The Flow! Weeks of September 16 – 20, 2012

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

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

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.  Please refer to the Terms of Service for acceptable use of this site.

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 other Sunday.

Please note: all times are in the Pacific Timezone.

Synopsis for the week: Second Square Struck

Dear fellow Flowites, I have just returned from an almost week’s long road-trip vacation yesterday. I started out in Los Angeles, drove over to Landers to experience the Integration (more on that below), then up to Sequoia/King’s Canyon and the Crystal Cave, up to Yosemite, over to the Napa Valley and Sonoma, then across to the bay and Muir Woods/Mill Valley, a day in San Francisco and then drove down the coast on Highway 1, stopping every 5 feet to take a picture.

Most of the above has been praised to high heaven, and some of the views there make you think you’ve already arrived. But the ONE place that kick started my vacation and gave me a much needed boost spiritually, mentally, and emotionally, was the Integration in Landers, California.

 

 

The building is based on the design of Moses’ Tabernacle, the writings of Nikola Tesla, and telepathic directions from extraterrestrials. And if that’s not enough, it’s constructed on the site of a vortex.

From their website, “According to Van Tassel, the Integratron is located on an intersection of powerful geomagnetic forces that, when focused by the unique geometry of the building, will concentrate and amplify the energy required for rejuvenation and healing.  In 2005, a geophysicist measured the earth’s magnetic field for up to 15 miles in every direction from the Integratron and then inside the dome.  She proclaimed that there is a significant, unexplainable spike in the earth’s magnetic field in the center of the Integratron.”

There are no nails used in the construction of the building so that they don’t interfere with the magnetic resonance. The owners offer healing sound baths with an array of crystal bowls, and the combination of resonances with the crystal harmonics and the shape of the internal dome make it an outstandingly amazing experience. If you ever have the opportunity to be in the vicinity, you will not regret the trek out to Landers, plus there’s some amazing scenery around there!

The Integration was featured in an episode of Anthony Bourdain’s “No Reservations” (which is how I heard about it), and is available for hourly or daily rentals. The second Saturday and Sundays of each month (weather permitting) they offer public sound baths for a fee of $15. You will never spend so little for so much. For more information:  http://www.integratron.com/

It was an experience I truly needed because I found out the day before I left that my dad is very seriously ill with pancreatic cancer that has progressed to stage IV and affected several other organs. The doctors give him on a few more months, and he is deteriorating quickly.

Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers!

All of this considered, this posting will be a bit brief side so that I can better process and integrate all of these recent events.

Onward to our story…

The saga continues and kicks up a notch this week with the second of the Uranus-Pluto squares. We have seen the effects of this square all over the Middle East, not only with the anger directed at the anti-Muslim video, but also with Israel and it’s relations both with its neighbors and the United States. Not to mention the state of politics in Europe, America, and the Far East.

The Eurozone is collapsing. The US Republican party is devolving into paranoia and  delusion. China seems to be spoiling for a war with Japan over some miniscule islands, and everywhere people are going bonkers.

Are you going bonkers? I hope not, but if you are, you’re not alone.

And this is only the second of seven squares, though to be honest, after the fourth, things should get much better.

I am writing this right after the birth of the Virgo New Moon. It is a perfect time for analysis, discipline, and understanding how to manage things better. Especially so since Virgo’s ruler, Mercury is hovering nearby before entering Libra on Sunday, helping us to see more than just our own personal perspective on the events and situations around us.

This will be helpful since it provides an exceptional opportunity to examine our selves and our lives, find ways to make any desired improvements, and begin putting them into practice. But what is truly unique about this particular opportunity is that there’s a secret to doing so successfully, and the positions of all the personal planets the Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, and Mars are all very well suited to this project.

