Sunday, November 26, 2006

Astrology is one vehicle for the stream of living wisdom which alone can heal the results of the dualistic and rationalistic preoccupations: mankind in disjunction from his deeper self, the natural environment and life as a whole, Alienation, in a word.

Today much grassroots astrological work is psychological in orientation, although the knowledge of life and human nature embedded in astrological motifs predates psychology as we know it, by thousands of years.

Unlike reductive psychology, however, the astrological view of the individual psyche does not pathologize the quirks of human nature, but seeks to examine how particular energies are manifesting in a given individual life, also exploring possible alternatives to distorted or troublesome expressions.

Additionally, astrology sees individuals not only as unique in themselves, but also as reflections of the larger whole in which they live, being simultaneously embedded within it, relating to it and co-responsible for its creation. Indeed, our very bodies contain elements which also comprise the substance of the stars.

The planets symbolize spiritual energies that form the subtle fabric from which the visible universe is woven. Their expression is found within human life, in the individual psyche, at the core of which is the unknowable mystery of Being.

The movements of the planets are like the ripples and the astrologer interprets these never repeating patterns through knowledge of astrology's symbolic language; this information is in turn applied to the situation at hand.

At birth we surface into the pool of our individual life; our horoscope represents that moment, our portion of the universe, the centre of a web whose pattern represents the energies which will seek expression through us. In this way, the horoscope portrays destiny. Thus astrological factors (signs, planets, houses, etc) describe the intersection of linear clock time - life incarnate lived on earth - with the eternal realms of the soul and beyond. The forces of Wyrd are the winds and tides...If they are known, the sailor can trim his sails to adapt to them. Life can be in harmony with the forces and their power. But he can not change them...We can not control our lives, because we too are inseparable aspects of Wyrd and express its will. But that is not the same thing as saying our life is determined.

Rather, it is saying we live like an ocean voyager, trimming our sails to the winds and tides of Wyrd as we skim across the waters of life.

Astrology can be used for many applications forecasting weather changes, answering questions, predicting the outcome of elections, deciding the best time to do something, or gaining insight into individual psychology. The common factor in all this is man's connection with the universe, its cycles and patterns. In applying this understanding astrologers use a very simple base planets, signs, houses and aspects.

Planets of the solar system represent different symbolic energy sources, or models of behaviour. The zodiac signs describe the way the planets express their meaning. They are like lenses through which the planets 'see' and 'act'. The twelve Houses are locations or fields of experience. The experience can be an outward/material/rational experience; or an inner/ psychological/emotional ones. Understanding how you are creating your own future right now is often more useful than trying anxiously to ward it off with fore-knowledge. In this way, knowledge of astrology can be empowering, and by providing a framework of meaning, it can help us engage more consciously with life. It also serves to remind us of the limits of our human knowledge and understanding.

Posted by Lynn Hayes :: 2:19 PM :: |

---------------oOo--------------- Sunday inspiration

This poem came from a friend and fits perfectly into our recent theme of meeting the shadow:

This being human is a guest-house:
Every morning a new arrival.

A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.

Welcome and entertain them all,
Even if they are a crowd of sorrows
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture.

Still, treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out
for some new delight.

The dark thought, the shame, the malice:
meet them at the door laughing
and invite them in.

Be grateful for whoever comes,
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.

--Rumi, translation by Coleman Barks

Posted by Lynn Hayes :: 7:49 AM :: |

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Saturday, November 25, 2006

Splitting the Shadow Self

Cynthia made this comment to yesterday's Michael Richards post:

My Scottish father was inducted into the Freemasons before migrating to Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) after WW2. He was totally racist and I was raised that way. As you know, the "white colonials" never won that war. Zimbabwe is now black ruled.
My journey has been through that inherited racist rage, to the point where I realised that the dark (or the black)is within one's self and as long as it is not dealt with, it will appear as a projection outside of one's self. Isn't that how we see ourselves - "as in a glass darkly" ? ie the mirror! Getting rid of it on the outside doesn't clean up the inside. I mean how can you clean up an image in the mirror? The work has to start inside one's self first and no one is exempt; we all share the same shadow qualities. With regard to the Masons, and other exclusive cultish sects, the esoteric spirituality that stands behind them must surely be about the transformation of one's own dark shadow; otherwise they've lost the plot.

Racism isn't limited to the white culture, it exists within the dark-skinned cultures as well: as the caste system in India and as a color-coded hierarchy in African cultures and cultures of African descent. The splitting off of the shadow self into "black" and "white" led also to the development of the devil and hell. The darker side of the psyche is felt to be the source of all evil and is relegated to realms of the unconscious, where it takes on a life of its own and is projected as fear of the very darkness that lives within us. Jung said, "The shadow is that hidden, repressed, for the most part inferior and guilt-ridden personality whose ultimate ramifications reach back into the realm of our animal ancestors and so comprise the whole historical aspect of the unconscious."

In polytheistic societies such as the Greeks and Romans from whom the gods of our planets come, each of the gods had a dark and a light side that expressed the full scope of human consciousness. Transformation of the shadow requires no less than the courage to step inside the darkness within us and claim it as our own and cease the endless projection that causes us to blame others for our pain.

Posted by Lynn Hayes :: 6:43 AM :: |

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Friday, November 24, 2006

The Rant of Michael Richards: The Freemason Connection

Michael Richards is a comedian best known for his role of Cosmo Kramer in the hit television show "Seinfeld." He has not been heard of much since Seinfeld went into syndication, but last week he made headlines when he was filmed by a cellphone video camera in a racist rant against two black members of the audience. As the black members left Richards shouted, "That's what happens when you interrupt the white man." He subsequently went on the apology tour, hitting the Letterman show and making personal calls to black leaders including Al Sharpton.

Subsequent reports include fresh allegations of an anti-Jewish rant earlier this year. Richards claimed at the time that he was "in character" and that this was part of his act. His publicist reports that Richards is Jewish, but his biographies are clear that he was raised Catholic and but is now unaffiliated with any religion. He is, however, a Master Mason who has achieved the 33rd degree. Freemasons have a long history of racism and was associated with the beginnings of the KKK in the US; in fact, there is currently a controversy within the southern Masonic lodges whether to accept the black lodges (Prince Hall Masonry) that were set up because blacks were not permitted to join the Masons. Reports of this kind of behavior from Richards just erupted this year after a lifetime on the comedy circuit, making it easy to conclude that his Masonic connections have something to do with these racist outbursts.

Michael Richards' birthchart shows that he is a Leo, with Mercury conjunct his Sun. The affiliation of Mercury with the Sun always shows an extremely bright individual and someone who is able to change (Mercury) one's identity (Sun), easily slipping in and out of a variety of roles. (Frank Abagnale Jr., the con man who was immortalized in the film "Catch Me If You Can" had Sun conjunct Mercury.) Mercury in his chart is at the last degree of Cancer which begins to bleed into Leo, so the Leo influence is strong in this configuration with the Sun. Leo is the sign that celebrates the ego; it can be playful and love life, but it can also become egotistical and self-centered. A difficult aspect (opposition) from expansive Jupiter to this Sun/Mercury combination shows that Richards tends towards an overblown ego that needs to be constantly fed by attention from others. Jupiter is retrograde in his chart which adds a quality of introversion that makes it difficult for Richards to ever feel that he has received enough attention. One can imagine that after the fame that the Seinfeld series brought him, Richards enjoyed the adulation that he enjoyed after his initiation into Freemasonry.

Mars in the birthchart shows how we express our aggressive instinct, and in Richards' chart Mars is in Cancer, a sensitive and emotional sign. Mars in Cancer can be touchy and reactive, particularly when exacerbated by his conjunction to Uranus, the planet of rebellion. Mars/Uranus conjunctions typically denote an individual with a fiery temper, but in Cancer that temper is not allowed its full expression and can simmer for long periods of time before erupting in ways that are less than productive. When Richards' racist rant took place transiting Mars was square to Pluto in his chart. This is always a time of great intensity, and for someone like Richard who struggles with his inner rage it can be a time when that rage finds an easy release. It's possible that during his indoctrination into Freemasonry he also took on the racist world view that so much of this cult embraces.

The timing of this event is interesting, occurring just as transiting Jupiter makes a trine to Richards' Sun. In addition, Richards' progressed Sun is trine his natal Jupiter, making this a strong Jupiterian period for him. Jupiter is the planet of good luck and opportunity when it is in a harmonious aspect, but opportunity can be surprising and not always what we expect. It will be interesting to see how this event affects his future career; perhaps the old adage that there is no such thing as bad publicity will turn out to be true for Michael Richards.

Posted by Lynn Hayes :: 6:12 AM :: |

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Wednesday, November 22, 2006

Leaving Scorpio Behind: Sun and Jupiter enter Sagittarius

The Sun enters Sagittarius today and Jupiter follows on Friday, after which only Mars and Mercury will remain in Scorpio. In the US as we celebrate Thanksgiving, the mood will become more Jovial (Jove is another name for Jupiter) as we leave the intensity of Scorpio behind and begin to explore the meaning of life in Sagittarius.

Sagittarius is the sign of exploration - of adventure, religion, foreign travel and philosophy. In Sag we feel expansive and optimistic, full of confidence that holds within it the risk of overconfidence and a sense of self-righteousness as well as a reckless approach to life that sometimes defies common sense. When Jupiter is in its own sign there is a sharper focus on Sagittarian issues: travel, foreign culture, religion. It's interesting that Jupiter in Sag marked the entry of Pluto into Sagittarius in 1995 and now it marks Pluto's departure as well.

