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Wednesday, November 30, 2005Who's Really at War with Religion? Pluto in SagittariusSometime soon I'll post a link to a new article about Pluto's travel through Sagittarius, which is about two-thirds completed. Pluto is all about destruction and transformation, and in Sagittarius Pluto has been creating havoc in the religious arena. Meanwhile, the Green Knight's posts today are all about the conflicts (Pluto) that are erupting over religious ideas (Sagittarius), beginning with a great tale of the current "War on Christmas" in a suburban neighborhood and moving on to Bill O'Reilly's paranoid rantings about left-wing moonbats coming after Christmas supporters. I couldn't find the quote online, but heard O'Reilly on the Stephanie Miller show say "Retailers should get on their knees and thank Jesus for Christmas." Is THAT what Christmas is all about? Scorpio dislikes superficiality, and Mercury in Scorpio dives deep into the underworld to expose the dark underside of events and our own psyche. As Mercury passes back through Scorpio, lots of secrets are coming out into the open. For example, Jill writes about the exposure of Randy Cunningham that is the tip of the domino that is the Abramoff fiasco. Hundreds of Alito's papers were released today revealing the passionate opinions that lie behind that mild-mannered facade. European investigators will delve into reports of secret CIA prisons across the continent, including Poland. And today it was revealed that Abramoff and Scanlon siphoned $80 million dollars from Indian tribes to purportedly buy influence with the Bureau of Indian Affairs, over $60 mil into a "public relations" corporation with no reporting requirements. We'll see how that gets spun by the Fox News team. Tuesday, November 29, 2005Happy Birthday Jon Stewart Blow a candle out for everyone's favorite fake news anchor, Jon Stewart! To me, Jon Stewart is the most trusted name in news, fake or not, aside from my sister Jill. His humorous yet pointed skewering of political figures has done more to keep the media on the straight and narrow path than any other public figure, in my humble opinion! Jon's sun sign is Sagittarius, the sign of the philosopher, the humorist, and the adventurer, and his Sun is conjunct Mercury, the planet of information and communication. Sun/Mercury people are mobile, rarely stand still, and adept communicators and Jon is no exception. Jupiter in his chart is in Pisces, showing that his longing for meaning in life (Jupiter) is closely tied to a sense of compassion for others (Pisces), and that his religious experience (Jupiter) must be tied to a genuine experience rather than mere theology (Pisces). With Jupiter making a square to Sun/Mercury, though, he can be somewhat dogmatic about his beliefs but with several planets in light-hearted Sagittarius he does not take himself all that seriously Pluto (power and transformation) and Uranus (rebellion) both make a square to Jon's Sun (identity and personal spirit), showing a person who makes his own way and dislikes being told what to do (Uranus/Sun) and constantly reinventes himself (Pluto/Sun). His Mars (drive) in Leo (self-expression) shows a strong flair for drama and a desire to be on the stage. Born Jon Stuart Leibowitz, Jon dropped the Leibowitz at an early age and created a new identity (Pluto/Sun) for himself as a comedian (Mars/Sag). Jon's Venus (relating to others) is in Scorpio, showing a passionate nature where others are concerned, but the fact that it is retrograde shows that he may be shy about expressing his feelings, or desires his relationships with others to be hidden. Certainly he appears to enjoy keeping his private life private!! Saturn, the god of goals and achievement, is simultaneously making a trine (harmonious aspect) to Jon's Sun and opposing (challenging aspect) natal Saturn in Jon's birthchart this fall and next spring. His second child will be born during this period, and he is likely to feel overworked (Saturn/Saturn). We may see him introduce changes in the show that will afford him more freedom as his attention is drawn more into his private life when Uranus (freedom) transits his Venus (relationships) late next spring. Hopefully, though, he will keep bringing us his own unique brand of humor and political zingers!! I thought I'd share just a few fun things that have happened over the past few days: A document that I was waiting for from Switzerland arrived late, and the post office lost the slip for me to pick up the document with. I went to the post office to straighten this out, and their computer crashed so they couldn't locate the document. Today I went to the post office when the computer was back up, whereupon they discovered that the document wasn't where it was supposed to be and spent most of the morning looking for it. A friend of mine who lives in Germany had mailed her electric bill, but it was erroneously posted to the wrong address and her power was turned off. Because she didn't live in the house she didn't know that the power was off, and wasn't aware of various repair problems that occurred as a result. Today my Outloook program suddenly decided not to collect my email. This morning I drove 30 minutes to a neighboring town to appear as a witness in a friend's divorce case. I waited 2 hours in a local