The Flow! Week of January 8 – 14, 2012

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

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

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

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

The Flow! is updated every Sunday.

Please note: all times are in the Pacific Timezone.

 

Synopsis for the week: Not Much Ado About

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Courtesy of Sky & Telescope magazine

On to the Daily Details!

Sunday, January 8^th

Mercury trines Jupiter at 10:05am

Mercury squares Uranus at 3:24pm

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

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

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

Monday, January 9^th

No major aspects

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

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

Tuesday, January 10^th

No major aspects

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

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

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

Wednesday, January 11^th

No major aspects

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

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

Thursday, January 12^th

Sun trine Mars at 8:46pm

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

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

Friday, January 13^th

Venus trine Saturn at 1:05am

Mercury conjunct Pluto at 5:01am

Venus conjunct Neptune at 7:19am

Venus enters Pisces at 9:47pm

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

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

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

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

Saturday, January 14^th

Venus sextiles Jupiter at 6:49pm

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

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

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

Wishing you all a wonderful week!

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

The Flow! Week of September 11 – 18, 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: By the Light of the Harvest Moon

The holiday season is upon us, and time to dust off the holiday decorations. Soon it will be the Autumnal Equinox and pagans will celebrate Mabon. The Jewish high holidays arrive at the end of the month and beginning of October, then there’s Samhain/Halloween, Thanksgiving, Advent, Yule, Christmas, Channukah, Kwanzaa, and the New Year all before you know it.

On Monday we celebrate the Harvest Moon at 2:27am at 20° of Pisces. The Harvest Moon is always the Full Moon closest to the autumnal equinox (Mabon). Since this Full Moon is only 11 days before the equinox and the next Full Moon is 18 days after, it wins.

Astronomically, what makes this Moon special is the angle its orbit makes to the horizon at sunset. Around the equinox, the Full Moon rises a good 20-30 minutes earlier than other Full Moons, so the extra light was said to help farmers bring in the harvest.

But also we know that celestial objects near the horizon always look bigger, and because this Full Moon is more visible at the horizon earlier, it simply appears bigger and more prominent than other moons.

It is one mother of a moon.

This Harvest Moon also falls in the part of Pisces symbolized by the “Flow of Inspiration.”

Inspiration can take many forms. One can be inspired by another’s presence, remark, or deeds; by wealth itself, or the wealth of meaning we find in music, poetry, or literature; by nature in vistas both astonishing and mundane; or by a flash of understanding that makes reason out of riddles. The story of humanity may be told in blood, sweat, and tears, but it advances in quantum leaps of inspiration.

Inspiration can move us with a force like no other.  It can come in the form of an idea, purpose, or person which can shape our actions and behaviors for years to come.  It can provide the ingenious answer to a problem, or a vision of what is possible that becomes the wellspring of one’s life’s work.  And it can totally alter the course of not only one’s life, but of humanity as well.  Thomas Edison said that genius was one percent inspiration and 99 percent perspiration.  That may be so, but without inspiration, all you get is wet.

Sometimes the flow of inspiration blows in like a hurricane changing everything it touches, and other times it arrives like a will o’ the wisp taunting us to follow over uncharted lands.  But the flow also often sparks fires that burn bright with enlightenment and gives birth to ideas that live long after their midwife has gone.

And speaking of evolution…

As we all remember from astronomy in science class, when the Moon is full, the Sun and Earth are lined up in a straight line, so that wherever the Moon is in the zodiac, the Sun is exactly opposite. In this case, the Sun is in 20° Virgo, in the part of the zodiac symbolized by “An Orangutan.”

An orangutan is a primate that naturally lives in the jungles of the islands off Southeast Asia who is more distantly related to humans than either the chimpanzee or gorilla.  In fact, the name means ‘man of the jungle’ and is one of the few members of the ancient hominid family tree found exclusively outside Africa.  And in a symbolic sense, the orangutan can be said to represent the principles of evolution in action.

To evolve means to change, and in a biological sense evolution is change that transcends the individual and affects future generations by propagating itself through the gene pool.  A human confronting an orangutan stands across a chasm of countless changes and adaptations that have occurred from some long forgotten ancestor as dissimilar to both as the orangutan is to us. These changes and adaptations each provide for new opportunities for education and are the means the body has successfully developed to thrive and survive.  They symbolize the first level of education, instinctive physical education.

These are not easy times. We are beset with personal, political, economic, educational, cultural and climatological challenges. Some of our own making, some are the result of circumstances, and some are the result of having so many challenges to face all at once.

