The Flow! January 31st – February 6th

The Flow is a weekly blog published to better understand the flow of astrological, celestial, and magickal energies for the week, and how best to use them. It is intended for those with little knowledge of astrology. For newcomers, the idea is to start with the slowest moving forces, as they are the most foundational, and work up to the swiftest, as they are the most fleeting. If any of the material is unfamiliar to you, it is probably unfamiliar to others as well, please leave a comment so that any questions might be answered.

If you like what you see, please share it with friends! If you would like to get email notifications for when The Flow! is updated, or have a private question please email me at skywatcher888@yahoo.com. Thank you!

The Flow! is updated every Sunday.

Please note: all times are in the Pacific Timezone.

Merry Imbolc!

January goes out with a bit of a cosmic raspberry. On Sunday the 31st, at 2:06pm Saturn and Pluto duke it out in Libra and Capricorn respectively, and it’s very much like CSI takes on the Terminator. Bedlam follows bedlam, and very little goes as planned. Did your weekend plans get messed up? You weren’t alone.

The square between Libra and Capricorn is a dicey one. Both are very much concerned with structures. Libra, an air sign, is concerned with the balance between right and wrong, and intellectualizes how to distinguish between them. That gives rise to laws, constitutions, and contracts…all the domain of Libra. Similarly, the places in which these are made and enforced, congresses, exchanges, and courthouses also come to the forefront whenever Libra is activated.

Capricorn, on the other hand, and an earth sign, is more concerned with authority, power, status, and the actual physical manifestation of things. Brick by careful brick, Capricorn builds the buildings, roads, networks, and other infrastructure on which society is built. With Pluto, the Terminator, in Capricorn, it’s no wonder that our infrastructure is crumbling and that the very structural components of our society are fraying at the edges.

Squares are not fun. You can quote me on that. Squares represent conflict, stress, and difficulty, because they mingle energies that function very differently. Libra can balance the Earth on a toothpick. Capricorn was solidity, strength, permanence. Balance is dynamic. Solidity requires inertia. Both fight it out until a compromise of sorts is reached, in this case the static moment of perfect balance. But it takes a while getting there.

The manner in which they seek to reach that balance produces the effects we encounter in our everyday lives. And, this is not a fly-by-night aspect. It is more or less in effect until the end of August, and it is deep, powerful, subtle, and pervasive. Fun, yes? No.

It is no wonder, for example, that with Saturn in Libra and Pluto and Capricorn, that congress is at a standstill. On the one hand, there is immense power for reform, and transforming old structures that are in need of repair (Pluto). On the other hand, other powers seek to bolster those structures and use parliamentary maneuvers to delay and obstruct progress (Saturn). It isn’t pretty, and it isn’t fun, and it means that much needed public reforms are seriously delayed. It isn’t until 2012 when Saturn enters Scorpio that real reform is likely to occur. But that is a bit away.

It is also interesting to see how these energies interplay with President Obama’s chart. A more detailed discussion of his chart will need to wait for another week when I have more time, but his chart also has a stressful aspect between Saturn and Pluto, as well as a stressful aspect between Saturn and Uranus, the other major stressful aspect we’ve been dealing with lately. In this sense, he is very well suited to preside over these times the struggles we are experience are deeply internalized in his own nature. Since his Saturn is in Pisces, he tends to tilt more toward compassion, but there is definitely a personal need within him to preserve traditional structures, as well as carry out reform. And it may be here that he sometimes stumbles, as he may assume incorrectly that others share the values and compromises on which his vision for things is built.

The other manifestation that is apparent with this configuration now is that power is being leveraged to the maximum extent possible. The trend is that if you’ve “got it,” use it, to the fullest possible advantage – at this time, all desired ends justify the means to get there. There is no “playing nice.” There is no looking the other way. And compassion, kindness, and understanding are all the victims in an orgy of manipulation, exploitation, and greed.

Cheery, eh?

What can you do to avoid being manipulated, exploited, and tossed around by the powers-that-be? These are tough times. For some, survival is at stake. The best advice is to do what you must in an as above-board manner as you can. Saturn is not called the Karma Kop for nothing. If you do something out of line, underhanded, or sneaky, Saturn will know and there will be a price to pay. And Pluto will make sure that it stings.

Fortunately for us now, this energy is on a s-l-o-w ebb. Saturn is retrograde, and moving back toward Virgo which it will enter in the first part of April. Virgo is more compatible with Capricorn, and will provide Pluto with some tools for achieving reform, at least on the short term. But it is a temporary respite. In late July Saturn returns to Libra, and in late August, this aspect recurs for the last time.