Jupiter will remain in Sagittarius until December of 2007 and Pluto will leave Sag in February of 2008. When Pluto completes its passage through a sign it often acts as a cosmic sweeper, bringing forth any remaining philosophical debris that remains. While Pluto has been in Sagittarius (since 1995) there has been a complete upheaval in the religious and ideological balance all over the world. Religious fundamentalism in all three of the world's major religions became much more prevalent. At the same time, more and more people refuse to be pigeonholed in a religious category, with twice as many people checking the "none" box when asked for their religious affilitation in 2004 than in 1998. Still, the world has grown smaller with the increase of globalization and outsourcing of jobs to other nations, and the influx of immigrants into virtually every first world nation. Cultures and nationalities are mixing at a pace not seen before.

Before next year, Pluto and Jupiter have only been conjunct in Sagittarius three times during the last 1000 years: once in 1508 and 1509, once in 1757 and 1758, and once in 1995-1996. Pluto entered Sagittarius in 1503 and Jupiter entered Sag in 1508, coinciding with the crowning of King Henry VIII who later separated from the Roman Church to form the Anglican Church, the beginning of the Protestant revolution. This period also witnessed an increase in international exploration and colonization of the New World by Spanish explorers, as well as increased persecution of Jews in Germany. (Xenophobia, the fear of outsiders, has been a factor during the current passage of Pluto through Sagittarius as well.) It was during this period too that Machiavelli wrote "The Prince" which justifies the subjugation of morality and religion to politics.

Morality and religion are major concerns of both Jupiter and Sagittarius, and the next year or so will beam a spotlight on these issues, as well as entertainment and experiences that we have just for fun. The Jupiter experience is expansive, but hidden within the opportunities for abundance is the kernel of life's lesson as expressed by Saturn. If the Jupiterian bubble becomes to big, Saturn is usually there to pop it. Fortunately, Jupiter and Saturn will be in harmonious aspect in early 2007 to help us stay in balance!

Posted by Lynn Hayes :: 4:18 PM :: |

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Tuesday, November 21, 2006

Musings from the Beach

We're at the beach with Rich's family this week, and this morning I took a long solitary walk along the coastline, the only human out so early in the morning. It gave me a wonderful opportunity to let my mind wander, and I happened to think about Neptune, the god of the Oceans who is currently opposing Saturn, Lord of Karma.

The symbology of Neptune has very little to do with the god Neptune/Poseidon and everything to do with his domain: the domain of the sea. From one drop of water to the endless ocean, the sea is eternal, flowing, the body into which all life eventually flows. Water may attempt to take form in ice, but eventually the ice melts and flows into the sea. This is the urge of Neptune: to dissolve the form that we build in life into the boundless ocean of consciousness.

Saturn, on the other hand, seeks to build form where Neptune dissolves it. The rocks along the ocean edge offer resistance to the flow of the waves, but ultimately they too begin to erode; their edges becoming soft in the face of the endless flow of water. Still, the rocks form the foundation of our life on earth. They provide a base for us to construct the homes in which we live and the structures through which we earn our living. At the beach there is a constant tension between the impulse of the ocean to dissolve and erode and the necessity of form, and this is the very thing which the Saturn/Neptune opposition teaches us to balance in our own lives.

Posted by Lynn Hayes :: 5:20 PM :: |

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Monday, November 20, 2006

Uranus/Neptune and Biospheric Change

Ascension, by Willow Arlenea

I don't pretend to know anything about physics, but clearly there is an acceleration of energy on our planet and possibly beyond (see Time is Speeding Up.) The sign Aquarius and its ruler Uranus are associated with electromagnetic energy and the science of quantum physics, and currently we are under an influence called "mutual reception" where Uranus is in the sign of Pisces which is ruled by Neptune, and Neptune is in the sign of Aquarius which is ruled by Uranus. Neptune and Pisces are associated with the experience of transcendence as well as dissolution of the Self and delusion, and the combination of Uranus and Neptune tends to bring about extreme changes in consciousness, both positive and negative. Uranus deals with the electromagnetic energy of the auric field and awakens us to new understandings while Neptune softens the boundaries of material reality to expose us to a more transcendent meaning of life.

The conjunction of Uranus and Neptune in 1992-1995 witnessed a psychic opening for many people and an expansion of awareness as the "new age" movement went mainstream. The commercialization of consciousness resulted in a vast number of charlatans and so-called channelers and mediums. Science (Uranus) fiction (Neptune) blurred with reality during this period when UFO research took over the mainstream media with the X-files and the Roswell Alien Autopsy video.

I found this interesting article which claims that energy from space (a very Uranian concept) is contributing to the changes we are experiencing here on earth, particularly changes in our geological environment such as climate changes. I have no idea whether any of this makes scientific sense, but it certainly fits the Uranus/Neptune cosmology:

It is quite natural for the whole biota of the Earth to be subjected to these changing conditions of the electromagnetic field, and to the significant deep alterations of Earth's climatic machinery. These fundamental processes of change create a demand within all of Earth's life organisms for new forms of adaptation. The natural development of these new forms may lead to a total global revision of the range of species, and life, on Earth. New deeper qualities of life itself may come forth, bringing the new physical state of the Earth to an equilibrium with the new organismic possibilities of development, reproduction, and perfection. In this sense it is evident that we are faced with a problem of the adaptation of humanity to this new state of the Earth; new conditions on Earth whose biospheric qualities are varying, and non-uniformly distributed. Therefore the current period of transformation is transient, and the transition of life's representatives to the future may take place only after a deep evaluation of what it will take to comply with these new Earthly biospheric conditions. Each living representative on Earth will be getting a thorough "examination," or "quality control inspection," to determine it's ability to comply with these new conditions.These evolutionary challenges always require effort, or endurance, be it individual organisms, species, or communities. Therefore, it is not only the climate that is becoming new, but we as human beings are experiencing a global change in the vital processes of living organisms, or life itself; which is yet another link in the total process.

This sounds very much like what I wrote about the transition between the Piscean and Aquarian age which according to most astronomers begins in 2658 (although certainly we are in the transition period now). This means that the last Aquarian Age took place at about 28,000 BCE, marking the end of the Neanderthal and the birth of Cro Magnon Man. Perhaps we are indeed at the dawning of a new species.

Posted by Lynn Hayes :: 6:39 PM :: |

---------------oOo--------------- Astrology for Bloggers! Meet Tim Boucher

This could be the beginning of a new series if there are other bloggers out there who'd like to participate. Tim Boucher of the great blog Pop Occulture suggested that I do his chart as a cross-blog project to see where in his chart we can find his interest in the hidden side of life and his particular and unique presentation on these subjects. If you have a blog and would like to do something similar just email me or leave a comment with your email.

Tim's blog reveals much of himself and who he is, and he reveals more in a bio on his site and an accompanying interview in which he says about his own chart:

I was just looking at some Capricon descriptions online, and was surprised/not surprised at all to see them say: “Without the structure of rules, restrictions, and values to guide them up the mountain toward their goals, they lose their way.” Which seems really accurate in relation to what I was talking about earlier about how I’m realizing limitations can actually be good for you. Saturn, Capricorn’s ruling planet has something to do with that too, doesn’t it? It seems like a lot of my stereotypical Capricorn tendencies are mitigated by my Cancer ascendant and Leo moon though. One of the most interesting things I often read in Capricorn descriptions though is that they tend to come into their own later in life than other signs. I’m only 25, but I’m starting to see that happen I think.

Tim is correct that Capricorn is connected with goals and limitations, and it is said that Capricorns are old when they're young and young when they're old. At 25 Tim has not yet come into his own, this will happen more fully after Saturn returns to its place in his birthchart when Tim is 28-30. During the younger years Capricorn individuals, who are ruled by Saturn's disicpline and limitations, often experience childhoods that are full of responsibility and burdens that are too heavy for such a young age. Tim's Capricorn Sun, though, is part of a Grand Trine in earth planets that helps open doors of opportunity for him to relieve the pressure of his Capricorn responsibilities.

Trines are harmonious aspects that facilitate the work of the two planets that are in aspect to each other, and in a Grand Trine there are three, all working together in harmony. Tim's Sun is trine Chiron which is in Taurus, showing that he is easily able to let go of his wounds and transmute them into spiritual evolution. This is a shamanic process, and Tim has expressed his interest in the authentic shamanic paths of the ancients. Tim's Sun is widely conjunct Mercury, but Mercury is closer in aspect to the other planets in the Grand Trine which tightens the Sun/Mercury conjunction by association. A conjunction of the Sun to Mercury, the planet of communication and ideas, is very like having the Sun in Gemini. There is a love of learning and a very bright mind, a strong intelligence. However, there is a restlessness with Mercury associated with the Sun and a hunger for learning that is not satisfied with one idea or one philosophy and in the Grand Trine one can get stuck in one's ideas. Tim writes:

Speaking of the Hero’s Journey and all that, it’s funny ’cause I used to think I was actually in the middle of it. But it turns out I probably hadn’t even started it yet, and was just sort of dreaming about it and living through it in my head. That’s, I think, the big danger of using these types of framing devices to understand your life according to. Is that it’s really easy to end up living inside the frame instead of the life.

