October in Motion!

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.

The Teachings of Saturn for 2009

In last month’s article, we began an in-depth look at the wisdom our Universe is sharing with us this year, via the perpetual dance of planetary movements and interactions in the sky above. These movements and interactions serve as road maps or instruction manuals, if you will, indicating the shift in energies we are constantly experiencing both on a global and personal level. If we pay attention, we can learn a great deal about what to expect in the year to come, and how best to utilize this knowledge to its full advantage on our personal and collective journey through the year. Last month, we began by having a look at Jupiter’s very cool trek this year through the sign of Aquarius. I don’t know about you, but I can already feel the exciting shift in energies, which are definitely for the better!

This month, we’re trying our hand at deciphering the messages of Saturn. What’s that? Did I hear a collective groan from my readership when I mentioned the planet…Saturn? Hah! There it is again! (Better watch it; you guys are bringing out my impish nature.) Well, contrary to what you may have heard, felt or believed about our second fatherly planet, I’m here to fill you in on the extraordinary long-term benefits that we experience if we’d only heed the advice he gives.

Yes, I know that he’s the quintessential taskmaster, hell-bent on getting us to straighten up and fly right. Believe me; I’ve had my share of lessons taught by his firm and very deft hand! However let me ask you this, where would we be if our only planetary father figure was the ever-indulgent Jupiter? Really now, think about it; how would we evolve and become our highest potential if the only form of guidance we received was an indulgent pat on the head and an unbounded allowance to go forth and do whatever we please? (I know, it sounds real good to me too, but let’s be reasonable here.)

Saturn is what inspires us to actually “show up” in life and strive for better, both personally and communally, by indicating the consequences we experience when we don’t. While we always have a choice in the matter, following Saturn’s wisdom means that we’ll most likely end up on the sturdier, more-beneficial-in-the-long-run ground of just about every situation. There’s that collective groan again. I’ll bet the only ones out there not groaning have a heavy Capricorn influence in their charts. It’s either them, or others who are mature enough to see the wisdom in my words. Yep, it’s true…most of us tend to agree with our elders just a little bit more with every passing year. It’s okay, you know. We can remain young at heart while we embrace the wisdom of the ages. Trust me, it’s been done.

Okay, now that we’ve relaxed a little, let’s take a peek at what Saturn’s showing us this year. Beginning in September of 2007, Saturn made his shift away from Leo and into Virgo, and will remain in the present transit until October of this year, when he moves into Libra. This change in Saturn’s energies from the self-involved influence of Leo to the practical and service-oriented energy of Virgo is indicating some pretty massive changes that we are all experiencing directly. Virgo is earthy, practical, and very concerned with making things work efficiently and fairly. Saturn’s trek through Virgo is inspiring us to push forward with the “greening” of our lifestyles and our planet at an accelerated pace. It’s important to remember that inspiration by Saturn can come at us full force, if we don’t act upon his more subtle hints first. Either way, his message will be heard. It is entirely up to us which way it will be.

As an aside, I often wish my column came with a soundtrack. It would be so much fun to select corresponding music to convey the mood of my work most effectively. Like that last sentence would have a kind of powerful, ominous tone playing while you read the words. Ah well, it is not yet meant to be. Perhaps soon, however…

One example of the extreme way Saturn teaches that comes glaringly to mind is the crushing weight of gas prices on just about everyone’s budget (except those who are involved with Exxon, of course) that we’ve recently experienced, which inspired us to face our destructive dependence on oil and to demand more research into alternative fuels and transportation methods. More people began purchasing hybridized and fuel-efficient vehicles than we’ve seen in a long while, most of which are imports, which in turn is forcing our domestic automakers to shift gears in a hurry, and develop more green technology if they want to survive. We in Michigan desperately want our domestic automakers to survive, because so many of our manufacturing jobs and satellite businesses are dependent on the auto industry, much like a wheel and spokes on an axle.