We also catch a break next weekend, as Jupiter comes by and forms a nice aspect with Pluto on Saturday at 9:41am. It lightens the load, lightens the mood, and provides a bit of levity to the proceedings. Next weekend should be rather enjoyable. It would be nice if Jupiter could stick around and do more to counteract Saturn’s stress, but it is zipping through Pisces, so we must make the most of what levity we can get.

On a brighter note, let’s talk about Imbolc.

Imbolc is the wiccan “sabbat” or holiday that occurs about half-way between Yule and Ostara (Spring equinox). Depending on the tradition, it is celebrated on the 1st, 2nd, or 3rd of February. February 2nd is also Candlemas, and Groundhog day (may Punxsutawney Phil not see his shadow!) and February 3rd is the astronomical mid-way point between the winter solstice, and spring equinox.

Imbolc marks the stirring of life as the days grow longer and hints at the first signs of spring. Its name comes from the Celtic Oimealg for “ewe’s milk” as the celebration of lactating sheep and birth to come of the baby lambs.

The holiday honors Brigid, the exalted one. She is goddess of all things of all things of high dimensions, such as fire, highlands, wisdom, poetry, smithing, healing, and the wise arts. She is also associated with wells, the hearth, and home.

It is a time for cleaning out the clutter of winter, lighting candles, searching for signs of spring, and rituals involving milk.

However, you celebrate it, have a wonderful week!

The Flow! January 24 – 31, 2010

The Flow is a weekly blog published to better understand the flow of astrological, celestial, and magickal energies for the week, and how best to use them.   It is intended for those with little knowledge of astrology.  For newcomers, the idea is to start with the slowest moving forces, as they are the most foundational, and work up to the swiftest, as they are the most fleeting.  If any of the material is unfamiliar to you, it is probably unfamiliar to others as well, please leave a comment so that any questions might be answered. 

If you like what you see, please share it with friends!  If you would like to get email notifications for when The Flow! is updated, or have a private question please email me at skywatcher888@yahoo.com.  Thank you!

The Flow! is updated every Sunday.

Please note: all times are in the Pacific Timezone.

Sparks are flying.  Even though it is the end of January, the Flow heats up markedly.  It’s all part of the buildup for some extremely powerful astrological events that strike like a staccato set of punches throughout the year. 

In fact, looking toward the year ahead, as compared to other recent years, the only conclusion I can reach is that 2010 is our Year of Living Dangerously.

Stay tuned next week for an in-depth discussion of the first punch, Saturn square Pluto.  Tensions run high, and people are stressed.  Even more so than before.  For now, let’s just say that buried deep within us, within our society, and within our environment are forces that are producing slow, steady, and unstoppable transformations.  They are deep.  They are profound.  And they will have long-range repercussions. 

We had a introduction to this event on November 19, 2009, and it will recur once more for this cycle on August 21, 2010. 

As is often the case (because one or more of the planets turns retrograde) significant aspects between the outer planets (Jupiter, Saturn, Chiron, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto) often occur in sets of three.  The first (November 2009) is the introduction, and the warning.  It’s like saying: get your act together.  The second (January 2010) is a bit of an easing up.  It’s like getting sent to your room by your dad with no supper, and then your mother coming by and slipping you something under the door.  The third (August 2010) is the final act: shape up or ship out.

So until August, consider this an opportunity for second chances and remedial actions.  There is the chance now to correct any mistakes that might have been made.   And the manner of one’s attitude will determine the ultimate outcome of this aspect.  If one takes things seriously, makes amends, makes changes, and at least tries to get one’s act together then the outcome of this aspect will be an improved life and living situation.  If, on the other hand, one ignores the warnings, celebrates Mom defeating Dad at his own game, or expects to get by on Mom’s generosity then the outcome of this aspect can be openly destructive.

I will have more on this and some of the other punches we receive next week and the weeks to follow.

For now, however, there are some other significant aspects this week to deal with, two of which center on Mars.

Fellow friendly followers of the Flow know that Mars is now retrograde in Leo.  Mars takes about a year and a half to go around the zodiac, and just about every other year it goes retrograde in an orderly progression of the zodiac signs.  In late 2007 Mars went retrograde in Cancer, now it is retrograde in Leo, and in January 2012 it will predictably go retrograde in Virgo.

Anyway, when Mars goes retrograde in your sign, your Ascending sign, or your Mars sign, the result is usually a dose of havoc.  So right now, Leos are having a tough time of it, including our Leo-in-chief, President Obama.  One of these weeks I’ll have to provide an analysis of his chart so you can see what he’s currently up against.  As you might expect, it isn’t pretty.

The ONE thing that’s true for most of us, Leo or not, is that when Mars goes retrograde it takes more EFFORT to get things done than otherwise.  Simple things require more time than you originally thought.  Events pile on events until there’s no time to get ANYTHING done.  And sometimes, the things you do get done have to be done all over again.

