Dec 2011
square pegs
23/Dec/11 09:04
The moon is in buoyant Sagittarius, and we're just past the Winter Solstice (so the light will begin to grow again in the Northern Hemisphere). Plus, Jupiter, the Cosmic Santa, is stationing to move direct on Christmas Day. So is everyone feeling fine?
Not quite. Although it seems that many of us are floating away from the stress in an appropriately Sagittarian bubble of what-me-worry? it's hard not to feel some pressure from the cardinal t-square between Uranus in Aries and Pluto in Capricorn. That square is making it hard to chillax for the holiday season, and the intensity of the last six months or so (recently amped up by the eclipses and stations) can keep the pedal to the floor - even if we are only racing around our own minds.
Astrologically, although we are awash in the lighter aspects listed above, the sun is now in Capricorn. His first order of business, on Thursday, was to square Uranus. Luna is racing to meet up with Sol on Saturday, which means that she will be in Capricorn, also triggering the square. Then, on Thursday the 29th, the sun will meet up with Pluto.
The effect of all that is that we have an entire week when not only the moon but the sun is triggering the t-square. Hardly a relaxing time!
The new moon in Capricorn on Saturday is not far from Pluto (although not too close, either), and it is the new moon after the solstice. If we take in that energy passively, it is a time to see the direction things are heading. If we take a more active approach, it is an excellent time to set our intentions for the very active year ahead.
In fact, the entire period from the solstice on Thursday through the Jupiter station on Sunday can be taken as one long period of intention-setting. The tough Scorpio moon earlier last week should have helped us to clear out some emotional baggage, making us lighter as we go forward.
Scan the news, and you'll see that things have hardly been easy over the past few weeks. The intensity of December's cosmic activity has not been brought down to Earth very smoothly. That sounds very much like Pluto's "make it worse so it can get better" strategy.
Not that Pluto is all that invested in it getting better. But we should be. Take these few days to juggle your outward-going active energy with your inward-directed awareness. It's hard to remain in balance - but at least try to decide which you will fall when you get knocked off the log you've been rolling.
(the photo is of a goat in the Ecuadorian Andes, so I'm assuming a mountain goat)
Not quite. Although it seems that many of us are floating away from the stress in an appropriately Sagittarian bubble of what-me-worry? it's hard not to feel some pressure from the cardinal t-square between Uranus in Aries and Pluto in Capricorn. That square is making it hard to chillax for the holiday season, and the intensity of the last six months or so (recently amped up by the eclipses and stations) can keep the pedal to the floor - even if we are only racing around our own minds.
Astrologically, although we are awash in the lighter aspects listed above, the sun is now in Capricorn. His first order of business, on Thursday, was to square Uranus. Luna is racing to meet up with Sol on Saturday, which means that she will be in Capricorn, also triggering the square. Then, on Thursday the 29th, the sun will meet up with Pluto.
The effect of all that is that we have an entire week when not only the moon but the sun is triggering the t-square. Hardly a relaxing time!
The new moon in Capricorn on Saturday is not far from Pluto (although not too close, either), and it is the new moon after the solstice. If we take in that energy passively, it is a time to see the direction things are heading. If we take a more active approach, it is an excellent time to set our intentions for the very active year ahead.
In fact, the entire period from the solstice on Thursday through the Jupiter station on Sunday can be taken as one long period of intention-setting. The tough Scorpio moon earlier last week should have helped us to clear out some emotional baggage, making us lighter as we go forward.
Scan the news, and you'll see that things have hardly been easy over the past few weeks. The intensity of December's cosmic activity has not been brought down to Earth very smoothly. That sounds very much like Pluto's "make it worse so it can get better" strategy.
Not that Pluto is all that invested in it getting better. But we should be. Take these few days to juggle your outward-going active energy with your inward-directed awareness. It's hard to remain in balance - but at least try to decide which you will fall when you get knocked off the log you've been rolling.
(the photo is of a goat in the Ecuadorian Andes, so I'm assuming a mountain goat)
kim jong's ill
19/Dec/11 17:09
North Korean dictator Kim Jong Il died on Saturday. The death was apparently due to natural causes, although like everything else coming out of North Korea, there is plenty of room for speculation.
Kim died on the same day as Czech poet, philosopher and one-time president, Vaclav Havel. The difference between the two men could not be more blunt, and the world's reaction reflects this. Havel's death was met with sadness and recollection of a liberating moment in Czech history. Kim's death was met with curiosity about who will succeed him at the helm of the wackiest country in the world.
The astrology of these events leads to the eclipse of December 10th. At the eclipse, the nodes of the moon (points associated with eclipses) were angular in Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic. That's no reason to think a past or present president will die, but it does signify comings and goings.
The lunar eclipse, and particularly the nodes, is square to the sun in the chart of North Korea (using Nicholas Campion's Book of World Horoscopes; there isn't a specific time). Eclipses have a reputation for being bad news for the leader's of affected countries. It's not such a big deal these days, of course, unless you happen to be running an egomaniacal show a la Ramses the Great (which, uh, Kim was in fact trying to do).
