This Sagittarian Season of Joy

Is it really December already? Wow, that’s a difficult one to wrap my brain around, even on a cold, blustery day like today! Sometimes the passage of time can be challenging to reconcile within ourselves and this just happens to be one of those times for me. It seems only a few weeks ago that we were walking around in shorts and exclaiming how we were being treated to such a long summer. Wait a minute…come to think of it, that was a few weeks ago!

December’s astrological focus will be on the fun and frolicking sign of Sagittarius, who happens to be throwing a party for most of this month, with a few key planets in esteemed attendance. Sagittarius is the 9^th sign on the zodiac wheel, and therefore resides naturally in the 9^th house of long-distance travel, higher education, philosophy and religion. Sagittarius is occupied by the Sun from November 23 to December 21, which inspires us to be more indulgent and expansive, lighthearted and optimistic during the holiday shopping season. Its symbol is the archer and centaur, who is ever aiming his arrow upward and outward. Positive, masculine, and extroverted, those who have chosen Sagittarius as their Sun sign are people who can be the life of the party, and it’s a good idea to have at least one of them in attendance as you move through this mortal existence.

Throughout my life as an Aquarian, I’ve had the (mostly) delightful pleasure of knowing several persons sporting Sagittarius as their Sun sign, and I have to say, it’s been quite a romp! It’s rarely a dull moment with these lively characters around, who will entertain you as the class clown or funny girl during school, woo you with a uniquely quirky charm in the dating arena, and may inadvertently break your heart if you venture too close, wagon hitch in hand, at too early an age for them to even consider commitment. You see, Sagittarians are the perpetual Peter Pans of the zodiac, flitting around from one adventure to another; restless for ever more exotic experiences to fill their insatiable appetites for discovery.

Many of these spontaneous souls continue this pace long into adulthood, without even a passing concern for where they left their shadow. They’re much too busy slaying (or befriending) dragons, exploring uncharted dimensions, and tasting as many flavours of human experience as they can find to simply settle down and do something as mundane and boring as, like, grow up! I’m serious. Some of them will look at you quizzically, head cocked and hands on hips, like you’d just grown a second head straight out of your third eye if you even suggest such a ridiculous thing. To put it in simple terms, these people virtually invented Never-Never Land.

Even those reserved archers who choose to adopt the more conventional standards of adulthood may do so quite loosely, altering and integrating them a bit with their own personal, pleasingly peculiar style of moving through their days. Ever restless, Sagittarius needs some form of departure from the norm, just to add a little spice to the mix. For example, the staunch businessman may occasionally raise some eyebrows by doing something seemingly out of character, like humming a few bars of “Maxwell’s Silver Hammer” under his breath at the back of a board meeting. Or the outwardly prim and proper librarian who occasionally dons a dress with a neckline just low enough to let the shockingly brazen tattoo she wears on her chest barely peak out and say hi. If you happen to know that rare, conventional Sagittarian, don’t be fooled; underneath the starched shirt and grey flannel is a forest green tunic just itching to be uncovered.

Ruled by Jupiter, the indulgent planetary father, Sagittarians are seemingly allowed to run around doing and saying whatever it is they like, without any form of restraint being imposed upon them. I’ve often grumbled to a close Sagittarian friend of mine, who milks his lack of restrictions for all they’re worth, that Jupiter merely pats him on the head and lets him run amok while the rest of us have to atone for everything we do – even if it’s remotely naughty. He just beams at me, happily enjoying his unhampered, tactless self-expression, and lobs another zinger at me. I then remind him not to get too cocky; for the laws of karma also apply to Sag’s…they just don’t have to worry about it ‘til next lifetime.

