International Astrology Day is celebrated today because it's the Vernal Equinox when the Sun, giver of life-force, representing power and will enters Aries, the fiery first sign of the zodiac. It is said that the Sun is exalted in this sign that represents the birth of Spring, the joy of new life and the expressive energy of youth.
The Sun brings determination, power and creative energy and is also a symbol of leadership and confidence. It is the natural ruler of the Fixed Fire sign Leo but it also expresses itself well in Aries, the Cardinal Fire sign that begins the planetary trek through the zodiac.
Astrologers everywhere today share in the pure joy of our ancient art and the wisdom it can impart when applied to an individual, a relationship, a nation or an important question. There are many branches of astrology, but in the West, you primarily find astrologers practicing Natal astrology, the study of a person's birth chart as mapped out by the celestial configurations at the time of their birth.
Natal astrology can lead to applying the current planetary pictures, known by such names as Progressions, Solar Arcs, Returns and Transits, to an individual's chart to see where they are coming from now, what they are ready for and what opportunities or challenges are presenting themselves to the individual.
Mundane astrology is the branch that deals with nations and current events and is one of the oldest forms of astrology practiced. It deals with countries and leaders and covers everything from finances and politics to military leaders and wars. In ancient times, astrologers worked for the King or leader in power and their skill was highly valued. Charts were cast before going to war to see if it was in the country's best interest. Nowadays, mundane astrologers mostly deal with political issues and elections as well as the ebb and flow of the financial picture.
There is another branch of astrology that deals with getting an answer to a very important question, that is called Horary astrology, from the Latin word "horare" meaning "of the hour". Simply put, it is the practice of casting a chart at the moment a question is asked of the astrologer and then, through skillful focus and application of certain rules, getting the answer to the question based on something that has happened. It is not however, a simple practice and differs greatly from natal astrology in it's specific rules for coming to a conclusion. Also, it may only be practiced with serious questions of a specific nature. The greater the need to know, the more apt the correct answer will be found.
The flip side of Horary astrology is Electional astrology. This is selecting the best time to initiate a project or an endeavor, such as a marriage or the start of a business, etc. and casting a chart for that time. Electional astrology works best when considering the relationship of current aspects to the person's natal chart. The condition of the Moon is very important, from what sign it's in and how fast it is moving to the last aspect made or the next aspect to be made to the Moon.
Well, I hope this bit of information gets your juices flowing for the exciting and insightful ways in which astrologers work hard to make sense of the cosmos for us mere mortals~
Remember,"as above, so below, as within, so without".
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Monday, March 19, 2012
Spring & The Start Of The Astrological New Year Can Bring Anticipation And/Or Anxiety
The main players on the cosmic stage this week are the Sun, Moon, Mercury and Uranus all expressing themselves in Aries, the fiery first sign of the zodiac! That's where the anticipation and/or anxiety comes from - new beginnings, sparks and jump-starts and the unknown.
First, let's look at the element of the unknown. Sunday's conjunction of communicative Mercury and uprooting Uranus may have brought epiphanies or unexpected upheaval to your life. Mercury, traveling in retrograde motion in Aries, the fiery first sign of the zodiac, rejoined maverick Uranus for an out-of-the-box feeling of awakening or intuition that was first triggered on March 5th. That cosmic energy may have been the aha moment that you needed, yet somehow, you still knew that the time to act hasn't quite arrived. Add to that the fact that we're still in the dark of the moon.
Beginning early tomorrow, the Sun moves into Aries, then it joins Mercury on Wednesday, and finally comes together with the Moon in Aries for the first New Moon at the start of the zodiac, on Thursday. That day, the Moon enters Aries very early in the morning, where it meets up with Mercury, then the Sun, followed by Uranus - all the main players on the stage in the first sign of the zodiac. That's a whole lot of energy for new beginnings... a whole lot of potential sparks and a whole lot of anticipation!
The Vernal equinox is considered by astrologers to be the start of the year astrologically. While the Sun travels through Aries for the next month, this is the time for considering new ideas, expressing oneself and being bold. Aries represents the forcefulness of nature pushing it's way into life. What Aries lacks in consideration of others opinions, it makes up for in a courageous spirit of independence. Where do you need to push against restrictions or find a new horizon?