Mars (drive, action) and Jupiter (luck, philosophy) are conjunct in Tim's chart in Virgo, demonstrating his drive (Mars) for learning and for exploring different truths to find meaning in life (Jupiter). Virgo is the sign of discrimination: of taking things apart to see how they work. Mars and Jupiter when conjunct impel us to follow an inner adventure as well as an outer one in order to find a world view in which we can rest. Tim writes, "Strip away the taboos and the superstition, and what you’re left with is a spirit of exploration and a dedication to finding things out for yourself. While there may be pitfalls along the way, keep this at the heart of your quest and you’ll always find your way home."

This conjunction of Mars and Jupiter is part of the Grand Trine in Tim's chart. The Grand Trine can be a trap in some charts, because the energy is so harmonious between the planets that there is nothing to promote change and resolution. Squares are difficult and painful, but they bring about a crisis through which change can take place. With the trines, particularly the Grand Trine which completes a circle, the person can become stuck as the energy whirls around with nowhere to go. In Tim's chart this is less likely to happen: with Sun in Capricorn he is goal-oriented and a planner, when he finds himself stuck he looks for the key. And the inclusion of Mars in the chart, supported by Jupiter, provides the fire energy needed to break out of the stuck boxes he may find himself in.

Tim's Moon is in Leo, so he has an inner craving to be recognized for his unique talents. This does not square well with his Capricorn Sun, which is all about the work and the results and tends to want to keep the ego in the background. In Leo the ego is to be celebrated and not pushed into a closet, so Tim may have some inner conflict about his growing fame which feeds his Moon and his emotional balance but seems to his Capricorn Sun like frivolity that has no place on the spiritual path.

Uranus, the planet of individuality and innovation, is in a square to Tim's Moon. This configuration often confers a sense of oddness, a feeling that we don't belong anywhere. Some with this placement manage this through social rebellion, Tim has found a way to channel this urge constructively through building an online community of intellectual exploration. Because Uranus is associated with technology and therefore the internet, many Uranians are more comfortable on the internet than in more conventional social arenas. Pluto, god of the underworld, is in harmonious aspect (sextile) to Tim's Moon which adds a depth and intensity to his emotional nature and a fearless embrace of the undercurrents of life.

Lately on Tim's site he has expressed some frustration in knowing where to go next with his work and with his life. One post reported taking a three-day fast followed by a raw food diet, accompanied by quite a bit of snake imagery. Transiting Pluto has been making a trine to his Moon, bringing with it a desire to purge and eliminate (Pluto) from the emotional underworld and helping him to shed his old skin (hence the snake) and emerge transformed, a new type of being. In December Pluto begins a new long-term cycle, square to Tim's Saturn. This is likely to bring significant change to Tim's world, creating some endings and some new beginnings. Pluto represents the will of the higher self, and when it sweeps through our world it always acts for our highest good. However, it does require surrender and letting go, something not easy for a Capricorn.

He has also been going through a more difficult transit of Uranus (the Awakener) to the Mars/Jupiter conjunction in his chart. This conjunction straddles the Nadir, the point of the Inner Life that is one end of an axis to the Midheaven, the point of the Public Life or career point. The effect of this transit to Mars/Jupiter does create a tremendous restlessness and frustration with the status quo. Transiting the Nadir one would expect a move of some kind, or at least a change in the way we construct our inner world. There may be a sense that life is no longer safe as the sands beneath us shift but it does open our awareness to higher levels of consciousness and wisdom. This cycle began for Tim earlier this year, and will continue into the spring. Uranus will be a tremendous boon for Tim because of the nature of his work, although it may be somewhat uncomfortable for him at times as his very roots are being rattled.

These cycles will continue to open up the spiral of Tim's awareness and understanding which will be a great boon to those of us who read his work, and they will help to prepare Tim for great success during his Saturn return! Update: See what Tim has to say about this project.

Posted by Lynn Hayes :: 7:19 AM :: |

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Sunday, November 19, 2006

Happy Birthday Astrological Musings!

It was one year ago today that I blogged my first post, and so I'm having a party and you're all invited! This has been a really fun year. Originally I intended this blog to be a place for day to day updates of planetary cycles for my client list, but it's grown into so much more. At first it was difficult to find the discipline to sit down every day to write, but now it's a complete joy. There are so many things that I've been able to research and write about that before I would have just thought of fleetingly and forgotten: what made Mel Gibson go crazy? what makes Ann Coulter such a wacko? What happened the last time Saturn opposed Neptune?

I also want to give a shout out to some people that have given support to this endeavor: Rich, who patiently waits during my hours on the computer, Jill, who set me up and encouraged me when no more than 20 people showed up at first; Laurel, Jon and Andrea, the first friends who read the blog and liked it; Jeffrey, the first astrologer who sent me kind and encouraging words; and most importantly, all of you who come and visit regularly and especially those who leave comments. As a writer, it's really nice to get to know some of the people who are stopping by and giving feedback. Update! Two more thank yous: to Elsa and Robert, whose links help bring more readers every day, and to CK Rairden who is now posting to his National Ledger site not only celebrity profiles but also anything I send him.

This blog is for you, and your suggestions and feedback are welcome and encouraged! Some of you have sent requests for profiles that I haven't done yet but I haven't forgotten: they're waiting for a news event that likely reflects a planetary cycle that will provide something of interest to us.

Thank you all for your support!!

Posted by Lynn Hayes :: 9:27 AM :: |

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Friday, November 17, 2006

Scorpio New Moon

The Scorpio New Moon occurs November 20 at 5:17 pm, with the Moon and Sun conjunct at 28 degrees Scorpio. Scorpio is the sign of endings, of elimination, where we face our own destructive urges and become reborn in the fire, and with the New Moon at the end of Scorpio we find an intensifying and focusing energy that clears out the old debris of our lives and fosters new beginnings. At the New Moon the solar conscious principle fuses with the lunar unconscious, and this New Moon is part of a stellium of five planets in Scorpio (see the last few articles for more Scorpio information). Under the Scorpio influence we must go down into the basement of our unconscious and face all of the things we have left there, the rotted debris of our past that holds energy, keeping us from moving forward. The process of going down into the basement, facing death and confronting the dark side of life and of our own unconscious urges, serves to build our personal power base from within. Like cleaning the basement, as we release our emotional debris we become energized and able to leave the past behind as we move forward with renewed empowerment.

Jupiter, the Great Liberator and bringer of opportunity, is tightly conjunct the New Moon adding confidence and an awareness of infinite possibilities. Under Jupiter's influence our awareness expands to encompass new realms of ideas and philosophies; we are inspired to take action in new ways that liberate us. Mercury has just turned direct and Uranus turns direct the day of the New Moon, bringing in the Uranian theme of innovation as well as fairness and equality.

The trine of Uranus to Mercury becomes part of the New Moon's energy and assists in our liberation against the status quo (Uranus) of old ways of thinking (Mercury) and may also assist us in going down into the psychic basement to clear out the mess. Liz Greene refers to the "tenant in the basement," who is quiet for long periods of time and then under a stressful astrological aspect will start banging on the door, demanding immediate attention. Embracing the Scorpio process of elimination and regeneration will help to facilitate the new beginnings possible at this time. The alliance between Uranus and Mercury can provide new ideas and inspiration.

Mars is still locked in a challenge from Neptune during the New Moon, confusing (Neptune) our drive (Mars) and weakening (Neptune) our physical energy (Mars). Yoga or Tai Chi are good activities for challenging Mars/Neptune events since they connect the physical energy, or chi, with the ascension to spirit that Neptune calls for. We also see Saturn within a degree of a trine to Pluto, an aspect that will not come to fruition until August of next year.The harmonious interaction between the two Lords of Darkness is a powerful ally, aligning the discipline and grounding of Saturn with the transformative power of Pluto to facilitate our ability to manifest our goals.

This New Moon challenges us to reframe our ideas about what makes us powerful, and liberates a new vision of who we are and who we can become.

After Uranus turns direct no planets will be in retrograde motion for the first time in nearly six years. Retrograde planets tend to retrace our steps and cause us to go back and revisit the same issues over and over again, and now with all planets moving forward there will be much more energy for progress, both individually and on the world stage.

Labels: New Moon Scorpio

Posted by Lynn Hayes :: 7:54 AM :: |

---------------oOo--------------- Astrology Lesson: Evolution of the Progressed Sun

In my own personal theology, the Soul is the unchangeable, pure energy that has descended into the matter of the body. Once the Soul has come into form, it takes on an individuality that I call the Self. The Self doesn't change, it's the essence of who we are in this lifetime; however, the Self has attributes that I call the Personality which do evolve over time. (I make no claims that this is absolute fact, but merely a theology that works for me.)

The Personality is mapped in the birthchart, with the various planets, luminaries and points each illustrating a facet of the personality. The birthchart never changes, and our basic personality traits remain the same. An introvert will never transform into an extrovert, a fiery person will never lose that fire. However, as we learn and grow from our experiences these personality traits modify somewhat; our goals change and evolve and we are constantly seeing the world through new lenses. The progressed chart reflects those new lenses and describes the way our perspective is changing.

There are many different ways to progress a chart but the most common, and in my view the most accurate, is the secondary progressions which advance the chart one day for one year. Astrology is a symbolic system, and there is no way to explain why this would work; experience is the only proof. In the secondary system, the inner planets which are the fastest moving are progressed a day for a year, so that in ten years the progressed Sun would have advanced ten degrees. (We typically only use the Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars and sometimes Jupiter in progressions.) The progressed chart doesn't change who we are; it simply shows the change of perspective, goals and focus as we evolve through time. I view the progressed chart as a transparent overlay that goes over the birthchart.

