New Moon Meet-Up at the Scorpio Cafe

(Seated at a large rectangular table are assembled the following characters: Sun and Moon beside each other; Venus at Moon’s right side; Mercury at Sun’s left; Earth; Saturn; Uranus; Mars at 90 degrees from Venus; Pluto; Jupiter, Chiron and Neptune, directly across from Mars.)

Mercury in Sagittarius: Alright Lords and Ladies, shall we call this meeting to order? The first item on our agenda pertains to the continuing theme of change for the masses. Sonny, do you want to speak about that?

Sun in Scorpio: Thank you. Luna and I have come together in order to add greater energy to the shifts taking place on planet Earth. We will open up a new lunar portal on Monday, November 16.

Venus in Scorpio: Can I just say that I feel somewhat hurt that you left me out of your alliance with Mistress Moon? I mean hello, we’re practically neighbours. I have just as much to do with the shifting tides as you or anyone else.

Moon in Scorpio: Shifting tides are my domain.

Venus in Scorpio: It was a metaphor.

Sun in Scorpio: We all have our roles to play in the unfolding destiny of our universe. Venus, your close proximity to me and Luna offers grace to people in fear of losing everything they hold dear.

Venus in Scorpio: It’s nice to be acknowledged. Thank you.

Mercury in Sagittarius: So, new change: Sonny, Luna - do either of you want to expand on what you mean by that?

Moon in Scorpio: We want to assist the humans in their transformations. But they’re terribly stuck. They’re so fixated on possessions that they can’t make room for anything new.

Sun in Scorpio: Exactly. So we need to impress upon the people that they need to make a sacrifice.

Neptune in Aquarius: You know I appreciate a good sacrifice, but didn’t we ban sacrificial offerings sometime after the Age of Taurus?

Pluto in Capricorn: Sweetheart, where have you been? I’ve been forcing people to make sacrifices for eons.

Neptune in Aquarius: But your methods are cruel. Ripping loved ones apart, debilitating people’s health.

Pluto in Capricorn: You’re one to talk. Helped anyone climb into a bottle of Jack Daniels, lately?

Mercury in Sagittarius: So anyways, getting back to our actual topic…What kind of changes do you anticipate, and what kind of sacrifices are you looking for?

Saturn in Libra: I can speak to that. One of the most sweeping changes we expect is the way in which humans inter-relate with one another.

Mercury in Sagittarius: Meaning?

Venus in Scorpio: Lord Saturn means romance. He just hates to use that word.

Saturn in Libra: Nonsense. There’s more to relationships than fluff. Need I remind you that all commercial transactions are founded on right relations?

Venus in Scorpio: Obviously I know that. You forget that relationships and finances are the very energies that I embody.

Pluto in Capricorn: Reforming human relationships? That’s pretty small potatoes compared to what I’m up against. I’m single-handedly trying to change the entire fabric of human society.

Uranus retrograde in Pisces: What am I, chopped liver? I’ve been trying to wake these humans up for years.

Pluto in Capricorn: Right, while you smoke another fatty.

Neptune in Aquarius: Did someone say something about smoking a big fatty?

Mercury in Sagittarius: Please come to order!

Saturn in Libra: Thank you. Back to what I was saying, for you’re missing a crucial point, Lord Pluto: you can’t expect to change the fabric of society solely by tearing it to shreds. As much as I appreciate steady progress, your tactics are somewhat ruthless. There needs to be a bit of balance or people will simply give up and accomplish nothing as a result.

Venus in Scorpio: Very well said.

Saturn in Libra: Moreover, what are societies built on, if not a series of relationships?

Pluto in Capricorn: Not that I couldn’t hang out here for years, but what’s your point?

Saturn in Libra: My point is that, if we’re going to help the humans evolve beyond their petty egos –

Mars in Leo: Hey, what do you have against egos, all of a sudden?