As just mentioned, the Sun is in Virgo, providing the analytical boost. Mercury is entering Libra, giving us the chance to better understand the context of any issue in question. Whether that context is the relationship between you and the subject of your concern, or the events you are swept up in, the important thing to note is that you are not the only player in this ballgame, and the other players matter. Although Venus in Leo can sometimes be a stage ham demanding the spotlight, more importantly she actually serves to help since her comfort on stage allows us to focus on our selves in a more loving light, so that we’re actually less compelled to be as needy, demanding, or self-centered as we might otherwise be. And Mars in Scorpio provides the energy and fortitude to delve as deeply as we feel we need to get to the root of any concern and meet it squarely on its own battlefield.

Certainly if you have fences to mend, this week is a good time to get out your fix-it kit. Take it slow, take it easy, and be sure your understand and feel comfortable with your own stand before going out into the field.

It’s really quite a dandy opportunity, if you’re brave enough to take the planets up on their offer this week!

And it’s an offer that is going to come in handy, because the Uranus Pluto square is going to sweep much of the known world away, so that when you see that cosmic broom heading your way, you’ll be prepared. The maxim, as always is to go with the flow!

To the Daily Details!

Sunday, September 16^th

Moon enters Libra at 5:55am

Sun bi-septiles Pluto at 6:51am

Mars quincunxes Jupiter at 10:24am

Venus noviles Neptune at 10:51am

Mercury enters Libra at 4:22pm

We start the week with a hefty dose of Libra as the Moon and Mercury queue up to weigh in on the scales. The Moon in Libra should help us find emotional sense of balance, so long as we are willing to allow for needs other than our own. A Libra Moon reaches out to others for validation, and often the best to get it is to give it. The morning hours are decent for cleaning and putting away any clutter left over from earlier in the weekend. If you’ve had in mind to rearrange some furniture, redecorate, or move a potted loved one, now’s your chance. When Mercury enters Libra we may turn thoughtful and contemplative, but watch out around the 4:30 – 7:00pm period as gets tangled up in the Uranus-Pluto square and emotional land mines are everywhere. Step lightly around any emotional issues so that you don’t have to have shrapnel surgically removed from your face.

 

Monday, September 17th

Sun septiles Mars at 1:43am

Mercury quincunxes Neptune at 7:24am

Mercury sesquiquadrates Mars at 3:05pm

Pluto turns Stationary Direct at 10:07pm

Today continues the trend toward cleaning, fixing, and getting rid of the broken shards of life. As you start your day, you may find yourself sputtering and fuming at others who didn’t get your memo with the day’s agenda. It isn’t easy being patient when you have things you need to do, but if you keep your values foremost in your mind, you’ll better be able to manage what’s important and let the other stuff take care of itself.

Pluto turns direct today. Often times the outer planets (Uranus, Neptune or Pluto) going retrograde or direct doesn’t affect us much, but Pluto in Capricorn is a bit of a different critter. This position has been responsibility for the calcification of our society and some of the rigid, if not authoritarian and dictatorial procedures, rules, and laws that have tried to fortify the interests of certain powers that be. I’m not just talking Chevron and Merrill Lynch here, but your boss, your school board, or even other family members. During the summer months while Pluto was Retrograde, some of these rules were given some slack. Expect the noose to tighten as Pluto gains speed as it moves Direct. Pluto will go Retrograde again April 11, 2013.

 

Tuesday, September 18^th

Sun sextile Moon at 12:50am

Venus bi-quintiles Pluto at 2:00am

Moon enters Scorpio at 7:46am

Uranus squares Pluto at 10:57pm

Mercury deciles Jupiter at 11:02pm

The Moon puts on a bit of a show with Mars and Saturn after sunset from today through Thursday. There is always something spiritual, magickal and particularly poignant about the newly born crescent Moon hanging in the sky at dusk, even more so when she dances with some of the other planets.