But they are not unrelated.

How many of our personal challenges are the result of the more global economic conditions? How many of our climatological challenges are the result of economic mismanagement and denial? How many of our educational challenges are based in our politics? And how many economic crises are the direct result of the policies derived from our politics?

“Oh what a tangled web we weave…!”

But our intent is not to deceive. There is no time for deceptions, and certainly not ones directed at our own selves. The urgent, pressing, critical imperative is to survive, and survive as best we can.

And when you do, you learn how to overcome such challenges – and this education serves as the DNA of your personal evolution.

Our own lives are so very different from an Orangutan’s in so many ways. And what did we do – learn to walk upright, grasp things with our hands and use them as tools, learn how to make fire, smelt metals from the earth? And did we do so because some chemicals changed within our cells, or did the chemicals change within our cells because our consciousness was ready?

Ahhh, the flow of inspiration! The say water is the most powerful force on earth, and that still waters run deep. Perhaps the flow of the waters of inspiration are the most powerful forces affecting our personal, cultural, and genetic destinies.

So as we sit and swing until the silvery light of this Harvest Moon, may we all be open to the flow of inspiration that can serve to succor our fears, soothe our ills, heal our woes, and move us forward in our personal evolution.

Excelsior!

This Full Moon is in effect until the next New Moon on September 27^th, and what a New Moon it is! Occurring at 5° of Libra, it is the New Moon of Transfiguration. Read all about it in the September 25^th edition of The Flow!

Be sure to check out the photos at the bottom of this post, there’s a fabulous pix of Saturn and his rings taken by the Casimi explorer from the dark side of the planet directly facing the Sun.

To the Daily Details!

Sunday, September 11^th

Mercury trines Pluto at 10:27pm

Happy Grandparents Day!

The Moon is in Pisces all day, and combined with the Mercury trine Pluto is well suited for stirring memories of the events of September 11, 2001. Whatever that day has come to mean to you, in whatever way you remember it is likely to be emotional, poignant, deep, and profound.

Otherwise, it has been a rather nice weekend. The ongoing sextile (harmonious) aspect between Mars (male, yang) and Venus (female, yin) has given us more energy and drive to be out and able, and experience more heartfelt encounters with those we meet. Communication is easier, and what we say (both of the verbal and non-verbal varieties) is more easily understood and taken in the spirit with which it is meant. Even encounters of hostility are more benign than otherwise. Certainly, lions are not laying down with lambs, but they are not roaring either.

Friendships and associations begun at this time may be enduring. And if you have a special someone(s) to spend some time with this weekend, you can further enhance the quality of your relationship.

Enjoy!

Monday, September 12^th

Full Harvest Moon at 2:27am

The Moon remains in Pisces for most of the day, not making it into Aries until 11:49pm. Our feelings run high in the early morning hours, so don’t be surprised if you find your emotions skidding out of control at the least provocation. Keep the Kleenex handy if you plan on watching TV!

As we awaken any unsettled feelings ought to pass and we feel more buoyant and uplifted, as if the emotions of the evening purged our emotional bodies like a night sweat breaks a fever. If you have negotiations to make or meetings to conduct, the early afternoon hours should be conducive. As the afternoon wears on we have added oomph, vigor, and energy. Find some creative way to expend all this energy so that you aren’t inclined to race around on the freeway, even if it means sitting at your desk tapping a pencil on your notepad. This may be a good time to go running those errands you’ve put on the back burner, just be light on the gas pedal!

The evening hours may be a bit tense as lingering fears, doubts, and indecisions seem to creep into our thoughts from the woodwork. Probably the best way to handle them is tell yourself you’ll come up with a solution for them in your dreams – and then forget about ‘em. They’re probably more trouble than they’re worth, anyway!

Tuesday, September 13^th

No major aspects

The Moon is in Aries all day, and try to stay out of trouble as best you can. Most people got out of bed on the wrong side today, and that’s not your fault. Your fault is getting in their face. Confrontations will escalate at the drop of a pin, so put on your best smiley face when you leave the house and just bat those fabulous eye-lashes as sweetly as you can.

On the whole, there is likely to be a high level of tension, hectic pacing, chaotic communications, and a more frenzied level of activity that builds a sweat but doesn’t actually accomplish much. Keeping a low profile is a high prority!

The tension in the air slowly dissipates over the late afternoon, but it may leave us with a false sense of security. We may be more easily suckered into bad deals and bad faith negotiations at this time, so you may want to skip the infomercials or home shopping networks until this energy completely passes tomorrow. People may also be more inclined to more what they think you want to hear than what they mean to say. In any event, take what you hear with a grain of salt, and promise to think about it. If it’s a promise you break, I promise not to tell.

