The Flow! Week of April 29 – May 5, 2012

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.

Synopsis for the week: Look Up, Love is in the Sky!

 If you look up, and your sky happens to be clear, at almost any time of night, you should be able to see a planet in the sky lined up with a famous star. No, not Brittany, a real star.

We don’t talk much about stars here at the Flow!, mostly because much of their meaning needs a massive update.  Why, you ask? Well, you’ll see. But they’re there, and especially when they line up with a planet they have something important to say.

We’ll be talking more about the origins of astrology, though, in some upcoming reports. I’ve been digging my nose in in some dusty cuneiform tablets from the dawn of recorded history, and after considerable sneezing, found some amazing stuff there.

One of the most striking, is the level and degree to which are lives have changed. No, I’m not particularly referring to iTunes, but in a sense it does reflect some of the more startling differences between us and our ancestors who lived around the time of the transition between Sumerian and Assyrian culture. While taxes, law, and the division of labor were just coming into vogue, we have no kings, no public humiliations, and precious little bartering.  More importantly, we have a degree of personal freedom and level of control over our lives that would be mind-bogglingly incomprehensible to our long-dead cousins, and if you turned on any electronic device, radio or other form of communication, they would probably hit it with the nearest tablet to exorcise it from the demons within.

Speaking of tablets…

We are an amazing species.

Anyway, back to our story.

Because the Assyrians were forced to wait 6,000 to get an iPad, much of their astrology was observational. Instead of sitting and counting their various phalanges, or nicking pieces of stone, they sat and watched the sky. And recorded what they saw, judged what they knew of the configuration and compared that judgment with current affairs. So in the spirit of the Assyrians and Sumerians, let’s take a look up and see what the sky has to offer. Besides, there are a variety of celestial pairs in the night sky these days, and it would a shame not to better appreciate them.

Certainly the most notable star in the night sky is Venus, goddess of light and love, as she slowly drifts in the West toward the horizon as night deepens. Particularly since she reaches her maximum brightness on Monday, April 30^th, at 2:56pm. Look closely, and you’ll see that she is just a smidge away from a much dimmer star, β Tauri, otherwise known as El Nath.

I once had an interstellar empire centered on El Nath.  That is, at least I did until Regulus IV rebelled, but that was another life, and video game ago.

Located about 21º of Gemini, just a few degrees west of Venus, El Nath, from the Arabic Al Natih (back when all astronomical knowledge was conducted in Arabic) is known as the “Butting One,” suitable for a star in the horns of Taurus, the Bull. When aligned with Venus, the star makes one eminently popular. So popular, in fact, one can gain enemies because of it. However, try as they may, no harm can befall one so blessed with this combination as no harm can come to them by false writings, gossips, or slanders.

Admire Venus while you can, too, as she has but another couple of weeks to go before she stops dead in her tracks and turn Retrograde. She will then slowly sink in the western sky at sunset, until she is absorbed by the Sun and spirited out the other side as a morning star to herald and bless the dawn. Her current position is marked with the arrow in the map below.

The next heavenly pair is bound together eternally, Castor and Pollux, the famous eponymous twins of Gemini. At the moment, the pair can be found in the sky a bit more toward the center of the sky from Venus. Castor, the mortal twin, was known as the Horse-master. Pollux, the immortal twin, was known as the Fighter. Pollux is the brighter of the two, though that may not always have been the case. They are circled on the map above to help you find them.

Castor, α Geminorum found at 19º Cancer, is said to be a portent of violence and mischief, giving a sudden rise of honors and riches followed by a fall. It also bestowed a keen intellect, disappointments (obviously), turbulence, and imprisonment.

Pollux, β Geminorum at 22º Cancer, doesn’t escape the turbulence, but at least manages a somewhat more enjoyable existence while making everyone else’s life miserable. The star gives a love of sports, bravery, a subtle spirit, and psychic ability. Natives were said to be audacious, crafty, cruel, and rash.

No planets happen to be nearby now, but there’s generally a parade of them as the Sun, Mercury, and Venus promenade across them in the second week of July.

Heading eastward and above in the sky, especially around 9pm are Mars and Regulus, α Leonis.

Mars, planet of action, activity, exertion, energy, aggression, defense, and war, is still coming out his Retrograde delirium, meandering through the early degrees of Virgo. However, he is very close to noblest star of them all, Regulus. The star was Sharru, king, in Babylonia; Magha, mighty, in Sogdiana; Magh, great, in India; Miyan, center, in Persia; and Amil-gal-ur, king of the celestial sphere, in Assyria.

Known as the star of kings, Regulus sits at the heart of Leo, and has a rather important place historically. Almost all of the ancient zodiacs that survive show Taurus as the first constellation. The sky was said to be divided into four quadrants, each with a star that ruled over them. Aldebaran of Taurus ruled the spring quadrant, Regulus of Leo the summer, Antares of Scorpio the autumn, and Fomalhaut of Pisces the winter.

Combined with Mars, Regulus gives fame, high honors, and public gain. It also makes one strong of character, high spirited, and independent. Natives may be subject to sudden death (presumably, this is not in reference to overtime), or accidental death if one throws caution and other assorted traffic signs to the wind.

And finally, we have Saturn and Spica.

Spica, α Virginis, is the primary star of Virgo, and is known as the “Sheaf of Wheat” (not to be confused with Cream of Wheat) in the Virgin’s left hand. The star has one of the better sets of meaning, giving great honors, good judgment, unexpected honors, riches, and sociability.

There is no information about Spica combined with Saturn, because EVERYTHING combined with Saturn has the same meaning – you are going to die.

And of course, we know that to be perfectly, ultimately, true.

So, as you can see from some of the examples above, much of the astrology with regard to the “fixed” stars is rather gloomy and dire. Even when it is otherwise good. Out of the myriads and myriads of stars and combinations there are a mere handful that are pleasant.

Which leads us to the most important take-away from a comparison of our lives today and those of the ancients — Life then was, like they said, really really nasty, brutish, and short. No matter how much we may complain, they had it worse. much worse.

Rejoice.

To the Daily Details!

Sunday, April 29^th

Sun trine Pluto at 2:34am

Sun square Moon at 2:57am at 10º Leo

Many people are celebrating the pagan sabat Beltane this week, so Merry Beltane to one and all! (Did you know that sabat is a Semitic/Assyrian word with meanings associated with the words “seven” and “holy?”)

We start the week with a tremendous opportunity to heal ourselves and feel better about our lives. There are complexes buried deep within our souls that have dwelt unbidden because of miscommunication and misunderstanding and we have a good chance of liberating ourselves from its influence. As you wake today, set aside some time to ponder things and if you give yourself just a smidgen of psychological wiggle room, you just might be able to root out a psychic McNasty. It is certainly worth giving it a go over morning tea or coffee.

Later in the day, our attention may turn to our relationships. This is likely to be a week with a great deal of focus on our relationships, and today is no exception. If you find yourself on the defensive today or tomorrow, you may want to reconsider your position and give in just an inch. While you are most likely in the right, this is a battle you could possibly lose by winning. Don’t push, and no shoving. Just gently state the situation from your perspective and give the other person a chance to readjust their position to this news before pressing your case further. I bet you won’t have to press much.

Another effect of all these configurations this week is that energies are apt to be running high all week. Sometimes that results in added pressure both at work and at home. Added pressure often leads to an added need to let off steam. Just think of a pressure cooker. But like a pressure cooker, if it has been sitting on a burner building up pressure and you suddenly open the handle, you’re going to be scraping up the meal from your walls and floor. So let your own steam out slowly and gently. You don’t want to be picking up your brain from the floor, or it’ll be bloody messy.

Monday, April 30^th

Venus semi-sextile Jupiter at 1:54pm

Venus reaches maximum brightness at 2:56pm

The day starts off rather jolly for a Monday, although in the early morning hours expect some speed-bumps in the Flow of things. There are tasks ahead, and we’re more invested in getting involved with them and seeing them through to completion than we are concerned with how much of our time or our selves we will need to devote to them to do so. This is NOT the road to success. Your personal resources are not infinite, so be careful in committing to projects and things that may take up more of your time than you can safely handle.

The Moon enters Virgo at 4:02pm. Generally, the Moon entering Virgo is an indication of better mental skills, but not until later today. There are some influences afoot that bedevil our thinking, so put off making any important decisions until you wake tomorrow. This Virgo Moon is apt to bring out some of the lower-end attributes of both the Moon and Virgo meaning that we’re likely to be more sensitive, more cranky, more moody and more critical than usual. Until the Moon enters Libra Wednesday evening, be prepared – it ISN’T about you, and it ISN’T personal. Just stick to objectivity, reason, and logic, and you’ll be fine.

Tuesday, May 1^st

Mercury octile Neptune at 8:37am

Sun trine Moon at 12:34pm

Happy May Day!

Don’t be surprised if the refrain of the day is “I don’t wanna.” It may almost feel like somebody spiked the water with stupid juice for much of the day too, so not only are people less willing to play nicely, but they’re not particularly brilliant about it either. That’s not a good combination, so navigate your day accordingly. Olive branches may be in short supply, so if you are offered any today, consider yourself fortunate.

Many things are just beginning, or just beginning to take form today and beginnings can be perilous times. Like a primordial creature creeping out of the ooze, or a baby’s head crowning at birth, the appearance of things now is less important than the fact that they be embraced by all involved, and that people are willing to work together to get things started. This is a good time to look to others for support, as better you are able to build a network of support, the more likely successful your situation will be.

In the evening, we may be particularly susceptible to emotional outbursts, so you may want to keep the box of Kleenex close at hand. It’s more about letting off steam than any hard feelings, but sometimes that can be hard to keep in mind during the heat of the moment. Give yourself lots of emotional breathing room tonight, and avoid touchy subjects with loved ones.

Wednesday, May 2^nd

Jupiter septile Saturn at 11:15am

Sun tri-octile Moon at 3:37pm at 28º Virgo

As the Moon heads toward Libra, which it will enter at 7:03pm, our ability to shape our circumstances to better suit our desires grows stronger.  Some obstacles may give way, some new opportunities may come our way, some new connection may help grease our wheels, and/or some new ideas may help smooth the path toward achieving our goals more readily and with less effort. There is potent magick at work here, be sure to take advantage of it!

The time of action has come. There is no longer any valid reason to hold back, there’s no reason to go over plans one more time, and there is not going to be a better time than now. The moment is now. It is time to act.

Once the Moon enters Libra, our emotional bodies become calmer, our feathers smooth out, and our moods turn more harmonic. This more even emotional keel will also help us move forward. If there are little nagging issues at the back of your mind, have them nag somewhere else.\

Thursday, May 3^rd

Mercury tri-octile Mars at 7:54am

Mercury semi-sextile Jupiter at 7:54am

Mercury sextile Venus at 8:01pm

The week’s progress continues today. You know your steps, climb them. While there’s bound to be static in the air, it is just that, static. If you turn up the volume, it will drown out the music. Ignore it, and you make the best of a good situation.

In the morning hours look to your fellows, your fellow friends, you fellow workers, and your fellow family members for assistance and clues to where you should be devoting your energies. If there isn’t anyone in whom you feel you can confide, listen to some music, or surf the web. Your inner self will cling to what is important, and that should give you guidance.

The afternoon is really potentially productive for all kinds of work. Putting your best foot forward after 1pm should give you lots of good footsteps to follow.

Take extra care on the drive home, so that you’re not the victim of an unexpected move. There’s no need to rush, what awaits you can wait. There should be plenty of soothing energies and smiling faces in the evening hours. Any meetings or events scheduled for this evening should go well. People are very much in a mood to get along, so don’t spoil the fun by rushing around like a maniac.

Friday, May 4^th

Sun quintile Neptune at 4:43pm

We now seem to have the ability to better attract what we want, and filter out the chaff than usual. If you’re looking to buy something, make a commitment, or find someone special, today is a good day to go hunting. Your arrows should be able to hit the mark without much fuss. Your heart should not be much of a lonely hunter today.

If you have been good, and if you have been following things along this week, today could mark the achievement of something significant. Of particular likelihood is the ability to be in better control of a situation that has been dogging you for a while. You have been on a short leash lately, and this should give you some slack. Just be sure that if this is the case, and you feel a sense of relief, to give yourself a doggie biscuit or two. You deserve it!

The Moon enters Scorpio at 4:43pm. For the rest of the day, this may help you better understand the tectonic shifts that have been going on in your life.

Saturday, May 5^th

Mercury opposes Saturn at 6:07pm

Full Moon at 8:35pm at 17º Taurus/Scorpio

Happy Cinco de Mayo!

My goodness, there are a bevy of holidays this week, I hope they are all enjoyable ones for you.

There are apt to be significant changes that have occurred this week. It may feel as if the psychic energies have been put in a blender, and today is the result. Don’t be surprised if people seem to be at cross-purposes from what you might expect. Above all, don’t take it personally, unless you want to preserve and enshrine the negativity. Just take care of your self and see to your own happiness without needing to rely on others.

Ultimately, things will settle down as next week begins. Next week should see the changes that occurred this week develop roots and begin to sink in and set in. Tend and nurture those that are good, and there is still time to uproot those that aren’t. In either case, get ready to sharpen your tools and strengthen the bonds with your allies. You’ll be glad you did!

Wishing you all a wonderful week!

The Flow! Week of April 1 – 7, 2012

 

Please note: all times are in the Pacific Timezone.

Synopsis for the week: How to Cope, No Joke

March may be gone like a lamb, but it’s not a rather happy one. We’ll see if we can improve its mood later in the blog.

This week Mercury goes Direct on Wednesday the 4^th, signaling a return of normalcy with regard to communications, contracts, commerce and computers. As with all Mercury Retrogrades turning Direct, it takes a little while for Mercury to regain his footing, so don’t expect miracles. Mercury may be fleet of foot, but even he can’t quite turn on a dime.

However, as Mercury begins to shift gears this weekend, we leave behind the maddening frustrations of the past few weeks in which many of us may have felt like fools, thinking things were done, only to find out later that they weren’t. Starting this weekend we should finally be able to not only put the icing on our cakes but get to eat them, too. Hoorah!

But just as we get out of Mercury Retrogradeland, Pluto goes Retrograde on the 10^th, and Mars turns Direct on the 13^th turning our little lamb into a raging bull. But more on that next week!

On the whole, things feel somewhat somber. Perhaps it’s all that serious Saturn energy from last week. While we may have thought that the tide had turned, we find ourselves standing knee deep in challenges to our newly won ground. It is as if against all sense and reasonable expectations we stand on the other side of a looking glass at a world turned upside down. Yes, we can hold back this tide, or at least keep it at bay, but the water level is rising dangerously high and it deserves a watchful eye.

Yes, we’re still under the last week’s influence of Creative Living. Yes, we still have the opportunity to shape things according to the new lives we would like to construct for ourselves. But it is almost as if we’ve been pushed to the edge to see how, when, where, or if our psychological dams will crack and go screaming into the sunset like a half-crazed cartoon character.

That’s not to say we’d be blamed for doing so. It’s almost as if we’re being endurance tested for a course we didn’t know we had signed up for. It’s as if our temperaments are being tempered like steel.

