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The overall "cosmic
weather" affecting everyone
It’s All Good Astrology
November 2008
by Benjamin Bernstein
Whatever
your sun sign, this forecast will help you choose how to best use each month’s
astrological energies! Events are most powerful on the dates listed. However,
their influence will be active for at least several days before and after. All
dates and times are in the U.S. eastern time zone.
While everyone is affected by these global transits, you will be most powerfully
impacted when moving planets activate natal planets and other sensitive points
in your birth chart.
VOID-OF-COURSE MOONS
It's best to
avoid starting important new projects or making major purchases
during these times. "Business as usual" is the best strategy for these periods,
which occur when the Moon has made its last major Ptolemaic aspect but has not
yet moved into the next sign.
11/2, 4:42 - 6:15 am, Capricorn
11/4, 11:01 am - 7:03 pm, Aquarius
11/7, 4:34 - 5:45 am, Pisces
11/9, 11:29 am - 12:28 pm, Aries
11/11, 2:18 - 3:07 pm, Taurus
11/13, 12:13 - 3:13 pm, Gemini
11/15, 2:18 - 2:54 pm, Cancer
11/17, 08:44 am - 4:09 pm, Leo
11/19, 7:48 - 8:14 pm, Virgo
11/22, 3:03 - 3:21 am, Libra
11/24, 12:46 - 12:55 pm, Scorpio
11/26, 7:33 am – 11/27, 12:15 am, Sagittarius
11/28, 7:54 pm – 11/29, 12:49 pm, Capricorn
THE STORY SO FAR:
As November opens, two planets are retrograde: Neptune (thru 11/2) and Uranus
(thru 11/27).
11/1 (Sat).
A
WEDGE,
which began 10/26 and ends 11/4, peaks right about now. This aspect pattern
features the applying Uranus-Saturn opposition being energized by a trine and
sextile from Mars. This has the effect of making this world-shaking opposition,
which has already helped bring us the global financial crisis, even stronger.
With Mars in Scorpio, the sign of profound transformation, consider using these
days to empower whatever death and rebirth cycles need to occur in your own
life.
Mercury also biquintiles Uranus
today, creating a magical connection between your rational mind and sparks of
intuitive insight. Be sure to make some quiet time for receiving them!
11/2 (Sun). NEPTUNE GOES DIRECT
today at 21°28' Aquarius. Whenever any planet goes direct, it’s a good time to
move from reflection on its themes to acting on them. So take stock of the
dreams, visions, desire for higher states of consciousness and ideas for
divinely inspired creativity that have been floating around in your mind for the
last five months, and consider which ones it’s time to make real!
11/3 (Mon).
Poor Venus, creating a
T-SQUARE
with Saturn and Uranus the day before their opposition becomes exact! Since she
is the primary money planet, this T-square, peaking today and active 10/30-11/7,
increases the odds that the global financial crisis will worsen around this
time. Your finances could also come under stress, so if the recent plunging
stock market indices haven’t already caused you to batten down your financial
hatches, you would be wise to do so at the first opportunity. Relationships may
also receive significant challenge from this transit. If you find that any of
your important relationships are not on solid footing, consider either a
paradigm shift that will stabilize them or, if appropriate, a parting of the
ways. Creative types may find themselves inspired to venture in bold new
directions with their work.
11/4 (Tue).
What’s the most powerful astrological event of 2008? Most astrologers would
agree that there are only two serious contenders. Some would give the nod to
Pluto’s entry into Capricorn (1/25 and 11/26), but my choice is the
SATURN-URANUS OPPOSITION,
which first comes exact today.
It's extraordinarily synchronistic
that this opposition occurs on the day of the US presidential election! As I
said in
my September 2008 article, where my astrological analysis of the candidates’
charts seemed to indicate an Obama victory, this planetary lineup indicates an
extraordinary "wild card factor." I've heard a lot of ideas about how this
unpredictable energy could play out, including an attempt on Obama's life and the election being
stolen through vote tampering. I pray that none of these dark possibilities will
manifest, but instead focus on a much simpler and more straightforward
interpretation: Saturn represents McCain (the old way of doing things) and
Uranus stands for Obama (revolutionary change). And Uranus usually triumphs in
these situations.
This Saturn-Uranus opposition will be
exact five times, from now through most of 2010. This period of time will be
characterized by revolutionary transformation, with outmoded or corrupted
structures (such as the derivatives-riddled global economic system) being
repaired or replaced.
On a personal level, it’s essential
to recognize all the structures (Saturn) in your life that have outlived their
usefulness. It doesn’t matter if “it’s always been done this way” – if there’s a
better way to do it, it’s time to embrace a paradigm shift (Uranus). Perhaps
something has served you well until now -- a relationship, a way of thinking, a
residence, or a job -- but is no longer a good fit. It hangs poorly on you no
matter how much you alter it. This means that it’s time to release it, and leave
a void for Spirit to fill with something better. Tune in to your intuitive
flashes – Uranus’ method of communication – and follow them whenever you can.
For more on how the Saturn-Uranus
opposition will be affecting the world at large, please see
my new article on the subject.
As if all that wasn't enough, there
are four more Election Day events to talk about -- ensuring that this will be my
longest write-up ever for a single day!
Two of these transits are essentially
saying the same thing. Since Pluto and Scorpio are astrological synonyms, the
fact that Mercury both sextiles Pluto and enters Scorpio today is the
sort of thing that makes astrologers sit up and take notice. The most obvious
interpretations are "communicating change," "a voice for change" or "a change in
thinking." in addition, Mercury's entry into Scorpio, where it joins Mars and
the Sun, creates a STELLIUM (three or more planets in the same sign) in
the Sign of Transformation. That's an awful lot of Scorpio energy on election
day -- which candidate do you think best fits this archetype?