People are easily frustrated, prone to attack at the slightest provocation, are more passive aggressive (I’ll show them, I’ll take my marbles and go home!), and get tired more easily.

However, since Mars is the planet of force, action, aggression, and initiative, sometimes adopting a more Martian persona gets you on the better side of our bellicose planetary neighbor, and things go more smoothly than they might have otherwise.  Essentially, the rule to follow is “to the initiator goes the spoils.”  But remember, this is only true for Mars retro periods.  Regular rules of reality return when Mars goes direct March 10^th.

The last time Mars was retrograde in Leo was January thru March, 1995, and before that in late 1977, early 1978.

The first event occurs on Tuesday, January 26^th, at 9:29pm, Venus opposes Mars.  So the word of the day is COMPROMISE.  No one is going to be able to walk away and validly claim victory.  Everyone gives a little, takes a little, and the wise walk away happy.

Then on Friday, January 29^th at 11:43am, the Sun opposes Mars and marks the peak and half-way point of the Mars retrograde period.  For those astronomically inclined, Mars now closest to the Earth that it gets in its orbit, and rises in the east at sunset, is directly overhead at midnight, and sets in the west at dawn. 

At 10:18pm, we have the Full Moon at 11º of Leo.  Known as the Ice, Cold, Winter, Quiet, or Wolf Moon depending on your tradition. This full moon falls squarely on top of our friend, Mars.  In fact, if you have good visibility that night, take a look and that bright star just ever to the upper right of the Moon is Mars.  If dressed properly for the occasion, it will have a reddish hue.

The main thing about this Moon is that everyone is going to want to be on center stage.  In front.  Holding the microphone.  Expect people in the media to be tripping over each other, all vying for the most attention.  Expect the same behavior from pre-school children and politicians.

The other notable effect of this Moon is that it is likely to reveal people’s true inner behavior.  Observe closely your interactions with others and you will learn much about the nature of the relationship.  This Moon pulls in on the influences of one’s innermost self and combines it with a need for that self to be expressed.  It has the makings of a very enlightening and entertaining month!

Please take a moment and answer the poll questions if you have not already done so!  

Polls

Have a great week!

The Flow! January 17 – 24, 2010

The Flow is a weekly blog published to better understand the flow of astrological, celestial, and magickal energies for the week, and how best to use them.   It is intended for those with little knowledge of astrology.  For newcomers, the idea is to start with the slowest moving forces, as they are the most foundational, and work up to the swiftest, as they are the most fleeting.  If any of the material is unfamiliar to you, it is probably unfamiliar to others as well, please leave a comment so that any questions might be answered. 

If you like what you see, please share it with friends!  If you would like to get email notifications for when The Flow! is updated, or have a private question please email me at skywatcher888@yahoo.com.  Thank you!

The Flow! is updated every Sunday.

Please note: all times are in the Pacific Timezone.

Synopsis:

Happy Martin Luther King day!!

Apology up front: Readers of last week’s blog will remember that last Friday my car gave up the ghost.  It was a good little car, lasted far longer than I expected, but to be honest, died rather suddenly.  It began acting funny when I drove it to work that day, and then the transmission blew on my way home.  So this holiday weekend, I went out and bought a new used car, and it’s quite nice.  But it’s had me in a tizzy all weekend, so am only now getting the chance to take care of the Flow!

Except for some planetary sign changes, this is a fairly uneventful week, but the sign changes are significant enough on their own.  However, to make up for the lateness and brevity of this post, I’ve added a few polls so that I can get a better sense of what you like and want.  Now that I know how to add them, expect more of them in the future!  I’m a closet pollster, for sure! 

On Sunday at 6:11pm, Jupiter went into Pisces.  On Monday at 6:35am, Venus went into Aquarius.  On Tuesday at 8:28pm the Sun enters Aquarius.  Happy Birthday Aquarians!!  I don’t know about you, and maybe it’s because of my transportation situation, but my head is spinning!

The details:

Let’s talk Jupiter.  From my forthcoming book, The Cycle, the Path, and the Journey, here’s the big guy himself:

 

JUPITER

“Jupiter Optimus Maximus”

Father-God, Greatest and Best is the literal translation of the inscription on the holiest temple in the Roman forum.  Jupiter, like his Greek counterpart Zeus, reigned supreme over the heavens and earth in classical antiquity enforcing his rule and cosmic order with earthshaking thunderbolts and lightning. 

Jupiter is the 5^th planet from the sun, and the largest planet in the solar system.  It is more than two and half times as massive as all the other planets combined.  The Romans knew size.   Jupiter also has the famous “red spot” which makes it look like it’s keeping a watchful eye over the rest of the solar system, but is in fact a huge atmospheric storm that has been churning since before Gallileo took the first telescopic views in 1610.