Saturn in Libra: (shoots Mars a look) If we’re going to help the humans evolve beyond their petty egos in order to build decent societies, then we’re going to have to teach them how to build relationships that can withstand the tests of time. And that starts with admitting that some things must change if two people are going to grow old together.

Mars in Leo: (under his breath) Well, you know all about growing old.

Venus in Scorpio: So you are talking about love relationships.

Mercury in Sagittarius: Then I suppose our happy couple here (indicatingVenus and Mars) should be involved in directing some of those relationship changes.

Mars in Leo: No way, man. I’m with the Prince of Darkness over there (nodding to Pluto). All of this relationship babble is making me edgy.

Uranus retrograde in Pisces: Whoa, you think you’re edgy?

Venus in Scorpio: I agree with our winged messenger. Since the humans place faith in our ability to get along, we ought to set a loving example of how to cooperate.

(Mars groans.)

Venus in Scorpio: What? Too attached to your precious identity to share anything real or meaningful with me?

Mars in Leo: I’m not interested in getting swallowed up by your emotions.

Venus in Scorpio: Love me, love my shadow.

Mars in Leo: I want to get out there and make my mark on the world!

Sun in Scorpio: Mars, seeing as you’re already holding the bucket that we currently find ourselves in, I want you to lead the people. But no ego trips, okay? Move from your heart.

Venus in Scorpio: Nicely said, Sonny.

Mars in Leo: Is that all you have to offer? A few “nicely saids” here and there?

Saturn in Libra: A little decorum, please. Let’s return our focus to the agenda of change at this lunar portal.

Pluto in Capricorn: Seriously? The keeper of the status quo is suddenly the champion of change? Does anyone else see the irony here?

Jupiter in Aquarius: I’ll tell you what I see: Because Mars is still the loudest man on campus, he gets the honour of playing leader, yet again. I have a problem with that.

Moon in Scorpio: Are you jealous?

Jupiter in Aquarius: What? No! But let’s face it: Mars is good for short-term tactics – but putting him in charge of a long revolution? I don’t think he’s got the stick-to-it-ive-ness to handle the job.

Mars in Leo: Hey man, I’m hanging around Leo ‘til, like Summer. That’s a really super long time.

Neptune in Aquarius: You should spend a day with me, my dear. That ought to alter your perceptions of time just a bit.

Jupiter in Aquarius: (to Mars) And, more to the point, your annoying need to be special completely invalidates anyone else’s abilities.

Mars in Leo: Well, I’m totally unique. And I’m not interested in getting lost in your mob. I’m a force to be reckoned with.

Jupiter in Aquarius: You think you’re the only force for change around here? What do you think we’ve been doing all year long (gesturing to Chiron and Neptune)?

Mars in Leo: Dude, you totally inspire like everyone...to hit their snooze buttons. Which makes my job of rallying the peeps into action kinda tough.

Jupiter in Aquarius: It’s the barbaric nature of your action that disturbs me. Love the work you’re doing in Afghanistan. How’s that war in the name of democracy working out for you?

Mars in Leo: Democracy’s your world, not mine.

Uranus retrograde in Pisces: Uh, technically democracy’s part of my portfolio.

Mercury in Sagittarius: Look guys, uh, how are we supposed to assist the humans through these next few years if we can’t even get along?

Mars in Leo: We could all come together and wage a war against war!

Uranus retrograde in Pisces: I like a big upset as much as you, but enough with all of the wars. There has to be a peaceful solution. I can’t very well awaken the masses to Spirit just to send them off to battle, can I?

Neptune in Aquarius: Agreed. It’s time for a revolution of a more spiritual nature. We want people to lay down their guns…

Jupiter in Aquarius: …to have faith in a new Brotherhood of Man…

Venus in Scorpio: …and Sisterhood of Woman…

Saturn in Libra: …for all men and women to recognize that their equality with each other cannot extend into the greater social arena until they live it in their personal relationships.

Sun, Moon, Earth, Venus, Jupiter, Chiron, Neptune, Uranus: Hear hear!

Mercury in Sagittarius: Containers. Give the people containers.