I daresay we’ll need them for the struggles to come when Uranus and Pluto start stressing each other this summer and we can use all the temperance we can find.

However far off this summer may be, this week we get a respite, if we’re willing to accept it. Jupiter, planet of expansion, opportunity, and good fortune, is forming a quintile, an aspect of creative consciousness, with Neptune, planet of spirit, perception, and networks.

Putting all of that together means that the power to cope can be found within our own outlook; which is another way of saying that the way to find opportunity lies in the creative manipulation of the fundamental framework of how we perceive our reality.

The idea of creating one’s own reality has become a New Age truism of sorts. It’s an extremely empowering thought, and at the very least begins to open up possibilities that may have been only dimly imagined.

Except when you try and it fails.

Yes, we can go all Yoda and say there is no try, only do, and like Luke become frustrated and despondent when the ship falls back into the lake.

As any artist will tell you, the act of creation is no easy task. But the very first step in the art of creating is perception. Before you can create, you must perceive – and in psychological terms, that’s our outlook.

In a society such as ours, it is easy to become paranoid. So it’s tough to break free of our social culture and shift it to an outlook that allows you to thrive without needing to resort to casting aspersions on others. But it is much healthier spiritually, and it may let you perceive others as they really are instead of how you need them to be. It isn’t easy, but it can be liberating.

First there is a mountain, then there is no mountain, then there is.

It’s all in how you perceive, and that’s the best way to cope.

No joke.

Astrologically, there’s no better antidote to the heaviness of Saturn than the levity of Jupiter. Last week, I introduced you to Saturn from Gustav Holst’s popular masterpiece, “The Planets.” This week is Jupiter’s turn.

Jupiter is by far the most popular piece of the suite, perhaps because it is so breathtakingly joyous. There’s no need for me to describe the music, just enjoy it. And maybe, “Jupiter, bringer of jollity” will bring some joy into your life, and help alter your outlook in that direction. I also encourage you to check out the rest of the suite, Mars Bringer of War, Venus Bringer of Peace, Mercury the Winged Messenger, Uranus the Magician, and Neptune the Mystic. They’re all available on Youtube.

To the Daily Details after our musical intermission!

Sunday, April 1^st

No major aspects

The week gets off to a roaring start with the Moon entering Leo at 1:35am. That should immensely lift any brooding moods lingering from the past couple of days, though it may take a little while before it dispels the last of a drowsy fog. By mid-morning we’re feeling charged and ready to take on the day, so if you have plans or a to-do list, you should be able to accomplish what you set out to do with dispatch. In the afternoon a dark cloud or two may cloud the sunny skies, but by dinner time the mood again improves. As the day wears on, if you find yourself apprehensive of an event scheduled for this week, you simply must have faith in your self to see it through properly. You can do it, just stick to your guns, even if you have to shoot a blank or two to get another’s attention. In the evening, we’re actually feeling a bit rambunctious with greater confidence and a certain swagger to our step. Just remember those Fred Astaire moves mid-week.

Monday, April 2^nd

Sun trine Moon at 1:11am 13º Leo

Sun semisextile Jupiter at 8:34pm

A semisextile is no great shakes, but it may offer an economic opportunity or two if you let your gut be your guide. Asian and Australian readers may want to wait until early afternoon before going on any shopping sprees. In the afternoon, don’t be surprised if a glitch in the guise of a ghost from last week rears its gremlin head, something is bound to go wrong just after lunch. If you’ve made it to tea time in late afternoon without slapping your forehead, you’re in the clear. Nagging is a no-go this evening. Domestic arguments in particular are easily started, so put the kibosh on any personal agendas. Similarly, if you have meetings or social events scheduled it’s best to just enjoy each others’ company instead of pushing them where you want them to go. They’ll come around eventually! Tonight is also good for sitting down and thinking about how you are going to handle the rest of the week, and may find it particularly productive to formulate your thoughts and ideas in a written document, even if you are the only one to use it.

Tuesday, April 3^rd

Sun octile Moon at 5:26am at 30º Leo

Venus enters Gemini at 8:18am

The Moon enters Virgo at 6:53am, and it’s time to get down to business. There have been lots of ideas running around naked the past couple of days, and it’s time to clothe them and put them to work.

Soon after the Moon enters Virgo, Venus traipses into Gemini. She’s put on quite a celestial show the past couple of months, and now ever so gently glides closer to the horizon each night. By mid-May, she’ll be just a fond memory as she travels too close to the Sun to be seen. With Venus in Gemini we grow fonder of our gadgets, if that’s at all possible, and enjoy intelligent conversation and use of language. Our emotions are less earthy and more ephemeral, and may find ourselves falling in love (or at least like) 17 times a day.

Tuesday starts off with some good solid productive energies. Asian and Australian readers would do well to try to close the deal by early afternoon. Europeans and Middle Easterners can do the same by mid-morning, while Americans will have to settle for using it as they sleep.

Otherwise, the morning hours are likely to feel unsettled, particularly west of the Atlantic, as we wonder what yesterday’s events were all about. We may gain a better perspective on things in the afternoon, and as the sun sets we may have a more profound perception of recent events. The evening hours are very productive for working through deep-seated feelings. If you’ve been out of sorts, or feelings as if you haven’t been appreciated, this evening may provide a good opportunity for venting your feelings. Just be careful of too much spleen venting, as that can get rather messy.

Wednesday, April 4^th

Mercury stationary Direct at 3:11am

Jupiter quintile Neptune at 4:00pm

The very early morning hours are likely to be emotionally frustrating. We just don’t understand where others are coming from, and their motivations are opaque. In this case, those readers West of the pond have it better than those in the East. Americans can argue with themselves in their dreams, while Europeans and Asians are likely to do so with real people.

As the day gets going, however, it’s gangbusters all around. Opportunity is likely to rain from the skies like manna from heaven, and just about anything you want to accomplish is favored. Again, attitude and outlook is all important, so try to keep your chin up and look on the brighter side. If you need a little cheering up, wear out the Youtube Jupiter clip!

The evening is ripe for the unexpected. Perhaps a bit of news, note, or email may include an invitation. If so, by all means accept, a good time is likely to be had by all.

Thursday, April 5^th

Venus square Neptune at 6:49pm

We end the productive heart of the week when the Moon enters Libra at 8:32am.  Just before that, we’re likely feel a bit ambiguous toward our accomplishments as others try to push us into satisfying their needs instead of our own. Even so, we’re able to make good progress toward our goals, even if the short term results are less obvious or ostentatious. Sometimes, a day of modest but permanent progress is worth more than one with fireworks that turns out to be more temporary. The key to today’s success is sincerity. If you mean it, and it comes from the heart, you should do just fine.

Friday, April 6^th

Sun octile Neptune at 8:45am

Venus quintile Saturn at 11:59am

Full Moon at 12:19pm at 18º Libra

Today is the Full Moon of Libra, known as the Egg, Pink, Fish, Seed, or Waking Moon. Regardless of what it is called, the Full Moon of Libra is always significant because just as Libra is the sign of balance between two equal halves, a Full Moon is the midpoint of the monthly lunar cycle. This Full Moon offers a way to recover, recuperate and heal any recent wounds and to help put into practice any recent changes in life we have recently decided to make. Particularly if you have recently been through an ordeal, the next couple of weeks are an excellent time to enter a new phase of your life and to put into practice what have previously been long-term thoughts on important subjects. Don’t wait for external signs or signals, the only sign you need is the desire in your heart.

The Full Moon of Libra is also likely to produce some loopy behavior in the psyhically or psychologically less well balanced. Be on the lookout for any erratic behavior you encounter, it may be the forerunner of something that’s best to avoid. Otherwise, a little dinging or winging off the beaten track can be good fun, sparking memories of wonton deeds fondly remembered for years to come.

Saturday, April 7^th

Venus quintile Pluto at 6:48am

Venus square Mars at 4:36pm

Today Venus is in heat, and humans are randy. If you are in a relationship, looking for a relationship, or just looking for a good time, today should be another day for fond fecund memories to tickle your fancy in later years. The key to getting the most out of the day is not to be obsessed with control. Any danger is more likely to be found between your ears than out there, as long as you play safely. If you want a good time, go with the flow and let things happen naturally. There is a lot of high emotional energy in the air, so a disagreement is also somewhat likely. Just try to understand the other person’s point of view, let the snide remark slide, and keep things on an even keel. If you have an event to go to in the evening and your tongue has a pointy tip you may want to file it down before stepping outside. You don’t want a misspoken word to break the spell of what could otherwise be a magickal time.

Next week things get quite interesting as Mars goes direct and Pluto turns retrograde. Come back next week for all the salacious details!

Wishing you all a wonderful week!

The Flow! Week of February 5 – 11, 2012

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.

Synopsis for the week: Good Guys Rising

Sometimes spring arrives not with cannons, but with the aspiring leaves of a crocus breaking through crusty cold earth. Sometimes an icy heart is melted by a thoughtful word. Sometimes opportunity does not knock but eases in on balanced astrological breezes.

This is such a time.

Some of the news is good. With Uranus in Aries, people are learning how to fight oppression, and fight back against deceitful political ploys by organizations and institutions. Now that the Saturn – Jupiter opposition is over, our economy is beginning to move in the right direction.  Now that Neptune is out of Aquarius people are less inclined to believe unadulterated intellectual excrement.

But that doesn’t mean all of it is.

People are dying for freedom in Syria. North Korea juggles nuclear weapons while dancing on the sword of Damocles of world security. China and Russia are still united in their opposition of the West, and Iran would like nothing more than to lob a missile into the world’s oil supply. And no matter how many times we turn a deaf ear, the anguish of Africa is real.

Saturn is about to join Mars Retrograde, and the most effective weapon for dealing with and overthrowing tyranny is organized civil disobedience. Freedom fighters the world over should study the work of Gandhi for some useful insights and methods.

Thankfully, many of us are not personally involved in these struggles, but to quote Eleanor Roosevelt, “Hate and force cannot be in just a part of the world without having an effect on the rest of it.”

Speaking of Eleanor, another favorite quote of hers is, “Great minds discuss ideas, average minds discuss events, and small minds discuss people.”

She was one of the greats.

Closer to home, there are now two major astrological influences shaping events, Saturn joining Mars Retrograde this Tuesday, and the strengthening Jupiter-Pluto trine that will climax on March 12^th.

First Saturn.

Saturn, in all its glory

Saturn may be the most beautiful planet in the solar system, but can be one of the most difficult to deal with. When everything is going smoothly and you get stopped dead in your tracks, who’s often to blame? Saturn. When you have put all your hope in the ability of your nest eggs to grow, who stunts their growth? Saturn. When you get stopped by the cops for a speeding ticket, who’s to blame? Well, you, but somewhere Saturn was smiling.

Saturn is the planet of responsibilities, duties, and obligations. Saturn obstructs shortcuts and rewards discipline, hard work, and due diligence. Saturn is law, and Saturn is karma. Above all, Saturn is stricture and structure. But it is often by Saturn’s hand that we learn mastery. Saturn makes us sit and do scales on the piano, but master the scales and you master the music.

Saturn is going backwards, forcing us to face our own duties, responsibilities, structures, and karma. It is a time of coming to terms with the consequences of our actions. When Saturn is retrograde, we must sleep in the bed we have made for ourselves. And if you do so with dirty dogs, you’re likely to wake up with fleas.

Saturn retrograde times also usually present excellent opportunities for us to make amends for mistakes we have made. If handled correctly, Saturn retrograde can give us a second chance in areas that we have fumbled in the past. Watch carefully for any overtures from others indicating such opportunities. They may be a gift of epic proportions.

Saturn retrograde times are also often periods in which we reexamine the commitments we have made and the responsibilities we bear. In some cases, it may feel as if our load has become lighter, but don’t be too fooled by that. It is advantageous to look at this as an chance to look at the load from below, and decide what is worth continuing to carry and what is better to jettison. When Saturn turns direct in mid-June, you’ll be grateful for that lighter load.

While Saturn retrograde is apt to prod us to heave a sigh of relief, Jupiter trine Pluto has the force of a strong wind at our back moving us forward.

Pluto is power, transformation, and renewal. As god of the underworld, he ruled over wealth and the resources of the deeps and depths. We don’t call people today plutocrats for nothing. More plainly, not only is Pluto a general influence on our economy as a whole, but Pluto also rules over nuclear energy, oil and other petro-chemicals, and power plants.

Jupiter is the planet of growth and opportunity. He the Santa Claus of the zodiac. He’s the guy who when you’re down and out and have no hope, comes around and pays the bills. He helps you network to meet the right people at the right time, and turns tiny acorns into mighty oaks. In Roman times, Jupiter, largest planet of the solar system was called Optimus Maximus – Greatest and Best. You don’t get any better than that.

Jupiter is coming up trine Pluto in mid-March. The trine is a third of the zodiac, or 120 degrees, and represents balance and an easy flow of energy between the two planets involved. Jupiter trine Pluto times are generally good times, and times in which opportunity can be found without needing to turn over too many stones.

So far, the positive and beneficent sides of the Jupiter trine Pluto energy have been building productively. I am hopeful that it will continue to do so at least through the mid-March time period, and that Saturn retrograde will not impede this buildup. That being the case, make the most of this time. Jupiter-Pluto trines only occur every 3-4 years, and often represent periods in which great progress can be made. Definitely a time to take full advantage so that you can look back on it and smile with appreciative satisfaction!

Before we get to the Daily Details, take a peek at these truly breathtaking high-definition images of the Earth taken by NASA. I have selected the largest images of them I could find because if you open them up, you can truly see amazing detail. Enjoy!

To the Daily Details!

 

Courtesy of Sky & Telescope magazine

Sunday, February 5^th

No major aspects

The Moon is in Cancer all day. Dawn breaks with us a bit befuddled and unsure of the manner we have handled things. Could we have done more? Should we have done less? Did we say what we really meant, and did we say the right things? Doubt flits about our heads like gnats, but there’s nothing really to fret about. Stop making trouble for yourself. These thoughts have less to do with our insecurities than reality. That is, unless you decide to make them real. As the day progresses, our mood shifts. By about 3pm we are feeling our oats, energized, powerful, lively and alive. We’re ready for anything but most ready for a good time. Any parties or social activities done this afternoon should go well, and generate some fond memories for years to come.

 

Monday, February 6^th

Sun octile Uranus at 2:04am

Mercury octile Uranus at 12:01pm

The Moon enters Leo at 5:24am and sets the tone for what could be a pleasant week. We’re in a playful mood and are more interested in fluff than weighty topics. Be careful of getting too distracted by gossip or the antics of the clown in the next cube or you could find yourself caught in an embarrassing situation—and not just with the boss. The Sun and Mercury are very close together in preparation for tomorrow’s conjunction, and both of them make challenging aspects to Uranus throughout the day. That means that computers, communication devices, and meetings are all likely to be disruptive, not act according to plan, and may present situations that make you choose conflicting personal or emotional priorities. You have a reputation to uphold. Making decisions consistent with that reputation will serve you best in the long-run, no matter how enticing the short-term benefits may be.