You don’t need a lot of fancy equipment to unlock the majesty of this giant planet.  With a simple home telescope or good pair of binoculars, you can pick out the bands of atmospheric gasses, the red spot, and four of Jupiter’s largest moons stately circling this colossus.  Gallileo discovered them in 1610 and named them after the god’s paramours, Ganymede, Callisto, Io, and Europa.  Since then, over 60 moons have been discovered orbiting Jupiter, and some of them are the most interesting objects in the solar system.

Jupiter takes 11.86 years to revolve around the sun, a period that easily rounds off to a sign a year which is used in the Chinese astrological system.  And, Jupiter has the fastest rotational speed of any planet, taking just under 10 hours to spin a Jovian day.

In the classics, Jupiter sat in judgment of the gods, and this trait is still seen in his jurisdiction over the matters of law and government.  In fact, the archaic interjection “By Jove!” was a common oath indicating that what was spoken was the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. 

Jupiter is frequently considered the greater benefic, though that is often an over-simplification of its influence.  He often portrayed as a bon vivant avuncular figure who bestows blessings, good fortune, dignity, kindness, and success whenever he visits.  Every inch the astrological Santa Claus, the very word “jovial” describes him well.

In his role as keeper of the established order, he rules the institutions that are greater than one’s personal self such as government, the law, and religion.  In this way he represents the higher philosophical thought processes that govern the way we live.

Jupiter also stands for the principle of expansion and opportunity.  He represents our ability to go out into the world and create something greater than our selves.  He is the keeper of our inner personal vision of what we would make of the world if given the opportunity.   There is a Jovian seed in each of our charts that when fed with proper dedication, education, and experience can grow into a tree of great wisdom, success, and satisfaction.  In fact, Jupiter can be said to be the planet of growth itself.

When reading about the Jupiter in your chart, then, Jupiter is a strong indication of where your true talents can be found.  It shows how you are most likely to grow most naturally, and express most easily and effortlessly.  When you act in accord with your Jupiter, people pay attention because it is also what you are able to do with self-confident authority.  This is your domain.  This is where you rule.  This is how you can make your mark on the world.

Jupiter rules Sagittarius.  It is associated with amethyst, turquoise, and tin; men’s apparel and fashion.  He is the symbol of anything big, grand, and expansive.  He governs financial institutions, places of higher learning, courts of law, houses of worship, and governmental bodies.  The Rx symbol added to prescriptions since ancient times is a form of the Jupiter’s symbol meant to invoke his assistance in the art of healing.  His day of the week is Thursday.

Businessmen John Jacob Astor, Marshall Field, and Sam Walton,  singer Pearl Bailey, senator Robert Byrd, inventor Alexander Graham Bell, novelist Honore de Balzac, astrologer Nicholas Devore, American first ladies Betty Ford and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, former prime minister of India Indira Gandhi, US President Rutherford B Hayes, and actresses Brooke Shields and Joanne Woodward all have their Jupiter at The Industrial Strike section of Gemini (6-10º), the middle portion of Discovery.  While it may seem odd, at first glance, to find such successful individuals with such a seemingly disruptive symbol, it also indicates a clear path to success.  The purpose of a strike is never a goal in itself, but a means to resolve existing disagreements.  It is a symbol that does not thwart ambition, but gives it the power to enact its vision upon existing circumstances by teaching one how to use conflict to one’s advantage.  Negotiation, compromise, cooperation, and the more effective use of force are all tools one can learn to use to defuse, bridge, or win disputes.  In this way, one is able to fashion eventual victory of one’s aims and produce harmony from conflict.

________________________________________________________

From now until June 5^th, he is in Pisces.  Pisces is the most complex and complicated of all the signs.  It includes within it the sum of all the other signs, and its purpose is to filter through all of its experience to extract what is most meaningful and important.  Pisces is always the doorway from the end of one cycle into the beginning of a new one.  For those with planets in Pisces, life can sometimes seem like a perpetual New Year’s Eve – not so much as a party, but as a pending feeling of the loss of  the old and guarded anticipation of what is to come.  It can be scary, thrilling, and daunting to be a Pisces, which is why sometimes they seem to walk around in their own private world.  They are feeling, sensing, and exploring parts of this world the rest of us will never understand.

Jupiter LOVES being in Pisces.  In classical astrology he rules the sign, and every time he returns to it, it’s like jumping into the Jacuzzi and then snuggling into something comfy. 

