Another Mercury retrograde has come and gone, and we are hopefully none the worse for the wear. I observed this latest Mercurial hiatus with great amusement (I chose the best feeling vibration accessible) as the world went a bit wacky around me. I don’t know about your experience, but this latest retrograde session seemed to be a particularly rambunctious one, leading many to believe that our planetary director of communications, thought processes and transportation had bailed on us for good! Well, we can all relax because as of September 29, Mercury’s back from holiday, and after taking a few days to unpack and re-acclimate himself, he’ll be back on the job setting things in order.
The big news this month has to do with both our cosmic “fathers”; the indulgent, expansive Jupiter, and Saturn, our disciplinarian planetary patriarch.
First of all Jupiter, who has been retrograde in Aquarius since June 15, will return to his forward movement in Aquarius on October 13. This is good news for many who have wondered why they felt a bit more restricted in the realm of enterprise and spirituality than usual. As with any planetary interaction, however, Jupiter taking a four-month hiatus gives us a unique opportunity to take a pause in our quest for fortune and expansion, turning inward to reevaluate our direction and to reassess our beliefs and values. It is in this period of reflection that we can fine-tune our methods, reorganize our plans, and reexamine our objectives.
Jupiter in Aquarius brings humanitarianism, unconventional solutions to long-standing problems and a bit of rebellion against the typical ways of doing things. If you’ve wondered what happened to the exciting momentum of change we were experiencing before June in our lives, our country, and our world, take heart; we’ll be returning to our collective forward movement this month with a bit more clarity, wisdom, structure and fortitude. To use politics for example, although it seems that we lost a bit of cohesion there for awhile; experienced by a great deal of uncertainty and in-fighting among our leadership, we actually really needed this pause in activity to hone and modify our methodologies, so that this great change we are initiating can be more effectively implemented, and have lasting beneficial results.
So if you’ve experienced a loss of confidence in the direction things have been moving on Barack Obama’s watch, hang in there. A stronger sense of hope is in the offing. Jupiter’s return to forward motion will bring about a renewed faith and enthusiasm in his leadership, and we’ll begin to see a more polished, perfected system being put into action.
Next we have Saturn, the much-maligned, yet highly beneficial patriarch that provides the structure we need to bring our ideas into form, is moving into Libra, the sign of partnership, on October 29. This is significant, since he hasn’t visited Libra for 29½ years. The energy modification that occurs when this takes place is a shift from a focus on self, which took place with Saturn spending the past 2½ years in Virgo, to a focus on relationships. With Saturn in Virgo, we have learned the art of self-nurturing, self-focus, and self-connection. This period of a spotlight on Self has been in preparation to now successfully welcome a partner into our lives.
When in solitude, our personal evolution is limited. It is through sharing, relating and making strong connections with others that we can grow as individuals, and Saturn will bring this wisdom to light in the next 2½ years. We will now come to realize that we can commit to a partner, while still maintaining our own sense of integrity within that partnership. Saturn will teach us, through our partnerships, where we need to make the necessary shifts, how we can make these shifts and where we have already grown in the realm of relationships and hadn’t really realized it on our own.
Saturn in Libra helps us to undertake the joy of building something substantial within our lives that involves true partnership, and the sharing of responsibility. As an Air sign, Libra puts a great deal of thought into action, and with Saturn here, we will learn how to willingly balance our needs with the needs of our partners in order to achieve harmony and stability within our relationships, and in our lives. Here is where we will learn to stand firm in our own sense of self, while sharing our lives with others. It is possible to maintain our individuality, to preserve our sense of personal power, while joining and sharing with another without compromising our values and ideas, and Saturn will teach us how.
We will also learn that oftentimes when we feel confined or lost within our relationships, that it is not actually the relationship or our partners that are confining us, but our own projections that are creating the conflict. It is very likely that what we sense as the demands of our partners are actually products of our own perceptions, and that our partners don’t really have those expectations of us. For example, it is not necessary to take on our lover’s experiences as our own in order to be a caring partner. It is enough to just be present as they experience whatever is challenging them and while they relearn their footing. We can cohabitate with others and not be joined at the hip to them. It is possible to go about our routines with another present, without it hampering our movements in the least. It is a matter of mutual respect and allowing that facilitates this flow. If both partners understand the need for, and agree to nurture and preserve each other’s independence within the scope of the relationship, then true growth and harmony is possible.
Saturn in Libra is bringing us the gift of true partnership; working together to build something beautiful and fulfilling, while maintaining our own autonomy and freedom. Personally, I am in great appreciation of this opportunity, and choose to welcome its energy in my life.
Namaste.
Showing posts with label Aquarius. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Aquarius. Show all posts
Friday, October 2, 2009
Sunday, August 2, 2009
A Lunar Celebration
Aquarians and Leos can soon do the happy dance; the Lunar eclipse in early August, affecting both signs directly, will be the last one in our signs for eight years. Not that eclipses are bad or anything…nothing is truly bad, per se. It’s just that the challenges we face during these celestial events can make us feel a little wuggy at times.
Eclipses always denote change…whether we like it or not. While both fixed signs, Aquarius and Leo tend to deal with change a bit differently. As Aquarius is naturally ruled by Uranus, change is our middle name. Well-adjusted (or perhaps well-acclimated is a more apt term) Aquarians have learned to actually thrive on it, finding excitement in a more dynamic environment.
