greet you. Go ahead and sign contracts and documents or make significant purchases. Venus, the very planet of grace makes a helpful angle to work-horse Saturn even as the latter challenges the Sun, reminding us that we are cosmically supported to move gracefully and with dignity while we dig deep to meet life head-on.
Saturday, June 1, 2013
Focus on Family!
The forces pushing and pulling us for a while now and for a while yet to come give us a bit of a reprieve at the outset of June. After the latest round of eclipses in May, we are momentarily allowed to come up for air the first week of the month.
Relief is brought to us by a beautiful angle between dream-maker pair Saturn-Neptune pair aligning with messenger Mercury and Venus, planet of love and money. All four planets are cycling through water signs for nearly the entire month. Our imaginations take flight while conversely, deeply seeded matters open up for much-needed cleansing and healing. June gives us a wonderful and somewhat rare opportunity to nurture ourselves and loved ones. Make the most of this cosmic gift and take time out to bask, flow in these gentle waters.
Mercury (how we think and communicate) and Venus (relationships) in the maternal sign of Cancer the Crab focus us on home, family, mom, food, heritage, psychological roots. Have a house project to conquer? Challenging family relationships to sort out? Want to finally change what and how you eat? How and where you live? The next few weeks say get it done. June 5th is especially key for building and stabilizing anything as the moon and transformational Pluto align in earth signs.
At the same time, June 5-15th, prickly family members begging to be confronted or difficult relationship dynamics seeking to have the kinks worked out may very well turn on the emotional water works when fiery Mars bumps up against dreamy Neptune. Where Mars in communicative Geminii sparks arguments, Neptune and Pisces would much rather Let Go and Let God. Be very mindful of your words. Awareness of language is essential through this period particularly with neighbors, siblings and family members.
It is good to note that after an argument, people may not recall your exact words but they will remember how your words made them feel. We can carry hurtful feelings sparked by such words for years. Enter Neptune: take its gentle advice to refrain, re-word or re-frame thoughts into a mindful message. Tune into your audience and how best he/she/they will be able to hear your message that Mars in Geminii so desperately wants to get across. Depending where this combination falls in your astrological chart, it can also incite car trouble, flooding creeks and rivers, or plumbing and gas line issues. Carefully review any contracts or documents to be signed now as Neptunian fog can distort understanding of how you may be impacted later.
These issues may reach a crescendo at mid-month when challenging angles surface between Mercury-Venus, radical Uranus and transformer Pluto. We may feel as though we are being pushed and pulled, kneaded and rolled over and over like play-dough, against our will, with no end in sight or ability to control our destiny; that we have no choice or say particularly in Cancer's domestic domain. With the Mercury-Venus pair still moving through the sign of the Crab, hearth and home demands our attention and action. Like it or not, our parenting skills may be put to the test...both of children or childlike relatives, elderly or otherwise. House projects can take off now or require fixing. In short, any home and family matters gurgling under the surface must be taken care of. Be careful not to make matters worse by handling these with anger and divisiveness instead of invoking cleansing, healing and repairing.
It is said that all things are difficult before they are easy. Bring on some ease! Such is the passage we now enter as the third week of June brings good news: Saturn, lord of dharma and karma aligns with beneficent Jupiter and the Sun (our will) and inspirational Neptune, forming a grand water trine (triangle of planets). The effects of this magnanimous energy cannot be understated. At once magical and imaginative, this configuration may bestow all kinds of generosity and blessings. Finally, we feel our hard work, (emotional excavation as Scorpio Saturn insists upon), begin to pay off.
The same week, a helpful alliance between Uranus and Mars boosts this energy ten-fold. Our ingenuity and initiative heighten our ability to problem solve where we have encountered obstacles or have been rooted in conflict. Seize this energy to get things wrapped up before messenger Mercury turns retrograde on June 25th. After which, it is best not to start projects or sign significant documents.
