Preparing for Mercury

August 12, 2009 – 11:02 pm

1MER Next month will bring one of astrology’s most notorious cycles – the Mercury Retrograde. It will begin September 6th, however the effects are felt quite strong as Mercury slows to turn retrograde. It will begin taking effect around September 2nd or 3rd. You have probably noticed, in some way, your life is turned upside-down during this period. Although there is just as much positive potential of a Mercury retrograde as negative, it takes a little effort to get the most (positive) out of it, and avoid the pitfalls.

Every retrograde is different, and they are experienced differently by each person. Your own birth chart determines exactly how you are effected, and what areas of your life it will hit. However, there are some general guidelines that can help us all get through it unscathed – and maybe even better off for it. If you’re not familiar with Mercury’s retrograde cycle, see my page about it.

The first step is planning, which is why this post three weeks in advance.

Projects (or anything else) began during a Mercury retrograde are prone to glitches, and often difficult to make progress with. It’s advisable to begin things either before the retrograde, or after it has passed.

Things (or maybe just the people using them) tend to get quite disorganized during a retrograde. Trying to sort out and organize during a retrograde may, occasionally have wonderful results – if you really needed to look at it from a VERY different perspective in the first place. However, most often you will regret attempts to organize during the retrograde. It’s a good idea to straighten up an organize anything that’s getting out of hand, before the retrograde begins. Much less chance of confusion that way too.

Paperwork is usually more difficult and errors are more likely during a retrograde. This applies to any sort of communication, such as phone calls. If you have important paperwork – or the virtual equivalent – it’s best to do it before the retrograde begins, if possible. Don’t let things of this nature pile up – if you have a backlog, try to work through it.

Procrastination always seems to catch up with us, and usually at the worst time or in the worst way. Therefore, don’t procrastinate is a generally good piece of advice at any time. Triple that as we approach the Mercury Retrograde. These periods are particularly unfriendly to procrastinators.

My final piece of advice falls in the category of turning the retrogrades into a good thing, rather than just avoiding problems. While Mercury is retrograde we are going back, looking back – as the energy of Mercury draws our attention in a different direction. It is a good time for review and revision, just not solid decisions. You are likely to misunderstand, be lacking a pivotal bit of information, or forget to take something into consideration. Whatever you are reviewing and revising – be it a document or your life’s plans – it’s beat to take one more look after the retrograde, and probably make a few minor, but important adjustments. Still, it can be invaluable to see things from a different point of view, and the majority of revision done under the retrograde will stick. It can be helpful to begin working on long-term projects or plans now, timed so that you will be at a stage of review during the retrograde.

Remember: no cycle, transit, or aspect is ‘good’ or ‘bad’ – it all depends on what you make of it.

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By The Pagan Astrologer | Posted in Mercury Retrograde | Tagged | Comments (0)

5 DEGREES FROM FREEDOM

August 5, 2009 – 5:56 pm

AN ASTROLOGICAL ACCOUNT OF LAURA LING AND EUNA LEE’S CAPTURE AND RELEASE

The story of the two journalists, is a complex tale of hopes and disappointments, ups and downs. It can be summarized in 5 parts – the incident, the decision, the trial, the plan, and the release.

PART 1: THE INCIDENT – Journalists Captured

The story began in March with Mercury, the ruling planet of reporters opposing Saturn, the ruler of boundaries and confinement. The opposition occurred at 17 degrees, with Mercury in Pisces, the sign of idealism, Ruled by Neptune who is known for blurring the lines and flowing over boundaries. Driven by their ideals, two American journalists crossed the border into North Korea. With Saturn analytical Virgo, the fault finder of the Zodiac, their action did not go unnoticed. They were captured and detained. A third planet figures predominantly in this story, Uranus – the planet of freedom. It the time of their capture Mercury was 5 degrees from conjoining Uranus, suggesting that freedom was in their future. However, freedom was 5 degrees away, about 5 months from happening, with a new twist in the road every 5 weeks.

PART 2: THE DECISION – They Will be Indicted

In mid April Mercury in Taurus formed a Trine with Saturn (a slow planet who has moved very little since March). Trines represent a harmonious flow of energy, and at the same time Mercury formed a sextile, the aspect of opportunity, to the point where he was in mid-March. A few days later, 5 weeks after the journalists were captured, it was announced the journalists would put on trial. It seemed their captivity, an expression of Saturn was moving along smoothly, yet a trial was also the first opportunity they had for a change in their situation. Mercury was also just entering the retrograde zone, a period of time before a retrograde when he is covering the same area he will return to. Events during this time tend to be revisited during the retrograde.