You see? Saturn’s lessons may be painful initially, but we often need to get a feel for the negatives of a situation before we can really appreciate and take decisive action toward creating the positive. Such is the nature of the human condition at times. It wasn’t enough that we knew our oil gluttony was creating political, social and ecologic upheaval. We actually had to experience its effects first-hand, on an economic level, to finally motivate us into action. At the end of the day, however, we and future generations will be so much better off by the changes we are being compelled to make now.

Another example of how Saturn in Virgo is teaching us a harsh lesson is the results we are now experiencing from our move away from traditional, independent farmers to industrial, corporate farming complexes. While we’ve long known about the dangers of pesticide use on our produce, and felt bad about our dying independent agricultural heritage, only a small percentage of society had taken steps to become more deliberate in their consumption by purchasing only organic foods and locally grown produce. The majority of us have blithely gone along with taking for granted where our food comes from, and how it is prepared. That is, until recently. We’re now being rocked to the core with some pretty scary effects of our acquiescence in the form of people getting sick by eating mass-produced leafy green vegetables as well as prepared peanut products from an industrial farm in Georgia.

Bear in mind that the above examples are the result of our not taking decisive action when the facts and opportunities were first presented to us. Saturn steps in when many other methods of waking us up have failed. He is the loving disciplinarian, after all, and all his lessons are for our own good.

The good news is that we can choose to pay more attention to the information we’re given, and then act upon it appropriately. If we do this, then Saturn can just sit back, sip on a cool one and monitor us from afar. A much happier situation all around, I’d wager.

So what is Saturn saying to us this year? Well, Saturn in Virgo ties in nicely with Jupiter’s work with Aquarius. We’ve ushered in a new political administration that has great promise and leadership. Our new president is a man who has already indicated his desire to change many of the issues that have brought us to our knees. He has already begun this shift by demanding that great strides be made toward alternative energies, updating our infrastructure, and revamping the healthcare industry into something far more functional and accessible to all. All these demands are within the domain of Virgo. President Obama has also asked for our help. Instead of pretending that he has all the answers and taking a God-like stance, he’s asked us all to work together, cooperatively moving toward the rebuilding of our country. This is decisively Aquarian in nature. The cool thing is that I think we’re ready to do just that, and the majority of us have chosen a leader that inspires us along.

During Saturn’s transit through Leo, a common trend developed where people became more interested in helping themselves, and less interested in helping others. The principals of the Law of Attraction became whittled down to an endless wanting and a focus on self-gain for many individuals, which is not the greatest path for spiritual growth, and not the original intention of LOA. Many took on the less savory Leo characteristics of self-absorption, narcissism, self-concern at the expense of others, and paying lip service to spiritual beliefs in an ego-based effort look good, without really practicing them. Saturn in Virgo is asking us to understand that getting everything we want is not necessarily the goal of spiritual evolution. Saturn in Virgo helps us to realize that each of us has a duty to heal ourselves by reaching out to heal others. When a friend asks for help, instead of asking yourself, “how will this affect me?” or “what will this cost me?” think instead, “how may I serve?” Virgo is a sign of service, and is teaching us that we will find true fulfillment in being of service to others.

There is a great deal of work that needs to be done, and Saturn in Virgo is now inspiring us to get on with it, already. There is a strong need to move away from the waste and lack that we’ve experienced in a global economy, and to get back to basics by forgoing the long-distance commute and working closer to home, cultivating personal and community gardens and farms so that we are more self-reliant and supported by cooperative participation. Mutual interdependence that reacquaints us with our neighbors and communities will help us to know that we don’t have to face what we’re facing alone; that we are all, every one of us, in this together.

We need to bring back the individual farmer who works closely with the true cycles of nature. We can all support this shift by purchasing produce grown locally by independent farmers. You will find them at nearby farmer’s markets during the warmer months, and independently-owned grocers usually purchase only locally grown produce. You can ask at the counter if your favourite grocer supports local farms.