The following day, June 26th, Jupiter moves into Cancer joining the Sun, Mercury and Venus. Jupiter is exalted in Cancer. This astrological term connotes the status of a planet when it behaves, and it is treated, like an honored guest in a palace. Why, you might ask, would Jupiter, the eternal wanderer, seeker, teacher, adventurer receive such treatment in a sign about food, mom, home, our roots? Well, if we stop and think about it, our mother is our first teacher, providing food, shelter and essential guidance for us. From our first home, be it a hut or immense estate, we take our first steps into the world. We can never deny where we come from, stray far though we may; deny our heritage try as we might. The seeds of mom, family and home never leave us, or our consciousness. Jupiter takes these seeds and expands all of them, growing, evolving. In Cancer, Jupiter becomes The Great Mother. Generous, benevolent, warm and nurturing, Jupiter exalts teaching all of her children in the luxurious world home, providing a blessed, rich and learned life, excluding no one.
As it cycles through Cancer for the next year, Jupiter invites us into her loving, warm-hearted spirit where we may learn how to become our best self. Jupiter-as-Mother asks us to slow down, remember that life is a journey, not a race, bask in its overflowing care. Especially during Mercury's retrograde phase through July 20th, nurture yourself and others. Vacation without a care in the world. Unplug and tune out. Relax and read a long, great story. Tell stories and sing songs. Reap the magic of silence. Listen to the natural wonders of Mother Earth as she blossoms into full summer flower.
The forces pushing and pulling us for a while now and for a while yet to come give us a bit of a reprieve at the outset of June. After the latest round of eclipses in May, we are momentarily allowed to come up for air the first week of the month.
Relief is brought to us by a beautiful angle between dream-maker pair Saturn-Neptune pair aligning with messenger Mercury and Venus, planet of love and money. All four planets are cycling through water signs for nearly the entire month. Our imaginations take flight while conversely, deeply seeded matters open up for much-needed cleansing and healing. June gives us a wonderful and somewhat rare opportunity to nurture ourselves and loved ones. Make the most of this cosmic gift and take time out to bask, flow in these gentle waters.
Mercury (how we think and communicate) and Venus (relationships) in the maternal sign of Cancer the Crab focus us on home, family, mom, food, heritage, psychological roots. Have a house project to conquer? Challenging family relationships to sort out? Want to finally change what and how you eat? How and where you live? The next few weeks say get it done. June 5th is especially key for building and stabilizing anything as the moon and transformational Pluto align in earth signs.
At the same time, June 5-15th, prickly family members begging to be confronted or difficult relationship dynamics seeking to have the kinks worked out may very well turn on the emotional water works when fiery Mars bumps up against dreamy Neptune. Where Mars in communicative Geminii sparks arguments, Neptune and Pisces would much rather Let Go and Let God. Be very mindful of your words. Awareness of language is essential through this period particularly with neighbors, siblings and family members.
It is good to note that after an argument, people may not recall your exact words but they will remember how your words made them feel. We can carry hurtful feelings sparked by such words for years. Enter Neptune: take its gentle advice to refrain, re-word or re-frame thoughts into a mindful message. Tune into your audience and how best he/she/they will be able to hear your message that Mars in Geminii so desperately wants to get across. Depending where this combination falls in your astrological chart, it can also incite car trouble, flooding creeks and rivers, or plumbing and gas line issues. Carefully review any contracts or documents to be signed now as Neptunian fog can distort understanding of how you may be impacted later.
These issues may reach a crescendo at mid-month when challenging angles surface between Mercury-Venus, radical Uranus and transformer Pluto. We may feel as though we are being pushed and pulled, kneaded and rolled over and over like play-dough, against our will, with no end in sight or ability to control our destiny; that we have no choice or say particularly in Cancer's domestic domain. With the Mercury-Venus pair still moving through the sign of the Crab, hearth and home demands our attention and action. Like it or not, our parenting skills may be put to the test...both of children or childlike relatives, elderly or otherwise. House projects can take off now or require fixing. In short, any home and family matters gurgling under the surface must be taken care of. Be careful not to make matters worse by handling these with anger and divisiveness instead of invoking cleansing, healing and repairing.