Before Mercury back-pedals into Pisces on Friday, it comes under the solar spotlight on Wednesday. The image that comes to mind is an interrogation, not necessarily a bad thing, but an opportunity to ask all the right questions on an introspective journey inward. Questions like, "am I ready for______?" or "what do I need to do before I can begin again?"
Time spent in meditation and/or contemplation of one's feelings during this Last Quarter Moon phase,prior to the New Moon, will help bring illumination to the influences of the preceding lunar cycle. This period of connecting with the subconscious during the darkest phase of the moon prepares us for the new birth, or rebirth, that happens every month at the New Moon. With the Sun's entry into Aries, the sensitive and impressionable Pisces cycle is ending and we need to prepare for action. Before the lunar and solar energies come together on Thursday at the New Moon, it's important to tune inward and get the rest we need.
Even though it's a New Moon on Thursday, there is still no light to illuminate the way, to show us the seed planted in the dark earth. We must rely on trust that the seed will begin to grow and during the waxing Moon phase while the energy builds up again, we have to be diligent in our efforts to nurture and grow the new idea, project, relationship or phase of our life. Remember to align your will with your intention at the New Moon by making a list of five to ten things you want to nurture and see grow in the months ahead. Yes, I said months, plural, because what we plant at this time of year is what we will see flourish as the Sun moves through the zodiac in the year ahead! Plant and nurture wisely.
Mercury re-enters Pisces on Friday and we experience a return to perceptive understanding as it travels all the way back to 23 degrees of Pisces before turning direct on April 4th and moving forward once again, reappearing in Aries on April 17th. Take this time to review and analyze what needs to be finished up or followed through on. Once the reasoning abilities of Mercury begin to express it self in Aries, there will be no stopping what your words give voice to!
The Sun makes it's annual visit to Uranus on Saturday in early Aries. Expect the unexpected as vital life force joins with the need for freedom of expression. A revolutionary approach to destroying whatever is old and outdated to make way for something new and unknown can be difficult to handle but may be necessary to shake us out of lethargy! This adds to the excitement of new beginnings even while it brings disruption. Paying attention to the intuitive self and trusting the spirit is about the only guidance one can expect in times like these.
As you set out for new horizons, remember to keep your head in the stars and your feet on the ground! Bon voyage and bon chance~
First, let's look at the element of the unknown. Sunday's conjunction of communicative Mercury and uprooting Uranus may have brought epiphanies or unexpected upheaval to your life. Mercury, traveling in retrograde motion in Aries, the fiery first sign of the zodiac, rejoined maverick Uranus for an out-of-the-box feeling of awakening or intuition that was first triggered on March 5th. That cosmic energy may have been the aha moment that you needed, yet somehow, you still knew that the time to act hasn't quite arrived. Add to that the fact that we're still in the dark of the moon.
Beginning early tomorrow, the Sun moves into Aries, then it joins Mercury on Wednesday, and finally comes together with the Moon in Aries for the first New Moon at the start of the zodiac, on Thursday. That day, the Moon enters Aries very early in the morning, where it meets up with Mercury, then the Sun, followed by Uranus - all the main players on the stage in the first sign of the zodiac. That's a whole lot of energy for new beginnings... a whole lot of potential sparks and a whole lot of anticipation!
The Vernal equinox is considered by astrologers to be the start of the year astrologically. While the Sun travels through Aries for the next month, this is the time for considering new ideas, expressing oneself and being bold. Aries represents the forcefulness of nature pushing it's way into life. What Aries lacks in consideration of others opinions, it makes up for in a courageous spirit of independence. Where do you need to push against restrictions or find a new horizon?
Before Mercury back-pedals into Pisces on Friday, it comes under the solar spotlight on Wednesday. The image that comes to mind is an interrogation, not necessarily a bad thing, but an opportunity to ask all the right questions on an introspective journey inward. Questions like, "am I ready for______?" or "what do I need to do before I can begin again?"
Time spent in meditation and/or contemplation of one's feelings during this Last Quarter Moon phase,prior to the New Moon, will help bring illumination to the influences of the preceding lunar cycle. This period of connecting with the subconscious during the darkest phase of the moon prepares us for the new birth, or rebirth, that happens every month at the New Moon. With the Sun's entry into Aries, the sensitive and impressionable Pisces cycle is ending and we need to prepare for action. Before the lunar and solar energies come together on Thursday at the New Moon, it's important to tune inward and get the rest we need.