Wednesday, September 14^th

Mercury trines Jupiter at 6:43pm

Venus enters Libra at 7:40pm

The Moon, sigh, seems stuck in Aries all day and therefore all the hectic, stressful, and frenzy of yesterday lingers like the smell of stale beer on a barroom floor the morning after. But today the janitor comes around mid-morning to mop the floor and clear the air. The difference in the afternoon should be palpable.

When the Mercury (mind) trines (harmonious) Jupiter (good-fortune), we have our thinking caps and heads firmly on our shoulders. We seem to have found our stride at work and the answers seem to flow like the notes in a symphony as everything falls properly into place and some of our worries (thankfully!) fade into the sunset. This aspect is very much in effect all day, so if you have an important meeting to schedule, schedule it for today!

Ah, Venus in Libra! Venus is very, very much at home in Libra. In Virgo she can be a bit of a vixen, but in Libra she is in on her own turf, potent, and in good spirits. People become a little kinder, fairer, gentler, and more eager to please than otherwise. There may be an iron fist in that velvet glove, but velvet is a less abrasive material. Similarly, abrasiveness is less likely to be acceptable while Venus resides here. Libra is a staunch believer in the Golden Rule, and most assuredly will do unto you as you do unto them. The more so with Venus and other planets. The biggest difficulty with Venus in Libra is that when it comes to relationships she tends to be a bit indecisive. She will sit there weighing pros and cons of any decision on her scales watching them balance until the cows come home. Impatience will get you nowhere. For now it’s best to take ol’ Ben Franklin’s advice, “He that can have Patience, can have what he will.” Venus is in Libra until October 8^th.

Thursday, September 15^th

No major aspects

The Moon finally moseys into Taurus at 12:25pm. As we’ve seen with quite a bit of this Moon in Aries, the morning hours are likely to be hectic and frenzied. Leave yourself extra time to find the keys and anticipate, but do not participate in any traffic accidents along the way.

In the late morning we can begin to feel the transition to a calmer more stable flow of energy, and it may trigger a touch of extra emotional sensitivity and perk up our psychic and inspirational juices. Pay close attention to any stray thoughts you have at this time as they may be far more important and worthy than they seem.

In the evening we may feel the need for some extra emotional validation, nurturing, and comfort, that might even include an indulgence or two. Just however you go about satisfying your inner needs don’t leave you needing to call in sick tomorrow morning!

Friday, September 16^th

Pluto stationary direct at 11:23am

If it feels like we’ve been stuck since early April, there’s a good reason, that’s when Pluto turned retrograde. Now that it’s direct, we should be able to make better progress attaining our goals. We’ve let go of a lot of emotional baggage and gained better control of our inner lives. Now it’s time to turn our attention outward toward those tantalizing external goals.

The Moon is in Taurus all day. The energies of the early part of the day should be fairly smooth. We are able to accomplish what we set out to do easily and without much ado. However, later in the day as the evening approaches, things get very strange and dicey. It seems as if no one is on the same page as anyone else. Everyone’s approach to things is different and everyone seems to have a divergent opinion about how things should go and what they should be doing. Perhaps the best way to handle all this energy is either plant yourself in front of the TV or go to out to the movies and watch a comedy. That way the comedy will be on the screen instead of in your life.

Saturday, September 17^th

Venus opposes Uranus at 4:06am

The Moon is in Taurus all day. For those of you in a committed relationship on the east coast may want to relax and stay in bed until the Venus Uranus opposition passes as it will hit there around daybreak. The aspect is likely to make the related among us moody, sensitive, unsettled, doubtful, and feel as if our relationships are all wrong. And there may even be a strong urge to want to find a knight or princess in shining armor to save you. Fortunately, you can stay in bed and let this energy pass you by.

For those of you on the single side of the equation (on any coast), the early hours of the day (including Friday night) may percolate your hormones and seek to sow some wild oats. There are lots of romantic whiffs to the air, so you may be able to do some serious wooing and cooing if you play your cards right.

On the whole, the day is likely to feel a bit strange as if there’s something pending in the air just out of reach. It’s Neptune’s otherworldly influence, and he is trying to offer us peeks into other worlds and realities. Heed his call if you can!

The evening is likely to be pleasant, so plan on spending some time enjoying life. You just might find something special if you do!

Wishing you all a wonderful week!