It is said that all things are difficult before they are easy. Bring on some ease! Such is the passage we now enter as the third week of June brings good news: Saturn, lord of dharma and karma aligns with beneficent Jupiter and the Sun (our will) and inspirational Neptune, forming a grand water trine (triangle of planets). The effects of this magnanimous energy cannot be understated. At once magical and imaginative, this configuration may bestow all kinds of generosity and blessings. Finally, we feel our hard work, (emotional excavation as Scorpio Saturn insists upon), begin to pay off.
The same week, a helpful alliance between Uranus and Mars boosts this energy ten-fold. Our ingenuity and initiative heighten our ability to problem solve where we have encountered obstacles or have been rooted in conflict. Seize this energy to get things wrapped up before messenger Mercury turns retrograde on June 25th. After which, it is best not to start projects or sign significant documents.
The following day, June 26th, Jupiter moves into Cancer joining the Sun, Mercury and Venus. Jupiter is exalted in Cancer. This astrological term connotes the status of a planet when it behaves, and it is treated, like an honored guest in a palace. Why, you might ask, would Jupiter, the eternal wanderer, seeker, teacher, adventurer receive such treatment in a sign about food, mom, home, our roots? Well, if we stop and think about it, our mother is our first teacher, providing food, shelter and essential guidance for us. From our first home, be it a hut or immense estate, we take our first steps into the world. We can never deny where we come from, stray far though we may; deny our heritage try as we might. The seeds of mom, family and home never leave us, or our consciousness. Jupiter takes these seeds and expands all of them, growing, evolving. In Cancer, Jupiter becomes The Great Mother. Generous, benevolent, warm and nurturing, Jupiter exalts teaching all of her children in the luxurious world home, providing a blessed, rich and learned life, excluding no one.
As it cycles through Cancer for the next year, Jupiter invites us into her loving, warm-hearted spirit where we may learn how to become our best self. Jupiter-as-Mother asks us to slow down, remember that life is a journey, not a race, bask in its overflowing care. Especially during Mercury's retrograde phase through July 20th, nurture yourself and others. Vacation without a care in the world. Unplug and tune out. Relax and read a long, great story. Tell stories and sing songs. Reap the magic of silence. Listen to the natural wonders of Mother Earth as she blossoms into full summer flower.
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
Sink Your Toes In!
May 1st marks the ancient Celtic festival Beltane. It is the Rite of Spring celebrating fertility and welcoming Summer which may find some of us dancing around the May Pole. Camelot's Queen Guinevere noted how lusty the month of May can be, a time when our "thoughts go blissfully astray." And after a harsh winter season and particularly difficult April, it will do us a world of good to do just that. Take a day off and play. Play like you mean it: leave the electronics behind, toss off your shoes and go running through fields collecting wildflowers. Enjoy and revel in Mother Earth, a living being who endlessly provides us with food, shelter, life.
So it goes without saying then that this lovely month of May is proverbially great for planting anything. Once you've put your shoes back on and placed your gathered flowers in a vase, it will be time to get down to the business of planting. This requires keeping your eye on the ball to manifest your goals. Launching this month, the planets underscore our efforts as our desires (Pluto) align beautifully with our will (the Sun), in practical earth signs Capricorn and Taurus. A few days later, fiery Mars and messenger Mercury align with Pluto to drive us, our quest and messages forward. This is a month of messages and making your voice heard. Continuing to support us are dreamy Neptune and architect Saturn's harmonious alliance with nurturing Ceres. These three foster our future plans through mid-May even as the "dream-maker" pair of Neptune and Saturn continues well into autumn.
Don't be shy, they say: go for it. But be sure about what you are seeking. What you are asking for. Mars will make sure of this, directing our actions in earthy Taurus. Messenger Mercury and the Sun join Mars the first week of May, aligning with Saturn in Scorpio. This energy brings to the surface deep-seeded issues of survival, personal power, shared resources, money and wealth, our identity. All is revealed now. You can run but you cannot hide. Those hard at work and following their true path will find ample support. However, anyone ignoring, avoiding or sweeping matters under the rug won't get away from what must be dealt with. Another way of saying this is: if you've skipped out on the bill, it is now past due. Good news is that there are myriad ways to help you earn money to pay it off. Scorpio Saturn is highly intuitive, psychic really. Its alliances with Mars and Mercury tell us: you know what you should be doing (if you aren't) and how you should be in this world (if you aren't already). The question only you can answer is: will you? A great example of this energy, of someone no longer able to hide his true self is NBA player Jason Collins who stunned the sportsworld by coming out as gay.