 

Tuesday, February 7^th

Sun conjunct Mercury at 1:02am

Saturn stationary Retrograde at 6:02am

Full Moon at 19° Leo at 1:53pm

Venus enters Aries at 10:00pm

Today is a very busy day astrologically. The Sun conjunct Mercury gives an extra edge to our minds, thoughts, and tongues. Not only are we able to speak more clearly, but we are also better able to communicate the full extent of our feelings as well. People know exactly where we stand and how we feel. This aspect can tend to also give our words an extra edge, so be careful how you wield your verbal sword today. The Sun conjunct Mercury also means that we’re at the midway point between retrograde Mercuries. We finished the last one December 14^th, and will enter a new one on March 12^th, the same fateful day as the Jupiter Pluto trine climax.

The Full Moon at 19° Leo continues the relatively good mood we have been in since last weekend. Many of us may feel as if we’ve braved a severe storm, and that the worst of it has passed. There are strong indications that this is indeed the case, and let’s hope that that is true. Last Thursday we crossed a “nexus” of planetary spiritual evolutionary energy, and I believe we came through on the good side of things. Stay tuned to future editions of The Flow! for more details!

I can’t pass the day without saying at least a few words about Venus entering Aries. While generally speaking Venus doesn’t quite feel completely at ease in the home sign of Mars, but it does make us more direct in our relationships, less tolerant of coverups, exaggerated mannerisms, or artificial airs. It’s a time when subtlety flies over our heads like an airplane, and when our needs turn toward open, honest, and forthright relationships. Venus in Aries also tends to bring out imbalances and inequalities in our relationships, so be extra careful that you give as much as you get, and get as much as you give, or the playground of Aries can turn into a battlefield.

 

Wednesday, February 8^th

No major aspects

The Moon enters Virgo at 9:32am and it’s time to get back to work. We may have been neglecting our true duties while we’ve been out having fun, and the Moon in Virgo is making us face up to our responsibilities. Actually, with the Moon in Virgo, we start a day in which growth in economic matters is heavily favored. However, there is a caveat, and it is a big one: beware of overextending yourself. If there are situations in which you can advance your interests by using resources in your pocket and at your command, you will do well to use them. If, however, it means utilizing a line of credit, or buying on time, or using others’ resources, this is not the time to make your move. I know, I know, you are confident that you have what it takes and everything will work out fine. But that is unlikely to be the case unless you are one of the fire signs, Leo, Aries, or Sagittarius and one of these planets fall in your second house of finance and resources. You’re here, so take my advice, and don’t extend yourself too thin today!

 

Thursday, February 9^th

Venus conjunct Uranus at 6:28pm

The Moon remains in Virgo all day, and meets up with Mars later in the evening at 9:11pm. Take that as a warning. Most of the day is extremely favorable for any and all kinds of creative activities. If you have writing to do, a website to design, artwork to develop, or music to compose, you just might have a major breakthrough today. Otherwise, the earlier part of the day isn’t particularly bad, but business dealings and economic news is apt to be mixed-up and mixed. Good news may turn out to be not quite as good as people think, and bad news may actually make things turn out better than they think. Take your financial news with a grain of salt today.

The heavy hitting astrologically, though, occurs this evening. Our relationships can range from sparklingly effervescent to downright difficult to control or understand. Beware of hyper-emotionalism in any case. Everyone has their heart on their sleeve, and that special someone may just decide to wipe their nose on yours. Be equally wary of manipulations and power-plays, everyone’s inner Machiavelli comes out to play tonight, too. If at all possible, try not to care too much or make too much of tonight’s antics. The fault, this time, may truly be in the stars, not your dear one’s heart.

 

Friday, February 10^th

Mercury octile Pluto at 5:45am

Sun octile Moon at 11:30pm

The Moon enters Libra at 11:54am, and sets the stage for a very interesting day. The astrological energies today permeate the barriers and divisions of time, space, and consciousness on a variety of levels. Pay particularly close attention to synchronicities, oddities, or experiences of déjà vu. They just might be from spirits trying to knock some clues into your skull. Personal news may feel particularly weighted, as if each word or phrase has particularly important meaning. In fact, that’s a good keyword for the entirety of the day: meaning. The day is likely to have some truly meaningful events, and how you treat that meaning will have an effect on the course of that event. If for example, someone who you have been having difficulty with says something kind, it may be a golden opportunity for rapprochement. If someone makes personal overtures, it may be an indication that they are interested in a more intimate relationship. If you get good financial news, it may be a sign that you should use some of that money to invest in your own future. It is almost like going through the day like a pinball, and each time you make a meaningful connection to an occurrence in your life, your spirit lights up and you rack up good karma points.

 

Saturday, February 11^th

No major aspects

With the Moon in Libra all day we want to connect with others emotionally. If you have somewhere to go and/or someone to do it with, you’ll find that the bonds you have with others particularly rewarding today. However, relating to others isn’t going to be particularly easy today. We’re unsure of what we really or want or need from others, and we seem to trip over our own words communicating these needs. Non-verbal communication is likely to be the most effective, so it’s a day when it is truly best to reach out and touch someone — just so long as they don’t have a restraining order out on you. In the afternoon hours we are strongly tempted by the demons on the darker side of our minds. We have a strong desire to scratch a deep psychological itch that has caused us pain in the past. Be careful! Usually these itches cover deep psychological wounds that have healed enough to not be intrusive any longer, so scratch that itch at your own risk!

Many of us are likely to use this weekend to celebrate Valentine’s Day. However, the astrological aspects are not particularly kind either Friday night or Saturday. Sunday is definitely the best of the time periods for romantic rendezvous, so if you can, plan accordingly!

Wishing you all a wonderful week!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Flow! Week of January 8 – 14, 2012

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.

 

Synopsis for the week: Not Much Ado About

If you haven’t read last week’s blog, or if you just skimmed over it on your way to the Daily Details, please take a few minutes and check it out HERE. It basically encapsulates the primary energies of the moment, and provides considerable guidance for what we all need to be doing.

As far as all that’s concerned, not much has changed.

For example, have you all noticed that since Jupiter went direct, the economic picture looks promising?

There isn’t really all that much going on at the moment. We have a Full Moon Sunday night, and the emphasis for this Moon is on structure, especially those structures we use jointly with others.

The Moon falls in the Sabian sign symbol of “A Man with a square and a manuscript scroll before him.” He is the master architect and his job is to build the structures we use in our every day life.

Structures? You mean like roads and bridges, and houses and things?

Sort of, but not really, though it would be delightful if we could get some political action to help rebuild the infrastructure of this country. But I don’t have much hope in that regard, no matter what country you happen to reside in, no matter its politics.

More likely, the kind of structures this Full Moon is about are the structures around which we orient our lives. Career, loved ones, our families, and our social networks all weave intricate structures that bind us with obligations, duties, rewards, and benefits, and help provide us with the physical, mental, and spiritual sustenance we need to live.

And as the light of the Full Moon highlights those structures that mean most to us, we are called upon to recognize the degree to which they support us or support those around us. Neither is good or bad, right or wrong. We can be on the path of individual self-development, or we can be on a path to serve others. There is nothing to be gained by judging a path, unless the path you are on has become rocky, weedy, and difficult to traverse.

In which case, finding a new one should be at the top of your agenda.

Generally speaking, this Full Moon period, that lasts from Sunday the 8^th through Thursday the 19^th, is likely to shine on the structures in your life that are most in need of your attention. If you find yourself thinking that you just can’t take it anymore, chances are there is a structure in your life that needs to be rectified.

Finding what structure shouldn’t be difficult, it’s at the heart of whatever is bothering you. Finding how to rectify it is usually the challenge.

If you are a fire sign, Aries, Leo, or Sagittarius, then you need to think outside the box. You need to start doing things you might otherwise never think of doing on pain of death. Except that look, you’re already experiencing pain, so why not give something new a shot? Chances are, something in your daily routine, or the usual way you handle things is at fault. There is much less to lose here than you might think, except aggravation. Your mission: go out and conquer!

If you are an earth sign, Taurus, Virgo, or Capricorn, you need to acknowledge your own personal power and stop fearing your own shadow. You have so much going for you that it is a shame for you to just waste it pining for better days. Yes, life has hit you in the stomach, and you’ve got quite a stomach ache, but not eating is not going to solve the problem. Just the opposite. You need to go out there and strut your stuff and show the world what you can do. Your mission: go out and have some fun!

If you are an air sign, Gemini, Libra, or Aquarius, you need to ask yourself whether you are basing your actions on facts or fantasies. Air signs can easily get lost in their own heads, and there is much that you think that you’ve convinced yourself is true that is due for a reality check. You folks can be the most objective in the zodiac, but when was the last time you held up your own beliefs to that famed objectivity? Your mission: reality check!

 If you are a water sign, Cancer, Scorpio, or Pisces, you are in the midst of a significant healing period. Chances are, some aspect of this situation has caused you considerable consternation and concern lately. You need to let time heal your wounds. You need to let yourself receive some nurturing, sympathy, and support from others. Let them help you for a change. And then you need to move on with your life. Your mission: mourn and move on.

 There, now I’ve gone and offended most of my readers. But I’ve got to call it like I see it. The Full Moon often hits us emotionally, and the Full Moon of Cancer is likely to be the strongest of the year. If you do find yourself in emotional rough waters, I believe the above is your best path to calmer shores.

Otherwise, like I said, not much ado about anything. There’s a bit of movement with Mercury and Venus, but this is all just background set up for when Mars goes retrograde later this month.

Courtesy of Sky & Telescope magazine

On to the Daily Details!

Sunday, January 8^th

Mercury trines Jupiter at 10:05am

Mercury squares Uranus at 3:24pm

Full Moon at 19° Cancer/Capricorn at 11:30pm

We start the week with relatively high spirits, and the spirits are high in the sky with the Full Moon in Cancer/Capricorn. For the most part, the calm soothing lunar energies of the Cancer Moon feel like a nice hot bath after shivering out in the cold. It has been a period of ups and downs for many of us, and the steady sympathetic and serene emanations from the Moon provide ample relief.

For those of you inclined not to be reclined horizontally, the mid-morning hours are expeditious for attending to chores, getting things done, and winding up any unfinished tasks from earlier in the week. It’s also great for attending to business in the form of paying bills. In the afternoon, we are likely to encounter the unexpected, or at least situations in which reality does not conform to our plans. No bother. Times like these are perfect for exercising those resourcefulness muscles.

Monday, January 9^th

No major aspects

Unlike what you might expect, we’re chipper and (more or less) eager to begin the work week. We’re still getting back in full regalia after the holidays, and there’s plenty of energy around for getting back in the swing of things. Don’t be afraid of just digging in and tackling the most difficult jobs this morning, you’ll be glad you did!

Jupiter and Saturn are ostensibly still in opposition at opposite ends of the zodiac. Each month, as the Moon makes its journey around the zodiac, it twice hits the midpoint on each side. This evening is just one of those times. As evening descends, our optimism fades, worries increase, and we doubt we’re in as good a shape as we thought. Not to fret, these doubts will pass with the coming of the dawn. For some of us, there may be an obligation we let slip, or someone asks us to do something we’d rather not. For others of us, there may be something we sign or sign up for that may be too big for our britches, or take up too much time from our schedule. Be careful what you say “yes” to tonight!

Tuesday, January 10^th

No major aspects

The Moon entered Leo last night at 8:35pm, and Leo Moon days are usually fun days. Too bad this month they occur in the middle of the week, still make the most of them that you can. Leo Moons generally make us more outgoing, friendly, and generous, and we feel more self-secure, outgoing, and optimistic. Perhaps not as much fun as when the Moon is in Sagittarius, but not a bad runner up at all.

In the morning hours, family members may require additional attention. Regardless of the relationship, people are likely to flit in and out of your sphere this morning, and for those that do, don’t take everything at face value. There may be more here than meets the eye or passes the nasal sniff test. Be on the lookout for flying B.S., and do what you can to keep your nose clean.

It may not be advisable to take a long lunch break today, as affairs may require quick attention this afternoon. Make sure you have your priorities in order, and handle the items on your agenda in turn. The afternoon is no time for a siesta, if you need recharging, best to do so after you get home!

Wednesday, January 11^th

No major aspects

Today is a better day for receiving than giving, acting, or making a fuss. It is said good things come to those who wait, but it isn’t just a case of waiting, it’s a case of being out of step with the energies of the moment. Sometimes we must act and push and make things happen. Today is not such a time. Today is a time for letting things happen around you and taking it all in with your best demeanor, smile plastered on your face, om beams blaring from your forehead.

The real key to success today is marshaling your forces with allies, lining your ducks up in a row, and getting them on board with your view of the world. Together you may then go forth to pillage, conquest and victory when the time is propitious.  This task will be easier in the morning than evening hours. In the morning, people are enrollable and willing to listen, in the evening, people are more wrapped up in their own affairs and obtaining allies will be more akin to herding cats.

Thursday, January 12^th

Sun trine Mars at 8:46pm

The Moon enters Virgo at 1:44am, and while that may take us down rather truculently from Cloud 9, the day has all the makings of being quite pleasant. We are optimistic, self-confident, able to say what we think and feel without tripping over our own tongues, energized, capable, and basically in tune with what we need to be addressing.

If it all sounds too good to be true, maybe it is, but whatever is scheduled for the day should come off smoothly. Good luck!

Friday, January 13^th

Venus trine Saturn at 1:05am

Mercury conjunct Pluto at 5:01am

Venus conjunct Neptune at 7:19am

Venus enters Pisces at 9:47pm

Oh no, not another Friday the 13^th! Hopefully, yours will not be stressful.

There’s certainly no astrological reason for alarm, as all of the aspects today are really quite benign if not outright enjoyable. The Venus trine Saturn in the early morning hours is an excellent aspect for relationships of all kinds, as it adds stability, reliability, trustworthiness, and solidity to whatever relationship matters occur between the 12^th and 14^th. If you begin a relationship this weekend, it is likely to be a long-lasting one, and any commitments made are likely to be honored, whether the relationship is a few days or a few decades old.

Mercury conjunct Pluto makes us all mentally sharper and quicker, as well as more astute, perseverant and perceptive. The Venus conjunction with Neptune ads a nice veneer of idyllic fantasy to any idle thoughts, and serves a nice jumping off point for any creative, thoughtful, or artistic endeavors.

Finally, the entrance of Venus into Pisces is quite welcome. Venus adores being in Pisces as she leaves the cool Spartan climes of Aquarius for the warm soothing waters of Pisces. Venus in Pisces makes us all a bit more romantic, more sympathetic, and more receptive to others’ needs. On the other hand, it can also make us a bit more emotionally volatile, needy, and confused. Still, on balance, Venus in Pisces often smoothes out the rough edges of life and helps us find emotional balance. Venus will remain in Pisces until February 7^th.

Saturday, January 14^th

Venus sextiles Jupiter at 6:49pm

The Moon enters Libra at 5:28am and we enter a see-saw kind of day, if not entire weekend. As the weekend begins we’re still in the afterglow of the beneficial energies from Thursday and Friday. We feel as if we’re sailing free and clear. Except we hit some raging rapids as Saturday gets underway and we all want to run away to Tahiti. Tahiti is a bit far, and there may be some people here upset and come looking for you, and besides being the target of a posse isn’t exactly the best way to spend a Saturday.

