Horoscope

SolarScopes December 10th-16th 2011

 Full Moon/Total Lunar Eclipse
December 10, 2011
6:36 AM Pacific
10:36 AM Eastern

This month's Full Moon is a total Lunar Eclipse, occurring Saturday December 10th--it will be visible on the western portion of North America, northern Mexico, Hawaii, Micronesia, Malanesia, Polynesia, Australasia, Asia, eastern Africa, Iceland, and the majority of Europe. This Eclipse takes place within the tropical sign of Gemini at 18 degrees and 11 minutes, closely conjoined the south node of the moon's nodal axis. Over the past few weeks the collective energy has had us adjusting our own unique individual lens, resulting in a broader, more expansive, and all-encompassing perspective. Look deeply at where you're gaining more awareness, where something has become more apparent, and how you can see more clearly where to make the next few steps.

Perhaps you've received a vision for the future, or something you would like to set out to achieve or manifest within your life. Mercury will be retrograde until roughly Dec 14th--but keep in mind that it takes another week or so for Mercury to pick up speed, and leave its shadow. This last phase of the cycle has us finishing and tying up loose ends--various obstacles inhibiting forward motion are likely to move out of our way after this...well, some of them at least (Mars is about to go retrograde soon). Mercury retrograde often presents us with a new way of looking at things. How have you altered your outlook, and what new perspective have you attained? Be open and humble to a different way of looking at reality this next week--Mercury's energy is still going strong.

This Full Moon/Lunar Eclipse is ruled by Mercury retrograde in Sagittarius--we are now letting go of old ideas and outworn beliefs to make room for the new awareness and insights we are receiving from the universe. Here we find ourselves walking that delicate balance between the the factual, logical, and rational end of Gemini--versus the intuitive, empathic, and holistic end of Sagittarius. Ultimately we are to "trust our vibes", but not to the extent of discounting the apparent laws and workings which construct our dimensional matrix--follow intuitive clues to come to rational conclusions that make sense, but that also help create the larger picture of the whole. See how you can practically implement your recurring visions or ideas, to integrate them into a productive work outlet, or perhaps to better enhance overall health and well-being.

The lunar eclipse invites us to look at ways to enhance our ability to digest information and experience--release and surrender whatever is taking up unneeded space, or assimilate it so that it fits with the current system and structure. Look for how you can create more ease and comfort within an existing system--how things can become more automated so that everything runs more efficiently--more smoothly.

The Full Moon/Lunar Eclipse conjunct the nodal axis, creates a T-Square with Mars in Virgo--we are being pulled into the vibration of the upcoming Mars retrograde cycle (Jan 23-April 13, 2012). As this frequency gets stronger, we are encouraged to become more mindful of our impulses and desires--to stop and check in with what we are feeling and why, as opposed to simply jumping into action. This inversion of the outward and directive influence of Mars, allows us a process to understand what truly motivates us beyond the superficial and apparent perception of our impulses. Needless to say, it would be wise to take your time with things, take it all step by step--check in with yourself, and what you're desiring to create now--what's the real agenda?

If you feel rushed to complete something or "make something happen", go deeper with it and see what's truly the source of urgency, and whether or not taking impulsive action would be self-serving. We are being gifted the opportunity to create and bring something into manifestation over the next few months--but we don't need to make it all happen in one swoop--careful, conscious, and controlled construction will truly benefit us now.

Technical notes:
The total lunar eclipse occurs at 18 degrees of tropical Gemini and 11 minutes, conjoined the south node of the Moon's nodal axis by an orb of 03 degrees and 47 minutes--putting the Sun in direct opposition conjunct the north node in Sagittarius. This configuration activates Mars in the United States horoscope (Sibly), ruler of the 4th and 5th houses. Transiting Mars makes a square to the eclipse position on Christmas Eve December 24th--and again around June 8, 2012 after going direct from retrograde motion. There is also a New Moon on Christmas Eve at 02 degrees Capricorn and 34 minutes, forming a Grand earth trine configuration with Jupiter in Taurus and Transpluto in Virgo. In March of 2012, Mars, Jupiter, and Pluto form an earth grand trine at roughly 9 degrees of their respective signs--having met in wide orb in November of this year. Transiting Jupiter will conjoin the degree of the eclipse in early May 2013--activating its inherent potential.

Many of the themes and issues surrounding this eclipse are part of a much longer dynamic process which will unfold over the next year or so. This will be more influential, of course, if the eclipse touches a specific planet, point, or angle in the personal horoscope--and will correlate to shifts and changes regarding the themes inherent to its house position.