Yesterday’s events may have left us unsettled, but we begin to put the pieces back together this morning. Best to find that screwdriver early, because once the Moon enters Scorpio, we’re likely to feel the impact of the Uranus-Pluto square rather intensely. This may erupt in emotional displays of anger, intense frustration, and possible self-pity. It just wasn’t supposed to be like this. Except that it is. Scorpio is all about cauterization, so once the wounds are treated, they can begin to heal. It will be for the best, some of the greatest triumphs come after trials of fire. If you can find that asbestos suit of faith, wear it.

 

Wednesday, September 19^th

Moon enters Crescent phase at 3:26am at 12º Scorpio

Mars bi-septiles Neptune at 8:34pm

Once the Moon enters her Crescent phase, things begin to settle down and we can resume the healing process. There’s a lot we have endured, and a lot of various issues that lay before us, but we also have the opportunity to make of them what we will, so long as we’re willing to get our hands dirty, dig in, and get to work. Sometimes we expect things to just work out on their own. This is not one of those times. Get busy. Get dirty. Take that plunge, dare to eat that peach. Will you meet obstacles on the way? Of course. But remaining where you are is like sinking in a swamp. Hurdles or quicksand?  Decide!

 

Thursday, September 20^th

Sun sextiles Moon at 6:11am

Moon enters Sagittarius at 9:34am

Sun semi-sextiles Saturn at 1:50pm

Mercury opposes Uranus at 3:23pm

Mercury squares Pluto at 4:21pm

Mercury quintiles Neptune at 5:20pm

Venus sextiles Jupiter at 8:45pm

Gratefully, the Moon enters Sagittarius at 9:34am and we see things in a slightly better light. But responsibilities and obligations hang over our heads and they’re not going to be dispatched so easily. You may not wanna, but you gotta; so put on your best smiley mask and make the best of the situation.

Sometimes we get so intent on achieving an ambition that we begin to adopt measures that actually run counter to what the goal of the ambition originally meant to us. When this happens, the universe usually rebels and we find ourselves with a meaningless achievement. That sucks. Be sure today that what you do is in alignment with the meaning of your goals, that way you won’t be left with a grand house with opulent furnishings that is empty, silent, and lonely.

 

Friday, September 21^st

Venus quintiles Saturn at 2:17am

Venus bi-septiles Jupiter at 6:18am

Mercury septiles Venus at 7:07am

Several issues may all vie for your attention today, especially after the trio of morning minor aspects with Venus. Each like a telephone call from a separate universe, each clamors for your attention thinking it is the only universe, and feels its needs take priority over the others. Deciding which to satisfy can be a burden, and may leave you feeling used and abused.  However, don’t be afraid, it’s just a test of the Emergency Value System, testing which values you value most. It’s up to you. But remember that each decision you make creates a new universe. What kind of universe do you really want to live in? Sometimes we have no choice. But when we do, sometimes the word “no” can be the most liberating. Just ask any two-year old!

 

Saturday, September 22^nd

Sun enters Libra at 7:49am

Mercury noviles Mars at 11:17am

Moon enters Capricorn at 12:20pm

Moon enters First-Quarter phase at 12:41pm at 1º Capricorn

Happy Birthday, Libra!

Merry Mabon!

Mabon is the pagan celebration for the first day of Autumn, also known as Harvest Home, Feast of the Ingathering, or Alban Elfed. It is a thanksgiving for the harvest and fruits of the earth and recognition of the need to share them to secure blessings during the winter months, and to ensure future bounty for future years. It is the second of three harvest festivals, the first being Lammas in early August, and Samhain or Halloween at the end of October.

The Sun enters Libra early this morning and we begin a time of seeking a certain balance; a balance between our inward selves and our outward lives, between we the individual and the collectives to which we belong, and between our emotional needs and the resources we have to satisfy them. All of which climaxes during the holiday season. But for now, we simply seek to balance these various parts of our lives and to find our way through the brambles that lie in our path.