Sealing our fate are the two eclipses this month making sure we own up to who we really are: the good, the bad, especially the beautiful person we've been reluctant to acknowledge, and conversely, the stark, raving dark side we've refused to embrace which keeps us from achieving our potential... The solar eclipse on May 10th in Taurus marks a time of beginnings. Think about who you can be, where you've been holding back, what wealth of talents you can spread around to fertilize humanity. Four planets in earthy Taurus at the time of the eclipse, including Mars at an attention-getting degree, draws our focus to beauty, art, material goods, money, what we can touch. But also: our inner talents. Messenger Mercury helpfully pairs with Neptune now inspiring us to fulfill our potential as well as suggesting the methods to get there.
At mid-month, continuing through May, Ceres, radical Uranus and Pluto challenge us to fix things that were broken over the winter around the house or in the yard; and also, to fix aspects of family relationships or ourselves broken over the years, possibly across our lifetime. These demand attention and require repair and healing. Family situations and dynamics that have withered or been outgrown, or never worked in the first place must now be changed or revitalized. Relationship habits need to either be done away with or reinvented. Planting new ways of being with one another is essential this month.
Relationships are based on communication and the third week of May, Venus joins Jupiter in communicative Geminii, gradually followed by messenger Mercury and the Sun. Together these form a powerhouse of news and information that is highly persuasive. You may surprise yourself at how convincing you can be at this time. If you are in a sales career: bonus! Looking for work? It is a great time to impress employers with your plethora of skills. Geminii also rules automobiles so you may find yourself with a new car...
And while that alluring Alfa-Romeo two-seat convertible is calling your name, you might want to think a bit more practically as the flip side of this period offers a word of caution. Mercury challenges Neptune so beware of building castles in the sky, offers too good to be true, siblings making demands on your time or miscommunicating, overbuying items you really do not need... So you may want to opt for a four-seater American made convertible with a trunk instead of that tiny, impractical Alfa.
The month ends with the second eclipse on May 25th. Foggy Neptune challenges this lunar eclipse in Geminii so watch out for misunderstandings, particularly those of an emotional nature. While it is healthy to fantasize and visualize our future, make sure these are grounded in reality. Wait a few days after the eclipse before signing significant documents. This marks the last of three eclipses since the end of April. Like bookends, something, a passage of your life has come to a close and it is time to move on to the next, new phase. Just look at all the choices abounding! Summer awaits.
So it goes without saying then that this lovely month of May is proverbially great for planting anything. Once you've put your shoes back on and placed your gathered flowers in a vase, it will be time to get down to the business of planting. This requires keeping your eye on the ball to manifest your goals. Launching this month, the planets underscore our efforts as our desires (Pluto) align beautifully with our will (the Sun), in practical earth signs Capricorn and Taurus. A few days later, fiery Mars and messenger Mercury align with Pluto to drive us, our quest and messages forward. This is a month of messages and making your voice heard. Continuing to support us are dreamy Neptune and architect Saturn's harmonious alliance with nurturing Ceres. These three foster our future plans through mid-May even as the "dream-maker" pair of Neptune and Saturn continues well into autumn.
Don't be shy, they say: go for it. But be sure about what you are seeking. What you are asking for. Mars will make sure of this, directing our actions in earthy Taurus. Messenger Mercury and the Sun join Mars the first week of May, aligning with Saturn in Scorpio. This energy brings to the surface deep-seeded issues of survival, personal power, shared resources, money and wealth, our identity. All is revealed now. You can run but you cannot hide. Those hard at work and following their true path will find ample support. However, anyone ignoring, avoiding or sweeping matters under the rug won't get away from what must be dealt with. Another way of saying this is: if you've skipped out on the bill, it is now past due. Good news is that there are myriad ways to help you earn money to pay it off. Scorpio Saturn is highly intuitive, psychic really. Its alliances with Mars and Mercury tell us: you know what you should be doing (if you aren't) and how you should be in this world (if you aren't already). The question only you can answer is: will you? A great example of this energy, of someone no longer able to hide his true self is NBA player Jason Collins who stunned the sportsworld by coming out as gay.