Jupiter in Pisces provides an added focus to our spiritual side.  While Jupiter is in the sign we seek to understand life better as it emphasizes all forms of religion, psychology, spirituality and healing.  People will also feel a need to be more connected than before.  Aquarius can be a bit of a loner, but Pisces needs deep emotional bonding to feel secure.  Big institutions of all types are favored, from government to corporations, and many of their most significant actions may be secretive, but there is also a sense of wanting to take care of those more needy and lending a helping hand.  In today’s political climate, that may be a tall bill to fill.

Briefly, here’s a rundown by sign on the effects of Jupiter in Pisces.  Read it for not only your Sun Sign but also your Rising and Jupiter signs if known.

Aries:  This is an excellent time to wind up big projects and bring them to a successful conclusion.  Your opportunities lie in maneuvers behind the throne, so to speak.  Take advantage of your connections, friends, and social networks!

Taurus: This is also a good time for you folks to put into action any ideas you have for personal advancement.  You are like to find yourself more popular than before, and find it easy to make new friends and professional contacts. 

Gemini: The emphasis shifts to your career, to good effect.  There is a significant possibility of a promotion or advancement professionally.  If you’ve been keeping your light under a bushel, now is the time for you to shine!

Cancer: Jupiter is particularly benevolent for you, helping you in many areas of your lives.  Things just naturally start flowing your way, and you find it easier to get ahead. 

Leo: You are most likely to benefit from other people’s resources at this time.  It is, therefore a good time to enter into a partnership in which you share equally.  Expect changes – big changes, but changes for the better! 

Virgo:  Your emphasis is on your one-to-one relationships.  If you are dating, it is a good opportunity to meet someone significant.  It is also a good time to seek the advice of professionals, whether that be legal, medical, or financial.

Libra: Look for your focus to shift to your job, and you are likely to find improvements there.  Jupiter also tends to add responsibilities here, but it is a good time to be building new foundations.  Good health is favored, just watch the tendency to gain weight! 

Scorpio: This is a wonderfully self-expressive time.  You feel as if you can do almost anything, and giving in to your more spontaneous side will bring rewards.  If you have an idea you’ve been thinking about, now is the time to bring it forth. 

Sagittarius: Jupiter is your ruling planet, and you feel its effects more than most.  Now the scene shifts toward your home, and you feel the need for greater peace and security.  You are likely to feel closely connected with others, be that community, family, or at work. 

Capricorn: New contacts seem to fall out of the sky.  If you need something, chances are you’ll meet someone who can help you.  You may undertake a course of training or go back to school, but in any event you will most likely improve your professional education.

Aquarius: It is highly likely that your personal finances will improve.  Regardless, you will understand your resources better during this time and have the opportunity to manage them better.  Just make sure you really want what you go after!

Pisces: Jupiter in your sign is the start of a whole new cycle of personal growth.  You feel better about life in general, and feel your prospects are rosier.  Whether from the more optimistic perspective or luck, this time is likely to improve things for you significantly.

Previews of  Coming Attractions:

While this week we discuss jolly Jupiter, next week Saturn squares Pluto.  Again.  This can be a major disruptive aspect, and we’ve been down this road before.  But this time there’s a new twist.

Have a great week, and enjoy the polls!

I’m Most Interested In

My Level of Astrology

My Level of Astrology

The Flow! January 10 – 17, 2010 Edition

The Flow is a weekly blog published to better understand the flow of astrological, celestial, and magickal energies for the week, and how best to use them.   It is intended for those with little knowledge of astrology.  For newcomers, the idea is to start with the slowest moving forces, as they are the most foundational, and work up to the swiftest, as they are the most fleeting.  If any of the material is unfamiliar to you, it is probably unfamiliar to others as well, please leave a comment so that any questions might be answered. 

If you like what you see, please share it with friends!  If you would like to get email notifications for when The Flow! is updated, or have a private question please email me at skywatcher888@yahoo.com.  Thank you!

The Flow! is updated every Sunday.

Please note: all times are in the Pacific Timezone.

Synopsis:

We are in for quite bookendish week.  It starts off well, and ends well, but in between we have a couple of doozies watch, Saturn retrograde and an Annular Solar Eclipse in late Capricorn.

First up, though, is an apology of sorts.  On Friday, January 8^th at approximately 5pm on my way home from work, my formerly trusty car passed into the great beyond.  The transmission went kaput and the vehicle plutzed.  Funeral services and viewing hour arrangements are as yet incomplete.    Therefore, I have had to hoof it and have less time than I usually have or would like to prepare this week’s edition of The Flow!  So please forgive the brevity of this week’s report.

The details:

The week gets off to a VERY pleasant start.  On Monday, the Sun and Venus conjoin at 1:05pm.  It’s like Brangelina, Bennifer, or Tomkat…a union, at least in theory, of harmony, balance, sweetness, love, bliss, eternal happiness, and err, umm, well you get the picture.  It isn’t a very long-lasting, or particularly potent (they have other things on their minds) but it is a wonderful time for doing something nice for someone you care for, making a sales pitch, or taking someone to lunch.  Bon appétit!