In matters of love, it would appear that timing and motivation are both vital ingredients to anyone considering merging households with their freedom-loving Sag. If attempted too soon, heartache could ensue, with the Sagittarian hopelessly sabotaging everything in a blind, panic-inspired race for the door. Don’t take it personally, honey. Your fun-loving archer soul-mate likely loves you dearly, and merely fears a frightening loss of freedom if he commits too soon. The prospect of committing to one person eternally in the mind of a yet to be evolved Sagittarian can make them break out in a cold sweat. You see, one thing they haven’t figured out yet is the innate understanding that absolute freedom includes the ability to love and be loved, without the need to possess. The more evolved archers understand this, and can make for ardent, sincere and straightforward lovers, passionate and faithful spouses, and devoted parents. They are the fortunate Sagittarians who find divine freedom and joy in loving another, who have released themselves from the limiting notion that love has to involve possession, because ultimate love is without possession. They are the ones who have discovered that the adventures are much more fun when there’s another kindred spirit around to share them with.

There are a few key planets in attendance at the party I spoke of earlier in the article, who are currently transiting the playful, ever-questing Sagittarius, and contributing their unique energies to the festivities. Of course, there is the Sun, who during this transit inspires us to reach outward in the world to connect with something larger than ourselves. Our awareness of the idea that there’s more to life than the mundane is expanded, and we become courageous and optimistic enough to focus on that which is beyond ourselves; the “big picture,” if you will. With this influence, we now have the energy to nurture our faith, hope and dreams.

Jupiter will end his thirteen month transit in Sagittarius on the 19^th, so we still have time to open up and really feel the wonderful sense of optimism and growth that he has indulged us with during this expansive time. Jupiter’s transit has been inspiring us to open our collective consciousness in matters of foreign relations and cultures, law, global standards, religion and spiritual values. As individuals, we’ve likely experienced his influence through the desire for expanding one’s knowledge using such vehicles as reading, higher education, long distance travel, and the pursuit of philosophical or religious study. Overall, Jupiter has been encouraging us to learn about our own greater potential through providing elevated experiences of other viewpoints and ideals.

Mercury joins the party on the 2^nd, adding to the intellectually expansive spotlight by inspiring us to broaden our mental faculties and inner wisdom, rather than relying on external knowledge. With Mercury here, we learn to trust our innate ability to be in the present, allowing higher wisdom to flow through us. Our desire, then, is to share our inherent wisdom with the world, and to let go of the belief that we need credentials and degrees to be qualified enough to teach others. We are all teachers everyday, and we are all qualified, and encouraged, to do so.

Pluto has been in Sagittarius for quite some time, and his own unique contribution to the energies can be more thoroughly examined in the May 2007 issue of Conscious Mind Journal. Saturn will shift into retrograde motion in Virgo on the 19^th, and requests that while we’re enjoying the indulgent energies of Sagittarius, we integrate that with common sense, taking care of our physical needs and getting some good quality rest in the interim. Venus arrives fashionably late to the party, helping us to ring in the New Year with style, grace, and overflowing optimism. Flirtatious and friendly, we’ll mingle together nicely with an abundance of interesting people to bounce our ideas off of, and we’ll flow through any crowd, absorbing what we wish before moving on to the next interesting topic.

This is a light-hearted, joyous time of year, made all the more magical by the presence of so many planets in Sagittarius. Be sure to take advantage of these energies, and open yourself to allowing joy and abundance this holiday season.

Namaste.

Joyful Holidaze!

Whew! Well, we've gotten through another Mercury retrograde intact and are hopefully enjoying benefits this period of introspection brought to us. November was a very dynamic month, with several planets vibrating primarily with Scorpio, and Uranus going direct. Now we're about to plunge head first into the somewhat dizzying, holiday-laden month of December, with Sagittarius playing a dominant role in bringing out our whimsical child-like natures.

During December, the Sun will remain in Sagittarius until the 23rd, which gives a spark of joviality as we prepare for the upcoming holidaze. Take this opportunity to get in touch with the playful spirit of the Celestial Archer while you're decking those halls and gathering gifts. Have fun with everything this season has to offer, including the maddening crowds, busy social schedules, and heftier work demands (yes, it is possible to have fun with these things, ask anyone with Sagittarius Sun, rising, or other Sagittarius prominence in their natal charts) - remembering that joyful living is the true meaning of our existence. On that note, try to stay mindful of those who could really benefit from some extra kindness during this season -- it's good karma for you, and a bit of extra love and inspiration for those who may be feeling challenged and a bit out of alignment with their own joy. As the Sun moves into Capricorn on the 23rd, work toward blending the easygoing, unreserved nature of Sagittarius with the sensible, controlled, prosperity-minded Capricorn, insuring that our generosity is coupled with retaining and generating more abundance for ourselves. This will also inspire us to ring in the New Year happily, holding the highest intentions for all to enjoy a successful, abundant 2007.

