Today is the New Moon in Libra. I realize it does you little good to have the information on the day it is happening, so in future, I will attempt to post this a few days before. That said, there are several things occurring now that are important.
I want to mention that we are still in a Mercury retrograde period and since it is in Libra, which is ruled by Venus, the emphasis for the retrograde period is relationships. We might find ourselves repeating relationship karma or at least revisiting it. We might also find out just what our relationship karma is by have a pattern repeat in such a way that we cannot avoid seeing it - perhaps for the first time. Relationships provide a mirror for us to see aspects of ourselves that we may be unaware of or disown. Pay attention to projections.
Another aspect of Venus is what has value for us and what we are willing to exchange, pay or do for that which we value. We are all being challenged on the material plane. We are being asked to go deeper and examine our other values. What is of the most importance to you? We are being encouraged - nudged - in some cases pushed into examining our non-material values, such as: relationships, knowledge, our spiritual connection. Those aspects of our life that cannot be taken away by down-sizing, foreclosures, or natural disasters.
Then, tomorrow is Rosh Hashanah "head of the year" - The "Jewish New Year" and is the first of the High Holidays or "Days of Awe." It begins a period of 10 days of repentance which culminate on Yom Kippur the "Day of Repentance." During this time Jewish people pray and fast, reviewing their deeds of the past year and seeking forgiveness so that they can be renewed and purified for the coming year.
Today is also the end of Ramadan, a month long period during which Muslims pray and fast. Muhammad (phuh) received the revelation which we know as the Quran during this month. Especially potent is the Night of Power which occurs during this month. It's exact timing is disputed, but some say it was Friday, Sept. 26.
And if that's not enough to inspire you....
Oh yes, the New Moon! in Libra, again ruled by Venus. Currently, Venus is in Scorpio. Scorpio has to do with transformation. New moons are times for beginnings. We might consider a new way of relating to people and to ourselves. Perhaps beginning or re-visiting a spiritual practice - movement, prayer, meditation. A reconnection to our inner life and the transformation of consciousness that these times require.
Stephanie Austin in The Mountain Astrologer has this to say:
"Venus is the Mythic Goddess of Beauty as well as Love. Beauty opens the heart and feeds the soul. Venus represents what is most dear to us and what is really worth our time, energy, and resources. Where Venus is located in our chart -- by sign, house and aspects -- describes our preferences and requirements in relationship and lifestyle choices. Venus in Scorpio pushes us to examine our desires and motivations. Are we living in accordance with our values, or with those that have been instilled by our parents, culture, or the media? Have we bought into the Western belief that power equals money (for men) and beauty (for women)? Venus in Scorpio asks us to go deeper, to go beyond the many substitutes for love we're sold and told to pursue and discover what truly lights our fire the fire in our heart and soul.... This New Moon shoes us what we treasure, what we dread, and what we need to reconcile. It illuminates the power of love and the power of truth -- for each of us and for the world."
I would like to add that we might think about whether we are motivated by the love of power or the power of love.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Here We Go Again - Mercury Retrograde
Mercury goes retrograde at 22 degrees of Libra tonight until October 15. Since Venus rules Libra, it is influencing this retrograde period. Rose Marcus in The Mountain Astrologer says "Relationship patterns or karma might be repeated; both casual acquaintances and people who are important to us could show up again."
This has already started manifesting for me. A friend I have known since 1970, whom I have not seen for 5 years, just showed up the other day. He was walking around in my backyard with his wife. My sweetie, who now lives on his boat in Mexico, called and said he is coming for a visit in a couple of weeks. Each day I get emails or phone calls from people I have not heard from in years or months. Fortunately, I have worked on my relationship karma very intensely for the past 20 years, so there is no one showing up that I don't want to see. LOL I am so happy to see and hear from these people. It's a gift. It's made me realize I am loved and appreciated by others, not forgotten like I had thought. So...this is one interpretation of Mercury retrograde in Libra. Our thoughts can deceive us when it comes to relationships. Our thoughts, like tricksters who have their own agenda, are not always true. The memory of the heart is stronger than that of the mind.
We often hear negative things about Mercury retrograde periods. In fact, it is now part of the popular culture. Mercury goes retrograde three or four times a year, for 3 weeks or so, which means that about a quarter of the population is born with it. It has its role to play in the development of our soul. Pay attention to who shows up in your life and what you think and feel about it.