Earth: Please, no more damn containers; they all end up in land-fills - and I’m bursting, as it is. I feel like a pregnant cow that can’t give birth.

Mercury in Sagittarius: No, I mean: big ideas need a container if they’re going to manifest, right? We need to get people thinking about who or what the safe containers are in their lives. For some folks it’s their relationship; for others it’s their bank accounts. But either way, we need to show them who or what to invest more time in if they’re going to hit their targets.

Sun in Scorpio: Humans need to invest in themselves, right at the core of their radiant beings, and forfeit their concerns for material ambition.

Saturn in Libra: But, they’re only human. Their material concerns are a necessary foundation upon which to grow spiritually mature.

Chiron in Aquarius: So then, we need to help people build a bridge that connects them to their cores, to their material reality, to each other, and to us. That bridge will lead to the new world they’re already trying to inhabit.

Pluto in Capricorn: Well you know I’ve always said that bridges are for burning.

Mars in Leo: Need a light? I’ve got a match here.

Sun in Scorpio: I am the light. And, as dark as the days ahead may appear to some, I am always here, through all of these changes. I am the one sure thing upon which the human race can count.

Pluto in Capricorn: Well, so am I.

(Everyone shoots a look at Pluto.)

Pluto in Capricorn: Hey, at least I don’t collect taxes…

Everything Must Change: Week Of November 2

Welcome to a tense week on Planet Earth. It begins with a potent Full Moon in Taurus. Full Moons can set your teeth on edge to begin with, but this moon has the added weight of being a bit of a monster. Kind of appropriate on the heels of Halloween, dontcha think?

This Full Moon sets up a planetary configuration known as a fixed grand square. Sun and Moon are opposite each other in the skies (which results in a full moon), and are at square angles with Mars and Jupiter, also opposing each other. The tension created by a Grand Cross is pretty strong and will challenge each of us as demands come at us from all sides. The trick this week is not to scatter your energy with too many projects at once. If you’re juggling multiple balls, one of them is bound to drop in a moment of confusion or forgetfulness.

Yet, as much as it feels like the friction comes from an exterior force, it’s actually an internal process. It’s the tension inside you that’s building up, and it requires an appropriate release. If you try to control your world through defensive postures you’re going to get stuck in a groove that leads to nowhere but the ditch. If you perceive an attitude of antagonism coming from others, it’s a sign that you yourself may need to find another way to express yourself. Defense mechanisms aren’t going to be tolerated by too many folks this week, so word to the wise: take responsibility for yourself and save the excuses.

If the grand square can be harnessed effectively, the natural outcome will be strength and success. Venus trine Jupiter helps to dispel the tension if you’re involved with any type of creative collaboration, or if you practice compassion or largeness of spirit. It’s about getting in the flow of equanimity, compassion, healing, mentorship, and benevolent leadership. This is all the more pronounced because Chiron in humanitarian Aquarius has resumed direct motion after months in retrograde, and Neptune in Aquarius is about to follow suit this Wednesday.

There’s added complexity to the cosmic energy in play: cosmic tutor Saturn has moved into the sign of Libra after spending two-and-a-half years in Virgo. Each of us, in our own way, will begin the process of examining all of our relationships, be they personal or professional. As if to highlight some of the sicknesses that we engender in relationship, Venus in Libra is currently quincunx Uranus retrograde in Pisces. This can point to the possibility of wanting a certain relationship so badly that you lose sight of the need for balance between you - a balance of give and take, and a balance of responsibility and power. Now that Saturn in Libra has moved into square aspect with Pluto in Capricorn, the comic imperative is that relationships must change or they will be changed. And, of course, it all starts with the man in the mirror.

As you stand under the light of the Full Moon tonight, perhaps you might consider one meaningful way that you could improve the state of a relationship that now requires your loving attention. Blessed be.

