When Mercury is retrograde, we all know the drill. We brace ourselves for communication or travel hiccups, we avoid signing documents, and we back up our computer files. We know that when planets are retrograde, things tend to go awry. … Read More…
July 8, 2020: Yes, the following bi-wheel of natal horoscopes, Donald’s (1946) with Fred Trump’s (1905) looks messy thanks to my scribbled notes but so was their relationship as we’re learning from Mary Trump’s soon-to-be-released book (July 14th). The most intense and telling planetary aspect between them has to be Fred’s Pluto (*22Gem40 Rx) conjunct little son Donnie’s tender Sun (ego), a
When it comes to the zodiac, “I am a ______________, therefore I am __________, ____________, and ___________” is an incomplete line of thinking. What we must realize is this : being born under a certain sign doesn’t “make” you anything in particular. From this astrologer’s viewpoint, the signs suggest a set of instructions or questions from the universe. Our job is to decode and follow the instructions while answering the questions in hopes that it will lead us to MORE questions.
Our Sun signs are something we grow into. They are a challenge and a demand. We’re never static. So, in essence, we’re a human “becoming” rather than a human being. Our signs reflect the potential in this process.
I’ve put together some questions for every sign of the zodiac in hopes that they may serve as food for thought on how we may develop ourselves and eventually manifest more and more of the potential.
Aries: What can I do to find my courage? What’s my idea of adventure? In what manner do I need to take risks? What summons the warrior within?
Taurus: What’s my personal definition of security? What benefits will change have in my life? In what ways can I enjoy my body? How can I maximize material resources and feel like I’m not being ultra possessive?
Gemini: In what areas of life can I infuse a youthful and inquisitive spirit? How can I effectively deal with duality? Where in life do I need to be most flexible and adaptable?
Cancer: How can I let my intuition work for me? How can I tap into my deep reservoir of emotional sensitivity? What’s the most constructive method of letting go what no longer serves me? What are some methods of self care I can employ to have a healthy relationship with myself?
Leo: What activities bring me a deep sense of joy? What feels like “play” to me? How can I creatively express my unique self? How do I gain a sense of unshakable self-confidence? What are my internal standards for self validation?
Virgo: How can I be useful in this world? What’s the best way to develop skills of analysis and discrimination? How can I nurture my potential healing abilities?
Libra: How do I find a sense of equilibrium and harmony in my life? What part does social acceptance play in my behavior? What are some constructive ways to maintain my individuality within the framework of an intimate relationship?
Scorpio: What stirs my passions? What resonates with the deepest part of my being? How do I integrate my shadow and use it to constructive ends? What does sex mean to me, and how is it woven into my psyche? Where are my vulnerabilities? What’s the best way to honor my sense of privacy?
Sagittarius: What gives my life meaning? What’s my purpose in this world? How can I understand life holistically and construct a personal philosophy? How can I take theory and put it into practice?
Capricorn: What’s the best route to making things happen? What’s the most effective strategy I can employ for achieving my goals? How can I serve as a model for integrity?
Aquarius: What makes me a unique person? How can I harness my individual talents and use them for the advancement of humanity? In what ways do I wish to challenge the traditional standards of social convention?
Pisces: How can I turn my dreams into concrete reality? What’s the best way to be effective while working in the intangible world? What’s the best route to embracing self-honesty and eliminating self-deception? How can I connect with the spiritual source? What inspires my creativity? In what way can my capacity for empathy be used to serve others?