Even though it's a New Moon on Thursday, there is still no light to illuminate the way, to show us the seed planted in the dark earth. We must rely on trust that the seed will begin to grow and during the waxing Moon phase while the energy builds up again, we have to be diligent in our efforts to nurture and grow the new idea, project, relationship or phase of our life. Remember to align your will with your intention at the New Moon by making a list of five to ten things you want to nurture and see grow in the months ahead. Yes, I said months, plural, because what we plant at this time of year is what we will see flourish as the Sun moves through the zodiac in the year ahead! Plant and nurture wisely.
Mercury re-enters Pisces on Friday and we experience a return to perceptive understanding as it travels all the way back to 23 degrees of Pisces before turning direct on April 4th and moving forward once again, reappearing in Aries on April 17th. Take this time to review and analyze what needs to be finished up or followed through on. Once the reasoning abilities of Mercury begin to express it self in Aries, there will be no stopping what your words give voice to!
The Sun makes it's annual visit to Uranus on Saturday in early Aries. Expect the unexpected as vital life force joins with the need for freedom of expression. A revolutionary approach to destroying whatever is old and outdated to make way for something new and unknown can be difficult to handle but may be necessary to shake us out of lethargy! This adds to the excitement of new beginnings even while it brings disruption. Paying attention to the intuitive self and trusting the spirit is about the only guidance one can expect in times like these.
As you set out for new horizons, remember to keep your head in the stars and your feet on the ground! Bon voyage and bon chance~
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Preparing For The Virgo Full Moon & Details...
Today is the day to tidy up any details and agreements before the Moon opposes the Sun in the pre-dawn hours early tomorrow morning. Once the Full Moon occurs at 4:39 a.m. there are no other aspects between the Moon and other planets before it leaves for the next sign of Libra at 11:50 p.m. tomorrow night - that is one long VOC Moon period! When the moon is traveling with no direction, it is good for vacationing, meditating or following through on things already begun. It is NOT good for initiating anything you would like to see succeed or where you have a certain outcome in mind.
The Virgo influence today is great for focus and you can achieve a good deal by honing in on that which you know needs to be done. Therefore, make the time today or this evening to take care of the little, or big, details that need to be addressed. The Moon forms a very harmonious aspect with transformative Pluto in Capricorn, another Earth sign, setting the stage for an afternoon of hard work and accomplishment! As you are probably aware, Pluto has been undermining the foundations of the status quo in the financial markets, government and business. The overall picture of what trickles down appears very bleak.
The Moon (emotions) and Mars (action) join forces at 6:28 this evening for aligning energy and awareness and really getting things accomplished. Be pro-active tonight with what matters, especially as it involves diet and nutrition or organization in your kitchen or office. Avoid obsessing over details and instead of worrying about something, do something about whatever it is that you were worried about! Worry is a wasted emotion that consumes too much of your time and energy. This is where you can shine - making things happen for yourself, instead of waiting to see what happens to.
To put some perspective on the bigger cosmic picture, there's a lot going on around us and out there in the world that we don't think we have any control over. Instead of jumping way out there, pull your intention and energy into yourself and do what you can, here and now. Let the details take care of themselves, knowing you have done your part in the universe. With Neptune in Pisces, there is the opportunity to connect with your spiritual side and become more trusting in those things over which you have no control. Just don't give in to the rampant escapist opportunities available all around us. I really do believe we have the power to create our reality!
Tomorrow, you can follow through on the things begun at the New Moon and go with the flow of the day. It might be helpful to reread the last two posts for more perspective. Remember to keep your head in the stars and your feet on the ground.
The Virgo influence today is great for focus and you can achieve a good deal by honing in on that which you know needs to be done. Therefore, make the time today or this evening to take care of the little, or big, details that need to be addressed. The Moon forms a very harmonious aspect with transformative Pluto in Capricorn, another Earth sign, setting the stage for an afternoon of hard work and accomplishment! As you are probably aware, Pluto has been undermining the foundations of the status quo in the financial markets, government and business. The overall picture of what trickles down appears very bleak.
