It’s appropriate that the hallowed April Fool’s day has several origins, none of which can be proven with any certainty…
Up until 1582, the Julian calendar celebrated New Year’s Day about April 1st, in accord with the European change of seasons to the warmer, planting days (around the vernal equinox). However, Pope Gregory XIII decided on a ‘new and improved’ calendar, replacing the Julian Calendar with his own, renaming it the ‘Gregorian’ calendar (no ego there…) and appointing the ‘New Year’ day to be January 1st. And so, in that year the Spanish, Portuguese, Polish, and Italians were ordered to consider this to be the ‘new’ New Year’s Day.
Apparently, most of the population felt the change was unacceptable and possibly idiotic, rejecting the idea… it seems nobody ‘warmed’ to the concept that the start of the New Year should be in the middle the winter… and so, most people continued to celebrate New Year’s Day on April 1st, even though Pope Gregory was celebrating new Year’s Day of January 1st. Other people began to make fun of these ‘traditionalists’, and would send them on silly errands ~”fool’s errands” or would try to trick them into believing something false or altogether ridiculous…The French would actually try secretly attach a picture of a fish to the backs of unsuspecting people, apparently not unlike a ‘kick me’ kind of sign…
And then there’s the story about how the emperor, Constantine, in a moment of imperial humor, allowed his favorite court jester to rule the country as ‘legitimate king’ for an entire day, which happened to be April 1st. Because there was no trouble to speak of on that day (except for a few domestic disputes and a high-speed chariot chase) he was nearly elected to the Roman court as a nobleman (!) ~ except he was a VERY short person, and because of his deficit in height the Roman council decided no one would take him serious, even if they called him Constantine, The MOST HIGH.
Or I could be making all of that up! You see, in typical Maine tradition, ~there’s no tellin’, not knowin’ that’s fer sho-ah, Ay-uh. ~Any way, all of that foolishness aside, the spirit of the weekend is bound to be infectious in a most light-hearted way with an April Fool’s Day Moon in Leo! So, if you think someone is pulling your leg, they probably are!
The Grand Earth Trine that has been bestowing favor upon us for the past several weeks has seemingly ‘softened’ the effects of retrograde Mercury in Pisces and retrograde Mars in Virgo. Neither of these planets function very well in those signs. Mars, planet of energy and drive (ruler of Aries) has a thrust in Virgo that comes across as excessive worry, a ‘fuss-budget’ type of effect, so those of you who are under Virgo influence are feeling it as higher stress. Mercury in Pisces is both ‘fall’ and ‘detriment’, not a happy camper at all, for Mercury, ruler of the mental faculty, our ‘thinking cap’ ~so-to-speak~ is drowned in emotional Pisces, effectively removing logic and replacing it with highly charged emotional thinking. Need I say, this is NOT a time to make major decisions, especially if they are based in emotional response. The good news is, Mercury IS going direct in three days (Wednesday, April 4, 6:11 AM, EST).
This will feel like a ‘return-to-reason’ moment, since the Moon will be moving into Virgo on Tuesday, April 3, 9:53 AM, EST) …What a great day for those of you with Virgo influence (!) ~ all pieces falling back into place as they should, the emotional drama surrounding you (especially in the workplace) will ‘charge down’ ~which is good, since, many people do not interact well with others while under pressure, in the workplace. Emotions can run high under such influences (so don’t give your notice for at least a week (!) ~ until ~ww.celestialreadings.wordpress.com
The Moon (derived from the word ‘month’) rotates as fast as it revolves, so the same side is always facing us…the reason we never see the ‘dark side’ of the Moon. But as of 2009 NASA has finally given us a view of the Dark Side of the Moon. This would surprise our star-gazing ancestors but our origins and the stories woven in space are even more astounding. What is really is quite amazing is that every atom on Earth has a heritage in one star or another…
Without stars there would be no life…Stars throughout the universe supply life with Light and heat. The sun warms the earth and keeps most of it’s water liquid. Sunlight also triggers the photosynthesis that (most) plants use to produce energy, ~energy that plant-eating animals then receive. Stars are catalystic to Life in another way, by forging most of the elements in the Cosmos. Before stars shone, the Universe had only hydrogen and helium, the two lightest elements and a bit of lithium, the third lightest element; but these three elements alone can’t construct the complex molecules that *life* needs. Life requires heavier elements ~ carbon, nitrogen, oxygen and iron, which stars create from lighter elements, then; spew into space when thy die.