Leos, however, are ruled by the Sun. They like being the center of their universes; calling all the shots, and get very uncomfortable when some uninvited celestial event comes along and shakes up their carefully constructed kingdoms. What Leo would do well to accept is that change is inevitable, even constructive. When change comes along and shakes things up a bit, we get to see the silverfish and other hidden varmints that have settled into the carpets of our psyches and can choose to finally be rid of them once and for all. A good spiritual, mental and emotional housecleaning is just the ticket for freeing us from all that clutter and self-imposed bondage.
So try not to practice avoidance maneuvers by shoving your faces firmly into the cushions of your thrones (Leo), or hiding away in your science labs (Aquarius) when the Lunar eclipse of August 5th rolls around. A much more joyful (and constructive) way of experiencing it is to join forces and throw one smashingly exceptional eclipse party! I’m game, how about you?
Leos, this is your queue to take the offered hand of that lovely Aquarian who’s been smiling at you with adventure in her (or his) eyes, let your hair down and run free with it to your heart’s content. You might be happily surprised at the outcome!
Okay, now just because I’ve been highlighting Aquarians and Leos for a few paragraphs doesn’t mean that everyone else is off the hook, so you other signs need to snap to attention here. The eclipse will affect everyone in differing ways. Wherever Leo and Aquarius lands in your natal chart, and whether the eclipse aspects any planets in your chart will denote the profound shifts that you can expect in your own lives.
For instance, if the eclipse aspects your Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus and/or Mars, the changes you can expect will be personal in nature. The house placement of each planet influenced will show what areas of your life these changes will occur in. Any aspects occurring on your outer planets will be more generational or global in nature. (Hint: This would be a very good time to contact an astrologer for more concrete information on how it affects you personally.)
What’s important to remember is that change is good. We are not meant to be static, but ever growing and shifting. Change helps us to thrive and continue our forward movement along our path. It’s a good thing. What we resist persists, so try to embrace the energies surrounding this eclipse. Better yet, come join the party that we fearless Aquarians and Leos are throwing…it’s sure to be a blast!
Happy August!
Namaste.
Eclipses always denote change…whether we like it or not. While both fixed signs, Aquarius and Leo tend to deal with change a bit differently. As Aquarius is naturally ruled by Uranus, change is our middle name. Well-adjusted (or perhaps well-acclimated is a more apt term) Aquarians have learned to actually thrive on it, finding excitement in a more dynamic environment.
Leos, however, are ruled by the Sun. They like being the center of their universes; calling all the shots, and get very uncomfortable when some uninvited celestial event comes along and shakes up their carefully constructed kingdoms. What Leo would do well to accept is that change is inevitable, even constructive. When change comes along and shakes things up a bit, we get to see the silverfish and other hidden varmints that have settled into the carpets of our psyches and can choose to finally be rid of them once and for all. A good spiritual, mental and emotional housecleaning is just the ticket for freeing us from all that clutter and self-imposed bondage.
So try not to practice avoidance maneuvers by shoving your faces firmly into the cushions of your thrones (Leo), or hiding away in your science labs (Aquarius) when the Lunar eclipse of August 5th rolls around. A much more joyful (and constructive) way of experiencing it is to join forces and throw one smashingly exceptional eclipse party! I’m game, how about you?
Leos, this is your queue to take the offered hand of that lovely Aquarian who’s been smiling at you with adventure in her (or his) eyes, let your hair down and run free with it to your heart’s content. You might be happily surprised at the outcome!
Okay, now just because I’ve been highlighting Aquarians and Leos for a few paragraphs doesn’t mean that everyone else is off the hook, so you other signs need to snap to attention here. The eclipse will affect everyone in differing ways. Wherever Leo and Aquarius lands in your natal chart, and whether the eclipse aspects any planets in your chart will denote the profound shifts that you can expect in your own lives.
For instance, if the eclipse aspects your Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus and/or Mars, the changes you can expect will be personal in nature. The house placement of each planet influenced will show what areas of your life these changes will occur in. Any aspects occurring on your outer planets will be more generational or global in nature. (Hint: This would be a very good time to contact an astrologer for more concrete information on how it affects you personally.)
What’s important to remember is that change is good. We are not meant to be static, but ever growing and shifting. Change helps us to thrive and continue our forward movement along our path. It’s a good thing. What we resist persists, so try to embrace the energies surrounding this eclipse. Better yet, come join the party that we fearless Aquarians and Leos are throwing…it’s sure to be a blast!
Happy August!
Namaste.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
July’s Celestial Dance
The year so far has been rife with positive, forward movement on a global scale and we’re still going strong in that direction. A few unusual planetary occurrences have been slated for this year, and we’ve already seen a couple. In this article, I will focus on the energies created by the dance of Sun and Moon in eclipse.
This month, we’re experiencing a pairing of both Lunar and Solar eclipses, akin to the duet we experienced in January and February of an Aquarius/Leo energy, which signified a new beginning and a solid shift (finally!) into the much-anticipated Aquarian Age. While we’ll see an encore performance of the Aquarian/Leo pairing of eclipses later this year, this month will see the Lunar/Solar dance take place in the signs Capricorn/Cancer. We’ll witness a prenumbral Lunar eclipse, which will be barely visible with the naked eye, on July 7. If you detect anything at all visually, it will be a slight shading of part of the Moon…however astrologically, there will still be significant effects.
Lunar eclipses signify a period of major changes; the ending of old, outmoded ways of doing things and the beginning of a fresh methodology that promises great benefits if utilized effectively. Emotional by nature, these changes often refer to relationships in one form or another. These changes often have to do with how we relate, and the shifts we create will have lasting results. Emotions tend to be easily triggered, and can inspire upsets and sometimes disoriented feelings. The actions we take will likely bring higher awareness and illumination into ourselves and others. Those of us who like to keep our hearts hidden deep inside may suddenly feel compelled to put it all out on the table, finally freeing ourselves from our self-imposed limitations. This can be healthy on many levels, even if it initially feels strange and uncomfortable. It would be good for us all to ease any tension we may feel by engaging in some form of daily physical exertion to keep the energies moving through us and deepening our connection to the All.