I was asked how a person might overcome childhood abuse. When a parent abuses a child, it’s as if he or she sets them on a track like a train. If that train does not work to jump that track, … Read More…
Mercury in Cancer will turn direct on Sunday morning, July 12th. You can expect things to quicken, almost immediately. It’s because once the planet reverses course, it will be closing a square with Mars in Aries. I think this will … Read More…
I’ve published my newsletter for more than ten years. I’ve really come to enjoy writing it. It’s evolved and become a great (creative) outlet for me. Currently, my letter is sent three times a week. It’s meant to inform, entertain … Read More…
We are now post-eclipse(s). We’ve made it through the ‘eclipse portal’ and out the other side. This has been like moving through a birth canal and we are now in new territory. Openyour eyes. Look around. We are not in Kansas any longer Toto! It may take some time to figure out where exactly we have landed and what has shifted. Look to see what area of your chart is effected (see top of blog under ‘Houses’) Has something new birthed in you? Are you feeling a change in the atmosphere?
Eclipses can be intense- they often mark powerful turning points, and this year’s group of eclipses herald a particularity potent and powerful wake up call, as the metaphorical ground beneath our feet continues to shudder and shake. Some are calling this the single most important year of our lifetime; it promises not only a majour paradigm shift – but also a systems shift, a physical shift, an emotional shift – and- best of all – a spiritual shift. Pay attention to that inner voice that is getting stronger and stronger…
The choices we make now have an increased impact; we are powerful beings. We may not know it = but by the end of this year we will look back to see from where we came and be surprised to see how much we really have changed inside and out. The Solstice eclipse was on the world axis ( 0 degrees Cancer) where the personal becomes political, meaning how we act and think and feel adds to the atmosphere, creating a ripple effect out onto the whole planet. We are all linked together. We are the world. We are the people. We are us. No one can tell you how you should be acting or feeling (though they will try) – we all have our part to play. Maybe you’re the props person, maybe you’re in costumes, you could be centre stage, or perhaps you do makeup. Everyone who is here is part of the production. Maybe your just a witness. Every play needs an audience.
Whatever your story- the Full Moon eclipse late Saturday night in NA and early Sunday in UK marked a new chapter, another critical turning point in the ongoing drama (karmic reckoning) we are in. Key players at this time are Saturn Jupiter Pluto – in the sign of Capricorn). Some are calling these the Covid planets! They are a big part of the show right now.
The stage is set in Capricorn – where we ‘do’ life on planet earth. The planets being lit up right now are the same ones already bringing huge shifts around our structures, systems, institutions and governments. That’s why this eclipse is so significant. And as it happens, Saturn also rules Capricorn – so it is especially strong. Saturn is our karma; i.e. our lessons, limits, challenges, results of past actions- – all the stuff we need to ‘get’ in this life if we want to evolve which includes growing up and learning to take responsibility. It recently moved into – then back out of Aquarius – which is about our groups, ideals, and collective lessons. So many marches and protests have amped up globally around the need to reform and rebuild our social systems (more Aquarius)
All while Pluto is trying to dismantle them lol. I know it’s not really that funny. Then again, a sense of humour might just be what is needed to get us through all this stuff. Saturn itself tends to be a bit dour and humourless, but luckily, sitting right beside him is Jupiter, the jovial planet. Jupiter wants us to expand and play and have fun, and to learn in a joyful way. That’s a little tricky as the shit hits the fan – but we really do need to take breaks from the heaviness, to walk in nature, play with our kids, have a laugh. We’re no good to anyone when we’re down in the dumps. Which is not to diminish the seriousness of what’s going on; thiings are bloody intense as we simultaneously and collectively experience the death of the old (self, age, planet – take your pick) alongside the birth pangs of a new future. It’s going to take some doing to get through and out the other end – but there’s no going back; the change has begun.
This Full Moon eclipse in Capricorn can bring up past actions that are coming back to show us where we’ve taken wrong turns, and where we need to make corrections and face the results of our choices. Saturn and Pluto together can instill fear and dread – they bring up issues around death and mortality. We are all very vulnerable, as well as highly reactive. Mars warrior planet is stirring things up big time; it is feisty, impatient and ready to go to war. and the volatility will continue and even increase throughout the coming months.
Meditation is an important tool to help us stay centred and grounded. If we take time to stop and tune in- there is a window open to the soul and the light is pouring in. This is where we will find our stability. Stuff on the outside is going to continue to be crazy for a while.
