The Flow is a weekly blog published to better understand the flow of astrological, celestial, and magickal energies for the week, how best to use them, and is offered for entertainment purposes. 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.
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The Flow! is updated every Sunday.
Please note: all times are in the Pacific Timezone.
Synopsis for the week: Annular Eclipse of the Heart
This is a special two-week edition of The Flow because of family, events, and other assorted obligations. All of which may turn out to be a fortunate circumstance, because smack dab in the middle of our reporting period, on May20th, we have an annular eclipse of the Sun and this give us time to study, anticipate, and prepare for it. The week of May 20 – 27th will be added shortly.
Eclipses occur because of a special relationship between the Sun (the yang force, our selves, our egos, or any person, place, or thing); the Moon (the yin force, our inner selves, our emotions, and sub-conscious); and the Earth (the material manifestation of any person, place, or thing).
When the Earth comes between the Sun and the Moon in perfect alignment, we have a Lunar Eclipse, and when the Moon comes between the Earth and the Sun, we have a Solar Eclipse. Because the Earth is so much larger than the Moon and casts a much larger shadow, when a Lunar Eclipse occurs, it is visible in the entire hemisphere of night. However, because the Moon is so much smaller, its shadow across the Earth is correspondingly smaller, and so the total effect of the eclipse is seen in a much narrower band of the Earth’s surface.
But because the orbit of the Moon isn’t really circular, sometimes during an eclipse, it is so far away that it can’t entirely cover the surface of the Sun, and we have what’s known as an Annular Eclipse, and a small ring of the Sun can still be seen around the dark of the Moon. That’s the kind of eclipse we’ll be having on the 20th. A Partial Eclipse occurs when the Sun, Moon, and Earth do not line up exactly, and each is only partially obscured as the other passes in front of it.
After recording hundreds and hundreds of these eclipses, the ancients knew that they occurred in cycles. They calculated them all and realized that they occur in roughly an 18 year cycle, which we use astrologically as the North and South node. In Vedic (Indian) astrology, they are known as Rahu and Ketu, the head and tail of the dragon because it was thought that the head of the dragon ate the Sun or Moon, and discharged it out the other end.
From an “astronomical” perspective, the cycle is called a “Saros” cycle, named after a Sumerian unit of measuring area, such as gardens and fields, SAR and appears to have had a value of 3600 (60 seconds X 60 minutes or 10 X 360, the number of degrees in the zodiac).
Although the cycle was known throughout history, the name may be a bit of a mistake. The word “Saros” was first used by Sir Edmund Halley (of comet fame and he who purportedly PWNed by Sir Isaac Newton for questioning the veracity of astrology) who mistook he term from a Byzantine manuscript. The name, however, stuck.
Regardless of what they are called, Saros cycles have a birth, peak, and death, and each are numbered. The eclipse on May 20th is known as the 128th Saros cycle, and it was born on August 29th, in the year 984, and will die a slow and hopefully peaceful death on November 1st, 2282. It peaked during the middle half of the 15th century (1417-1471), not a century particularly known for peace.
Astrologically, the cycle began at 11º Virgo, in the part of the zodiac symbolized by An “Ornamental Handkerchief” in the Sabian degree of “A Boy Molded in his Mother’s Aspiration for Him.” Ornamental handkerchiefs are often associated with nobility, or those with great wealth, and are used as both a fashion statement, and as a means of making a statement to one’s community. With the Sabian degree, we see the longing of the birth of something new taking shape according to the wishes and needs of the parent who gave birth.
Interestingly, during many of the occurrences of eclipses of this Saros cycle, have been around times in which people placed great faith in the ability of something new. 1777 was the second year of the American Revolution, and in 1796 Napoleon won his first significant victory. In 1850, the American government hoped the Compromise of 1850 would stave off civil war, and in 1868, the 14th Amendment to the US Constitution was passed guaranteeing African Americans full citizenship and equal protection to all persons due process of law. 1904 began a period of prosperity, as did 1922. In 1940 Winston Churchill became Prime Minister, and gave both his “I have nothing to offer by blood, toil, tears, and sweat” and “We shall never surrender” speeches. 1958 saw the beginnings of the space race, as 1976 saw the hope that the election of Jimmy Carter would put the legacy of Watergate behind us. The election of 1994 gave us the Contract with America, and 2012 is destined to be another highly critical election year. It already has been with elections in both Greece and France that have upset the current economic order.
The end of the cycle occurs in 11º Scorpio, in the part of the zodiac symbolized by “Five Children Playing in Mounds of Sand” in the Sabian degree of “A Dentist at Work.”
And when the cycle reached it’s peak, on June 7, 1453, the Sun and Moon where in the same place as the Sun on the day Magna Carta took effect, June 10, 1215, 25º Gemini.