Sealing our fate are the two eclipses this month making sure we own up to who we really are: the good, the bad, especially the beautiful person we've been reluctant to acknowledge, and conversely, the stark, raving dark side we've refused to embrace which keeps us from achieving our potential... The solar eclipse on May 10th in Taurus marks a time of beginnings. Think about who you can be, where you've been holding back, what wealth of talents you can spread around to fertilize humanity. Four planets in earthy Taurus at the time of the eclipse, including Mars at an attention-getting degree, draws our focus to beauty, art, material goods, money, what we can touch. But also: our inner talents. Messenger Mercury helpfully pairs with Neptune now inspiring us to fulfill our potential as well as suggesting the methods to get there.
At mid-month, continuing through May, Ceres, radical Uranus and Pluto challenge us to fix things that were broken over the winter around the house or in the yard; and also, to fix aspects of family relationships or ourselves broken over the years, possibly across our lifetime. These demand attention and require repair and healing. Family situations and dynamics that have withered or been outgrown, or never worked in the first place must now be changed or revitalized. Relationship habits need to either be done away with or reinvented. Planting new ways of being with one another is essential this month.
Relationships are based on communication and the third week of May, Venus joins Jupiter in communicative Geminii, gradually followed by messenger Mercury and the Sun. Together these form a powerhouse of news and information that is highly persuasive. You may surprise yourself at how convincing you can be at this time. If you are in a sales career: bonus! Looking for work? It is a great time to impress employers with your plethora of skills. Geminii also rules automobiles so you may find yourself with a new car...
And while that alluring Alfa-Romeo two-seat convertible is calling your name, you might want to think a bit more practically as the flip side of this period offers a word of caution. Mercury challenges Neptune so beware of building castles in the sky, offers too good to be true, siblings making demands on your time or miscommunicating, overbuying items you really do not need... So you may want to opt for a four-seater American made convertible with a trunk instead of that tiny, impractical Alfa.
The month ends with the second eclipse on May 25th. Foggy Neptune challenges this lunar eclipse in Geminii so watch out for misunderstandings, particularly those of an emotional nature. While it is healthy to fantasize and visualize our future, make sure these are grounded in reality. Wait a few days after the eclipse before signing significant documents. This marks the last of three eclipses since the end of April. Like bookends, something, a passage of your life has come to a close and it is time to move on to the next, new phase. Just look at all the choices abounding! Summer awaits.
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
A Call to Action
A universal truth is that all things are difficult before they are easy. Such is the transition we find ourselves in this Springtime between March and April. Rarely is there a month where astrologically, so many blessings and opportunities may be found and seized. This month is a very exciting time. It will be hard to be anything but wildly optimistic.
The planets flooding into dreamy Pisces last month have now burst into fiery Aries. Now we are truly awakened, energized and ready to take on our hopes, dreams and challenges. Aries is the sign of the warrior, the trail blazer, great initiator and pioneer. Often visionary and impulsive, Aries energy is fabulous for starting projects and relationships but a word of caution: be sure not to lose yourself to its impulse, rush in tackling more than you can manage. In short, be practical. Try not to bite off more than you can chew.
The first week of the month finds us catalyzed by Pluto's challenging angles to four, yes four, planets. As Pluto moves through pragmatic, earthy Capricorn, we are urged to follow our desires, build a future methodically, step-by-step. The contact between Pluto and radical Uranus, the Sun, Venus and Mars this week sparks us to get a move on. I dare you to resist! You'll have a classic case of "Don't just stand there. Do something!" After the penetrating insights, albeit lethargy, of last month, fresh energy calls us to act and act now. Very few of us will opt to sit out or sit still. The fire lit under our fannies urging us to get things done continues through mid-month. Go and do!