There are also powerful spiritual forces at work (thank goodness) that can lift us up, even as we are being broken down. I am finding my daily meditation practice is critical to stay out of all the control dramas- sometimes I succeed and sometimes I fail. I’ve got caught in a few online conflicts that served to remind me of the danger of my own ego. Really appreciating long walks in nature to replenish and reconnect to the earth. And I don’t know about you, but I’m finding that too much time online can really fry my brain!
Self-care is critical right now. With the Sun in Cancer and an eclipsed Moon – our emotions are on edge and we need to find ways to nurture ourselves and each other. The more pressure we are under the more it brings out the shadow, the unresolved and un-integrated parts of our own psyche. Authority issues abound! Projection is rife. Remember that the very things you react the most in others is usually what you really need to have a look at in yourself. We all need to give each other a lot of elbow room right now, put aside our keyboard-warrior shield of invisibility, and try to understand other points of view.
Or – stay out of it. Be quiet. Be the witness. So much to learn eh?
The potential right now is for a majour leap in human evolution. Uranus (the awakener) brings unexpected aha moments, intuitive insights and link us via this eclipse to the higher mind. Sudden endings and radical changes that occur may force us to take new paths or find new ways of imagining our way forward.
Some part of us always wants to go back to the comfort of the familiar. Cancerians tend to dwell on the past – and at this time there are many planets retrograde – putting us into a process of reflect and review. Its kind of like two steps back – three steps forward – four steps sideways and back again! The visit to the past is for healing and integration- we don’t get to stay there , cause, we can’t.
What’s also interesting is that this eclipse is occurring on the birthday of the US chart – which is currently having its Pluto return. That means Pluto sits opposite the Sun in the original US chart – symbolizing the revolution and power struggles that lay at the very foundation of that once powerful country. When a planet comes back to its original spot – we have to revisit that energy, and integrate it in someway – so that we can move forward in a different manner. I find it ironic that the US was formed via a revolution to break away from an oppressive power (Britain) and now have become what they were trying to get away from; the so-called most powerful country in the world is coming full circle and has to face it’s own power issues. I am not a political pundit – but anyone can see the USA is going through tremendous change and upheaval right now, and it will be very interesting to see if this eclipse will trigger some sort of dramatic event. Eclipses ripple out for months, so we will have to wait and see.
Meanwhile, for us as individuals, the keywords for Capricorn are integrity, maturity and responsibility. Part of growing up means facing and healing traumas and lessons we have avoided till now. Its time to wipe the slate clean. There’s a strength to Capricorn’s which can help us through tough times, though it can easily become rigid, harsh and armored. At their best, Capricorns are the people you want to have to lean on in a storm. They are deeply committed and true blue – they always come through for you.
Venus, planet of love , is also an ally in the fight for equilibrium. Now it is finally moving forward after several weeks going backward, it reminds us that love is a powerful and redeeming force for good. Some say love is the source of the universe. Makes sense to me. Neptune is the higher octave of Venus- and of love- representing a higher consciousness that helps us tap into our infinite self and move beyond our petty egos. There is a part of us that knows who we are- and understands that we are all connected.
Neptune also brings compassion – which often arises out of the very suffering we try to avoid. Add Jupiter – our expanded self – and perhaps we can start to see the bigger picture.
The Sun in emotional Cancer wants us to feel deeply, and helps us to care for each other by countering Mars antagonisms and knee-jerk emotions. What is being eclipsed now is the false sense of separation that has dominated the planet and each of us for too long. We are not really separate. We are one.
At the end of the year all of these powerful karmic planets will be shifting into Aquarius for good. This really is the dawning of the age of Aquarius. We are in the growing pains and its tough; there’s no denying it. But we will get there.
When Mercury is retrograde, we all know the drill. We brace ourselves for communication or travel hiccups, we avoid signing documents, and we back up our computer files. We know that when planets are retrograde, things tend to go awry. … Read More…
