Archive for April, 2011


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 consider celestial influences as part of a larger whole, or the Flow.  All too often, astrologers tend to write about astrological events as if each were an isolated specimen as if pulled out of the sky and analyzed by itself – and there is no dearth of astrological sites on the net that write that way.  Here, it is the movement and interactions that are important and form the basis of discussion.

If any of the material is unclear or unfamiliar to you, it is probably unfamiliar to others as well, please leave a comment and I will be glad to answer your questions. 

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.

This week’s synopsis:  And Now for Something Completely Different…

The End.

Sort of.

No, not the end of the blog and not the end of the world, but it is the end of a very long and difficult cycle we have endured that we are now just beginning to emerge from.

Between mid-June of 2005 and now, we have had a sequence of stressful aspects that have torn us apart as a people, nation, and civilization. Much of the difficulties have come from Saturn, planet of difficulties. Saturn has long been known for having “issues” being able to get along with its fellow planets, and it’s not hard to imagine why. While most of the other planets frequently line up for parties and other festive social events, Saturn is often found standing on the sidelines, unfashionably dressed, pointing his finger and scolding the revelers for not eating their peas and falling out of queues.

First to come under Saturn’s baleful gaze in 1979 was the Wounded Healer, Chiron. Saturn put on its Jewish Mother mask and started chasing the centaur around the zodiac, demanding to know why Chiron wasn’t healed yet, insisting that there must be something wrong with him that he wasn’t, that it must be because of some inner guilt that he wasn’t, and that maybe he should call his mother more frequently.  During all of which, we as a society began focusing on our limitations instead of our abilities, assumed there was nothing we could do to solve our problems, and used guilt as a weapon to achieve our aims, both personal and political.

About five and half years ago in late-2005, as Saturn began tiring of haranguing poor Chiron, he caught up withNeptune. Now,Neptuneis about as close to a saint as we have in astrology, but that didn’t stop Saturn. No, not at all. In fact, Saturn’s lament toNeptuneis, “You should know better!” But in spite ofNeptune’s best efforts, things just continued to get worse and worse. Reality (Saturn) just kept slipping from our grasp (Neptune.) We couldn’t see the trees, forests, branches or even a leaf as we drowned in collective games of intellectual quicksand. Yes, the parrot was dead, but we kept convincing ourselves otherwise. This lasted until mid-2007.

We were treated to a brief interlude of leaders trying to entertain us with tape recorders up their noses (and other orifices) but to no avail, after all they were really just twits in suits giving free rein to priests dressed like old ladies terrorizing rest of us.

In very early 2008, Saturn took aim at the planetary bringer of chaos and change Uranus, and we began a tug of war between conservatism (Saturn) and progressivism (Uranus) that lasted until last summer.  When Jupiter, riding a bull and wearing a party hat, got caught in the Saturnian tour-de-force in late spring of 2010, the nascent recovery took a swan dive, and when Pluto joined the fracas, all hell broke loose and theMiddle Eastexploded.

Saturn right now is Retrograde, and will go direct in early June. At that time, we should have a clearer sense of how the situations inLibya,Syria, andYemenare going to stabilize, and with it the price of gas. It will be interesting if there are any sparks that fly from the recently announced Department of Justice inquiry into the trading of oil that ignite outrage at this time.

But there is the real scent of change in the air, beyond the imaginary pines, firs, and larches of lumberjack wannabes.

This week, the astrological energies change for the better. Not that it’s time to run out and buy a bunch of party hats and confetti, but things are looking up. This week, in fact, ends with a decidedly beneficial aspect, a conjunction of Mars and Jupiter that should give a boost to all of our projects and plans, provided we’re willing to play by their rules.

We’ve been through quite a bit. In fact, it’s fair to say we’ve been through a lot, and it has been such a very, very long time since this present cycle began that we’ve come to accept that the rotten way things are is the rotten way things have to be. Not so!

Negative Saturn cycles die hard, and this one is not going to be any exception. In fact, it’s unlikely that much significant change will occur until Saturn goes into Scorpio in October of 2012. But we should begin seeing more and more people deciding they need to take matters into their own hands, and that they have had enough of the nonsense being fed to us by our governments, media, and corporations.

But we mustn’t fool ourselves either. On the heels of this “great awakening” as it might be characterized by our hyperbole obsessed media, it is all a prelude to the big battle, the one that begins in 2013, with the square between Uranus and Pluto. When these two planets were conjunct in the mid-60’s they ushered in revolutions of all sorts. And like all squares, it is going to call into question everything that was accomplished in the 60’s. It is bound to be an interesting time!

Stay tuned for the details in the weeks to come!

On to the Daily Details!

Sunday, April 26th

No major aspects

Happy Easter!

At 10:59am the Moon enters Aquarius, and we all breathe a sigh of relief. This recent Moon in Capricorn has been a bit difficult, causing us to jump to conclusions, be unwilling to give the other guy the benefit of the doubt, and feel as if we’re walking around beneath a black cloud of what we must do instead of what we want to do. With the Moon in Aquarius we really don’t give a rat’s ass, so just do what you want however it is you want to do it. No one is going to tell you different today!