More troubling is today's
Mars-Neptune square. This could be the aspect that caused some astrologers
to worry about Obama surviving until Inauguration Day, since it could be
interpreted as violence (Mars) coming from a hidden place (Neptune).
[Chillingly, shortly after I wrote that sentence, I checked Google’s news page
and read about the arrest of two white supremacists who were plotting to
assassinate Obama. Let’s hope that’s as far as this thought-form goes!] The
Mars-Neptune square is also a warning to election officials to be watchful for
hidden enemies (Neptune) taking aggressive action (Mars) to hijack the election,
possibly through electronic manipulation of the vote count . A less sinister
interpretation would be snafus and confusion encountered by some excited (and
possibly irritated) voters at their polling places. I suggest you use this
aspect to take forceful action (Mars) to stand up for your ideals (Neptune) --
in other words, vote!
11/5 (Wed).
After the intensity of yesterday's election, today's Venus-Neptune sextile
suggests that it might be nice to relax and indulge in some mindless escapism.
Of course, this combination is also great for creative inspiration, meditation
and making a soul-deep connection with another being.
11/7 (Fri).
Change is good, but it can also be messy. With the Scorpio Sun squaring
Chiron, it's a good time to do some tidying up and organizing!
11/8 (Sat).
Jupiter’s quintile to Mercury can give a creative boost to writing,
lecturing, teaching and other mental modes of expression.
11/10 (Mon).
The Sun sextiles Jupiter and trines Uranus today. Read the 11/11
entry to see how these aspects fit into the cradle pattern peaking tomorrow.
11/11 (Tue).
The
CRADLE
aspect pattern that peaked on October 29 (described
here) has returned -- sort of. The pseudo-sequel which peaks today and lasts
the 8th thru 13th is still a four-planet aspect pattern, and is still anchored
by the Saturn-Uranus opposition. The rest of the pattern, a daisy chain of
60-degree sextiles, is also present, but the Sun has now stepped into the place
left vacant by Mars. Thus the sextiles are now Saturn-Sun, Sun-Jupiter and
Jupiter-Uranus, while the built-in trines feature Sun-Uranus and Jupiter-Saturn.
The interpretations I gave in my 10/29 entry still hold: flowing
support for a new business venture, receiving a powerful intuitive flash and
working to manifest its vision in the physical world, embarking on an occult
spiritual path that draws on an old tradition to deliver new insights, and
disciplining yourself to do the deep psychological work that could lead to a
major breakthrough. However, with the Saturn-Uranus opposition now passed its
initial peak, and the Sun contributing somewhat less energy than Mars, this
Cradle doesn't have quite the oomph of the original. But it’s still considerably
more juice than is available most days of the year, so it's still a wave worth
riding!
11/12 (Wed).
It's the kind of transit beloved by entrepreneurs: Venus conjuncting Pluto on
her way into Capricorn (where she will stay through 12/7). This is because
Venus is a money planet, Pluto rules great wealth, and Capricorn is the sign of
business. Suffice it to say that there's some good deal-making energy on hand!
Important relationships may also experience some serious transformational
energy; if so, take an honest look at whether the relationships being
spotlighted are built for the long haul.
11/13 (Thu).
November's
FULL MOON
occurs at 2:16 a.m. at 21° Taurus. Full Moons are times to take stock of how
you're doing in a specific field of life. In this case, shine a spotlight on
finances, income, possessions, self-esteem and whether you're taking enough
downtime to qualify as a "human being" (as opposed to an endlessly busy "human
doing").
This is an especially powerful Full
Moon because of the extraordinary number of aspects it receives. These include
trines from Saturn and Jupiter, oppositions from Mercury and Mars, squares from
Neptune and Chiron and a sextile from Uranus! This obviously creates a very
complex energy matrix, but here are the parts I consider most important: to
build the most solid and fortunate base for this Full Moon’s Taurean themes, be
wary of those who might mislead or manipulate you and actively listen for the
guidance of your intuitive flashes.
The Sabian Symbol for this
Full Moon is "White dove flying over troubled waters." Rudhyar*
interprets this as "the spiritual inspiration that comes to the individual in
the overcoming of crisis," and summarizes it as "a reward to the faithful." This
Sabian Symbol seems to acknowledge our current economic challenges while urging
us to maintain our faith. I find it especially comforting that this symbol
accompanies the first lunation following the US presidential election!
With the Sun square Neptune, you might want to take a fresh
listen to the old Who song "Won't Get Fooled Again". Deception is always a
possibility with hard aspects from Neptune, along with potential loss of
vitality. However, with a little effort, you can also tap this energy for
immersion into divine bliss and creative inspiration. If you're not up to it,
turn it over to Spirit!
The Saturn-Uranus opposition and
Pluto's entry into Capricorn aren't the only games in town this year: today's
Jupiter-Uranus sextile may be third in importance, but it's still a major
player. This aspect comes exact for the third and final time today (it was also
exact on 3/28 and 5/21), and radiates its greatest power 10/27 through 11/29.
Spiritual transformation, paradigm shifts in world view, a changing of the
political guard, and higher wisdom received by intuitive flash are just a few
possible outcomes that can be generated by this aspect.
11/14 (Fri).
With Mercury square Chiron, it's a good time for editing and fine-tuning
your writing and other mental activities. You may also feel called to consult
with a mentor or share your own wisdom -- just try not to be too argumentative!
11/16 (Sun).
The Saturn-Uranus opposition, which we'll be dealing with for the next two
years, is an inherently unstable configuration. However, Jupiter is doing what
it can to calm things down. The
WEDGE
it's making with Saturn and Uranus comes exact today, with Jupiter trining
Saturn and sextile Uranus. Jupiter radiates a measure of hope and optimism into
the unsettling changes that are occurring, and its current placement in
Capricorn lends some measure of stability to the goings-on.
