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 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