coffee shop, waiting to be called. When I received no phone calls, I returned back to my office only to find a message from earlier that morning that I was needed to appear. What's been going on in your world? When I was young, I went to psychics for everything. Should I take this job? Should I stay with this man? Hampered by my Libran indecision, I longed for someone to just tell me what to do. Yes, THIS will be the right path to walk, not THAT one. Over the years, psychics have told me many things. I would be selling condos at the beach (I live in the North Carolina piedmont). I would marry the man that left me seven times (I didn't). I would have three children (I have none). Very few specific predictions about the future come to pass exactly as predicted. Astrology can predict the upcoming climate, but the specifics of what will happen remain unknown. Personally, I now believe that we are unable to predict the future because there are some things we are not supposed to know. Life is a process, an unfolding and a journey. The horoscope is a map that we're given at birth, but we're not given directions and a plan. That is our free will -- to make our own decisions and follow our own roads. Looking at upcoming planetary patterns provides us with a weather report that tells us what the climate will be for certain events or decisions, but whether or not we move forward is up to us. Examining how two bircharts interact can tell us a great deal about the relationship those two people will have, but not whether they should be together. However, we ARE given the way to answer those questions and make those decisions! The answers really lie in the small voice that speaks within us when we are quiet enough to hear it--the voice that says YES! when the question is asked. We only need to learn to trust it.  Monday, November 28, 2005A look ahead by looking back No one can really explain how astrology works, but anyone who has had a chart reading by a competent astrologer will verify that somehow the planets do possess certain energies that affect us in various ways. Because each of us has a very different birth chart makeup, we are affected by planetary movements differently. For some, a challenging Mars transit can be exhilarating and energizing, and for others it can cause great stress and conflict. Still, the dance that the planetary bodies move through day to day creates energy shifts that affect us on a global scale. The harmonious aspect (trine) between Jupiter and Uranus of the past week has opened the door to a new way (Uranus) of finding meaning in life (Jupiter), and perhaps the beginnings of a revolution (Uranus) in established religions. (Jupiter). Expansive Jupiter trines tend to bring investor confidence and improve the stock markets, and Uranus tends to require a more utopian view of life. In harmonious aspect like the trine (120 degrees), Uranus calls on us to leave the past behind in order to create a new way. Over the past few months of retrogrades (with Mars, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and Mercury all retrograde for at least part of this period), global politics seem to have become stuck in recriminations and retributions. There have been short outbursts of conflict calling for change, but the momentum for change is lacking. During retrograde periods, we tend to re-view the past and find it difficult to move forward. The positive aspect of the retrograde periods is that in this perpetual review we are able to discover new ways of solving problems so that when we finally do begin to make progress, it is with real clarity and power. By mid-December most of these retrograde planets will have turned direct (moving forward) towards a Grand Cross configuration and we will begin to see some real movement on the world stage. Over the next few days I'll be giving you a preview of what we are likely to expect over the next few months as we move into December's Grand Cross. Meanwhile, please feel free to email me any time with any questions you may have. Mandala reprinted with permission. Sunday, November 27, 2005George Clooney's Worst Year Clooney articleI love George Clooney, he seems like a truly genuine person with real ethics and political awareness. Plus, he has a great sense of humor. So I was sad to read that the past twelve months have been the worst year of his life. Planetary cycles can have a huge impact on us, so I thought I'd look into George's chart and see what whether he was undergoing some evolutionary pressure from the planets. George's Sun is in Taurus, the sign of earthly delights, stability, security. Taureans crave a peaceful and serene environment and typically do not like change, but because his Sun is conjunct Mercury (the messenger god and ruler of communication and information), there is a part of him that will also crave a variety of experiences. His Moon, representing our need for emotional security, is in Capricorn and it is conjunct Saturn, the planet that rules Capricorn. This is what we astrologers call a "double whammy," indicating that the Saturn/Capricorn principle of hard work and solitude is fused with his emotional needs. Saturn/Moon people need lots of alone time--often in their childhood they can be extremely lonely and unable to connect, and in later years this becomes a need for solitude in order to refresh