Several forces help us move toward and achieve our goals in April. First, change-agent Uranus conjoins with our Will, the Sun, to make a very beneficial angle to abundant Jupiter springing happy surprises on us. You may very well surprise yourself as this period is all about trying something brand new, breaking out of ruts and molds, traditions holding us back from progress, evolving. Feeding this energy are helpful alignments between Pluto, Saturn and Neptune. This troika asks, "Aren't you tired of the same old, same old?" and hard questions about what is broken in our lives while pointing the way to fixing problem areas. All of this sets the stage for the New Moon on April 10th.
The harsh winter many of us in North America endured gave ample opportunity for introspection. Been there, done that. The door to your future and growth has blown open. Like paratroopers ready to jump from a plane: go, go, go, now, now, now. He who hesitates really will be lost if you don't use the New Moon on April 10th as your own personal Carpe Diem. Plant those ideas, seeds for growth. The fertility power of this month and this week in particular is difficult to underestimate. Wow.
Nurturing and watering our fertile ground the rest of this month is the grand trine alignment of Ceres, Chiron, Neptune and Saturn in the three water signs, Cancer, Pisces and Scorpio, respectively. While Saturn plugs along in Scorpio baring parts of our lives we'd rather keep hidden, healer Chiron and cleansing Neptune wash our wounds clean even as Ceres feeds our souls. These gentle but strong-to-the-core female energies hold us safely now to do our work that must be done. Work we may have avoided or saw coming down the pike. Do not be afraid. All will be well says this combination. Astronomers elevated Ceres to planetary status not long ago and her motherly embrace could not arrive at a better time. Naturally a nurturer, Ceres is completely at home in the sign of Cancer the Crab where she can focus on child-maternal matters, house and garden. Bask and glow in this slow, loving, tender and warm kindness where you can allow yourself to ponder: what is in the best interest of our child/ren? How can we best foster their dreams and/or that of our inner child? What is best for our family and extended clan? How better can we care, feed and nourish ourselves, take care of our elders?
At mid-month, April 16th to be precise, the moon and Uranus challenge each other. Expect the unexpected with this super-charged, explosive pairing. Accidents, or conversely, breakthroughs are likely, especially involving emotions or psychological arenas pertaining to children, our mothers, family, estate matters. Fortunately, the troika outlined above will hold us close.
Toward the end of the month, from the third week forward, love and money planet Venus is at home its earth sign Taurus as it nicely aligns with Pluto. The focus will be on money and finances. Material goods. Beauty and clothing. Pleasure. Investment. Invest in yourself and/or what gives you joy. What has the potential to give you joy, bring rewards. Not just temporarily but for the long-term. Mars and the Sun join Venus in Taurus to hammer this message home with growing intensity. It is a "show me the money" Jerry Maguire sensibility. Mercury and Uranus pair up at the same time in fiery Aries pushing our boundaries and us out of our comfort zones. Job offers may abound now. There is a leap before you look quality to this pair. Be bold and go where no one has gone before. Be fearless and pioneering! Take the offer leading you on the road less traveled, one that provides a stable income and highlights your hidden talents. Where you may stretch and grow. There is nothing like this combination to manifest what you planted last fall, last year, last month.
A lunar eclipse on April 25th's full moon ends this active month, spearheading a spring season of three eclipses. Lunar eclipses mark endings, what needs to be put to final rest. Let go of what no longer serves you. And be mindful to avoid signing significant documents or making major purchases on this or any eclipse day.
The planets flooding into dreamy Pisces last month have now burst into fiery Aries. Now we are truly awakened, energized and ready to take on our hopes, dreams and challenges. Aries is the sign of the warrior, the trail blazer, great initiator and pioneer. Often visionary and impulsive, Aries energy is fabulous for starting projects and relationships but a word of caution: be sure not to lose yourself to its impulse, rush in tackling more than you can manage. In short, be practical. Try not to bite off more than you can chew.