On Wednesday, at 7:58am, our Karma Kop, Saturn goes retrograde in early Libra.  Unlike Mercury retrograde, Saturn retrograde is more of a relief.  And for those of us with planets in early Libra, Capricorn, Aries, or Cancer, it’s like someone has been screeching their nails across a blackboard, and then they suddenly stop.  The relief will not be immediate, it takes Saturn, slowpoke that it is, a while to build up a head of steam and head out of Dodge, but by mid-February those of us who have been under pressure lately should begin to feel a lightening of the load.  This does NOT mean, however, that it is time to kick-back, throw yourself in the Lay-z-boy and toss down a few brewskis.  No.  There’s a REASON why the Karma Kop has been hot on your tail, and he’s going into reverse to give you some breathing room to figure it out and/or make amends.  Doobies who take Saturn up on this opportunity will have a substantially easier time of it when he returns in early September.

It can be particularly difficult to understand exactly what Saturn is up to.  But the simple rule is this, if you’re having difficulties and they imply discipline, work, responsibility, or taking care of things then chances are Saturn is on your tail.  If you respond with indifference, fear, procrastination, or brushing it off, Saturn will get out his thumb screws and make Torquemada seem like a piker.  Ultimately, if you look deeply enough into your psyche or your past, you’ll find SOME unresolved issue regarding the situation.  Solve the issue, and instead of Torquemada, Saturn turns into the Lone Ranger and rescues you from your plight.  But only if you do your best Dudley Do-Right.

On Thursday, at 11:11pm, we have an Annular Eclipse of the Sun at 26º Capricorn.  See map below, from NASA.  An annular eclipse is when the Moon is a bit too far away for totality and appears smaller than the Sun, leaving a small ring of sun shining through the black orb of the Moon.   This eclipse occurs at a particularly interesting part of Capricorn, a place in which the focus is on secret meetings and making plans for large groups of people.  It would, therefore, not surprise me if there were to be some news later this week out of the Health Care Reform negotiations going on in Washington.  Eclipses rarely bring good news, and this is not a particularly well-aspected event.  However, with Venus sitting squarely in the general field of the eclipse (viewers of the eclipse may be able to see Venus if it gets dark enough) so that it is possible that a woman may play an important role in the proceedings.

Like all solar eclipses, they are relatively long-lasting events.  I would also not be surprised to see people band together to form movements to pursue their particular points of view.  This eclipse is apt to intensify the feeling that together we can accomplish much more than we can individually, and that sentiment may take the form of organizations to pursue an agenda. 

On Friday, Mercury goes direct at 8:52am.  Hooray!!  It’s now safe to turn on your mobile devices and walk around the cabin.  But please keep your seat belts fastened!  With all these major events this week, turbulence in The Flow! can occur at any time. And, often times, a Mercury retrograde period is at its strongest just before it is over.  Be careful out there!!

Previews of Coming Attractions:

Yes, well, we have the second installment of Bill’s Amazing Astrology Cures, along with an update and lengthier material on how best to use them.  But that may have to wait a few weeks, because right on the heels of this Solar Eclipse we have some very significant events in store in the weeks ahead.  I anticipate that the installment will be published in mid-February when The Flow! has settled down and is much calmer.

On the 17^th, Jupiter enters Pisces and races through the sign!  The following week, on the 29^th, we have a very important opposition of Mars, and then that next weekend, on the 31^st, Saturn squares Pluto.  As my grandmother would say, oy vey!!

Have a great week!

Path of January 14, 2010 Eclipse

Path of Eclipse from NASA

Annular Eclipse

Photo of Annular Eclipse

The Flow! January 3 – 9, 2010

The Flow is a weekly blog published to better understand the flow of astrological, celestial, and magickal energies for the week, and how best to use them.   It is intended for those with little knowledge of astrology.  For newcomers, the idea is to start with the slowest moving forces, as they are the most foundational, and work up to the swiftest, as they are the most fleeting.  If any of the material is unfamiliar to you, it is probably unfamiliar to others as well, please leave a comment so that any questions might be answered. 

If you like what you see, please share it with friends!  If you would like to get email notifications for when The Flow! is updated, or have a private question please email me at skywatcher888@yahoo.com.  Thank you!

The Flow! is updated every Sunday.

Please note: all times are in the Pacific Timezone.

Synopsis:

Happy New Year, and I hope your season’s holidays have been everything you wanted them to be!

The first installment of Bill’s Amazing Astrology Cures is here!

Otherwise, it is a calm week in the flow.  The Moon is waning, headed toward a Solar Eclipse next Thursday which we will discuss in detail next week.  The last quarter Moon is on Thursday at 2:39am. 