one's sense of safety. Mars (personal drive and will) is in Leo in George's chart, and this is where we find his prankster nature and love of practical jokes for which he is well known. Venus (relating to others) is in Aries, showing that George likes to take the lead in relationships. He in fact has been quoted as saying that he likes to be the one that pursues women, and not the other way around. With Mars and Venus both in fire signs (Leo and Aries), he has a natural exuberance. But I suspect very few people are able to get close to George because of the Saturn/Moon conjunction. This conjunction could also be responsible for George’s constant digestive/ulcer problems, since the Moon rules the stomach. Chiron is a recently discovered planet or planetoid that shows where we have been imprinted with a deep wound that doesn’t heal, but which motivates us to change and evolve. George has Chiron right on the ascendant or rising sign, and it is opposite Pluto, the god of endings and transformation, which falls in his sixth house of health and is conjunct the descendant. These are powerful influences for George which have a tendency to create repeated periods of crises that force change and evolution. They have been impacted by the transit of Uranus (the awakener, the revolutionary), challenging his sense of himself as an individual and in relationships (ascendant), and sparking this crisis period. It is not uncommon for death to occur during transits of or to Pluto, and during this period George saw the loss of his dog and his brother-in-law, along with the ending of a five-year relationship. Transiting Chiron as it moves through the sky has also made a challenging aspect to the Saturn/Moon conjunction in George’s birthchart. During this period George suffered severe spinal injury (Saturn) while filming Syriana and as the result was in great pain for months. The expression “That which doesn’t kill me makes me stronger” was probably invented by an astrologer. Difficult planetary cycles can be painful, but the end result for the individual can be a powerful deepening of our understanding and a renewed respect for life. Still, it looks like George's worst year is over for now: the transit of Saturn to Jupiter over the past six months will be coming to a head until May which usually brings success to our endeavors. Fortunate Jupiter will transit his Sun beginning in mid-January, bringing opportunities and good luck to him. Jupiter and Uranus began a cycle with Neptune last year that continues throughout 2006, increasing creativity (Jupiter/Neptune) and bringing new ideas (Uranus/Neptune) and possibly an increased sense of spirituality and one's place in the world. Saturday, November 26, 2005Mercury retrogrades back into Scorpio As it continued its apparent backwards travel (as viewed from Earth), Mercury changed signs and moved back into Scorpio. The sign that Mercury is in colors the way that communication patterns evolve for everyone, and because Scorpio is a sign that relishes intensity and depth in thinking and expression events while Mercury is in Scorpio often reflect that intensity. Scorpio also likes to uncover hidden secrets, and during the transition from Scorpio to Sagittarius we saw the indictments in the CIA leak case, the fall of the Harriet Miers Supreme Court nomination, and the eruption of brutal namecalling in the race for Governor of Virginia and New Jersey. Mercury turned retrograde on November 13, and attention now turns back to issues that may not be resolved. Mercury retrograde periods are often difficult times to move forward since communication can be confusing, but they are excellent times to look back and clean up lingering past events that were never finalized. They are also great times for writing and introspection. Mercury moved into high spirited Sagittarius on October 29, but today it is back in Scorpio where it will stay until December 12. Expect an added level of intensity in interactions with others, and in the news. Friday, November 25, 2005Why Jack Murtha, and why now? Rep. Jack Murtha is an unlikely hero for the anti-war movement. Of all the Democrats calling for an end to the Iraq war, Rep. John P. Murtha is an anomaly. Unlike Sens. John F. Kerry (Mass.) and Russell Feingold (Wis.), he doesn't want to be president. He's no liberal, like his House colleagues Dennis J. Kucinich (Ohio) and Maxine Waters (Calif.). He's certainly the only one to call Vice President Cheney a friend. The About-Face of a Hawkish Democrat (WaPo article) Rep. Murtha has been a hard worker and loyal follower since his early days as an Eagle Scout in Pennsylvania. He quit college in 1952 to join the Marines during the Korean war where he earned an honor medal. He became a drill instructor and worked his way up to become an officer, taking control of the 34th special infantry. He volunteered for active duty in Vietnam where he received more medals including two Purple Hearts, and retired as a colonel in 1990. (Source: Wikipedia). Mr. Murtha is a Gemini, a mutable (flexible) sign that is adept at moving through life at quicksilver speed, experiencing as many different lifestyles as possible. Geminis are typically not born with their identities fully formed; they experiment with personalities like some people try on coats. They tend to be bright and intelligent and learn easily and