The first week of the month finds us catalyzed by Pluto's challenging angles to four, yes four, planets. As Pluto moves through pragmatic, earthy Capricorn, we are urged to follow our desires, build a future methodically, step-by-step. The contact between Pluto and radical Uranus, the Sun, Venus and Mars this week sparks us to get a move on. I dare you to resist! You'll have a classic case of "Don't just stand there. Do something!" After the penetrating insights, albeit lethargy, of last month, fresh energy calls us to act and act now. Very few of us will opt to sit out or sit still. The fire lit under our fannies urging us to get things done continues through mid-month. Go and do!
Several forces help us move toward and achieve our goals in April. First, change-agent Uranus conjoins with our Will, the Sun, to make a very beneficial angle to abundant Jupiter springing happy surprises on us. You may very well surprise yourself as this period is all about trying something brand new, breaking out of ruts and molds, traditions holding us back from progress, evolving. Feeding this energy are helpful alignments between Pluto, Saturn and Neptune. This troika asks, "Aren't you tired of the same old, same old?" and hard questions about what is broken in our lives while pointing the way to fixing problem areas. All of this sets the stage for the New Moon on April 10th.
The harsh winter many of us in North America endured gave ample opportunity for introspection. Been there, done that. The door to your future and growth has blown open. Like paratroopers ready to jump from a plane: go, go, go, now, now, now. He who hesitates really will be lost if you don't use the New Moon on April 10th as your own personal Carpe Diem. Plant those ideas, seeds for growth. The fertility power of this month and this week in particular is difficult to underestimate. Wow.
Nurturing and watering our fertile ground the rest of this month is the grand trine alignment of Ceres, Chiron, Neptune and Saturn in the three water signs, Cancer, Pisces and Scorpio, respectively. While Saturn plugs along in Scorpio baring parts of our lives we'd rather keep hidden, healer Chiron and cleansing Neptune wash our wounds clean even as Ceres feeds our souls. These gentle but strong-to-the-core female energies hold us safely now to do our work that must be done. Work we may have avoided or saw coming down the pike. Do not be afraid. All will be well says this combination. Astronomers elevated Ceres to planetary status not long ago and her motherly embrace could not arrive at a better time. Naturally a nurturer, Ceres is completely at home in the sign of Cancer the Crab where she can focus on child-maternal matters, house and garden. Bask and glow in this slow, loving, tender and warm kindness where you can allow yourself to ponder: what is in the best interest of our child/ren? How can we best foster their dreams and/or that of our inner child? What is best for our family and extended clan? How better can we care, feed and nourish ourselves, take care of our elders?
At mid-month, April 16th to be precise, the moon and Uranus challenge each other. Expect the unexpected with this super-charged, explosive pairing. Accidents, or conversely, breakthroughs are likely, especially involving emotions or psychological arenas pertaining to children, our mothers, family, estate matters. Fortunately, the troika outlined above will hold us close.
Toward the end of the month, from the third week forward, love and money planet Venus is at home its earth sign Taurus as it nicely aligns with Pluto. The focus will be on money and finances. Material goods. Beauty and clothing. Pleasure. Investment. Invest in yourself and/or what gives you joy. What has the potential to give you joy, bring rewards. Not just temporarily but for the long-term. Mars and the Sun join Venus in Taurus to hammer this message home with growing intensity. It is a "show me the money" Jerry Maguire sensibility. Mercury and Uranus pair up at the same time in fiery Aries pushing our boundaries and us out of our comfort zones. Job offers may abound now. There is a leap before you look quality to this pair. Be bold and go where no one has gone before. Be fearless and pioneering! Take the offer leading you on the road less traveled, one that provides a stable income and highlights your hidden talents. Where you may stretch and grow. There is nothing like this combination to manifest what you planted last fall, last year, last month.
A lunar eclipse on April 25th's full moon ends this active month, spearheading a spring season of three eclipses. Lunar eclipses mark endings, what needs to be put to final rest. Let go of what no longer serves you. And be mindful to avoid signing significant documents or making major purchases on this or any eclipse day.
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