Furthermore, in the afternoon, we have some fairly lively energy jumping about, so we’re in the mood for following will o’ the wisps wherever they may lead us, and actually more often than not this afternoon, they may lead us toward fulfilling some piece of our heart’s desire. Happy trails!  And finally, evening events are likely to go better than we anticipate. In spite of our reluctance to go out in the evening, if we do so, we may actually find ourselves actually having a good time.

Monday, April 27th

No major aspects

Life is definitely improving for Aquarians, Leos, Sagittarians, and Geminis, and similarly life is a bit sweeter for all of us while the Moon is travelling through these signs. In the morning hours we have a perfectly placed trine between the Moon and Saturn giving us the emotional support we need to get our work done, fulfill our responsibilities well, and achieve success by being practical and orderly. The early afternoon is an opportune time for business dealings of all sorts, and for understanding situations better and/or learning some bit of news that solves a mystery. Sweet mystery of life at last I’ve found you, indeed! There may be more than one raised eyebrow today that makes us a bit wiser to the whirlwind of life surrounding us. Tonight it may be rather difficult to get to sleep with a vigorous sextile between the Moon and Mars. We find a hundred things we want to do before we go to bed, and more than one of us may fall asleep with the TV still on!

Tuesday, April 28th

No major aspects

Our moods are definitely lifting this morning as the Moon and Jupiter make nice. We are optimistic, open-minded, and see possibility instead of limitations with regard to our various life situations. We feel as if no problem is too big to tackle, and at least in the morning hours it seems that all of our actions turn out well.

We should make hay while the Sun shines, because in the later part of the day, the energies become decidedly more complex. For one thing, we begin to doubt the sense of clarity and optimism we felt earlier. Those problems that seemed easily solved become a bit more complicated than we thought and we are more unsure of which direction we should take. Furthermore, in the evening the Moon glides into Pisces and we begin to feel the effects of the coming square between Venus and Pluto that hits in the early morning hours of Wednesday turning us into emotional trainwrecks. The best way to handle this energy is don’t be quick to rush to judgment, let things work out over time, and try (even if you really really have to work at it!) not to blame others before finding out all the details!
Wednesday, April 27th

Venus squares Pluto at 12:20am

Sun trines Pluto at 5:58pm

In the early hours, we need to get a grip, and in the afternoon we find one that fits us rather well. The Venus-Pluto square makes us tense, uneasy, difficult to please, and unable to find a sense of inner balance. Our emotions are on hyperdrive, so the tiniest incident sends us into paroxysms of emotionalism, and it’s all about who is in control. If ever you were in jeopardy of being turned into a welcome matt, it’s Tuesday night to Wednesday morning. Set boundaries, don’t let others take advantage of you, and likewise give others plenty of breathing room before sticking pins in any voodoo dolls – you may not know the whole story!

In the afternoon, things definitely begin to come together. If you need to do some digging or Googling to find the answer to some difficult emotional issues, now is the time to do it. Be warned, though, you may find out more than you want to know!

Generally speaking, the afternoon should be fairly decent. If you are involved in any difficult situations in which you are involved in power struggles, now is the time to put some plans in place to get some justice and turn the tables. The afternoon is one heck of a powerful time, so by all means use it to your advantage! Just be sure to do so in a way that doesn’t eventually backfire on you!

Thursday, April 28th

No major aspects

The Moon remains in Pisces all day and it is fairly calm and uneventful astrologically. We’re still on over-sensitive mode, so be wary of taking things more personally than they are intended. Any psychic impressions or intuitions you get during the day are likely to have at least a shred of truth to them, so you might want to dig a bit deeper to see what they’re about. Tomorrow the Moon enters Aries, and we become less secretive and more in need of direct action. As far as our relationships go, we need to wait until after the weekend and our affairs begin to clear up and the dust truly has a chance to settle. Up until next Sunday, we’re still dealing with repercussions from the past and it feels difficult to get beyond our past and begin to lay a new emotional foundation. With the lull in today’s energies, today may be a perfect opportunity to sketch out a future emotional life for yourself that is more healthy, satisfying, fulfilling and is a better fit with your life’s destiny.

Friday, April 29th

No major aspects

The Moon enters Aries at 10:33am and we leave the emotional mysteries of Pisces behind. We’re in a bullish charge ahead mode, and we want action and we want it now! We’re in no mood for dilly-dallying about, and feel much more inclined to take a direct, unambiguous, and candid approach. The day also finds us building up to tomorrow’s climax of astrological energies, so it’s likely to be a grab-bag kind of day. One thing is fairly certain, however. It is an excellent time to put any kind of plans in motion. If you’ve been waiting for that special day to put an ad out there to begin a new chapter in your life, today should be the perfect day to do so. The only exception to this are any plans regarding relationships. It is definitely best to wait until Sunday after the Venus-Saturn opposition to kick off these kinds of plans. You don’t want to torpedo your own battleship!