It is not often that a critical Moon phase (New, Full or First/Last Quarter) at 1º of Aries, Cancer, Libra, or Capricorn. In astrological lore these are known as the “public” degrees and usually indicate a public manifestation of the energies apparent in any given time. Considering all of the stressful, tense, and demanding energies we have been faced with, I would not be surprised if during the next several days there is not an event that materializes in the climax of a display of these energies. While I hope it is not anything major, each of us may experience an event in our own private lives that helps us discharge and dispel some of the negativity we have endured lately. May it be a great relief for you and yours!

To be continued…

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!

 

 

The Flow! Week of September 12 – 18, 2010

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.

The synopsis for this week: The Paradigm Shifts

Like a slowly ticking clock, the planetary energies shift this week is ways both big and small.  Mercury and Pluto both shift course and go direct early this week, Mars enters a home sign of Scorpio mid-week, and we end the week with the possibility of some fireworks as Jupiter and Uranus meet up on Saturday.  Will they be sparklers, duds, roman candles, or skyrockets?  Let’s take a look and see what we can scry.

Mercury goes direct on Sunday at 4:08pm, and we are released from the recent bondage of miscommunication, misunderstanding, and misplaced articles.  If you made a mistake or two the past several weeks, you’re in good company.  Mercury in its own sign of Virgo has been stirring up all sorts of celestial mischief, and chances are you and I have been his target more than once.  As he goes direct, it’s as if Jupiter comes by and takes away his widdle slingshot, and we can all breathe a sigh of relief.

Pluto goes direct next, on Monday, at 9:35pm.  Pluto’s direct effect is a bit more subtle.  Since April 6^th, Pluto has been retrograde, making progress more difficult, exacerbating political dialogue, and forcing us to direct our attention toward inner transformations.  Many of us who have felt this effect of Pluto can vouchsafe that we are different, if not better than we were when the retrograde period began.  For some, it has been a time of internal emotional cleaning, for some a time of rebirth and renewal, and for some a time of significant life decisions that will allow for a new era of life to begin.

As I review what I wrote for Pluto turning retrograde back in early April, it is particularly apparent that as Pluto moved out of the Sabian Sign of Birds Singing Happily (5-10º of Capricorn) and back into An Indian Chief Demanding Recognition (1-5º Capricorn) we did, indeed, lose much of the economic progress we had achieved.  That being the case, Pluto will return to the Birds Singing Happily part of Capricorn in early December and remain there for much of 2011.  Perhaps with a longer stay, economic recovery will be more long-lasting.

On Tuesday, at 3:38pm, Mars enters Scorpio, one of the two signs it is at home in, the other being Aries.  Mars shares his Scorpio domicile with Pluto, in what must be an immensely intense, sexy relationship as the two planets known for hot, steamy, sexual intensity share the same space.  This growing sexual intensity in the sky is not lost on the rest of us, making us all a tad hotter and often a shade redder in the face.  People are more easily aroused, combative, and manipulative when Mars is in Scorpio.  And if ever there were a time to follow the maxim: keep your friends close and your enemies closer, it is now.  Mars is sharp as steel, of sword, mind, and tongue.  Scorpio has a stinger, and knows how to use it.  You do the math.

Mars in Scorpio does have it upside, besides the sexual stuff.  It adds little extra energy and perseverance to everything you do and is an excellent time for plowing through obstacles, resolving emotional entanglements, forming plans and strategies, and getting an overdue health checkup. 

We have a few days to cool down (though with Mars in Scorpio until October 27^th what that means is a bluer shade of hot) until Jupiter again meets up with Uranus on Saturday at 6:07pm.  It isn’t the only major celestial event that day, as our studly boys Mars and Pluto sextile at 7:46pm offering the perfect opportunity that any fireworks seen in the sky might be mirrored in many an orgasm of the physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual variety.  Rarely is one able to break through trouble or thrust into bliss quite so salaciously.

Whew!  Now, I need a moment to cool down!

Before we get to the Daily Details, this week is a holy week for both Jews and Hindus.

