The Flow! Week of April 22 – 28, 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: The Nature of Things

 

If you feel like your life has been transported into the middle of one of those snow globes, you’re not alone. A snow globe, in fact, shook by a vicious and mischievous hand. Repeatedly.

It isn’t just a question of things going (or not) according to plan, but of the very ground on which the foundation of those plans is built shifting on a moment’s notice, and very little of it making much sense. Like stepping on cement and feeling it move, while on quicksand feeling stable and secure.

Isn’t it delightful when Mars and Pluto decide they want to come out and play?

Fortunately for us, the Sun has moved into more firmly fixed Taurus, so things should be settling down. Much like the snow in a snow globe when it is left in peace.

While I can’t guarantee peace over the next couple of weeks, I do think things are going to get more stable and secure. After all, isn’t stability and security what Taurus is all about?

The threshold between Aries and Taurus is often a precarious place to be. Aries is a sign of great Will and Power. It gathers up all the vim and vinegar of consciousness and focuses that energy into channels for achieving its ambitions, satisfying its needs, and expanding its power. Almost like a forest fire. And then when this heat and wind gathers steam and blows full force across the surface of the earth, it causes gusts to blow and clouds to form and garner strength . Like a militant army they march across the skies of the last slice of Aries and when they meet the cool, calm, gentle green hills of the beginning of Taurus they let loose the saturated load of their heavy burden in the form of the tempests and rains of Spring.

And when the rains roll down the faces of the Taurean hills they collect and form brooks, rivulets and streams of cool, pure, fresh, and clean water that nourish the land and reveal the nature of the soil beneath.

That is precisely the place in the yearly cycle in which we are now; learning the nature of things.

Some of this news may not be new, but it is unquestionably valuable. Like peering through the crystal clear waters, you can better see and sense some of the undercurrents you have been feeling. And like wading in any body of water, it is the nimble and fleet of foot that get where they want to go most safely. Sense, act. Sense, act.

Unfortunately, neither nimbleness nor fleetness is easily found in the lexicon of descriptions for Taurus. But still, Taurus has its ways and defenses. Tip a cow and it may fall down, but taunt it and you might find yourself running for your life. They are creatures of great strength, and there is nothing flimsy in the sign of the bull.

For obvious reasons, Taurus is also associated with Spring, and certainly one of the great manifestations of Spring is the bursting forth of nature in all its explosions of blooming glory. So Taurus replies to the agility found in astrological signs with greater mobility with an answer of its own – roots.

Taureans are often rooted. Water them frequently, feed them occasionally (ok, feed them a lot), and they will prosper. Their roots will dig deep into the earth, sending tendrils down as far as necessary, draw up the nutrients to be found there, and transform them in a manner unique to themselves into useful products.

That is what plants do. They take the soil from the ground and with the energy of the sun feed a hungry planet. That is no small feat, particularly in light of their ability to do so without feet. (sorry, but I couldn’t resist.)

So where does that leave us? (no more puns, I promise…)

Hopefully, the storms of late Aries are over. Chances are, we are beginning to better understand the lay of the land. That information is vital to future success. While there may be things you have learned that you wished were different, how you decide to move forward is more critical than the shape of the terrain.

The heated times of Aries are over. It is time to adapt to the cooler, gentler, and calmer nature of Taurus.

Also, part of the reason for the success of the plant kingdom is their ability to procreate in great numbers. Seek out the assistance of others. Chances are, there are others of like mind who you can call upon to help. Together, you can knit a tighter, tougher, and stronger force to more forward than you can alone. That is, after all what grass-roots are all about.

And finally, so don’t be surprised if later this week you feel stuck. That’s all part of the plan. Uprooted roots are traumatized things. Roots need to be stable and in place for them to work. And that’s the main task for this period. To secure your position, draw up from the depths of your being that which nourishes you, and transform these raw products into treasures that nurture your existence by the nature of your own being. These are the crops of your soul, crops that feed your spirit and will come to harvest later in the year.

Take it easy. Take it slow. And take long deep breaths!

For those of you reading the blog early enough in the week, Saturday night into early Sunday is the Lyrid meteor shower. While it is typically one of the less notable meteor shower events of the year, this year’s shower occurs without the light of the Moon, making what meteors are available more easily seen.

 

And finally, there’s another celestial show featuring Venus, Jupiter,  and the Moon this week. This will be the last week Jupiter will be visible in the evening sky. The next few weeks he’s a bit too close to the Sun, then soon after he will reappear in the sky at dawn.

 

 

To the Daily Details!

 

Sunday, April 22^nd

Sun sextile Neptune at 2:18am

Venus septile Neptune at 12:49pm

Mercury conjunct Uranus at 1:39pm

Mars septile Saturn at 11:45pm

Happy Earth Day!

We celebrate the 42^nd annual Earth Day with a set of aspects that are likely to have us pondering the future well-being of the planet and the health of the green movement. While in some areas there is considerably more lip-service paid to the ecological state of the planet, there seems to be very little effort to do anything serious about improving it.

If we consider today’s aspects as the Earth’s ecological “birthday,” it looks likely that even though those trends outlines above are likely to continue, there may be important news halfway through the year, something in the order of a scientific breakthrough. Watch for it in November! Also, some time around this time next year, it may happen that there IS a concerted international effort to work on fixing some of the ecological problems our planet faces. That effort would be none too soon!

In some very ancient traditions, the entrance of the Sun into Taurus marked the initiation and acceptance of novices into adult disciplines. With so many Neptunian aspects in the air today, especially overnight and into the morning hours, the walls between dimensions is going to be rather permeable. Rites, ceremonies, and prayers conducted at this time may have special importance, force, and meaning.

Otherwise, today is on the whole likely to be a rather languorous day. As it comes to a close, the wise will be looking ahead to schedule their plans for the coming week. If a flash of insight, thought, or inspiration comes to you around mid-day, pay special attention, as it may be particularly helpful in the weeks ahead.

 

Monday, April 23^rd

Sun trine Mars at 5:59pm

Overnight, we’re likely to have some qualms about the day ahead. It may feel a bit like facing a blustering headwind. Not feelings are apt to be unfounded, however as the week should be more productive than you might expect.

The Moon enters Gemini at 10:05am, and you know what that means…everyone becomes a media junkie, everyone has to know the scoop on everything and everyone else, and s/he who has the juiciest gossip rules the day. Fortunately, with the Sun in Taurus, that tends to ground much of the verbal feeding frenzy, and temper tempers. That said, be careful who you share your information with. Over the next couple of days anything you say can, and WILL be used against you. The word to the wise is to wisely watch one’s words.

On the whole though, Monday is likely to be a highly productive day. Use it wisely. Meetings, plans, and efforts of all kinds should go more smoothly than you might fear. It isn’t necessarily that people are more cooperative, though some may be, but that those with the strongest will will be able to prevail. So eat your Wheaties, and don’t skip breakfast! Just know what you want and how you think others can help you procure it.

 

Tuesday, April 24^th

No major aspects

In the very early morning hours, our thinking is at its rational best. Asians and Europeans will be able to use this to more of an advantage than sleeping Americans. But still, even as Americans awake there ought to be a better understanding of how you can use current situations to your advantage – perhaps even in ways that might not have occurred to you before. It may mean taking on new or different responsibilities, but that may be a small price to pay to get out from under heavy psychological burdens.

The afternoon is likely to be quite busy. People may be demanding, wanting information and details about things that may be difficult to readily answer. The solution here is to get as much as you can about their needs up front so that you can help them out – even if they don’t fully understand what it is they want themselves.

The evening hours are excellent for relationships and romance. If you have a meeting or event scheduled for the after-work hours people should be cordial, considerate, lively, and entertaining. If you’re looking for a special someone, using a social media device could help you hook some interesting fish.

 

Wednesday, April 25^th

Sun octile Moon at 3:56am at 21º Gemini

Mercury square Pluto at 7:51am

Sun semi-sextile Uranus at 8:12pm

The morning hours are likely to be filled with frazzled nerves, anxious moments, and heated words. Watch your fuse! Everything seems at odds with what you think you know or want, and everything seems to take extra effort to do. Yeah, while patience may be a virtue, little of it is in the food chain today, so make the best of it and leave yourself extra time to get things done. Except that time is also apt to be in short supply.

In the afternoon, the scene shifts, and the possibility of greater peace and harmony seems to gain the upper hand. But there’s a catch. In order to enter the blessed realm of greater peace, you need to let go of the past. There are olive branches to be found by the wayside, the difference between being bitter or happy may simply depend on whether you need one placed in hand or can pick one up yourself. Remember, she stoops to conquer!

The Moon leaves lively Gemini and enters the emotional waters of Cancer at 10:42pm. When the Moon is in Cancer, we all become more sensitive, irritable, moody and are more easily influenced by our fluid intake. Be careful not to overdo it.

 

Thursday, April 26^th

Mercury quintiles Mars at 3:35am

Sun sextiles Moon at 12:31pm

Thursday is a day for thinking. Quick mental reflexes and having your day’s schedule well in mind will serve you well should you encounter any turbulence today, and there’s likely to be more than a bit of turbulence in store for many of us. While the Sun and Moon are in relatively favorable position, especially for enjoying emotional stability and security, it seems that people want more from you than is reasonable, and that all they want is for you to give, give, and give some more. Today is very likely to be the day many of us feel the most stuck, as mentioned above.

More than one of us may be tempted to throw our hands up in the air and just surrender to the fates, but surrender is not an option. We must endure. We must stick to our innermost principles, and keep faith that they will carry us through. We must hold back the roiling waters of our emotions and try to be as objective and reasonable as possible, because others, who are similarly exhausted, have no room in their life for our emotions. This is the peak of some of the McNasty energies we’ve been dealing with lately, and if you can hold your own for a day or so more, it will all get ever so much better.

Hang in there!

 

Friday, April 27^th

Venus quintiles Uranus at 3:33am

The tension begins to break today, and we begin to feel a bit more relaxed. In spite of some of the ups and downs, we end the week in better shape than we expected. Change is in the air, and the possibility of new opportunities is enticing. If you have held to your inner principles and done what you thought best, you may be in for some pleasant surprises. Obstructive circumstances may soon be giving way to profound advancement. Rumors may be flying fast and furious, don’t join in with gossip unnecessarily. Loose tongues don’t just sink ships, but find you flailing in hot water. The best council is council best kept to yourself.

The evening sparkles with spirited, lively, and effervescent entertaining energies. After the tensions of the past couple of weeks we’re all looking for (and in need of) an emotional outlet – be sure your plug is the right voltage for the socket or you may be in for a shock. Any group activities undertaken tonight should be filled with lots of smiling and merry faces. Everyone has an interesting story to tell, providing good entertainment for even the most discriminating tastes.

 

Saturday, April 28^th

No major aspects

We wind up the week ready to party. The Moon enters Leo at 9:10am, and we want to go out, paint the town red, and throw ourselves into life with abandon. While our thinking may not be at its best, with a little caution and foresight, we should be able to satisfy ourselves without getting into too much trouble.

There are some strong energies for transformation available this weekend. Allowing yourself some time for thoughtful meditation could help you understand your Self and your situation better, and help you resolve a nagging deep psychological complex. There is good karmic juju available for all sorts of helpful mojo if you’re willing to let yourself trust your inner guidance and don’t let societally induced fears get in your way. Your instincts are as real and trustworthy as you will allow them to be. If you decide to go this route, you may want to clear your schedule for Sunday to recuperate and put yourself back together. But the New You will be stronger, healthier, and more capable of leading you into a better future. Good luck!

Wishing you all a wonderful week!

The Flow! Week of March 18 – 24, 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: Happy New Year!

Bet you didn’t see that one coming!

But yes, it’s true. This Monday, the 19^th at 10:14pm the Sun enters Aries marking the start of the astrological new year.

New years can begin at any time, and lord knows over time we’ve had a few.