 Saturday, April 30th

Venus opposition Saturn at 5:16pm

Mars conjunct Jupiter at 9:26pm

The Moon is in Aries all day. With the conjunction of Mars and Jupiter, today is a day during which actions of all sorts should go well. The course is clear, we know where we stand, we know what we have to do, and it seems taking the necessary steps are both easier than we thought and more productive than we imagined. However, the opposition between Venus and Saturn is still a drag on relationship related issues. Some of us may be feeling depressed, and others misunderstood. Our emotions are difficult to control, and we feel as if we are being asked (or forced) to pay prices for things we never asked for. We want and need to feel in control of our emotional destiny, but there is some inexplicable force holding us back. The best way to handle this may be to give up on the past as best you can. Sever the tentacles from previous negative experiences so that you can be free to pursue your future. No guilt, no blame, no games. Just be who you feel you need to be. I can’t promise the rest will be easy, but it will be a more fulfilling path to pursue.

Tomorrow is definitely another day!

Wishing you all a wonderful week!

 

 

A panoply of early morning planets!

Courtesy of Sky & Telescope’s This Week’s Sky at a Glance

The Key

THE KEY

The planets move and twirl around the zodiac, and as they do they form various relationships with each other.  These relationships are called ASPECTS.  The distance between the two planets determines the nature of the aspect between them, and this reveals how well those two planets are getting along.

To help you follow along, I have included two charts for the Sundays at the beginning and end of each week, so you can see the movements of the planets. You can find each planet in the charts below and in the legend to the right that gives their exact position.

The Signs:

Aries –  Quick, daring, adventurous; self-assertive, leadership, ambitious; forceful

Taurus – Practical, nature-loving; tenacious, perseverance; loves beauty/harmony

Gemini – Intellectual; dual; curious, creative, talkative; restless, highly adaptable

Cancer – Emotional, nurturing, empathetic; sentimental, protective, romantic

Leo – Dramatic, poised, confident; proud, dignified, ambitious; colorful, authoritative

Virgo – Service-minded, fussy, critical, shrewd, logical, discriminating, shy

Libra – Refined, peace-minded, level-headed, perceptive, generous, cooperative

Scorpio – Intense, secretive, strong-willed, forceful, courageous, keen senses

Sagittarius – Expansive, optimistic, mutable, philosophical, outspoken, loves outdoors

Capricorn – Honest, practical, business-like, careful, dependable, responsible, dutiful

Aquarius — Original, strong willed, quick, intellectual, progressive, humanitarian

Pisces — Ultra-sensitive, self-sacrificing, worriers, obliging, dreamy, sociable

The Planets

Sun – The self; one’s ego; the matter at hand; the center, tipping point; is active/yang

Moon – Our emotions, personality; changeable, reflective, responsive; is passive-receptive/yin

Mercury – Intelligence, commerce, computers, networks, communications

Venus –  Relationships, romance, attraction, charisma, symbolic of women

Mars – The energizer bunny, aggression, movement, strife, symbolic of men

Jupiter – Expansion, law, religion, publishing, optimistic, growing, fortune

Saturn – Contraction, discipline, institutions, conservative, practical, focused, fate

Chiron – Wounded healer, new beginnings, bridge between lessons and awareness

Uranus – Revolution, progressive, technology, science, chaos theory

Neptune – Religion, drugs, alcohol, dreams, meditation, spirituality

Pluto – Power, the depths, transformation, invisible forces, cleansing

(North) Node – Connections, networks, associations, alliances

 

The Aspects

Conjunction (yellow dot) – 0 degrees separation; like two planets having a meeting or business lunch

Semi-Sextile (short gray line) – 30 degrees; like two planets having a conversation at the water cooler

Semi-square (magenta line) – 45 degrees; like two planets having an argument

Sextile (cyan line) – 60 degrees; like two planets out on a date

Quintile (yellow line) – 72 degrees; like two planets expressing themselves creatively

Square (red line) – 90 degrees; like two planets headed toward divorce court

Trine (green line) – 120 degrees; like two planets on a romantic vacation

Sesquiquadrate (long purple line) – 135 degrees; redux of the same argument as the Semi-Square

Quincunx – (long deep cyan line) – 150 degrees; like a boss passing their administrative assistant in the hallway, can be good or bad depending on the situation

Opposition (long blue line) – 180 degrees; like two planets in a formalized, highly structured debate.

Chart for April 24, 2011

Chart for May 1, 2011

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 consider celestial influences as part of a larger whole, or the Flow.  All too often, astrologers tend to write about astrological events as if each were an isolated specimen as if pulled out of the sky and analyzed by itself – and there is no dearth of astrological sites on the net that write that way.  Here, it is the movement and interactions that are important and form the basis of discussion.