The Solar eclipse in Cancer on July 21 will be a total eclipse, and the Moon will be in her Maiden (New) aspect. This is a time of the powerful union of feminine and masculine energies on all levels; both within and without. It’s a time for nurturing of oneself and others, for rejuvenation, healing and renewal. I’m speaking here of both inner transformation and its outward manifestation; it is our choice what we choose to do with this opportunity, on both a personal and global level. This Solar eclipse is asking us to open ourselves to the promise of unconditional love…the highest level of fearless love that is both healing and freeing. It is our choice whether we choose to utilize this golden opportunity, bravely showing up in our own lives and allowing the healing to happen, or if we choose to let it flow by. What do you think? Are you ready? I know I am.
Namaste.
This month, we’re experiencing a pairing of both Lunar and Solar eclipses, akin to the duet we experienced in January and February of an Aquarius/Leo energy, which signified a new beginning and a solid shift (finally!) into the much-anticipated Aquarian Age. While we’ll see an encore performance of the Aquarian/Leo pairing of eclipses later this year, this month will see the Lunar/Solar dance take place in the signs Capricorn/Cancer. We’ll witness a prenumbral Lunar eclipse, which will be barely visible with the naked eye, on July 7. If you detect anything at all visually, it will be a slight shading of part of the Moon…however astrologically, there will still be significant effects.
Lunar eclipses signify a period of major changes; the ending of old, outmoded ways of doing things and the beginning of a fresh methodology that promises great benefits if utilized effectively. Emotional by nature, these changes often refer to relationships in one form or another. These changes often have to do with how we relate, and the shifts we create will have lasting results. Emotions tend to be easily triggered, and can inspire upsets and sometimes disoriented feelings. The actions we take will likely bring higher awareness and illumination into ourselves and others. Those of us who like to keep our hearts hidden deep inside may suddenly feel compelled to put it all out on the table, finally freeing ourselves from our self-imposed limitations. This can be healthy on many levels, even if it initially feels strange and uncomfortable. It would be good for us all to ease any tension we may feel by engaging in some form of daily physical exertion to keep the energies moving through us and deepening our connection to the All.
The Solar eclipse in Cancer on July 21 will be a total eclipse, and the Moon will be in her Maiden (New) aspect. This is a time of the powerful union of feminine and masculine energies on all levels; both within and without. It’s a time for nurturing of oneself and others, for rejuvenation, healing and renewal. I’m speaking here of both inner transformation and its outward manifestation; it is our choice what we choose to do with this opportunity, on both a personal and global level. This Solar eclipse is asking us to open ourselves to the promise of unconditional love…the highest level of fearless love that is both healing and freeing. It is our choice whether we choose to utilize this golden opportunity, bravely showing up in our own lives and allowing the healing to happen, or if we choose to let it flow by. What do you think? Are you ready? I know I am.
Namaste.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
A New Year of Our Creation
Today we are blessed with the emergence of a New Year. The planets are in position, ready to guide us with the wisdom of their placements and interactions with each other. It's important to remember that we're all in this together, and the planets are some of many tools that we can use to help us navigate effectively through the events of this year, and work in cooperation toward the creation of a new way of seeing, doing and being.
With that in mind, I'm shifting gears this month and offering a series on what the planets are showing us for the year ahead. By understanding these messages, we can move forward with confidence and greater wisdom. It's important to understand that while the planets themselves do not cause these changes, they are however indicators of them. It is through our actions that we create what is to be. Through the wisdom gained from knowing what we have to work with, we can then make decisions that will affect the outcome of these events. Astrology is one of many tools at our disposal to gain this knowledge.
As we enter this exciting New Year, Aquarius energy is at the forefront with Mercury, Venus and Neptune having a soirée in this sign. Venus will leave the party on the 4th, taking up a dance with Pisces, a couple days before Jupiter moves in to take her place. Yep, it's pretty certain that Aquarius will set a profound tone for the year to come in a variety of ways, and not a moment too soon in my book!
So for this month's article, we'll be taking a good look at transiting Jupiter, our indulgent and expansive astrological father figure. As mentioned above, Jupiter begins the year finishing up his dialog with staid and practical Capricorn until the 5th of the month, when he will begin his year-long conversation with the effervescent and friendly Aquarius. And oh, what a conversation this will be!
Jupiter's usually expansive energy has been a bit stifled by his visit with Capricorn this past year, where we witnessed a major tightening of the belt on many different levels. On some of these levels it was a good thing, as our extravagances of the recent past have resulted in a bit of a political and economic mess, to put it mildly. On other levels, however, Capricorn's constriction of Jupiter put the brakes on our innovative, imaginative abilities. We truly need these qualities to begin the shift into a new perspective and action plan that will create lasting, positive changes in all of these realms.
You see, Jupiter's intentions are to expand our experiences, knowledge and understanding. Jupiter represents hopefulness, generosity, growth, joyfulness and abundance. Jupiter is in his fall while in the company of conservative Capricorn, and therefore feels unhappy and constricted there.