The Moon (emotions) and Mars (action) join forces at 6:28 this evening for aligning energy and awareness and really getting things accomplished. Be pro-active tonight with what matters, especially as it involves diet and nutrition or organization in your kitchen or office. Avoid obsessing over details and instead of worrying about something, do something about whatever it is that you were worried about! Worry is a wasted emotion that consumes too much of your time and energy. This is where you can shine - making things happen for yourself, instead of waiting to see what happens to.
To put some perspective on the bigger cosmic picture, there's a lot going on around us and out there in the world that we don't think we have any control over. Instead of jumping way out there, pull your intention and energy into yourself and do what you can, here and now. Let the details take care of themselves, knowing you have done your part in the universe. With Neptune in Pisces, there is the opportunity to connect with your spiritual side and become more trusting in those things over which you have no control. Just don't give in to the rampant escapist opportunities available all around us. I really do believe we have the power to create our reality!
Tomorrow, you can follow through on the things begun at the New Moon and go with the flow of the day. It might be helpful to reread the last two posts for more perspective. Remember to keep your head in the stars and your feet on the ground.
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Cosmic Soup Anyone?!
There is so much going on in the sky and down here on the Earth that it's a veritable smorgasbord of what to write about - so much pick from and not a lot of time to write lately. I am going to focus on Mars and Venus today, the inner planets that affect us so much on a personal level and are so busy these days!
Let's start with Mars, that fiery energy of aggression and action. As you may recall, Mars went retrograde in Virgo on January 24th and has been backtracking through territory he already scouted out last December. He'll go all the way back to 3 degrees of Virgo, where he started this leg of the journey last November 17th. Think about what was going on back then that you were trying to sort out or sort through, you're probably revisiting that again now.
With Mars energy expressing itself through the mental sign of Virgo, people are apt to act or speak irrationally if they aren't taking the time to filter their thoughts. Being mindful of others as well as yourself, has it all over being nit-picky and obsessive during this retrograde cycle. This is an important time to be aware of how fast you are moving and where you are going, just take it slow and do not jump to conclusions, especially if you or someone close to you are irritated, as angry words and accidents can happen. Mars will turn direct on April 13th, so practice patience while doing your mental, emotional or physical sorting. A good rule of thumb is to do what you need to take care of today and deal with tomorrow when it arrives.
I hope you have been noticing the lovely arrangement of Venus and Jupiter in the early evening sky since shortly after the New Moon. At first they appeared close to the crescent Moon and as the Moon rose later and later, Venus, closer and brighter, led the march to the horizon, followed by Jupiter, then the Moon. Seeing Venus so brilliant reminds me of her affinity with beauty and her placid peace-loving nature. Venus will move into Taurus tomorrow, one of the signs she rules over, where she teaches us about values and appreciation, as well as love.
From her throne in earthy Taurus, Venus will seek to maintain harmony as she draws attention to all manner of things having to do with pleasure, festive occasions, music and the arts for the next month. The affection and warmth associated with Venus is her better side, while her more self-indulgent, vain or lazy side speaks to her weakness. For the next several weeks, look at how you can be more gentle or graceful when interacting with others, especially in matters of the heart or financial concerns. Venus' power comes from attraction, not ensnaring, so go easy on the pleas for having it your way...
Artistic endeavors and beautification projects get a boost on Tuesday when Venus will be harmonizing with Neptune. This is the best collaboration for anything having to do with beauty and the arts as well as envisioning dreams coming true. Even if you don't normally notice such things, take another look at how you can make something tired look fresh again. Perhaps a coat of paint will change the mood in a room or maybe a compassionate attitude will turn around a relationship that has just gotten stale.
I'm going to sneak in a brief bit of information here about the Full Moon at 4:39am on Thursday, which takes place at 19 degrees of Virgo. The Moon doesn't interact with any of the other planets after it opposes the Sun, until it enters Libra at 11:50pm, thus creating a day-long VOC (void-of-course) Moon period. As a reminder, void moon periods are best spent in a kind of meditative frame of mind, not seeking a lot of outside stimulus, and following through on things already started rather than beginning new projects.