This has already started manifesting for me. A friend I have known since 1970, whom I have not seen for 5 years, just showed up the other day. He was walking around in my backyard with his wife. My sweetie, who now lives on his boat in Mexico, called and said he is coming for a visit in a couple of weeks. Each day I get emails or phone calls from people I have not heard from in years or months. Fortunately, I have worked on my relationship karma very intensely for the past 20 years, so there is no one showing up that I don't want to see. LOL I am so happy to see and hear from these people. It's a gift. It's made me realize I am loved and appreciated by others, not forgotten like I had thought. So...this is one interpretation of Mercury retrograde in Libra. Our thoughts can deceive us when it comes to relationships. Our thoughts, like tricksters who have their own agenda, are not always true. The memory of the heart is stronger than that of the mind.
We often hear negative things about Mercury retrograde periods. In fact, it is now part of the popular culture. Mercury goes retrograde three or four times a year, for 3 weeks or so, which means that about a quarter of the population is born with it. It has its role to play in the development of our soul. Pay attention to who shows up in your life and what you think and feel about it.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Full Moon in Pisces - September 15
This is traditionally called the Harvest Moon, because the light of the Full Moon allowed farmers to work into the night harvesting the bounty of the summer growth season. Also, it is the Full Moon closest to the autumnal equinox. We are reaping now what we sowed at the spring equinox and have been cultivating since then.
This is a most interesting Full Moon for a number of reasons. First, the moon is conjunct Uranus, second, the Sun and Moon form a wide T square to Pluto and third, Neptune is semi-sextile to the Moon and quincunx the Sun. In short, all the outer (transpersonal) planets are involved in this Full Moon.
The intensity of this Full Moon is enhanced due to the influence of Pluto and extends the effects for at least 8 days - from Sept. 12 to Sept. 20. At that time, the square between the Sun and Pluto will be exact. Pluto offers two options: change or be changed. We are directed to release what is dead or dying. Since it retrograded back to Sagittarius, what needs to go is our beliefs and limiting views, because they are holding us back.
Uranus, the great awakener, shows us where we have fallen into deadening conformity and where we are primed for a great breakthrough. Uranus urges us to march to the beat of our own drummer.
Neptune, whose realm is dreams and the imagination, can either inspire us, or lead us to despair and addiction. It takes courage to dream and follow your dreams. But think of the alternative. Without our dreams, our lives can be dull and not worth living. Sometimes we fear taking chances that may make our lives change. We may say we want change, but on our own terms. We fear we will end up alone, if we venture out and follow our bliss. But when you really think about it, what do you have to lose. What do you really have? As we see more and more everyday, nothing is permanent. People are losing homes, jobs, retirement packages they worked for their whole life. The effects of fires, floods, storms, earthquakes all over the world also show us - here today, gone tomorrow. It is frightening. What do we have to hold on to? From one angle, nothing. From another, our inner life, our consciousness, our connection to God. Increasing our trust in God and the Divine Plan is always available to us. We don't know how all this will turn out. So.... we might as well be ready for the best possible outcome. What would that be?
The transpersonal planets are affecting the collective right now. It is a powerful time for change, growth and increased awareness and compassion. We are all being asked to dream big because 'we create our reality.' If we settle for limitation and fear (lower octave of Saturn) that is what we will have. If we want a world where understanding, acceptance, compassion and caring abide, Saturn's higher octave will assist us in building that. Saturn is the planet which mediates the personal planets and the transpersonal planets. Whatever is imagined, dreamt, inspired etc. via the influence of the outer planets, is made manifest through Saturn.
Another facet to this complex kaleidoscope is that the Virgo/Pisces axis is concerned with service and sacrifice. As we come to the end of the Age of Pisces, symbolized by Jesus Christ and his sacrifice on the cross, our beliefs are being challenged all the time. One big question is: Is the Christian God the same as the Muslim God, the Jewish God - you name him/her/it. If there is only one God, then.... fill in the blank.
Do we have to give up our lives to take care of others? What is the nature of service to our fellow human beings? What does real aid look like? With so many opportunities to give these days (there is always a disaster fund to send money to), what can we do day to day to change things so that there aren't so many disasters? Maybe changing our shopping habits can help prevent some of the problems. Just a thought.
The gift of this Full Moon is an enhanced ability to connect head and heart, effort with faith and dreams with reality. May your dreams come true.
Witchy Mama has an beautiful blessing
prayer for this Full Moon
This is a most interesting Full Moon for a number of reasons. First, the moon is conjunct Uranus, second, the Sun and Moon form a wide T square to Pluto and third, Neptune is semi-sextile to the Moon and quincunx the Sun. In short, all the outer (transpersonal) planets are involved in this Full Moon.