Before the adoption of the current calendar England used to use Lady Day or March 25^th as the beginning of the year. Judaism often begins the year with the New Moon nearest the AUTUMNAL equinox, though technically it is set from the date of Passover, which is the first full moon after the Vernal equinox. Many Asian cultures celebrate the new year with the new moon closest to the beginning of February. And the Islamic calendar sticks to 12 simple lunar months and the new year retrogrades about 11 days each year.

It’s all about time, and that’s the culprit — time. How it functions, how we measure it, and how we use it are all so totally incompatible it’s no wonder it has changed so much over the years.

Even talking about time sets in motion all sorts of complicated theoretical discussions that would bore even the wonkiest of nerds, except to watch their eyes light up like LEDs on Christmas when you mention things like Einstein’s theory of special relativity and the Space-Time Continuum. You wouldn’t need to set your phasers on stun, your brain would be frozen solid in a babbling stupor. Even Mr. Spock would scratch his cute pointy ears trying to explain it.

For us here on Earth, we measure time by the motion of celestial bodies, primarily the Sun’s, the Moon’s, and our own.

Since time immemorial, humanity has measured time by the phases of the Moon. In some cultures to this day, the new month (the very word comes from the Moon) begins with the New Moon. That is how many ancient civilizations used to measure them.

Yet while knowing the months is important, especially if you are going to be paying rent and other bills, the most important cycle to be aware of for survival is the SOLAR cycle, which we use to measure years. This makes it easy to remember when the seasons change, which is useful information to know when to plant, when to harvest, and when to buy snowshoes.

And then finally, we use the Earth’s motion to set the length of day so that we know when to eat, sleep, go to work and watch Dancing with the Stars.

None of the these measurements are as precise as we’d like, which is why every once in a while we see a headline such as, “Scientists add another second to day.” Well, fine by me, I could use all the extra seconds I can get my hands on, just so long as they don’t fall between 9-5, but just exactly how do they get to add them? What are they adding them to? Do they pull out the stem of a stopwatch in some godforsaken bunker somewhere

Just last month we had a leap day on February 29^th, but what exactly are we leaping? I still had to go work. If we had a day we could all spend in bed, that’d be a much better use of that extra day.

But seconds and days are small potatoes compared to whole months that need to get added to better align lunar calendars to the solar year. Doing payroll in those places must be a trip.

For many of us, the finger of blame points to the Babylonians, although to be honest considering the iPad hadn’t been invented, they did pretty well with what they got.

The Babylonians, who were wearing funny hats and blowing into noisemakers at the Vernal equinox, liked to count different things in different ways. Much like we count cups, pounds, and inches or liters, grams and meters if you’re sensible and metric.

Using sun-dried bricks, sticks and bits of string, they reasoned that a circle was most usefully divided in 360 pieces that we now call degrees. 360 is a pretty sweet number. It is easily divisible by 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 12, 15, 18, 20, 24, 30, 36, 40, 45, 60, 72, 90, 120, 180 and itself. Which is very helpful if all you have to count with are clay tablets and your fingers.

The Babylonians used a lunar calendar. In fact, the names of the Hebrew months of the year to this day are very similar, adopted as they were during the Babylonian Captivity. Like a baker’s dozen worth of time, the Babylonians used to count time by 60’s. That’s why to this day even Rolex’s count seconds and minutes by groups of 60, and hours by another set of divisors of 360 – 12 and 24. And, it didn’t take a Babylonian Einstein long to figure out that the length of the year in days was pretty close to that 360 with 5 or 6 extra days thrown in to whoop it up. Astrologers, of course, and scientists of all stripes still use the Babylonian 360 degrees to a circle.

It was a very, very neat system and the best we had until Julius Caesar got his paws on it and made it a true solar calendar. Making a lunar calendar fit into a solar calendar takes quite a bit of fiddling, and the Romans were too busy fiddling with other things to be bothered fiddling with a calendar.

Some of the “months” came from the names of gods like January and March, but apparently the Romans weren’t all that creative when it came to naming the months because the ones after August are all just their number in Latin, Sept- 7, Oct – 8, Nov – 9, and Dec -10. July used to be Quintilis or 5^th until Julius thought it was only proper that if he were actually creating the calendar he should name a month after himself, and Augustus Octavian who came right after was not to be slighted so he glommed on to Sextilis – 6^th, and named it after himself.

As smart as he was, the Julian calendar had its flaws, too. The Catholic church, which used the calendar to set important feasts and holidays began to get annoyed when Easter began falling in the middle of winter, so in 1582 Pope Gregory sat down and scritched out modifications of his own, more accurately conforming the calendar to the actual length of a year.

This calendar was first accepted by Catholic countries, and then slowly made its way through the Protestant ones. England didn’t adopt it until 1752, and the most recent country to adopt it — Turkey, did so only in 1926, though bits and pieces of China hung on a bit longer, to 1929.

Contrary to popular belief, Gregory did not set the new year to January 1. What he did do was include tables of saint days and holy days, and this table ended December 31^st.

Circles can begin anywhere. True, Aries is considered the first sign of the zodiac, which makes it the sensible place to begin. But what is perhaps more important is the understanding that what was most important to the ancients about the annual solar cycle was the return of the sun in its path to the more northern stretches of the sky where it supplied them with more light and warmth. The time when this occurred was at the Vernal equinox, the day of equal night. Certainly a day worth celebrating!

And that’s the story for why Monday is the beginning of the astrological new year. May it be a happy, successful, and healthy one for you and yours!

To the Daily Details!

Venus, Jupiter, and the Moon redux

 

Venus, in all her glory 3/11/12

Sunday, March 18^th

Sun octile Moon at 10:06am at 15º Aquarius

Mercury conjunct Uranus at 10:21am

The Moon is in Aquarius all day, so what can I say? Saturday was strange, and Sunday is likely to be too.  While nothing major is really wrong, things FEEL wrong, or perhaps a better way of saying this is that our emotions are so very much out of whack that we feel as if we’re skating on the edge of a razor. And falling down frequently. Our attempts to connect with others fall short, and it just generally feels weird. Well, what do you expect of an Aquarian Moon, tea and sympathy? Not this Moon! Just smile a lot, look as pretty as possible, and take comfort that tomorrow the Moon enters Pisces. If your plans for the day didn’t quite work out the way you expected, it wasn’t your fault. What do you expect with Mercury Retrograde? You’ll get another chance next month when Mercury goes direct. Keep the faith!

Monday, March 19^th

Sun enters Aries at 10:14pm

The early morning hours on Monday are likely to be concerned with our resources, getting them together, putting them to work, or wondering when and where more of them are going to come. If you get a flash of inspiration, it’s the universe trying to lead you in a particular follow. If I were you, I’d listen – who’s to argue with the universe?

As the afternoon gets underway, we knuckle down and get busy with the day’s tasks at hand. We feel motivated, there aren’t many interruptions, and we seem to have the materials we need to make good progress. If you make the most of this time you may be able to coast a bit through the rest of the week.

The Moon enters Pisces at 5:05pm and while we FEEL better, for the first few hours, it’s a bit touch and go. Refrain from making any decisions during this time or of making any statements in absolute terms. Things are not as stable as they seem. Don’t build any foundations in a swamp!

Tuesday, March 20^th

No major aspects

The Moon is in Pisces all day, and the middle part of the day may turn out to be rather nice. In the early morning hours, we’re a bit unsure about where we stand with things. There’s lots of stuff floating up there in the air, and while we have hopes, there’s little certainty about where they’re going to land. Remember that others are in the same boat, so have a bit of sympathy and understanding if you get cut off driving to work, or a friend or co-worker cuts you off mid-sentence. Everyone’s feeling as freaky as you, so cut them some slack. In the mid-day period, though, things come together nicely. You can see opportunities for advancement, and there isn’t much in your way that prevents you from moving in that direction. Don’t be bombastic, don’t be boastful, and don’t push your luck, but if you just accept and acknowledge that things are going to go your way, they probably will. Also, try to formulate your plans in terms of win-win, if you try to get ahead at another’s expense, I have grim news for you. This evening, they’re plotting revenge.

Wednesday, March 21^st

Mercury octile Venus at 1:16am

Sun conjunct Mercury at 12:20pm

Again, the Moon is in Pisces all day. Mercury and Venus don’t often form an aspect, so this one is fairly rare. Mercury is communication and our thinking processes, Venus is our emotional processes. The octile is a bit of a challenging aspect requiring that we be who we say we are, and do what we say we are going to do. Therefore, with regard to your relationships and emotional well-being, today is a day for standing up for yourself and taking ownership of your thoughts and feelings. This is no time to discount your accomplishments or neglect your responsibilities to yourself. Aspects like these set the tone for times to come, so it’s a good idea to pay attention and pay yourself the respect you deserve!

The conjunction of Sun and Mercury means we’re half way through the Mercury Retrograde period. Hallelujah, brothers and sisters!

Thursday, March 22^nd

New Moon at 3º Aries at 7:37am

The Moon enters Aries 2:47am at and soon after meets up with the Sun forming this month’s New Moon. Because of its placement, it is very much a New Moon of beginnings. For the next couple of weeks until the Full Moon on April 6^th, is a perfect time to set in motion any plans or projects you have in mind. That’s because during this time, the power of our will is enhanced. Not only is it more powerful, but it is also clearer, purer, and more effective. In esoteric astrology, it’s the force, power, and intelligence of our will that creates. The dividing line between discorporate thought and material manifestation is crossed by one’s will. Whatever you desire, now is the time to WILL it. Your thoughts will become flesh on the bones of your destiny, but they will forever remain disembodied without flexing the mental muscles of your will. Today is apt to be another one of those days in which very little goes as planned. Don’t worry, and don’t try to fight it. You’re not the only one in this position today, everyone else will be looking for a fresh start tomorrow. The only problem is is that it ain’t gonna happen tomorrow, but early next week.

Friday, March 23^rd

Mercury Re-enters Pisces at 6:22am

Venus octiles Uranus at 11:24am

Eh, why bother? It’s unlikely much good is going to come from today. Our feelings and means of expressing them are out of sync. Furthermore, everyone seems hell bent on driving you insane, so why give them fodder? Take it in stride, count to 10 a lot, and remember to take deep breaths. The weekend is coming, although tomorrow is likely to be a carbon copy of today…if not worse. Don’t let people get the better of you, but not by fighting them aggressively, but killing them with kindness. Grit your teeth, if necessary, but grit them behind a smile. Especially in the evening hours, people are likely to be the most out of control. If you are on the road, by all means take precaution to stay out of the way of rampaging lunatics. They’re out there tonight, don’t make it easy for them to find you!

Saturday, March 24^th

Sun conjunct Uranus at 11:20am

I warned you. For the most part, today is likely to be a continuation of yesterday. The loonies have woken up the zombies and they’re both out looking for blood and trouble. At least until the Moon enters Taurus at 2:43pm. Before that, things are hectic, erratic, and nothing seems to go according to plan. It may even feel like you have an unwelcome monkey on your back. Usually I’m all for being out, out, out there, but today it might just be better to stay indoors with the curtains drawn. Once the Moon enters Taurus, things relent; there’s less commotion, and we don’t feel the need to climb all over each other’s back. By early evening, the general mood is even calm, mellow, and smooth. Tomorrow is looking to be a genuinely fine day, an immense improvement over the past couple of day, and an excellent day for outdoor activities, especially visiting, exploring new places, hiking, or gardening.

Wishing you all a wonderful week!

The Flow! Weeks of February 12 – 25, 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: Et Tu, Homie?

Welcome to The Flow! In each week’s edition we begin with a “Synopsis” that encapsulates the underlying energies of the period, discuss what it means, and follow that discussion guide of the notable energies and influences for each day. It is updated every Sunday. This week, because of the Pantheacon festivities, I am expanding the period to cover two weeks. Regular updates will resume the following Sunday, February 26^th.

I invite all of you attending this year’s Pantheacon to join me at my discussion on Sunday at 3:30pm in the Reisling room on East Meets West, a highly enlightening overview of Chinese Wisdom, Magick, and Healing in way we westerners can understand. I also invite you to join Hyperion and the Men Who Love Men in the Dance to the Dark God at 7:00pm in the San Martin/San Simeon room. Let the festivities begin!