PART 3 – THE TRIAL – Indicted and Convicted

Although there was much talk of a trial, the two were not formally indicted until late May, just prior to the end of Mercury’s retrograde cycle – and 5 weeks after the trial was announced. The trial began in early June. With Mercury squaring several planets in Aquarius, the sign of the humanitarian, it did not look promising they would be shown mercy. On June 7th The Full Moon fell at 17 degrees in Gemini and Sagittarius. Both signs relate to journalism, with Gemini being the sign of reporters and Sagittarius the sign of freedom of information. This Full Moon was exactly squaring the mid-March Mercury/Saturn opposition. On this day the journalists were officially convicted.

With Jupiter, the planet of optimism, turning retrograde within a week, the situation seemed bleak, and hope began to fade. United States pleas for their release were yielding no results. However, Mercury was also making one sextile, the aspect of opportunity, at this time. The planet providing a glimmer of hope was Uranus – the cosmic wall breaker, the planet of freedom and changes, as well as the co-ruler of Aquarius. Despite the dismal outlook, there was a sudden turn of events ‘in the stars’. There was no change in the situation for about a month.

PART 4: THE PLAN – Bill Clinton, the Diplomat

On June 30th, after another 5 weeks, Uranus turned retrograde, suggesting secrecy, something was happening behind the scenes. There was no news around this time, although on June 29th the Washington Post had reported that the U.N. secretary general said he was making personal efforts to free the two. He told the post he had worked behind the scenes in similar situations before. A few days later, on the eve of the Unites States Independence Day, Mercury entered Cancer. The ruling planet of reporters transiting through the sign of home, had to set in motion the events finally leading to their return. Although Mercury would remain in cancer for only two weeks, it would host pivotal events.

The Solar Eclipse on July 7th was the first in a rare series of three. Through these three powerful eclipses we have seen the story turn from one of lost hope, to one of success and freedom. This was in the signs of Capricorn, ruled by Saturn, and Cancer, the sign of home – as well as the sign currently occupied by Mercury. At the moment of the eclipse, both Sun and Moon were in sextile to Saturn. That day Laura Ling made a phone call to her sister, Lisa. Lisa Ling said the her sister had admitted guilt, saying they had defiantly broken the North Korean law – in fact she said, this point was made with great emphasis. This also brought about an important shift in U.S. policy. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton announced the United States would accept the guilt of the Journalists, and seek a pardon rather than a release on humanitarian grounds.

Mid – July, both the Sun and Mercury formed trines to Uranus. Hillary Clinton officially called for the pardon of Ling and Lee. It was later reported that Ling and Lee told their families, during conversations in mid-July, that North Korea would be open to negotiations with Bill Clinton. The second eclipse in this series, was the Solar Eclipse on July 21st. This was the beginning of the Waxing Moon phase, the time of beginnings, occurring in Cancer, the sign of home. The potent energy of the this eclipse (see my Solar Eclipse post) was all about changes, breaking restrictions, the blending of endings and beginnings. It brought the official beginning of the plan that finally worked.

On July 24th and 25th National Security advisor Jim Jones spoke with Bill Clinton about traveling to North Korea. The morning of July 26th Moon crossed Bill Clinton’s Ascendant – at 5 degrees Libra, the sign of the diplomat. There was little official news during this time, fitting with the degree of uncertainty carried by the Solar Eclipse. As it was the middle in a series of three eclipses, we look to the final eclipse for resolution.

PART 5: THE RELEASE – Home at Last!

On August 3rd the Moon was in Capricorn, having arrived back at the point she was during the first eclipse in this series as Bill Clinton arrived in North Korea for negotiations. The next day, August 4th marked the was exactly 5 weeks after Uranus turned retrograde. This was exactly 20 weeks after the journalists were first detained; about 5 months, broken down in 5 important chapters. With the energy of the eclipse already building, only one day before it occurs, the Moon formed a sextile with Uranus. The same day she would enter Aquarius. This is the sign ruled or Uranus, and the sign hosting this final eclipse, the very next day. This coming eclipse was one of changes, crossroads, and events coming to a head (see my Lunar Eclipse post). It also formed quincunxes (known as fated aspects, bringing adjustment or change) to the original Mercury Saturn opposition under which they were first detained.