If any of the material is unclear or unfamiliar to you, it is probably unfamiliar to others as well, please leave a comment and I will be glad to answer your questions. 

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.

This week’s synopsis: Sucker Punch

This coming week is front-loaded with a handful of astrological energies that are likely to be rather difficult for even the best of us to deal with easily. Don’t even try patience, it won’t be worth it. Need peace and quiet? That’s when your neighbors will decide to have a block party next door. Set up the perfect date? Expect a change of plans. Expect? Heck, you can rely on it! And if definitely, beyond all doubt, you do not want to hear from cousin Hilda? Betcha she calls this week. Twice.

And the more you need whatever you want, the more you can depend on the universe frustrating you to get it. Everything this week is going to take more time and effort to accomplish. You may even have to do the same thing more than once to get it done. Unexpected delays, obstructions, challenges, limitations, and surprises are going to litter the week like confetti.

So, get in line, buy some popcorn, and try to be amused by the grand folly of it all. We’re all, one way or another, gonna get sucker punched this week one way or another. If you can smile by the end of it, you deserve an extra cookie for dessert!

The week kicks off with the Full Moon of Aries/Libra at 28° of both signs at 7:44pm. This is a potent, powerful Full Moon, and the symbolism indicates a significant test of how well you have your ducks in a row. Yes, you may have been making some big plans. Yes, you may have gotten some new things started. Yes, things are looking like they may be turning around—

But, have you done your homework?

We’ll see! If things go more smoothly for you than I’m indicating this week, you’ve turned in your assignment and gotten an A. Chances are, you have spent the extra effort to ensure your preparations are sound, that you have discussed what you want to do with others and they are in agreement, and/or that you are willing to let the past fade into distant memory and not watercolor the canvass of the present with its morbid hues.

Another piece of this Full Moon’s test is whether or not your life is in balance. Are you spending too much time at work? It may be time to balance that out with some R & R time. Are you soft-pedaling your life and letting things slide? You may get a wake-up call and need to shift into high-gear. How are you treating others? How are you letting them treat you? Are you taking more than you are giving or giving too much of yourself? all of this is part of the message of this Full Moon, and over the next two weeks it will present you with various situations that question all of the above.

Ace these tests, and there may be some hefty rewards in your future!

After the Full Moon does its work, organizing its energies for your various tests of balance and emotional sanguinity it slithers into Scorpio, amplifying the intensity of all our emotions. Happiness turns to giddiness, anger becomes bombastic volcanism, and disappointment leads to the road of depression, and headaches become migraines..

And right after that two-day dose of celestial cheeriness, Mars and Saturn tiff off at each other in an opposition on Monday morning. Mars is the planet of our ambition, aggression, drive, energy, and ability to fight for what we want. It is the gas pedal of the zodiac. Saturn is the planet of our duties, responsibilities, obligations, inhibitions, obstructions, challenges, and is the keeper of our karma. It is the brake pedal of the zodiac. Oppositions are affairs in which each planet pushes on the planet it is opposing to take on a bit of its meaning. Therefore, during this aspect, Mars forces us to face challenges or obstructions we have been avoiding. Saturn obligates us to take action or be more aggressive – or wind up as roadkill. It’s a bit like driving with a foot on the gas pedal and brake at the same time. You go forward, if at all, slowly and deliberately and about ready to spit nails by the end of it.

Which, by the way, is very Mars-Saturny: spitting (Mars), nails (Saturn!)

Speaking of automobiles, on Tuesday, the day after the peak of the Mars-Saturn opposition, motor meets mouth. Mars (motor) conjoins with Mercury (mouth.) So, not only do we not know when to put our mouth in gear, we also don’t know when to shut up, which increases the possibility that another means of locomotion, the foot, also meets mouth. For god’s sake (and yours!) a vow of silence or entering a nunnery may be the only way to totally avoid trouble on Tuesday. If neither of these approaches is practical, at least try to make sure that your brain is in gear before putting your mouth in motion.

After this astrological turbulence, the Flow of the week becomes a bit smoother after when the Sun enters Taurus and Venus enters Aries. Both tend to balance each other out and take the sharpness out of some of the more aggressive combative energies we have been suffering with lately.

Finally on Saturday, Mercury goes direct and things return to normal, for now. My favorite image of Mercury direct (at the moment) is the old THX ad that used to begin movies in which the letters THX fall down and a droid comes out and repairs them. That’s Mercury direct for you!

This week is also a week full of holidays.

Palm Sunday is Sunday, the 17th; Passover begins at sundown on the 18th, and runs for 7 days, the first and last days being the most holy; Mohammed’s birthday is on Wednesday, April 20th; Good Friday is Friday, the 22nd; and Earth Day is also this Friday, April 22nd.

Happy Holidays, whatever you celebrate! And Beltane is coming, Beltane is coming!

On to the Daily Details!