On a more individual level, Saturn in Virgo is indicating several things that we need to start paying attention to and taking action toward improving. One major thing is the state of our health. Many of us have neglected or ignored the more subtle suggestions we’ve received in the past, and Saturn will show us what needs attention, and will use any means necessary to motivate us toward a healthier direction. The best way to handle this, and to avoid any harsher prodding, is to begin to do the things we need to do on our own. This can include getting a full physical, committing to a healthy diet and exercise routine, and freeing ourselves from any unhealthy habits that can have a destructive effect on our bodies and minds.

There are many Virgos, and people who’s natal Saturn is in Virgo, who are experiencing a pretty heavy state of affairs, depending on where Saturn and the Sun are in their individual natal charts. This is an important time for your personal evolution, and an opportunity for you to face the things that you have resisted facing, or simply weren’t aware of and need to be. The best way to work with this energy is to go with it, stop resisting, and pay attention to what you are learning. There is great benefit in what you are experiencing. Know that, have faith in it, and act accordingly. You will be all the better for having experienced it.

Something for us all to watch for with Saturn in Virgo is that we don’t take on the more fearful energies of this sign. Virgo can be a nervous worry-wart by nature, and we need to guard against any nervous, OCD-type behaviours that are more destructive than helpful. A better way to channel this energy is by taking up activities that sooth Virgo’s nervous energy, such as gardening, yoga, martial arts, handwriting letters, engaging in service-oriented volunteer work, helping a friend in need, reorganizing your home, detoxing your body, mind and spirit, and engaging in group activities that reach for a higher level of global well-being.

There is so much more information about this important transit that I’d love to share with you, and yet I feel that I’ve given you enough to chew on for the time being. As I mentioned earlier, Saturn will shift into Libra in October of this year, and I’ll elaborate more on what to expect when we get closer to that time.

May we all enjoy the journey!

Namaste.

Capricornucopia!

Welcome to 2008! Wow! A brand-new year just brimming with possibilities! Have you determined your objectives yet for the months ahead? I’ve settled on a few reasonably joyous ones, and am holding the intention that this will be our best year yet!

Now that the Jupiter-inspired extravagance of the holidaze are finally tucked in for the time-being, January usually signifies a period of putting away our party hats, rolling up our sleeves, and getting down to the business of organizing our finances and lives for the coming year. It’s no accident that this is also the time of decidedly industrious Capricorn to be highlighted. While we can choose our approach to the aforementioned duty, finding joy in the process, Capricorn can inspire us to become quite serious, facing the task at hand with a grim, potentially overly-serious determination.

The Sun transits the sign of Capricorn once a year, usually from December 22 to January 19. Being the tenth sign of the zodiac, Capricorn naturally resides in the Tenth House of professions, public status, and how we rise above, or fall below the social or economic station that we were born into. Ruled by Saturn, the stern disciplinarian of the zodiac, it’s easy to see how your Capricorn loved one arrived at her or his sober disposition honestly. As an Earth sign, we tend to rely on most Capricorns to be stable, solid and practical -- however, I have personally known a couple of Capricorns with Sagittarius rising that will at least occasionally become exceptions to that rule! These individuals, while retaining many of the recognizable Capricornian traits, seem also to challenge the boundaries of their sun sign’s typical behaviour. Famous Capricorns who may be seen as fitting this seemingly nonconformist profile include Nick Cage, Marilyn Manson, Janis Joplin, Patti Smith, Al Capone, and Diane Keaton.

This brings me to a significant point: In reading up on the Sun sign of friends, loved ones or your current romantic interest, it’s important to remember that our Sun signs, while a major inspiration for us, are also merely a part of what is potentially a vastly diverse whole. Other factors include the ten known planets, their placement in the twelve houses on the zodiac wheel, the sign that inhabit each house, and the relationships between the planets and houses that work as important energies in signifying our complete selves. For this reason, the horoscope section in your local paper, while interesting and entertaining, may not be entirely accurate to every person sporting each sign.