On August 4th Laura Ling and Euna Lee were pardoned. August 5th, with Venus, the planet of harmony at 5 degrees Cancer, the sign of home – and only hours before the final eclipse – Lisa Ling and Euna Lee arrived home.

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By The Pagan Astrologer | Posted in Astrological Events, Eclipse, In The News | Tagged , , , , , , , | Comments (0)

Lughnassadh

August 4, 2009 – 10:48 am

SAB LUGHNASSAD Lughnassadh is being celebrated throughout the first week of August, due to a difference of opinion about timing. There are 3 common schools of thought about the dates of the Sabbats. The simplest method is to go by the calendar date in which case it is the 1st of August. To some, it falls on the first Full Moon in Leo, August 5th, 5:38 pm PDT. The third option (and the one I go by) is timing by the astrological position of the Sun. The equinoxes are marked by the Sun’s entrance into the cardinal signs: Spring-Aries, Summer-Cancer, Fall-Libra, and Winter-Yule. The corresponding Sabbats fall at the moment of the equinox. The cross-quarter Sabbats fall exactly half way in-between the equinoxes. Thus, Lughnassadh will occur when the Sun reaches 15° Leo 2:01 am PDT.

Lughnassadh is known by many names; most commonly Lammas, August Eve, The Festival of Bread, Elembiuos, Lunasa, and Cornucopia. This is the first harvest festival, symbolized by grain. The staff of life; grain represents sustenance, endurance and versatility. The bread created of grain will nourish us, yet the grain itself can withstand the winter to sprout new life in the spring.

The Sun God has reached the astrological power point of 15° Leo. He is approaching Virgo, the sign of harvest and grain.

We are now in the waning part of the year, and Lughnassadh occurs under waning moon. We often refer to beginnings, and in astrology the moment something begins is very important. The waning phase is not a time for new beginning, or any sort of beginning, but rather of endings. However, we have to remember that everything is evolving, connected, and cyclical in nature. What we call the beginning is only a point in the cycle, albeit a very important one. In natural cycles of renewal and rebirth, the ending is also not an end. It is not followed by nothingness, but rather by transformation – into a new beginning.

This Lughnassadh carries a strong sense of renewal, and of new beginnings. At the moment of Lughnassadh, The Moon will be in the very last degree of Aquarius – just seconds from the point of Yule (0 degrees Capricorn). Yule is the birth of the Sun God, the point of renewal and the beginning of manifestation. This is the point in the Solar year when we begin to see the increase of light. With the Moon on the cusp of Capricorn, we find ourselves on the cusp, on the verge of a brand new phase as well. This season is about that transition and transformation. Like the moments just before daylight, we see it and feel it, just aren’t quite there.

It is traditionally a quite busy time of harvesting Summer’s abundance, preparing for Winter’s lack. We are celebrating what has come to fruition, beginning to release what will not come to fruition, and nurturing what is almost, yet not quite, ready. Take time to look back at the events in your life, and the direction of your spiritual evolution. Ask yourself what you need to harvest, release, or nurture.

There is a strong focus on healing, as the Moon is still within orb of conjoining Neptune/Jupiter/Chiron. She has just passed them, drawing the qualities of this important conjunction forth into Lughnassadh. The conjunction of these three is one of the major astrological events of the year. Here we have the vision, expansion, and healing coming together under the sign of awakening. It can open new doors, heal old wounds, and give us opportunity to overcome blockages. It reminds us that the world, to each individual, exists only of that person’s experiences and perceptions. Only fear, resistance, ignorance, and a closed mind stand between where you are now, and where you would like to be. Where does not refer to a physical location, but rather a state of mind, and of awareness.

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By The Pagan Astrologer | Posted in Astrological Events, Sabbats | Tagged , , , , , , , | Comments (0)

Lunar Eclipse Aug 5th

August 3, 2009 – 7:52 pm
Click to view Full Moon astrology chart
Click to view Full Moon astrology chart

August 5th at 5:55 pm PDT – Full Moon in Leo – Lunar Eclipse

The last of the triple eclipses

This Lunar eclipse is the final in a series of three.  Normally, we see only two eclipses in a row, so this series, carrying the spirit of trinity, is quite special.  Enhancing the power of this eclipse is Lughnassadh, only 2 days later.  At the moment of the eclipse, the Sun falls less than 2 degrees from the Mid-Leo power point of Lughnassadh.