If you do find yourself feeling as if you’d like to buy an airplane ticket and flee to find asylum on some remote island, the problem is less with your affairs than what you’re making them out to be. A little perspective can go a long way, and maybe the best thing for you to do is to think things over and put down the black paint brush. There are deep forces at work here, and chances are you are being pulled by them for a reason. While it may be a stretch to be able to grasp what those forces are, behind short-sighted about them doesn’t help. Try to take the long view and find beneficial possibilities within your situation. It may just be what you need to get you moving in a wonderful direction!

I did mention that it was a see-saw kind of day, and regardless of whether you feel like standing in line at the ticket counter or not, chances are your moods may swing from manic to depressive on short notice. Again, try to take it all in stride and not swing from too far an extreme. The best way to do so is to enjoy the most out of each moment.

Wishing you all a wonderful week!

For those of you silly enough to be up this early, courtesy of Sky & Telescope magazine

The Flow! Week of December 4 – 10, 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 to no knowledge of astrology. 

For newcomers, the idea is to consider celestial influences as part of a larger whole, or Flow, must as our weather is influenced by the winds aloft.  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.

Welcome to this week’s edition of The Flow!

Before we get to this week’s main topic, I would like to invite you all to a talk I am giving next Sunday at the Green Man Store, 5712 Lankershim Blvd in North Hollywood.

Some of the topics to be discussed are:

• Astrology in the Age of NASA — The Earth is not the only center, by placing charts on other planets opens up whole    new dimensions to understanding how a chart works!
• Modern Exalted planets – We live in the iPhone age, not the Roman Forum, find out which planets now fit best in the signs!
• The Biggest Secret of them All – The zodiac is a process that tells a story, learn how to use that story to unlock the secrets of the Emerald Tablet. The popular “Secret” is just the first of many others!
• Plus more as time allows!

As always, both those who are just beginning to understand astrology and those who have studied it will find the topics covered informative, enlightening and entertaining! I don’t often give talks, so this will be a rare opportunity to better understand the ideas and techniques that are not only used in this blog, but can help you understand and guide your life more effectively.

Click here for more information!

Since it is a rather quiet week astrologically and I am suffering from a lingering annoying bout of stomach flu, I thought I would talk about the astrology of time and the names of the days of the week while I sip on some peppermint tea.

In modern astrology, we tend to look to the planets as they travel through the signs of the zodiac to provide the meaning of any given moment of time. However, in ancient times they looked at it a bit differently. To them, time itself was colored by the nature of the planet that “ruled” any particular segment of time, and devised a system that is the most widely used method of measuring time on Earth.

Our story really begins in the Tigris Euphrates valley, home to the peoples of Babylon, Ur, Kish, and Nippur that would come to be known as “Chaldea.” The Chaldeans, a historical amalgam of Babylonians, Sumerians, Akkadians, and various and sundry nomadic Semites, invented the earliest known writing, built beautiful hanging gardens, and meticulously watched the skies and developed ways of measuring the various phenomena they observed.

The Chaldeans, though, had a very different idea of mathematics than we do. To them, quantity was not an independent abstraction, but a function of the items being quantified. They had one system to count slaves, animals, wooden objects and pottery, another for cereal, bread and milk products, another dead animals and beer, and on and on.

Did someone say six-pack?

Well, not exactly, but the Babylonians did extensively make use of counting things by 60. And before we laugh too hard, keep in mind that there are still things we measure by dozens, bushels, gills, carats, and a host of other quantitative arcana bequeathed to us by our mathematically erratic, if not entirely ditzy, ancestors who you might say were at sixes and sevens when it came to figuring out how to count things.

The biggest circle of them all is the zodiac, and it didn’t take much of a genius to realize that the 365.2524 days in a year is awfully close to 6 times 60, or 360 which to make a rather long story short, is why a circle has 360 degrees and the earliest calendars 360 days with five or six stuffed in when no one was looking.

We are always talking about the zodiac. But not today, today we are going to talk about time, not space.

It comes as no surprise then, that this same system is the origin of the number of minutes in a hour and seconds in a minute. The strange thing is, though, is that again, their concept of an hour was very different from ours.

To us, there is no difference between the time it takes to go from 8am to 9am and 11am to Noon. An hour is an hour is an hour. We can prove it on our watches.

But they didn’t have watches then. They had sun-dials at best, and sticks in the ground at worst. And it’s fairly obvious that the length of daylight and nighttime around now, as we approach the Winter Solstice, is very different than the length of daylight and nighttime at the Summer Solstice – and if you measure closely enough, every date in between.

Now our story shifts to Egypt.

Around 2100 B.C., the 24-hour day grew from the Egyptian division of the sky into 36 segments, or “decans,” as defined by the appearance of a given star or constellation above the eastern horizon just after nightfall. For approximately 10 days, that constellation marked the first hour of night. After 10 days, another constellation defined the next decan.

Because the 36 decan constellations formed a full day-night cycle, you would expect a day to have 36 hours. But for the Egyptians, only 12 decan constellations served to divide night — the rest were invisible during the day and the two twilights.

And so things stood until the Greeks came marching in…

In the 4^th century BCE, Alexander was whomping it up in the Middle-East and brought Babylon and Egypt together under the same empire, taught them all how to make spanakopita, and tried to bring some sense and logic to the proceedings.

The Greeks thought the Egyptian system was too messy, so they took the Egyptian 12-fold division of the night and applied the period between sunset and sunrise, by symmetry, to daylight, giving our day 24 hours. They also developed a real affection for the Babylonian system of counting astronomical units.

Though we don’t think about it much now, because we have computers to do all our counting and nobody can make change in their head anymore, but before these nifty devices it mattered what number system you used. Our system based on 10 is easily divisible by 1, 2, and 5. But the sexagesimal system of counting by 60 is easily divisible by 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 10, 12, 15, 20, and 30! While you may need your neighbor’s fingers and toes, it makes many more complex computations easy.

Our trusty Babylonians called minutes “firsts,” so one-sixtieth of a minute became a “second.” And that is why we have 24 hours in a day, 60 minutes to an hour and 60 seconds in a minute.

And there’s more to our story!

Look at the chart below. Ancient astrologers took each of these hours and assigned a planetary ruler to them, based on the order our friends, the Chaldeans created:

Saturn, Jupiter, Mars, Sun, Venus, Mercury, Moon

Notice anything? They are listed in decreasing speed from the slowest, Saturn, to the swiftest, Moon. They took this order and assigned it multiple times until it filled out an ancient spreadsheet (well, tablet) and filed in all 24 hours for all 7 days.

And if you notice, the first hour of each day gives rise to the name of the day of the week.

Saturday is the only day of the week to retain its Latin planetary association, the Sun and Moon each directly became the name in English, and the Teutonic gods gave us the rest, Tiwes (Mars), Woden/Odin (Mercury), Thor (Jupiter), and Frigg/Frige (Venus) round out the list.

Why seven days? Because almost all ancient cultures also counted their month by the motion of the Moon (notice the similarity of name?) The Moon has most noticeably four phases: new, first quarter, full, and last quarter and in a hypothetically regular month, each phase of the Moon would fall on the same day of the week for that month.

So many people, who might otherwise eschew astrology, use it every second of every minute of every hour of every day of their lives!

Planetary Hours of the Day
Hour	Saturday	Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
1	Saturn	Sun	Moon	Mars	Mercury	Jupiter	Venus
2	Jupiter	Venus	Saturn	Sun	Moon	Mars	Mercury
3	Mars	Mercury	Jupiter	Venus	Saturn	Sun	Moon
4	Sun	Moon	Mars	Mercury	Jupiter	Venus	Saturn
5	Venus	Saturn	Sun	Moon	Mars	Mercury	Jupiter
6	Mercury	Jupiter	Venus	Saturn	Sun	Moon	Mars
7	Moon	Mars	Mercury	Jupiter	Venus	Saturn	Sun
8	Saturn	Sun	Moon	Mars	Mercury	Jupiter	Venus
9	Jupiter	Venus	Saturn	Sun	Moon	Mars	Mercury
10	Mars	Mercury	Jupiter	Venus	Saturn	Sun	Moon
11	Sun	Moon	Mars	Mercury	Jupiter	Venus	Saturn
12	Venus	Saturn	Sun	Moon	Mars	Mercury	Jupiter
Planetary Hours of the Night
Hours	Saturday	Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
1	Mercury	Jupiter	Venus	Saturn	Sun	Moon	Mars
2	Moon	Mars	Mercury	Jupiter	Venus	Saturn	Sun
3	Saturn	Sun	Moon	Mars	Mercury	Jupiter	Venus
4	Jupiter	Venus	Saturn	Sun	Moon	Mars	Mercury
5	Mars	Mercury	Jupiter	Venus	Saturn	Sun	Moon
6	Sun	Moon	Mars	Mercury	Jupiter	Venus	Saturn
7	Venus	Saturn	Sun	Moon	Mars	Mercury	Jupiter
8	Mercury	Jupiter	Venus	Saturn	Sun	Moon	Mars
9	Moon	Mars	Mercury	Jupiter	Venus	Saturn	Sun
10	Saturn	Sun	Moon	Mars	Mercury	Jupiter	Venus
11	Jupiter	Venus	Saturn	Sun	Moon	Mars	Mercury
12	Mars	Mercury	Jupiter	Venus	Saturn	Sun	Moon

To the daily details!

Sunday, December 4^th

Sun conjunct Mercury at 12:52am

Mercury square Mars at 3:19pm

The more significant astrological events of the week are bookends. We have a couple of events today, another tomorrow, and then go all the way until Friday and Saturday for the next ones. But by far, the two most important are the Sun conjunct Mercury today and the Lunar Eclipse on Saturday.

Today’s conjunction of the Sun and Mercury marks the mid-point of this Mercury Retrograde period. We’re half-way through, folks! This conjunction heightens communication, clarity of thought, research, planning, and managing tasks. It is particularly good for researching financial matters that can be enacted and/or decided upon later. Even though Mercury is still retrograde, anything you try to work on mentally today should receive a boost of clarity. One particular effect of this aspect is that oftentimes we are able to think about a matter that might otherwise throw us in an emotional tizzy fairly objectively and forthrightly with the emotional affect.

It would, then normally be a cool and calm day if it weren’t for the subsequent square between Mercury and Mars in the afternoon. While the aspect should help speed up any tasks we have in mind, it also is likely to make us rather impatient, and add a barb or two to our tongues. This aspect makes us feel much wittier than we actually are, the bite of sarcasm isn’t quite as toothsome as the bite of wit.

The Moon is in Aries all day adding to the clarity, impatience, and the sense that everything must be done in a rush. Remember my grandfather’s advice: “Do it right, or do it twice!”

Monday, December 5^th

Venus trines Mars at 7:08am

It’s really too bad this aspect has to occur on a Monday, because it is one of the most romantic aspects in the astrological toolbox. Any romantic overtures could either spark or enhance the depth of feeling between you and a loved one, or indeed, enhance niceties toward any person that means something to you. In and of itself, it won’t bring the Hatfields and the McCoys to the same dinner table, but it should smooth over any rough edges you may experience from others, and help establish a better relationship between you – particularly those relationships that have been sore about power, management, and trust issues.

Later in the evening our self-confidence plummets, and we feel not only that there may be something wrong, but that we are inadequate to bring things to rights. Don’t worry too much about it, in most cases all you need is a good night’s rest and for the Moon to enter Taurus.

Tuesday, December 6^th

No major aspects

The Moon enters Taurus at 6:34am bringing about a sense of calm, comfort, and security. While the day is very likely to be a mixed bag, it’s a mixed bag of goodies. Will there be a snickers bar or a nugget of gold in your bag?

The overnight hours are spent in a bit of another dimension, so make note of any significant signs and signals you encounter. The fog burns off with the sunrise, and the morning hours are excellent for those financial or business matters that need attending. Because this is a Taurus Moon and the holidays are approaching, many of us are concerned about our finances. Today is an excellent day for taking stock of them, and doing what we can to arrange things for the better. Again, keep in mind that we are still in a Mercury Retrograde period, but the Moon is favorable for financial matters, so if there is something you have the opportunity to do, today and tomorrow are likely the best times of the week to make the most of it.

Wednesday, December 7^th

No major aspects

Today is likely to be the best day of the week. We feel good, we are optimistic about the future, our prospects look good, and we feel as if we  can handle anything that comes our way. People are in a good mood, and it shows. We are feeling practical, pragmatic, and well-grounded. We’re not so easily tempted by fake bargains, false promises, or insincerity. For sure, there are still problems, and there are things that need changing and managing, but days like today almost feel like an unscheduled holiday. If there’s some decision or action you need to take during the day, the period from 7 – 11am is the time of day most likely to produce a successful outcome. Good luck and enjoy!

Thursday, December 8^th

No major aspects

This mini “Era of Good Feeling” comes to a close later today, so make the most of it while you can during the early morning hours. As the day progresses, it is as if the very air is drugged and we all start saying, thinking, and doing strange things. Be wary of making decisions today. Chances are not only what you think might not be correct, but you might very likely make a different decision tomorrow. Wait until more facts are apparent before taking any significant plunges. Definitely try to give yourself a buffer or cooling-off period so that you don’t get stuck with any albatrosses you don’t need and have to feed.

Another possibility today is that people are going to try to exercise their power over others to the fullest extent possible. Usually, in these times it is best to give way and get out of their way. Such is most likely the case this time as well. It is also highly likely that some important political decisions may be made today, and if so, they may wind up causing more problems than they solve.

The Moon enters Gemini at 6:52pm and our fancy turns to the sparkly, flashy, and evanescent. The holiday season is upon us!

Friday, December 9^th

Uranus goes direct at 11:05pm

It’s hard to concentrate today and get much done. There are too many distractions, and we’re too easily distracted. We’re busy making last minute plans, and don’t be too surprised if those plans need to change at the very last minute. You’re not the only one who wants to keep their weekend options open. It’s likely to be a busy weekend, too, so make sure you take care of yourself while you’re flitting about.

Uranus direct is a big deal. It means that ever so slowly we are going to begin to see the wheels of progress move. Things are different, more and more of us are letting ourselves be fooled less and less. It isn’t quite as easy to pull the wool over our eyes as it was before, and we can see more clearly behind the motives of those who try. It is going to be an interesting time between now and when it is that Uranus goes Retrograde once more in mid-July. Stay tuned for future details!

Saturday, December 10^th

Full Moon Lunar Eclipse at 6:36am at 19º Gemini/Sagittarius

The most significant effect of the Lunar Eclipse is that people want to be heard. They want to feel as if they matter, that their voices count, and that their feelings are taken into account. From large groups that have felt slighted, to our own family relations, people want to feel that others acknowledge who they are, and respect them for it. It will be interesting to see how this plays out over the next 11 months until Mars hits this point a couple of days before the US election. Be ready and wary of all the talk, speeches, ads, mind games, intellectual skullduggery and other electoral paraphernalia that epitomizes the Geminian nature of our electoral process!