Sunday, April 17th

Full Moon at 7:44pm at 28° Libra/Aries

The Moon is in Libra most of the day until 11:19pm when it enters Scorpio. While it is in Libra building up to the Full Moon, expect people to be sensitive, needy, cranky, and moody. Little things are blown out of proportion, emotional needs outweigh reasonableness, and nobody seems to want to play nice. And while everyone is acutely aware of their own emotional needs their attitude is to heck with anyone else.  If you are on the brunt end of some harsh words please don’t take it personally, it is just the internalization of some very difficult emotional energies in the air that are just a wee bit too much for the other person to handle. Considering the Full Moon and lead up to the Mars-Saturn opposition on Monday, Sunday is likely to be a great day for sticking to routine and avoiding sensitive topics. Pour coffee. Prepare food. Idle chatter. Clean dishes. Repeat until sleep.

Monday, April 18th

Mars opposed Saturn at 9:02am

If I had to pick one day this week to call worst , it would be Monday. On Monday we’re nervous, anxious, and furtive expecting shoes to fall from the sky. Chances are, you’ve already handled the worst of any incoming shoes, but you may need to clean up any debris. Not that that is a particularly pleasant task, but far far more pleasant than the crap you’ve been dealing with the past few days. As with most of this week, the key to survival without a series of migraines or a nervous breakdown is don’t take these things personally!

I don’t mean to imply a Get Out of Jail Free card for your interpersonal relationships, either, however. What trouble you wind up causing is yours entirely, and you are entirely entitled to whatever feedback and kickbacks you get. But, be equally sure that any anger or negativity thrown your way is deservedly yours. You just might be standing precisely in the path of another’s nail spitting. It doesn’t make the pain any less real, but at least you know the source of it isn’t intentional!

Tuesday, April 19th

Mercury conjunct Mars at 7:59am

Today heightens the nervous furtive energy of the beginning of the week and also adds a dollop of anger and resentment into the mix. It is difficult today to understand others’ motives, so it’s best to not even try beating your head against that wall. You’ll find out in due time what’s up when the other person ready to spill the beans with you. Part of the frazzled nervous energy of today may be channeled into the communication sphere, whether that be harsh words or just lots of them. Everyone has something on their mind, and whatever it is seems to prevent them from focusing on the task at hand. The battle is probably not worth the fighting just let the scattered energies take you where they want to Flow. You just may find yourself in serendipity land making useful discoveries or meeting helpful people you might not otherwise meet!

The Moon enters Sagittarius at 11:50pm easing the tension a bit and lifting our moods, and this week it may be a truly welcome relief. My only concern is that it is just a drop of color in a bucket of otherwise blasé white paint.

Wednesday, April 20th

Sun enters Taurus at 3:18am

Sun sextilesNeptuneat 1:44pm

Venus enters Aries at 9:06pm

Today is a slightly busy day astrologically as the inner planets begin their end-of-week two-step do-se-do. The Sun enters Taurus (like it does every time this year), and slows down the rambunctious energies just a bit. There’s been a lot going on lately, but very little of it has settled in and taken root. Over the next month or two as other planets join the Sun in Taurus, our plans will begin to gel, establish themselves, and become more evident. It is important that we let them take form in their own manner, as forcing them to conform to our vision of them often has the effect of stunting their growth. Like children, our desires develop best when given a good dose of independence!

Venus doesn’t particularly do well in Aries. It isn’t that she isn’t capable of handling the job, it’s just that she adopts an Amazon persona. Sometimes that is good, but we have been so awash in aggressiveness, others asserting control, combativeness, and strife, that it doesn’t really help that there be a female component to all the Marsy testosterone permeating the air. I’d expect, though, that Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Nancy Pelosi may take center stage on the Democratic side of the fence, and for Michelle Bachmann and Sarah Palin to do the same for the GOP between now and May 15th when she enters Taurus. It is also possible that more and more of the public becomes involved in political activism during this time. If that is the case, it is likely that many a politician’s clock is going to get cleaned, regardless of gender, and regardless of political party! (Although I suspect that male Republicans may bear the brunt of these attacks.)

Thursday, April 21st

While Monday may be the worst day of the week, Thursday is likely to be the best. Our spirits are high, our moods are good, and we’re feeling more confident, adventurous, competent, and just a teensy bit fortunate. If you have an important meeting to schedule, Thursday may be the best day to do so. If you have a day to plan to start a venture, starting it today before 10am could be give you an astrological wind at your back. Today is also a good day for relationships of all kinds, but particularly romantic ventures, and to go out and get what you want. Today’s energies are also good for going shopping in order to make that kind of decision about an important purchase. Just try not to sign any contracts until Monday after Mercury goes direct!

Friday, April 22nd

Venus conjunct Uranus at 7:29pm

I love Venus conjunct Uranus periods, especially when they occur on the weekends when we can enjoy them! Venus is our emotions, our empathy, our ability to relate to others, and represents the feminine side of our sexual energies. Uranus is sparkly, fizzy, spontaneous, ingenious, and adventurous. When the two of them get together, we feel like tripping the light fantastic, and letting ourselves truly enjoy each other’s company. Tonight is an excellent time to plan a romantic rendezvous, date, or night on the town. We’re more willing to let our hair down during these times, but sometimes these same times give us a morning hangover. So please be sure that you play safe and not take unnecessary chances. The thrill of a moment isn’t worth a lifetime of regret.