The oxygen you breathe, the calcium in your bones, and the iron in your blood were all manufactured by stars that died billions of years ago! And so, we are literally made up of the residue of the stars. This scientific fact has attracted more scientists into the realm of astro-physics than any other…
Stars are the colorful gems that make the heaven shine and cause us to ponder what a *wonder* ~what an enigma life truly is… Although there are countless stars in the Universe, like people, no two stars are the same: the brightest outshine the faintest a trillion times over… and different stars glow different colors, blue, white, orange, yellow and red.
From Earth, the unaided eye can see several thousand(s) of stars, all part of our galactic band that crosses the sky, yet the Milky Way is so vast that for every visible star, the galaxy possesses millions more to the tune hundreds of billions, all partners in a colossal system held together by gravity, God’s cosmic glue…
Were it not for gravity, nothing would be bound, here nor anywhere…Spirits would be looking for homes; (The group, the Police sang about it ” We are Spir-its ..in a material world”} yet here we are in this manifest world, bound by the laws of gravity~ (Gary Zukav has called it the highest form of ‘spiritual’ Love) and I can see why. Since without this very basic law of physics, we could not exist.
Hence the ‘jumping-off point for this week’s astrological update: Attracting into BEING your visions of prosperity. Consider your consciousness to be likened unto a laser-beam. Your consciousness is like a great funnel of energy, which is ‘bottle-necked’ through you, and filtered through your consciousness… You are focusing the facts and artifacts of your life INTO being, THIS VERY MINUTE… ~as well as the things that you don’t desire, all through the laws of attraction; our own special gravitational force ~ Since we are under the applicable laws of this consensual Grand Earth Trine of late, why not focus your laser-beam consciousness upon that which your soul needs the most!
Visualization is the key under such ‘granting’ and generous aspect-patterns and since God IS abundance, this time-frame is a magnificent moment to bring into being the things which you most need.
The Vernal Equinox of 2012 (March 20) occurs with the Moon in Pisces, a very energetically ‘healing’ Moon. With both Neptune AND the Moon in Pisces and trining Saturn retrograde in Libra at 28 degrees… it’s a veritable manufacturing plant for dreams of renewal and Love. Saturn, renowned as the bad guy, is NOT, ~he simply WORKS to bring into manifestation what it is YOU MOST believe seew wwDOTcelestialreadingsDOTwordpressDOTcom
Interesting aspect-patterns continue to emerge during March as we move towards the vernal equinox, the first day of SPRING (March 20th). With the Grand Earth Trine still in play *(see previous 2 updates~Feb 26-Mar 4 and Mar 4-March 11 for more info ) in exact aspect this week, we can expect to see some pretty amazing things right now. Although Mercury is RETROGRADE for the next 3 weeks in impulsive Aries (starting March 12, 3:49 AM, EST) which normally comes with it’s own peculiar set of obstacles, you may expect problems to resolve themselves almost as quickly as they appear, especially with the magical Venus/Jupiter conjunction as a part of the Grand Earth Trine. Retrograde Mercury along with Mars retrograde in industrious Virgo could be rather problematic and were it not for the blessings that this Grand Trine offers we might find ourselves in some distinctively unusual pickles. But with other such lovely influences co-current, it’s fair to say we are safer than usual. These would be the times for adversity to show up for the SOUL purpose of demonstrating the miracles that will appear (often through the kindness of people’s hearts) so that you may recognize the power of your own co-creativity!