At the solar eclipse of November 25th (considered even worse for kings and the like), Mars was square to North Korea's sun (the sun stands for the ruler in the chart of a country - especially one with a king, dictator, etc.).
Pluto was also just past a trine to North Korea's sun (exact on December 5th), an indication of transition and transformation in leadership.
2012 will see more hits to the country's sun from Mars, as he retrogrades in Virgo. Jupiter will be offering a supportive trine throughout the year.
If the sun of North Korea is being hit, so is Kim Jong Il's son, Kim Jong Un. He is the third Kim to be in line for the leadership of the country. That's good news and bad news for him: He may be getting a country for Christmas, but it's North Korea.
Kim died on the same day as Czech poet, philosopher and one-time president, Vaclav Havel. The difference between the two men could not be more blunt, and the world's reaction reflects this. Havel's death was met with sadness and recollection of a liberating moment in Czech history. Kim's death was met with curiosity about who will succeed him at the helm of the wackiest country in the world.
The astrology of these events leads to the eclipse of December 10th. At the eclipse, the nodes of the moon (points associated with eclipses) were angular in Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic. That's no reason to think a past or present president will die, but it does signify comings and goings.
The lunar eclipse, and particularly the nodes, is square to the sun in the chart of North Korea (using Nicholas Campion's Book of World Horoscopes; there isn't a specific time). Eclipses have a reputation for being bad news for the leader's of affected countries. It's not such a big deal these days, of course, unless you happen to be running an egomaniacal show a la Ramses the Great (which, uh, Kim was in fact trying to do).
At the solar eclipse of November 25th (considered even worse for kings and the like), Mars was square to North Korea's sun (the sun stands for the ruler in the chart of a country - especially one with a king, dictator, etc.).
Pluto was also just past a trine to North Korea's sun (exact on December 5th), an indication of transition and transformation in leadership.
2012 will see more hits to the country's sun from Mars, as he retrogrades in Virgo. Jupiter will be offering a supportive trine throughout the year.
If the sun of North Korea is being hit, so is Kim Jong Il's son, Kim Jong Un. He is the third Kim to be in line for the leadership of the country. That's good news and bad news for him: He may be getting a country for Christmas, but it's North Korea.
the revolution may not be televised
17/Dec/11 18:29
Despite grave reservations of many people, the U.S. Senate passed a bill this week that will allow the United States military to detain - indefinitely - people suspected of terrorism. Most troubling, it includes American citizens who are captured within the United States. Senator Al Franken has likened the bill to President Roosevelt's wholesale detention of Japanese citizens during the Second World War.
While President Obama initially threatened to veto the bill, it is apparent the measure will now be signed into law. Apparently the language of the bill was changed to make it palatable to the President. Of course, because those caught under the bill will not necessarily be tried or even charged, we'll never know how it is actually implemented.
This dark news comes just after the full moon eclipse last week, although the bill was finally debated when the moon was in protective Cancer, and voted on when the moon was in Leo. It also came on the heals of Trickster Mercury moving direct (and so indicating reversals and perhaps subterefuge). But the real astrological forces at work are Pluto and Uranus.
Uranus, in the sign of Aries, represents revolutionary energy. Rogue individuals and groups are common with Uranus in this very individualistic sign, and for sure some of them are dangerous. The problem is that "dangerous" is relative to your perspective. As we see more and more protests in the streets over the next few years, there are going to be charges that those who challenge the status quo are essentially terrorists (and some will be).
Pluto is working to transform government and the power structures of our world. Pluto doesn't sit on one side of an issue or another - although many astrologers are quick to try to clam Pluto's energy for their cause. Pluto actually amps up all sides of an issue, driving both the forces of change and the resistance to it. So, as we get to see Occupy Wall Street and other protests demanding change, we also get to see police officers in military gear (and maybe soon military personnel acting as police) trying to squelch that change.
No one will win. The change that is being created is both deeper and different from that anticipated by any one individual or group. But this week's news certainly scores one for the frightening forces of control and repression.
While President Obama initially threatened to veto the bill, it is apparent the measure will now be signed into law. Apparently the language of the bill was changed to make it palatable to the President. Of course, because those caught under the bill will not necessarily be tried or even charged, we'll never know how it is actually implemented.
This dark news comes just after the full moon eclipse last week, although the bill was finally debated when the moon was in protective Cancer, and voted on when the moon was in Leo. It also came on the heals of Trickster Mercury moving direct (and so indicating reversals and perhaps subterefuge). But the real astrological forces at work are Pluto and Uranus.
Uranus, in the sign of Aries, represents revolutionary energy. Rogue individuals and groups are common with Uranus in this very individualistic sign, and for sure some of them are dangerous. The problem is that "dangerous" is relative to your perspective. As we see more and more protests in the streets over the next few years, there are going to be charges that those who challenge the status quo are essentially terrorists (and some will be).
Pluto is working to transform government and the power structures of our world. Pluto doesn't sit on one side of an issue or another - although many astrologers are quick to try to clam Pluto's energy for their cause. Pluto actually amps up all sides of an issue, driving both the forces of change and the resistance to it. So, as we get to see Occupy Wall Street and other protests demanding change, we also get to see police officers in military gear (and maybe soon military personnel acting as police) trying to squelch that change.