Fortunately, some of the more rambunctious energies are dampened this weekend as the Moon enters Capricorn today at 3:24am. We’re all become a bit more cautious, reserved, and serious when the Moon is in Capricorn, and when this happens over the weekend it usually indicates that it is an excellent time to take stock of what needs to be done, take care of chores around the house, tidy up, or do some spring cleaning.

Saturday, April 23rd

Mercury goes Direct at 3:04am

Hooray! Mercury finally goes direct, and we can be rid of some of the pesky issues we’ve been dealing with. If you have been caught in the web of this past Mercury retrograde and have a broken or misbehaving appliance, computer, or other device, now is the time to get it fixed. The day’s astrological energies do not point to a great deal of fun today. They are somber, serious, and have us challenged to face some important issues in our lives. Some of these issues could come from our own internal feelings and intuitions, and some of them may be forced on to us by others. Whatever the source, don’t let them knock too much of your self-confidence out of you. Yes, your confidence may take a hit and Sunday be rather blue, but the things you hear over the weekend may turn out to be incorrect, and by Monday the world is looking considerably brighter, cheerier, and more fortunate.

Wishing you all a wonderful week!

The Key

THE KEY

The planets move and twirl around the zodiac, and as they do they form various relationships with each other.  These relationships are called ASPECTS.  The distance between the two planets determines the nature of the aspect between them, and this reveals how well those two planets are getting along. 

To help you follow along, I have included two charts for the Sundays at the beginning and end of each week, so you can see the movements of the planets. You can find each planet in the charts below and in the legend to the right that gives their exact position.

The Signs:

Aries –  Quick, daring, adventurous; self-assertive, leadership, ambitious; forceful

Taurus – Practical, nature-loving; tenacious, perseverance; loves beauty/harmony

Gemini – Intellectual; dual; curious, creative, talkative; restless, highly adaptable

Cancer – Emotional, nurturing, empathetic; sentimental, protective, romantic

Leo – Dramatic, poised, confident; proud, dignified, ambitious; colorful, authoritative

Virgo – Service-minded, fussy, critical, shrewd, logical, discriminating, shy

Libra – Refined, peace-minded, level-headed, perceptive, generous, cooperative

Scorpio – Intense, secretive, strong-willed, forceful, courageous, keen senses

Sagittarius – Expansive, optimistic, mutable, philosophical, outspoken, loves outdoors

Capricorn – Honest, practical, business-like, careful, dependable, responsible, dutiful

Aquarius — Original, strong willed, quick, intellectual, progressive, humanitarian

Pisces — Ultra-sensitive, self-sacrificing, worriers, obliging, dreamy, sociable

The Planets

Sun – The self; one’s ego; the matter at hand; the center, tipping point; is active/yang

Moon – Our emotions, personality; changeable, reflective, responsive; is passive-receptive/yin

Mercury – Intelligence, commerce, computers, networks, communications

Venus –  Relationships, romance, attraction, charisma, symbolic of women

Mars – The energizer bunny, aggression, movement, strife, symbolic of men

Jupiter – Expansion, law, religion, publishing, optimistic, growing, fortune

Saturn – Contraction, discipline, institutions, conservative, practical, focused, fate

Chiron – Wounded healer, new beginnings, bridge between lessons and awareness       

Uranus – Revolution, progressive, technology, science, chaos theory

Neptune – Religion, drugs, alcohol, dreams, meditation, spirituality

Pluto – Power, the depths, transformation, invisible forces, cleansing

(North) Node – Connections, networks, associations, alliances

 

The Aspects

Conjunction (yellow dot) – 0 degrees separation; like two planets having a meeting or business lunch

Semi-Sextile (short gray line) – 30 degrees; like two planets having a conversation at the water cooler

Semi-square (magenta line) – 45 degrees; like two planets having an argument

Sextile (cyan line) – 60 degrees; like two planets out on a date

Quintile (yellow line) – 72 degrees; like two planets expressing themselves creatively

Square (red line) – 90 degrees; like two planets headed toward divorce court

Trine (green line) – 120 degrees; like two planets on a romantic vacation

Sesquiquadrate (long purple line) – 135 degrees; redux of the same argument as the Semi-Square

Quincunx – (long deep cyan line) – 150 degrees; like a boss passing their administrative assistant in the hallway, can be good or bad depending on the situation

Opposition (long blue line) – 180 degrees; like two planets in a formalized, highly structured debate.

Chart for April 17, 2011

Chart for April 24, 2011

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 consider celestial influences as part of a larger whole, or the Flow.  All too often, astrologers tend to write about astrological events as if each were an isolated specimen as if pulled out of the sky and analyzed by itself – and there is no dearth of astrological sites on the net that write that way.  Here, it is the movement and interactions that are important and form the basis of discussion.