Conjunctions are very common especially with the quick-paced transits of the luminaries and faster moving planets. For instance Mercury together with the Sun is seen in about 30 % all of birth-charts, imbuing the individual with a particular brightness and a visibility of characteristics specific to the sign they both occupy. It more or less doubles the impact of the Sun sign expression. For instance, (given generally favorable aspects) a Gemini or Virgo with Mercury in the same sign makes for a real communicator. In Capricorn a powerhouse workaholic. In Pisces, highly sensitive, to the point of psychic and often musically gifted. Mercury and the Sun together, regardless of sign, demonstrates a brightness within the mental faculty and is often an aspect of poets, writers and philosophers.
However, as a rule, most conjunctions are not visible to the naked eye. This week though, we have been the gracious recipients of Venus and Jupiter in tandem, dancing across the western skies in the early evening, giving anyone who chances to look up a striking glittering show. This diamond-like duo is truly a beautiful pairing and since Jupiter will not be in Taurus again for 30 years, a very rare one. This is a generous-to-a-fault conjunction, for Venus is ‘home’ in Taurus and Jupiter is most optimumly expressed here as well. Artists, poets, musicians, or ANY one with a creative streak should make an effort to capitalize on the moment, if they are not already so-inspired.
Such creative endeavors will be highly reciprocal, reaping reward in unexpected ways during this period, especially since Mercury (which usually clips right along ~ a Mercurial year is 88 days)~ has slowed down in its velocity, notably a quarterly event. More importantly, it is also renowned to be a moment which encourages the creative instinct. So, if your impulses therefore are of this nature, hesitate not; the end product promises to be fabulous with residual gifting. This conjunction becomes EXACT on (Wednesday March 14th ) at 9 degrees, WITHIN the Grand Trine, boasting Pluto in Capricorn at 9 degrees, AND Mars in Capricorn at 9 degrees… Yowsa!
Remember the words of Teilhard de Chardin as these powerful 2012 days unfold: “You are not a physical being having a spiritual experience. You are a spiritual being having a physical experience.”
Lunar transits:
Moon into Scorpio, Sunday, March 11, 0:24 AM, EST (exercise patience.)
Moon into Sagittarius,Tuesday, March13, 2:53 AM, EST (pace yourself)
Moon into Capricorn, Thursday, March 15, 6:24 AM, EST (give and it shall be given unto you)
Moon into Leo, Saturday, March 17, 12:11 PM, EST (efforts rewarded)
Keywords for the week: Creativity. Insight. Patience. Rewards.
We all know the proverb, ‘you must be empty to be full.’ We all know that there could be no stars without the SPACE to hold them. What becomes infinitely clear then is that the SPACE is as important as the stars that shine so brightly; for no artist could paint without the canvas to hold the portrait he envisions.
We have all had, at points in our life, the opportunity to make something beautiful that we’ve taken great pride in creating. Whether it was a garden or a flower arrangement, a house or a ship, a portrait or a poem, the first step in our creation was to envision it! ~in space, becoming. We had to make room for it to become ~so that it could BE created in our lives. We had to be FREE of the thoughts of failure or doubt. ~Free of fear. These are the moments when the power of faith is most aptly demonstrated, for we have to be in full command of the moment, with absolute trust, fully embracing that which we are choosing to create.
So this then IS the secret to manifestation. To be utterly without fear, to be completely confident that we not only CAN create this thing of beauty, but we DESERVE it and SO DO those around us who will likewise, be impacted! We had to BE in the moment. We had to be in the now of creating. The same place that God IS as the Universe continues to unfold. Right now.
This moment is fraught with full potential. This is how every moment passing into the next is SACRED.
This update begins at the culmination point (March 3rd -4th) of this past weekend’s divinely captured moment in time with the rare Star of David. (*see Feb 26-Mar 4 update). The STAR of David (March 1st- 3rd) allowed us a ‘GOLDEN KEY’ moment, a WINDOW of opportunity with which to out-picture our heart’s deepest desire.