Meanwhile, back at the ranch…

Last week’s synopsis, Good Guy’s Rising is still very much in effect, but this week we encounter a bit of turbulence in the flow. Both the Sun and Mercury are ending their sojourn in Aquarius, so until next Sunday how you do things is every bit as important as what you do. It is all about management, planning, and making preparations for spring. It is a time for reaching out to others and managing your resources, understanding how to make the best use of them, and thinking about the next few moves on the chessboard of your life. And for those of us who have made progress wrestling with our inner demons over the past year, remaining true to the new you is your task over the next two weeks.

Next weekend, just before the Sun crosses into Pisces, you will have the opportunity to breach the gulf between your desires and your reality. It is, therefore, a good time to pursue vigorously every opportunity presented to you from Wednesday, the 15^th thru Saturday, the 18^th that helps move you toward your goals. There may even be an opening to capture a knight, bishop, or rook that’s been badgering you.

However, as the Sun gently floats downstream into the oceanic waters of Pisces he encounters Neptune, god of the Seven Seas. This is the first time that the Sun will do so since Neptune entered his Piscean domain earlier this month, and it is bound to generate a host of surprises.

Neptune, you see, has a reputation. Like most things Piscean, Neptune is a bit touchy, sensitive and fragile emotionally. In his Greek guise as Poseidon, he and Athena contested for the devotion of the Athenians. As a gesture of his beneficence he gave the Greeks the gift of the horse. Athena gave them the olive tree. Athena won. Neptune smote his trident upon the ground and inundated Athens with a flood. I guess that’s why we don’t call Athenians Poseidonians, and explains why most images of Greeks fighting show them doing so on their feet.

And while Poseidon was worshiped for calm seas and good fishing, when angered he caused fierce storms at sea, shipwrecks and earthquakes. In fact, Poseidon’s epithet wasn’t “kindly old man of the sea” but “earth shaker.” Telling.

In astrological terms, Neptune has domain over religion, spirituality, fantasy, imagination, drugs, idealism, mystery, and compassion. In a very real sense, Neptune rules over that which we can’t quite put our finger on, but forms the underlying framework on which more tangible effects can be built. Prayer is intangible, but the results we seek are not. Imagination is intangible, but the things we make from it are very real. Likewise, put a drug or pill in your mouth and the effects on your body can be profound. In my own thinking, Neptune is like the space-time continuum. It’s there, but remains a mystery — the rest of reality may be built upon it, but you can’t quite reach out and touch it.

Without going into boring detail, that’s also how Neptune gets to rule deception, illusion, trickery, and addiction. Shift the paradigm to fit your ambitions, and voilà, the illusion of the lie fitting into the fabric of reality suddenly makes sense.

The Sun is representative of the Self. Mercury is communication, interaction, trade, and technological equipment. Approaching Neptune is like approaching an island surrounded by a deep, thick, mysterious fog.

As we approach Neptune, our communications and interactions with others are not what they may seem. Deceit, manipulations, backroom dealings and other Machiavellian machinations may fall from the sky like a psychological acid rain. And even in the most kindhearted and compassionate of souls, with so much intangibility, mystery, and uncertainty in the air it is easy to fall victim to flightiness, flakiness, and fickle fecklessness.

When approaching island only barely perceptible, caution is advised.

Trust no one, or trust carefully. Firm up agreements to eliminate opportunity for any misunderstandings, or better yet get them in writing. Confirm plans well in advance, and then frequently thereafter so there’s less chance for no-shows and disappointments.  Even loved ones may prove unreliable, not for any intentional reason, it’s just that for the next couple of weeks we’re all operating in our own private Idahos.

If you have something important to do, write it down or make a list. Check it twice. Put it under your pillow and sleep on it. Just remember to put it in your pocket in the morning.

And keep in mind Neptune’s easily aroused sensitivities as well. Move not one’s cheese as the hand that does so may wind up with a trident tattoo. Tread lightly.

Et tu, homie, indeed.

On the other hand, Neptune is also the gateway to magick, other realms, and other dimensions. What is more intangible and difficult to define than the permeable membranes through which to tap into the power of other realms and in which contact with other worlds can occur? And Neptune’s mysteries can plunge us down into the abysses and crevices of our souls in which the most precious secrets lay waiting to be discovered.

As the Sun and Mercury approach Neptune in his own sign, great magick can be done, great workings be made, and great revelations dawn. Though Neptune is just getting his feet wet in the very first degrees of Pisces, we may yet get a glimpse of what beneficence he can manifest.

Maybe this time, it would be wise to appreciate his gifts.

 

The Faces of Venus - February 3, 2012

 

To the Daily Details!

Sunday, February 12^th

Sun trine Moon at 2:27am

Sun octile Pluto at 5:21pm

We start the week with some genuinely nice, harmonic, and balanced energies as the Moon makes a fond farewell to Libra. The early morning hours are pleasant as we try to digest and make sense of the prior week’s events. As afternoon approaches, the clouds start to cover our previously sunny skies as our commitments and responsibilities get in the way of what we would rather be doing. Try to tread gently on your psyche this afternoon, keeping in mind that you only made the commitments you did because you thought they were for the best, so make the best of it. The Moon enters Scorpio at 2:01pm, and our emotional clouds grow even stronger. The Moon like being in Scorpio about as much as a cat likes being in a bathtub, affecting our moods by making us doubtful, depressed, cranky, and sarcastic. With the Moon in Scorpio our emotions are at their rawest, our nerves are tautest, and we tend to get stressed most easily. Particularly with the Sun (our Self) octile (challenge) Pluto (psychological depths), everything appears as a psychological hurtle, and we rarely feel we measure up to the task at hand. Fear not, stout heart, all you really need do is try to make the most of the resources at hand and let nature take its course. Just make sure you truly believe in what you’re doing and everything will turn out peachy-keen, if not better than expected.

Courtesy of Sky & Telescope magazine

 

Monday, February 13^th

Mercury trine Saturn at 10:43am

Mercury enters Pisces at 5:37pm

Mercury conjunct Neptune at 10:46pm

Mercury is a busy little bee today, making it a better than average day for financial transactions, commerce, shopping, and managing our daily workload. We enter the workweek really wanting to make substantial progress on tasks and project that have been hanging over our heads for weeks, if not months, and there’s a good wind at our backs to make significant accomplishments in that regard. If there’s an item you’ve been shopping for, an economic issue you’ve wanted to solve, today offers good opportunities for progress. But the key to making the most of the opportunities is by networking and reaching out to others. Put yourself squarely in the marketplace, and you just might find that notable bargain to lift the spirits and deepen the pocketbook. In the afternoon, the energies are good for putting yourself out there if you are looking for work, and even if fully employed, putting yourself out there for work that can lead to greater recognition or a promotion. It is OK to trumpet your skills and let others know what you can offer them, there is no shame in contributing your talents for the benefit of the common good. In the evening, around the time Mercury conjoins with Neptune, is an excellent time for planning for the future, drawing up plans, or other kinds of workings to help improve your financial situation.

 

Tuesday, February 14^th

Sun square Moon (Third Quarter) at 9:03am at 26° Scorpio

Happy Valentines Day!

Or it would be if it weren’t for all these bloody aspects. For most of the day the Moon is in Scorpio, joyfully cavorting into Sagittarius at 4:56pm. Sometimes I think I paint too gloomy a picture of the Moon in Scorpio – and then we have one, and my faith in my painting is renewed. Maybe my picture is too dark, at least I always hope that lots of you are smiling blissfully during Moon in Scorpio periods. But if there’s ONE thing the Moon in Scorpio is the best at, it’s sex. While the Moon in Scorpio, her libido is thoroughly at full throttle, and the sex we have to scratch that itch seems to satisfy that libido more thoroughly. So, if you have a honey today and want to scratch some itches, doing so before the Moon goes into Sagittarius may give you Valentines Day memories to last a lifetime. Just scratch safely! Once the Moon enters Sagittarius, her energies are much more playful, festive, and cheery – but less substantial than when the Moon is in Scorpio.

Let me put it this way, sometimes the Moon in Scorpio can be like a trip to a House of Horrors. Our emotions get reflected back at us and they can be distorted in all sorts of horrific ways. But it’s our reaction to them that really matter. Do they frighten us or entertain us? But the Moon in Sagittarius is like a trip to the Fun House. Fun, laughter, gaiety, but sometimes it can get cacophonous, and the commotion can get on your nerves.

For Valentines Day, if you’re in a healthy committed relationship, you may want to do or say something in the morning that deepens your relationship. If you’re in a relationship just beginning or in one that needs progressing to deeper waters, you may want to wait until later in the day when the Moon is in Sag.

In any case may your Valentines Day be everything you hope it could be!

 

Wednesday, February 15^th

Venus squares Pluto at 10:32am

Mars octiles Jupiter at 4:41pm

In the morning Venus (belief) squares (spurs) Pluto (transformation). In the morning hours, and until the Venus-Pluto energy dissipates later in the day, we may need to confront some beliefs that have not been serving us very well. This may be anything from hopes we are holding on to that have little traction with reality to discovering that we thought or assumed to be true, isn’t. This morning may even include the climax to a long-standing difficulty with someone with whom you have been forced to fence with.  Chances are, these are all situations over which we have been told we have little control, but in fact we have been controlling the situation through others for quite some time. Any of these situations may mean making radical changes to some of our beliefs, but they will be changes that could make your path to fulfillment much easier to follow.

In the afternoon, Mars (energy) octiles (spurs) Jupiter (growth). In the afternoon as the Venus-Pluto energy fades and the Mars-Jupiter energy grows stronger, we may be feeling quite good, as a breakthrough of one sort or another lifts our spirits. If you find yourself walking on air, just make sure you go where you look or look where your next footstep is about to land. Be careful, too, of what you say to others about your success. You don’t want to be too boastful or a sore winner. Remember, little makes the gods angrier than displays of hubris. Also, keep in mind that any success you achieve is because of the kind of person you became with regard to this situation. If you can apply the lessons you have learned to other situations in your life, you could address them with dispatch.

Courtesy of Sky & Telescope magazine

 

Thursday, February 16^th

Mercury sextile Jupiter at 8:06am

Sun sextile Moon at 5:07pm at 28° Sagittarius

The morning hours under the Mercury Jupiter sextile are excellent for creative endeavors of all sorts. Whether it is creative writing, painting, composing, or just thinking about life as dew drops fall from the leaves, we are better able to access our creativity, understand what it means, and put it to good use in ways that others can appreciate in their own way. If there is a project you have been banging your head against the wall trying to figure out how to enroll others, or get them excited about the prospects of it, this morning is an excellent time to do so. In the afternoon, watch for hasty words, overly-aggressive actions, or making too much of petty annoyances as you may make matters worse, and even worse, damage your reputation. If you’re reading this before Thursday, just make ample preparations for your plans, and everything should still go smoothly. Just try not to shoot from the hip, or shoot off your mouth. When the Moon enters Capricorn at 9:03pm, our perspective of things improves, and we are better able to handle any situations that need fixing.

 

Friday, February 17^th

Sun octile Moon at 9:45pm at 14° Capricorn

Today has a lovely grab-bag of pleasant lunar aspects as the Moon makes its way through the sign of the Sea Goat. The very earliest hours of the morning are likely to be a bit chaotic and disruptive, so if you have to be up early today, you may want to make sure you go to give yourself extra time for sleep Thursday night. As the morning progresses, though, our thoughts become more cheerful, open, and joyous as we think of the events we have planned for the weekend. We’re feeling quite powerful, secure, and sure of ourselves just a little after noon, but don’t let it go too much to your head. After all, it’s only a lunar aspect, and will last only a few hours. There’s lots of fun and games to be had in the evening, but the best course of action is to not have too many expectations or make them too high. There’s plenty of merriment to be had if we just go with the flow.