But when is a Wedge more than a
Wedge? When it's also a
CRADLE!
That's right, Mercury has slipped into the position formerly occupied by Mars
and the Sun to reconstitute our Cradle configuration one last time. Because
Mercury is moving so fast, this rendition only has a three-day run: the 15th
through the 18th. The interpretation for this cradle does not differ
significantly from the last one, so you can revisit my 11/11 entry and
substitute Mercury for the Sun. The man difference is an uptick in the curiosity
factor and an increased desire to communicate the insights you've gained. And,
with Mercury trining Uranus and sextiling both Jupiter and Saturn, it really is
an extraordinary time for both learning and communicating!
Mars enters Sagittarius today
through 12/27, firing up the archetypal energies of exploration, intercultural
immersion, higher learning and spiritual questing.
11/17 (Mon).
Mercury, still buzzing from its “Wedgie”, squares Neptune today.
This can increase the likelihood of unclear or deceptive communication, but can
also help you learn how to overcome mental fuzziness by tuning in directly to
the Omniscient Source for your answers.
11/18 (Tue).
Artistic inspiration is boosted by today's Venus-Uranus quintile -- just
don't be surprised if you inspired to move in a new creative direction!
11/21 (Fri).
Jupiter trines Saturn today, resulting in a business-friendly vibe and
adding some juice to the Wedge discussed on 11/16.
The Sun enters Sagittarius
today through 12/21. The Sagittarian journey has several levels: Gypsy, student,
teacher, philosopher and guru. Which one are you at as the Sun radiates this
energy? (For more Sagittarian keywords, revisit the last paragraph of the 11/16
entry.)
The sun's sign change creates a
STELLIUM
(three or more planets in the same sign), making Sagittarius the strongest sign
in the sky -- but only through 11/26.
11/23 (Sun).
Mercury enters Sagittarius through 12/12, boosting the aforementioned
stellium to four planets.
11/24 (Mon).
The Sun and Mercury both quintile Saturn today, creating a strong energy
for the manifestation of creativity.
11/25 (Tue).
Mercury and
the Sun join in the sky today, amplifying the energy of learning and
communicating.
11/26 (Wed).
In my 11/4 entry, I identified the Saturn-Uranus opposition as the most powerful
astrological event of the year. I still stand by that, but now wish to discuss
an energy shift whose impact will be felt long after the Saturn-Uranus
opposition is a distant memory:
PLUTO’S
NO-GOING-BACK ENTRY INTO CAPRICORN.
He made an initial foray into Capricorn earlier this year (1/25 through 6/14)
before retrograding back in the Sagittarius, but now he's back to stay -- for
the next 15 years!
I wrote
an in-depth article on Pluto's entry into Capricorn back in January. As I
said then, this is a time when the dirty secrets of big business will be exposed
(can you say “global financial crisis”?), and it will also be make-or-break time
for the global community to deal with the world's environmental crisis. This
critical sign change sets a world-changing chain of events into motion that
extends well beyond 2008.
Of course, we will all be part of
this unprecedented change. It will be critical for each of us to revise or
release all structures that do not serve the highest need of all. We will need
to have courage and faith as many of our old familiar structures crumble around
us.
Then again, if a condemned building
is standing on a prime piece of real estate, it has to be torn down before a new
and better building can go up. Keep this metaphor in mind as we are all asked to
release many of our existing ways of life, even when we’re not sure exactly what
will be coming to replace them. It will be a challenging process, but one which
will provide many rewards along the way. And it must be done in order for
humanity to rediscover how to live harmoniously and sustainably in this fragile
ecosystem that we all call home.
Pluto's sign change creates a
temporary balance in the sky energy thru 12/7, with three planets each in
Sagittarius and Capricorn.
11/27 (Thu).
As if to put a punctuation mark on Pluto's entry into Capricorn, the only
remaining retrograde planet in the sky -- Uranus -- goes direct
today, on Thanksgiving day in the US. I hear it saying, "Now is the time to
listen attentively to your flashes of intuitive guidance. Now is the time to
embrace the radical paradigm shifts that will break us away from the selfish,
toxic and self-destructive course we have charted for so long. Now is the time
to break away from the soul-killing strictures of conformity, to awaken to what
you really are, to do you came to Earth to do.”
If enough people do that, then we
will have something to be extraordinarily thankful for!
November’s
NEW MOON
occurs at 12:54 p.m. at 6° Sagittarius -- a great time for new beginnings in the
areas of foreign travel, higher education, spiritual studies, philosophical
inquiry and being generally more adventurous. This New Moon is tightly conjunct
Mercury and Mars, reinforcing the ideas of mental inquiry and powerful
beginnings.
This New Moon’s Sabian Symbol
is "A game of cricket." Rudhyar* gives this symbol’s general meaning as,
"The development of skill in group situations testing collective goals," and
summarizes it as "group solidarity.” For me, this symbol colors the meaning of
the New Moon in two ways: that one should try to do any new undertakings in the
fields mentioned above as part of a group, and that those undertakings should be
done with an eye toward how they will help others and not just yourself.
11/28 (Fri).
As Venus sextiles Uranus, be open to the intuitive flashes that will
guide your relationships and your creativity in exciting new directions.
Today's Mercury-Mars conjunction,
in the larger-than-life sign of Sagittarius, is a great energy under which to
forcefully communicate your message. Be careful that you don't succumb to
hyperbole, however, or get stuck on the receiving end of an impassioned harangue
from a dogmatic fanatic!
11/29
(Sat).
Thankfully, this unusually intense month ends with some very pleasant energies.
Mercury and Mars both quintile Neptune, enabling easy reception of the
creative flow. And Venus trines Saturn, broadcasting a stable energy
under which recently challenged relationships can regroup and establish a new
foundation. This is also a solid energy for business and financial
opportunities!