Mantra for Week of October 5

This week Neptune retrograde (spiritual awareness) is the release point of a destiny-like configuration known as a yod (or Finger of God). Mercury in Virgo (the pen) and Mars in Cancer (the sword) are part of the configuration, resulting in a drive to mental and physical battle for the underdog. The mantra for this week’s energy:
“I will not cease from mental fight, nor shall my sword sleep in my hand ‘til we have built Jerusalem on England’s green and pleasant land.”
(William Blake, "And did those feet in ancient time")

Namaste.

A Mantra for Venus in Virgo

"Show by your good life that your works are done in gentleness born of wisdom." (James 3:13)

Astro-Curious?

Are you a student of astrology? If so, you’ll know that one of the more challenging aspects of astrology lies in understanding how the planets relate to each other. When planets are in dialogue with each other (or forming specific angles) they are said to be in aspect together. As with human conversations, some planetary dialogues are smooth, others less so. At any rate, I’ve just read a new book by astrologer Matthew Currie entitled Conquer The Universe With Astrology Book One: Aspects! In keeping with Matthew’s style, this is a really witty and easy to comprehend explanation of the aspects. It includes a description of the personality components that emerge when the planets start mixing it up in aspect to each other. I recommend this as a highly useful resource for those of you trying to build your library - and Saturn is transiting Virgo, so now is the time. And may you manage to conquer the universe!

Solstice and New Moon in Cancer

Happy Solstice! The Sun has just moved into Cancer, resulting in the longest day of the year in the northern hemisphere. A classic song from Hair keeps repeating its emphatic chorus in my mind: “Let the Sunshine in!” Of course, Hair is an unapologetic romp through some of the ideals of the coming Aquarian Age. And it plays on my mind in resonance with the cluster of divine energy from Jupiter, Chiron and Neptune (each retrograde) in Aquarius. This heavenly trio trines the Sun and Moon, bringing a sense of renewal. Venus and Mars, the cosmic lovers, are paired in Venus’ luxurious home sign of Taurus. The pair trines Saturn in Virgo, resulting in the appreciation of sensuality, getting in touch with your body, with your health, and with the Earth. How appropriate at this Solstice portal.

The Solstice is emphasized by a New Moon in Cancer on its heels. At this point, Sun and Moon are conjoined in an opposition to Pluto retrograde. Integrating powerful feelings – even those beneath the surface – brings feedback, leading to greater awareness of what makes you feel secure and nurtured. The mixture of Cancer’s energy – which takes comfort in looking backwards – with Pluto retrograde – which also refers to the past or turning inwards – may coincide with you reflecting on how you have usually processed your emotions (Cancer) in days gone by. Do those methods increase or diminish your sense of power (Pluto)?

The healing from this New Moon comes in the form of a trine from the Lights to the retrograde cluster of Aquarian planets: Jupiter, Chiron and Neptune. Expect an increase in your ability to see past the Self, and to see yourself in a broader context; to realize that all emotions and feelings are human, and that we have all shared similar feelings at various points. Your intuition increases, and the body is prepared to “re-set” to good health. You may experience a surprisingly cathartic release, thanks to Uranus’ involvement in this lunation. Uranus is at the apex of a t-square from the opposition of both Lights to Pluto retrograde. Uranus needs to be appeased in some way, or the result is crankiness, insecurity, jealousy, trying to control or hide feelings, or conversely unleashing them in an explosive torrent. Try doing something different to feed Uranus’ need for innovation and excitement. It may feel tentative or awkward (the Lights quincunx the North Node) but, at this New Moon, the same-old same-old won’t cut it if you expect to navigate the week’s cosmic currents. Uranus in Pisces represents that part of you that feels like the renegade on a quest to save the world. But you cannot save anyone without saving yourself first. That is the message from the Aquarius stellium - physician, heal thyself! Now we turn within for healing, guidance from a higher power, and mystic revelations.