No one will win. The change that is being created is both deeper and different from that anticipated by any one individual or group. But this week's news certainly scores one for the frightening forces of control and repression.
eclipse round up
11/Dec/11 10:27
The early part of last week was characterized by some easy, productive aspects. Even the moon in Aries, setting off the cardinal t-square, seemed to be more inspiring than tense (oh, there was plenty of tension, but I'm speaking relatively).
As we got to Thursday, we were pulled into the vortex of the full moon lunar eclipse and Uranus station. These two important aspects happened within 12 hours of each other, essentially blending their energies into one mega-aspect.
The Uranus station suggests a theme of change, innovation, and movement. In the sign of Aries, we can add direction, and personal needs standing out above other considerations. The trick to handling Uranian energy (especially in Aries), is to assert yourself without running over others like a freight train. It's not as easy as it sounds.
The eclipse, on the other hand, was on the Sagittarius/Gemini axis. Here we are challenged to find the big picture, a perspective that can encompass all the individual stories. A good strategy is actually to connect with others and see what they have to say - not easy as both eclipses and Uranus stations don't encourage patience.
Taken as positive energy, these last few days were a chance to open up to our own truths, to recognize and accept things that we weren't aware of or didn't want to face. There's an almost reckless courage that comes from full moons and Uranus stations, and that can be very helpful. Once the window is open, the fresh air comes in. You may have felt like you said too much or opened up a bit more than you would have at other times. Now that the moon is in Cancer, you may want to retreat a little. But the fresh air feels good.
Looking at the news, I found that on the collective level, things were gruesome. Beginning with the Virginia Tech shooting, all I found was stories about murders - old and new. Again, now that the moon is in Cancer, we'll be feeling more protective, and we're likely to see that the madness of the shootings over the last few days creates greater suspicion and more calls for 'law & order' - which will probably be applied to peaceful protestors.
Take the next few days to integrate the energy and insights of this weekend. It was a powerful time, and if we can get past ego defensiveness, the growth opportunities are great.
(the picture is of the Ecuadorian Andes, for no particular reason)
As we got to Thursday, we were pulled into the vortex of the full moon lunar eclipse and Uranus station. These two important aspects happened within 12 hours of each other, essentially blending their energies into one mega-aspect.
The Uranus station suggests a theme of change, innovation, and movement. In the sign of Aries, we can add direction, and personal needs standing out above other considerations. The trick to handling Uranian energy (especially in Aries), is to assert yourself without running over others like a freight train. It's not as easy as it sounds.
The eclipse, on the other hand, was on the Sagittarius/Gemini axis. Here we are challenged to find the big picture, a perspective that can encompass all the individual stories. A good strategy is actually to connect with others and see what they have to say - not easy as both eclipses and Uranus stations don't encourage patience.
Taken as positive energy, these last few days were a chance to open up to our own truths, to recognize and accept things that we weren't aware of or didn't want to face. There's an almost reckless courage that comes from full moons and Uranus stations, and that can be very helpful. Once the window is open, the fresh air comes in. You may have felt like you said too much or opened up a bit more than you would have at other times. Now that the moon is in Cancer, you may want to retreat a little. But the fresh air feels good.
Looking at the news, I found that on the collective level, things were gruesome. Beginning with the Virginia Tech shooting, all I found was stories about murders - old and new. Again, now that the moon is in Cancer, we'll be feeling more protective, and we're likely to see that the madness of the shootings over the last few days creates greater suspicion and more calls for 'law & order' - which will probably be applied to peaceful protestors.
Take the next few days to integrate the energy and insights of this weekend. It was a powerful time, and if we can get past ego defensiveness, the growth opportunities are great.
(the picture is of the Ecuadorian Andes, for no particular reason)
you said wha?
04/Dec/11 10:58
After the quiet of the long Pisces void, the moon is in Aries. Luna's already met up with Uranus and squared Pluto, and she's heading for an edgy square to Venus at 5:56 pm EST. An active, outgoing approach to relationship is called for, but if that doesn't appeal there could be some partnership tensions.
A few minutes later, retrograde Mercury will square Mars, and we could say exactly what we think (at least at the moment). This aspect will also spur us to action, although we can be very impulsive when these two planets rub each other the wrong way. With Mercury retrograde, we might wind up going back to an old issue (perhaps something from late October).
The tension calms later in the evening, with easy lunar aspects. At best, today should have us busy early on, then doing a little fine tuning later. At worst, difficulties encountered early in the day can be worked out in the evening. With Venus trining Mars at 10:07 am EST Monday morning, we might find that all's well that ends well.
A few minutes later, retrograde Mercury will square Mars, and we could say exactly what we think (at least at the moment). This aspect will also spur us to action, although we can be very impulsive when these two planets rub each other the wrong way. With Mercury retrograde, we might wind up going back to an old issue (perhaps something from late October).
The tension calms later in the evening, with easy lunar aspects. At best, today should have us busy early on, then doing a little fine tuning later. At worst, difficulties encountered early in the day can be worked out in the evening. With Venus trining Mars at 10:07 am EST Monday morning, we might find that all's well that ends well.