Our sister, the Full Moon on Thursday (Mar 8th, 11:50 PM, EST) brings us full circle and helps us to birth this moment. It is after all, the birth of new consciousness that we are really talking about. We have asked the Universe for what we want and now must work on clearing a space to receive it,
in order to activate the laws of attraction! The time is NOW to make concerted efforts to let go of old designs in order to make room for new ones. We now must let go of outmoded behaviors, patterns, places, people and things. It’s like ‘cleaning out the closet’ in order to make room for the new wardrobe we expect to arrive. It is the ‘magic wand.’
cont.
- -
A 2012 GIFTED MOMENT FOR US ALL!
Peering between dust clouds towards the central bulge of the Milky Way, our galactic home, the Hubble Space telescope focused on a rare clear region in the Sagittarius Star Cloud, very near the center. These Sagittarius stars formed at different times, with most being our older than our Sun (about four and a half billion years old…) ~about middle age as far as Suns go; they sparkle like an assortment of gems on a jewelers velvet pad.
Ours is a barred spiral galaxy, whose concentric arms are actually named. Closest to the center is the 3 KPC arm, then the Norma and Scutum Arm, the Sagittarius and the Crux Arm. These preceding 2 pair, almost overlap each other. Closest to us (on the inside) is the Carina Arm. And the band we see that stretches across the entire night sky, on those rare brilliant starry nights, is our own: the Orion-Cygnus Arm. Beyond us is the Perseus Arm, and further still, the last and greatest in circumference is simply named the Outer Arm.
We are literally and figuratively held within the Arms of our Milky Way galaxy, whose total sparkling numbers are estimated to be between 200-400 billion. Add to the equation that recent estimates ascertain that there are 500 billion galaxies in the Universe (a recent German supercomputer simulation) ~which contain anywhere only a few billion stars, to larger galaxies consisting of more than a trillion.
If this doesn’t give you pause to contemplate the miracle we live amidst, consider this: the Earth is spinning on its axis at about 1000 mph, while the galaxy itself is clipping right along at an almost incomprehensible 483,000 miles per hr or 134 miles per second!
The Sun moved into Pisces last week on the 19th of February, (1:18AM EST); this spiritual, emotional mutable deep-water sign. These combined factors often give the appearance of dualism…and indeed it is true, Pisces can play the role of victim or healer. And while one Pisces may be organized to the point of OCD, another may be completely unconcerned with the domestic appearance of their home. But whether Pisces is a type-A or type-B personality, the expression of the Pisces energy is unconsciously and specifically emotionally driven. Remember, as the human species, we are Emotional Beings first, which is also why this pervasive water sign, in its most evolved state, is considered the Healer of the Zodiac. A highly evolved Pisces (in emotional command of themselves) have the greatest capacity for compassion and psychic Healing. Edgar Cayce is an example.
While the Sun travels through this emotionally dynamic sign, (Feb 19th -March 20th) it can be said that all aspects made to the Sun during this time are more emotionally driven (regardless of your own sign). And depending on your sign, this emotional ‘charge’ is being decidedly played out in some area of your life. Therefore, aspects to the Moon (and other planets) also have this emotion ‘charge’ behind them and our respondent actions.
The Moon moves approximately every two and a half days. So it is also important to note: the position of the Moon has enormous impact for whatever sign it occupies (for that particular two and a half day lunar transition). In other words, if the Moon is in Taurus, (then any and all people under Taurus influence are specifically impacted. (This includes your Ascendant and natal Moon position (if they are in Taurus ) for instance.
This UPDATE starts with the Moon in Taurus, (Feb 26, 9:29 AM, EST) where we find the Sun in Pisces making an easy sextile to the Moon, enhancing communication lines. The Sun also forms a sextile to Pluto in Capricorn, increasing our own sense of confidence, impelling us to communicate with our loved ones. No surprise, with such aspects, if this week the conversations are concerning household finances, ~~ cont.