In keeping with the current square from Mercury in Gemini to Saturn in Virgo, I am compelled to take some time out from writing, and to just experience the flow of the cosmic tides. When time moves as fleetingly as it does (at least in my little corner of the Universe) it’s a challenge to integrate the powerful energy at work. But that is what I am called to do now, and so I will honour that. I will likely be back in August when, no doubt, the sands will have shifted again, resulting in new awareness. I wish you a Summer of blessings and peace. In the meantime, please continue to read my weekly lovescopes at Sasstrology. Namaste.

Graphic provided courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

Journeying Between Worlds: Week Of June 15

Just as the planets are clearly bodies in motion, so are we all. And the journey is about to get more exciting (or weird, depending on your viewpoint). If you’re a mystic who hopes to travel to other realms, the Cosmic travel agency has your ticket prepared.

Since all journeys begin with planet Mercury, let’s begin there. In Greek mythology, Mercury was the only god permitted to travel to the Underworld - Hades’ realm. (Hades’ name – like all of the Olympian gods’ names - was appropriated by the Romans and he was re-named Pluto. Don’t get me started.) Currently Mercury is in a tense angle with Pluto. This uncomfortable aspect (called a quincunx) between Mercury, guide of souls and Pluto, speaks of an uneasy albeit necessary journey to the river Styx. My mind automatically links this Mercury-Pluto relationship with Chris De Burgh’s song, Don’t Pay The Ferryman. If I can extend the metaphor, though, of course we must pay the ferryman. It’s not merely a simple matter of commerce for services rendered; if you consider the deeper implications, it is in your best interest to relinquish (Pluto) whatever it is that you’ve been holding onto - at considerable cost to your well-being - in order to get to the other side (whatever the other side represents to you). Moreover, the awkward nature of the quincunx angle suggests that it is not through the mind alone (Mercury) that one can release the deadweight. Only total acceptance of the greater forces of change can help us relinquish the deadwood in our lives, if ever we are to bring new life or energy in.

Cue Jupiter, Chiron and Neptune. This stellium reveals that enlightenment comes through spiritual efforts. The mind (Mercury) must be aligned with the heart (Sun). Let’s review this planetary trio: each is in the universal sign of Aquarius. Whereas Chiron and Neptune recently began their retrograde phases, Jupiter just went retrograde on Monday. Now the search for a guru leads us within. The message is that you cannot find it out there if you haven’t yet found it inside. This energy is about locating the divine spark that glows eternally within you. To that end, along comes Sun, representing your solar (or soular) journey. Sun in curious Gemini makes a favourable trine to retrograde Jupiter, Chiron and Neptune. This has the effect of pointing a flashlight (Sun) at your interior landscape. Now, with clearer eyes, you can see what kind of shape your spiritual centre is in. Because Jupiter is conjunct Chiron and Neptune, their energies are very much mixed in with this planetary cocktail. Include healing techniques (Chiron), insight, intuition, compassion, creativity, imagination and union with Source (Neptune) in your expanding (Jupiter) toolbox.

Lynn Koiner has said that Neptune retrograde specifically opens our inner sight in a way that is more obvious than when Neptune travels direct. Based on my own personal experiences with this energy I agree with her. What I’ve noticed specifically is that when I’m experiencing a cosmic download (please tell me some of you understand what I mean by this) in which information just comes to me – unlike the period when Neptune is moving direct – I retain and synthesize the info that comes through when Neptune is retrograde. Just my own observation, and I’d be interested in hearing from you about your own Neptunian downloads.

And, while we’re at the far end of the flake spectrum, let me make mention of Venus and Mars. They are currently paired in earthy Taurus, grounding some of our idealistic visions from the Aquarius stellium into reality. The aspect I want to note is their brilliant quintile to Jupiter, Chiron and Neptune retrograde. There’s a subtle ability to tune into the music of the spheres, to dance with the Cosmos, and to see how the Universe has imprinted itself upon your internal search engine. Google could only dream of such an ability! If you consider such information to be of value, then structural Saturn in analytical Virgo will help you to build and fortify your information system. Blessed be!

*Artwork provided courtesy of Wikimedia Commons