 

Saturday, February 18^th

Sun trine Saturn at 8:02am

Mercury sextile Pluto at 1:23pm

Sun enters Pisces at 10:17pm

The Moon remains in Capricorn, and while she is there we are devoted to the practical tasks at hand and how best to manage them. In fact, the day is quite well favored for productive activities of all kinds. If there are chores, projects, or errands you need attending to, cleaning that needs to be done, or social events on your calendar, all of them should go well. The afternoon’s energies are particularly ideal for education, researching, meditating, or other kinds of activities that expand your mind and invoke your curiosity. If there are any riddles, secrets or mysteries that you have been pondering, today is an excellent time for solving them and getting to the source of the matter – and understanding the context of the situation better. We have both the discipline necessary and focus of mind to accomplish great things if we’re willing to apply our minds along positive lines.

 

Sunday, February 19^th

Sun conjoins Neptune at 12:40pm

As the clock strikes midnight our obligations weigh on our mind, and this is a case in which it is better to make sure they are met then trying to stretch ourselves too thin. While it has been said you can never be too rich nor too thin, stretching yourself too thin often costs a hefty price. The mood may be subdued beforehand, but when Moon flits into Aquarius at 2:28am it adds a bit of sparkle, brio, and fairy dust to the proceedings. The morning hours feel particularly crisp and brisk as we look forward to the day’s agenda. The earlier you begin the day, the more you may feel you get out of it. In early afternoon the Sun meets up with Neptune, and everything may feel a bit surreal. We are just days from the New Moon, and it may feel like some things are ending without knowing what will replace them, but the feeling of something new being born feels unmistakable. Follow your heart through the day’s activities, it will be the best guide through the murky fogs of uncertainty. Commitments made today should also be followed up in a couple of days, after the Sun-Neptune energy has dissipated. Sun-Neptune may be great for meditation, spiritual development, and prayer, but not so great for follow-through.

 

Monday, February 20^th

No major aspects

The Moon is in Aquarius all day. Today is a day to be mindful of the effect we have on others. We are all interconnected in ways we can’t possibly comprehend, and our actions and our words can have important effects on those with whom we interact today. Be temperant of temperament and say what you mean, not what you think others want to hear, and you will avoid unnecessary complications later. We all just might be a bit more sensitive than we’d like to admit, but sparing another’s feelings may be a worse crime than lying, especially during times like these when lies can cause more hurt and damage than the truth.  Also, try not to force your will on others today, gentle persuasion will avoid creating emotional difficulties or hatching plots for revenge. Otherwise, and relationshipwise, there is a good possibility of forging strong bonds with others today, whether friends or lovers. Any overtures accepted today could develop into a long-lasting relationship.

 

Tuesday, February 21^st

Venus octile Neptune at 9:20am

Mercury octile Saturn at 12:36pm

New Moon at 2:34pm at 3° Pisces

Although I haven’t said much about Chiron this week, the Sun, Moon, Neptune and Chiron are all bunched up together in the sky creating an immense opportunity for healing. This healing is likely to spread and develop through the networks we create and the associations we have with others. All of this makes perfect sense for some significant social media event, or the use of social media to help heal old wounds. This is a great day for getting in touch with others, connecting with them, and finding common cause either via social media, email, or more traditional modes of communication. If ever there was a time for reaching out and touching someone, and making a difference, now is the time to do so.

The New Moon occurs in the part of the zodiac symbolized by the marketplace, so it is entirely possible that we could have significant economic news develop over the next few days as well. The key here is the degree to which we are all interconnected, and in a global economy, that is more apparent and meaningful than ever. With Neptune and Chiron so close by, it is also possible we could begin to develop a new understanding of how we expect our economy to function, and to smooth out some of the recent difficulties we have experienced. While it may take more than a New Moon to put our economy on a secure footing, the period of February 19-23 could bring some significant news that whether good or bad, will eventually help us heal our national or global psyche, and move on.

 

Wednesday, February 22^nd

No major aspects

The Moon is in Pisces all day, giving a slightly chaotic feeling to the air, overlaid with a heavy dose of not knowing how to respond to the news of the day. The early morning hours are likely to generate a good deal of soul-searching, and there’s a sense that we’re stronger, more powerful, and more resilient than we might have thought. In fact, we’re very likely to feel as if our beliefs are playing out before our eyes, with a strong need to rely on the good ones to help us make the most of our current situation.

It is also possible today could be somewhat of a day of reckoning, in the sense that it is a time when a course correction may be obvious and required. If you find yourself in a situation like this, it is best to acknowledge the fact with as much grace as you can muster and make the changes required quietly and effectively. There’s no shame in admitting fault, but great shame and greater danger in trying to cover it up. I’m not predicting that this is generally applicable to all, but if you find yourself in this kind of a situation, your destiny is calling and watching how you handle it.

 

Thursday, February 23^rd

Mercury opposes Mars at 3:25am

The best advice I can give about today is that when Mercury (mind) and Mars (aggression) oppose each other, tempers flare and haste makes waste. Travel too, can sometimes be affected, so if you have travel plans for today make sure you drive carefully and if you are flying, that you leave extra time for delays. Our mouths and fingers have a tendency to function faster than our brains, so try to reign in any tendency to fly off the handle. Since warrior Mars is also the planet that likes to turn plowshares into spears, don’t be too surprised by aggressive statements made by others that may require more backup than they’d like. During aspects like these our shopping tends to get a bit overheated as well, so if you are about to make a significant purchase, make sure your budget has the resources to sustain it.

The Moon enters Aries at 6:48pm, adding gasoline to any smoldering embers. Take it easy, breathe deeply, and count to ten frequently. Try not to get too caught up in the frenzy of the moment, whatever the focus of the frenzy happens to be, it’s likely to be a flickering fad, not a permanent flame.

 

Friday, February 24^th

No major aspects

Today could turn out to be a rather successful day. If you have felt things moving positively in your direction, now may be the time to try and bring them to fruition. The key here is in focusing your attention on those projects or situations over which you have considerable authority. If you’re the one in charge, today is a prime opportunity for putting whatever plans, ideas, or campaigns in motion. You don’t need to have it all together, you don’t need to everything perfectly in place, or have all your ducks in a row. All you need is sincerity in your heart about the situation and desire to move it forward. Good luck!

Otherwise, the day can seem rather hectic at times. With the Moon in Aries everyone is running around like there’s no tomorrow, trying to fit days of activity into a few hours. But it you’re wise, you’ll take it all in stride.

 

Saturday, February 25^th

Sun sextile Jupiter at 2:32am

Mercury octile Jupiter at 10:56am

Sun octile Moon at 1:45pm at 22° Aries

There is a rhythm within each of us that drives us forward and calls us toward a future that exists in our projections. Often, this rhythm is sounded by the drum of our own destiny. Today, that drum beats loudly. Whatever calls to you, whatever moves you, and to whatever you feel drawn, is what you need to be doing and focusing your attention on. This is a great opportunity to give yourself the chance to open new horizons, follow a new path, or break free of the bonds of the past. Let your instincts guide you to a better tomorrow by paying heed to the guidance of its message today.

Wishing you all a wonderful couple of weeks!

The Flow! Week of January 15 – 22, 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: A New Moon for a New Age

All in all, we’re in for a rather humdrum week on the astrological front. For those of you who treat this news with less than gladful tidings, have heart, things are about to get more intriguing. For now, however, things are slow.

Next week, Mars goes Retrograde, which will be the topic of next week’s blog, and the week after that Neptune enters Pisces and turns the universe inside out. After that Saturn goes Retrograde, and in March Jupiter keeps us on our toes with several interesting aspects to Pluto and Uranus. All of which leads us up to the biggest event of the year, the Uranus-Pluto square that begins in late June, lasts for three years, and is likely shake, rattle and roll us all.

But for now, we are faced with the approach of a very interesting New Moon. The New Moon occurs a week from this Sunday in the Pacific time zone at 11:39pm (2:39am on Monday anywhere east of Needles, CA) at 3° Aquarius in the Sabian sign of “An old adobe mission” and symbolizes the importance of our individual contribution to those communities of importance to us.

Old adobe missions dot the American Southwest.  Some are in dusty disrepair with tumbleweeds somersaulting in the wind, but many are still standing and flourish today as vibrant tourist attractions.  They were often a cluster of buildings supporting a church with farmland and a village of Native-Americans who maintained them, and gave rise to an architectural style that is instantly identifiable as the ‘Old West.’

The missions served many purposes of the Catholic Spaniards, chief among them extending the hegemony of both the crown and church.  They covered a huge swath of territory, from California to Texas, and southward all throughout Mexico to the tip of South America; and had a major impact on the historical development of the entire Western Hemisphere including its language, architecture, politics, culture and religion.  That is no small contribution.  Yet what is truly remarkable about the nature of the contribution is that both crown and church served their own interests best by serving the other’s interests well.

That is no trifle to be glossed over.  The most effective method of achieving success in any sphere of life when this part of the zodiac is activated is by understanding that personal success comes as a result of one’s contribution to the communities in which one belongs.  Here, more than anywhere else in the zodiac, “service spawns success”.  Assist an old woman to navigate an icy street, and she warmly rewards your kindness.  Help a neighbor move in and you make new friends that open up new dimensions. Teach a child how to read, and they discover a new medical treatment that saves your life.

In this way, the Self and one’s communities contribute to and serve each other’s success.  We are constantly aiding each other by revealing our own inner natures and applying the resources found there to expedite the situations and solve the problems we face.  And people help people.  It is one of the most basic rules of human behavior that if I am there to help you in your hour of need, that are there for me in mine.  That is the nature of community; we take care of our own.

It is easy to quantify. It is one of the first things we learn to do. So our society has a penchant for obsessing about those things it can count. But it is often those things that are uncountable that are most important. How much do I love thee? If I can count the ways, the relationship is in trouble.

There are many avenues in life in which we make contributions. In our families, social networks, friends, co-workers, and neighborhoods we contribute to each other to create the nature of these communities. Each a whole world unto itself, yet all interconnected in a vast network of associations both through us and the others within them. And we each have our roles to play and do our part to help ensure their success and in turn they help support our success, or we move on as best we can.

Nowhere, though, is the idea of service in regard to community more important than when it comes our own Self and to the development of spirit. It is no coincidence that the New Age, and all that it implies, begins in Aquarius the sign of humanism, reason, and altruism. This makes it the perfect place to give birth to what is called in esoteric terms the “World Server,” someone who is self-aware and working to help heal and make the world a better place/

But even if you don’t have saving the world on your to-do list, it is important to understand the nature of one’s Self, our place in the scheme of things, and acknowledge the contributions we make to others and they make to us. This New Moon period that lasts from the 22^nd through to Imbolc on February 2^nd provides us with the opportunity to both better understand and make appropriate changes to the contributions we make to our own Self and the worlds in which we live.

To the Daily Details!

 

Sunday, January 15^th

No major aspects

The week gets off to a rambunctious start. If you’re lucky to be up early enough to take advantage of the astrological wind at your back, that is. Between 3 – 9am Pacific, our thinking is clear, and we have a good sense of our current situation and how to make the most of it. Add to that the ability to get things done quickly, efficiently, and stylishly and you have what should be a good morning for just about any activity on your agenda.

The Moon is in Libra all day, so it’s possible that we could find ourselves emotionally swinging from joy and happiness to doubt, disquiet, and depression in only a moments worth of time. There’s a sense that not everything is as it should be or could be, and that nagging unease with the current state of affairs can mask perfectly good opportunities with doom and gloom. Finding opportunity when you are feeling blue is never an easy task, but if you try to find parts of your situation that you can use to your advantage, you’ll find that things are much better than they seem.

 

Monday, January 16^th

No major aspects

Happy Martin Luther King Jr. Day!