The only event of note is the conjunction of the Sun and Mercury on Monday at 11:06am.  It is the climax of the current Mercury retrograde period – it’s all downhill from here until Mercury goes Direct on the 15^th.

Because the Flow! is so calm, there are no other details this week.  One note of caution, however – just because the Flow! is calm, doesn’t mean nothing can happen.  On the contrary.  It’s simply that whatever courses have been set in motion will remain on course until they reach their final destination. 

Bill’s Amazing Astrology Cures:

Bill’s Amazing Astrology Cures (and forthcoming book) developed from a long email correspondence with a dear friend, the late Angie Biggerstaff of Norwich, UK.  What started as some playful comments developed into a series of surprising observations. 

As some of you may know, one of the primary features of astrology is that each sign has a “ruling planet.”  They are, in order:

Aries – Mars

Taurus – Venus 1

Gemini – Mercury 1

Cancer – Moon

Leo – Sun

Virgo – Mercury 2

Libra – Venus 2

Scorpio – Pluto

Sagittarius – Jupiter

Capricorn – Saturn

Aquarius – Uranus

Pisces – Neptune

Like many other disciplines, there is controversy among astrologers over which planets rule which signs.  Different astrological systems have slightly different arrangements.  But what we are concerned with here is the affinity of the effects of the planets on us, not astrological theory, and this arrangement works best for our purposes.  It is also the most commonly used arrangement among modern Western astrologers.

Mercury and Venus share two signs apiece because they both have different kinds of energy that have a close affinity to two different signs.  As you will see, this week with Mercury, and next week with Venus that there are two completely different ways these planets affect us, and two different ways that energy needs to be handled when it gets out of balance.

And balance is what the Cures are all about.

Every once in a while, the planets will move into a position that causes the manner in which a planet’s energy is expressed to go out of balance, causing enormous difficulties in our lives.  When that happens, what is one to do???  Well, Western astrology does not have any simple answers.  When Neptune or Saturn bears down on the poor helpless Moon, what’s a person to do?

It was here, under a series of challenging Neptune and Saturn aspects that Angie and I realized that promoting and encouraging behavior based on the ruling planet of the next sign helps ease the stress, and balance and reorient the energies of the planet under attack.

They really work, and can come in very handy!  And the best part of all is that you don’t need an astrologer to fix things!

Here is the first half of them, for the first half of the zodiac.  The second half is forthcoming.

To use, simply locate the situation that fits your current challenge.  This is not a sun-sign list, although because our sun signs are so powerfully expressed in our lives that we may frequently find ourselves with challenging situations from them.  A Leo may often find themselves feeling unappreciated, but when their Mars gets besieged, and they are constantly fighting battles, it’s Mars that needs curing, not their Sun. 

So, without further ado or explanation are Bill’s Amazing Astrology Cures, Aries thru Virgo*:

Mars (Aries) – Life is a battle.  You get up in the morning, fight with your closet to get dressed, fight traffic to get to work, write fiery emails and then delete the fiery parts, fight with your boss, go home, fight with loved ones, and then fight the clock to go to sleep.  Fight, fight, fight, fight, fight, you feel as you have become trapped in a Groundhog Day version of Fight Club.  Help!!!

Cure – Mars is on overdrive.  You may also find yourself in the grocery store buying things impulsively, racing around the aisles, and terrorizing granny.  Your cure?  Venus!  Since nobody else will appreciate it, just be nice to yourself.  Do something for yourself you’ve been putting off for a while.  Buy yourself a nice bottle of wine, or a new pair of shoes.  Take a drive outside the city, and soak in the scenery and calmer rhythms of life.  In short – be nice!

Venus 1 (Taurus) – Everywhere you go, you see dollar signs.  It doesn’t matter if you’re driving down the street, sitting on an airplane, or staring out into space.  They’re there, and you can see them.  Clouds, buildings, trees…they all have a price tag.  You know the balance of your bank statement to the penny, and can draw a chart of its progress for the past year from memory.  You have wants and needs and mouths to feed, but there is never enough, and even when there is, it’s rarely good enough. 

Cure – Nothing can please a discontented bull.  I guess that’s why they use happy cows to sell cheese.  But Venus is not happy, either.  The best cure for this situation is to stop selling yourself short.  Wake up and get busy!  Think about what it is you want, create a plan for how to get there, and then follow it.  Stay true to your vision and don’t let yourself get caught taking shortcuts to get there.  Lift up those fabulous bovine eyes, look out far afield and make what you see that your new motto – Go long!