The intensity of this Full Moon is enhanced due to the influence of Pluto and extends the effects for at least 8 days - from Sept. 12 to Sept. 20. At that time, the square between the Sun and Pluto will be exact. Pluto offers two options: change or be changed. We are directed to release what is dead or dying. Since it retrograded back to Sagittarius, what needs to go is our beliefs and limiting views, because they are holding us back.
Uranus, the great awakener, shows us where we have fallen into deadening conformity and where we are primed for a great breakthrough. Uranus urges us to march to the beat of our own drummer.
Neptune, whose realm is dreams and the imagination, can either inspire us, or lead us to despair and addiction. It takes courage to dream and follow your dreams. But think of the alternative. Without our dreams, our lives can be dull and not worth living. Sometimes we fear taking chances that may make our lives change. We may say we want change, but on our own terms. We fear we will end up alone, if we venture out and follow our bliss. But when you really think about it, what do you have to lose. What do you really have? As we see more and more everyday, nothing is permanent. People are losing homes, jobs, retirement packages they worked for their whole life. The effects of fires, floods, storms, earthquakes all over the world also show us - here today, gone tomorrow. It is frightening. What do we have to hold on to? From one angle, nothing. From another, our inner life, our consciousness, our connection to God. Increasing our trust in God and the Divine Plan is always available to us. We don't know how all this will turn out. So.... we might as well be ready for the best possible outcome. What would that be?
The transpersonal planets are affecting the collective right now. It is a powerful time for change, growth and increased awareness and compassion. We are all being asked to dream big because 'we create our reality.' If we settle for limitation and fear (lower octave of Saturn) that is what we will have. If we want a world where understanding, acceptance, compassion and caring abide, Saturn's higher octave will assist us in building that. Saturn is the planet which mediates the personal planets and the transpersonal planets. Whatever is imagined, dreamt, inspired etc. via the influence of the outer planets, is made manifest through Saturn.
Another facet to this complex kaleidoscope is that the Virgo/Pisces axis is concerned with service and sacrifice. As we come to the end of the Age of Pisces, symbolized by Jesus Christ and his sacrifice on the cross, our beliefs are being challenged all the time. One big question is: Is the Christian God the same as the Muslim God, the Jewish God - you name him/her/it. If there is only one God, then.... fill in the blank.
Do we have to give up our lives to take care of others? What is the nature of service to our fellow human beings? What does real aid look like? With so many opportunities to give these days (there is always a disaster fund to send money to), what can we do day to day to change things so that there aren't so many disasters? Maybe changing our shopping habits can help prevent some of the problems. Just a thought.
The gift of this Full Moon is an enhanced ability to connect head and heart, effort with faith and dreams with reality. May your dreams come true.
Witchy Mama has an beautiful blessing
prayer for this Full Moon
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Obsessed with Pluto?
If you look at the Carousel on the sidebar, you will see books about Pluto. Does that mean I'm obsessed with Pluto? Yes, to some extent. I had been studying astrology for many years (along with many other things). I had had my chart done again and again. But there was always something missing. Something left out that felt like 'the most important thing.' I didn't care that much about love or money. What I wanted to know about was 'why am I here?' What is my purpose in life? Why do things happen to people? When I read Jeffrey Wolf Green's Pluto Book 1, I found someone who was 'speaking my language.'
Until I read the "Pluto books" by JWG, no one had been able to tell me what this archetype meant. Since I have it in the 12th house, it was even more hidden from my view. When I read Book 1, I was living in New Orleans (a very Plutonian place, by the way). And I was just about to go into a journey into the underworld myself. A Shamanic dismemberment of my own. I didn't know it until later, because I was not following my transits, but I was about to experience transiting Pluto 3rd house Scorpio square natal Pluto 12th house Leo. It was definitely a death and rebirth experience and it lasted for many years.
Since I had been meditating for many years by then, and had been on a spiritual path most of my life (including my childhood as a Catholic), I was somewhat psychologically and spiritually prepared for my ordeal. I had the idea that life is a school where we learn what we need for the development of our consciousness. I had internalized the idea of 'life lessons', but didn't fully get it until I went through my 'Pluto transit' where I had to literally re-invent myself. Having the information in my head, I now had the chance to practice it. I knew what I was going through was meant to teach me something and I was not going to waste the lesson, because I did not want to have to do it again.
I found out that JWG had developed a method of chart analysis called Evolutionary Astrology and a couple of years ago I was able to enroll in the home study program. JWG no longer runs the school himself, but he has passed it on to Kim Marie in the US and Rose Marcus in Canada.