The Moon enters Scorpio at 8:33am and regular readers know, that is rarely a good thing. All action occurs beneath the surface, and all is not as it appears. Be on guard for moving chess pieces or you’re likely to get rooked. There’s a lot going on that doesn’t meet the eye and everyone seems to be pushing, shoving, and clamoring for a bigger piece of the pie than they deserve. Sometimes too with Scorpio, the blows hit below the belt, so be watchful and wary that someone is not trying to take advantage of you or your good nature. Watchful wariness is the mask to wear today.

In the afternoon and evening hours, we mellow out a bit, but still be watchful for emotional outbursts, particularly any that come with an undercurrent of frost. It may be cold outside, but coldness from the tongue can be far more biting.

Today may also be a good day to ruminate on any missed opportunities you have experienced lately. Try think about ways to make amends as best you can to minimize any episodes of regret. Some things have been moving in very positive directions lately, and you wouldn’t want to spoil the results you’ve been anticipating. There’s still time, but the window is fast closing. Don’t put off what you need to do today!

 

Tuesday, January 17^th

No major aspects

Communication and speaking our feelings come easily this morning. Perhaps even in spite of the Scorpio Moon, our attitude is healthy, positive, and productive, and we are able to handle practical matters with aplomb. The morning is particularly productive for business, enterprise, or financial matters, so if you have something that needs attending to…attend!

It is also possible today that gifts of one sort or another may fall into your lap from the sky. Accept anything that does come your way with grace and good will. If your good fortune comes at the expense of another, don’t be stingy and thank them, if even with a gracious thought or two. If any come in the form of an opportunity, take advantage of any them as nothing angers or offends the gods more than an upturned nose at the fruits of their generosity.

Later, as the afternoon progresses, should be a good time for wrapping up projects and affairs, and tidying up any of the loose ends. Some of these could be long-term affairs, and it will be good to move on after so much toil.

 

Wednesday, January 18^th

No major aspects

This morning the winds are apt to blow in many different directions, so it may be wise not to make any moves until you feel a more steady wind at your back. We feel good about ourselves, but the world around us seems to be conflicted. Wait until you are more sure of things before making any moves.

The Moon enters Sagittarius at 11:29am and our feelings lift and our moods brighten. Sometimes the Moon in Sagittarius brings jollity and fun, but this month, we’ll be happy if it just keeps things on an even keel.

The afternoon is ripe for new ideas. Try to think of novel ways to put the pieces of your world together, and you just might be able to fashion a road to success for yourself. There are lots of potentially productive energies in the air today, and you can make the most of them by trying to think about old problems in new ways.

In the evening, our relationships are apt to be a bit difficult. Our needs are likely to conflict with our loved ones, so try to be understanding, kind, and sympathetic if you find yourself locking horns with another. Personal freedom is at stake here, and adding a few more links to the leash is preferable than having someone feel they need to break loose.

 

Thursday, January 19^th

Sun square Saturn at 1:20pm

The Sun represents our selves, interests, and goals. Saturn represents our responsibilities, duties, and obligations. A square indicates a difficult relationship between the two meaning that more than likely the day is apt to be full of frustration, irritation, and various forms of obstruction.

The causes of frustration are many. For some it may authority figures, government, corporations, or other large powerful institutions. For others it may come from a battle over rights, fairness, and justice. In either case, the true cause is stubbornness and an unwillingness to look at things from more than one perspective. If you find yourself mired in a bog not of your own making, try to think of alternative solutions or try to understand other viewpoints. Regardless, sometimes it is better to remain in place than push ahead. This may just be one of those times. It will conserve more energy for when you can more productively move ahead once more.

 

Friday, January 20^th

Sun enters Aquarius at 8:10am

Venus sextiles Pluto at 12:31pm

Happy birthday Aquarius!

Today is a good day for letting yourself go where your heart leads. What pulls at us today do so for a reason, trying to move us along in new directions that we might otherwise not feel inclined to go. There are opportunities around but we need to be nimble, facile, and agile if we are to turn these possibilities into reality. If others offer an invitation to you today, it would be wise to accept. It could lead to the resolution of a significant problem or issue you have been handling. Advice, even the unsolicited kind may also help you to think in ways you might not otherwise have entertained.

This afternoon the Moon enters Capricorn at 2:40pm. It turns our attention to more practical and mundane matters. We want the things that matter to us to be tangible, functional, and concrete. We’re not interested in promises or statements full of flowery clever phrases, but want to feel more secure about the things that mean the most to us. If you find yourself needing to speak on your own behalf today, be sure to speak in a clear, direct, and forthright manner. That will be the most effective in making your case.

 

Saturday, January 21^st

Sun sextiles Uranus at 5:21pm

Sun squares Jupiter at 10:35pm

The energies today are likely to be crackling with excitement, good times and fun. Everyone wants to be out enjoying themselves and there should be lots of opportunity to do so either by yourself or with others.

There is the very real possibility of being able to slay some psychological dragons today if you are willing to let yourself give up complaining about what a drudge it is to carry around that sword. Sometimes we become more emotionally invested in our own diagnosis of what our difficulties are than in following opportunities to be rid of them. So in light of the favorable energies available today, try to adopt the attitude that everything you do has the possibility of solving some aspect of some problem you have been experiencing. It’s more than likely by the end of the day you’ll be better off than when you started. Happy dragon hunting!

Wishing you all a wonderful week!

The Flow! Week of December 18 – 24, 2011

The Flow is a weekly blog published to better understand the flow of astrological, celestial, and magickal energies for the week, and how best to use them.   It is intended for those with little 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!

This Week’s Synopsis: Merry Yule!

Wednesday, the 21^st, the Sun enters Capricorn marking the Yuletide season. Yule is most certainly a Germanic holiday, celebrated by the pagans long before the Christians came knocking. After all, fir trees, holly, mistletoe, reindeer, and even snow are not exactly symbolic icons for Jerusalem. Even the linkage of Mother Mary to the Christian holiday is suspect, since the Germanic peoples used to celebrate Yule as Modranhit, or Mother’s Night, a sacred celebration to honor the Divine Mothers.

Even the Christmas myth of the Three Wise Men (Sages, Wizards, or Astrologers) is worth of a head-scratch since presumably they were from “the Orient” (Persia) following a “star in the east” since Israel is west of Persia on a map. Unless, that is, they were trying to circumnavigate the globe before Magellan.

But there is nothing unusual about Winter Solstice celebrations. It doesn’t take the intellect of an Einstein to know that the Sun is an important influence on life. When it is high in the sky in summer, and hot, life flourishes. When it is low in the sky in winter, and cold, life hibernates.

Virtually every culture based in the Northern Hemisphere has one, since it’s a pretty important date. Some of the most amazing artifacts of our ancestors are monuments constructed to commemorate this event and follow the path of the Sun.

For a list of Winter Solstice celebrations from Wikipedia, click HERE.

At the Winter Solstice, the Sun soon turns back towards the north, returning light, heat, and life to the northern hemisphere. But while the Winter Solstice does indicate the longest night of the year, it doesn’t necessarily mean that it is either the latest sunrise, or earliest nightfall.

For Los Angeles, at about 34° N. latitude, the earliest sunset occurs between November 29^th and December 10^th at 4:44pm. Already, on the 21^st, sunset occurs at 4:48pm, 4 minutes later. The earliest sunrise is also not on the 21^st, but between January 4^th and 12^th at 7am, 5 minutes later than it’s rising on the 21^st at 6:55am.

Similarly, for Boston at 42°22’ N. latitude, earliest sunset occurs between December 3^rd and 14^th at 4:12pm, and latest sunrise is between January 2^nd and 5^th at 7:14am.

It’s all a matter of spherical trigonometry. Which I will assume none of you are truly interested.

But no matter how you look at it, how you count it, or how you celebrate it, the essence of the Winter Solstice (in the northern hemisphere) is cold. When substances get cold, then tend to crystalize, and crystallization is one of the main processes of the astrological sign of the Winter Solstice, Capricorn.

We all know that Capricorns gravitate toward authority, rules, and practical matters because they all represent the crystallization of society in various ways. Capricorn is also solid, like a rock. And what are rocks? Crystals. And it is also said that Capricorns have bones made of steel. More crystals.

Crystals sing the harmony of nature. Tiny little quarks pleased as punch to be placed exactly where they are doing what they need to do to keep the crystal cohesive. Which happens to be yet another trait of Capricorn, keeping things together that might otherwise fly apart.

And what happens when crystals interact with other crystals? They form the basic building blocks of matter, be they stones, steel, or the very building blocks of life, DNA. Capricorn builds. Slowly perhaps, and very diligently, but when you are building something as important as life, a little diligence is a very good thing.

Whoever said Capricorn was stodgy? Not I. Capricorn represents the very structure of life, and very structures on which life depends.

Alice Bailey once said Capricorn symbolizes both the Christ and Caesar, representing both the heights of matter embedded in spirit, or the depths of spirit embedded in matter.

At the Solstice, the Sun King returns to life. Unlock the secrets of Capricorn, and you unlock the secrets of reality. No wonder we all celebrate the entrance of the Sun into the sign.

Merry Yule! Merry Christmas! Happy Hanukkah! Happy Kwanzaa! And Happy Holidays!

To the Daily Details!

Sunday, December 18^th

Venus square Saturn at 6:18am

Sunday gets off to a rocky start. Nothing goes quite as planned, and while we’re not particularly ballistic about it, we’re not exactly happy either. There’s an electric sensation to the air that almost anything can happen, and as Saturday night turns into Sunday morn, we have the feeling that many an emotional arrow missed its mark.

Oh, well! Don’t take too much to heart, as affairs of the heart go, today’s reality isn’t quite the reality reality is generally chalked up to be. If you can keep your head, and keep your head from misbehaving, you won’t find yourself hurtling off any emotional cliffs.

The Moon enters Libra almost at the stroke of midnight Saturday night, but until daybreak, she just adds to the confusion trying to regain her balance. We’re funny when we should be serious, and serious when we should be funny. Such is the lot of Libra when it’s scales are winging and dinging.

Mid-morning there’s a ray of sunshine, so to speak, but generally and on the whole, today is a day best used for recovering from the night before and taking care of whatever items remain on your todo list.

Monday, December 19^th

Sun sextile Saturn at 8:26am

Monday should be a fairly good day, though some sensitive types may pick up on the high-energy scheduled for tomorrow and find themselves feeling anxious without knowing why.

Today though, is perfect for attending to business, getting chores done, signing contracts, dotting i’s and crossing t’s. If you have something that’s been hanging over your head like the sword of Damocles, today’s energies should be good for getting it out of harms way.

The evening has us feeling better than we have in a while. We’re anticipating the holidays and looking forward to enacting the plans we’ve made and springing the preparations out of their hiding places. Generally speaking, the later the time of day, the better we should all feel. Go to bed early at your own risk!

Tuesday, December 20^th

Venus enters Aquarius at 10.26am

Sun sextile Neptune at 12:48pm

Venus squares Jupiter at 6:21pm

Venus sextiles Uranus at 11:57pm

Tonight is the first night of Hanukkah. Happy Hanukkah!

Today is about as busy an astrological day as we’ve seen in a while. Both Jupiter and Uranus are at the beginning of their signs, Taurus and Aries respectively, and because of astrological geometry, she throws a raspberry at Jupiter and blows a kiss toward Uranus. What this means is that we’re likely to be a bit over-indulgent and petulant as Venus comes up to square Jupiter, and feel more daring and ready for excitement and thrills as Venus sextiles Uranus. And actually, now that I think about it, that’s not a terribly sanguine combination. Take care, play safe, and though it’s the holiday season don’t do too much you wish you hadn’t.

Venus leaving Capricorn and entering Aquarius is a bit like Margaret Thatcher transforming into Nancy Pelosi. Not quite so stringent or strident, a bit more tolerant and accepting. Venus in either Aquarius or Sagittarius is always a good position for the holidays. In Aquarius she adds sparkle and tinsel and loves the titillating spectacle of it all, in Sagittarius she just wants to have travel and have fun.

Wednesday, December 21^st

Sun enters Capricorn at 9:30pm

Today is the Winter Solstice. Merry Yule!