We can see in the above list how both symbols have a role, as some of these events were caused by people meddling in affairs that were best left alone, and that sometimes the medicine to correct the situation was not without some pain.
Let’s hope that the events of 2012 do not require much pain to correct, and the next eclipse in November offers some hope that that may be the case. Keep in mind that this Saros cycle is only one of many, and the combination of them all in concert produces the events we experience.
This eclipse will start to be visible at sunrise in south east China and Taiwan, move to the southern coast of Japan, travel just under the Aleutian Islands of Alaska, reach the Continental US on the California side of the Oregon border, and arc through Northern California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, New Mexico and peter out in Texas at sunset. At its peak, it will last for 5 minutes and 46.3 seconds, for those of you with a stopwatch.
Please note: times for this diagram are UT, PDT is -7h, EDT -4h, etc.
To the Daily Details!
Sunday, May 13th
Sun conjunct Jupiter at 6:23am
Mercury trine Mars at 1:54pm
Mercury octile Venus at 8:56pm
Happy Mother’s Day!
The week gets off to a bit of a dreamy start with the Moon entering psychic Pisces at 4:42am. There are lots of things up in the air, and where they fall, we really don’t care. We just sort of assume everything will work out for the best, and with that kind of attitude, they probably will. At daybreak, we are feeling as if we should be moving forward in some direction, toward progress achieving one goal or two, and if you’ve been doing your homework, you most likely have good cause to pat yourself on the back for work well done. Congrats! As the afternoon gets underway we’re zipping to and fro and more or less we’re able to fulfill our plans for the day with little fuss. Expect people to be loquacious and garrulous, and use big words when less fancy ones would do. Try to wrap up important affairs and communications by sunset, as the Mercury (our intellect) and Venus (our emotions) spar with each other, leading to hurt feelings and misconstrued statements, though all feathers are smoothed by the end of the day. As we wrap up the day, we’re well aware of our obligations and plans for the rest of the week – it’s apt to be a very busy one!
Monday, May 14th
Mercury trine Pluto at 1:09am
Sun semi-sextile Venus at 1:54am
Sun quincunx Saturn at 5:55am
Sun tri-octile Pluto at 9:46am
Most of the activity today is in the morning. Asians and Europeans are well-advised to attend to business and wrap up any loose ends to projects that have been hanging over your head. Any kind of research, in depth investigations and skullduggery are favored in the morning hours. Americans, both North and South, may be chafing at their responsibilities as the week begins and find it difficult not to feel that something is out of order. The best course of action is to just plow through your schedule or agenda, and pick up the pieces later. No matter where you live, if you have questions about the nature of a plan or project, use whatever resources available to check things out. You’ll be happy you did, even if it means putting yourself on the spot, or asking a relative stranger for help.
Tuesday, May 15th
Venus turns Stationary Retrograde at 4:59am
Mars octiles Saturn at 2:45pm
Venus turns retrograde today, and each day will slowly sink further toward the western horizon at sunset. It always saddens me a bit at this point in Venus’ cycle, as I very much enjoy her presence in the evening sky. I will miss her, as she races headlong into the heart of the Sun on June 5th. Literally, because this year Venus will actually transit the face of the Sun as she conjoins the big guy at their conjunction. That makes this a particularly useful time for reconciling our relationships, letting go of broken dreams, charting a new emotional course for ourselves, and reharmonizing our emotional bodies. She will re-emerge on the dawn side of the Sun about mid-June, and will remain a morning star until early Spring 2013, when she will re-emerge and delight our evening skies once more.
Otherwise, the day is apt to be a big raspberry or Bronx cheer, depending on your age and geographical location. The Moon enters Aries at 8:23am and Mars and Saturn tussle it up mid-afternoon. Their conflict usually is a recipe for fits and starts, stops and goes, and driving with one foot on the gas and the other on the brake. It’s wrap-up time for the Mars-Saturn cycle as Mars, Energizer Bunny of the zodiac, is making its last major aspect to Saturn, our karma and responsibilities, as they head toward their conjunction in mid-August. This again, makes it an excellent time for wrapping up any work you have been doing to heal old wounds, move plans forward, and taking care of important priorities. The key here is to remain true to your convictions that match your notions of the kind of person you want to be. It’s all about managing your life, and making the important decisions that reflect your ideal sense of self. Who do you imagine yourself to be? That should be your guiding light this week as you attend to business.
Wednesday, May 16th
Mars trine Pluto at 9:10am
Sun octile Moon at 11:32am at 11º Aries
Venus sextiles Jupiter at 1:24pm
Jupiter quincunx Saturn at 3:42pm
Today is one busy astrological day, and for the most part the aspects are helpful and supportive. Mars trine Pluto is an excellent aspect for taking care of important business, and helps invigorate and energize the most lethargic of sloths. Snooze today, and you not only may lose but find a noose tightening around your neck. Today belongs to those willing to take the initiative, be nimble, be quick, and leap out of bed when that alarm goes off. Yeah, I know. Somebody tied kryptonite around your self-confidence, but be that as it may, the more you are willing to be out there and do what needs to be done, but much much better off you will be.