* Sabian Symbol quotes
are from An Astrological Mandala by Dane Rudhyar
Go to top of page
The overall "cosmic
weather" affecting everyone
It’s All Good Astrology
March 2008
by Benjamin Bernstein
Whatever
your sun sign, this forecast will help you choose how to best use each month’s
astrological energies! Events are most powerful on the dates listed. However,
their influence will be active for at least several days before and after. All
dates and times are in the U.S. eastern time zone.
While everyone is affected by these global transits, you will be most powerfully
impacted when moving planets activate natal planets and other sensitive points
in your birth chart.
3/2. With Venus conjunct Chiron, this is
a great tweak day for creativity and relationships. Giving or receiving
mentoring is also supported.
Creativity gets an additional boost from the Piscean Sun’s quintile to
Pluto.
3/4. Mars executes his post-retrograde
entry into Cancer today through May 9 (he was also in Cancer 9/29 thru 12/31),
giving drive and energy to the maternal energies of nurturing and healing. One
way to use it: pick up the phone and call your mother!
3/5. Virgos rejoice! The two planets
associated with your sign, Mercury and Chiron, conjoin today. This is a great
energy for editing and refining, made even better by the intuitive flashes you
can receive because of their placement in Aquarius.
3/6. If someone challenges your
self-esteem today, it may have been triggered by today's Venus-Ceres square.
However, with the Sun-Jupiter sextile’s sunny vibe, it probably won't bother you
too much. In fact, you might be so enraptured by the bliss of divine union or
the ecstasy of creative inspiration (VENUS
CONJUNCT NEPTUNE) that any intended sleights might not even
register!
3/7.
MARS-PLUTO OPPPOSITION. Mars and Pluto both rule Scorpio, which makes
for a very intense vibe as they oppose each other today. This is one of
astrology's most dangerous pairings, and when not managed well has been
associated with volcanic outbursts of rage or violence. But you can do better,
by using Pluto's power of transformation and Mars’ initiation ability to start
or revitalize something with a major kick-off punch!
Synchronistically, this Mars-Pluto opposition comes on the same day as
March's NEW MOON. (New Moons are, by
their nature, good times to start something new.) At 18° Pisces, this New Moon’s
Sabian Symbol* is, "In a gigantic tent, villagers witness a spectacular
performance.” This certainly resonates with the power of Mars-Pluto, and makes
this a wonderful energy under which to thrust yourself into the spotlight if
you’re so inclined!
3/8. One of my favorite quotes from my
astrology mentor, Kelly Lee Phipps, goes something like this: “God would rather
see you fail at doing what you really came here to do than see you succeed at
someone else's vision." Another great astrologer, Steven Forrest, said that part
of Aquarius’ job is to follow their unique path, even if it means disappointing
those who love them. Think on that today as the Sun (core of self, vitality and
sanity) conjuncts Uranus, the planet of marching to your own drummer. How have
you compromised your core needs to please others, and how can you use the
powerful energies currently in the air to step more fully onto your own true
path?
3/9. Mercury conjunct Neptune -- mind
joins with Source. This is a great day to have your own "Conversations with
God," particularly with relational Venus also so near. Divine inspiration should
also be close at hand for your creative outpourings. Like all planets, Neptune
also has a dark side -- delusion, fogginess, deception, and over-idealization --
so be especially careful that no one pulls the wool over your eyes!
3/12. Venus enters Pisces today through
4/5, making it easier to enter into relationship with spirit, be a more open
creative channel, and dissolve the boundaries between you and others. This
boundary-dissolving effect can make you unusually sensitive, so check out the
naturally protective effects of my
Divine Saturation Snap Meditation if this becomes a problem.
Venus’ sign change also ends the recent dominance of Aquarian energy
in the sky, with three planets each now in Aquarius and Pisces.
3/13. Wouldn't you know it -- Venus gets
herself all sensitized by entering Pisces, then has to go and sextile Pluto!
Actually, this is a wonderful energy for creating positive transformation in
your relationships and creativity, and is also great for deep counseling work.
3/14. Need to get some work done today?
You'll get some help from today's "Energizer Bunny" configuration of Mars
sextile Saturn.
Mercury also enters Pisces today through 4/2. Not only does this
recreate the effects of the recent Mercury-Neptune conjunction (see 3/9), it
puts four planets in Pisces -- Mercury, Venus, Uranus and the Sun. This
PISCES STELLIUM (three or more planets
in the same sign) makes the Sign of the Fishes the strongest astrological energy
in the sky through 4/2.
3/15. A
MYSTIC RECTANGLE, March’s most powerful aspect pattern, peaks today.
This one includes five planets: Virgoan Saturn, Cancerian Mars and Capricornian
Pluto each holding down a corner, while Piscean Mercury and Venus huddle up in
theirs. Mystic Rectangles are known for ease and flow, since they contain two
sextiles and two trines. But the two oppositions give you enough energy to get
up and do something with it!
As the name suggests, magical things often occur during this
configuration, which lasts from the 10th thru the 18th. Given the planets and
signs involved, creativity, relationships and communication are among the
easiest areas for this special energy to bless. If you mindfully harnessed the
powerful energies of initiation on 3/7, then this Mystic Rectangle could move
those projects forward in wonderful ways. But remember that planetary alignments
represent opportunities, not guarantees: the more you consciously partner with
these archetypal forces, the better your results will be!
Two aspects within the Mystic Rectangle also come exact today. The
first is a Mercury-Pluto sextile, which supports powerful, no-nonsense
communication that can lead to cathartic healing and transformation.
The other, a VENUS-SATURN OPPOSITION,
can challenge relationships to test their staying power, and can also
temporarily restrict financial flow. However, since Saturn respects hard work,
facing up to whatever weaknesses Saturn exposes in these areas can give you a
more solid foundation for the future.