A 2012 GIFTED MOMENT FOR US ALL!
Peering between dust clouds towards the central bulge of the Milky Way, our galactic home, the Hubble Space telescope focused on a rare clear region in the Sagittarius Star Cloud, very near the center. These Sagittarius stars formed at different times, with most being our older than our Sun (about four and a half billion years old…) ~about middle age as far as Suns go; they sparkle like an assortment of gems on a jewelers velvet pad.
Ours is a barred spiral galaxy, whose concentric arms are actually named. Closest to the center is the 3 KPC arm, then the Norma and Scutum Arm, the Sagittarius and the Crux Arm. These preceding 2 pair, almost overlap each other. Closest to us (on the inside) is the Carina Arm. And the band we see that stretches across the entire night sky, on those rare brilliant starry nights, is our own: the Orion-Cygnus Arm. Beyond us is the Perseus Arm, and further still, the last and greatest in circumference is simply named the Outer Arm.
We are literally and figuratively held within the Arms of our Milky Way galaxy, whose total sparkling numbers are estimated to be between 200-400 billion. Add to the equation that recent estimates ascertain that there are 500 billion galaxies in the Universe (a recent German supercomputer simulation) ~which contain anywhere only a few billion stars, to larger galaxies consisting of more than a trillion.
If this doesn’t give you pause to contemplate the miracle we live amidst, consider this: the Earth is spinning on its axis at about 1000 mph, while the galaxy itself is clipping right along at an almost incomprehensible 483,000 miles per hr or 134 miles per second!
The Sun moved into Pisces last week on the 19th of February, (1:18AM EST); this spiritual, emotional mutable deep-water sign. These combined factors often give the appearance of dualism…and indeed it is true, Pisces can play the role of victim or healer. And while one Pisces may be organized to the point of OCD, another may be completely unconcerned with the domestic appearance of their home. But whether Pisces is a type-A or type-B personality, the expression of the Pisces energy is unconsciously and specifically emotionally driven. Remember, as the human species, we are Emotional Beings first, which is also why this pervasive water sign, in its most evolved state, is considered the Healer of the Zodiac. A highly evolved Pisces (in emotional command of themselves) have the greatest capacity for compassion and psychic Healing. Edgar Cayce is an example.
While the Sun travels through this emotionally dynamic sign, (Feb 19th -March 20th) it can be said that all aspects made to the Sun during this time are more emotionally driven (regardless of your own sign). And depending on your sign, this emotional ‘charge’ is being decidedly played out in some area of your life. Therefore, aspects to the Moon (and other planets) also have this emotion ‘charge’ behind them and our respondent actions.
The Moon moves approximately every two and a half days. So it is also important to note: the position of the Moon has enormous impact for whatever sign it occupies (for that particular two and a half day lunar transition). In other words, if the Moon is in Taurus, (then any and all people under Taurus influence are specifically impacted. (This includes your Ascendant and natal Moon position (if they are in Taurus ) for instance.
This UPDATE starts with the Moon in Taurus, (Feb 26, 9:29 AM, EST) where we find the Sun in Pisces making an easy sextile to the Moon, enhancing communication lines. The Sun also forms a sextile to Pluto in Capricorn, increasing our own sense of confidence, impelling us to communicate with our loved ones. No surprise, with such aspects, if this week the conversations are concerning household finances, ~~
The week starts off with the Moon in electric Aquarius squaring Jupiter in Taurus, both of which are fixed signs ~a dynamic aspect and undeniably, a forceful one. This sets the tone for those (who are so inclined) to express their opinions in a most straight-forward fashion, standing on their point of view without wavering, or even with the slightest bit of wiggle-room.