 Full Moon is a Sun/Moon aspect; an eclipse is a Sun/Moon/Earth aspect.  Psychic abilities, supernatural phenomena, and magickal power are heightened during Full Moon because we are charged with the energy of this direct Sun/Moon connection.  During an eclipse, we are part of it.

Click to view Lunar Eclipse astrology chart
Click to view Lunar Eclipse astrology chart

As we examine the sabian symbols of this eclipse, we find the Moon is at the degree of adaptability, while the Sun is at the degree of ingenious.  This suggests an element of creative problem solving, and the need to adapt to circumstances beyond our control.  As this is the last of the three eclipses, it’s important to look back over the last month.  What issues have come into focus; what opportunities or problems have arisen; what changes do you see unfolding in your life?  The answers to these questions should give you a good idea of this eclipse’s focus.  Full Moon is traditionally the time when things come to fruition; when pressure is released, and the subtle becomes obvious.    There has been an air of uncertainty, and a sense of building pressure since the first Lunar eclipse in July.

With this third eclipse, and Full Moon, we see the events, actions, and energies of the past month coming together.

At the time of the Eclipse the Moon will be in trine to Mars, as well as quincunx to Saturn.  The Aquarius Moon is co-ruled by Uranus and Saturn, who happen to be involved in a long-term opposition.  There is tension between tradition and progress, freedom and structure,   wants and needs.  Many will find themselves at a cross-roads of sorts.  Be very careful what decisions you make, if any, on the day of the eclipse.  They are likely to be quite important ones, even more so than you are aware of.

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August forecast

July 28, 2009 – 6:05 pm

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August is getting off to a busy start, with Mercury, and two asteroids changing signs, a well as an eclipse within the first week!  The month begins with Pallas entering Virgo, followed by Mercury less than 24 hours later.  Pallas is a highly intellectual influence; the strategist; the cool calm and collected warrior, wielding weapons of skill and wisdom.  She and Mercury are quite compatible, especially in the Mercury-ruled, ultra-efficient, Virgo.  This puts a damper on the light-hearted energies we’ve been enjoying.  It should be a perfect time to get things in order and going the right direction.  Catch up on those detail before they catch up with you.

 

 We should see a strong trend toward organization (or at least attempts to it), planning, practicality, and – naturally – troubleshooting.  With the last mentioned item comes the potential downfall of this transit. Virgo is the efficiency engineer of the Zodiac.  One of the most difficult lessons to be learned wherever Virgo lies in one’s chart is that there is no such thing as perfect.  At it’s highest manifestation, Virgo is about refining, improving, and perfecting.  Find the flaws, and find a way to fix them.  However, this can just as easily manifest, or appear, as knit-picking, because finding the flaws is much easier to do than finding the solution.  It can become daunting, and depressingly overwhelming to see more and more faults in others, in the world, and more importantly in one’s self.  It can make it tempting to give up on making it better, give up on it getting better. 

 

With two such strong mental influences traveling through Virgo, we will all get a dose of this harsh reality flooding through our minds.  It can lead to great improvements, following the highest manifestation of Virgo.  Or it can lead to a great deal of frustration, resentment, and bad attitude following the lowest manifestation of Virgo energy.  We all need to be careful of a tendency to take the cup half full approach, as Mercury is our information processor and incoming information and ideas are filtered through transiting Mercury; colored by his sign and condition.

 

Naturally, part of the reason for the serious effects this Virgo transit is Saturn’s current placement there.  Saturn is the greatest of teachers, by the harshest of methods – wisdom through experience.  With minds, thoughts and attention focused in Saturnian territory, we find ourselves keenly aware of the flaws in our lives, our plans, and our selves.  The target of this focus depends on where Virgo transits, and specifically Saturn’s current placement, fall in your natal chart.  However, as you find yourself focusing on the negative, the problems, and the mistakes; don’t shove it out of your mind or wallow.  Instead, look a little deeper.  Look for the lessons to be learned, the wisdom to be gained, and the strength to be acquired.