3/16. One of the trines in the Mystic
Rectangle, between Venus and Mars, comes exact today. When the classic male and
female planets connect so easily, it bodes well for relationships, sexuality and
creative expression. (And will be particularly refreshing after yesterday's
Venus-Saturn opposition!)
3/17. Today's Mercury-Saturn opposition,
yet another Mystic Rectangle component, is especially well set up for Mercury's
preferred activities of writing, speaking and teaching. Mercury is especially
receptive to divine inspiration in Pisces, and Saturn radiates discipline,
structure and attention to detail due to its placement in Virgo. As long as you
let the complete creative download come through before you go into tweak mode,
this can be an excellent aspect for getting out the work!
3/18. Mars, which trines Mercury today
(the next-to-last Mystic Rectangle component we'll be discussing), adds energy
to yesterday's Mercury-Saturn opposition. Mercury-Mars aspects have also been
known to promote "foot in mouth syndrome," so be sure to think before you
speak!
3/20. Welcome back, Spring! Yes, today
marks the SPRING EQUINOX as the sun
enters Aries -- a great time for us humans to make new beginnings along with
nature. Join some fellow revelers in a reawakening ceremony, and seriously
consider a physical detox to flush out those accumulated winter toxins!
The day is made even brighter by the magical and inspiring quintile
between the Sun and Jupiter, the solar system’s most expansive and inspiring
planet.
3/21. What exquisite timing: the day
after we enter the year's most powerful time for new beginnings, the Sun squares
Pluto, the bringer of transformation! The square, which represents challenge for
growth, can feel like an itch that needs to be scratched. So embrace whatever
changes need to happen in your life now, especially since resisting them will
only bring suffering!
The timing gets even better when you factor in today's
FULL MOON at 2° Libra. This is a great
time to reevaluate relationships, creative expression, and the presence (or
absence) of beauty, harmony and balance in your life. In addition, this Full
Moon’s Sabian Symbol is, "The transmutation of the fruits of past experiences
into the seed-realizations of the forever creative spirit.” Today's Sun-Pluto
square definitely radiates "transmutation," reflecting on "past experiences" is
an ideal Full Moon activity, and making adjustments to your ongoing goals
definitely plants new seeds of realization. And "forever creative spirit"
definitely betokens high-vibration energy!
3/22. A
T-SQUARE peaks today, with the Sun’s square to the Mars-Pluto
opposition rekindling some of its waning energy. See the 3/7 entry for a
refresher on this opposition, and use it on the high side while this T-square is
active the 17th thru 25th.
3/23. High enthusiasm (Aries Sun) may
hit some kind of roadblock today (quincunx to Saturn). Today's two other aspects
(Pluto quintiling both Venus and Mercury) may give a clue on how to get around
the obstruction: communicating harmoniously and fairly, but with great
underlying power.
3/24. Mercury and Venus -- the final
components of the Mystic Rectangle in this month's forecast -- are conjunct
today in Pisces. You can use them for harmonious communication, creative
writing, dialogue with Spirit, and/or visualizing business success.
3/25-26. Mercury and Venus quintile
Ceres on these days. This is a great time to observe how your dominant thoughts
affect both your relationships and your self-esteem.
3/27.
MERCURY-URANUS CONJUNCTION. Mercury and Uranus have a special
relationship: Mercury represents rational thinking, while Uranus throws the
lightning bolts of sudden insight. They’re conjunct in the spiritual sign of
Pisces today, making it a great time to catch those intuitive flashes and see
for yourself why they’re so much more accurate than limited, labored left-brain
logic!
Jupiter expands and supports this merging with a sextile to Mercury,
which is also good for sales and business activities.
3/28. Venus is right on Mercury’s heels,
establishing her own Uranus conjunction and Jupiter sextile today. This makes
the time ripe for positive paradigm shifts in relationships and creativity.
Today also marks the peak of a long
JUPITER-URANUS SEXTILE, strongest 2/26 thru 6/22 (and returning for
an encore throughout November). This aspect energizes the forces behind the Law
of Attraction: Uranus is in Pisces (imagination, visualization), while Jupiter
is in Capricorn (manifestation, making it real). Thus, this is a powerful time
to be holding the vision of that which you desire while doing the physical work
to make it happen. (And a good time to remember that worry is a sincere prayer
for what you do not want!)
Uranus' involvement is a reminder to not just program from your
personality, but to actively listen for the intuitive flashes that will tell you
what Spirit would like you to accomplish. Any Jupiter-Uranus aspect can help
energize a revolution in your philosophy or spiritual path, and all the energies
involved here can help you create a life a little bit more like heaven on
earth.
3/29. Ceres enters Gemini today thru
6/10, combining the archetypes of value and information. Good ways to use this
include learning more about finance and observing how a thing’s perceived value
can shift so much with a simple change of thought.
3/30. The Sun in Aries squares Mars
today, broadcasting a strong dose of Pioneer/Warrior energy. With Mars in
Cancer, be sure that your efforts to nurture or heal aren't so aggressive that
they do more harm than good! It is, however, a powerful day for new beginnings
as long as you keep your energy on the high side.
* Marc Edmund Jones created or discovered the Sabian Symbols with the
assistance of the clairvoyant Elsie Wheeler in 1925, and in 1953 he published
The Sabian Symbols In Astrology, a book that renders a specific symbol and
interpretive character for each of the 360 degrees of the zodiac. These symbols
have gained broad acknowledgment by way of their usage throughout the
astrological world. (Footnote courtesy of
wikipedia.org)
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The overall "cosmic
weather" affecting everyone
It’s All Good Astrology
February 2008
by Benjamin Bernstein
Whatever
your sun sign, this forecast will help you choose how to best use each month’s
astrological energies! Events are most powerful on the dates listed. However,
their influence will be active for at least several days before and after. All
dates and times are in the U.S. eastern time zone.