Enter Aquarius the Visionary, and the fearless sign of freedom and change. This is a sign that is innately optimistic, humanitarian, unconventional, creative and rebellious…the list just goes on and on. Jupiter will breathe a sigh of relief, as will we all, as he is allowed to stretch and relax himself into a more comfortable countenance on Aquarius's couch. In the presence of Aquarius, Jupiter's focus will be of a more mystical and humanitarian bent, and will express himself in more positive, original and philosophical ways. Here, our chances for success are greatly improved, although we may have to find constructive ways to harness and work with an amplified Aquarian nature that can at times be restless and erratic. The interesting dynamic here is that Aquarius is ruled by both Saturn, the conservative restrictive father, and Uranus, the innovative unpredictable genius. Somehow, Aquarius finds a way to make it work beautifully. Jupiter can work very efficiently with both energies as well, extending the benefits of this collaboration to us all.
We can experience the dynamic of Saturn and Jupiter as a sort of harmonious tandem; the Kundalini breath, if you will: Saturn contracts and Jupiter expands…breathe in, breathe out. By finding a good rhythm with these forces of nature, we can build up an energy that can move mountains!
At the same time, the Uranian energies of Aquarius will find unrestrained expression while in a mutually receptive dance with Jupiter, and advances in electronics, technology, working in groups, various gadgetry, and exploring new and innovative ways of thinking and doing will be a powerful focus. This is Uber-creativity in the making, with a capital U. As a result, this year we can look forward to massive expansion in the areas of technology, aeronautics, astrology, alternative methods of transportation and energy, broadcasting, science and research. All things Aquarian are moving forward by leaps and bounds! Whoo-hoo!
Ahem. Excuse me. My Aquarian slip is showing.
Another highly dynamic Aquarian alliance will occur twice at the beginning of this year between Mercury and Jupiter. The first time will be on January 18th, while retrograde Mercury in Aquarius visits with Jupiter for a spell before briefly moving back into Capricorn. Retrograde Mercury can be likened to a "do-over" of sorts, where we can transform our fearful thoughts and outmoded paradigms into something much more workable. This particular experience, due to a square between the Jupiter/Mercury alliance and a Scorpio Moon, will be related to the individual healing of our emotional selves, which likely include issues with our mothers and/or food.
This event will be a doorway for us to finally let go of the past and embrace healing. The influence is especially powerful with Pluto busily doing his Feng-Shui thing at the same time in the sign of Capricorn, by rearranging our old ways of thinking, and cleaning out all the clutter in whichever house Capricorn occupies in our individual natal charts.
January 18th is a good time to turn inward and ask yourself, "How am I shaped by the fears of my mother?" (and/or a prominent female guardian.) Take this opportunity to explore how the particular issues she may have inadvertently projected onto you are holding you back. What moldy internal dialog do you still carry with you from her influence that no longer serves your present path? Once you isolate these underlying influences, you can then work toward healing and loving forgiveness. Remember that it all begins with love.
The second hook-up between Jupiter and Mercury will occur in February, and I'll cover the opportunity this meeting indicates in next month's article.
Jupiter in Aquarius beckons us to release ourselves from the cover of fear and self-imposed, or otherwise imposed restriction; reaching out and connecting with groups and organizations that help us expand our consciousness, which then helps us to evolve into a state of stimulated awareness and mind-blowing spiritual advancement. Where this opportunity for change arises for you personally is indicated by the placement of Aquarius in your natal chart. Whichever house Aquarius occupies is the sector of your life that is Jupiter's primary focus this year.
Now that Jupiter is teaming up with the energies of Neptune in the sign of Aquarius in the spring of this year, we are free to evolve beyond seeing ourselves as members of nationalistic societies compartmentalized by perceived borders, and finally awaken to the knowledge of ourselves as world citizens. By understanding our connection to each other, we can then work toward a common vision, functioning through inspired leadership, where everyone benefits and can then live in peace.
How cool is that?
Namaste.
With that in mind, I'm shifting gears this month and offering a series on what the planets are showing us for the year ahead. By understanding these messages, we can move forward with confidence and greater wisdom. It's important to understand that while the planets themselves do not cause these changes, they are however indicators of them. It is through our actions that we create what is to be. Through the wisdom gained from knowing what we have to work with, we can then make decisions that will affect the outcome of these events. Astrology is one of many tools at our disposal to gain this knowledge.
As we enter this exciting New Year, Aquarius energy is at the forefront with Mercury, Venus and Neptune having a soirée in this sign. Venus will leave the party on the 4th, taking up a dance with Pisces, a couple days before Jupiter moves in to take her place. Yep, it's pretty certain that Aquarius will set a profound tone for the year to come in a variety of ways, and not a moment too soon in my book!
So for this month's article, we'll be taking a good look at transiting Jupiter, our indulgent and expansive astrological father figure. As mentioned above, Jupiter begins the year finishing up his dialog with staid and practical Capricorn until the 5th of the month, when he will begin his year-long conversation with the effervescent and friendly Aquarius. And oh, what a conversation this will be!
Jupiter's usually expansive energy has been a bit stifled by his visit with Capricorn this past year, where we witnessed a major tightening of the belt on many different levels. On some of these levels it was a good thing, as our extravagances of the recent past have resulted in a bit of a political and economic mess, to put it mildly. On other levels, however, Capricorn's constriction of Jupiter put the brakes on our innovative, imaginative abilities. We truly need these qualities to begin the shift into a new perspective and action plan that will create lasting, positive changes in all of these realms.
You see, Jupiter's intentions are to expand our experiences, knowledge and understanding. Jupiter represents hopefulness, generosity, growth, joyfulness and abundance. Jupiter is in his fall while in the company of conservative Capricorn, and therefore feels unhappy and constricted there.