For today, though, it is likely to be a high-stress day. With the holidays coming, there is just too much to do, and nowhere near enough time to get everything done. Just pace yourself as best you can, limit your commitments to those things that are meaningful, and take a pass on the second cup of caffeine!

Wishing you all a wonderful week!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Flow! Week of November 6 – 12, 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 to no knowledge of astrology. 

For newcomers, the idea is to consider celestial influences as part of a larger whole, or Flow, must as our weather is influenced by the winds aloft.  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.

Before we get to this week’s edition, I hope you all like the new look of The Flow! As ever, I am a slave to my fans, so if in fact you prefer the older look, please let me know and if enough of you prefer it over the new look, I’ll dutifully change it back.

To the Flow!

This week’s synopsis: Be Wary, Vewy, Vewy Wary

This is the kind of week that’s likely to bring Elmer Fudd’s admonition to mind. If we take his advice and are lucky, we may end the week like Bugs, doing a little happy dance and no worse off for the wear. If not, we’re more likely to wind up resembling Daffy Duck, who always seemed to get the worst of their encounters.

What’s up, you may ask?

This week Mars and Neptune tango and the combination can scale the pinnacles of prowess and passion, or the depths of deception and deceit. On which side you land depends on how you play the game.

Mars is about to leave Leo and enter Virgo. As it does so, it will pass by the major fixed star Regulus, “the Heart of the Lion.” See below for the best days to see them both together in the sky.

Mars and Leo go together as well as Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, Bogey and Bacall, and hamburgs and hot dogs. Mars, brash, brave, and bold is the embodiment of the aggressive warrior, a conquering spirit who fights his way through life with sword in one hand and shield in the other. Fear and terror spread before him and all quail and quiver as he mightily marches forward. Leo, King of Beasts, rules over all with pride and self-confidence. Together they make a stalwart and doughty pair.

Mars and Virgo is a bit of a different story.  It’s a bit like Marvin the Martian meets Mrs. Seinfeld, jewish mother extraordinaire. “Stand up straight!” “Take out the garbage!” “Eat your peas!”

Well, we could all do with a few more peas, they’re a good source of B vitamins.

Mars in Virgo is good for purification, cleansing, project management, systems design and development, dieting, healthy living, and research.

In January he’ll turn retrograde, and do so right on a very sensitive spot in a chart of the Middle-East. I wouldn’t be at all surprised by a major espionage or military incursion in that area of the world when he does. Stay tuned!

But I’m getting ahead of myself.

The other half of the equation is Neptune. Where Mars is fiery, fervid, fervent and forceful, Neptune is mystical, mysterious, and other-worldly. (You were expecting another word beginning with the letter “m”?)

Mars marches. Neptune creeps and envelops all in a misty fog-like embrace.

Neptune, god of the oceans rules their depths, religion, drugs, and psychic experiences. His actions are often secretive, occult, cryptic, and inexplicable. He is crafty, wise, imaginative, deep, and powerful, but rarely ever as he seems. His tendrils reach out like a mega-armed octopus to sense all within his realm and bring it within reach. When angered he would thrust his trident and the very earth would shake and storms erupt. His element, water, is the most powerful of all.

Neptune rules the seas because to the ancients the seas were their source of survival and sustenance.  They envisioned themselves surrounded by the seven seas, and their very lives depended on their relationship to it.  We ourselves came from the sea and are still walking vessels of waters.

Neptune has been travelling through intellectual, humanitarian, and scientifically oriented Aquarius, where on the one hand he has propagated a panoply of social media and the internet, and on the other a distrust of science, rationality, and intellectualism. Lately he has been moving retrograde, but on Wednesday he turns direct once again and heads into Pisces, home of the fishes, his home.

But before either Mars enters Virgo or Neptune goes direct, they oppose each other on Monday.

Let’s recap our story.

Mars is fiery, open and up-front – he is always exactly as he seems. Neptune is watery, secretive and mysterious – he is rarely ever as he seems. Mars is active and energetic. Neptune is responsive and crafty. Mars conquers. Neptune envelops. Mars is a bit bullheaded and acts before he thinks through the consequences of his actions. Neptune is wise and invented 11-dimensional chess. Both have the power to move mountains – Mars bulldozes his way through them, Neptune pulverizes them to dust.

When these two planets oppose each other, sparks fly – or do they get doused?

When Mars aspects Neptune our sexual instincts, ideals and passions get aroused. Our drives take on a mystical air that enhances their appeal and adds to their charisma. After all, what is charisma but a mystical sense of the energy of one’s presence? Charismatic people often have strong Mars-Neptune aspects such as Napoleon, Elizabeth Taylor, Steve McQueen, Tiger Woods, Clint Eastwood,  Ben Affleck, Diana Ross, Jodie Foster, and Bill Clinton.

This greater access to mystical other-worldly power can sometimes be used to more easily materialize and manifest our intentions if we can harness them. But they also can prove to be the landscape of the results of our actions even if we don’t.

But perhaps the most common occurrence when Mars and Neptune interact is that hidden matters often come to the surface and must be dealt with, adding to stress, resentment, irritation, and frustration. Our imaginations run rampant conjuring all sorts of painful phantasms of the past and every thought seems to open these psychic wounds a bit deeper. If they trouble you, the best way to put them to rest is to challenge them with the light of the present. Sometimes, our projections of tomorrow become the repository of ancestral fears. Today is the tomorrow we worried about yesterday, and while we breathe there is the opportunity for improvement.

Secret matters also often come to the forefront, matters that have mystified you are likely to come to your attention, and with a little bit of effort you are likely to learn more about them. It is a time when chickens heed the call of nature and come home to roost. If you have any flying out there, make sure you have a place for them to rest, and stock up on feed!

And just because you’re not looking for hidden secrets doesn’t mean that they aren’t looking for you. Don’t be surprised if something pops out of the blue that requires your attention.

Previous Mars-Neptune opposition times have often reminded me of what it must feel like to walk through muddy quicksand.

Laced with land-mines.

During an earthquake.

Be wary, vewy vewy wary!

To the Daily Details!

Sunday, November 6^th

No major aspects

Hopefully you all know that Daylight Saving Time ended and have turned back the clocks an hour. If not, do so then go back to bed!

The Moon enters Aries at 11:02am and we feel a bit restless and the urge to act on our impulses is strong. Just be sure you either go where you look or look where you go! In the early afternoon hours we’re likely to be confronted by the unexpected, so if you have some place to be give yourself plenty of time to be there.

There’s a purposeful waft to the afternoon air, so if you have things to do and chores to take care of, you should be able to get them done with aplomb. To make the most of this time, though, follow the rules and read the instructions!

As the evening approaches, our mood becomes a bit cranky and cantankerous. It’s almost as if we’re lying in wait for someone to say something so we can retort with something snarky. If you’re wise, you’ll keep the snark inside. Toward midnight we’re feeling rather good about things and we head to bed with an aura of optimism as we think of the week ahead.

Monday, November 7^th

Mars opposes Neptune at 4:36am

Today is the peak of the Mars-Neptune aspect, so above all try to keep your nose clean, your hands engaged in productive activity, your lips free of gossip, and if you’re especially wise — out of everyone else’s hair. Yes, I know, with the Moon in Aries we all have the urge to beat our own breasts and crow like a rooster, but remember, this aspect is partly all about dubiously desirable chickens heeding a call to return…do you really want to act like a rooster?

If you do find yourself needing an outlet to channel some of the day’s frustrations, try searching within the spiritual realms. They may more easily than usual be a source of comfort, peace, security, and hope.

After all the day’s uncertainties, our desires take front and center stage in the late afternoon and evening hours. There’s a strong urge to surrender to some deep temptation and release the built up energies within. All is well and good, so long as your actions help promote your health and future security. Selling the future for a moment’s pleasure is rarely if ever a worthy bargain.

Tuesday, November 8^th

No major aspects

In case you haven’t heard the news, an asteroid about the size of an aircraft carrier, 2005 YU55, is sailing by today and tomorrow. See below for an animation of the event. It’s a good thing it’s not actually coming between us and the Moon or someone might get jealous!

With the Moon in Aries and the Sun in Scorpio we’re all feeling our oats a bit. We feel a lot of our self; self-confident, self-motivated, and self-important. In short, we’re full of it. So if you find your head starting to swell, it might be wise to get out of your own way before you explode and make a mess.

The best course of action today is to try to be as productive as possible. By keeping your focus on tasks that you can accomplish, you are able to make remarkable progress not only for your ambitions, but the ambitions of the communities to which you belong. This can help improve your long-term standing and goals better than having a head that can compete with Goodyear.

Toward midnight, at 11:45pm the Moon enters Taurus and a lot of the frazzled, rambunctious, high-charged energies abate and peace and calm (well, at least calm) descends to Earth.

Wednesday, November 9^th

Neptune turns Direct in motion at 10:55am

As we gear up for the Full Moon it feels as if there is a magickal tranquility that almost feels like a calm before a storm…with no tangible storm in sight. As Neptune turns direct, reality slowly shifts back into sharper focus. While our fears become more nebulous and hazy, the issues we face come into sharper focus. As we, as a people, go through this process, we begin to collectively understand our situation and consensus begins to spread. It will be interesting to see what happens with those whose collective beliefs are based on wishful thinking vis à vis those based on reality. We’ll know more when Neptune enters Pisces in February!

Otherwise, this day is likely to be filled with anticipation. We may not know what it is we’re anticipating, but we sense that it is important. And it is. If there is any kind of meditating, soul-searching, or rituals that you have in mind to do they should produce very profitable results.

Thursday, November 10^th

Full Moon in Taurus at 12:16pm

Mars enters Virgo at 8:15pm

Today is the Beaver or Frost Moon. The name Beaver Moon goes back to revolutionary times when the colonists and Algonquin Native Americans would set the traps for beavers to provide them with a supply of fur for the winter. Ben Franklin (who liked to wear beaver hats) would smile.

Buck-toothed industrious aquatic rodents aside, the Full Moon of Taurus is a particularly powerful Full Moon because the Moon has a special affinity for Taurus. Traditionally, the Moon is said to be “exalted” in Taurus, but astrological lingo notwithstanding, Taurus gives a firm, stable, secure and fertile home to the changeable and nurturing Moon. It’s a bit like granny living in the country. It does her a world of good.

For us, it means that the powers and energies of the Moon are strongly available and affect us strongly. Look then for people to be a bit whacked out more than usual today. People are likely to act oddly and do and say things that might surprise you. Try to nod and smile knowingly.

And Mars enters Virgo at 8:15pm. Sit up straight. Eat your vegetables. And call your mother!

Friday, November 11^th

No major aspects

The energies of today and tomorrow are likely to be a bit scattered. The Full Moon energy from yesterday is going to take a while to dissipate. There’s a pervasively dazed and confused feeling around that almost feels like there’s a zombie virus running around. Don’t the zombies know Halloween is over?

Today is also 11/11/11, for all the numerologists out there. Eleven is a number of power and conquest, and is often called a “master number.” Many inventors, artists, religious leaders, prophets, and leading figures of history have had the number 11 prominent in their numerology charts. Take advantage of any inspirations and creative ideas that come to you today, they make be guideposts to your destiny.

The Moon enters Gemini at 12:05pm and the fogs we have had around us for much of the week begin to dissipate. That’s the good news. The bad news is that it may also make us feel a bit jiggy, anxious, and excitable. It isn’t really that big a deal. Chill.

Saturday, November 12^th

No major aspects

The Moon is in Gemini all day and makes funny faces at Mercury (mind) and Venus (hearts). While the lunar antics may be entertaining, they’re not very conducive to getting much done. But it’s a Saturday, so who cares?

If, however, you find yourself getting upset at the antics of others, just try to grin and bear it. There isn’t much you can do, since you’ll just appear like the one person in the crowd taking seriously what everyone takes as a joke. Annoying as all hell? Yes, and I guess that’s part of the point. All I can say is that revenge is sweet, and you’ll have your chance for last laughs next week.

Otherwise, all sorts of mercurial, mental, and social network activities are favored. Attend a meet up, update your Facebook page, surf the net, see a movie, or just sit around a making plans for the future are all likely to be rewarding.

Wishing you all a wonderful week!

The Flow! Week of October 9 – 15, 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: Venus Also Rises

Ah, Venus! Queen of the evening and morning sky, goddess of love, beauty, and romance, she is also sister planet to mother Earth. I guess that makes her the auntie planet.

The very word Venus in Latin meant love and sexual desire, and is related to the words venerari, to honor or try to please, and venia grace and favor. But before we get too far down the road of traipsing through the tulips, the word is also related to venenum, meaning poison and where we get the word venom. Our lady is not always a beacon of sweetness and light.

Venus was also claimed as the patroness of the Roman clan Julii, as in Julius Caesar. Who, if the historical accounts are to be trusted, was quite skilled in the romantic arts. Wagging tongues of his time used to call him (though probably not to his face) “every woman’s man, and every man’s woman.” That is one way to win an empire.

Venus may have gotten her start in life from the Etruscan goddess Turan, goddess of love and vitality. Her name came from the word to rule, revealing who wore the pants in Etruscan families.

After the Romans conquered them, they positively swooned over everything Greek, and Venus more or less became Aphrodite with a coliseum. Though open to conjecture, the name Aphrodite is traditionally believed to come from the word for foam, which is why she is often shown ready to be baked in the half-shell.

Astrologically, Venus is exalted in the sign of Pisces, and rules the signs of Taurus and Libra.

With Pisces, Venus shows her oceanic origins and makes Pisceans sensitive, emotional, and moody. She also gives them a strong need to be loved, and an ability to relate to people of all stations, backgrounds, and levels of education.  A Piscean can hang with presidents or paupers without missing a beat.

With Taurus, she is an earth goddess, symbolizing fertility, fecundity, and fruitfulness. Venus’ gifts of sensuality also give the sign an ability to enjoy the good things in life to the fullest. Contented cows, and all that.

With Libra, she takes on a more refined air, symbolizing the fine arts, harmony, and intimate relationships. Venus here tends to give Librans a keen sense of beauty, an appreciation of culture, and strategic prowess. After all, when you rule the battle of the sexes, you must know a thing or two about strategy.

In a birth chart, when Venus is a morning star and rises before the Sun, she is “Venus Lucifer,” bringer of light, and promotes new values, ideals, social structures, and ways of looking at life. When Venus is an evening star and rises after the Sun (like it is beginning to do now), she is “Venus Hesperus,” the evening star, and tends to be more deliberate and reflective with values and feelings.

In fact, the very Ancient Greeks thought Lucifer and Hesperus were two completely different planets until convinced otherwise by the Babylonians. The Babylonians knew they were a single planet and had named it for their goddess of sexuality, Ishtar. I can just imagine some poor Greek astrologer throwing up their hands in resignation, “Alright, alright already, you win, it’s one planet! No, what’d you say you call it, Ishtar?  Then fine, we’ll call it after our goddess Aphrodite. Happy, now?”

But as interesting as Venus is astrologically, she is glorious as a planet in the sky. No other comes close to her brilliant radiance when she shines at her peak, being visible even in broad daylight. And though you can as yet barely make her out in the early twilight after sunset, Venus is coming. She will grace us with her presence, rising ever more prominently in the western sky at dusk until next spring, when she will slowly sink in the horizon and by this time next year transform into a morning star.