The Moon actually transitioned into Scorpio very early last night at 2:33am, and that generally means emotional stress and tension. As the day progresses we may find ourselves calling on our inner faith more and more. There are just some things perhaps better left to higher powers. And, with a little bit of luck, perseverance, and fortitude, after the solstice you’ll begin to experience the results of your prayers.

With the Moon waning in Scorpio and the Sun at the very last degrees of Sagittarius, a yearly cycle comes to a close. We have an opportunity to visit the depths of our soul and dig out and uproot old withered emotional constructs that have us trapped in the past and fearful for and of the future. A wise sage once said, “There is no good and evil, but thinking makes it so.” Sometimes the best way off the merry-go-round is to simply stop. Waning Moon in Scorpio and Sun at the end of Sagittarius gives us a spot on which we can jump off if we are just willing to let go of the horse.

Thursday, December 22^nd

Sun trine Jupiter at 6:33am

Sun square Uranus at 2:15pm

Tonight is the Ursid meteor shower (see below for a map). It isn’t usually a particularly noteworthy meteor shower, but it may be better than usual this year because of the waning Moon.

Thursday could be an interesting day. The proceedings get off to a rambunctious start with the Moon galloping into Sagittarius at 4:03am dissipating and dispelling any remaining tidbits of gloom. The Sun does the reverse of Venus on Tuesday and gives roses to Jupiter and disses Uranus.

The day should generally be fortunate, but don’t expect things to go as planned. Jupiter is still achingly retrograde and will turn Direct in motion on Sunday, Christmas afternoon, thank the deities! The morning hours are particularly beneficial for all relationship, friendship, and romantic matters. The evening hours are good for thoughtful med        itation, communicating feelings, and for making plans.

Friday, December 23^rd

No major aspects

Today there’s a lull in the astrological energies and it may, indeed, feel like the lull before the weekend’s tsunami. The morning is likely to be a bit frantic and frenetic, but not really anything we shouldn’t be able to handle. As we go about making our last minute plans and finalizing our preparations there’s plenty of frustration, stress, and running around. If you feel yourself beginning to fly off the handle, grab the handle of a mug of your favorite beverage and let it soothe any ruffled feathers. It’s mob psychology at its finest, and everyone is emitting frazzle rays today. If you are out and about the roads in the morning hours take be extra careful as the rules of spatial geometry still apply, frantic holiday shoppers notwithstanding.

Saturday, December 24^th

New Moon at 10:06am at 3° Capricorn

Merry Christmas Eve!

The Moon enters Capricorn at 5:47am, and meets up with the Sun a few hours later. If anything, this New Moon is likely to prod us to go after what we want, and not be shy about letting others know our desires. This can be good if we are normally shy and reticent, as it will provide us with more steely nerves to demand what we believe is rightfully ours. On the other hand, there is liable to be lots of competition from others, so if you find yourself heading toward a confrontation of ‘rightfully oursness’ be prepared to duke it out and the consequences for doing so. This may lead to a month of political crankiness, too, as politicians of all stripes and people of all persuasions think the all of the world is rightfully theirs.

Otherwise, Christmas Eve day is always filled with excitement, tension, anticipation, and enough stress for a bottle of Prozac, and the astrological energies don’t disappoint in that regard. It’s a fun rollercoaster kind of day, so buy your ticket early, get in line, and enjoy the ride!

Wishing you all a wonderful week!

 

 

 

 

 

The Flow! Week of October 30 – November 5, 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.

This week’s synopsis: Sacred Geometry I

Usually, each week’s synopsis is a brief description of what the major astrological focus is likely to be. This week, we take a departure from that format to help answer the perennial question, “What’d he say?”

As in, “Gee, Bill, I love your blog but sometimes find it difficult to follow.”

Every week I publish The Key, a sort of quick and easy reference sheet to help you understand some of the terminology and provide clues to where I get the inspiration for what I write. But perhaps something a bit more dynamically oriented might be helpful. So, with that thought in mind, let’s see if we can make things a bit easier.

Astrology is the study of the relationship between any individual being and the greater celestial environment in which it exists.

That’s a mouthful, but it’s a powerful mouthful. It makes no claims about the nature of the mechanism through which it works, because except for some foggy notions we really don’t know yet. It would be nice if we knew, but our understanding of the universe is not yet developed enough to understand how it works. You don’t need a degree in nuclear thermodynamics to know that if you put your hand on a hot stove, it will get burned. Or a Ph.D. in biology to understand that the sun helps plants to grow.

Some day we’ll get there, but not yet.

In the meantime, while we’re waiting for the human brain to evolve, we must do with theories, principles, and techniques, concepts that can be used as a framework for astrological study.

Many people believe that the concepts behind astrology are complicated. But they’re not, not really. In fact, they’re mostly astoundingly simple. It’s just that usually there are a few of them that need to be considered at the same time. So in many ways, astrology is a bit like a sentence. Sometimes a sentence is one word and simple to understand, and sometimes a sentence can have lots of words and be complicated.

Is it Dr. Seuss, or Shakespeare?

A lot depends on the context, and what you’re looking at. But, even in the most complicated sentences insight and meaning can gained from knowing the meaning of the individual words. Context comes when the whole sentence is understood.

One of the most important sentence building concepts of astrology is the idea of aspects. Aspects describe the relationship between two or more planets as they move about the zodiac.

Think of each planet out there in the sky emanating waves or rays of light to each other. The distance between any two of them is called an aspect and the particular distance as measured in degrees from one to the other gives the aspect its meaning.

And, since astrologers usually project the planets in the sky against the great circle of the zodiac, these particular distances are much like what happens when you divide a circle up into pieces in some rather common ways. But each common way has a deep and profound meaning based on millennia of wisdom and study of astrology, numerology, and other such disciplines. The aspect names may be confusing, as they generally derive from Latin, but once you begin using them, they’ll become as familiar as an order at Starbucks.

There is some basic math involved, but it’s pretty basic. A circle is 360° around, and each major aspect divides it perfectly into equal portions. There are minor aspects that twist the math a bit, but today we’re sticking with the basics.

So let’s get started. The first aspect is what happens when you divide the circle by 1. Since any number divided by one equals itself, the division by 1 is what you get when two planets are in the same place in the zodiac.

This aspect is called a conjunction, from the Latin “to join or bind together.”  And essentially means a joining or combing of the two planetary energies into one meaning. If Mercury (communication) and Venus (love) are conjunct, you would expect some lovely communications, or at least some kind words here and there.

When you divide the circle in two, you get a straight line, each 180° away from the other, and these planets are said to be in opposition. But opposition doesn’t have to be a synonym for fighting. It is more like the yin-yang symbol in which there is a dynamic duality between the two planets involved that complement each other and only fight when provoked by over-emphasizing one side over the other.

For example, if Jupiter (opportunity, expansion) is opposed to Saturn (responsibilities, diligence), a complementary opposition would mean a responsible expansion of economic opportunities performed diligently. However, they begin to fight and oppose each other if we either try to expand recklessly, or too cautiously and timidly.

Divide the circle by three (360/3 = 120°) and you get a perfect triangle within it, and the aspect is called a trine. As a symbol of harmony, balance, and ease of the flow of energies between the two planets, the aspect is considered beneficial. When two planets are trine to each other, it is like they’re out on a date – they make nice cooing sounds to each other, and sometimes create a blessed event. When Mars (passion) and Venus (love, attraction) are trine, we are easily drawn to those things we are passionate about, and similarly find our love interests more passionate. It takes little imagination to identify the blessed event these two can conjure together.

When you divide the circle by four (360/4 = 90°), you square the circle. It is a symbol of rigidity, disharmony, and challenge. Some astrologers worship the trine, and fear the square. But while the square can be difficult, it can also be the pathway out of a difficult stagnant situation. In fact, that is typically how squares operate. First comes the challenge, and then pathway through it.

Take for example a square between Uranus (ingenuity, liberation, change) and Saturn (stability, responsibility, diligence). The first pass from this aspect might cause some major shakeups with our responsibilities that could jeopardize our stability. But then as we work with the aspect, we find that the true reason for the shakeup was that our responsibilities were choking off growth, so we develop an ingenious plan to change them and when all is said and done, thank little ol’ Uranus for stopping on by to helping to break us free.

Next on the list is the number five (360/5 = 72°) which gives us the aspect called the quintile from Latin for one fifth, and while many traditionalists don’t use the aspect, it is very insightful. Five is the number of conscious awareness, intelligence, adaptability, and resourcefulness. It often indicates creative gifts and solutions to difficult problems. The  Sun (self) quintile Jupiter (opportunity, expansion, growth) in a natal chart is often the signature of financial advisor or someone who is very good handling their financial resources.

Last on today’s tour is the number six (360/6 = 60°) created aspect called the sextile. No, it doesn’t indicate prowess in bed, but is the more prosaic Latin for one sixth. The sextile is actually half of a trine, and many astrologers actually consider it as a somewhat lesser benefic. However, that misses the specifics of what the sextile has to offer. The number six is concerned with relation and its purpose is to enhance the ability of the two planets to work together. Frequently this occurs as an opportunity or new life path to explore, but the light of the path is an opportunity to understand the power of harnessing the potential of both planets in a new and better way.

For example, Mars (passion, energy, ambition) sextile Saturn (discipline, responsibility, structure, stability) can indicate a time to begin an exercise regimen, practice learning a new technique, find a new way to fulfill one’s ambitions, or enhance the stability of one’s financial situation.

Now maybe you can begin writing your own Skywatcher reports, or at least get more out of this one!

In all seriousness, the big takeaway should be in how the study of astrology is related to many other disciplines, psychology, sociology, astronomy, numerology, geometry, and biology and they tie together into one organic whole. It doesn’t matter how you come by the light, but that it be there if you search for it.

Merry Samhain and Happy Halloween!

Samhain (pronounced Sow-in) is the official Gaelic/Pagan/Wiccan New Year’s holiday that spawned the now secular holiday of Halloween.  Roughly translated, Samhain means “summer’s end” and was the festival to mark the end of the summer or “light” half of the year, and the beginning of the winter and “dark” half.  With the imposition of Christianity on the Scots and Irish, the Christian holiday “All Saints Day” occurring on November 1st fused with the pagan traditions of Samhain and became “Halloween”, a shortening of “All Hallow’s Eve.”

By late October, the bounty of nature’s annual cycle is dead or dying.  The fruit on the trees have ripened and many are losing their leaves, destined soon to become bare skeletal remains of their former glory.  The vegetables have been harvested, and the plants that bore them have turned brittle, brown, and bereft of life.  Hunting became scarce as the animals burrowed to hibernate, or took flight for warmer climes.

The Sun never rises much beyond the lower half of the sky, so that its light and warmth feels feeble.  The very winds grow strong and cold, and reach out with frigid fingers of “death” with every blast and breeze.

And as any witch or student of nature knows, the times between an ending and beginning are special, magickal times.  They are known as liminal, or threshold times, and they are times when the borders between worlds grows faint, dim, and porous.

Samhain then, became a time in which the border between the worlds of the living and the dead can be crossed.  To placate the spirits of the dead, people would dress in costume to convince or frighten them into returning to their own world and not trouble the world of the living.  Rituals and festivals would be held to celebrate the end of one part of the year and usher in the new.  And, because Samhain was one of, if not the, foremost holidays of the year, it served as the marker for the New Year.

We are all familiar with the secular commercialization of Halloween, for which Americans are projected to increase spending by almost 20% this year.  But as a Pagan holiday, Samhain has become a day of remembrance to honor the spirits and memories of departed loved ones, and can be a moving, rewarding, and rejuvenating occasion.  In the years to come, if you ever have the opportunity to attend a public Samhain ritual, you will have an opportunity to experience the real magick of the holiday.

On to the Daily Details!

Sunday, October 30^th

No major aspects

The Moon enters Capricorn at 9:39am, putting the kibosh on the high-flying, high-spirited fun of the yesteryore of yesterday. Yesterday’s Sagittarian Moon aided the merriment, combustibility, and friendliness of any social event. Today, we take a more solemn and somber turn. Gone is the frivolity. Yes, we will still have fun this Samhain/Halloween, but we’re going to be serious about having it!