quickly. Mr. Murtha is not a typical Gemini, however: he has been married to the same woman for 50 years and has demonstrated a stubborn resolve and commitment in service to the country. We can see this in his Mars (aggression, defense of boundaries) which is in the fixed sign of Taurus. Taurus is an earth sign signified by the image of the Bull whose main focus is on physical security. Mars in Taurus is the brave soldier (Mars) who marches on relentlessly and does not deviate from the prescribed path (Taurus). Mars in Taurus is the perfect emblem for wars (Mars) to protect national security (Taurus) and also shows someone who does not like change in their personal life. Taurus is antithetical to changeable Gemini, and no doubt Mr. Murtha experiences a fair amount of inner conflict between his desire for continual change (Gemini) and the need to establish that deep-rooted security. Murtha has both Mercury (thought process) and Venus (relating to others) in sensitive Cancer. This is someone to whom family ties is very important, and someone who will always take care of the needs of others (Mercury), sometimes at the expense of caring for himself. This would make him an excellent military officer who cares deeply about the troops. Like McCain, Saturn (self-doubt and hard work) is retrograde (turned inward) in his chart, showing a person whose inner critic speaks loud and clear and fairly consistently. Saturn retrograde people are driven from an internal need to prove themselves as a result of their relentless self-criticism, and they are difficult to influence because their motivation is so internalized. As a result of this intensified focus, they often become very successful in their fields and develop an extremely strong conscience, but they will not change their course unless absolutely forced to by external events. Back in the spring of 2004 when Saturn (discipline and hard work) made a square to Uranus (liberation) Mr. Murtha began feeling some conflict in many areas of his life. Under this transit, we feel hemmed in by Saturn's restrictions, and the part of us that longs to be free (Uranus) begs for expression. At that time he began expressing his concern about poor planning in Iraq and raising the unpopular opinion that the war was unwinnable. This influence remained in play through May of this year and was facilitated by Saturn's concurrent harmonious transit of Mr. Murtha's Mars, helping him to begin to put his goals (Saturn) into action (Mars). In addition, Pluto (transformation and rebirth) has been making a trine to Uranus in his chart (opening to new possibilities) throughout this year. This is an exhilarating and highly energizing transit that would help someone like Mr. Murtha, who is tightly wound and highly controlled, to more comfortably begin to change and liberate areas of his life that are stagnant. In addition, the harmonious transits of Pluto bring a greater sense of personal power, and we often find the courage to do things we normally would not be able to do . Luckily for us, Mr. Murtha's personal transformation has given him a voice. In early 2006 Pluto will oppose (180 degree aspect) his Sun. This can be a challenging time that is fraught with tension over issues of power. Watch for him to take a larger role in the battle to end the war, and possibly be put forward next spring as a presidential candidate. Thursday, November 24, 2005Happy pre-Solstice Holiday!I still have trouble with the concept of celebrating a holiday that honors what is basically the beginning of the annhilation of native americans, but still I am thankful for the many gifts that life has to offer, and even more for the ability to be grateful for what I have instead of envious of what I have not. The Sun conjuncts Mercury today, facilitating communication despite the famous difficulties of Mercury Retrograde. The Sun will illuminate matters of thought and information, and sure enough a South Korean cloning expert admitted and apologized to "shameful ethical lapses," the Chinese government admitted to a Benzene spill that caused the poisoning of drinking water for millions of people, Jessica Simpson and Nick boy singer finally admitted their long-rumored separation, and it was discovered that yes, Iran actually is working on nuclear warheads. The Sun moves quickly and this influence will have passed by tomorrow afternoon. This is a favorable aspects for all kinds of negotiations since hidden agendas come to the forefront, so if you're involved in this sort of matter it will help to facilitate your situation. Wednesday, November 23, 2005Jupiter trine Uranus todayJupiter in Scorpio makes an exact trine to Uranus today, opening up possibilities and opportunities (Jupiter) for breaking up routines and creating a new way of handling situations (Uranus) that may have become stuck as the result of a standoff between Mars (aggression, personal drive) and Saturn (caution, delays). The square between Mars and Saturn was exact last week, but they are still dancing around each other as both planets are now retrograde (appearing to move backward from earth's perspective). When the drive of Mars is challenged by Saturn's limitations, the effect is similar to that of driving with the parking brake on. We may feel hemmed in and unable to move very far. Mars and Saturn are beginning to separate