The Sun also moves into Pisces (Sun > Pis, Feb 19, 1:18 AM, EST) conjoining Neptune so that both planets are at ZERO degrees. To recap, let’s understand the importance of the critical degree of Zero. In ancient astrology, Zero was ostensibly considered to be a ‘degree of war’. Contemporary astrology however, far more metaphysical than our ancient stargazing ancestors, see Zero degree a bit more expansively, progressing now from the ‘degree of war’, into ‘an initiation point’, no less powerful, especially for those who are born on the cusp, usually between the dates of the 19-23rd, depending on the given month and year. Cusp-born people are generally very dynamic individuals and where-ever their natal Sun is (in their particular birth-chart) plays out in distinct and sometimes profound ways.
Neptune will be at Zero degrees until March 1st, making it a 10 month transit (in total) of a single degree, (including its retrograde motion). This is due in part to Neptune’s own 14-year long sojourn through any given sign. Then, the Sun moving a degree a day -its own gradual motion as it moves from sign to sign each month. This coupling of the Sun and Neptune is brief (together, the two of them only in effective orb for about a week). However, Zero degrees in Pisces, is POWERFULLY positioned, no matter which side of the FISH you’re standing on! So, you can expect an intense week, especially if your journey is of a spiritual nature. Such folks~ (we spirits in a material world)~ seem to attract events designed to further our spiritual progress; sometimes surprising, always awakening. Your anchor is, of course, your spirituality, planting you firming like a mighty Sequoia tree, with roots that run deep and branches that reach lofty and soaring to the heights of the heaven within you…the heaven you were put here to manifest on Earth, by the very grace of simply BEING.
Consider it NOT an accident then, that at the very start of enigmatic 2012, Neptune happens to be sitting at ZERO degrees in Pisces, the sign that allows us to access our spirituality to its most profound depths. Nothing spells Enlightenment like the combination of these two astrological elements, which form their own ideal idiom.
NEW MOON joins this conjunction, on Tuesday Feb 21, (12:31 PM EST) inspiring us to new projects and endeavors, creating a powerful stellium of planets in Pisces, (Mercury, The Sun, Moon, and Neptune) all in trine aspect to Saturn in Libra. This amplifies relationships, opening the doors of our hearts, intensifying communication and supporting co-operative effort.
The tempo of the workplace increases as well, as Mars in Virgo finds itself in opposition to Mercury in Pisces. Make concerted attempts to be patient, clear and concise with your co-workers, applying yourself in a collaborative fashion so as to create,
Note: Fierce February, coldest and shortest month in the northern hemisphere, is the most obvious attempt of our Gregorian calendar’s system of synchronizing the solar year with that of the astronomical (or seasonal) year. Because the earth’s annual orbit around the Sun is actually closer to 365.25 days, every 4 years we end up with an extra day (a 366 day- year) ~ happening this year and this month, with that rare February 29th.
As far as we can discern, the sole purpose of human existence is to kindle a light of meaning in the darkness of mere being. ~Carl Jung ~ How appropriate was Jung’s adage at this waning point of winter…Here on the week that celebrates Valentine’s Day and Love, the reason and purpose for Life. And so with my heart wide open for all, let me wish everyone a warm and heart-felt Happy Valentines Day! These short days of the briefest month of the year can seem the longest, and we all know why… Because, like eager children awaiting the long night before Christmas morning, we know that just around the corner comes the beautiful gift of enchanted Spring, with it’s virgin green unfurling everywhere to the eye’s delight and the immaculate blue skies warming the earth and coaxing new life from the long-dormant soil.
And up above in the twinkling night sky the planets dance out their patterns around us, also with their own promises of new life emerging. Moon (in deep Scorpio) is at it’s eagle’s-best as harmonious trines to the Sun, Mercury and Neptune starts the week off.