Jupiter (good fortune) quincunxes (razzes) Saturn (bad fortune) at 3:42pm. It is the last speed-bump toward revitalized economies. Good news is apt to be mixed with bad, and silver linings stroll across the sky with every cloud. Profitable readers will get out your metal detectors, and go hunting.
Thursday, May 17th
Mercury quintiles Neptune at 12:27am
Jupiter tri-octiles Pluto at 4:22pm
Mercury and Neptune together spell imagination, add the quintile aspect (consciousness), and you get sentences that stream with creativity. Particularly Eastern and South Asians will be well advised to let their intuitions guide them through the early part of the day as insights could lead to important opportunities.
Jupiter and Pluto often combine to create good fortune, even when they’re in unfavorable aspects like today’s tri-octile (otherwise known as sesquiquadrate, Latin for square [90º] plus half a square [45º] = 135º). In this configuration, they are attuned to helping those with greatest faith. Having faith in your convictions and following through with them could help you overcome some challenging obstacles. Put your sights on what you want, and you may find those mountains in front of you are really gently rolling hills.
Friday, May 18th
No major aspects
The Moon enters Taurus at 3:03am. Generally, when the Moon enters Taurus we calm down, take it easy and let things progress organically and today should be no exception. We find that our plans are able to go according to schedule, we are able to communicate what we think and feel well, and are able to co-ordinate our busy lives with little hassle. The evening is made for romance, so if you have a significant other or want one, you may want to take advantage of that fact. The energy for hearts and flowers peaks at 11pm, and slowly dissipates into the morning hours.
Changes may occur that offer a fresh start today, you can best take advantage of them by looking for those opportunities that look to give you the greatest peace of mind. For the most part, they’ll come looking for you, so there’s no need to go chasing after will-o-the-wisps. Being watchful of new connections that come from recent changes could lead to developments that help you progress toward achieving some important goals.
Saturday, May 19th
No major aspects
People are apt to be a bit emotional today, so be careful where you walk so that you don’t set off any psychological land-mines. There’s a sense of changes in the air and for the most part, they waft sweetly. Accept any overtures gracefully, even if it means burying an old hatchet or two. Early morning plans are likely to go awry, so give yourself lots of wiggle room if there’s some place you need to be. With our emotions heightened, the day may also feel like a bit of a roller-coaster. Try to anchor yourself by grounding your thoughts with useful affirmations so that you don’t get swept away by them. Be careful of any new commitments you make this weekend, as your heart may be willing to take leaps the rest of you are not sure about following. It stinks when your feet are hanging over a cliff and you are holding on for dear life.
Sunday, May 20th
Sun biquintile Saturn at 2:55am
Sun enters Gemini at 8:15am
Mercury octile Uranus at 3:05pm
Solar Eclipse – New Moon at 4:47pm
Happy Birthday Gemini!
Today is likely to be a bit difficult. We may be feeling a bit out of sorts, and they is likely due to the eclipse. As much as possible, try to be patient, considerate of others, and careful in what you say and do. Count to 10 a lot. Many of us are likely to be on edge, and that always makes relationships difficult. If you do find yourself in an awkward position, gracefully acknowledge any blunders or faux pas and you may find others more forgiving than you’d expect. Mid-afternoon, after the Moon also enters Gemini, is when things get diciest, as miscommunication and schedule rewrites are quite likely. Being as flexible as possible may be your most rewarding course of action. Tomorrow is likely to be more of the same, as the turbulence in the Flow doesn’t ease up until Tuesday. Meditation, eating well, and getting plenty of sleep may help you handle any difficulties with greater ease. Above all, try to approach the day’s events with good humor, and other’s should respond in kind, and kindly!
Monday, May 21s
Mercury semi-sextile Venus at 1:24am
Mercury quincunx Saturn at 5:51am
Mercury tri-octile Pluto at 10:46am
Mercury conjunct Jupiter at 10:58pm
As you can see, Mercury is a busy bugger today, stirring up mischief, mayhem, and trouble for most of the day until Jupiter greases his skivvies in late evening. Like most of the weekend, the best plans are no plans, because everything is likely to change on a moment’s notice. It may feel like a giant jigsaw puzzle in which none of the pieces seem to fit, so you try rearranging things until they do. Good luck trying to hold a meeting or get anything accomplished today!
Amongst all this Mercury mishegas, the important thing to keep in mind is endurance. They who persevere will get the goodies. The day’s momentary bad feelings will pass like a bad dream, and tomorrow things should appear brighter.