now, and the Jupiter/Uranus influence that has just come into view will remain in effect through early December. In both our personal lives and on the national and international stages, we are likely to see some relaxing of the tension that has been evident for quite some time. This easing period will permit us to step back and take another look at whatever situation we are stuck in and create a new vision for resolution and completion. Tuesday, November 22, 2005John McCain will never be president John McCain works hard to maintain his image as a consensus builder. With Libra rising, and Mercury in Libra, the sign of balance and relationships, he struggles between his need to please others (Libra) and his Virgo sun which strives for authenticity and perfection. Virgos dislike the flattery and superficiality required to negotiate and capitulate; they tend to avoid the spotlight and prefer a quiet corner where they can utilize their famous discrimination to continually perfect themselves and their work. Mr. McCain has Saturn retrograde, a placement that causes Saturn's critical voice to turn inward. Individuals with this placement tend to be insecure and more dependent on the approval of others than they might otherwise be. Saturn opposes his Venus, demonstrating that he doubts his ability to really relate to others. With his Venus in Virgo, he may be secretly critical of those he must deal with from day to day despite his Libra rising need to placate and cajole to maintain alliances. McCain has a Grand Cross in the "mutable" signs (Sagittarius, Virgo, Pisces, Gemini). The astrological signs have three different "qualities": Cardinal, offering leadership and action; Fixed, offering stability and organization; and Mutable, offering flexibility and adaptation. A Grand Cross is a challenging aspect in which four planets make 90 degrees to each other, with two pairs of planets in opposition to each other. Typically there is a buildup of tension with this configuration which promotes change and transformation within the individual, but with the Mutable Grand Cross this energy is never focused and tends to create distress and tension within the individual unless there is a motivating force that provides momentum. Without such a force this person will tend to waffle and become distracted. At his core, Mr. McCain has not yet resolved his inner sense of failure expressed through his retrograde Saturn and is well known for his apologetic tendencies. Mars in this chart is in Leo, a fiery and dramatic expression of aggression, and is square Uranus, the revolutionary. McCain's Virgo Sun and Libra ascendant (rising sign) and Mercury will do their best to suppress his anger, making its eruption all the more dramatic when it occurs. This imbalance in his ability to assert himself in a strong and confident way will prevent his ability to command the kind of respect required to win a presidential election. Source of birthdata: Astrodata  Happy birthday Sagittarians! Although the Sun is just one element in the myriad complexity of the birthchart, it is the biggest single element. The astrological Sun represents our quest, our mission on Planet Earth. It describes the activities that we need in order to feel energized and complete. Sagittarians are on a quest, and they need freedom in order to fulfill their mission. Everything they do is very important, usually more important than what others do. :) Ruled by Jupiter, they tend to be optimistic and visionary, and dislike rules and restrictions. They are curious about the world, but their education needs to have meaning. They want to learn about other cultures, about how the world works. Sagittarians also make good teachers, since they tend to seek mastery of subjects in which they are interested. They are bold and courageous, and tend to be inventive philosophers. They may be religious, and can be somewhat righteous. The symbol for Sagittarius is the archer, and Sagittarians are always pointing their bow at new horizons and looking for new challenges. They are seldom still and tend to be always in motion. For this reason, they may be athletic or engage in sports or athletics. In relationships Sagittarians tend to require a great deal of freedom and inventiveness. They are not the ones to sit on the sofa and watch endless reruns of the Sopranos. They don't like to feel fenced in, and need a fair amount of stimulation. But they are lucky and optimistic, and their infectious enthusiasm can't help but rub off on the rest of us. Monday, November 21, 2005Dick Cheney's Dark Side Dick Cheney’s Dark Side is Showing (Washington Post article, November 7 2005) The birthchart of Dick Cheney shows an individual who possesses the potential to do great things. His chart contains a highly unusual number of aspects between planets that have powerful implications for an individual. There’s a T-square, a Grand Trine, a Kite, a Yod, and a Mystic Rectangle—an unprecedented number of aspect formations in my experience. What does all this mean? Mr. Cheney is an Aquarian, ruled by Uranus. Uranus is the idealist, the Utopian thinker. The god Uranus, fearing his overthrow by his children, ate them one by one when they were born. The dark side of Uranus is the willingness to sacrifice the individual for the sake of the ideal society. Cheney’s chart shows Saturn conjunct Jupiter in