If any of the material is unclear or unfamiliar to you, it is probably unfamiliar to others as well, please leave a comment and I will be glad to answer your questions. 

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.

This week’s synopsis: The Power Polka

 This week starts off with a bang with a square between Mars and Pluto on Monday at 1:30pm and we will feel the repercussions until month’s end when this aspect’s energy finally dissipates. Mars, god of war, planet of energy, activity, physical power, and potency squares off with Pluto, god of the underworld, planet of transformation, change, nuclear power, and the depths. Mars is in Aries, his home, adding to his strength. Pluto is in Capricorn, where it can tap into the roots of the Earth down to its molten core, where Pluto is very much at home.

Pluto in Capricorn is all about social and institutional power. It is there to transform our society. At the moment, the region of Capricorn in which it has been placed has been concentrating power in our social institutions, government, religion, corporations, and culture. It is tenacious, ambitious, and craves control. 

Mars in Aries is all about personal power. It is there to give us the opportunity to achieve our desires, display our passions, and satisfy our individual needs. It is impulsive, impatient, and eager to fight.

Clearly, they both can be at cross-purposes, and the differences between Capricorn and Aries often typify the distinction between the Individual and the State. Frequently they are in open conflict, such as when the state tries to control the actions of the individual, or when the individual feels that the state is no longer serving his or her needs. But they can also work together as when the individual serves the state with military or elective service, or when the state imposes the will of an official for the benefit of many.

However, when two planets occupy the places in which the 90º square aspect is exact, which Mars and Pluto will do this Monday afternoon, there is frequently conflict, crisis, controversy, and contention. All of which we have seen in the lead-up to this aspect from Libya, Syria, and Yemen in Middle-East to Wisconsin, Ohio, and Michigan in the Midwest,  and from Washington, DC to Washington state.

Not to mention any conflicts, controversies and contentions that might be going on in our personal lives. It is, indeed a time in which power and its ramifications are swirling about us very much like a polka.

Perhaps it’s time to roll out the barrel and learn a few astrological footsteps.

Mars is in the Sabian Sign of “A Large Hat With Streamers Flying, Facing East.” Hats are often used to symbolize our identity. The “good guys” wear white ones, and the bad ones doff black. Bishops wear miters and policemen wear caps. Some can be formal, and some are wildly individualistic, but they all portend to be an expression of who we are and the roles we seek to claim in society. The East is the land of the rising sun, the dawn, and the future. As symbol, together they represent the embodiment of our destiny and the streamers the various challenges we will encounter as we face the winds of our fate.

Pluto is in the Sabian Sign of “Birds In the House Singing Happily.” Birds often represent spirit, the soul, and our aspirations. When they are singing happily in the home, everything seems in perfect harmony. Very much like atoms in a lattice buzz harmoniously to form the very crystals of matter. I sing the crystal electric! In any case, they are disparate individuals uniting to form common bonds for common purposes and expressing them in unison. Incidentally, Pluto’s placement here, as the planet of large financial systems and wealth, has been helping our economy regain its footing during these tumultuous times!

Taking all of this together, the path to safety through this battleground is to accept your destiny, accept your Self, and accept who you are. Claim that territory as yours, and do so with authority. No one else can tell you how you should be, nor should they. You have a right to self-determination, a right to express yourself as you deem best, and a right to satisfy your own needs.  It is a message that is going to be heard over and over again during the 7 years that Uranus occupies Aries, more so with the half-dozen planets that accompanying it now.

In fact, that’s the primary key to success during this time – authority. An authority that must be assumed, never requested, and never asked for. Authority never asks “May I?” Authority always acts with the assumption of a mandate, a mandate born of a belief in the acceptance of one’s destiny, and the ability of the Self to be the vessel to manifest it. Doubt does not live here, for doubt is anathema to authority.

The ultimate authority in your own life is your own destiny as you believe it to be. You may face challenges to it, but so long as you do not surrender it and remain true to it, you will always ultimately prevail. 

The polka of power swirls all around us. This is no time for milquetoast wallflowers. It is time for butter to melt in your mouth. It is time to get on that dance floor and show us your moves!

Retrograde report:

Please remember that Mercury will be continue to be retrograde until April 23rd!

Current retrograde planets:

Mercury until April 23rd

Saturn until June 12th

Pluto until September 16th

To the Daily Details!

Sunday, April 10th

No major aspects

The Moon is in nurturing, caring, and sensitive Cancer all day, but you may want to make sure you stay out of harms way in the morning hours. The aspects this morning are particularly discordant and even the best of intentions are liable to set off a firestorm of anger, angst, and antagonism. The best way to keep the first half of the day’s energies from becoming difficult is to do no more than is required, give no more than is given, take no more than taken, offer no more than is prudent and expect little in return. The singular exception to this is if you happen to be in the passionate arms of someone you love. In that case, the morning’s energies could be explosively exculpatory and leave both you and your partner with a volcanic climax of intercourse that is at once completely draining and totally fulfilling.