Mercury, the planet of contemplation, communication and travel, enters Sagittarius on the 8th, wrenching our thoughts and interactions loose from the inwardly pensive Scorpionic approach we've been experiencing, and into a more extroverted, lively Sagittarian reflection and expression. We may often find ourselves feeling the urge to speak our personal philosophical truths during this period, perhaps climbing onto a quirky soapbox or two, and could benefit greatly from pausing a moment and listening to our own deepest inner voices before sharing. This could prove a bit of a challenge when aggressive Mars joins Mercury and Jupiter in compulsive Sagittarius on the 7th, bringing with it an urge for direct action and passion, but hey…we're always up for a good growth opportunity, right? You can best utilize this opportunity by pursuing formal or personal studies in philosophy and/or religion. Just remember that we all would do well to do a little less talking and a lot more listening when these planetary influences are tapping on our shoulders.

When Mercury joins the Sun in Capricorn on the 28th, we'll settle into more practical, down-to-earth thoughts and modes of expression. We can convey ourselves in a much more controlled manner than when Mercury was at play in expansive Sagittarius, but we don't have to necessarily become stodgy about it, either. This Capricornian influence, however, gives the benefit of providing a grounding energy to help us move solidly into the New Year.

Venus, the planet of beauty, social engagements, love and the arts, will also sashay her way past Sagittarius and into Capricorn on the 12th of this month, assuming her role as gracious hostess by holding the door for the Sun and Mercury to join her later. In Capricorn, Venus takes on a less playful countenance than when she graced the stars of Sagittarius, becoming more refined and controlled. While this influence may be good for giving us a more solid grounding in our romantic relationships, as well as serve to reel in our tendencies toward extravagance, we might also try to retain at least some of the playfulness we enjoyed this past month, keeping aligned with close, loving vibrations, especially when it comes to romantic partnerships.

Saturn, the planet of stability and discipline, goes retrograde in Leo on the 6th, and will remain in retrograde motion until April, 2007. Saturn retrograde gives us the opportunity to relax a little and review any issues of responsibility in our lives. Have we been creating positive change in our lives as of late? This reverse motion of Saturn allows us to clearly see what we have been working on thus far, and offers us the opportunity to release any excess baggage we've been carrying around with us, which would be highly beneficial to do before the first of the year. You may wish to participate in a private or public observance, such as a Burning Bowl Ceremony or another constructive purifying activity, on or before New Year's Eve. This will help you cleanse yourself spiritually and emotionally in happy anticipation for good things to come in the New Year. This time could also be utilized to recognize and appreciate the progress you have made in your life toward your fullest potential, and become conscious of what you can do to further your growth. Saturn is a wonderful teacher, and we are all very fortunate to be his students!

We are blessed with a Full Moon in Gemini on the 4th, which means that our mental energy is high, conversations are frenzied, and our energies are edgy, inquisitive and intellectually stimulated. Gemini inspires variety on an emotional level, and anything new and intriguing will be a welcome addition. The Full Moon signifies a time of maturity and the culmination and finalizing of plans, and Gemini makes us all a bit on the talkative side, so you may wish to take the phone off the hook while wrapping up any existing projects.

The New Moon, a wonderful time of new beginnings and births of all kinds, will occur first in Sagittarius, then Capricorn on the 20th. This could be a very good time to start a new business, if you've been contemplating and preparing for such an endeavor (since Capricorn is all about the business aspect of things), or to begin a new organizing project. Whatever it is that you choose to initiate during this period, just remember to have fun with it.

We will be treated to the annual Geminids meteor shower on the 12th - 14th, which are usually beautiful, prolific and reliable, so anyone hearty enough to brave the cold December nights and have a clear view of the eastern skies should begin viewing around 9:00 pm on Tuesday, with the peak occurring after midnight on Thursday.