The astrological Sun describes the quest or mission of the Self in its current incarnation. The Pisces Sun has come to earth to perfect the Pisces experience of dissolving the boundary of Self and merging with the infinite consciousness while still remaining grounded on Planet Earth. The Leo Sun has come to perfect the celebration of the ego from within, to shine from within without need for the admiration that can be Leo's downfall. As we progress through life, the Sun progresses through the signs of the zodiac (usually two or three signs but possibly four, depending on the length of the life) and the progressed Sun adds another dimension to the essential spirit of the Self.

In the natural order of the signs, the element of each sign is incompatible than the element of the sign before or after it. The issues that arise from one sign to the next are very different, and this transition creates an environment where the personality can evolve and grow. For example, the person who is born at 28 degrees Pisces will progress into Aries at age two where they will add the Aries dimension to their personality. They will still experience the yearning of Pisces to merge with the great beyond, but they will now add another layer of fire with its courage and aggression to their quest. At age 30 this person's Sun will progress into earthy Taurus and the urge to create a secure environment will begin to take precedence over other matters. Throughout their life their inner nature will be indisputably Pisces, but their personality will take on other facets as reflected in the personality.

We talk about "transits and progressions" as though they were the same, but in reality they are not. Transits describe the effect of planets in the sky today and the angles that they make to planets in our birthchart, and these cycles typically create events in our life that push us to grow. Progressions, on the other hand, are not so event-oriented, although we create events as we evolve and change. Progressions tend to be longer cycles that illuminate our continued awakening to new dimensions of awareness and consciousness, and give us new tools for our soul's development.

Labels: Astrology Lesson, Progressions

Posted by Lynn Hayes :: 5:35 AM :: |

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Wednesday, November 15, 2006

New Storm on Saturn

Saturn is currently undergoing the biggest storm ever seen outside of Earth, a "monster storm" that is behaving like a hurricane. Space.com reports that the storm itself is two-thirds the diameter of earth, 5,000 miles across, swirling with 350 mph winds at the South Pole of Saturn.

Saturn made the news back in February 2006 with a big storm as transiting Chiron was opposite Saturn from earth's perspective. This event mirrored a big storm on Saturn back in 1994 when a similar dynamic was in place (see earlier article for more details).

There's some interesting synchronicity in the timing of this storm just as the Republican leadership in the US has lost to the Democrats and the power of President Bush is on the wane. Saturn rules leadership and in Leo is associated with Kings and rulers as well. Saturn's sojourn through Leo was predicted to instigate the downfall of those in charge and it has lived up to its reputation. Leo is also the sign of ego manifestation, making it a prevalent sign in political leaders as well as celebrities, and when the god of limitation and disappointment (Saturn) travels through the sign of ego gratification heads often roll as they are now.

I'm not claiming that a storm on Saturn will have an effect on earth, but perhaps the energies on Saturn swirling at an alarming speed illustrates the whirlwind of change that is manifesting here on earth as well. The situation in Iraq is in flux hourly, as is the political situation in the US Congress where battles are being fought over Democratic leadership positions. Saturn tests us to see if we're strong enough to face the challenges, and we've certainly had our share of those this year.

Labels: Saturn

Posted by Lynn Hayes :: 7:09 PM :: |

---------------oOo--------------- More on Scorpio Transformation

As we complete the powerful Scorpio week with five planets clustered in that sign of passion and intensity here is another dimension from Robert Wilkinson:

Scorpio is devotion made manifest, showing us our desire and what we're willing to do to get it. Like Taurus, it shows us the lessons of “mine and thine” as we interact with others. It is the part of us willing to hold the line on what we want and how we wish to possess others. This sign deeply merges into shared values with others, yet also knows how to draw clear and definite boundaries between the values and desires of each.

Scorpio, when freed of the traps of perpetual dissatisfaction, stubbornness, excessive desire, and not knowing when to stop, demonstrates a consistency and reliability in sustaining the collective effort. They are devoted warriors that will hold the line unto death if need be, hanging in there when everybody else has bailed. Scorpio, like Libra, is highly socialized and need people, but are less likely to compromise as they strive to get closer and closer to the object they are attracted to. [emphasis added]

Sometimes too impulsive, they persist in rhythmic activity that flows from icy calm to fiery intensity, movement to rest to movement in an unending spiral of evolution. When Scorpio learns to let go of possessiveness, jealousy, suspicion, and any tendencies to be domineering, dishonest, or violent they become a living miracle of trustworthy, heroic courage. They are master healers, creative and inspiring, one-pointed and tenacious in their mission of service.

The challenge of Scorpio is to experience the intensity fully and then surrender. It's a tough assignment. All of us have Scorpio in our chart somewhere and this Scorpio period activates that dynamic in our own charts. Even if Scorpio can be found only on the cusp of one of the twelve houses in our chart, the issues of that house helps to guide us towards that surrender.

I'll be writing more on Pluto and the Galactic Center (exactly conjunct December 26) over Thanksgiving week when I have some time off and can do more research. This has been a very Plutonic year what with the reclassification of Pluto and its conjunction with the GC. Transformation is afoot, and only time will tell what forms it all will take. Take advantage of the end of this Scorpio period to slough off the chaff of your life that no longer serves you, and prepare for the rebirth to come.

Labels: Scorpio, Transformation

Posted by Lynn Hayes :: 7:12 AM :: |

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Tuesday, November 14, 2006

The TomKat Nuptials

Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes have set their wedding date for November 18. Astrologers at TMZ.com report that if they marry on this day they are doomed because the Moon is "void of course" that day. I myself have some questions about the durability of this relationship but it has nothing to do with the Moon and its course.

The Moon is said to be void of course after it makes its last aspect to another planet before moving into the next zodiac sign, and some believe that during these periods people are less focused and unable to make good judgements. Some live their life by the moon tables, refusing to participate in any activity during the void moon. I have not found this to be so in real life; moreoever, this kind of fear-based thinking simply perpetuates the notion that we have no control over what happens in our own lives.

TMZ goes on to say that "Of course, the other planets involved -- Venus, Saturn, Mars, and Neptune, as well as the Sun -- don't spectacularly align for the couple; with foreboding, hardship and destruction the dominant themes of the planetary tea leaves." I completely disagree. Venus, the goddess of love, will have entered Sagittarius the day before and is therefore beyond reach of a "bad" aspect to Saturn that could put a crimp on the day's socializing. In addition, Venus will be conjunct Jupiter, the god of abundance and possibilities, and Venus will be exactly trine Tom Cruise's Moon that day, expanding and opening his heart. These are very positive aspects for a wedding. Tom has some anger issues amanating from a natal square of Uranus (rebellion) to Mars (aggression) and on his wedding day transiting Jupiter will oppose his Mars which could exacerbate his need to have his own way. Still, the lovely Venus aspects should keep this from creating problems.

The day will be more difficult for Katie, whose birthchart shows a conjunction of Venus (love) to Uranus (rebellion) in a challenging aspect to her Moon (emotions and security). This dynamic shows her intense need for freedom within her relationships and a difficulty in expressing her emotions to her loved ones. The square of Mars to Neptune that TMZ refers to, causing confusion (Neptune) about what we desire and how we express our needs (Mars) will be stirring up Katie's emotions and her need for independence. She has been going through a difficult cycle of Pluto transiting her Sun, creating turmoil in her life and turning it upside down. That cycle continues through next year, but she is a strong person and can use this event to her advantage. Transiting Neptune (confusion) has been square to her Moon over the past year and a half, corresponding to her whirlwind courtship and pregnancy and making her prone to fantasy and illusion. That cycle has ended and she is coming back into her own.

Still Tom and Katie are both actors and the day is bound to be a glamorous one. In my practice I NEVER use the word "doomed." There are challenges that are sometimes difficult to overcome, but it is exactly those challenges that stretch us and offer a path for individual growth and evolution.

Labels: Celebrities, pluto transits, void of course moon

Posted by Lynn Hayes :: 6:28 AM :: |

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Monday, November 13, 2006

Planetary news this week

Mercury is approaching the second phase of a trine to Uranus: a lively time for ideas (with Mercury) and emotional connections (the Scorpio influence). Uranus is the awakener - it dusts off the cobwebs and prepares us for something new. Under the Uranian influence we are better prepared to embrace new challenges and an expanded understanding of the way our universe works. The bizarre is normal under the influence of Uranus which is known for eccentricity, the perfect environment to bring out the new Borat movie, highlighting what is quite possibly the most eccentric hero ever.

Venus made a square to Saturn yesterday (the 13th), forcing us to confront our responsibility to our loved ones. Relations with others are still a little testy as Venus, still within orb of the square to Saturn, makes a conjunction to Jupiter, causing us to be a little more self-indulgent than usual. Under stressful Venus/Jupiter contacts we tend to expect more from others than we are ourselves willing to give and the Scorpio influence of Venus at that time is not quick to forgive.

Fortunately, on the 17th Venus enters Sagittarius and all difficulties are forgotten. In Sagittarius, Venus seeks freedom and mutual respect and does not get bogged down into the scorekeeping that in Scorpio can cause problems. The timing is particularly fortunate for those of us headed off to spend Thanksgiving week with family! However, we will need to be a little careful because Mars will square Neptune on Friday, creating vague disturbances as the Mars aggression becomes consumed by Neptune's watery mists. If any conflict arises at the end of the week it may be best to wait a few days to attempt a resolution until the issues become more clear.