 

Not to forget the 3rd ingress occurring at the beginning of the month, we see Ceres exiting Virgo, ingress into Libra.  This should relive the pressure in some recently strained relationships.  Ceres relates not only to marriage, but to the concept and sincerity of commitment.  Whether it be a friendship, romance, or business partnership, there has likely been some heavy scrutiny of commitments recently.  Now, with the ingress into balanced, loving, sociable Libra we see the scales tipping in another direction (no pun intended). 

 

Libra is the sign of partnership.  It may be a little too easy to commit, to get involved too deeply, and overlook – rather than focus on – the little problems.  To one extreme, those little problems are blown out of proportion, creating big waves.  To the other extreme those little problems are hidden until they pile up and turn into something major.  The key here is the end goal of Libra – balance.  Enjoy a reprieve from the recent focus on tensions in relationships, but don’t sweep those issues under a rug just because you can.  Instead, use the opportunity to find peaceful resolutions.  Remember, there are many more commitments in life than relationships.  It may also be a little too easy right now to be certain you want that new job, or you can afford those payments…

 

By the 3rd of August, with these ingresses, the elemental balance shifts to earth/air, with little fire.  This may not be good for general physical energy levels, but it enforces the theme that this is a time of mental and practical focus.  Think things through, make plans, make repairs… These energies will remain for most of August (the 3rd – 22nd).  Keeping in mind that most of this time is during a waning moon, (the 5th – 20th) it’s perfect for weeding out, breaking habits, streamlining.  Beyond that, it is a time of learning and of wisdom, as the waning moon is also the phase of the Crone.  This is a time for seeking, releasing, purifying, and preparing.

 

From there, we’ll have another significant shift near the end of the month with the Sun, Mars, Mercury, Venus and Vesta all changing signs within a week.   I’ll leave that for a later post.


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By The Pagan Astrologer | Posted in Eclipse, Mercury, Monthly Forecasts | Comments (1)

New Moon – Solar Eclipse

July 20, 2009 – 2:25 pm

The bleakest and blackest skies, mark the return of the light.  The Moon seems to have vanished.  We see no trace, no signs of her divine, silver light.  Yet we know, and more importantly we feel this void of light, is the birth of light.  We are reminded of Yule, the shortest, darkest day of the year.  Not a day of despair, of mourning or pining – a day of celebration.  The brightest light is born of the deepest darkness.  That is the essence of the New Moon. 

 

In this, very special New Moon, that essence is enhanced, and magnified.  The Solar Eclipse, is often considered a ’super New Moon’ – which is quite true.  On any given New Moon, the Sun and Moon – in their intimate, intricate, dance through the heavens – have arrived at the same point.  For a moment in time, they are as one.  Every so often (about 6 months), Mother Earth, and in turn her children, join in this cosmic embrace.  Not only are the Sun and moon in perfect alignment, so is the Earth.  We are not watching this event, we are part of it.  The energy flows uninhibited, the doorway is open – for a moment we are one with the universe.

 

This New Moon, this fantastic eclipse, falls in the Moon ruled sign of Cancer.  When the Moon is in Cancer we are more susceptible to her influence, aware of her power, and open to her guidance.  There is something else very important about the sign of Cancer – it is host to the Sun at Summer Solstice, and opposite Capricorn, the sign of Yule.  The lunar monthly cycle and the solar wheel of the year follow the same phases.  New Moon, the birth of light on the darkest night of the month, relates to Yule; the birth of light on the darkest day of the year.  Similarly, Full Moon relates to Summer solstice.

 

This New Moon, and Solar Eclipse, carries the energies of both polarities.  Sign of carrying energies of Summer Solstice hosts the event carrying energies of Yule.  There is a strong underlying tone of issues relating to balance and imbalance.  We find ourselves aware of the imbalances in our lives.  More importantly, at this moment, we become aware of the importance of imbalance. 

 

Perfect harmony, and perfect balance, is typically a good thing to strive for.  For those of a spiritual nature it is often the guiding light, illuminating our path.  Perfect balance, taken literally, probably never (or rarely) actually occurs in life.  In fact, despite our best efforts, we are usually far from it.  So we seek to come closer to that ideal.  What happens when we come too close?  If a ball is perfectly balanced, it does not roll – if a scale is perfectly balanced it does not tip.  Balance can create inertia.