While everyone is affected by these global transits, you will be most powerfully
impacted when moving planets activate natal planets and other sensitive points
in your birth chart.
2/1. What luckier way to open the month
than with the two classic benefics – Venus and Jupiter – conjoining? Beyond the
general vibe of good fortune, this conjunction also speaks of good fortune in
relationship, expanded creativity, and – because they're coming together in
Capricorn – good financial and business prospects as well. Make hay while the
sun shines!
2/2. Turn your mind to meditation or
creative receptivity as Mercury conjuncts Neptune today. Rational thought
processes can get a bit fuzzy with this combination, so err on the side of
intuitive decision-making instead. Since this conjunction is in Aquarius, a
flash or two of inspiration isn't out of the question either!
2/4. Venus, still closely conjunct lucky
Jupiter (see 2/1), trines Ceres today. Venus and Ceres can both represent things
of value – including money and self-esteem – so you have support in both of
these areas today!
2/5. Today's Sun-Chiron conjunction
gives you the opportunity to shine light into any of the following areas:
childhood wounds, mentorship given or received, alternative healing or
fine-tuning. Pick any or all!
2/6. Today's
ANNULAR SOLAR ECLIPSE (visible in part
of Australia, all of New Zealand and most of Antarctica), which is also a
NEW MOON, hits at 18° Aquarius today.
The New Moon is at 10:43 p.m. US Eastern time, while the eclipse peaks a few
minutes later at 10:55 p.m.
New Moon eclipses are much more powerful than ordinary New Moons. Anyone
can use this Aquarian New Moon for new beginnings in individuation,
humanitarianism and scientific or technical endeavors, or for letting their
"freak flag" fly more proudly.
For additional insights into how you can optimize this energy, examine
your natal chart to see which house the eclipse is in, and what sensitive points
around 18° Aquarius, Leo, Taurus or Scorpio are being affected by it.
The Sun and Mercury also cross paths today. This should help to sharpen
up your brain and burn away any mental fog that may have been caused by the
Mercury-Neptune conjunction on 2/2!
Finally, today's Venus-Uranus sextile may help open you to fresh
insights on how to make relationships more grounded or productive, and/or how to
make some money!
2/7. Two completely different aspects
give a similar message today. You can use both the Mars-Saturn quintile and the
Mercury-Chiron conjunction to give strong, consistent energy to learning,
writing, teaching and other forms of communication.
2/10. Ah yes – the annual conjunction of
the Sun and Neptune. A magnificent time for dissolving into the union of Divine
Bliss, or receiving the creative bounty of the Muse! Focusing in these areas
will also keep you from being pulled into Neptune's darker side: negative
escapism such as overuse of drugs or alcohol, or zoning out with too much TV,
sex, food or Internet!
2/13. imagine one of those flashing
signs on the highway lit up with the following message: RELATIONSHIPS &
CREATIVITY <blink> ADJUSTMENT REQUIRED. That's the basic message of today's
Venus-Mars quincunx. Challenging though this 150° angle can be, it also offers
great rewards. If you're able to make the required adjustment, you can create a
magical connection with your beloved or your Muse!
2/14. So here it is, the one day of the
year specifically devoted to romance (in the USA, at least). And who better to
represent Cupid's arrow then the arrow-pointed glyph of Mars? The ruler of Aries
also represents the passionate fire of love, and he gains additional energy
today from his easy-flowing trine to the Sun. if you successfully negotiated
whatever issues might have come up yesterday (see 2/13), you could well be set
up for a very passionate Valentine's Day!
2/17. Venus enters Aquarius today
through 3/12. It’s a good time to strive for true equality in relationship, as
well as experimenting with relationship structures outside the norm. Finding
your true, one-of-a-kind creative vision can also be easier during this time.
2/18. MERCURY GOES DIRECT late today at
9:58 p.m. US Eastern time, clearing at least one obstacle to the initiation of
major new projects. (To ensure optimal timing of important new initiatives, be
sure to consult your astrologer!)
Just to add creative inspiration to whatever you're kicking off, a
GOLDEN YOD peaks today. This magical
aspect pattern lasts the 16th thru the 19th, and features Mars and Saturn
focusing their composite "Energizer Bunny" energy onto Venus. See the 2/17 entry
to see what Venusian opportunities the Golden yod is enhancing!
2/19. The Sun enters Pisces at 1:49 a.m.
US Eastern time, where it will remain until it enters Aries on March 20. Until
then, the Sun radiates the energy of the poet, the mystic and the dreamer. Your
ability to access the realms beyond the physical plane -- be they spiritual or
creative -- is enhanced. In the grand archetypal scheme, Pisces is the optimal
time to receive visions. You can then put them into action under the initiating
power of Aries.
2/20. Eclipses typically come in pairs
two weeks apart, which is why today's TOTAL
LUNAR ECLIPSE follows so close behind the Solar Eclipse on the 6th.
This eclipse, at 2° Virgo, will be visible throughout most of the Americas as
well as western Europe. The eclipse is exact at 10:26 p.m. US Eastern time,
immediately followed by the FULL MOON
at 10:31 p.m.
Full Moons are time to take stock of how you're doing -- in this case,
in the areas of service, detail work, health and daily habits. Because of the
eclipse, the downstream effects of the adjustments you make now will have
unusually powerful ramifications.
For additional insights into how you can optimize this eclipse energy,
examine your natal chart to see which house the eclipse is in, and what
sensitive points around 2° Virgo, Pisces, Gemini or Sagittarius are being
aspected by it.