Other than the scattered energies around noon-time, the astrological flow is fairly smooth. As evening approaches there’s a bit of a lucky turn of events. Something that you’ve been concerned about may suddenly become less worrisome, particularly if you communicate your feelings to others. There just might be a magick solution after all, if you put your mind to finding it. As the day ends, we’re feeling more secure and optimistic about things. Could relief be in sight?

Monday, October 31

Venus squares Neptune at 2:21pm

Merry Samhain and Happy Halloween!

There’s a bit of hazy confusion that hovers over the air like a mist through much of the day. Good for sneaking up on ghouls and ghosts and other creepy crawly things that go bump in the night. This air of uncertainty seems to affect our emotional relationships the most, casting doubt on our standing within them, their value, and whether we are on the right course with them. It’s a definite, “I’m OK, but not too sure about you” kind of day. We question others’ motives and wonder why they do or say the things they do. If you do find yourself in emotional quicksand today, just wait a couple of days. After Mercury and Venus enter Sagittarius things should become much unambiguous, and your course of action more clear. On the business front, any achievements and successes you make today should be good for the long-term and help you further your career goals.

Tuesday, November 1st

Mercury square Neptune at 1:39am

Happy All Saints Day! If you meet a saint, buy them a cup of coffee!

The day begins and ends with a bump, but what lies in the middle is fairly smooth sailing. Very early in the morning, our responsibilities, roles, and duties worry us. We begin to wonder if we’re up to the job, and are concerned that circumstances might get the better of us. Too, we seem easily lost within our own thoughts, so that what might have been a mere moment’s doubt becomes a much larger crisis of self-confidence. Try to go easy on yourself and not take things so hard. Later this afternoon at 3:08pm when the Moon enters Aquarius, the mental fog will lift and you’ll be much better at constructing a positive course of action. Until then, don’t let your emotions get the better of you! Around noontime, don’t be surprised if some good news alleviates a worry or concern. Many of us are feeling more in the mood to do something nice for each other, which has the added side effect of lots of people having something unexpectedly nice happen to them! Later in the evening we’re in the mood to indulge. Considering all the stress you’ve been under, who can blame you? Just don’t go overboard, unless you’re willing to spend all day tomorrow recovering!

Wednesday, November 2^nd

Venus enters Sagittarius at 1:51am

Mercury enters Sagittarius at 9:54am

The Moon is in Aquarius all day (insert song from Hair here). Venus and Mercury entering Sagittarius gives us an early boost to begin enjoying the holiday season. Venus definitely does a better job in Sag than Mercury, as she feels liberated to explore the cornucopia of possibilities life on Earth offers. Merc in Sag just kind of gets lost…or drunk. There’s nothing particularly wrong  with Mercury in Sagittarius, it’s just that Mercury needs focus, and Sagittarius has about as much focus as a hippie commune.

Although the morning hours may be a bit sketchy, on the whole the day should also give a boost to our more humanitarian, liberal, social side as we can better sense the manner in which we are all interconnected and in many ways dependent upon each other. Not that this means there’s going to be a significant shift in public opinion…yet, although we may see some softening around the edges. But it may give pause to many with ham-fisted political opinions that maybe not all of them are as correct as they assumed.

Thursday, November 3^rd

Venus trine Uranus at 12:55am

Mercury trine Uranus at 6:59am

The thrill of adventure is strong. We have a very strong need to be out in the world exploring interesting possibilities, but even more significantly, we want to be out there being involved in what we care about most. We want to make some contribution to help make things better, and we want to be free of some of the restrictions we’ve been living under. (insert Young Rascals song “People Got to be Free.”) We may feel a bit frustrated about what exactly it is we want to do, but the impulse to do something is strong. And the more we act on that, the better we will feel.

In other matters, some business issues may resolve themselves (or you may do the resolving) in the latter part of the morning. Delays and obstacles may be norm in the evening rush hour, so if you have some place to be after work hours, give yourself plenty of time to get there if you don’t want to be late.

Friday, November 4^th

No major aspects

The Moon enters Pisces at 12:18am and we calm down just a bit. The early morning hours may have us frazzled, dazed and confused, but as morning progresses we look back on the week with a smile. We should have made good progress toward our goals, and for understanding our path to success. The morning hours are particularly good for finances. If there’s a big ticket item you’ve been searching for, you just might find what you’re looking for this morning. Today and tomorrow our imaginations and creativity are at their peak, so if there is a project you have been working on that could either, spending some time with it could produce some significant results.

Saturday, November 5^th

No major aspects

We have been in a pattern of delightful Saturdays since early September. That configuration is still intact this week, but shifts next, so enjoy this one because it is the last for a while! Today is great for R & R, long sleep-ins, taking a nice long soak, catching up on TV or movies, or just hanging around and playing foot hockey with dust bunnies. There are no onerous obligations, and what obligations we do have are pleasant and easily managed. If you’re planning an event for today, people should be in an intimate, relaxed, and comfortable mood. People are a bit more open, willing to share, and willing to care than usual. A good time should be had by all. Enjoy!

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 August 21 – 28, 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: No Picnic

Thursday, August 25^th, Mars (our energy, drive, and ambition) squares off against Saturn (brick wall), leaving lots of mangled moving objects in its wake. This is definitely not the week to go rushing about wildly, flitting about aimlessly, or running off half-cocked. If the cock o’ the block doesn’t get you, the cops will. I expect the buildup for this aspect to begin as the week begins, and to last through most of this week.

Mars is still in Cancer, so much of our energy is focused in how we feel and satisfying our inner needs. Mars in other signs may climb mountains, forge steel, and face combat fiercely; Mars in Cancer cuts out doilies and builds nests. With the dynamism of Mars turned inward, he becomes a great defender, but isn’t much for going out and conquering brave new worlds.

Saturn is in Libra, the sign of balance, harmony, justice and the law. With Saturn here, the songs of Libra are the stark rhythms of techno and icy cool syncopations of New Age music. And especially when Saturn inhabits the sign, what we mean is the letter not the spirit of the law. If you don’t say, “May I?” it’s back two spaces, do not pass go, and do not collect $200.

With Mars in Cancer and Saturn in Libra, we are intuitively aware of this dynamic, and few souls have the stomach for facing the music should they misstep. This tends to generate an attitude of biding one’s time, waiting for a more auspicious moment, and turning one’s quest to slay inner dragons.

One can make progress during this time if one is careful, prudent, and thoughtful. Make sure your work is thorough. Make sure you follow protocol and instructions to a tee. Secure your nest and the foundation it is built upon, and watch your back – Mars square Saturn tends to bring out the snakes in the grass.

And the ants.

For some reason, Mars square Saturn also tends to bring out those who annoy the crap out of you, as if see how many straws it takes break your back and cause you to do something you might regret.

That’s the main hazard of this time – doing something you’d regret in a saner time.

Certainly, no picnic.

The best use of this energy is to use it to overcome obstacles, face challenges head on, and to push push push like a bulldozer through the log-jams in your life. It may not be easy, it most likely won’t be fun, but it can be singularly productive if you have been feeling frustrated, thwarted, and obstructed by forces beyond your control. You have most of the week to devise a plan, think about it, and put it into action as this energy reaches a climax in the very early hours of Thursday. If you time it right, the Mars-Saturn square, Mercury Direct, and the New Moon on Sunday the 28th can be a one-two-three punch KO that leaves an old Self behind, and leaves the field fresh for the start of a new.

Help arrives on Friday when Mercury goes Direct, and like a white knight it helps to discharge a lot of the frazzled tension between Mars and Saturn. Mercury Direct will bring a greater understanding to the activities of the week, and help you put them in a better perspective. But, you really don’t want to have anything to put in a better perspective, do you?

Mind your peas and queues. (kathunk)

Venus enters Virgo until September 14^th, and not to add salt to any wounds (or more bad news to an already gloomy forecast) but Venus is not a very happy lady in Virgo. No, not at all.

You know how kids run around and spread their arms wide saying, “I love you this much?” And how adults, older, wiser, and smugger, walk around thinking that you can’t quantify love? Venus in Virgo can, down to the micrometer.

Venus here tends to be bring out our pickier, prissier, and pissier sides and rarely turns down an invitation to match wits in a debate. She is fastidious, obsessed with diet and nutrition, and loves to count the calories of her yogurt and rattle off every antioxidant in a blueberry.

On the other hand, she’s good to have around for chores. She’s not afraid of getting her hands dirty and will coax you to spruce up, clean up, and fix whatever is broken around the house. She may even lend you a helping hand if you ask nicely.

Venus is great here for handling money, and can help you get your finances in order if not improve them outright. She also adds a tad of psychological insight to our thinking, so if there’s a nagging problem that has been puzzling you, by the time she enters Libra in mid-September you may find it behind you. And speaking of problems, Venus in Virgo symbolically adds just a pinch of sugar to our medicine.

Venus in Virgo obviously, does have its benefits. She is more restrained and less uninhibited than she may be in Aries, Leo or Sagittarius. But she is handy to have around and more than willing to lend a hand. Just while she’s handing you the Lysol don’t ask how much she likes you unless you’re willing to hear an honest answer.

Lastly, on Tuesday the Sun enters Virgo. Happy Birthday Virgos!

To the Daily Details!

Sunday, August 21^st

Venus opposed Neptune at 6:41am

Venus enters Virgo at 3:11pm

Just before saying sayonara to Leo, Venus opposes Neptune and casts a misty, cloudy web over the weekend’s activities. We feel a bit sluggish, lazy, and unmotivated. We’re less inclined to be out and about, and even when we are it almost feels like we’re sleep-walking on a deserted island. Our energies are a bit withdrawn, brooding, and not much in the mood for high-energy interactions. This will change when the Moon enters Gemini at 5:53pm, but by that time, it’s a little late in the weekend for rambunctious activities. As the Moon settles into the sign of the Twins we become slightly more communicative, open-minded, and engaged in the world around us. But by that time, it will be time to get ready for the work week ahead!

Monday, August 22^nd

Sun opposed Neptune at 4:28pm

All of the Mondays in August are fairly well-aspected, giving a welcome boost to whatever activities we have planned for the week. Today is no exception, except that the same lingering moody, brooding, listlessness continues until this afternoon. Save the more energetic work for later in the week. When planets adversely (squares and oppositions) affect Neptune like this, we often feel as if we are walking around in a fog. This feeling is caused by a heightened level of inner, more spiritually oriented communication occurring between our inner selves and non-waking levels of consciousness. These times are beneficial for soul-searching, inner journeys, meditation, and problem solving. Even if there isn’t anything particularly gnawing on your mind, this energy can help with healing, put things in better perspective, gain a better understanding of life, and help you feel more whole. From Sunday until Wednesday morning, pay close attention to your dreams, idle thoughts, and synchronistic events as they can all be important messages from your intuitive side.

Tuesday, August 23rd

Sun enters Virgo at 4:21am

The Moon is in Gemini all day.

Tuesday and Friday are definitely the better business days of the week. Today is favored for messages, news, communications, and for working with others to get things done. We understand our roles and functions very clearly, making it easy to go about completing whatever tasks are at hand. The day’s energies are also excellent for discussing and making plans, working on schedules, paying leftover bills, and minding any lingering financial matters. If possible, take a friend to lunch, you may find it improves your mood so much you feel better all week. Whatever it is you do today, expressing yourself more completely should come more naturally. After the weekend’s focus on Neptune, we are likely better aligned physically, emotionally, and spiritually, which can often make it easier to accomplish our goals.

Wednesday, August 24^th

No major aspects

The Moon enters Cancer overnight at 3:31am. Mid-morning and early afternoon we are apt to find ourselves scrambling to make sense of things and accommodating ourselves to changes of plans and other unexpected challenges. If you find yourself in this kind of a situation, it is best to try and handle matters on your own as others may be prove to be difficult, obstreperous and imperious. If you do need to get other people involved, try to be compliant and willing to accept responsibility for any errors on your or your people’s behalf. However, the rest of the day is fairly well aspected for relationship matters. Spending time with good friends, going out to meet new people, or spending time online searching for a new special someone may all be fruitful, enjoyable, and full of delectable surprises.