The New Moon over Thanksgiving week will help us to make a new start, whether we're with family or on our own. The New Moon will be the final step of the Scorpio process, ushering out the debris of transformation in preparation for the Sagittarian expansion that follows.

Posted by Lynn Hayes :: 6:34 AM :: |

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Sunday, November 12, 2006

This is disappointing

Thanks to Jude Cowell for this heads up:

On Sunday, November 12th in Racine, I will hold my 1000th Listening Session with the people of Wisconsin. Before reaching that milestone, I want you to know that I've decided to continue my role as Wisconsin's Junior Senator in the U.S. Senate and not to seek the Democratic nomination for President in 2008.

--Russ Feingold

Jill has the whole transcript.

If you read my article Feingold for President, you know that I am a huge fan. Feingold is going through a number of positive life-changing planetary events (Pluto trine ascendant and trine his Saturn/Neptune conjunction, Pluto and Saturn trine Venus). The ascendant/Venus connection shows that his attitude towards his personal identity and his relationships are undergoing a major transformation. Saturn is retrograde in his natal chart which often confers an inordinate amount of self-criticism. I wonder if he feels he isn't ready to make that big step. Still, he's young and there will be plenty of time for him to run in 2012, just in time for the big changes.

Labels: Politics

Posted by Lynn Hayes :: 8:06 PM :: |

---------------oOo--------------- George Bush solar chart

Philip Brown at Astrofuture Trends has an article on Bush's solar return chart that adds more detail on what's in store for Bush over the next year.

President Bush’s 2006 solar return, which shows what will happen in his life through July, 2007, has no planets in the earth element. This is a significant imbalance, indicating a lack of support with little to ground him. The bottom drops from under his political footing. This is what has started to happen with the Democratic takeover of Congress, and it will continue for at least the next eight months. Bush has not reached the end of his plummet.

Pluto, the point of transformation in the horoscope, is conjunct his solar return Ascendant. Bush’s whole public façade will continue to undergo intense change through the first half of 2007. He will confront issues of personal power.

The Moon and Jupiter are conjunct in the 10th house of career, indicating a big (Jupiter) change (Moon) in that area of Bush’s life. That does not mean he will be impeached, but his political career will undergo intense change (the solar return Moon is in Scorpio). Saturn squares the Moon-Jupiter conjunction, so the change will not be a pleasant one for Bush. He’s not getting a promotion. We can already see this happening with his “demotion” by voters in the midterm election.

I would add that this chart is for the year that began in July when the Sun returned to its place in Bush's birthchart.

Posted by Lynn Hayes :: 8:00 PM :: |

---------------oOo--------------- Sunday Scorpio Inspiration

To penetrate into the essence of all being and significance, and to release the fragrance of that inner attainment for the guidance and benefit of others, by expressing in the world of forms - truth, love, purity and beauty - this is the sole game that has any intrinsic and absolute worth. All other incidents and attainments can, in themselves, have no lasting importance.

~Meher Baba 'Discourses'

Posted by Lynn Hayes :: 7:33 AM :: |

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Saturday, November 11, 2006

The Scorpion, the Eagle and the Phoenix

Since we are in a time of heavy Scorpio influence right now I thought it would be appropriate to spend a few days delving into the mystery of this sign. Scorpio is a multidimensional sign with both an ancient ruler (Mars) and a modern ruler (Pluto). The ancient rulers of the multidimensional signs tend to show where we can get stuck in stereotypes, and the modern rulers show the transformational pathway.

Scorpio has not just two symbols but three: the Scorpion, the Eagle and the Phoenix. Scorpio fearlessly delves into the darker emotions of the human psyche; like the Scorpion, the Scorpio personality prefers to crawl low to the ground, hiding in hidden corners and is prepared to sting and destroy if threatened in any way. This illustrates the Mars factor of the earth-bound nature of Scorpio: the aggressive intensity of rage and self-protection. The Eagle shares with the scorpion the ability to strike at a moment's notice, but where the Scorpion's journey is low to the ground the Eagle soars above the earth, proud and free. The Eagle has a probing eye that sees what others miss and like the Mars warrior, is very aware of the subtle dynamics of power.

The Phoenix is the transformational symbol of Scorpio. Like the Eagle, in ancient times the Phoenix was a symbol of the Sun that was said to live for 500 years. At the end of its life it built a funeral pyre and burned in the flames, only to regenerate its progeny from those very flames. The Scorpio nature cannot run from the destruction of the fire of its emotional intensity, but within that fire is the secret of immortality and resurrection. Scorpio is a water sign but Mars bestows the essence of fire as well and with it the courage to enter the fire and become transformed.

Deb Houlding has an excellent article on Scorpio in this month's Mountain Astrologer which is also on her website. I was particularly interested in the analysis Deb did of the scorpion and eagle connection:

If, as the Egyptians thought, scorpions represent initiation into the sacred mysteries, we can consider the sign's other related creature, the eagle, as a higher expression of Scorpio power. Many ancient astrologers, including Ibn Ezra [Arabic astrologer] , recognised eagle symbolism as valid to this sign, since the biblical prophet Ezekiel described a vision, believed to be drawn from Babylonian astrology and representative of the 'fixed cross of matter':

As for the likeness of their faces, they four had the face of a man [Aquarius], and the face of a lion [Leo], on the right side: and they four had the face of an ox [Taurus] on the left side; they four also had the face of an eagle [Scorpio]. (Ezekiel 1 verse 10).

Saint John's book of the Apocalypse (Revelation 4, v7) also alludes to the vision, of which Fred Gettings, in The Secret Zodiac, writes:

The eagle of St John is the eagle of Scorpio, which sign (alone of all the twelve) has two images, the eagle the symbol of the redeemed and spiritualized Scorpionic nature, the scorpion its fallen, unredeemed and earth-bound nature. [2]

Transcendence from the crawling scorpion to the soaring eagle, still predatory, still conveying the essence of patience and penetration, but capable of flight and height, brings together the theme of destruction and renewal as a story of evolution.

With five planets still in Scorpio for the next week, we are all facing the call to explore the inner recesses of our psyches and see where we need to face the fire and rise again.

Labels: Phoenix, Scorpio

Posted by Lynn Hayes :: 7:18 AM :: |

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Friday, November 10, 2006

George Bush: The Next Phase

You may want to go back and read the original profile on George W from 2003 here, and the 2006 update here.

President Bush has famously wanted not to do anything the way his father did it. He wanted to succeed in Iraq where his father failed, and he became the willing puppet of the military industrial complex. Bush loves to play president and he has a weak ego (Sun square to Chiron/Moon/Jupiter) that relies on external props in order to maintain a sense of self-confidence. The fact that he has now brought in his father's advisers (James Baker and the new Secretary of Defense Robert Gates.

Over the past year Bush has been pummeled by transits of Saturn (the Celestial Taskmaster) to his ascendant (identity), Mercury (thought process), Pluto (power base) and Venus (relationships), yet he has stubbornly held fast to his failed policies, not wanting to admit defeat. Chiron is approaching an opposition to Bush's ascendant in the next month, forcing him to wake up to the realities of how his identity (ascendant) has been shaped by the partnerships that he has forged (descendant). Although Chiron is known as the Wounded Healer, it doesn't come through with a magic wand, healing our psychic wounds with a flip of the wrist. Chiron strips off the layers of emotional protection we have built over our wounded places and asks us to walk into the fire of our pain. If we do the firewalk and face the hidden parts of ourselves we are are able to release the pain of that wound for all time. If we do not face that challenge we often find ourselves with disease or other physical health problems.

Chiron will proceed over the first few months of 2007 to oppose Bush's Mercury, Pluto and then Venus, bringing his self-doubt (Mercury) into the field of consciousness. Chiron transits to Pluto tend to bring us face to face with our deepest compulsions and fears (Pluto), and the opposition of Chiron to Bush's Venus will continue the process that Saturn began earlier in the year to force him to reevaluate the alliances and partnerships that he has forged. The next few months are likely to be fairly difficult for him on an emotional level and I suspect that he will begin to delegate more responsibility to new staff members and be less of "the decider." Because he depends so much on the trappings of power to feel secure within himself, the loss of Congress has hit him hard. This may manifest in one of two ways: either he will lash out in a show of bravado to shore up his confidence, or else after an initial show of that bravado he will slink away and leave the real work to his advisers.

Pluto is inconjunct Saturn in Bush's chart, beginning back in February/March of this year and returning next July through October of 2007, forcing him to face his own weakness and lack of individual power. Bush's presidency has been marked by efforts to enforce powers unheard of in any previous administration. In early 2006 as this transit began, Bush faced mounting calls for his impeachment over his handling of the Iraq war. He signed into law a version of the Deficit Reduction act that had not been passed by the House of Representatives in violation of the US Constitution. During this period Bush's approval ratings slipped to 33%.

The inconjunct (30 degrees) is a peculiar aspect: like the quincunx (150 degrees) the two signs have nothing in common, no connection at all. They don't conflict, they don't harmonize. They frustrate each other with no outlet for release. An inconjunct or quincunx by transit creates a buildup of distress but there is no crisis event that creates change. It therefore requires patience and a conscious effort to integrate internally.