On Valentines Day, the Moon moves into lofty and idealistic Sagittarius and trines Venus/Uranus (in Aries). This is a very energetic pattern for Love and promises to be a most stimulating moment for most couples. For those who have been dating someone steadily, you can surely expect a hitch in the tempo, things heating up easily. Midweek offers a most unusual compendium of aspects, with (almost) ALL of the planets in the signs sweeping from Aries through to Libra, sitting in a ‘bowl-type’ pattern of concentrated energy. What is particularly powerful and wonderfully positive is the positioning and nature of the many trines aspects, to compliment the dynamic (challenging) ones. What this means is that we will quickly be able to right what is wrong, to pull ourselves ‘up by the bootstraps’ should we fall, and swiftly find the light again. Deepak Chopra wisely spoke of this human attribute when he said: “Just as light brightens darkness, discovering inner fulfillment can eliminate any disorder or discomfort. This is truly the key to creating balance and harmony in everything you do.”
With such illuminating aspects as Venus and Uranus trining the Moon, and the Sun, Mercury and Neptune trining Saturn, help-meets are set up all along the way. So should we find ourselves momentarily feeling lost, we only need to retreat a moment to that quiet place where Source/Love resides within our hearts. Here we will find the strength to light the candle again.
We do this unconsciously, with the the substance of our very own Faith, for we inherently trust what we know brings us to that place of inner peace. Like the ‘magic carpet’ that lifts and carries us to where we need to go, it is faith that returns us home time and time again. It was Jesus, the Master healer, himself, who loved us so much, that He lay down his life for HIS belief in US, that said, “Go thy Way, Thy FAITH has made thee whole.” Mark 10:52
Trust in yourself and in the ones that your heart knows truly love you. Most of all, trust in your own heart-intution, that place where the Soul resides.
The week opens with expansive Jupiter and the Moon conjoining in Taurus (Jan 30, 31st) widening our personal circle. Since the Moon rules all things feminine, it places the emphasis directly on the women in our lives, regardless of our own gender. This is generally felt as positive in vibration and manifests as heightened intuition, a tightening of the family circle and a receptivity that invites and protects the confidences of female friends and allies. That is, of course, providing you choose your confidants wisely.
Venus in Pisces and Mars in Virgo both form encouraging sextiles and trines to the Moon all this week…and this points the compass and True North towards our best friends and closest confidants ~quite possibly the real ‘help~meets’~ (and the saving graces) of our lives.
Jupiter’s transition through Taurus, which has been going on for nearly a year, invariably widens and deepens our circle of friendships. The ‘medium’ or tool that has made itself most evident in the past year has been Facebook, truly a phenomenon beyond description. As a ‘real time’ platform of communication, we have found kindred spirits and mutual friends in diverse places far and wide, all across the world.
We often turn to those we trust, our friends and loved ones in an air of reciprocity, where we find that kind words and reinforcement can help us rebuild crushed confidence and fragmented self-esteem.
Mars in Virgo and Venus in Pisces (mentioned earlier) in opposition all this week becomes exact at 22 degrees, just as the Moon moves into Gemini (Wednesday, Feb 1st, 2:15 PM EST). Twenty-two degrees IS a critical degree which adds decided ummphh and an unmistakable edge. Both Mars and Venus govern desire, although they operate quite at opposite ends of the scale.
Mars is the planet of energy and drive, renowned for bringing heightened activity which often erupts as conflict (due to its sheer impetus). Here in Virgo, ruling the visible world of work and service) ramps up the volume at work. In opposition to Venus, Renowned as the planet of relationship, in Pisces >(ruling the IN-visible world of psyche and human emotions) ramps up the volume between people. Again, interestingly, both planets govern that most powerful impetus of all, desire…
Mars, having gone retrograde in Virgo (end of January) certainly threw a monkey wrench into the soup for most of us in the workplace. Call it divine discontent, but at times like this, it is especially noticable with people in positions of dealing with the public. They appear to be preoccupied or just plain stressed out! However, these moments can be seen as opportunities to practice random acts of kindness. Often simple acknowledgment, a kind word or gracious smile can truly be the balm of that person’s day. These are opportunistic moments meant to empower.