Furthermore, Venus’ orbital relationship with the Earth is amazing. Not only is the relationship between the distance of Venus and the Earth’s from the Sun the famous golden ratio, but as Venus and the Earth travel around the Sun, they make almost perfect pentagrams!

Conjunctions of Venus and the Earth happen in almost exactly the same spot of the zodiac every eight years, and occur in patterns of five equally spaced conjunctions every 584.4 days.  This gives them an overall pattern forming orbital pentacles as the pattern moves around the zodiac every 1,100 years, give or take a decade.

It perhaps then only stands to reason that Venus was the most important planet in Mayan astrology, and was frequently depicted defeating both the Sun and Moon. The calculations of Venus’ positions provided the basis for the Mayan calendar, and were used to determine the times for such significant events as coronations and wars. Now that we are able to better able to read and decipher Mayan writing, it will be very interesting to see how the Mayans used Venus for timing these events.

And there’s perhaps no better placement than where Venus is now, in Scorpio, to exemplify that nature. In Scorpio, voluptuous, loving, and venerable Venus becomes a venerable vixen. When Venus is in Scorpio, Aphrodite becomes an Amazon with the claws of a wolverine. Deep inside is a soul that revels in an orgy of passion, heat, and lust. Love is a winner take all, hell or high water, all’s fair affair. But no one is better suited for intense intimacy or excruciating ecstasy. With Venus in Scorpio as your guide, the heart may be a lonely hunter, but there is none better at capturing quarry.

And yet on the surface, her waters are as calm and serene as a bathtub. Butter does not melt in her mouth.

Do not be fooled!

While Venus is in Scorpio we all become a bit more passionate, a bit more outspoken, a bit more fierce. We know that if there is something worth having, it is likely worth fighting for. And if there is a price to pay, we are able to judge if it is worth unsheathing our swords. This is no lolly-gagging, lounging, lolling Venus in Libra, but a powerful woman on the prowl for her prey.

Xena, not Buffy.

Venus is in Scorpio until November 2^nd. It is bound to be an interesting time!

And the other big story this week…But soft, what light through yonder window breaks? It is the East, no not Juliet, Jupiter!

To the Daily Details!

Sunday, October 9^th

No exact aspects

The Moon is in Pisces all day. Chances are, there were lots of things going on yesterday, Saturday, and this morning is a good time to try and sort them all out. Yes, there are lots of factors involved and emotional concerns to consider, but behind it all – you know what you need to do. Do it. Or at least, prepare to make it happen. In the later afternoon, early evening your path will become clearer, so you may want to let your thoughts simmer during daylight until the light dawns within. With the Pisces Moon about to move into Aries, you may feel like a juggler with a lot of apples in the air. When each is ripe, you will know. Until then, it’s right hand to left hand, right hand to left hand…

Monday, October 10^th

No major aspects

Happy Columbus Day, and Happy Thanksgiving to our Canadian friends!

The Moon enters Aries at 5:57am, starting a new cycle as we start a new workweek. Our work is set out for us, we have our missions, and we have our marching orders. The starting gun has gone off, and the time is now. With the Full Moon coming tomorrow, comes a wave of astrological aspects that can help move us dramatically forward toward achieving goals and aspirations if we are ready to help make them happen. Don’t be upset if you happen to hit a speedbump in the early afternoon. It’s only a minor setback, and shouldn’t be made into anything more than what it actually means on the surface – i.e., don’t read more into it than you must. The evening should be relatively calm and enjoy the last night before the Full Moon.

Tuesday, October 11^th

Full Moon at 19°Aries at 7:06pm

The Moon is in Aries all day. The morning hours have us feeling good and are perfect for attending to business, doing chores, or making plans, so take advantage of it while you can. As we approach the time for the Full Moon, things are likely to get a bit disruptive. Unexpected calls, emails, or news can throw a monkey wrench into your plans, but try to work around it as best you can.

There’s almost a magickal potency to this month’s Full Hunter Moon, a perfect accompaniment for Venus in Scorpio. The key to using this month’s full moon energies is to tap into the most elemental fundamental aspects of why you want to accomplish what you do that resonate with your instincts and you will find yourself within grabbing distance of capturing your prey.

This evening, however, is likely to find us feeling a bit down, depressed, or sluggish. Barely capable of the energy it takes to flip the channel on the remote let alone traipsing into the wilds of the beyond. Fear not, intrepid heart, for by the end of the week you’ll be ready to hit the trails once more.

Wednesday, October 12^th

Mercury trines Neptune at 3:11am

The Moon enters Taurus at 6:35pm

Do we have to get up today and go to work? There isn’t much energy or will to do much except daydream and fantasize about the weekend this morning. Our imaginations, though, are highly charged and rearing to go. I bet if you do call in to take the day off, you’re able to come up with a very creative excuse. In fact, creativity is the keyword of the morning. Anything that involves a bit of creative juices is likely to be successful. If you do happen to make it into work today and are attending any meetings, how you say something is likely to be as if not more important than what you say, so be careful of how you phrase things. For those of you who feel as if you may be in a quandary, today is a good day to let your feelings do the driving. In general, our intuitions are powerful allies all day today, and can help lead us across troubled waters.

Be wary this evening of heavy discussions (read — arguments) with loved one’s this evening. There is a very high risk of saying something you don’t really mean that could be difficult to undo later. Be the good guy, just grin a lot and let ill-intentioned remarks slide off your back. Yes, your pride may be notched, but a notched pride is better than a bended knee begging for forgiveness!

Thursday, October 13^th

Venus sextiles Pluto at 12:42am

Mercury enters Scorpio at 3:52am

Sun conjoins Saturn at 2:13pm

Happy Sukkoth! Today is the Jewish celebration of the harvest.

Today is also a busy day astrologically. The morning hours are very good for finances and for researching financial investments. If you have something you wish to buy or sell, this morning is a good time to look around.

Our relationships are also like to come front and center today, and there’s rapprochement in the air. Don’t be surprised if someone unexpectedly waves an olive branch in front of your face. And if you’re wise, you’ll return it in kind. That doesn’t mean that your plans are for naught, or that it really changes things, but truce is good, truces are always good!

A lot of what is driving things today is the Sun-Saturn conjunction. Responsibilities, karma, and duties all figure very prominently into our calculations and push us to take care of affairs. If you have affairs that need to be taken care of, don’t procrastinate!

Friday, October 14^th

Venus opposes Jupiter at 4:53pm

The Moon is in Taurus all day.

Repeat after me – I will keep my relationship expectations under control today. Yes, we’re all feeling a bit needy, greedy, or weary with regard to the object of our affections, but do try and find a balance between your needs and the needs of your loved one(s). A little balance and compromise can go a long way. We’re also feeling like we can take on more than might be reasonable, so you might want to reschedule that visit to the Maserati dealership. This same Venus-Jupiter aspect also puts us in a party mood, so have a great time, just be sure you don’t overdo it, and do whatever you do safely!

Saturday, October 15^th

No major aspects

The Moon enters Gemini at 7:15am. The party’s still on Saturday morning, so be sure you brought your sunglasses with you last night. We have been on a string of invigorating, enjoyable, easy-peasy kind of Saturdays and today is no exception. Whatever you have planned for the day should go well, particularly spending time with loved ones doing lovely things. Take in a movie, go to a museum, visit a park, or just sipping coffee together should go a long way towards revitalizing and recharging your body, mind, and soul. You don’t need me to tell you what to do!

Enjoy!

Wishing you all a wonderful week!

The Flow! Week of September 4 – 10, 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: Recovery, Step 1

My apologies to all my faithful readers for being late getting this edition posted, but holidays have time-space continuum all their own, and sometimes you just need a rest.

Furthermore, this is quite a quiet week astrologically. Next week we have the Harvest Moon, and the week after Mars enters Leo. This week on Thursday, Mercury enters Virgo and on Saturday, Venus sextiles Mars.

Big whoop.

Mercury’s exit from Leo may help squelch the braggadocio we’ve seen emanating from Washington like a toxic radioactive cloud lately. With a little bit of luck, perhaps spending some time in one of his home signs of Virgo may prompt him to give a more analytic and critical eye toward some of the problems this country faces. Lord knows Virgo loves to solve problems, so with the Sun, Mercury, and Venus all in the sign of the Virgin, maybe we can make some progress on some pressing vestal issues.

One can only hope. Poor Hope. Misused and disabused, dare she show her face once more in public? Certainly, the combined symbolism of the unveiling of the Martin Luther King Jr. memorial, an earthquake that leaves the Washington Monument and National Cathedral damaged, and a hurricane whose name means “peace” can not be ignored.

So if hope can not be found on Earth, can we find it in Heaven?

Perhaps.

Many astrologers have placed some hope in Jupiter’s entrance into Taurus as an indication of better financial times. Indeed, since Jupiter brings expansion, opportunity and good fortune wherever he goes, and Taurus is an earth sign with strong attachments to finances, agriculture, music, the fine arts, and the land one might think so. One would think that Jupiter in the sign of the bull would be just the thing to get us out of the economic pit we are in, and add a bit of bullishness to our economy.

One would. Except that it’s all a matter of one’s point of view.

It is true that as seen from the Earth, Jupiter has been in Taurus since early June. And, I devoted last week’s edition to a discussion about his going retrograde last week means. But as seen from the Sun, Jupiter only entered Taurus very late in the evening of August 31^st. Barely a babe.

Some may question why the Sun-based position of Jupiter should matter. After all, we’re here on Earth, so what should we care about the Sun?

For several reasons. For one, it is my strong belief that everything is defined by the astrological energies it receives as seen from its own center. Therefore, the energies of the Sun are reaching us through the filter now of Jupiter in Taurus. Considering that the Sun is our source of heat, energy, light, and life that’s a pretty important thing. Not to mention that it is the main focal point around which all these buzzing futzing planetary bodies orbit. And finally, since astrologically the Sun represents the Self, the astrological energies as perceived from the Sun will have a strong influence on any individual being. Or being that is a collective of other beings. Each of us is actually a symphony of billions of individual cells.

So I would expect it to have some effect. Interestingly enough, according to the dates given in Wikipedia for US economic recessions, there is no period going all the way back to the 19^th century in which Jupiter as perceived from the Sun was in Taurus during an economic recession.

So with a little bit of luck, there’s hope.

Things are not going to turn around right away. In fact, the symbol for the first part of Taurus is “A Clear Mountain Stream” meaning that the first order of business is recognizing that shape of the landscape. And there are some areas of Taurus that can be mighty challenging. Yet, by the time Jupiter is about 2/3rds of the way through the sign, sometime around April of next year, we should see some substantial improvement.

We’d better, because Jupiter in Taurus doesn’t always mean lasting rivers of gold. Three months after Jupiter exited Taurus and entered Gemini on the 28^th of October 1929, we had Black Monday and Black Tuesday ushering in the Great Depression.

Astrologically, from now until early February will be crucial. During that time we will need to build the foundation of our new economy, face some harsh truths, and do some heavy lifting.

Yet I’m not particularly hopeful. Neptune in Aquarius is a bugger. It has people believing crazy-ass crapola and putting more stock in their ideologies than reality. That is never a good position when needing to practically and pragmatically deal with matters, especially financial matters. And Neptune doesn’t leave Aquarius until early February. All of which taken together leaves me to believe that we could face some economic or political crisis at that time that will tell the tale of our future.

But I did say there was hope, didn’t I?

I did. But it is likely to come from market forces and popular activism. Businesses are sitting on stockpiles of cash. The people are fed up with political gridlock. Taurus can be stubborn and slow to move, but once it decides to move it can rampage with the best of them. Red Bull is more than a soft drink. The last week of October when the Sun enters Scorpio may provide some clues about which way our economic winds are moving. Stay tuned to the Flow for future news!

Before we get to the Daily Details, there’s a Supernova in the skies! Located in the Big Dipper, the Pinwheel Galaxy has spawned a Supernova that is growing in intensity. In zodiac terms, that projects down to 25º Virgo, so around the 17^th of September, when the Sun crosses this point, it will be in direct alignment with it. Check out the graphic below for an illustration and lots of other cool stuff from Sky & Telescope magazine!

To the Daily Details!

Sunday, September 4^th

No major aspects

Well, Sunday is almost spent, but it has been a relatively somber holiday. Even though the Moon is in the party sign of Sagittarius, the lunar aspects are not very celebratory. The Moon, ruler of our moods is inharmoniously square the Sun (our Selves) and Venus (our feelings), casting a rather grayish pall over the day’s events. The Moon does make nice to responsible Saturn, so getting chores done, or just relaxing and doing nothing is more the order of the day. If one good thing can be said about the day is that it is good for getting those things done you set out to do!

Monday, September 5^th

No major aspects

Happy Labor Day!

About the only thing left of the labor movement in this country is this holiday, so enjoy it! Later this week we’re treated to a befuddling opposition between Mercury (our minds) and Neptune (other realms). Today we get a preview as the Moon glides past them both, activating their energy.  So if you feel yourself wondering around in zombie mode, putting the keys in the dishwasher, or taking a wrong turn to while driving, you are not alone. By next weekend, this aspect should be dissipated. So today is the perfect day to chill and avoid any of these potential pitfalls. In the evening, the Moon enters solemn Capricorn at 7:03pm, adding a somber note to our moods as we thing about heading back into the work week. The end of the Labor Day holiday often marks the end of our “cultural” summer, and the return to more serious activities. The Moon in Capricorn gives added weight to our thoughts as we ponder the future.

Tuesday, September 6^th

No major aspects

We step into our cultural autumn with our best foot forward. Today’s energies are quite supportive of any endeavor we wish to pursue, but particularly those things that help us move our plans forward, provide us with new opportunities, or work with others to accomplish mutual goals. Our finances goals are particularly favored today as the Sun, Moon, and Jupiter form a grand trine in the three earth signs of Taurus (Jupiter), Virgo (Sun) and Capricorn (Moon). This triple combination, if harnessed properly, can help us manifest our goals and make our thoughts and ideas real. It is also a good time for getting our affairs in order, as it also is helpful organizing matters in ways that are more easily managed. All in all, a day of opportunity whatever your plans for it are!

Wednesday, September 7^th

No major aspects

The Moon seems stuck in Capricorn all day. The lunar aspects continue to promote energy that is helpful for getting our work and chores done. We are able to address the business of the day with a serious and practical attitude that addresses the real issues at stake and are more easily to cut through the fluff. We also find that we are better able to plan for the future as not only do we feel more salient about our chosen paths and better able to navigate our way toward their successful conclusion, but we’re growing more and more dissatisfied with the present. There’s a restlessness to the late morning and afternoon that we just can’t shake, and we’re anxious to move forward away from any long-standing problems. Perhaps the light of the waxing Moon, as it shifts into high Aquarian gear, will provide some news or inspiration. For those of you who are early birds, 30 minutes before sunrise, Mercury dances with Regulus the rest of this week. Regulus, also known as the Heart of the Lion is the brightest star of the constellation Leo, it is said to confer great honors, authority, success, independence, and the ability to command. Take advantage while it lasts!