Taurus – the voice of doubt (Saturn) conjunct the voice of confidence (Jupiter) in the sign of stability. A keyword for Taurus is perseverance; like the bull, Taurus never waivers in its slow but steady march toward security. Saturn and Jupiter are both square to Cheney’s Sun, showing a difficult combination of narcissism (Jupiter/Sun) with an insecure nature (Saturn/Sun). Virgo is rising in his chart, indicating a man who is serious about his work and tends to shun the spotlight. Cheney is not a romantic man; with Venus in Capricorn he is very practical about matters of the heart. Perhaps this is why his wife is writing lesbian fiction, but that’s another story… His Sagittarian Mars gives him a longing for freedom and adventure and is square to his Moon, indicating someone with a strong temper and irritable nature. That moon is in Pisces, a difficult place for an Aquarian. Aquarius is dry and airy – idealistic, detached, rational. Pisces is watery and longs for connection. His moon is the only water in his chart, showing us that he does not deal well with emotions, and is opposite Neptune which is associated with Pisces. This is a “double whammy” signifying that the Moon and Neptune are inextricably combined in his chart, and that this emotional sensitivity is one aspect of his personality that he is here to develop. Perhaps Cheney was speaking to himself when he said "America has been in too many wars for any of our wishes, but not a one of them was won by being sensitive," I suspect that Cheney’s sensitivity is an aspect of himself that he has felt he had to conquer over the years. Perhaps this is the demon that led him to the dark side. The Yod, Kite and Mystic Rectangle are known to be configurations that signify an individual with a significant role to play in human life. The fact that Cheney has all three as well as other, more common aspects shows that he is a Chosen One, rather like Anakin Skywalker who was lured to the dark side in order to take a shortcut on the road to real power. Life has a habit of equalizing imbalance, and Cheney’s turn to the dark side has taken a toll on his health. When Cheney was 27 he went to Washington as a congressional aide, and went to work with Donald Rumsfeld at 28 during his Saturn Return. At age 36 he had his first heart attack when transiting Chiron (the wounded healer) aspected his natal Saturn/Sun square (the Sun rules the heart). In 1988, at age 47, Cheney underwent quadruple bypass surgery when transiting Pluto (god of death and transformation) aspected his natal Saturn/Sun. Still he did not get the hint, and he became Secretary of Defense in 1989, and shortly thereafter participated in misleading the public by stating that Iraqi troops are massing on the Saudi border. Satellite photos showed no such troops, but the Saudi King allows US troops to enter Saudi Arabia. Shortly thereafter Cheney becomes involved with Halliburton, and Osama bin Laden begins his mission against the US. (Biographical info from CBC the Fifth Estate.) ' It’s easy to see how Cheney has been instrumental in the fall of the American republic. His chart demonstrates a person with exceptional gifts and power, and also shows how, like Anakin Skywalker, power can be corrupted. Saturn will be turning retrograde tomorrow, November 22. Planetary retrograde motion is an illusion based on the fact that astrological calculations are taken from the perspective of earth. Illusion or not, however, retrogrades have a powerful impact on interactions between humans and bodies of humans such as countries and governing bodies. Before a planet turns retrograde it slows down to prepare for the turn, and during this period it's focus strengthens. Compare it to a loud car driving down your street which turns around in front of your house. While it's turning in front of your house it's noise will be even louder and more annoying. Saturn in its more negative guise rules discipline, delay and disappointment, but also grants the gift of reward for hard work. Saturn is currently in Leo, the signs of kings and kingliness, where it is forcing some of our rulers off their pedestals. This is hitting Pres. GW Bush particularly hard since he has Leo rising and several planets in Leo (see Bush article for more info.) When planets turn retrograde, they call our attention to issues that we may have thought were already concluded. Particularly for those of us with planets in the fixed signs (Leo, Aquarius, Taurus and Scorpio), we may find ourselves frustrated with failure to achieve our goals and the need to re-evaluate our plans for the future. Saturn wants us to plan carefully and work hard, but it does reward this hard work with success. This is not a time for overconfidence or gambling which could be a danger with Mars in a dance with Saturn through the end of the year. Mars rules our personal drive, and we may find ourselves thwarted as we try to assert our desires. Taking the time to focus on the hard work will call in Saturn's aid as we work to achieve our goals. Sunday, November 20, 2005Samuel Alito - the cautious warrior Samuel Alito is an Aries, and ruled by the god of war. Both his Sun and Mercury fall in Aries, the sign of the ram. Aries men tend to be strong and opinionated, with great determination. They are usually leaders and think for themselves. They are usually not great