This update sees a new Moon in Aquarius (exact on Jan 23rd 2:39AM, EST). This is technically a Sun/Moon conjunction, and can be tricky to assess but always promises to be interesting. New Moons, although appearing absent, have all the power of a full Moon, and offer opportunities for new beginnings (whether you are prepared for them or not). Of course, it is best to be prepared, though quite often we are caught off guard. Since this powerhouse conjunction is happening in Aquarius whilst squaring Jupiter on one side and Saturn on the other, the leaning is towards innovation and untried terrain. In fact, you can expect nearly anything, since Aquarius rules all things UN-predictable. However, it’s really what you make of the moment, for opportunity (or crisis) will present itself under these significant influences, no matter what your sign. These updates apply to everyone since no matter who you are, you have these specific planetary aspects occurring somewhere in your chart!
Wednesday, the 25th, the Moon moves into emotionally charged Pisces (4:11AM EST) ~and conjoins
Neptune, trines Saturn and sextiles Jupiter and Pluto! ~Much can be said in terms of challenges concerning these aspects, however, the upshot is that these are rare and enlightening patterns dancing about us in the heavens energizing us. They are beautiful aspects for soul-searching, even with (or maybe because of) the challenging circumstances of (our/your) life. There is great power to be attained on personal levels. We only need to recognize, embrace and release it. Picture the coiled snaked, (known in Sanskrit as Kundalini) ~situated at the base of the spine. Coiling upwards, it is our powerhouse, our spiritual life-force, our Prana.
With Mars (the planet that represents our drive) in Virgo forming multiple trines to (several) planets in Saturn-ruled Capricorn, there is a window, a portal so to speak, that allows us to easily activate and unleash our Prana, the fire of Kundalini, within ourselves. Saturn bestows great discipline, and during these perplexing (and often) troubling times we would do well to practice such empowering techniques. We are warriors, not victims! Saturn never brings a challenge without a solution (always to be found within you). These challenges are shaping us as the mallet strikes the metal in the fire. Every strike rends a sharper instrument. You are the weapon
This update opens with the Moon in Libra and Sun in Capricorn trining feisty Mars in Virgo. It’s a pistol of a week right from the get-go. High energy abounds and projects started or in process demand every ounce of energy one can muster. But it’s a good kinda energy signifying productivity. Also noteworthy, is the Mercury/Pluto conjunction in Capricorn, which imparts great focus, concentration and depth of thought. Big projects may begin now, with fruitful results for those committed to seeing it through. There is a cumulative, rhythmic kind of momentum here, implying steady progress, metered out with premeditated care. This conjunction (Mercury/Pluto) is also trining Jupiter in Taurus and that promises big rewards for those who jump in with both feet.
Mercury and Pluto in Capricorn also imply position, status and earned promotions. However, Uranus in Aries squaring this conjunction suggests unanticipated surprises and interruptions along the way. This is particularly emphasized regarding the working environment, since Capricorn rules work and workers, career, and positions of authority. For those in charge, it’s imperative to expect delays and to keep a level head. Balancing all the balls in the air without letting one drop requires great focus, but if a ball should slip, having a catch-net in place so as not to interrupt the flow of progress, is essential. Have a back-up plan and be prepared to throw yourself fully into anything that might come up. We all know if you want something done right, you have to do it yourself anyway.
Moon/Saturn conjunct briefly starting Sunday, adding a somewhat somber tone to our relationships. Saturn hangs at 29 degrees, a critical degree, known as the anaretic degree~ a degree of Karma. Its opposition to Jupiter in Taurus has, for the past year, put enormous strain on relationships. Having to make choices between what is desired as opposed to essential has been a topic of debate and has tattered the edges of many relationships. Saturn at the 29 degree point in Libra brings an end to those relationships that are weak, fragmented or over-stressed. At the anaretic degree, it is said that the outcome has already been assured, and there is nothing one can do to alter the outcome. Saturn rules crystallization and in a sense, a relationships that has become stagnant, has crystallized. Of course,
starfire_girl Blog (37)