Capricorn is a Cardinal sign, which denotes a character that is forceful and dynamic, initiating action and providing leadership. When Cappy is in a position of management, it’s like watching a duck in water. One of the many great qualities of Capricorn is their ability to be hardworking, shrewd and practical individuals who exhibit responsible, persevering behaviour within the workplace, as well as without. They make excellent, reliable workers, and exhibit an extraordinary stick-to-it-ness that is beyond compare. They carefully finish projects begun by the more pioneering signs, and quickly become an integral part of any company they work for.

Capricorn is a very ambitious sign, and those who exemplify its qualities will work tirelessly to climb the ladder of success. On their way up that ladder, they can become resourceful, determined managers who set high standards for themselves and others. They respect discipline from their superiors, and in turn expect it from their staff. Their ambitious nature is profound, often leading to a measure of wealth, and can inspire them to endure personal hardship for the sake of their families and careers. Business owners in need of someone who can spearhead a project, while seeing it through to fruition, would do well to hire a Capricorn for the job. As careful planners with tremendous organizing ability, they are thorough and frugal; often achieving great results with just a modicum of effort and expense, and can be quite adept at handling several projects at once.

One of the challenges that Capricorn faces is the tendency to get into a self-imposed rut. They are so steadfast in the direction they choose, that even when this path becomes challenging to their health and/or happiness, they will continue trudging along the same lines regardless of how they feel about it. I’ve actually seen this in action, and it sometimes hurts just to watch. A Capricorn in this state will fret and moan, kick the cat, as it were, and yet continue to stay in an unhappy relationship, job or living situation, rather than make the changes necessary to insure their own peace of mind. The reason is at minimum two-fold; on the one hand, the acquisition of income is vital to our goat-like friends, and many of them will endure great hardships to insure they make it to the top. On the other hand, they tend to settle into the ‘known’ so deeply, that the prospect of change, or facing the unknown, literally frightens them.

In this case, what Capricorn can choose to develop in order to grow beyond this fear-based behaviour is a healthy level of curiosity and adventure. Yes, I know; the mere thought of this is causing some Cappys out there to break out in a cold sweat. Trust me, you will survive, and even thrive, if you allow yourselves to walk off the proverbial cliff or two on occasion. I’m sure that there are many souls around you who love you and will be there to see you through; that is, after they’ve gotten over the shock of actually witnessing you doing something so uncharacteristic. I should think the stunned, gape-mouthed look on their faces would be worth at least half the price of admission for you! There is a Cappy friend of mine who I love dearly, and watching him slave away year after year in a job that he was miserable in was difficult at best. Words can’t describe how elated I felt when he gave up his security and started his own business! As an Aquarian who has walked off several cliffs in my day, I can assure you that sometimes there’s an owie waiting for you at the bottom, and sometimes the change you initiate could be the best thing you could ever do in your life, one that you will thank yourself for over and over.

Another challenge that Capricorn can face is her/his innate discomfort with emotions – theirs and others. This is likely due to Capricorn’s need to always be in control, and emotions tend to be fluid, transient, and sometimes unpredictable. This could make Capricorn’s head spin right off its axis, and cause them to run screaming for the door. I know one Cappy friend who will actually get belligerent if someone is upset about something he feels powerless to fix. With this in mind, the growth-minded Capricorn individual will choose to brave out these emotional episodes with loved ones, looking past their own personal issues and reaching out to the other in support. It’s important for Capricorn to understand that the other person’s pain and suffering is solely the responsibility of that particular person to take care of, and not up to Capricorn to fix. Once that sense of accountability is released, one can then be fully there with the person going through trauma, in support and solidarity, without adding to the stress of the situation with their own issues. Facing an emotional situation is risky for anyone, and especially uncomfortable for Capricorns. However, the rewards of extending outside your own personal comfort zones can be profoundly rewarding in so many ways, and those around you will respond well to the efforts you’re making on their behalf, and to your newfound valor!