politicians because they tend to be blunt. Without the time of birth we can't know his ascendant or rising sign, the sign that usually describes one's appearance. But we can see here that despite Alito's brash spirit, his Moon and Mars both fall in cautious Virgo, the perfectionist who seeks to define the world in narrow terms. Judge Alito may have a bit of recklessness, though, with aggressive Mars in square to Uranus, the god of radical change. This combination of boldness and caution can bring great balance to a personality that is disciplined, but often this combination can lead to someone who may become overly conservative in an attempt to harness their own wild urges. Alito did serve in the military, joining the Army Reserves and continuing to serve even after the ending of the involuntary draft in 1973. Saturn is retrograde in Alito's chart, signifying someone who is driven by an inner voice of inadequacy. Individuals with this placement can become overly controlling of others as they hold others to the unachievable standards to which they apply themselves. He does have a Grand Trine in fire signs involving Pluto in Leo, Chiron in Sagittarius, and Mercury/Sun in Aries. Grand Trines are said to be lucky and bring great fortune, but they can also have the negative effect of making life so easy that we lack momentum to change. This is not likely to happen to someone with Mars in Virgo, since Virgo's nature requires a constant examination of one's life in order to continually perfect oneself. In his legal work, Judge Alito has not been afraid to stand out from the crowd and express his own views even when they are unpopular (Aries). In 1991 he was famously the lone dissenter in a 3rd court decision striking down Pennsylvania's requirement that a woman inform her husband before having an abortion. An Aries man likes to be the boss in the house, and having someone on the supreme bench with this attitude is a little frightening to women like me who like to have at least an equal seat at the table. However, it does show someone who will stand up for his own opinions and not be a lackey of the Bush administration. All of this seems to indicate that Judge Alito would make a decent Supreme Court Judge, and this is likely to happen. Alito is experiencing a number of very harmonious transits including several from the planet Jupiter (abundance and opportunity) that indicate his almost certain confirmation. The movement of the planets and the angles that they form to each other produces an energetic effect that influences humans and nations. At the moment there are some challenging formations that are creating pressure for change both in our personal worlds and the global arena. The planet Uranus is concerned with breaking up old patterns and creating new dynamics. In retrograde motion since June (appearing to travel backwards from earth's perspective), there has been a slow building of tension as structures that are no longer working begin to fracture. Uranus turned direct on November 18, and suddenly issues of smoldering concern have erupted into the public view. Mars is the god of war, ruling aggression and the setting of boundaries, and it has just made a square (challenging aspect) to Saturn, which rules social structure and stabilities. Monday 11/21, Mercury (communication), which is retrograde (internalized) will square Uranus (radical change) and the fires of conflict are likely to be stoked. Examples of this in recent news include the chaos that took place in the House on Friday over an incendiary vote over withdrawal from Iraq, and the violent protests on Friday outside the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Busan. In times like this, discomfort in our personal lives may come from holding fast to the status quo when clearly change is needed. Learning to let go and see things in a different light will be very useful for the next week! Saturday, November 19, 2005Welcome!Welcome to Astrodynamics, a blog about the movements of the planets and how they affect our lives. Astrology is much more complex than the "sun sign" astrology you see in your daily paper: each of us has our own unique blueprint which is the horoscope, and the dance between the earth and the planets, sun and moon facilitate cycles on earth and within ourselves. In this blog you'll find daily updates on planetary configurations and meanings, as well as horoscopes of famous people and events in the news. Questions and comments are always welcomed! This initiatory post finds Mercury in retrograde motion (meaning it appears to move backward). When Mercury is retrograde, communication and mental functions (ruled by Mercury) tend to operate on a more internal or introspective level (retrograde). We often find a breakdown of communication systems such as email or telephones, and machinery may not work as expected. Contractual agreements may become confused and negotiations may be difficult since we may not be able to express ourselves clearly during these periods. Because of the greater internalization of the mental process and focus while Mercury is in retrograde, it is a great time to go back and finish projects that were started previously. I set this blog up back in May of 2005, and only today publish the first post thanks to the aid of my sister.
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