2/21. It's time for another reality
check on relationships and creativity as Venus quincunxes Saturn. With Venus in
Aquarius, keep your feelers out for solutions to problems that you haven't tried
before!
2/24. It's easy to space out a bit with
the Sun in Pisces, but today's Sun-Saturn opposition should help bring you back
to Earth. This aspect embodies the energy of the Law of Attraction -- the Sun in
Pisces (visualization, imagination) opposing Saturn (physical manifestation) --
so it's a great time to focus on creating the reality you desire. Just be sure
to do something -- Saturn supports and energizes hard work, but can weigh you
down with melancholy or depression when left unharnessed!
2/26. It's a great day for one-on-one
communication with Mercury conjunct Venus. Creative writing and harmonious
thinking are also well supported.
Go to top of page
The overall "cosmic
weather" affecting everyone
It’s All Good Astrology
January 2008
by Benjamin Bernstein
Whatever
your sun sign, this forecast will help you choose how to best use each month’s
astrological energies! Events are most powerful on the dates listed. However,
their influence will be active for at least several days before and after. All
dates and times are in the U.S. eastern time zone.
While everyone is affected by these global transits, you will be most powerfully
impacted when moving planets activate natal planets and other sensitive points
in your birth chart.
1/1. A business-friendly
GRAND TRINE peaked
yesterday, composed of three planets with financial themes: Saturn, Ceres and
the Capricornian Sun. The fact that the Grand Trine is in earth -- the element
most associated with business and money -- adds to its power. You can ride this
energy to success 12/24 thru 1/6. Not so financially focused? You can still
enjoy the Grand Trine’s grounding and stabilizing effect.
NOTE: There’s another business-friendly Grand Trine that lasts all
month, and then some! See the 1/21 entry for details.
1/2.
Are you feeling lucky? Try not to hear Clint Eastwood saying it, because, with
Jupiter quintiling Uranus, it's a real possibility today! Jupiter is the planet
most associated with good fortune, Uranus can bring sudden and unexpected
events, and the quintile is the angle of magic and divine inspiration. With
Jupiter in Capricorn, however, it may take some effort on your part to bring
potential blessings into full manifestation.
Great power can be unleashed -- for good or ill -- with today's
Mars-Pluto opposition. Rather than giving in to its dark side -- violence,
anger, volcanic rage -- you can choose instead to make a powerful and positive
new beginning. With Mars in Gemini, energized learning, teaching and writing
could all be great choices.
1/6. A Venus-Saturn square is always
good for some relationship challenges. This is never fun, but it is very useful
for bringing problems to light so they can be worked through, and it’s also good
for identifying relationships that may have outlived their usefulness. Venus
also quintiles Neptune today, joining the two most creative planets with the
angle of creativity! Possible combined effects of these two Venus aspects
include easily receiving intuitive insights that can heal relationship issues
and being motivated to work diligently at manifesting your creative visions.
It's also a great day to work with the Law of Attraction!
Communication may not be easy today -- not with Mercury in tight-lipped
Capricorn quincunxing retrograde Mars in Gemini. Be prepared to make whatever
adjustments are necessary to get important conversations started.
1/7. Mercury enters Aquarius today for
an unusually long stay through March 14 (prolonged by its Aquarian retrograde
1/28 through 2/18). This is a time when intuitive flashes can come more easily
-- Mercury represents rational mind, while Aquarius represents the instantaneous
insights that our limited human brains can receive from omniscient Higher Mind.
1/8. This month's
NEW MOON occurs at 6:37
a.m. U.S. eastern time at 17°33’ Capricorn. It's a great time to set new plans
in motion around work, productivity and being recognized for your efforts.
1/9. The first of two
GOLDEN YODS in
January peaks today, with quintiling Saturn and Mars both biquintiling Mercury.
Golden Yods make it easier to receive divine inspiration and access heightened
levels of creativity. In this case, learning, writing, and communicating (Mars
in Gemini, Mercury at the Golden Yod’s apex) get the juice, while Saturn in
Virgo will help you bring structure to what you're doing. This Golden Yod is
active the 8th thru the 11th.
1/11.
With Venus sextile Chiron, it's a good time to fine-tune relationships or
creativity. It's also a good time to "sit at the feet of the master."
1/12. I hope you're not too attached
to any fine-tuning you did in your relationships or creativity yesterday -- with
Venus square Uranus, all bets are off if it's time for a new paradigm shift!
Deliberately set aside some quiet time to receive intuitive flashes in these
areas, or they may be hard to receive. (Click
here for my article on how to channel information from your
Higher Self.) And have the courage to act on the intuitive insights you receive,
even if you initially resist them.
1/13. Communication could be little
challenging today (Mercury quincunx Saturn), so be willing to make the extra
effort to understand and be understood. With that in mind, the energies of two
separate aspects (Venus biquintile Ceres, Mars quintile Saturn) indicate that it
can be a great time for doing business.
1/16. Here are three great ways to use
today's Venus-Neptune sextile: receive creative inspiration, deepen your
relationship with your Higher Self, or deepen a soul-level connection with a
physically incarnate being.
1/17. The annual conjunction of
Mercury and Chiron is always a great time for organizing your mind, or the
things you've created with it (writing, for example). Because they're coming
together in Aquarius, be sure to leave room for the occasional right-brain
intuitive flash in the midst of all that left-brain logic!
1/19. The classic relationship planets
(Venus and Mars), come together today in the angle of relationship (the
opposition). Under this energy, relationships can be initiated, empowered,
adjusted and/or ended. Whichever of these directions you may be leaning in, I
would take Mars’ current retrograde into account and reflect carefully before
taking action.
1/20. The Sun enters Aquarius today,
radiating the energy of individualism, humanitarianism, genius and "letting your
freak flag fly" until it enters Pisces on February 19.