The Jewish New Year period began last Thursday, ushering in a holy period that lasts for ten days, ending Sunday, the 19^th on the holiest day of the year, Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement.  The day is set aside for repentance, fasting, and intense prayer to god.

For Hindus, this past Saturday, the 11^th, marks Ganesh Chathurthi, the first day of a ten day celebration honoring Ganesha that ends on the 21^st on Anant Chaturdashi.  During the Ganeshotsav festival, colorful models of Ganesha are celebrated and on the final day are immersed in water to symbolize a ritual parting of the Lord in his journey toward his abode, taking the problems and misfortunes of his devotees with him.

That both often occur in late Virgo and early Libra is astrologically significant.  The latter part of Virgo is all about aligning the Self with body, mind, and soul which can also be said to cleanse it of “sin,” preparing one for the Transfiguration of early Libra.  The Transfigured, reborn, and renewed Self is then ready to fulfill its purposes and destiny later in the cycle.

And finally, I hope you are all enjoying the sight of Jupiter in the evening heavens.  He is a vigilant guardian of hope, optimism, and growth and protector of the inner planets of the solar system.  Because of his large mass and high gravitational field, he draws into himself many stray comets, asteroids, and other flotsam that might otherwise wend its way into our orbit, that might potentially harm us or our neighbors.  I always feel a wave of comfort when I spot him in the sky.  He is the bright star facing east after sunset, and will remain in the night sky until early spring. 

One of the most fascinating astronomical sights is watching the moons of Jupiter in a small telescope or binoculars.  You can actually see them swirling around the multi-hued disk of the planet.  Perhaps one of the weeks that are less eventful, I can devote to some of the more interesting moons of the planets.  Some of them have quite a story to tell, and some may hold secrets of epic proportions!

To the Daily Details!

Sunday, September 12^th

Venus sextiles Pluto at 3:41am

Mercury goes direct at 4:09pm

Romance is in the air!  So is pollen, but that’s romance of a different phylum.  If you’ve been feeling more horny than usual, and feel as if you could make love to a lamppost, blame it on the Venus-Pluto sextile early this morning, especially with the Moon in Scorpio all weekend!  The aspect not only adds to our libidos, but adds an extra layer of charisma to the proceedings.  People feel more attractive, more sensual, and more passionate and are more willing to share of themselves with others.  All of this combined with Mercury going direct could lead to some interesting encounters that could develop into events worth a remembrance!

Happy Grandparents Day!

Monday, September 13^th

Pluto goes direct at 9:35pm

The first work day after Mercury direct is apt to have its share of fits and starts.  Things seem to fall into place, and then they fall apart.  But wait, maybe the first go-round was right after all, and then maybe it isn’t.  Hopefully, all’s well that ends well, but with both Mercury and Pluto changing direction in the sky and the Moon entering Sagittarius at 5:52am, anything is anybody’s guess.  Best advice?  Let matters take their own natural course, don’t push too hard, and try to give others a chance to explain before rushing to judgment.  Patience may be a rare commodity today, but like Ben Franklin said, “He that can have patience can have what he will.”  So there!

Tuesday, September 14^th

Mars enters Scorpio at 3:38pm

Mars has been chafing in Libra since July 29^th.  It is relieved to be on its home turf today.  In Libra, Mars feels often pulled in opposite directions, like putting your foot on the gas and brake pedals simultaneously.  And for many of us, moving forward has been a slog of advancement with a heavy dose of obstruction.  Libra, sign of the balance, just gets thrown a bit out of whack with the heavy handed energy of Mars.  It’s a bit like giving the job of holding the scales of justice to a Roman Centurion.  No, you don’t want to do that!

Mars is far, far more comfortable in Scorpio.  A water sign, Mars can heat up those waters like a hot tub, and like a hot tub those warm comforting waters can serve to soothe and invigorate at the same time.  Sometimes, though, like a hot tub, it tends to make us hot headed, and that’s the main thing to watch out for with Mars in Scorpio.  Temper.  Tempus may fugit, but temper is a fugue.  And sometimes, our tempers can get us into hotter water than we can handle.  Until the end of October, meditate, practice yoga, take long walks or deep breaths, or drink lots of cold refreshing drinks…but try to keep your temper within bounds!