So set your jaw, lovely Capricorn, and bravely step off that ledge into your own liberation. Taking risks is a part of our evolutionary growth, and there’s a chance that you just may learn to fly!

Happy New Year, everyone! Make it fabulous, enjoying blessings of good fortune as well as your greatest joy!

Namaste.

A Fresh Look at Saturn

Much like Pluto, the planet Saturn has long suffered a bad rap from traditional astrologers and lay people alike as a diabolical fly in the ointment, when in fact, Saturn indicates many opportunities for our own personal, and societal growth. Therefore, it is my intention for this month’s article to illuminate the gift of Saturn, and perhaps inspire us all to utilize the benefits these opportunities bring.

According to the science of Astrology, there are two paternal planetary influences in our solar system; Jupiter and Saturn. Each of these fatherly planets takes on a significantly different role in promoting our personal and spiritual development. For instance, Jupiter is the indulgent father who, when he is not being restrained through hard aspects or retrograde motion, indicates an open door for gainful opportunity and expansion. He blithely pats us on the head and sends us merrily on our way absolutely unchecked, unless other planetary influences become involved. This can be beneficial in many ways, and can also lead us into a bit of a jam if we don’t use our heads a bit. Jupiter rules Sagittarius, and those of us who know a Sagittarian or two can testify to just how unbridled these fun-loving people can be under the supervision of such a lenient ruler!

Saturn, on the other hand, is the seemingly stern disciplinarian associated with restriction and limitation. He rules Capricorn, who calmly accepts the responsibilities and limits that Saturn imposes, and co-rules rebellious Aquarius, whose unconventional nature has been tirelessly flinging itself against the bars of Saturn’s constricting traditions for quite some time.

Aquarius represents freedom, after all, and Saturn’s insistence on boundaries, discipline, schedules and limitations has been a source of profound discomfort to Aquarius’s free-flowing habits. A modicum of relief appeared when Saturn, who had likely grown weary of Aquarius’s unflagging attempts at mutiny, went into semi-retirement some time in the 19th century, passing the baton, and most of the responsibility, over to Uranus, who seems to resonate more closely with Aquarius’s unpredictable behavior.

It should be said, however, that we impulsive Aquarians, as well as everyone else, would do well to embrace the opportunities and discipline that Saturn seems to impose, as the effects of such limitations can ultimately free us from irresponsible patterns and inclinations that can trip us up, ensnaring us in a bit of a nasty episode or two that may be difficult to shake off. Conversely, it is also important to insure that we are not seduced into remaining in a habit of unmoving stasis due to Saturn’s more depressive qualities.

As a bit of an aside, it’s interesting to note that while Aquarius is eccentric, freedom-loving and spontaneous, Capricorn resists change like the plague, choosing instead to duck themselves deeply beneath the covers of a situation long after its use and joy has run out. It is quite likely that Capricorn is the inspiration behind the term “comfortable rut.” Capricorn tends to take on a woeful, depressive stance – likened in my mind to A. A. Milne’s gloomy, yet endearing Eeyore – while Aquarius bounces around like the hyper loveable Tigger…sometimes bouncing itself right off a cliff! Small wonder that Saturn can be a bit grumpy with these two to watch over! It also leads me to wonder how Saturn ever got assigned to Aquarius in the first place. I feel a research binge coming on…

Ah, but it is time now to refocus on the task at hand: learning to appreciate Father Saturn.

Saturn has two faces; that of the strict authoritarian whose actions seem to manifest in some level of pain, and that of the benevolent teacher, who inspires us to utilize these painful experiences of restriction and discipline in order to gain greater clarity and fulfillment. Yes Virginia, there is an intrinsic value in our experiences of pain. As difficult as they can be, these experiences can awaken a deeper insight within ourselves, inspiring us to release our minds from past conditioning as well as our attachment to the past, and to discover our own internal values that are held deep within. How else will we discover profound, joyful freedom if we aren’t first inspired to throw off the chains that bind us? Saturn brings our anguish or imposition into the forefront, forcing us to meet it head-on if our intentions are to find joy and fulfillment on the other side.