Thursday, September 8^th

Mercury opposes Neptune at 8:27am

Mercury enters Virgo at 10:59pm

What a day to be giving a political speech! President Obama definitely could use an astrologer on staff. Even his preferred date would have been little better. At least tonight with Mercury entering Virgo, people may actually be inclined to think about what he proposes rather than the usual ideological reactions. The Moon enters Aquarius at 2:42am breaking the solemnity of its sojourn in Capricorn and adding more sparkle and pizzazz to the air. The early morning hours should be profitable for any messages from the other side such as meaningful dreams, insights, or synchronicities. Mark down any of these that you encounter as you will want to refer back to them in the future. Later in the evening watch the urge to excess – counting to 10 before clicking the send button could save you an embarrassment, regret, or apology later.

Friday, September 9^th

No major aspects

We wind down the week with the Moon in Aquarius all day. It is a great day for fixing things, making corrections, and going over the details of any important projects. We feel better about things than we have in a while, and feel as if the solutions to our problems are available and workable. There’s a strong sense of ingenuity and inventiveness that can readily be put to use helping us understand the solutions to some vexing issues during the mid-morning hours of today, and we find that we can apply these insights into our everyday lives. The important thing to keep in mind that each of these solutions require a first step, so make sure that first step is meaningful, sincere, and imminent. Being able to take any first step soon makes it all that much more immediate, tangible, and genuine.

Saturday, September 10^th

Venus sextiles Mars at 9:23pm

This is likely to be a fun weekend. The waxing Harvest Moon will smile down on our activities as we go about enjoying ourselves today and tomorrow. The Moon enters Pisces at 12:26, just in time to add some joie de vivre to the proceedings. During the daylight hours we go about our affairs with a persistence of intent and a sense that things will work out for the best. But the special time this weekend is this evening as Venus aligns with Mars. Our sexual energies run high and on full steam. These are not the high-falutin’ sexual energies of the fire and air signs that just generate a lot of mind games and hot air, but the down-to-earth practical energies of earth and water uniting as body and heart. If you have a loved one, or are looking to find one, these evening should be on your calendar to engage in a romantic rendezvous. Providing you do so with honesty, integrity, and truth of spirit, you may experience a depth of love and feeling that will restore your soul and feed the spirit. Laissez les bons temps rouler!

Wishing you all a wonderful week!

The Flow! Week of May 15 – 22, 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:  Ruptured Rapture

This Saturday, May 21^st is scheduled for the Judgment Day of the Rapture in which all good people get subsumed to heaven and the wicked be cast to the more uncomfortable netherly regions.  There are lots of people who believe this, but let me assure you, however, that the good lord would never do so on the day the Sun enters Gemini. Humans are just too entertaining during that month to spoil the fun!

I love Geminis. I once had a best friend who was a Gemini, and I loved all of them. I have even been told I am an “honorary” Gemini. (For disclosure purposes, my ruling planet Venus, and Jupiter are in the sign.)

They/we can be the most entertaining people on Earth. And you don’t even have to feed us with quarters. Just get us started on any subject, and we’ll regale you for hours, or at least until the beverages stop flowing.

Gemini, as many of you know, is the sign of the twins. They are renown for their intelligence, acumen, and ability to sell water in a rainforest, ice to Eskimos, and sand in theMiddle East…but you get the picture. Did I also mention that they excel in the arts as painters, writers, poets, musicians, artists, and sculptors?

Gemini is ruled by Mercury, or Hermes. In either incarnation he was depicted as the winged Messenger of the Gods. As the Roman Mercury, he was closely associated with trade, hence “merchant”, “mercantile”, and “mercenary” (one who fights for wages). As the Greek Hermes, he was also the guide to the underworld. Hmmm, maybe I was a bit hasty about judging Judgment Day…?

Nah.

As a prominent Olympian, Hermes was the patron of boundaries and the travelers, shepherds, cowherds and other trespassers who crossed them; orators, and their literature and poetry; athletics of all sorts; invention; and commerce with its attendant cunning as in “of thieves.” Did I also mention that Gemini’s also occasionally have more than one reputation? No? Oh, well…

Since the beginning Hermes has been associated with shamanism, divination, magic, and initiations. Hence Hermes Trismegistus (not just once or twice, but thrice great!) who is the source of Hermetic (you were expecting Barbie-ic?) wisdom and teaching. Every Gemini is an expert on something, and sometimes on everything if you ask politely and catch them in a particularly Hermetic moment.

Many Gemini’s are gifted with Hermes’ trickery and slight of hand, which explains why so many of them have second jobs in circuses or renaissance fairs. There’s an old tale that Hermes invented the lyre to recompense Apollo for pinching his special cattle. But Hermes was no slouch, he also invented gymnastics, mathematics, weights and measures, and the alphabet. Lord only knows what the reasons were for those other inventions!

And lastly (at least for this riff), Geminis have the best senses of humor in the zodiac. Do you think I would write a piece like this about Capricorn or Leo? I’d get horses heads left on my bed!

Would the Good Lord end the world during Gemini???

Nevah. And even if she did, Hermes would steal it back in a New York minute.

To the Daily Details!

Sunday, May 15^th

Venus enters Taurus at 3:12pm

Mercury enters Taurus at 4:19pm

The Moon enters Scorpio at 9:32am to usher in what stands to be an unusual end to an unusual weekend. Strangeness seems to be falling from the sky like rain drops these days, so somewhere the gods must be laughing. There are no real major aspects today, but both Mercury and Venus jump ship to Taurus. Venus in Taurus brings in a strong Earth Mother influence,  adding strong emotional ties to the Earth, nurturing, growth, and harmony within ecologies. Love becomes sensuous, voluptuous, and tactile. There’s a strong need for connection that isn’t quite satisfied by simply reaching out and touching, but by grabbing one another and holding on for a prolonged bear hug.

Mercury in Taurus also represents a shift, in this case from the racer to the builder. There’s less of a need to prove you can drive like Jeff Gordon, and more that you can put the pieces of your life together and build something meaningful like Frank Gehry.

In any event, as the Moon passes through the end of Libra and beginning of Scorpio it opposes in succession Jupiter, Mercury, Venus and Mars, provoking unexpected events, decisions, changes of plans, and irascible moods. A valium day, for sure!

Monday, May 16^th

Mercury conjunct Venus at 2:25am

Mercury sextileNeptuneat 7:18am

Venus sextileNeptuneat 7:53am

In the early morning hours we have a repeat of last week’s Mercury Venus conjunction and both planets sextiling Neptune a bit later. The Moon remains in Scorpio all day, and the Moon in Scorpio is a bit like a trip to the psychiatrists office. It is often deeply moving in mysterious ways, and you’re never certain if something isn’t waiting to jump out of the darkness and go “boo!”  Both planets’ sextile to Neptune doesn’t help matters much as they grease the channels of communication to subconscious realms, so to speak. It is a good day for introspective communication, meditation, and making decisions to set or follow a new path in life. It is also favorable for deep talks with others to express your feelings or to work out difficult situations. Not only will you be able to tap strong meaningful sentiments within yourself, but you may also be able to speak in a language others more easily identify with, accept, and find easier to handle. If you have been waiting for a time to have the special talk with that special loved one, now would be a favorable time to do so.

Tuesday, May 17^th

Full Moon at 4:09am at 27 Scorpio

If the Moon in Scorpio is a trip to the psychiatrist, the Full Moon in Scorpio is likely to be a red letter day there. It is likely to be a time when we learn a great deal about our selves, our purposes, values, and what we find significant. In light of some of the other aspects going on at this time, it may also be a time in which we begin to see some progress in steps we have taken to move in more meaningful and positive directions. It is also possible we may discover some new facets in those close to us and we may be digesting that news for the next week or two. Over the next two weeks our faith and beliefs about many things may get challenged, and the primary challenge is how we handle these challenges to our faith and beliefs. Often, our initial instinct is to hold fast like a rock to what we believe, but sometimes it is best to go along and ride the challenge to see where the destination may lay. If you do, you may find yourself laughing at a very cosmic joke. Soon after the time of the Full Moon the Moon high-tails it out of Scorpio at 10:22am and into the arms of Sagittarius where it remains entertaining us for the rest of the day.

Wednesday, May 18^th

No major aspects

If the Moon in Scorpio is a trip to the psychiatrist, the Moon in Sagittarius is a bit like being in a dance hall with a DJ. The mood is lively, it’s a bit boisterous, gregarious, and you never really know what is going to come next.  You find the beat itself resonant and soothing, even if you don’t understand the words being spoken. The only aspect all day is a mild sextile to Saturn, so we’re in the groove and ready to jive down with whatever the universe has to throw at us. And considering that we’re still under the beams of the Full Moon of Scorpio, that just could be a kitchen sink or two. Key to surviving/making the most of a Sagittarius Moon is to go with the flow. Do not try to dance to a different beat, the DJ will hit you over the head with his mike. Just go to the dance floor and dance your little tooties off. It doesn’t matter if you don’t understand why. Just dance!

Thursday, May 19^th

No major aspects

The Moon enters Capricorn at 1:16pm and the music stops. It is high fashion time. The Moon is in Capricorn and all must take notice. When the Moon is in Capricorn we are all on our better behavior, otherwise we may be asked to leave the premises.  The lunar aspects are mostly positive all day, with the exception of the blare of a square to Uranus at 7:30pm when we may encounter something unsettling or make a new discovery about someone in our orbit. Otherwise, it is a good day for investing, making financial arrangements, and speaking your mind in a kind sort of way. The evening has all the elements of a delicious romantic romp with hearts aflame, passion beating in our veins and champagne flowing out of pink slippers. Venus is in her prime tonight, and in the mood for creating memories.

Friday, May 20^th

Mars trine Pluto at 11:20am

Mercury trine Pluto at 2:54pm

Mercury conjunct Mars at 6:20pm

This is quite a busy astrological day. Many of the aspects are good, and it is a good day for endeavors of all kinds. But here’s the scoop. Mars is meeting up with Mercury, so our actions and our thoughts are in alignment. We know what we want, and how we want to go about getting it.  Both of these planets are trine Pluto, which indicates that there is access to meaningful power and/or obtaining significant goals. Rarely does a configuration speak so clearly about the potential for making significant progress or in our capacity for creating change in our lives. It is a time for putting into action plans, and of having those plans stick and bear fruit. We might even be able to obtain control over a situation that has eluded us thus far. The only caution is that others may also sense these opportunities and try to enact their plans which may be at cross-purposes to yours. Be wary. Be clever. And be calm. If you find your battlefield contentious here is a trick to trip-up your foes – emotionalism. If you can get your adversary to react emotionally to you, your statements, or your actions while you are able to keep your cool, you win and they lose.  Good luck!

Saturday, May 21^st

Sun enters Gemini at 2:21am

Venus trine Pluto at 11:00am

Happy Armed Forces Day!

It’s the end of the week, the end of the Sun’s stay in Taurus, and if I am wrong, the end of the world as we know it.

Gemini also loves to think, so with the entrance of the Sun into Gemini we all become a little bit more inclined to think about the different parts of our lives and of setting aside a bit of brain time before issuing commands to our muscles to move. We also are more likely to be communicative, inquisitive and restless.  Gemini can be a fun time of the year, if somewhat exhausting. Enjoy!

With Venus and Pluto trine, not only are we more in tune with our passions, but they are also more likely to lead us to positive outcomes than usual. We become more aware of beauty in our lives, are more willing to appreciate beauty in our lives, and are more willing to work to make our lives more beautiful, comfortable, and appealing. If you have any interior decorating plans in mind, now is the time to put them into practice. If you have any romantic notions in mind, you may find the winds of destiny moving your hand.

Wishing you all a wonderful week!

If you haven’t already done so, check out last week’s Morning Planets for May from Sky & Telescope magazine, it is a great way to usher in Gemini as you can both be entertained and learn at the same time!

The Flow! March 13- 20, 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:  U and Ur Uranus

 Uranus has entered Aries with a bang, literally. Our hearts, thoughts, and prayers go out to the Japanese people and any others around the world as they deal with the after-effects of this catastrophic event.

While it’s true that many of the events in the news have started before Uranus officially entered Aries this past Friday, and while it’s true that Uranus is just at the teensiest bit into its seven year stay in the sign, it is also true that Uranus as seen from the Sun has already been there since January 29^th.

So there!

Without going into boring technical details, we are on Earth, so the majority of astrological influences are indicated by the apparent position of the planets as seen from our back yards.  However, planetary motions are primarily governed by their relationship with the Sun, so there’s a case to be made that their positions as seen from the Sun also have considerable influence. 

Actually, the solar system functions as one gigantic astronomical ecological whole. all of the bodies are related like a massive network in which each body is a hub.  Think of it as a giant spider web with each planet at the meeting points of the threads, and you’ll have a good idea of their interrelationships.

But I digress, or do I?

That’s the thing about Uranus, it comes in and blasts away established assumptions and thinking and creates a new paradigm in its wake.  The Enlightenment?  Uranian.  The US Declaration of Independence?  Uranian.  The first atomic bomb?  Uranian.  It was even built with matter from the element Uranium, named after you-know-who.

The fact that we use Plutonium to generate nuclear power today is parallel to the astrological assignment of nuclear power with Pluto.  But the revolution caused by the invention of the atomic bomb and its effects on international politics and warfare was Uranian all the way.

But now I really do digress.

Aries is the first sign of the zodiac, and since Uranus takes about 84 years to orbit around the Sun, it has certainly been here before to start a new cycle many times.  So why should it seem to be so much more earth-shattering now?

For one thing, we have become a Uranian society.  No matter what gadget you’re using to read this blog (unless you’re printing it out and reading it on paper) it’s Uranus-ruled as are all electronic devices, and lord knows we’ve come attached to our gadgets.  Electricity is ruled by Uranus, as is astrology, telecommunications, celestial mechanics, air transportation and scientific inquiry. If we were able to extract every Uranian item from our lives, we’d be living with the horses like they did back in the Middle Ages.

See what I mean?

But all of this is general stuff.  What about Uranus in Aries’ effect on you?

Long time fans and friends of the Flow know that when it comes to talking about planetary influences on each of the signs, I trot out the Flowcator to do so.  While our Sun signs are important, they are like our heads – and however important our heads are, we are not just a head, but a complete being.  So, sometimes we act like our Sun in Leo, sometimes like our Venus in Gemini, and sometimes like a nut, depending on circumstances and environment.   Likewise, you are not your sun sign, but an amalgamation of all the influences of your chart which combine, mix, and flow together into a sign that is a summation of all of the parts.  That’s the purpose of the Flowcator, to find the sign of your consciousness. 

 

FLOWCATOR:

The best way to use this is to think of your self in the various spheres in which you function.  You may be hot as a rocket at work, but more manageable at home among family.  In each of our realms, we are often different, depending on our roles and identity within them.  Since we all have different ways of being in the different parts of our life, we can better assess how the astrological energies are going to affect us by knowing where we stand in relation to them.