Enter Aquarius the Visionary, and the fearless sign of freedom and change. This is a sign that is innately optimistic, humanitarian, unconventional, creative and rebellious…the list just goes on and on. Jupiter will breathe a sigh of relief, as will we all, as he is allowed to stretch and relax himself into a more comfortable countenance on Aquarius's couch. In the presence of Aquarius, Jupiter's focus will be of a more mystical and humanitarian bent, and will express himself in more positive, original and philosophical ways. Here, our chances for success are greatly improved, although we may have to find constructive ways to harness and work with an amplified Aquarian nature that can at times be restless and erratic. The interesting dynamic here is that Aquarius is ruled by both Saturn, the conservative restrictive father, and Uranus, the innovative unpredictable genius. Somehow, Aquarius finds a way to make it work beautifully. Jupiter can work very efficiently with both energies as well, extending the benefits of this collaboration to us all.
We can experience the dynamic of Saturn and Jupiter as a sort of harmonious tandem; the Kundalini breath, if you will: Saturn contracts and Jupiter expands…breathe in, breathe out. By finding a good rhythm with these forces of nature, we can build up an energy that can move mountains!
At the same time, the Uranian energies of Aquarius will find unrestrained expression while in a mutually receptive dance with Jupiter, and advances in electronics, technology, working in groups, various gadgetry, and exploring new and innovative ways of thinking and doing will be a powerful focus. This is Uber-creativity in the making, with a capital U. As a result, this year we can look forward to massive expansion in the areas of technology, aeronautics, astrology, alternative methods of transportation and energy, broadcasting, science and research. All things Aquarian are moving forward by leaps and bounds! Whoo-hoo!
Ahem. Excuse me. My Aquarian slip is showing.
Another highly dynamic Aquarian alliance will occur twice at the beginning of this year between Mercury and Jupiter. The first time will be on January 18th, while retrograde Mercury in Aquarius visits with Jupiter for a spell before briefly moving back into Capricorn. Retrograde Mercury can be likened to a "do-over" of sorts, where we can transform our fearful thoughts and outmoded paradigms into something much more workable. This particular experience, due to a square between the Jupiter/Mercury alliance and a Scorpio Moon, will be related to the individual healing of our emotional selves, which likely include issues with our mothers and/or food.
This event will be a doorway for us to finally let go of the past and embrace healing. The influence is especially powerful with Pluto busily doing his Feng-Shui thing at the same time in the sign of Capricorn, by rearranging our old ways of thinking, and cleaning out all the clutter in whichever house Capricorn occupies in our individual natal charts.
January 18th is a good time to turn inward and ask yourself, "How am I shaped by the fears of my mother?" (and/or a prominent female guardian.) Take this opportunity to explore how the particular issues she may have inadvertently projected onto you are holding you back. What moldy internal dialog do you still carry with you from her influence that no longer serves your present path? Once you isolate these underlying influences, you can then work toward healing and loving forgiveness. Remember that it all begins with love.
The second hook-up between Jupiter and Mercury will occur in February, and I'll cover the opportunity this meeting indicates in next month's article.
Jupiter in Aquarius beckons us to release ourselves from the cover of fear and self-imposed, or otherwise imposed restriction; reaching out and connecting with groups and organizations that help us expand our consciousness, which then helps us to evolve into a state of stimulated awareness and mind-blowing spiritual advancement. Where this opportunity for change arises for you personally is indicated by the placement of Aquarius in your natal chart. Whichever house Aquarius occupies is the sector of your life that is Jupiter's primary focus this year.
Now that Jupiter is teaming up with the energies of Neptune in the sign of Aquarius in the spring of this year, we are free to evolve beyond seeing ourselves as members of nationalistic societies compartmentalized by perceived borders, and finally awaken to the knowledge of ourselves as world citizens. By understanding our connection to each other, we can then work toward a common vision, functioning through inspired leadership, where everyone benefits and can then live in peace.
How cool is that?
Namaste.
Friday, February 1, 2008
The Aquarian Focus
Happy February, everyone! I especially love this month because it represents so many good things to me. For one, it contains my birthday, and I do enjoy birthdays! They present a great opportunity (and reminder) for those around us to show that they’re really happy we were born, and I am blessed with many fine people in my life who do just that. An additional benefit of February is that it’s the last theoretically wintry month of the year, which makes it the portal to spring…and who doesn’t love spring? Some religions celebrate Imbolc, Candlemas, or Brigid’s Day on February 2nd, which is the first of three spring celebrations. I can personally see real wisdom in choosing to celebrate joyously what could otherwise be seen as a rather icky month, and I encourage us all to find every excuse to create joy during the last stretch of this wintery season.
Incidentally, this February begins with a rather beneficial, especially cool conjunction of Venus and Jupiter in Capricorn, which will be visible in the east-southeast, early morning sky beginning on the 1st. Check them out on February 4th, about 45 minutes before sunrise, and you will be additionally treated to a planetary triangle formed by Venus, Jupiter and a lovely crescent Moon. I think I’ll set the alarm clock for this one!
So to commemorate this quirky, delightful month, my focus for this article is the equally quirky and mostly delightful sign of Aquarius. The Sun transits Aquarius every year from January 20th to February 18th. Its symbol is the Water Bearer, which sometimes causes a bit of confusion because Aquarius is actually an air sign, and is intellectual in nature. To clarify, Aquarius is a sign of great knowledge and wisdom, and Aquarians are said to enjoy a direct line to the Akashic Records, which can be likened to Universal Memory. Aquarians enjoy sharing the knowledge gained from such unfettered access with those around them, indicated symbolically by the pouring out of wisdom (represented by water) from the Water Bearer’s jar. Thus, the water actually represents knowledge, which is in line with the element of air.