This is where we meet our choice-point: Do we decide to work toward freeing ourselves joyfully, or do we elect instead to wallow in despair? Free will is the name of the game here, and we always have the opportunity to exercise it, regardless of how scary that may seem. Saturn’s role is integral to this process, and when we begin to embrace and appreciate his contribution of introducing the motivation for this change, he will transform before our eyes from the fearsome father to the benevolent one.

By his placement in both house and sign in your personal natal chart, Saturn indicates which areas of your life that you are likely to feel held back in your self-expression, embroiled in self-denial, frustrated, or faced with difficulties. Know that Saturn, in exposing these conditions, holds the keys to the gateway of eventual freedom via a deeper personal insight. We merely have to pay attention, focus ourselves on the desired goal, and allow Saturn to give our ideas form.

As if this wasn’t enough to chew on, I’m going to throw one more thought in the mix. Approximately every 30 years or so, each of us experiences a profound growth opportunity called a Saturn Return, in which Saturn transits the exact location of our natal Saturn, which is called a conjunction. These are some of the most challenging, and the most important times of our lives, in which we make quantum leaps in maturity. While they may be seen as excruciating by some, it’s all in how you look at it. This time is of endings and new beginnings, and will be dealt with in one of two ways. If you have been living your life up to this point in full resonance of your soul purpose, this period will mark a time of the completion of one stage of life, and the beginning of another, more mature stage of life. This period could be likened to a rite of passage, as it were.

If you have been living your life to this point in a manner that has been out of alignment with your soul purpose, this could be seen as a time of great crisis, or as an opportunity to get yourself back on the right track. Saturn urges you to face the issues you have neglected, do the requisite work to realign yourself with your true purpose, and embark upon the next 30 years with more wisdom and maturity. You would do well to avail yourself of this opportunity with courage, rolling with the punches, and doing the essential work so that in another 29 years, you are not obligated to experience an even more challenging Saturn Return. As far-fetched as this may sound, you may even wish to look upon this time with much enthusiasm and anticipation, knowing that you are fulfilling your soul’s desire for progress.

If you are nearing your second Saturn Return, say around 58-60 years old, you may be faced with the need to make some radical changes in your life. These changes may be in the form of releasing yourself of outmoded habits and thinking. I suggest you observe yourself objectively, and make the necessary changes, no matter how challenging they may seem. If you do, it is likely that your golden years will be much more rewarding.

The length of time each Saturn return lasts can vary individually, according to the nature of the sign Saturn is placed in, and the size of the house in which it resides. Generally, Saturn Returns last approximately 2 ½ years, and if it’s anything like mine, it could go as long as 4 ½ years. Utilize this time to its utmost potential, and you will benefit tremendously. It’s of added benefit if you know when your Saturn Return will begin, so that you can reflect upon the requisite issues covered ahead of time, in order to be better prepared.

It is my desire that this article has been helpful in sharing a fresh perspective on Saturn, and a new appreciation on how he operates so that we can all best use his influence to our full advantage. Remember that it’s all about free will, so next time Saturn places a weighty finger on our heads, forcing us to stay grounded and focused, we can choose to groan under the weight of it all, or find the moxie to face the lesson with fervor, forging ahead toward the sure promise of eventual freedom. Remembering always that fear is actually False Evidence Appearing Real; perhaps we can then liberate ourselves from such an illusion.

June Celestial Events of Note:

Mercury Retrograde in Cancer, June 15 (Please see archived article on Mercury)

New Moon in Gemini June 14

Summer Solstice June 21

Full Moon in Capricorn June 30

Have a wonderful Summer Solstice, everyone!

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!