 

Our journey through this lifetime, our soul’s journey through many lifetimes is just that – a journey.  Change is constant, evolution is inevitable, and inertia will, literally, get you nowhere.  Sometimes we have to tip the scales, and shake things up.  Sometimes, something has to give.  Eclipses tend to bring dramatic change, and this one is quite powerful. 

 

There is a sense of tension, of undercurrents surfacing, long-standing issues coming to a head.  This is a touch of the lively Full Moon/Summer Solstice energy brought by Cancer.  Yet there is a sense of peace, of brand new visions, of the quiet magick of New Moon.  This is a time to take an important step, possibly a leap of faith in some way.  Your path is altering.  Every path is altering.  It happens every second of every day, change is a constant.  Under an eclipse, the change becomes noticeable.  Under an eclipse this strong, it can become dramatic. 

 

This is a time of  renewal, rejuvenation, and the beginning of a new phase in your life.  Depending on your individual chart, and where this eclipse falls, it may be stronger or weaker in effect than I’ve described.  However, it will be potent at least to some extent.  By choosing to attune with the natural, magickal, celestial energies you can enhance it’s strength in your life.  You can tap into more of this potent energy, and benefit from it’s lessons.

 

This is a powerful time of purification.  Work to purge negativity from your life, and from yourself.  Ask yourself, where in your life, your heart, and your soul has a harmonious flow of energy turned into a stale non-flowing inertia?  What is lacking, what is your soul craving and not getting?  Open your mind, and your senses.  Listen to your intuition.  Let yourself feel, and trust what your inner self knows.  You may need to take a risk, step into the chaos of change, and throw things all out of balance for the moment. 

 

This Solar Eclipse falls in-between two Lunar eclipses. Therefore, the cycle of change has already began, and it will continue throughout the entire lunar month.  New Moon, especially this super-charged New Moon is the time for new beginnings.  Take the plunge, make this the beginning of an important phase in your life.  Remember the expression “today is the first day of the rest of your life”.  Take that to heart on this day.  And don’t be discouraged at the current upheaval and imbalance.  It will be in the air until after the next eclipse has passed, in one form or another.  Make the most of it!

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Balsamic Phase – The Quiet Moon

July 18, 2009 – 11:50 am

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The Moon enters the Balsamic Phase July 18, 2:38pm PDT at 11 degrees Gemini.  This is the quiet, contemplative phase.  It’s a time of stillness, dreaming, thinking, healing.  We withdraw into ourselves, in preparation for the next phase.  It is a time of release, and a time of peace.  A time to make peace with oneself.

As this phase of stillness begins in Gemini Moon, we find our selves restless.  We wander, our minds wander, thoughts lead to ideas to dreams and back again.  The world around sometimes seems like a dream – a hustle and bustle of fascinating activity just passing us by. 

If the demands of daily life will allow, it’s a good idea to let yourself drift.  Let your mind wander. 

July 19th 3:13pm PDT the Moon goes V/C.  All the more reason to just chill!  At 8:52pm PDT the Moon will enter Cancer.  Now the Gemini restlessness will pass, and we truly turn inward.  The Balsamic Phase is the time to allow your inner self and outer self to synchronize, so to speak.  It’s crucial to allow yourself the preparation you need to begin the next phase in harmony with yourself, and the natural cycles.  This is all the more important as the coming New Moon is also a Solar eclipse!


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Mars in Gemini

July 13, 2009 – 4:17 pm

1MARSo, the cosmic warrior is now in Gemini.  Actually, he has been for a couple of days, but we’re really feeling it today with the Sun conjoining Mercury (ruler of Gemini). 

For about 6 weeks, expect to pick up the pace!  Mars in Gemini will bring busy times, and busy minds.  This is a refreshing change from slow, cautious Taurus (where Mars has been for several weeks).  Expect a rush of ideas, incoming information, and a general flurry of activity.

The Opportunity:  Get things done, solve problems, brainstorm, and take care of your busy work.  Mars is energy, fire and drive.  Gemini is a restless sign, bringing a high activity level.  This is a chance to really get things done!  There is particularly strong mental energy, as Gemini is Mercury-ruled and the sign of thinking.  Anything that takes a little brain-strain stands a better chance during this transit.  Have a problem you need to think through, or some tough decisions to make?  Mars is a mental warrior for the next few weeks.  Just pick your battle!