Aquarius is the sign of harmony and unity. As the 11th sign of the Zodiac, it naturally occupies the 11th house of friendship. Aquarians make loyal, devoted friends and often regard their friendships as being the most important relationships in their lives. The more evolved an Aquarian is, the more likely she will create friendships within all of her relationships, be they familial, romantic, or work-related. Friendship is imperative to Aquarius in all aspects of relating. In my personal experience, the breaking up of a romantic relationship -- while potentially heartbreaking, is buffered by the opportunity to retain that person as a good friend. I choose romantic partners who have excellent friendship potential, and as a result, many of my greatest and most enduring friendships began as romances. What I find especially sorrowful is when a romance ends, and my former lover chooses to end the friendship as well. I can happily say that this has been an extremely rare occurrence. It is very difficult for Aquarians when they lose friends, as these close connections have become so much a part of their lives, that it leaves an awful hole when they’re gone. It’s a good thing that Aquarians are charming and outgoing, enabling them to make new friends so easily!
Aquarius is a positive, future-thinking sign which chooses to look at the potential good of every person and situation. If you’re looking for someone on your team who can conceptualize future trends and ideas, recruit an Aquarian. You’ll need to suspend disbelief a bit, since these intellectuals tend to think and communicate in the abstract. Fixed in nature, once an Aquarian sets her mind to do or believe in something or someone, she can be unshakeable and steadfast. If mistaken, however, an evolved Aquarian will be able to shift his thinking quickly in order to accept a different path. This will occur only after the error has been proven beyond a doubt, and being the born detectives of the Zodiac, an Aquarian will leave no stone unturned to get to the truth of the matter.
As innate humanitarians, you will often find Aquarians engaged in some altruistic passion or two in their spare time. We tend to be drawn to socially conscious, compassionate causes, as well as politics and matters of societal justice. Cruelty and unfairness are repulsive to Water Bearers, and being socially outgoing and openly honest, we tend to let those around us know when our sensitivities have been abused by bigotry and hateful statements. The more mature of us have learned to do this in a respectful manner, due to the acquired awareness that on the mundane level we are all entitled to our opinion, and at the spiritual level we are all at different stages of our own evolutionary paths. Even mature Aquarians will stand up at full volume where appropriate, however. We’ve simply learned to pick our battles wisely.
Traditionally, Aquarius was thought to be ruled by Saturn, a terribly uncomfortable alliance for the sign that insists upon marching to the tune of its own drummer. Upon the discovery of Uranus in 1781, however, it became obvious that the eccentric, unpredictable and unconventional energies of this quirky planet were more in tune to Aquarian nature. Uranus has the unusual distinction of revolving on its side, and its unique teal cloud cover is too dense to reveal anything of the planet’s physical secrets to modern science. This maverick planet is a much more fitting overseer of Aquarian energies than staunch Saturn, as it represents the qualities of personal freedom, individuality, new discoveries, and innovative ideas. To provide balance, however, Saturn still maintains co-rulership of Aquarius. This can be thought of as beneficial in that the planet of discipline and restraint helps to stabilize the otherwise erratic, uncontrolled energies of Uranus.
If you fall in love with an Aquarian, you can certainly expect a break from the norm. Aquarians are a rare breed indeed, and even the more conventional ones will surprise you on occasion with an unexpected trait that peeks out of hiding when you get close enough to really know them. Intellectual by nature, be prepared to share in your Aquarian’s love of knowledge, which they soak up like a sponge, seeking out new opportunities to learn in every moment. Life is a discovery for Aquarius, and those who sport this Sun sign are childlike in their desire to know everything there is to know. This passion for information leads the typical Aquarian down many paths in life, and they never seem to tire of shifting on a dime toward the next experience that will bring them closer to ultimate enlightenment. At times this behaviour can make your head spin, so if you’re the type that likes everything to be orderly, commonplace and plodding, you may want to just keep this interesting individual as a friend. However, if you’re looking for a break from routine, someone to stir up your pot and inspire you right out of your comfortable rut, Aquarius is the person for the job! If nothing else, it’ll be quite a romp, and Aquarians certainly love the company on their many experiential jaunts.
One thing of note to understand about Aquarian emotions: They are like Scorpio in that still waters run deep. While on the surface they can appear aloof and icy when something dramatic is happening, if you look a little deeper you will understand that they are feeling the experience every bit as much as you are. The difference is they’re just trying their best to process it while keeping their cool, in an effort to come out on the other side as intact as possible. For example, on New Year’s Eve this year, my boyfriend and I had to drive quite a distance through a snowstorm to get home. (Those of you in southeast Michigan know exactly what I’m talking about!) Some years back, I had experienced a rollover accident in wintery weather, and since then I get a little nervous being on the road in these conditions.
My boyfriend drove, fortunately, and I withdrew inside myself not wanting to panic and make the situation worse. He asked me to talk to him, and I calmly informed him that talking was probably the last thing he wanted me to do at that time! It’s true. If I had tried to talk, the fear would have escaped the carefully constructed compartment in my mind that I’d shoved it in, and the trip home would’ve been entirely different. By remaining quiet, I was able to focus on prayer, working energy for us and all the other drivers, and successfully avoided freaking out and making matters worse. Moral of the story: If your Aquarian love appears to be indifferent to your situation, look deeper. Trust me; they are totally with you in it. It is very likely that they are taking great pains to stay calm and be of better use in a rather trying state of affairs. Remember, these are intellectuals; reason and pragmatism are their tools in tough situations.