Tuesday, May 22nd
No major aspects
Everything seems to calm down today after the hustle and bustle of the past few days. It is almost as if a magic wand is waved, and things return back to normal after a period of seeming craziness. Today should be a good day for realigning your bearings, catching your breath, and getting back up to speed. People are more relaxed, it seems easier to get things done, and there’s a more cooperative air around everyone.
Be careful today of being overly ambitious. Yes, we all have our mountains to climb, and plans to help us get ahead, but today it is all too easy to fall victim to all that. Today, it is best to be the tortoise, and not the hare, because there are speed traps out there for pushy speedy critters. There’s also a part of this celestial configuration that makes it likely that those in charge may say or do some questionable things. In whatever affairs you may be at the helm today, be sure you steer by the rules, and don’t swerve too far right or left. There could be dangerous shoals that don’t show on any map or chart.
Wednesday, May 23rd
Sun square Neptune at 1:55pm
Sun biquintile Pluto at 2:02pm
Mercury biquintile Saturn at 11:36pm
You don’t need me to tell you these are perilous times. In many ways, we have been divided and conquered in a myriad of ways by those whose purposes are to distract us from their own ambitions. Each of us, in our own way, is a stalwart defender of truth and justice. Today may find some of us able to celebrate a significant victory, but one that may need to be frequently defended. Remember that others feel as justified as you in their own beliefs and opinions, and that the best way to conquer any remaining enemies is to avoid excessive chest thumping, embrace them, and show them how your victory is theirs also.
The Moon enters Cancer at 4:31am and that accentuates emotional sensitivity and reclusiveness, and our feelings take precedence over our rational thoughts. So when relating to others, understand that they are most likely as emotionally fragile as you, and need every bit of tender treatment you can muster. In the evening, there is likely to be an epidemic of Decision-Making Disorder (DMD), so do everyone a favor, be brave, and show the world there are still some people who can make up their mind.
Thursday, May 24th
Mercury enters Gemini at 4:12am
Sun octiles the Moon at 6:27pm at 20º Cancer
Today is Mercury Liberation Day once he enters Gemini at 4:12am. If you’ve been wondering why some people’s minds seem to have been stuck in sideways mode, let’s just say that Mercury finds Taurus a bit stifling. And all that heady earth mucks up those pretty winged feet. In Gemini, Mercury is free to flit wherever his fluttering fleet feet will fly. Of course, being the sign of the twins, he always seems to have multiple destinations in mind. Both Mercury and Gemini accentuate mental stimulation, communication and the media, so celebrate Mercury Liberation Day by excessively multi-tasking. Turn on a radio, crank up the iPod, play a video game, watch TV, talk on your iPhone while surfing the web with your iPad. You can do it, make Mercury proud!
In the afternoon, there may be an opportunity to resolve some long-standing conflict in your life. Gentle, persistent persuasion may be your best course for resolving any disputes. The evening is made for partying, as people are in an expansive, garrulous, optimistic mood. Party hearty, but be mindful of any responsibilities you may need to face tomorrow. You may want a clear head to face all the jumbled messages tomorrow is likely to offer.
Friday, May 25th
Mercury biquintile Pluto at 2:06pm
Mercury square Neptune at 2:37pm
Today is likely to be a mixed bag of tricks, like a bag of Every Flavor Beans. Some roses and peanut brittle, some boogers and bugs. Rather than getting worked up over it all, try to take it all in stride. It’s less about you than what the universe feels like throwing in your direction. You just happen to be in the way. Compliments, of course, are always graciously accepted!
The Moon enters Leo at 3:11pm, and our moods soar. A Leo Moon Weekend is likely to be a fun time, especially in the US where Memorial Day is a major holiday on Monday. Whatever your plans for the weekend are, are sure to take precedence over any work that needs to be finished.
Like I mentioned earlier in the week, today is not the best day to push ahead with plans, schemes, or other ambitions. Keep your cards close to your chest, and try not to signal your intentions too broadly. I may take until early June to get the green light and feel forward momentum again.
Saturday, May 26th
Sun sextile the Moon at 1:41am
The day should be mostly filled with finding ways of having fun, letting yourself go, and enjoying life. The energies are good for almost any activity, but particularly those that include others and having a good time. People are feeling quite full of themselves, so be wary of bumping in to any oversized egos. You can either have fun bringing along with you a Dominating Deflating Device, or avoid any egos that resemble the Goodyear blimp.
The very late hours of the day are very suitable for intimate bonding, so if you find yourself in close quarters with others you may find out some things you didn’t know before. People are quite willing to share, and more than one secret may pop out into the open. If you’d rather be on the receiving instead of the giving side of any revelations, it is advisable to be a good listener and let others do the talking. It is also advisable to be sure you use your best deodorant before stepping out tonight.
Wishing you all a wonderful two weeks!