The Challenge:  Don’t scatter your forces, and don’t just pick your battle (actually see it through).  Gemini can be quite scattered, and Mars (as the ruler of Aries) is more helpful in starting than finishing.  There’s a lot of energy, if it’s put to good use.  It will take more effort than usual to focus, prioritize, and follow through.  There’s a risk of simply having a hectic spell, running around in circles, starting many things, finishing nothing, and ending up worn out with nothing to show for it. 

 

Good luck, and have fun!

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Jupiter Conjoining Neptune

July 8, 2009 – 10:20 pm

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On July 10th Jupiter conjoins Neptune in Aquarius.  This is the beginning of a cycle, like New Moon (occurring when the Sun and Moon conjoin).  The cycle of Jupiter and Neptune is about 11 years rather than a month.  In reality, this entire year is the beginning of a new Jupiter/Neptune cycle.  Due to retrogrades, they conjoin 3 times before moving into the waxing phase (all cycles have a waxing and waning phase, just like the Sun/Moon).

This conjunction is the second in the series.  They first conjoined on May 27th.  Now, with both retrograding they conjoin again on July 10th.  The last time, with both planets once again in direct motion, will occur on December 21st.  I will leave the importance of this occurring on Yule for another post.  From now until then, we are on the verge of beginning a new cycle.  It is like the Dark Moon phase in this particular cycle.

Jupiter and Neptune are naturally compatible planets, as co-rulers of Pisces.  Their primary connection is a spiritual one, making this a very important event in spiritual matters. 

Neptune moves very slowly.  He is the god of the sea, the master of illusions, and the original mystic.  This is the planetary energy of visions, dreams, psychics, spirits, ESP, oneness, transcendence, and spiritual awakening among other things.  In non-esoteric camps he also has a nasty reputation as the planet of confusion, illusion, addiction, and depict. These points are valid as well – we all have a ‘bad side’ don’t we?  The planets are no different.

Jupiter moves through the Zodiac in about 12 years.  Slow in comparison to the Sun or Moon, but pretty speedy in comparison to Neptune’s 165 years.  Jupiter is beloved by most astrologers – the planet of wealth, luck, optimism and humor.  Like Neptune he also has a bad side as a planet of excess, greed, blind faith/false hopes, and ‘castles in the air’.  Two of the attributes mentioned – false hope and optimism – might be one in the same, yet one seems ‘good’ and the other ‘bad’.  They both relate to Jupiter’s spiritual importance; faith and belief. 

In short, (to over simplify) Neptune represents spirituality itself, and Jupiter represents the belief in it.  Jupiter is also a planet of learning and expansion, open minds and open doors.  The beginning of a Jupiter/Neptune cycle is a good time to begin new spiritual pursuits, exploring of other cultures, or simply exploring your own beliefs and powers. 

As we hover on the verge of a brand new cycle, those spiritually in tune are feeling that something is happening, something is near – yet just out of reach.  The current conjunction, occurring with both in retrograde turns the energies deeply inward.  The outward manifestation of the coming cycle isn’t quite ready to appear.  New beginnings will come with Yule.  Now the focus is on what we find inside.


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By The Pagan Astrologer | Posted in Monthly Forecasts | Comments (1)

Full Moon July 07 2009 2:21am PDT

July 5, 2009 – 7:17 am

This Full Moon falls in the signs of Capricorn and Cancer, highlighting the polarity of Yule and Midsummer (Summer and Winter equinoxes).  Expect particularly powerful energy from this Moon.  The Full Moon occurs near conjunction with Pluto, the planet of power.  It also brings us a (penumbral) Lunar Eclipse at 2:38am.

Eclipses represent times of change, and often coincide with significant events.  Exactly how an eclipse effects your life (and how strongly) depends on your natal chart.  However, there is generally a common theme.  Lunar Eclipses, occurring at Full Moon, bring times of high energy and often lots of activity.  We often find ourselves at a crossroads, having to make difficult decisions and face things that have been avoided.  This is particularly true when Pluto is involved – as he stirs up the deepest, most intense, (and often frightening) emotions and desires wherever he goes.

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By The Pagan Astrologer | Posted in Full Moon | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments (0)