The afternoon’s energies are similarly turbulent, but the focus is entirely different. While the morning is a minefield of emotional sensitivity, the afternoon is a battle royale between what you want to do and what you ought to do. Either has its detractions and benefits that will play out over the remainder of the week. Weigh the alternatives carefully and choose. If you don’t get to what you need to do by early in the afternoon, chances are you’ll fritter away the rest of the day.

The evening’s energies improve dramatically. Plan something soothing, sumptuous, or just plain fun for the start of the week!

Monday, April 11th

Mars square Pluto at 1:39pm

Mercury conjunct Jupiter at 8:59pm

The morning’s energies are just apt to be fuzzy, frazzled, and frayed. If you read this before the day begins, be sure to put your keys, wallet, purse, or other important and necessary items out in the open where you can remember them so that you don’t have to go through that hassle in the morning. This is also no time to be rushing or speeding. The consequences won’t be worth the hoped for goodies.

As Mercury approaches Jupiter this evening, you may think of something you didn’t notice before that may help you fulfill your goals in one way or another, or a bit of news may rekindle hope for a cause or situation you thought was out of reach. Communications may revolve around finances, and you may find yourself a bit better off than you had feared.

The Moon enters Leo at 8:37pm, and the evening has us in a better mood in which the future appears just a bit brighter than it did just a few days ago.

Tuesday, April 12th

No major aspects

Today’s energies are both helpful and supportive. The morning hours are particularly helpful for putting plans into action, initiating new enterprises, making a fresh new start, or taking a new approach to things. We’re just a bit more self-confident with today’s Leo waxing Moon, and with a nice aspect to the action planet Mars, we are able to make good progress toward achieving our ambitions so long as we are willing to put in the required work. The afternoon continues with the support of responsible Saturn. So long as we are being responsible, careful, and do our due diligence, our efforts should be rewarded handsomely.

Wednesday, April 13th

No major aspects

One of the benefits of many of the planets huddled together in one sign, is that when aspects are good they very good, although when they are bad, they are dreadful. Today we are on the good side of things, at least until the Moon enters Virgo at 11:40pm

The morning is likely to be far more enjoyable than the evening, but even so, most of the day should flow smoothly. The morning is particularly favorable as we’re in good spirits and things tend to go our way. The early afternoon is an opportune time to think about a long-standing problem or situation, and perhaps a new understanding, clarification, or solution will present itself. The afternoon could be a bit helter-skelter as the energy patterns shift. If plans need to be rescheduled, wires get crossed, or delays happen, the fault, dear reader does lie in our stars, not our selves!

Thursday, April 14th

No major aspects

The rest of the week more or less glides into the Full Moon this coming Sunday without any major aspects occurring. A full day of Virgo Moon means that schedules are important and that you may be better off following one than bumbling through the day without one. Expect people to be particularly detail oriented and little tolerant of excuses of mistakes, imprecision, or sloppiness. Say what you mean and mean what you say, nothing more and nothing less and you’ll end the day free of psychic or psychological wounds.

Friday, April 15th

No major aspects

Happy tax day!

Or, not. 

Almost at the very stroke of midnight tonight at 11:59pm on the left coast, the Moon enters Libra. Until then, expect the day to be a fairly similar carbon copy of Thursday.

 
Don’t expect the IRS to be any more forgiving of mistakes, so make sure your returns are signed, sealed, and filed by midnight! Today there’s a bit more of a sense of nervous anxiety around, as if the very air is unsure of which direction to flow. Try to be as calm and patient as possible so that you don’t get drawn up in others’ drama. As the Moon winds down its time in Virgo, there may be a tendency toward depression, funk, or other form of unease. If you feel yourself turning a shade of blue, it may be best to try breathing and arrange for some time alone so that you can recharge your emotional batteries without the interference of others. Downplay the drama that may be surrounding you, and just quietly slip off to take a walk by yourself to clear your mind and settle your soul. We’re in for a fairly delightful weekend with the Moon in Libra, and you won’t want to spoil it with unnecessary hurt feelings.

Saturday, April 16th

No major aspects

The Moon is in Libra all day, and with the Full Moon approaching, we want to reach out to those in our social circles to feel connected, accepted, and secure. Chances are you will have put yourself out a lot over this past week, and are in need of some TLC, and R ‘n’ R. People in general are more likely to be sociable, self-expressive, outgoing, and more willing to share of themselves than usual. This could open up opportunities for getting to know some acquaintances better, making new friends, or starting a new relationship. People are likely to have a strong need to be validated today, so if you want to be a good Samaritan, get out your validating stamps and find a few foreheads to stick them. Seriously, though, if you are feeling up to it, giving comfort and emotional support to someone who needs it today may be an act of kindness that could be the source of future rewards on a variety of levels – all of them good!

Wishing you all a wonderful week!

 

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