1/21. A business-friendly and
unusually long-lived
GRAND TRINE peaks today, at the same
time as two of its members, Jupiter and Saturn, make their trine exact. (The
third planet is Ceres.) This grand trine lasts from December 31 through February
3.
Why is this Grand Trine is so good for commercial activity? For
starters, all three planets are in earth, the element most powerfully associated
with business. In addition, all the planets have obvious business associations:
Jupiter and Saturn are the workhorses of business astrology, while Ceres carries
the Taurean meaning of money earned through your own efforts. Finally, the Grand
Trine configuration means that all these energies flow together easily. By
applying consistent effort to your business endeavors, even if it doesn't always
seem necessary, you can be sure to milk this potentially rewarding energy for
all it's worth!
1/22. January's other
GOLDEN YOD peaks today.
The back end -- a Saturn-Mars quintile -- is the same as the one that peaked on
the 9th, but they’re now sending biquintiles to the Aquarian Sun instead of
Mercury. Making time for spirituality and/or creativity should boost your
vitality while this Golden Yod is active, especially if you do these things in
exactly the way that they best fit you. This Golden Yod is active the 19th
thru the 23rd.
January's FULL
MOON occurs today at 8:35 a.m. U.S.
eastern time at 1°54' Leo. Consider how" full-filled" you are in shining your
creativity or leadership into the world, as well as how much you're interacting
with kids, taking enough time to relax and have fun, and engaging in appropriate
levels of calculated risk. Make adjustments as needed.
Mercury conjuncts Neptune today. To whatever degree your thinking seems
fuzzy or clouded, the same degree of opportunity exists to receive the flow of
intuitive certainty. Bottom line: try to let your Higher Self do the thinking
today!
1/24. It's all about Venus today, as
she both conjuncts Pluto and enters Capricorn through February 17. One combined
impact of these events can be to transform relationships to make them more
productive, or release them altogether if they prove impractical. There are also
strong financial possibilities: Venus can stand for money, just as Pluto can
represent massive wealth. Put them together in Capricorn -- the sign of doing
business -- and the sky's the limit!
This period of enhanced financial opportunity is actually extended,
since Venus “carries” Pluto's energy over to Jupiter thru February 1. But, as
with all transits, these energies work best when you consciously use them to
make something happen!
1/25. PLUTO'S ENTRY INTO CAPRICORN,
which begins today, is probably the most important astrological event of 2008.
When Pluto changes signs -- which only happens every 12 to 20 years -- it
signals profound transformations in the areas of life which relate to that sign.
Just look at one example of what's happened since Pluto made its prior
sign change, entering Sagittarius in 1995. One thing Sagittarius represents is
religion. Since 1995, the Catholic Church has weathered a huge scandal involving
the sexual abuse of children by priests, and numerous fundamentalist megachurch
preachers have been ruined by scandal. (Pluto loves to bring hidden dirty doings
out into the light!) In a more positive vein, there has been an
ever-accelerating sea change in how more and more people now approach
spirituality, abandoning more intellectual or emotional approaches in favor of
direct, conscious and transformative union with Spirit.
So what can we expect as Pluto transits Capricorn for the next 16 years?
For one thing, even more exposure of the hidden dirty doings of big business –
the huge multinationals, in particular. Capricorn also represents the underlying
structure of things – it rules the skeleton, for example – and is an earth sign.
Thus, Capricorn can represent the core structure of the Earth itself. Pluto,
representing death and rebirth, gives a clear and sobering message at this
critical moment in history: either humans need to positively restructure how
they interact with the global ecosystem, or death and destruction on a
cataclysmic scale will result. And there is no guarantee that humans will be
among the surviving species.
Heavy stuff, I know, but Capricorn is a no-nonsense,
let's-deal-with-the-facts kind of sign, and it is not Pluto's habit to sugarcoat
hard truths. Let's just hope that the United States, China and the other major
contributors to climate change quickly embrace the radical paradigm shifts
needed to ensure that the Earth continues to possess a habitable ecosystem.
1/27. If you're milking Venus’
financial and business possibilities (see 1/24), then be especially attentive to
any flashes of inspiration as Venus quintiles Uranus today. Otherwise, Uranus'
intuitive flashes are more likely to contain insights related to creativity or
relationships.
1/28.
MERCURY RETROGRADE.
Mercury is back (and backing) for a three-week retrograde, lasting from 3:31
p.m. U.S. eastern time today (around 24° Aquarius) until 9:58 p.m. on 2/18,
where The Trickster shifts into drive again (around 8° Aquarius). As always,
communications, technology and travel are more prone to glitches during this
time, and it's best not to start major new projects if you can avoid it. You can
use this time positively by reflecting on how well you're fulfilling your core
needs, reassessing your technological tools, and meditating on how you can
contribute more to the common good.
1/29. It's nice to have a transit once
in a while that specifically about stabilizing relationships! That's a great way
to use today's Venus-Saturn trine. Creative types can also use it to groove into
some consistent productivity.
1/30. MARS GOES DIRECT
today, finishing a two-and-a-half-month retrograde that started on 11/15. Taken
in isolation, this represents a green light to kick into gear with all the plans
you've been cooking up since mid-November. Personally, however, I'd wait at
least until 2/19 when Mercury is direct again!
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QUICK GLOSSARY OF ASTROLOGICAL ASPECTS
Conjunction. Two planets in the same place (0°
apart). Union; merging.
Opposition.
Two planets opposite each other (180º apart). Opposition; relationship.
Square.
90° angle. Conflict; challenge for growth.
Trine.
120° angle. Easy, flowing connection.
Sextile.
60° angle. Flowing, high-energy connection.
Quincunx. 150° angle. Difficulty making connection; adjustment required.
Quintile.
72° angle. Inspiring, creative connection.
Biquintile.
144° angle. Like a quintile, but more subtle.
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