The Virgo influence of the Full Moon highlights diet and nutrition, organization and planning and setting limits. The Sabian Symbol for 19 Virgo is A Swimming Race, a rather interesting and yet confusing symbol - who are you swimming against and what are you swimming toward? Are your efforts to achieve an individual accolade or are you seeking deeper meaning that can come from the water element? Pay attention to your feelings and let them be the gauge that you measure success by. Full Moons are notorious for increasing feelings, and as Mars is the last planet contacted by the Moon before opposing the Sun, know that people will be feeling very full of thoughts they want to get clear on, so there's a caution not to push too hard for one's own agenda or to be pushed to act before you feel ready! Please re-read the above paragraphs on Mars in Virgo.
Remember, keep your head in the stars and your feet on the ground.
Let's start with Mars, that fiery energy of aggression and action. As you may recall, Mars went retrograde in Virgo on January 24th and has been backtracking through territory he already scouted out last December. He'll go all the way back to 3 degrees of Virgo, where he started this leg of the journey last November 17th. Think about what was going on back then that you were trying to sort out or sort through, you're probably revisiting that again now.
With Mars energy expressing itself through the mental sign of Virgo, people are apt to act or speak irrationally if they aren't taking the time to filter their thoughts. Being mindful of others as well as yourself, has it all over being nit-picky and obsessive during this retrograde cycle. This is an important time to be aware of how fast you are moving and where you are going, just take it slow and do not jump to conclusions, especially if you or someone close to you are irritated, as angry words and accidents can happen. Mars will turn direct on April 13th, so practice patience while doing your mental, emotional or physical sorting. A good rule of thumb is to do what you need to take care of today and deal with tomorrow when it arrives.
I hope you have been noticing the lovely arrangement of Venus and Jupiter in the early evening sky since shortly after the New Moon. At first they appeared close to the crescent Moon and as the Moon rose later and later, Venus, closer and brighter, led the march to the horizon, followed by Jupiter, then the Moon. Seeing Venus so brilliant reminds me of her affinity with beauty and her placid peace-loving nature. Venus will move into Taurus tomorrow, one of the signs she rules over, where she teaches us about values and appreciation, as well as love.
From her throne in earthy Taurus, Venus will seek to maintain harmony as she draws attention to all manner of things having to do with pleasure, festive occasions, music and the arts for the next month. The affection and warmth associated with Venus is her better side, while her more self-indulgent, vain or lazy side speaks to her weakness. For the next several weeks, look at how you can be more gentle or graceful when interacting with others, especially in matters of the heart or financial concerns. Venus' power comes from attraction, not ensnaring, so go easy on the pleas for having it your way...
Artistic endeavors and beautification projects get a boost on Tuesday when Venus will be harmonizing with Neptune. This is the best collaboration for anything having to do with beauty and the arts as well as envisioning dreams coming true. Even if you don't normally notice such things, take another look at how you can make something tired look fresh again. Perhaps a coat of paint will change the mood in a room or maybe a compassionate attitude will turn around a relationship that has just gotten stale.
I'm going to sneak in a brief bit of information here about the Full Moon at 4:39am on Thursday, which takes place at 19 degrees of Virgo. The Moon doesn't interact with any of the other planets after it opposes the Sun, until it enters Libra at 11:50pm, thus creating a day-long VOC (void-of-course) Moon period. As a reminder, void moon periods are best spent in a kind of meditative frame of mind, not seeking a lot of outside stimulus, and following through on things already started rather than beginning new projects.
The Virgo influence of the Full Moon highlights diet and nutrition, organization and planning and setting limits. The Sabian Symbol for 19 Virgo is A Swimming Race, a rather interesting and yet confusing symbol - who are you swimming against and what are you swimming toward? Are your efforts to achieve an individual accolade or are you seeking deeper meaning that can come from the water element? Pay attention to your feelings and let them be the gauge that you measure success by. Full Moons are notorious for increasing feelings, and as Mars is the last planet contacted by the Moon before opposing the Sun, know that people will be feeling very full of thoughts they want to get clear on, so there's a caution not to push too hard for one's own agenda or to be pushed to act before you feel ready! Please re-read the above paragraphs on Mars in Virgo.
Remember, keep your head in the stars and your feet on the ground.
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