Thursday, August 25^th

Mars squares Saturn at 3:48am

Venus trines Pluto at 4:12pm

This is D-day of the week. Today is likely to be the climax of the week’s activities, and may require patience, prudence, and perseverance. Give yourself plenty of time to get wherever it is you need to be and be on the lookout for crazy-ass drivers. Newton’s laws of motion are said to apply to objects as large as cars, but today they seem to block, obstruct, speed up and come out of nowhere without any rhyme or reason. Be careful out there! People are also apt to be extremely sensitive, so be sure that what you say is what you mean and vice versa. They are also likely to take offense at otherwise innocuous turns of phrase, so if you feel any tension from others also make sure your choice of words is wise. The best use of today’s energies is if there is something in your path hampering your success today may just be the day that the dam breaks and you are able to move forward again. The late afternoon Venus Pluto trine adds a dash of fate or destiny to the day’s proceedings and more than a smidgeon of sexual heat and intensity. All in all a day in which many a karmic scale will be reset – may your load grow lighter!

Friday, August 26^th

Mercury turns Direct (forward) at 3:03pm

Happy Women’s Equality Day! (and may every day be Women’s Equality Day!)

The Moon enters Leo at 9:09am, and it may feel like you’ve been given a Get Out of Jail Free card. It is likely to have been a long slog of a week, and today’s energies feel considerably liberating. The Moon in Leo is always ready with party hats and confetti, so the energies are favorable for a bit of letting loose. Mercury going Direct will help sort things out and help them move forward again, which is a relief for one and all. Some of the actions taken earlier in the month may need to be revisited, but all in due course. Bottled up information and mixed-up news may finally get straightened out, and we begin to understand where we stand more clearly. Business dealings of all kinds are favored today, as are meetings and negotiations. However, if you need to sign papers or commit to any legal matter, it may be best to wait until the beginning of the week after the New Moon and Mercury has more time to build steam heading Direct in motion.

Saturday, August 27^th

No major aspects

The Moon is in Leo all day. In the early hours of the waning Moon in Leo we are likely to feel a bit overly confident and self-indulgent and may find ourselves doing and saying things that are more bragging than bravery. Respect your Self, respect others, and don’t overdo it! Temptation weaves a wicked web and sings a siren’s tune. Heeding that call is likely to be more trouble than it’s worth, no matter how big a hangover you’re willing to endure in the morning. As the wee hours of the morning fade to memory, the rest of the day is very well favored for finishing up chores and tending to things you’ve been meaning to do but never felt you had the time to manage. A little planning in the morning will go far speeding you through the day. And if you’re lucky enough to be on vacation or just going about enjoying things, today should fit in nicely with whatever plans you have in mind.

Wishing you all a wonderful week!

 

 

The Flow! Week of August 14 – 21, 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: Make Hay

This week the Flow is between bouts of heavy astrological turbulence.  Last week we had the double whammy of Mars opposing Pluto (power grabs and games) and Mars squaring Uranus (when the cuckoos take over the asylum). This potent one-two punch is the reason why last week had so many wild gyrations on so many different levels. Not only did we have the crazies crawl out of the woodwork, but they also got their gritty grimy little hands on the pulleys of power. Not pretty. It was like riding a rollercoaster inside the funhouse.

And next week we will have to contend with Mars squaring Saturn (frustration redux). Mars (energy and drive) and Saturn (resistance and responsibility) will be working at cross-purposes, much like driving your car with one foot on the gas and one foot on the brake. Similarly not pretty, especially if you have things to do, people to see, and places to go.

This week is in between, and in the meantime, Mars makes a fairly decent aspect to Jupiter in the process. For now, we have a reprieve during which Mars can be fairly helpful, hence make hay while we can.

Mars is angry and very much on the warpath lately. He is in Cancer, a water sign, and has been using every bit of his energy to stir up our seven seas. But this week the waves calm to gentle rolling breakers as he teams up to sextile Jupiter on Thursday, the 18^th, giving us a chance to make progress with our plans, goals, and objectives providing we can harness his energy properly. Not a small if. Get your surfboard ready!

In fact, the Mars Jupiter sextile and a delightful triple-header conjunction of the Sun, Venus, and Mercury this coming Tuesday, the 16^th, highlight the astrological energies for the week.

First up, Mars. Even though the Mars Jupiter sextile occurs later in the week than the inner planetary ménage à trois, its effects are likely to be more widely felt and felt over a larger span of time. For most of this week and into the weekend this sextile is active, and if you are willing and able to tap into its energy, you may go far toward achieving some significant goals. The effects of this aspect may not be profoundly self-evident, but one need not understand one’s means of locomotion to move swiftly forward.

If you have ever watched surfers, they spend a lot of time wading in the ocean waiting for the right wave to come along. That is much how the Mars-Jupiter energy works. A lot of waiting, but when you feel the swell of the ocean around you, you know it is time to act; when things start falling into place and you can feel yourself move – that is the time to get yourself positioned on that board to get the most out of the wave. And once you’re there, if you’re just a bit lucky, and can keep your balance, the wave can take you to the shores of your destination.

But there is a trick to this aspect, and there is something we can learn from surfing too to better understand and use it. It isn’t about you. It’s about the wave. The wave may let you ride it, and if it deigns to carry you to the shore, it carries you where it will. But the shape of the wave will determine where your ride ends, and your ability to control where it goes is curtailed by the nature of the wave.

In practical terms, very often we have very specific ideas about what we want to have happen, how we want it to happen, and where we want to be once we get there. Fergedaboudit —  that ain’t how this is thing works. You must be flexible, and let the currents take you where they will. You will very likely find the ride exhilarating and the destination worth the trip.

But remember: you ride the wave, the wave does not ride you!

On Tuesday, the Sun, Mercury, and Venus join up in a parade of conjunctions providing us with a fairly rare opportunity to perceive ourselves from different perspectives, get a better understanding of how to satisfy our inner needs, and offering up ways to more effectively communicate our feelings. This energy also presents us with the opportunity to better communicate with the significant people in our lives and thereby improve our relationships with them.

On to the daily details!

Sunday, August 14^th

No major aspects

We start the week with the Moon in Pisces. Usually, the Moon in Pisces is a refreshing time in which we recharge our emotional batteries, and drink in the essence of life all around us. Sometimes this placement of the Moon can make us feel scattered, confused, and unable to focus, but with all the helpful  aspects it gets this time around, my thinking is that this month, the Moon in Pisces should offer us a good opportunity to feel more emotionally secure, comfortable, and self-sufficient. Later this afternoon and into the evening the Moon mediates the mish-mash between Mars and Pluto we experienced earlier this week, so look for some tempering of any tension you might have experienced last week. This may come as either a better understanding of last week’s events, a bit of good news, an inspiration, or some other act of mental prestidigitation to help put the pieces back together again.

Today is also an excellent day for attending to any chores, cleaning, or other matters that have been cluttering up your life lately. If there’s someone or something that’s been sitting around unproductively cluttering up the living room floor, today’s a great day for getting its ass in gear or putting it where it belongs. Tidying up, fixing up, getting your life in ship shape for the week ahead are all favored today.

Monday, August 15^th

No major aspects

The Moon is in Pisces all day, and makes a lonely aspect to Jupiter very early in the morning. Still, that lone aspect is enough to get the week off to a good productive start. Regardless of otherwise pressing mundane matters, we head into the week blithely cheerful and ready for whatever the week may throw at us. Which may not prove to be an unwise decision, as this week’s events may have a pleasant surprise in store for many of us. Today is great for making contacts, reaching out to people, and setting up appointments for later in the week.  If at all possible, try to arrange a dinner at home that calms, soothes and comforts you rather than a slapdash of leftovers eaten on the run. You may be surprised what a difference a meal can make!

Tuesday, August 16^th

Sun conjunct Venus at 5:08am

Mercury conjunct Venus at 4:21pm

Sun conjunct Mercury at 6:04pm

Today our relationships and our emotional needs take front and center stage. Even the most self-sufficient of us may come to understand the interdependence and interconnectedness we all have with one another. This is no day to be an island. While there is no need to be Suzie Sunshine, being particularly pleasant to the people you meet today may be a very rewarding experience.            Just exchanging pleasantries with the people you work with may open up new avenues of relating, not to mention the possibilities with those who really mean something to you! While today’s energies will not prompt you to toss the divorce papers in the trash, they can go a great way toward soothing ruffled feathers – even if those ruffled feathers are your own. Today is the perfect day for using one of my teachers, Isabel Hickey’s, favorite saying, “Let go, and let god.” The emotional baggage you let go of today can greatly help you be lighter on your feet.

But perhaps the best use of this energy is if you are in a relationship or the beginnings of a new one. Make today an honorary Valentine’s day, and you may never have to write up divorce papers at all.

PS. With all this lovey-dovey energy buzzing about, it is highly likely that many of us out there will experience something to make us smile or be the recipient of some tidbit of good news.

Wednesday, August 17^th

No major aspects

Today is the only cloudy day in an otherwise sunny astrological week. The Moon entered Aries last night at 5:01pm and it is kicking butt left, right, and center. This is one mean Moon, and it means business! Very little today is likely to go as planned or as scheduled. Furthermore, we’re unlikely to be in the mood for much compromising, or for being nice, however many hearts and flowers we received yesterday. We feel impatient, are easily aroused, and are likely to perceive harm where none was intended. Things may just feel out of control and as if we’re being pushed from several different directions at once. Fortunately, most of this maelstrom will pass rather quickly and for many of us today’s troubles will be resolved tomorrow. But that’s little comfort for today, so just hang in there, do the best you can, try to keep yourself out of trouble, and keep a low profile!

Thursday, August 18^th

Mars sextiles Jupiter at 9:51am

What a difference a day makes! Whereas yesterday’s energies were all stressful, todays are mellifluous and benign. This morning’s Mars Jupiter sextile is the maximum height of the wave, so have your surfboards ready for any swells that come your way. Today is well positioned for going the extra distance and putting in an extra bit of effort in whatever it is you do – it won’t go unnoticed. If you are in the market for a new job or for earning more income, sending out résumés or searching through the want ads could be a profitable endeavor.

Later in the afternoon, the aspects are very favorable for meetings, agreements and important communications – just remember that Mercury is still retrograde and it is important to refrain from making any commitments until after it goes direct next Friday, if you can wait that long. The evening is hearts and flowers time again, so if there’s a romantic twinkle in your eye, tonight should be excellent for creating some nice memories.

Friday, August 19^th

No major aspects

The Moon enters Taurus at 5:36am and truly settles in for the weekend. Nothing helps bring out the more benevolent nature of a Taurus Moon than good food, so if you can treat yourself to something special sometime today or tomorrow.  The day also favors shopping, particularly for clothing, accessories, and shoes. As the afternoon comes around, we’re ready to wrap up the week and find we are able to make good progress in making sure that everything is done and tidied up so that we can enjoy ourselves without needing to worry about unfinished work.

Saturday, August 20^th

No major aspects

Today is definitely the better of the two weekend days. Today is likely to be more fun, productive, and rewarding than tomorrow, which is likely to have us feeling more grumpy and depressed. For now, though, our spirits are optimistic and hopeful, and we are able to attend to the things we need to do in a fairly expedient manner. Above all, today is a perfect day for being out and about enjoying life and enjoying whatever it is our corner of the world has to offer. If you can do so in the company of those you love, so much the better!

Summer is almost over. September is right around the corner, and for some of us that means back to school. Soon, the Sun will enter Virgo and our thoughts turn to the more solemn, serious and practical considerations of life. But for the next few days the Sun is still in brilliant, exuberant, vibrant Leo – let’s enjoy it while we can!

Wishing you all a wonderful week!