Because of the abstract nature of their thinking and communicating…especially those of us with Mercury in Aquarius…it’s very easy to misunderstand the meaning behind an Aquarian’s statements and behaviour. In suggestion for those involved with a Water Bearer, try to respectfully ask for clarification if anything seems a bit off-key. Give him a chance to shift gears and reassemble his thoughts, presenting them to you in a more down-to-earth way. I can almost guarantee that this method will prove to be most beneficial in maintaining a happy relationship! Conversely, I’d like to suggest to my Aquarian brothers and sisters to remain open to the possibility of explaining themselves, and to not take offense when asked. Most of us are aware that we’re a bit “out there” at times, and are therefore more than willing to comply to preserve harmony in our relationships.
Aquarians tend to be the “airiest” of Air signs, and oftentimes appear to be uncomfortable with this human, earth-bound existence. That’s because we usually are. My best friend calls me her “absent-minded professor” because while at times mentally brilliant, I’m often overwhelmed by some of the more mundane activities! Unless we have some strong Earth sign influence in our charts, we can float through life relatively ungrounded. Our heads are often in the clouds, and our eyes are focused on the future. One of the challenges Aquarians face is to become accepting of our purpose in this existence, and to bring ourselves more into the “Now”. We’ve decided to pay Earth a visit for a reason, and accessing this purpose will enable us to fulfill it, and move more easily along our paths.
Meditation and Hatha yoga can be quite beneficial, as well as gardening (digging your hands in the Earth is a great way to ground.) I have been blessed with two Earth sign sons, who have provided me with plenty of opportunities to ground! Carrying powerful grounding stones, such as black onyx or tourmaline, and “earthy” stones, such as malachite or turquoise will help keep us more in the present, while stones like fluorite will help us to focus our often scattered energies. We don’t want to overdo it, however, because there is a purpose for our airiness, and too much grounding can dampen our brilliance and promote depression.
Remember always that balance is the key, so enjoy your radiance and continue to shine your light on the world!
Namaste.
Monday, January 1, 2007
Eye on Aquarius
Aquarian energy abounds, and the New Year begins in a funky fashion this month with several planets availing themselves of the assets this sign offers. Dreamy and mysterious Neptune, already established in its lingering transit through the sign of Aquarius since 1998, is being joined for a bit by a few more planets entering and transiting Aquarius throughout January.
Being one of the outer planets, Neptune relates more to mass-consciousness as a whole, and to spirituality in particular. Since Neptune entered the sign of fellowship, more and more people are suddenly being awakened to the awareness of our deep, innate spiritual connection with each other and to the Universe as a whole. Groups of like-minded individuals are finding each other, and are feeling an exquisite sense of homecoming, while still enjoying their own individuality. These new “spiritual families” are creating an innovative understanding of love, cooperation, and solidarity while working together toward a common goal.
Individually and collectively, we’re experiencing a remarkable increase of intuitive awareness and interest in esoteric healing, religion and spirituality, metaphysics, psychic perception, and other forms of subtle energetic and spiritual knowledge. The key is to remain open, aware and grounded, so that all the wonderful gifts that Neptune in Aquarius offers us can be utilized in practical, far-reaching ways that have potential for the highest good of all.
These enlightening experiences will be further enhanced this month by the entrance of a few other planetary participants, beginning with Venus, who leaves practical, controlled, introverted Capricorn, and enters intensely independent, blissfully quirky Aquarius on January 5, inspiring a more unconventional approach to matters of the heart, the arts and social affairs. The feeling here is self-sufficient in nature, and for those of us in relationships at this time, we may feel inspired to engage in a more inter-independent approach with each other, and to work towards building strong friendships within our romantic relations. Aquarius loves freedom, sometimes at all costs, so if we allow ourselves and our partners a bit more personal autonomy at this time, we will surely benefit from the experience. Ask any Aquarian and they’ll tell you that it is possible to love someone completely, and yet still enjoy one’s own individuality. Aquarius also loves fun, so just remember to make it enjoyable however you choose to celebrate the romance and social interactions in your life at this time.
Aquarians in particular, and those with prominent Aquarius in their chart, will appear more graceful and attractive to others, especially when Venus conjuncts their Sun and any other Aquarian planets in their natal charts. They will also likely engage in more social and cultural activities during this period. These activities are likely to be rather avant-garde in nature; a most appealing circumstance to eccentric water-bearers.
Venus will work her way into Pisces by January 29, inspiring a dreamier, more idealistic romanticism in our approach to love relationships.
On a bit of a side note, the full Moon in Cancer Jan 3 could find us feeling more emotionally sensitive than usual, and if you happen to find yourself feeling a bit miffed by something someone has said or done, you may wish to take a moment before reacting to determine whether the slight was real or imagined. Chances are your sensitivities have blown matters a bit out of proportion with the person’s intentions, and taking a moment to breathe and reflect will likely spare you both from some unnecessary melodrama.
Among the many attributes of Aquarius is the desire for knowledge, and as Mercury joins Venus in Aquarius on the 16th, we gain a certain unique intellectual objectivity to our thoughts and ways of expressing ourselves. Aquarius as an air sign is cerebral in nature, and yet brings a bit of an unusual twist to all its “pompous intellectualism,” just to make things interesting. Expect to become inspired to stir things up a bit in your verbal interactions, perhaps engaging in a friendly debate or two over politics, humanitarian interests, or the light and breezy philosophical idea of human existentialism. (Aquarius complex? Why, whatever gave you that idea?)