The opposition of Saturn to Neptune over the next year will affect Venus in Bush's chart as well, continuing the pressure on his alliances and other relationships. Already there is talk that the influence of Dick Cheney, the partner-in-chief (Vice President) is on the wane with the demise of Rumsfeld. Because Venus in the chart shows our attractiveness to others as well as the substance of our partnerships, the stress from this transit is likely to continue to diminish Bush's standing in the world.

The planets seem to say that Bush will be a shrinking president over the next two years. Hopefully this means an increasingly empowered Congress.

Posted by Lynn Hayes :: 7:14 AM :: |

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Thursday, November 09, 2006

The Birthday Calculator

Thanks to Richard Nolle's Website of the Week for this fun site: The Birthday Calculator.

Input your birthdate and out comes this amazing amount of information: Your Life Path number, the sign in the Chinese Zodiac and the Native American Zodiac. I discovered my Native American sign is Raven which is fascinating to me because ravens are always shouting at me. You get your Egyptian and Hebrew birthdays, the Mayan Calendar long count, and the Islamic calendar date.

You get to find out how old you are in hours, minutes and seconds and how old you are in dog years. As if that's not enough, you will know how many BTUs your birthday candles will give off.

It's a fun way to blow off stress following the election and gives a little comic relief as well.

Posted by Lynn Hayes :: 7:48 PM :: |

---------------oOo--------------- Meet Nancy Pelosi!

After the Democrats swept Congress in the mid-term election, Nancy Pelosi will be the new Speaker of the House, the first woman ever to hold that position. Breaking glass ceilings is nothing new for Nancy; she was the first Minority Whip back in 2001 and once the Democrats take over the House in January she will be third in line for the Presidency.

Nancy Pelosi was a homemaker married to a wealthy banker turned real estate developer until her last child was a high school senior, after which she began working her way up in the California Democratic party. Because of her husband's wealth she has been criticized by both Republicans and progressive Democrats for her fundraising practices which illegally used multiple PACs to exceed federal fundraising limits (the PACS were immediately shut down when declared illegal). She has raised more money for Democrats than anyone else other than the Clintons. She has also been criticized for signing off, along with Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid, on President Bush's NSA spy program. Pelosi is reviled by Republicans as a "San Franciso Liberal," hinting at her support of gay marriage although she has been cagey on this issue which has drawn fire from liberals as well. Correctly, she sees this issue as a diversionary tactic to draw attention from the real issues of the day: the war in Iraq and the state of the US.

Still, Nancy Pelosi is generally respected and admired by Democrats and has shown a strong and fiery leadership style. She has brought the congressional Democrats together to form a solid voting bloc, sometimes with encouragement and sometimes by withholding funds. House Democrats under her leadership have been more unified than any other time in the past twenty-five years.

Pelosi's birthchart tells an interesting story of a strong and passionate woman who is comfortable with power and seeks to effect real change in the world. The word most frequently used to describe her is "fiery" which is not a surprise: her Sun is in Aries, the sign of the warrior. Those with Sun in Aries are courageous and independent, seeking experiences that will allow the purest expression of their will.

The Sun represents the expression of the ego and the individual Self, and Pelosi's Sun makes a harmonious aspect (trine) to Pluto, the planet of power. The alignment of the Self (Sun) with the planet of power (Pluto) encourages a passionate drive to achieve and a single-minded focus of purpose. Pelosi is comfortable with power: she once said as a child that she would rather be a priest rather than a nun because the priests had all the power. Pluto gains power through the transformation of endings and regeneration; throwing off the old skin that no longer fits in order to grow into the new, more powerful self. Pelosi's political career has demonstrated this focused evolutionary growth as her power steadily has increased without the usual bumps and blips that other powerful people endure.

Pelosi's Moon is in Scorpio, showing her emotional intensity and passion. Scorpios are courageous and fearless when it comes to their emotions, and Pelosi is not afraid to release the Scorpio sting when she is angered. She has attacked her Republican colleagues for running a criminal enterprise. She unapologetically calls President Bush incompetent. She called Hugo Chavez a thug. But her self-avowed thick skin has won her the respect of both her fans and her critics.

Pelosi can be extremely stubborn with three planets conjunct in Taurus: Uranus, Venus and Mars. The placement of Mars shows our aggression and drive, and in the fixed earth sign of Taurus there is a drive for stability and a fixed nature. Nancy Pelosi is not very flexible and doesn't like change. The conjunction of Mars to Venus shows an individual who has a strong drive (Mars) for relationships with others (Venus) and can be somewhat pushy, and the addition of Uranus to the combination shows that she is drawn to people who are unusual and different from her. This quality serves her well in politics where she must deal with a wide variety of personalities.

Mercury in the birthchart reveals our communication style and the way we process information and our experiences. Nancy Pelosi's Mercury is in the watery sign of Pisces, the sign of the mystic and visionary, showing that she is intuitive and imaginative but can get lost in daydreams and fantasies. Mercury is retrograde in her chart, meaning that it appeared to move backward at the time she was born. Those with Mercury retrograde in their birthchart find it difficult to express themselves clearly and to feel that they are understood by others. Pelosi is notorious for her clumsy speaking style and inability to think fast on her feet. She resorts to repetition of talking points that doesn't do justice to her ability to synthesize the positions of various individuals and create a single point of focus that becomes a goal for that group. This is the innate intuition that the Pisces Mercury bestows, a terrific tool for bringing people together in action.

Although the trine of the Sun to Pluto discussed above gives Pelosi a natural affinity for the evolution of power in her personality, she also has Saturn in square to Pluto which creates an ongoing battle within her psyche and often creates a sense that one is responsible (Saturn) for the evolution of society (Pluto). For Pelosi I suspect that this causes her to constantly see where things need to be improved and provides the push that she needs to continue pushing the envelope for change.

Whether you agree with her or not, Nancy Pelosi will no doubt continue to break through boundaries as she continues her quest to fix what's wrong with America, transforming the governmental power structure in the process.

Sources: Lesley Stahl interview, Wikipedia, American Prospect.

Posted by Lynn Hayes :: 6:35 AM :: |

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Wednesday, November 08, 2006

More Magic from the Universe

Thanks to Universe Today for this gorgeous photo of the Trapezium region in the Orion Nebula (click to enlarge the photo). There is a feeling of opening in this photo that feels very much like the spirit of change that is in the air.

Posted by Lynn Hayes :: 12:38 PM :: |

---------------oOo--------------- A New Day

Overall it could have been worse. Although voting hours were extended in eight states due to equipment malfunctions (Mercury Rx) and one disgruntled voter in Allentown Pennsylvania smashed a voting machine with a paperweight, there were fewer problems than expected. As promised by the square of Mercury to Neptune, the fate of the Senate still hangs in the balance due to problems with a voting machine and a tight race in Virginia that will likely require a recount that could go on for days. Still, the sweep of the House of Representatives by the Democrats is the harbinger of a change in the United States political landscape.

Change is taking place elsewhere, and the results could create a challenge for the US. In Nicaragua the Sandanista leader Daniel Ortega retook the presidency after being ousted with help from the Reagan/Bush White House. Chavez has already offered an alliance to Ortega in his vision to create a socialist future for South America. This could make it more difficult for the US to influence other South American governments as well.

I also want to brag on my own little county of Chatham in North Carolina with just over 50,000 residents, where four years ago a national developer subsidiary of Hunt Oil bought a county commissioner in order to pass a development that will eventually be the largest town in the county. Other national developers followed, and now a local builder cannot afford to purchase land in this formerly rural county. During this process environmental regulations were decimated to make it easier for high density development to occur in watersheds and near streams that fed into the lake that provides drinking water. For four years the citizens have become a well-organized machine battling the out-of-town development interests and finally yesterday we won in a major sweep of the county offices.

When Pluto was reclassified along with Eris and Ceres, it occurred to me that the symbology of this could mean that the way we view power, one of Pluto's keywords, would change forever. As we head into the Aquarian age issues of fairness and equality will become more important than power, and it does appear that the old notions of "world power" are dissolving with the threat of terrorism. This kind of insurgency cannot be fought with nuclear weapons or missile defense systems, it must be fought in the hearts and minds of individuals.

Hopefully we can begin now to take the necessary steps to accomplish this.

Posted by Lynn Hayes :: 6:51 AM :: |

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Tuesday, November 07, 2006

Who could've seen this coming

Mercury is retrograde for the first time during an election since the one in 2000, and we all know how that turned out: a few hanging chads determined the course of history.

MSNBC reports:

Programming errors and inexperience dealing with electronic voting machines frustrated poll workers in hundreds of precincts early Tuesday, delaying voters in Indiana, Ohio, Miss. and Florida and leaving some with little choice but to use paper ballots instead.

In Cleveland, voters rolled their eyes as election workers fumbled with new touchscreen machines that they couldn’t get to start properly until about 10 minutes after polls opened.

The New York Times reports:

No one expects Florida elections to go smoothly, but this year the state got off to an alarming start. Voters reported that after selecting Democratic candidates on electronic voting machines, the review screens registered that they had chosen Republicans. A spokeswoman for the Broward County supervisor of elections told The Miami Herald that the machines often fall out of sync under heavy use, but that they can be fixed when voters complain.

With Mercury (along with the Sun and Venus) in a tight square to Neptune the Times goes on:

Unfortunately, many of the things that go wrong [today] may be invisible to the average voter. Machines that appear to work properly may be throwing out or altering votes. Without a voter-verified paper trail and an effective vote audit, this can go undetected. Provisional ballots may be wrongly rejected after the polls close. Some states, shamefully, have laws saying that if a provisional ballot is cast in the correct polling place but at the wrong table, it will not count.