Mercury 1 (Gemini) – In these times, this is a common problem!  Your life has been hijacked by screens of all shapes and sizes.  You’re listening to your iPod, texting with your cell, and watching TV or playing a video game all at the same time.  You’re not just multi-tasking, you’re OCTO-tasking!  You click on Google news to see if anything new has happened in the last 10 minutes, and check your email 50 times a day.  If you don’t schedule your lunch and breaks, you’ll work right through them.  Power outages and dead batteries give you the eebeegeebies, and make you break out in the cold sweats of withdrawal pangs that used to be reserved for addicts.  And you are, you’re a media addict.   It’s all really too much, there’s way too much to do, and you’re at your wits end.

Cure – Mercury is about to have its 19^th nervous breakdown.  Slow down…turn down the volume…unplug…take a deep breath.    Ahhh!!  That’s better!  You need to stop filling your head with stuff, and let the good stuff that’s already in there, out!  Give it a rest, and give your self a rest.  Life is supposed to be lived by natural organic rhythms.  Amping up the speed only causes those rhythms to go out of whack.  Pace yourself.  Pamper yourself.  Pay attention to the cycles of the moon.  If possible, try to spend time near large bodies of water.  Take a walk along the beach and listen to the surf.  If there’s no beach nearby, sit back and space out.  Let your mind wander, instead of trapping it in a cocoon of communications that are far less necessary than you think.

Moon (Cancer) – You could singlehandedly cure the California drought.  All we’d have to do is hook up your tear ducts to the aqueduct, and we’d be set for life.  Beautiful sunsets make you cry.  Hearing good news gets you weepy.  You need a box of tissues near the TV because you never know when the waterworks are going to begin.  Everything in life touches you deeply.   You’re like a sponge.  Touch you, and you leak.  While certainly not the worst burden to bear, being a personal Niagra has its challenges.  But worse than the excess body fluids are the depressions that can sometime accompany them.  When the Moon is aggrieved, the world is black with the anxiety of an emotional despair that would make a prizefighter, well, weep for mercy.  Nothing can compare to the utter devastation these bouts can produce, and the devastation they can cause.

Cure – If you’re truly depressed, seeking professional help is your best recourse. Otherwise, go outside!!  The house is your enemy, there’s a world out there that you’re missing.  It doesn’t matter where you go, what you do, and who you see, just get away from the prison of those four walls.  Yes, it can be nice and cozy inside but to be truly healthy you need to be spending more time in the sun.  The Sun is Your Friend – get reacquainted!  The best cure is to take up a hobby or personal cause that gets you out and among others.  If you’re feeling blue, do something nice that helps others.  Nothing makes you feel better about yourself than making someone else happy. 

Sun (Leo) – When I was a little kid, a cousin who became a highly respected nuclear physicist, came to visit and while I can vaguely remember the visit, I do remember a saying popular at the time that went something like this: “Nobody loves me, everybody hates me, I’m gonna eat some worms.”  Some times, life stinks, and everything you touch turns to stone.   No body seems to appreciate you, and you feel wretched, invisible, and unloved.   Sometimes those stones come in handy so you can just climb under them and hide.  They’re good places for finding worms, in case you’re hungry. 

Cure – Instead of getting mad, get a grip and get busy!  The entire solar system revolves around the sun, but that doesn’t mean that whole world must revolve around you.  Most of the time, it just isn’t about you.  The problem when the Sun gets afflicted is that self-confidence gets diminished to the height of a curb stone, and doubt begins to creep in like an evening fog.  Think!  Try to disassociate your Self from the proceedings and see the situation objectively.  Put your powers of reason and observation to good use and rationally figure out what might be wrong, and how to fix it. 

Mercury 2 (Virgo) – Bwa ha ha!!  When Mercury is aggrieved a la Virgo, you become a formidable creature to be reckoned with!  Supreme commander, judge, jury, pope, and movie critic all wrapped into one super-human human being.  Fussy, particular, and obsessive, you compare everything to your ideal of perfection — and you are not shy letting people know about the most insignificant of flaws.  After all, how can they improve if you don’t let them know?  You use your wit like a weapon, and your tongue is a registered lethal weapon in nine states.  You think nothing of straightening pictures in other people’s homes, and entertain others with an endless blizzard of your considered opinions on everything; politics, sports, even dog food — even if you don’t have a dog.   However, nothing is more important to you than being right.  You will scorch the earth to the bone to prove the correctness of your thinking, with no consideration for the cost.

Cure – This is not an easy cure, but is a simple one.  Repeat after me – it is more important to be loved, than to be right.  All the correctness in the world won’t share a sunset, take you to a play, or throw you a surprise birthday party.  Besides, all this analysis is hard work!  Relax, put more time in your life for your Self and the things you truly enjoy.  Remember fun?  Even if you have to schedule it in, having a good laugh will help put things in a healthy perspective.

Have a wonderful week!!

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