Mercury in Aquarius allows us to separate our thoughts from our emotions, and therefore to look at issues in the spirit of objective analysis. Remember however, to respect the outlook of others even if they don’t mesh with your own, since Mercury in this sign can make us a bit fixed and intellectually opinionated. Our opportunity with this transit is to hone our skills at allowing things and people to be what and who they are, and to recognize that we don’t need validation from others in order to make our individual beliefs and desires a reality. This is also a good time for studies, since you can expect to soak up knowledge with lightning speed, and if there’s some concept that you’ve been meaning to explore, now is the time to do the research.
The Sun joins Neptune, Mercury and Venus in this lively energy mix on the 21st, with the Moon riding along for a couple days, making this a time of idiosyncratic mental agility and friendly socializing. Expect to have stimulating conversations filled with innovative ideas and unconventional concepts. Because Aquarius is essentially humanitarian in nature with an outgoing, extroverted energy, you may feel inspired to participate in charitable group efforts, or perhaps you’d prefer to engage in more personal, quieter deeds of compassion. Whatever your preference, this is definitely a good time to reach out and connect with those who would benefit from your presence in their lives.
In summary, Aquarius is the sign of camaraderie, and with so many planets riding the electrically original wave of Aquarius this month, friendship and group activities take precedence as we move toward February.
Namaste
Being one of the outer planets, Neptune relates more to mass-consciousness as a whole, and to spirituality in particular. Since Neptune entered the sign of fellowship, more and more people are suddenly being awakened to the awareness of our deep, innate spiritual connection with each other and to the Universe as a whole. Groups of like-minded individuals are finding each other, and are feeling an exquisite sense of homecoming, while still enjoying their own individuality. These new “spiritual families” are creating an innovative understanding of love, cooperation, and solidarity while working together toward a common goal.
Individually and collectively, we’re experiencing a remarkable increase of intuitive awareness and interest in esoteric healing, religion and spirituality, metaphysics, psychic perception, and other forms of subtle energetic and spiritual knowledge. The key is to remain open, aware and grounded, so that all the wonderful gifts that Neptune in Aquarius offers us can be utilized in practical, far-reaching ways that have potential for the highest good of all.
These enlightening experiences will be further enhanced this month by the entrance of a few other planetary participants, beginning with Venus, who leaves practical, controlled, introverted Capricorn, and enters intensely independent, blissfully quirky Aquarius on January 5, inspiring a more unconventional approach to matters of the heart, the arts and social affairs. The feeling here is self-sufficient in nature, and for those of us in relationships at this time, we may feel inspired to engage in a more inter-independent approach with each other, and to work towards building strong friendships within our romantic relations. Aquarius loves freedom, sometimes at all costs, so if we allow ourselves and our partners a bit more personal autonomy at this time, we will surely benefit from the experience. Ask any Aquarian and they’ll tell you that it is possible to love someone completely, and yet still enjoy one’s own individuality. Aquarius also loves fun, so just remember to make it enjoyable however you choose to celebrate the romance and social interactions in your life at this time.
Aquarians in particular, and those with prominent Aquarius in their chart, will appear more graceful and attractive to others, especially when Venus conjuncts their Sun and any other Aquarian planets in their natal charts. They will also likely engage in more social and cultural activities during this period. These activities are likely to be rather avant-garde in nature; a most appealing circumstance to eccentric water-bearers.
Venus will work her way into Pisces by January 29, inspiring a dreamier, more idealistic romanticism in our approach to love relationships.
On a bit of a side note, the full Moon in Cancer Jan 3 could find us feeling more emotionally sensitive than usual, and if you happen to find yourself feeling a bit miffed by something someone has said or done, you may wish to take a moment before reacting to determine whether the slight was real or imagined. Chances are your sensitivities have blown matters a bit out of proportion with the person’s intentions, and taking a moment to breathe and reflect will likely spare you both from some unnecessary melodrama.
Among the many attributes of Aquarius is the desire for knowledge, and as Mercury joins Venus in Aquarius on the 16th, we gain a certain unique intellectual objectivity to our thoughts and ways of expressing ourselves. Aquarius as an air sign is cerebral in nature, and yet brings a bit of an unusual twist to all its “pompous intellectualism,” just to make things interesting. Expect to become inspired to stir things up a bit in your verbal interactions, perhaps engaging in a friendly debate or two over politics, humanitarian interests, or the light and breezy philosophical idea of human existentialism. (Aquarius complex? Why, whatever gave you that idea?)
Mercury in Aquarius allows us to separate our thoughts from our emotions, and therefore to look at issues in the spirit of objective analysis. Remember however, to respect the outlook of others even if they don’t mesh with your own, since Mercury in this sign can make us a bit fixed and intellectually opinionated. Our opportunity with this transit is to hone our skills at allowing things and people to be what and who they are, and to recognize that we don’t need validation from others in order to make our individual beliefs and desires a reality. This is also a good time for studies, since you can expect to soak up knowledge with lightning speed, and if there’s some concept that you’ve been meaning to explore, now is the time to do the research.
The Sun joins Neptune, Mercury and Venus in this lively energy mix on the 21st, with the Moon riding along for a couple days, making this a time of idiosyncratic mental agility and friendly socializing. Expect to have stimulating conversations filled with innovative ideas and unconventional concepts. Because Aquarius is essentially humanitarian in nature with an outgoing, extroverted energy, you may feel inspired to participate in charitable group efforts, or perhaps you’d prefer to engage in more personal, quieter deeds of compassion. Whatever your preference, this is definitely a good time to reach out and connect with those who would benefit from your presence in their lives.
In summary, Aquarius is the sign of camaraderie, and with so many planets riding the electrically original wave of Aquarius this month, friendship and group activities take precedence as we move toward February.
Namaste
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