Wednesday, September 15^th

No major aspects

The Moon enters Capricorn at 1:30pm, and with the planetary activities of the past couple of days settling in, today may be better for business interests, but Friday actually has the best aspects of the week businesswise.  With the Moon now in Capricorn, don’t expect your boss to wipe your nose or take you lunch, but she or he could very well be there for you in a pinch. 

There’s a mishmash of lunar aspects today that give it the potential to be a pretty messed up day, interpersonal relationships excluded.  People are apt to be cranky and off-balance and find it difficult to get their bearings throughout most of the workday.  The only saving grace is that our relationships with others are likely to go smoothly.  From this perspective, it looks like a great day for hanging around the water cooler kibbitzing, and a not so great day for getting work done.

Thursday, September 16^th

No major aspects

The Moon stays in Capricorn, and squares its ruler Saturn in the wee early hours, so workwise, the day will improve as it goes along.  Economically, there is not much change, but the next several days, culminating around the equinox on the 21^st could have strong ramifications on our mid-term elections.  People’s attitudes about things have been all over the map, and there may be a coalescing of feeling that could hold until November.  Whether that is good or bad remains to be seen, but the potential for significant mood-shaping news is there.

For the rest of us, not running for Congress…the day is likely to be a constructive one.  Our heads are in a better place, we find it easier to concentrate on the larger tasks ahead, and we feel more confident in our ability to accomplish them.  Large projects are favored, and now that Mercury and Pluto are direct it’s time once again to think of contracts, purchases, implementing projects and scheduling important appointments.

Friday, September 17^th

No major aspects

But the lunar aspects are quite favorable.  Especially during the working hours, we feel confident, capable, inspired and optimistic.  Not bad for a Friday!  It should be the best day of the week for transacting business, getting projects done, and finishing up the work of the week.  Some hanging threads and loose ends that have been vexing you this week may get tied up satisfactorily today.  There’s also likely to be a feeling of accomplishment in the very air, which is a great way to begin a weekend!

Yom Kippur begins at sundown and ends tomorrow at sunset.

Saturday, September 18^th

Jupiter conjoins Uranus at 6:03pm

Mars sextiles Pluto at 7:47pm

The Moon enters Aquarius at 12:35am, and the mood turns a bit more festive.  We’re feeling good about the weekend ahead, and if you have plans to get together with friends or relatives, or attend a meeting or fair, the energies are favorable for a good time. 

At least as best as might be expected during these difficult economic times.  You don’t need me to tell you the economy is bad.  The last time Jupiter and Uranus were conjunct was on June 8^th, when the possibility of a recovery felt more real, and will reform it again on January 4^th, 2011.  Very often the second occurrence is a reversal of the first, only to be reversed again after the third pass.  While it is unlikely that the economy will show signs of significant improvement by early January, it IS possible that we could have a better than expected holiday shopping season.  That would be good news indeed!

For us now, it feels more bust than boom.  It feels as if optimism is a struggle, and as if hope itself might be an illusion.  These are not small aspects, and the historical importance of them is significant.  Similarly, there are major changes going on within US that will have an enormous impact on our individual futures. 

Since this post is already growing long (sorry, but there’s just so much going on!) let me just say that the one guiding star, if you will, that you should follow is to follow that which you feel fulfills you.  I know it sounds like a late-night infomercial, but it happens to be true.  This aspect occurs in the very end of Pisces, the part where we cast off everything that isn’t true to the essential core of our being.  Jupiter is the planet of good fortune.  Uranus is the planet of change.  If you want your fortune to change for the better, you need to heed what they are saying.  Opportunities like this don’t come often, so it is best to take advantage of them while they’re here!

Wishing you all a wonderful week!