Hopefully the result will be clear enough that it is beyond dispute. Otherwise we could be in a bit of a sticky wicket.

Posted by Lynn Hayes :: 3:46 PM :: |

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Monday, November 06, 2006

VOTE NOVEMBER 7!!!

Only YOU can bring back our country. Yes, Mercury is retrograde and Saturn is opposite Neptune and Pluto is getting ready to conjunct the Galactic Center, but the fate of the world is in YOUR hands. Get out there and vote and be a part of creating a new world.

If you need some inspiration, watch this video:

Posted by Lynn Hayes :: 8:18 PM :: |

---------------oOo--------------- More on the Transit of Mercury

You may want to re-read my original article on this Transit here, and Jude Cowell at Stars Over Washington has another view which includes the Sabian Symbols for all pertinent degree points. I've excerpted just a part, check the link for the entire article:

Looking at the Mercury Transit chart for Nov 8, 2:15 pm, Capitol Building:

we see a rising Uranus 10Pis52 Rx = technology, Rx = recounts?; change and reform? rebellion and disruption? *Power outages, since Uranus = lightening and electricity? . . .

I'm relating this fairly rare Transit of Mercury across the Sun (leader) to the midterm elections for obvious timely reasons. And Mercury relates to paper "trails", agreements, and as such, esp since only a hapless dolt can expect smooth running from this highly contentious melee with its hackable voting machines and its win-at-all-costs participants.

North Node, with its connection to the Public (bwo the Moon) is in first house and rising, NN 23Pis56. In horary charts, NN in first house would be considered a fortunate thing!

2:12 pm: At this Moon Hour of changes, an out-of-bounds Moon is able to act of her own accord without interference from the other energies--so will the Public hold sway? Moon is also at a critical 29th degree, 29Gem41, and as you know, communicative Gemini is often of two minds, which expresses mightily our polarized population...polarized by the "divide and conquer" model of politicians everywhere.

Wherever we find Gemini we find multiplicity (many many ballots to count?) and sometimes duplicity. In our dualistic world--also signified by Gemini, sign of the Twins--energies will express, if not within ourselves, then in our outer environment.

Sounds like good times , doesn't it?

Posted by Lynn Hayes :: 7:33 AM :: |

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Sunday, November 05, 2006

From the advice column: When will I meet my soulmate?

Q: Can you tell me when I will meet my soulmate? Or what is keeping me from meeting her?

A: I'm glad that you wrote to me, because you have a type of chart that can make it difficult to gain perspective on your life by yourself. Your chart lacks the air element which helps to facilitate this perspective and the thoughts of others can act as a mirror for you which can be useful.

You are a strong Leo, with not only your Sun in Leo but also your mercury (thoughts and communication) and Jupiter (faith and meaning). These three Leo planets are in your first house and the Sun is your chart ruler; all of this tells us that your true mission in this lifetime is to develop your own personality and learn to express your own creative and unique individuality. Any relationship that you become involved in will need to give you the room to be able to be completely and truly yourself.

Your Sun conjuncts Jupiter, which gives you a great deal of self confidence and a natural good fortune; however, this combination is squared by Neptune which can make it easy for you to lose yourself in your fantasies and you may let opportunities slip through your fingers.

Your Scorpio Moon shows that your emotions (Moon) are deep and passionate (Scorpio) and that you have a tendency to hold onto things and people. Scorpio does not let go and Leo can be rather stubborn as well. It may be difficult for you to let go of relationships that aren't good for you. Often letting go of situations that are no longer working for us frees us to be open when the right situation comes along. Your Moon is conjunct Neptune, showing that you are very romantic and creative, probably artistic.

Venus in your chart is in Virgo and it is in retrograde motion (meaning that when you were born Venus appeared to be moving backwards). This can make it difficult for you to express your affection to your loved ones and I suspect they may not always know how you feel about them. Venus in Virgo can be somewhat picky and you may be waiting for someone who has a perfect appearance rather than looking for the person who is perfect for you. Venus is conjunct Pluto which sometimes brings a fear of rejection.

Leo has a sense of royalty, and rejection for Leo is not just painful but it strikes at the heart of one's individuality. This alone could make it difficult for you to engage in relationships that have a true potential. We often want to run from this kind of discomfort but it's important to have courage and face your fear; keep yourself from running when you feel you must.

I suspect that you have a picture of the kind of relationship that you want and you look for the person that will fit your picture. This can be very useful but I suspect that you are missing some of the more subtle details that will attract just the right person for you. I suggest that you make a list of the qualities that you desire in your ideal partner, and make it several pages long. This is a very useful practice that will help you to identify what it is that you really are looking for, and make it easier for you to draw this relationship to you.

Posted by Lynn Hayes :: 8:04 PM :: |

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Saturday, November 04, 2006

Full Moon November 5

The Taurus Full Moon occurs Sunday morning with the Sun in Scorpio opposing the Moon, requiring balance of the Scorpio intensity with the serenity and pleasure-seeking of the Taurus Moon. Where Scorpio embraces psychic pain and drama and ultimately death and rebirth, Taurus seeks only to enjoy the bounties of the earth-bound life.

The Full Moon is the apex of the lunar cycle that begins with the Sun/Moon conjunction at the New Moon. The great astrology Dane Rudhyar determined that the first half of the cycle (the waxing moon) was involuntary and unconscious with the initiation of a new phase of consciousness. The second half of the cycle begins with the Full Moon which begins to open up an understanding of the greater meaning of the cycle, a process which completes during the waning moon. If we resist the evolutionary process we become caught in the cycle again.

Today's Full Moon is widely opposite the entire stellium of planets currently in Scorpio: Mars, Sun, Venus, Mercury and Jupiter, forming a T-square since both the Moon in Taurus and the Scorpio planets are square to Neptune and its penchant for illusion. There is a tremendous amount of energy in this dynamic since these planets are all in fixed signs which focus on issues of power. (Some say that Saturn is also involved, although Saturn at 24 degrees is too widely square for my taste to the 12 degree Moon.) The Moon draws us away from the Scorpio drama and reminds us that life on earth is inherently pleasurable if we only will pay attention and remember our deeper instincts. The conscious mind (the Sun) may be concerned with worldly matters but the Moon brings our attention to the soul process.

This is a very sensual time, a time to celebrate life on earth despite the difficulty that we see around us. Cooking delicious meals with organic fruits and vegetables, enjoying the feeling of fine fabrics against the skin, taking a walk through the autumn woods: these are all experiences celebrated by Taurus. This is also a time when lovers can grow more deeply into the bonds of their connection. Emotions and passions are awakened now with the Moon and Mars both in harmonious aspects to Uranus, although a square to Neptune can cast a glamour on your process. Neptune here is the red herring - in stressful aspects as we see here Neptune induces a dreamy fantasy world of our own making that feels good at the time but often causes a hangover when we awaken to reality. At the same time though, Neptune opens a window to spiritual awareness and creative impulse when we are able to see beyond the material reality in which we live into a world of deeper meaning and connection to spirit.

Posted by Lynn Hayes :: 10:28 AM :: |

---------------oOo--------------- Winds of change

fractal art by Earl Hinrich

Over the past year we have seen some very stressful planetary configurations along with an extremely distressful set of challenges around the world. Increased terrorism, xenophobia, failed governments and nuclear crisis have been the prevailing stories of the year.

As we head towards the US Election Day on November 7 there are numerous planetary harbingers of change. There are five planets in Scorpio, showing a focus on power, and Jupiter in Scorpio is being squared by Saturn which seeks to curb its expansion. The square of Jupiter in Scorpio to Saturn in Leo over the past six months has had the effect of restricting (Saturn) the relentless Jupiterian optimism and curtailing (Saturn) the powers of rulers of all kinds (Leo). Although the peak of the Jupiter/Saturn cycle has passed, the planets are just two degrees of separation from that square and the conflict between idealism (Jupiter) and realism (Saturn) are still very much in effect.

Progressed Mars in the chart for the Declaration of the Independence turned retrograde this past year, indicating a change in direction for the country. Progressed planets show the symbolic evolution of an individual, and when a progressed planet changes direction it shows a major shift in direction. The retrogradation of the US progressed Mars is a major event that has not occurred since the country was established and it will remain retrograde for the next 80 years. Mars represents our aggressive instincts and drive to succeed, and the US has aggressively dominated the world political arena since its inception. The retrograde turn of Mars shows that this thirst for dominance by the US is likely to lessen as the attention turns more towards an inner focus and examination of how we can best serve those within our borders rather than continue to influence the rest of the world.

The opposition of Saturn to Neptune has confronted (Saturn) our illusions and those who create deception (Neptune) and there has been a sudden breakdown of the illusion that the leaders of the anti-gay marriage movement are paragons of moral virtue. In the 2004 presidential elections "value voters" turned out in sufficient numbers to re-elect George Bush. Ever since Saturn opposed Neptune in late August, scandal after scandal has rocked the Christian conservative movement. Yesterday Ted Haggard, an evangelical pastor and adviser to President Bush, was forced to admit that he had purchased methamphetamine from a gay escort and received a massage from that escort. Just a few weeks earlier Florida Representative Mark Foley was unseated due to his penchant for underage male pages. Rumors of a "gay mafia" in the Republican party have circulated for years but are now beginning to expose the hypocrisy of the anti-gay conservative movement. The implication of Ted Haggard in a homosexual scandal is huge; last year he was named by Time Magazine as one of the 25 most influential evangelicals in the US and head of a 14,000 member church. (Jill delivers a painfully potent attack on the hypocrisy of Haggard and others like him.)