Basically, one enters the chart through Pluto: sign and house placement, and the nodes of the Moon. It is believed that Pluto represents the Soul's Purpose, which is ultimately the purpose of our life. Everything that occurs in a life is meant to serve the development of the Soul and it's ultimate return to God. There is an intrinsic acceptance of the idea of reincarnation and karma in this method, since it not possible to go through the complete process of separation and return in one lifetime. Relationships, careers, money, etc., are means by which we are involved in life as incarnated beings. But they are not the purpose of life.
Unlike most methods of chart analysis, EA does not put emphasis on the Sun, Moon and Ascendant. Yet as I have been studying EA, I have found it to be amazingly useful and accurate.
For books I recommend on other aspects of astrology, go to the bottom of the page where there is another Carousel.
Until I read the "Pluto books" by JWG, no one had been able to tell me what this archetype meant. Since I have it in the 12th house, it was even more hidden from my view. When I read Book 1, I was living in New Orleans (a very Plutonian place, by the way). And I was just about to go into a journey into the underworld myself. A Shamanic dismemberment of my own. I didn't know it until later, because I was not following my transits, but I was about to experience transiting Pluto 3rd house Scorpio square natal Pluto 12th house Leo. It was definitely a death and rebirth experience and it lasted for many years.
Since I had been meditating for many years by then, and had been on a spiritual path most of my life (including my childhood as a Catholic), I was somewhat psychologically and spiritually prepared for my ordeal. I had the idea that life is a school where we learn what we need for the development of our consciousness. I had internalized the idea of 'life lessons', but didn't fully get it until I went through my 'Pluto transit' where I had to literally re-invent myself. Having the information in my head, I now had the chance to practice it. I knew what I was going through was meant to teach me something and I was not going to waste the lesson, because I did not want to have to do it again.
I found out that JWG had developed a method of chart analysis called Evolutionary Astrology and a couple of years ago I was able to enroll in the home study program. JWG no longer runs the school himself, but he has passed it on to Kim Marie in the US and Rose Marcus in Canada.
Basically, one enters the chart through Pluto: sign and house placement, and the nodes of the Moon. It is believed that Pluto represents the Soul's Purpose, which is ultimately the purpose of our life. Everything that occurs in a life is meant to serve the development of the Soul and it's ultimate return to God. There is an intrinsic acceptance of the idea of reincarnation and karma in this method, since it not possible to go through the complete process of separation and return in one lifetime. Relationships, careers, money, etc., are means by which we are involved in life as incarnated beings. But they are not the purpose of life.
Unlike most methods of chart analysis, EA does not put emphasis on the Sun, Moon and Ascendant. Yet as I have been studying EA, I have found it to be amazingly useful and accurate.
For books I recommend on other aspects of astrology, go to the bottom of the page where there is another Carousel.
Monday, September 1, 2008
First of the Month Give-away
Starting a new feature: First of the Month Give-away. To the first person to comment and leave "a name" birth time, date and place, with contact information (which will not be published) I will send a free Sky Within Report by Steven Forrest.
This is a comprehensive astrology report covering all major features of your chart. I must have the birth data, but you can use a psuedonym. I will send it to you as an email attachment. For those who do not 'win', you can view a sample of the report without purchasing, by clicking the Sky Within graphic. If you decide to purchase, you can go through PayPal. This is a very interesting report and a great way to learn more about astrology.
I have several other reports available and will be adding them to the site in due course. They make great gifts as well. Besides the general reading, Sky Within, I have one on Asteroids (the four feminine asteroids plus Chiron), Your Spiritual Path, Opportunities (career), Friends and Lovers (for two people), and Sky Log which shows the transits and progressions for 3 months, 6 months or 1 year. In addition, I offer the Day Watch Calendar see ad on sidebar.
Currently I have two reports available in Spanish: The Sky Within and Friends and Lovers.
This is a comprehensive astrology report covering all major features of your chart. I must have the birth data, but you can use a psuedonym. I will send it to you as an email attachment. For those who do not 'win', you can view a sample of the report without purchasing, by clicking the Sky Within graphic. If you decide to purchase, you can go through PayPal. This is a very interesting report and a great way to learn more about astrology.
I have several other reports available and will be adding them to the site in due course. They make great gifts as well. Besides the general reading, Sky Within, I have one on Asteroids (the four feminine asteroids plus Chiron), Your Spiritual Path, Opportunities (career), Friends and Lovers (for two people), and Sky Log which shows the transits and progressions for 3 months, 6 months or 1 year. In addition, I offer the Day Watch Calendar see ad on sidebar.
Currently I have two reports available in Spanish: The Sky Within and Friends and Lovers.
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