Are you:

A)    Incredibly active, always busy, starting lots of projects whether you finish them or not?  Always the one who’s coming up with ideas about what to do and where to go?  Have definite ideas about what you want, but not necessarily fixated about how you go about achieving your goals?  When push comes to shove, you enjoy grasping the reigns of leadership.  You are CARDINAL.

B)     Totally fixed?  Stubborn to the max, you can be relied on come hell or high water to hold your ground and fight for what you believe is right regardless of the consequences.  You are the rock of Gibraltar when it comes to this part of your life, and most of the time people give in to you.  You know what you want, you know how you want to get there, and nothing in this universe is going to stop you. You are FIXED.

C)    Flexible, and go with the flow?  You’re amenable to almost anything, within limits.  You don’t care about particulars much, but enjoy what comes your way.  You are most likely a loyal follower of others, and have definite loyalties that mean a great deal to you.  Leadership gives you the hives, and stubborn people give you a headache, but hives and headaches are your lot in life, and even though you have definite goals, you are thrilled with the journey.  You are MUTABLE.

Got that?  Are you also:

1)      The firebrand.  Wherever you go you bring a bit of light and energy to the proceedings.  You may have your opinions about things, and you’re not afraid of sharing them with others.  You are constantly on the go and find sluggards obstacles to be pushed out of the way.  You have things to do, places to go, and your life is just always busy, busy, busy. You are FIRE.

2)      The practical one.  Your pace tends to be slower, and find yourself always thinking of the practical considerations of everything that comes your way.  Resourceful to the max, like a rerun of the TV show McGuyver, you can take toothpicks, dental floss and a little bit of chewing gum and build a helicopter.  You love making do with what you have, and are very, very good with finances.  You are EARTH.

3)      The thinker.  You are always thinking.  Always.  Your brain never stops, and your head is filled with at least one conversation at all times.  Even when you’re sleeping, you dream in Technicolor and in amazing detail.  You try to understand the basic principles of things, and love creating rules.  You have rules for where to put the milk in the refrigerator, and where to put the keys when you get home.  Your life can be so full of rules you need a flashlight to find freedom and spontaneity.  Yet you are also a wizard figuring things out, reading directions, and following instructions.  Gadgets, computers, and communication devices are your toys, and you take pride at expressing yourself and the world around you well.  You are AIR.

4)      The feeler.  You are an emotional sponge.  Wherever you go, you pick up on the feelings of others.  When someone needs a shoulder to cry on, it is your shoulder they leave wet.  People are the only part of life that truly matter to you, and the currency of your reward is the respect with which others treat you.  You are sympathetic and empathetic to a tee, so that when someone you love gets a stomach ache, your stomach hurts too. You are WATER.

Cardinal and Fire = Aries

Cardinal and Earth = Capricorn

Cardinal and Air = Libra

Cardinal and Water = Cancer

Fixed and Fire = Leo

Fixed and Earth = Taurus

Fixed and Air = Aquarius

Fixed and Water = Scorpio

Mutable and Fire = Sagittarius

Mutable and Earth = Virgo

Mutable and Air = Gemini

Mutable and Water = Pisces

Uranus‘ effects for each sign

ARIES: You are undergoing a transformation, for you will not be the same in seven years.  While it is true that neither will the rest of us, you will most likely not even be able to recognize the kind of person that you used to be.  That is how deep and profound a transformation you are about to undertake.  Some of you will lose weight, and some may even undergo cosmetic surgery.  Others may undergo enormous life changing events that will drastically change your lives — hopefully, for the better.  Uranus always strives to make us more independent, more liberated, and more free, so if those items are at the top of your to-do list, chances are Uranus will act like the wind at your back.

Word to the wise: Liberation can be exhilarating, but when the confetti comes down and is just litter on the street, cleaning up the mess can be exhausting.  Don’t burn yourself out, or bridges that need not be toasted.

TAURUS:  Like Aries, you too will feel the thrill of personal transformation, but most of it will occur between your ears.  New inner worlds will open up for you, as will a new understanding of your past that will free you from the burdens of the past and open immense vistas for you to view life anew.  You have a chance to heal old wounds, either through self-study, psycho-analysis, or groups and organizations that suit your interests. At some point in the next seven years, you are likely to receive a life-changing idea that will transform your world. 

Word to the wise: Let yourself go where the winds of destiny take you.  Taurus tends to plant roots deep and once planted they are difficult to uproot – but sometimes the grass truly is greener over yonder, and moving in that direction can add lots more green to your life.

GEMINI:  Whoa boy, you folks are in for a wild ride, better find those seat belts and buckle yourself in!  Each of us has hopes and dreams and aspirations, and you are likely to find more than a few thrown in your lap.  How you handle them, and how you subsequently use them to transform your life will determine how well they go for you.  Although there are often two of you, being true to one of them and sticking with it will make all the difference.  You are also likely to find yourself joining new groups and associations that may take up a considerable part of your time.  However, these very groups may also be the source of the dreams thrown in your lap, so be sure to treat those within them with all the kindness you can muster!

Word to the wise: Know thyself.  You’re really, really good at the knowing part, less good about the thyself part.  It really helps to know why you want something, not just that you want it…knowing that makes it easier to make decisions that sometimes have you playing a game of tennis in which one of you is on each side of the net.

CANCER: Some of you are in for a change of career.  If you have found yourself feeling stifled, blocked, and inhibited lately, chances are you may find yourself hunting through the want ads.  For those of you who want to keep the job you have, try your best to find something in your situation that gives you a chance to grow.  Volunteer for a project, work overtime, or do something to give yourself more opportunities.  For those of you who would like a change of scenery at work, this is your time to find something more suited to your needs.  For those of you who are not inclined to ford new career horizons, chances are your standing among your peers is about to change.  It might be added prominence, acclaim, notoriety, or celebrity  — in which case, be sure that you handle it authentically, or you may find yourself on the HuffingtonPost next to a picture of Charlie Sheen.

Word to the wise: Uranus is likely to give you the chance to make this time the apex of your career – or the start of a new one.  Knowing what you want and what you are well suited for can make all the difference in the world!

LEO: You and Sagittarians are likely to find Uranus beaming lovingly at you right now. Chances are you are in a place that you have long sought and hoped for.  The next seven years are your time to make hay in the sunshine.  The opportunities that come your way are the result of a tremendous amount of work and self-analysis (not that I have to tell you this!)  So make the most of them as deeply and profoundly as you can.  You may find yourself traveling more, or involved in publishing, speaking, or teaching.  All of these activities will open new doors for you, close them and you will learn quickly how Uranus treats those who disdain his treats!

Word to the wise: Go with the flow, and try to put your ego where the sun don’t shine, and it won’t show.  Nothing can get you into more trouble than whining about perceived mistreatment.  Trust me on this, it isn’t!

VIRGO: I’m not going to lie to you.  The next seven years are not likely to be a cakewalk.  But you are going to come of out this better than you go in, and you are going to lose a lot of the inhibiting forces threatening your progress today.  Take a look at whatever house Uranus happens to fall in your chart, and this is an area likely to undergo a succession of personal earthquakes.  Each earthquake will shatter a misconception and bring about a change in your life, but in the overwhelming majority of cases, these changes are for the better.  It’s not going to be easy, and will take every bit of poise, aplomb and dignity you can find inside.  But generally speaking, you will find that the world around you is changing to reflect the true inner person you are – so that when this time is over, you should be immensely happier, more comfortable and better off.

Word to the wise: Don’t give up hope. Some of the changes you experience may not be exactly pleasant, but they will ultimately be for the better.  Like Confucius say, “perseverance furthers.”

LIBRA:  Uranus is taking direct aim at your relationships.  If you are not currently with a partner, you may meet one unexpectedly.  If you are in a committed relationship, you may find that relationship experiencing tremendous change.  Some of you may face separation, particularly if you have drifted apart from each other and are no longer able to function as a psychological unit.  Some of you may find your eye wandering to perceived greener pastures and more fulfilling individuals with whom to share your life.  Be careful, as any affair started during this time can easily spark a nuclear reaction that will end the relationship you currently have.  Make sure you are willing to take that risk.

Word to the wise: Many of your relationships are likely to experience changes during this time.  You have the opportunity to have people relate to you as you truly are, and as you are now – this is a gift, use it wisely.

SCORPIO:  You are also likely to experience changes at work, but not quite so profoundly as Virgo.  The changes in store for you are more likely to be in the nature of shuffling the organizational chart, or playing musical chairs.  There’s opportunity there for you if you can grab it, and you are normally very good a seizing opportunity when it arises.  You are about to learn a lot about the kind of person you are, and the kinds of things that are important to you.  Be wary of people who suddenly appear our of nowhere from your past, they may not have your best interests at heart, treat them like frenemies at best!

Word to the wise: Meet the challenges you encounter as the learning opportunities they are.  You’ve established the stamp of your identity, now it is time to flesh that out.  Growth can sometimes be a pain, though, so don’t be shy about sharing your experiences with your loved ones!

SAGITTARIUS:  Read Leo.  What Uranus is about for you over the next seven years is giving you the opportunity to be whatever it is you have wanted to be.  That is an immense responsibility, and something few of us can handle with aplomb.  This is the time for your Cecil B. DeMille closeup so put on your biggest smile and give it your best shot!

Word to the wise: Don’t ham it up.  Uranus is giving you a gift – use it, build on it, and appreciate it, but don’t flaunt it!

CAPRICORN: Your home life is undergoing immense transformations.  For many of you, domestic tranquility is a thing of the past.  Whether it is a new addition to the family, new family arrangements, or other family obligations and responsibilities, your domestic scene is taking up most of your waking life.  You are all going through a transition from the kind of life you have known to something new, and chances are your family structure or place of residence will change during this time.  This can be a time of deep and profound emotions and experiences, so do the best you can – and trust me, others are well aware that you do a better job than most! 

Word to the wise: Trust your self.  You know what to do.  Do it.

AQUARIUS: Uranus is one of your ruling planets, and it is much better aligned with you now than it was when it was in Pisces.  So as Uranus enters Aries and begins a new cycle, many of you are starting new phases of your lives.  Many of you will find that place in which you spend most of your time is currently changing, and your daily communications with others has special added significance.  If you don’t have a smartphone already, I heartily recommend getting one you like!  Your lives are getting busier too, so you’ll need all those wizbang apps to keep things in order. 

Word to the wise: You are in the process of attracting a whole new cast of characters in your life.  Make sure that’s what they’ve got, good character!

PISCES:  Your financial situation seems to be in flux.  One day you’re pinched, the next you’re flush.  This isn’t something you can really control, in fact the more you try to control it, the more likely Uranus is to fight back.  But you can plan ahead as best you can, and put some money away for when you might need it.  There is always the opportunity with Uranus in the second house that you could strike it rich, but usually due to the nature of Uranus it happens without advance warning and unexpectedly.  If you happen to be one of the lucky ones, remember who your friends are!

Word to the wise: This is not the best time to take considerable financial risk.  Betting with spare change is fine, but this is no time to play roulette with the deed to the ranch!

Oy! This is edition is already megillah sized, but what’s The Flow without the Daily Details? 

Onward!

Sunday, March 13^th

Don’t forget to turn the clocks ahead at 2am!

Mercury square Pluto at 10:30am

The Moon enters Cancer at 7:29am, and I don’t know about you, but it is not a moment too soon!  The Moon in Gemini has produced a very turbulent feeling in the air as if shoes were to drop from the sky at any moment.  So the Moon entering Cancer should come as a relief and soothe the unsettled spirits.  The aspects to the Moon aren’t particularly kind, and the square between Mercury and Pluto is likely to keep our nerves taut for the next several days.  Mercury square Pluto is also apt to affect our speech as well, causing us to say things we may not truly mean, speak unnecessarily harshly about others, or say things we wish were true but aren’t.  Today is a good day to avoid gossip or dinner discussions about sensitive topics.

Monday, March 14^th

Venus trine Saturn at 6:34pm

The Moon sits exactly between the economic powerhouses Jupiter and Saturn this morning, so this is likely to be an important day for financial news.  Long-term trends may be determined by reading the economic tea leaves today.  During lunch time through early afternoon as the Moon makes a nice aspect to Mars, is a great time to get work done, start projects, or conduct meetings.  People will be in a cooperative mood, and be ready to dig in and do the necessary work to bring projects to a successful conclusion.  The trine between Venus and Saturn gives an added sense of security to our relationships and dealings with others, as we are able manage our responsibilities in a compassionate manner.

Tuesday, March 15^th

Happy Ides of March! (Unless, of course, you’re Caesar…)

Mercury conjunct Jupiter at 6:27pm

The Moon enters Leo at 12:33pm, and people are likely to be in a good mood throughout the day.  Spirits are high, even for those without medical marijuana, and we are feeling good about our selves, and our prospects for the future.  With Mercury conjunct Jupiter, we are not only feeling good, but not hesitant to share our feelings and thoughts with others.  Look for news today and lots of it, as everyone seems to want to get their 15 microseconds in the spotlight.  It’s all good natured, and there may even be a spot of good news thrown in for good measure.

Wednesday, March 16^th

No major aspects 

The Moon is in Leo all day, and the aspects to the Moon are almost universally good.  The good feelings of the day before continue, and much of the day should go without a hitch.  For those of you experiencing computer, communication, or system issues, mid-morning to mid-afternoon may be a good time to fix things and get them functioning correctly.  Otherwise, the evening has us reflective of our relationships and the direction they are heading, and it may be wise to wait until after the first day of Spring before making any decisions or putting any new plans in place unless necessary.

Thursday, March 17^th

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

No major aspects

The Moon enters Virgo at 1:53pm, so the festivities of the day may counterbalance the more fussy and contrarian energies in the air.  We’re feeling a bit picky and cranky without knowing why, and a bit of it has to do with the Full Moon coming up at the end of its stay in Virgo.  If you are out and about, people are likely to behave even MORE strangely than a St. Patrick’s Day combined with an upcoming Full Moon, so except the leprechauns to be a little more mischievous than usual. 

Friday, March 18^th

Mercury opposed Saturn at 6:55am

If ever there was a reason not to overdo it on St. Patrick’s Day, Mercury opposed Saturn is it.  Whatever you have done, or not done, or thought about doing is likely bite you this morning, and get out the super-sized Tylenol, because this aspect is likely to give even the teetotalers among us a hangover.  It’s probably best to just expect that things are going to go awry this morning, and the energies aren’t particularly conducive to correcting things until next week.  Friday night is likely to be a bit confrontational and obstreperous, so try to keep your cool and not get into any needless fights!

Saturday, March 19^th

Full Moon, Moon opposes Sun at 11:10am at 29º Virgo

The Full Moon peaks this morning, and we’re likely to feel torn in a multitude of directions.  There are things we want to do, things others want us to us, things we feel we ought to do, and all kinds of other things in between.  Pick one and stick with it, though that may be harder to do than it may seem.  It’s Karma Testing Time, and today’s test is all about determining what our best priorities are and sticking to doing what promotes them.  You may be called upon to do something for someone else, that’s Part B of the same exam.  Offering to do something for someone earns you extra credit.

For those who ace the exam, there’s Pomp and Circumstance in your future!

Wishing you all a wonderful week!