On the day of the US election, transiting Mars (drive and aggression) will make an exact trine to transiting Uranus (radical change and surprising events). This could indicate that voters who normally would stay at home will venture out to the polls and be a part of the change that is coming. This harmonious combination of Mars and Uranus is very energetic and independent, willing to embrace new ideas and excitement. Unfortunately Mercury is retrograde for this election as it was for the 2000 election and it is squared exactly by Neptune which indicates that there will be some confusion (Neptune) involved on some level. Mercury retrograde does not always lead to an inconclusive election; Mercury was also retrograde when Reagan trounced Jimmy Carter in 1980. (At the time of the 1980 election all planets but Chiron were crammed into three signs, a "bundle" formation showing a single point of focus with a lack of perspective.)

Uranus in the US chart has been squared by transiting Uranus over the past year, the third phase in a cycle that began with the opening square in 1963 and peaked with the opposition in 1984. These Uranus cycles mark a restless need for radical change in one's life, and we can see a pattern here. The opening square in 1963 corresponded with the Uranus/Pluto conjunction of the time that brought about tremendous global cultural revolution, but this was particularly true of the United States which saw battles over civil rights, women's liberation and an explosion of drug use. In 1984 the advent of the AIDS virus and the introduction of crack cocaine exposed the dark side of the drug culture induced a more conservative culture in the US and a backlash against the sexual and drug revolutions of the previous Uranus event. The focus turned from the "free stores" of the early 1960s to capitalism and money as exemplified in the tv shows "Dallas" and "Dynasty" and the film "Wall Street."

Perhaps the current phase of the US Uranus cycle is beginning to free up some of the calcified ideas and morality that took hold at the opposition phase in 1984. Perhaps as we as a nation begin to look less at world domination (US progressed Mars retrograde) and more at taking care of our own country and the people in it we will begin to heal the damage that has taken place over the past six years. Whatever is to come, Election Day 2006 is sure to be a turning point.

Posted by Lynn Hayes :: 8:37 AM :: |

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Thursday, November 02, 2006

Another twist on Mercury retrograde

This comes from Erin Sullivan's excellent work Retrograde Planets:

[In the Iliad] Hermes is designated by Zeus himself to be the companion of man. This is symbolic of Mercury's role in the horoscope as the translator of all sensory data as they are assimilated into the conscious mind. Mercury might be the single most important planet in the horoscope since it is through Mercury that we not only absorb but also disseminate all of our perceptions. In the course of retrograde cycles our perceptions often shift drastically as we contact information in new ways and process it unconsciously [emphasis mine].

I particularly like this because it takes away the whole "everything falls apart" mentality that is usually applied to Mercury retrograde periods and gives us a new perspective on the way we process information. Yes, my voicemail isn't working properly and a client missed an appointment today, but my perceptions are shifting and new information is available to me that I would not have otherwise experienced.

Hermes, the god, is the guide through all retrograde cycles and plays a strong role in the lives of those who have many retrograde planets. As the summoner and translator of unconscious or obscure knowledge, his patronage during all cycles of retrogression seems natural.

This too adds a wonderful layer of complexity to the Mercury Rx phenomenon. "the summoner and translator of unconscious or obscure knowledge," guiding us through the veil of our perceptions into a clearer and more luminous vision.

In order to pass through the doorway of transformation we must leave the structures of our concepts behind, and what better time to do it than now while Mercury is retrograde!

Posted by Lynn Hayes :: 5:24 PM :: |

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Wednesday, November 01, 2006

Happy Birthday Chiron!!

Chiron was discovered nearly thirty years ago on November 1, 1977. Astronomically, Chiron is classified as one of the Centaurs, a collection of minor planets found between Saturn and Uranus. However, because Chiron exhibited a "coma", or tail, some astronomers wanted to classify Chiron as a comet. Currently, it is officially classified as BOTH a comet and a minor planet. Chiron's orbit takes 50.7 years, but due to its elliptical orbit it moves through some signs much more quickly than others. It takes about 8 years to travel through Aries when it is farthest from the sun, and less than 1-1/2 years to travel through Libra.

In mythology Chiron was born of Philyra, mortal woman, and Saturn, immortal god. In order to escape Saturn's amorous pursuit, Philyra had herself turned into a mare; however, Saturn outsmarted her and shapeshifted into a horse in order to accomplish his intention to rape her. When Chiron was born half horse and half man, like a Centaur, Philyra was so ashamed she abandoned him in a cave, thus establishing the deep psychic wound for which Chiron is well-known.

Being one-half god, Chiron was immortal and thus survived this early abandonment. He went on to study with the god Apollo, who some say became his foster father. There Chiron learned the arts of music and homeopathic healing, as well as skills such as archery, hunting, and the art of warmaking. He was wounded when a poison arrow struck him in the leg. Because he was partly immortal, the wound did not kill him but kept him in pain for the rest of his life. He achieved death by trading places with Prometheus, who had been bound to a rock by Zeus in punishment for mocking him. In allowing himself to be bound to the rock, Chiron released his immortality and was able to find peace through death.

Although Chiron was a Centaur, he is very different from other Centaurs in mythology who were known for their drunken worship of the vine and Dionysus, and enthusiasm for fighting. Some astrologers believe that Chiron is the Centaur associated with Sagittarius, but I do not believe that to be true. Chiron is remembered for his wisdom, and for his having been a mentor to some of the great heroes of Greek history, such as Asclepius, Jason of the Argonauts, Achilles, and Hercules. Faced with intensely difficult challenges, he overcame the limits placed upon him by his circumstances (astrologically represented by Saturn) and attained great wisdom and achievement in many aspects of life. I feel that Chiron is more accurately a ruler of Virgo along with Mercury, because of the concern of Virgo with the mind/body/soul connection. Virgo also struggles between the difficulties of being in mortal form and strives for greater wisdom and perfection.

The wound of Chiron is like a pebble in the shoe that continually reminds us of the split between our eternal self and our individual personality. Chiron's discovery coincided with the eruption of the field of holistic medicine and the concept that disease can be healed by working with its root cause and not simply treated with drugs and surgery. The pain of Chiron's wounds impels us to seek healing and personal growth by walking through the fire of the wound and transforming the pain into pure energy and light. The addition of Chiron into the astrological pantheon added a unique dimension that has been of immense value in counseling and healing the psyche as well as the body.

Posted by Lynn Hayes :: 6:44 PM :: |

---------------oOo--------------- November Skywatch is posted

You can read the whole article here, but here's an excerpt of what the planets are doing in early November:

Over the past six months we have been in a heavy retrograde period but recently Pluto, Chiron and then Neptune changed direction so that now only Mercury and Uranus are in retrograde motion (appearing to move backwards from our perspective on earth). At one point this past summer six planets were retrograde, making it difficult to move forward with our plans and visions; we are now prepared to make those changes. However, we may be somewhat stifled in our efforts until November 18 when Mercury turns direct and moves forward again. All in all, though, November gives us a breath of fresh air after the challenging year behind us.

The opposition between Saturn and Neptune is widening now and diminishing in power until it returns in February of next year. (you may want to read this article which more completely describes the Saturn/Neptune cycle which began in August) Saturn desires to create form and Neptune urges us to dissolve into the ocean of pure consciousness, and the opposition between these two planets can be destabilizing. During Saturn/Neptune periods we are forced (Saturn) to relinquish our illusions and fantasies (Neptune), but we may also find ourselves better able to manifest our spiritual yearning (Neptune) into a day-to-day practice (Saturn). We have completed just the first phase of the cycle, and those of us with planets in the fixed signs (Aquarius, Leo, Taurus, Scorpio) will be most subject to its influence.

Saturn is also approaching a trine to Pluto, the god of the underworld and power, which will not awaken fully until next year. The harmonious interaction between the two Lords of Darkness is a powerful ally, aligning the discipline and grounding of Saturn with the transformative power of Pluto, and we are beginning to sense this influence. We typically don't notice the harmonious transits as much as the more difficult ones; trines sometimes provide opportunity that is never activated. Understanding that the power of transformation is available now will help us to use it for practical purposes. This is a time when the setting of intention can be a powerful tool for growth.

During the first week of November Mercury (the mind) is retrograding away from a conjunction to Jupiter (expansion and opportunity) that will be in effect throughout the week, adding a buoyancy and optimism to our thought process and communication. At the same time, Mercury and Jupiter are both square to Saturn, the planet that forces us to face reality and apply discipline to our endeavors. Jupiter is King of the Gods, and while it brings confidence and opportunity, in a hard angle aspect like the square it tends to overextend itself with a reckless abandon. In conjunction to Mercury we may find ourselves more argumentative than usual, or facing more arguments from others. The square to Saturn will apply a brake to our confidence level and perhaps force us to work a little harder towards the perfection of our endeavors.

For the first two weeks of November, the Sun and Venus dance in conjunction and bestow favor on interpersonal relationships and social events. The pair are trine to Uranus, god of the unexpected, bringing new people into our lives and breathing new life into relationships that have become stale.

Posted by Lynn Hayes :: 6:21 AM :: |

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