It is my fondest wish that we all enjoy this holiday season in whatever way we may choose to celebrate it. Remember to give thanks for the blessings and support you have received throughout the year, even if there were some challenges along the way; since they can prove to be our greatest opportunities. Here's a fun activity you may wish to try: Many traditions hold that whatever a person is experiencing at the stroke of midnight on New Year's Eve will represent what they can expect for the coming year. With that in mind, remember to ring in the New Year surrounded by symbols of all the blessings that you intend to manifest for yourself in the year to come, including plenty of cash in your pockets and a passionate kiss from someone you love!

Namaste, and many blessings from my heart to yours!

Celestial Events and Human Potential

Thank you for arriving at my blog's doorstep on this blustery November day! My name is Carole, and I've been studying Astrology since the early 80's. I have discovered amazing things regarding astrology's validity and its usefulness in gathering insight into life situations and human potential. We each have within us the makings of greatness, and astrology is one of many powerful tools available to help us find our own personal gifts, exemplify our highest potential, and remain faithful to our soul purpose.

It's easy to get lost in the expectations of others, mundane circumstances, and the stories that we tell ourselves. Astrology brings us back home to who we truly are and what we have to offer ourselves and the world. It is so much more than a fortune-telling device, as some perceive it, and can be instrumental in raising our awareness of the truths within us and around us. Let's explore how current celestial events can indicate the opportunities present for creating positive change in our lives, and in the world.

For November 2006,

Strap yourselves in and enjoy the ride! The Sun has been transiting intense and deeply passionate Scorpio since October 23rd, and will continue its trek through this sign until November 22, when it moves into the more adventurous, fun-loving Sagittarius. The key phrase to think about when regarding Sun in Scorpio is "still waters run deep," and while this sign is intense, it is a deep, smoldering intensity that lends itself to getting to the heart of matters, whether they be romantic or practical, mundane or spiritual. Sexual energies are intensified, and lend themselves to interesting explorations into our own potentials for pleasure at this time. Now is the time to probe deeply into every activity, compelling our energies toward finding the core directive of our work and our play.


As if things weren't intense enough, we're also being graced with Mercury retrograde in Scorpio from Oct. 28th thru Nov. 17th — still affecting us until the 22nd — and inspiring us to think deeply about serious matters and the deeper meaning of life. When Mercury is retrograde, we find great benefit in utilizing the opportunity to go within, seeking our inner wisdom and learning from our recent and past experiences, rather than making decisions, signing contracts and committing ourselves to agreements. A retrograde Mercury demands that we put off external activities such as these and focus upon inner reflection. It also reminds us to remain in the present while we're driving and traveling, because our thoughts can wander and make us a bit absent-minded. A suggested choice at this time is to release the need for contractual commitments and finalizing plans and welcome the unexpected!

Full Moon in Taurus on the 5th brings to focus our emotional attachments to money, comfort and security. Decisions can be made at this time, and with the influence of Scorpio, Sun and Mercury, our objectives toward this end can be forceful, strong-willed and deeply determined. Choose to use this energy to its fullest potential by setting the intention for creating positive change for the highest good of all. New Moon in Scorpio on the 20th inspires us to transform and transcend our emotional understanding of any present situations, providing the way for anything new that we want to bring into our lives.

Venus and Jupiter move into Sagittarius on the 17th and 23rd respectively, inspiring fun, adventure, pleasure-seeking, and social enjoyment, while fostering optimism about our futures and encouraging us to gain a better understanding of our own philosophical beliefs and education. Jupiter rules Sagittarius, so its transit through its own sign for the rest of this year and most of next gives us a sense of homecoming as we expand our knowledge and deeper understandings with ease.

With Uranus in Pisces going direct on the 20th, the key phrase for all of us is "Go with the flow." As powerful co-creators, we are capable of practicing deep acceptance and remaining flexible, which is the attitude we would do well to be mindful of during the two months of exciting turbulence that is created when Uranus turns direct. Just remember to relax and enjoy the romp!

Namaste.