FORECAST
Dec 10th through Dec 16th 2011
 
We will be feeling the full peak effects of the Full Moon/Lunar Eclipse Friday and Saturday nights (Dec 9th-10th)--but mostly Friday.Watch out for "new connections", fated encounters, or simply pertinent information you likely need to receive. Over the weekend there may be a lot of "impulsive" energy flying around--be mindful of this, especially in regards to the uprising of anger stirred up by ideological debates. If you can't simply agree to disagree, it might be best to just walk away, or not become engaged; however, it may be tempting and difficult to resist. The Full Moon/Lunar Eclipse occurs at 6:36 AM Pacific/9:36 am Eastern--the energies are ripe for methodical and mental projects.

The Moon goes void early Sunday (Dec 11) morning from 2:25 am to 5:26 am Pacific and  5:25 am to 8:26 am Eastern. The Moon will be in Cancer all day Sunday--the collective energy is likely to be more sensitive, emotional, and focused on maintaining security. Sunday may feel very impulsive, with lots of energy coming from differing directions--it's a good day to get stuff done as long as you can remain focused and not allow yourself to get distracted. Later Sunday night favors intensity and looking beyond surface appearances.

The Moon is in Cancer all day Monday (Dec 12). Be mindful of moodiness and irritability--people may feel very impulsive, at the expense of the needs and concerns of others. Don't assume, ask and connect so that you can be more clear. It may be challenging to pin down just what you want and need today, but don't panic, just feel your way through it.

The Moon goes void Tuesday (Dec 13)  morning around 8:05 am Pacific/11:05 am Eastern and enters Leo around 1:48 pm Pacific/4:48 pm Eastern. While the Moon is void it is best to lay low, avoid making important decisions--go deeply within and connect to yourself and your needs. Today is a good day for creativity and receiving sudden or spontaneous information. This energy will likely carry over to Wednesday (Dec 14), which should feel relatively light, playful, and perhaps more care-free than usual.

Thursday (Dec 15) should feel productively harmonious--and we may be able to make realistic use of our creativity today as long as we're mindful of excessive idealism. The Moon goes void around 5:20 pm Pacific/8:20 pm Eastern, and enters Virgo around 7:58 pm Pacific/10:58 pm Eastern. Toward the latter part of the day the collective energy may feel spacey or unclear. The evening favors taking it a bit easier, staying close to stable patterns or routines--if you are unsure of something today, don't press the situation further.....sleep on it.

The Moon is in Virgo all day Friday (Dec 16) closing in on a conjunction with Mars. Friday is an excellent day to organize, clean, or compartmentalize things--you may feel an ability to go much deeper with it than usual. The intensity of Mars in Virgo is likely to increase throughout the day, peaking late Friday night, and so...there will likely be a lot of heightened mental energy. This is an excellent night to work on something that requires focus and sustained energy, as you will be able to direct your attention on all the little pieces and details.

Stay tuned for my next article for the last quarter Moon, Saturday December 17th.

SolarScopes via tropical zodiac
The Lunar Eclipse opens a portal to the past--to some far off distant memory--to memories of long ago--things historical and ancestral. This portal opens deep in our minds, and with it--a simultaneous impulse into the future--a tunnel to the stars expands before us. We are beckoned to the past, something "retro" to extract its essence and to creatively enhance its potential to benefit our future state. The aftershock of some distant event is culminating in the now. Making creative change to enhance the future. Consciously and methodically actualizing our desires--fueled by the vision of tomorrow.  Consolidating ideas, information, theories, and all hypotheses'---slowly putting them into action to further serve ourselves and others.

Sun sign horoscopes are generalized readings which interpret collective energies as they are perceived through the multivalent lens of the zodiac. Imagine light permeating a prism as it is refracted into a multiplicity of colors. Each frequency perceives the inherent nature of a particular lunation differently. These are written for specific archetypes within the tropical zodiac, but are not limited to simply "Sun signs", and can also be accurate in describing individuals with a particular archetypal dominance in their personality, as revealed through the natal horoscope itself.


ARIES
There's probably a lot information overload going on--so many different perspectives to ponder. Your outlook has, or is about to change quite considerably, and your going to embark on an adventure to make some use of it. Sometimes our ideas about the world around us need to be adjusted, or just cleaned out entirely. If you're stirring up anger or defensiveness in others while trying to communicate old ideas--it might be time to consider how you can possibly adjust them, or make them sound more appealing. Sometimes, however, you're just ahead of the times, and so if you mindfully share your thoughts and discover the reasons for truly doing so, you'll have a better perception of what catalyzes it all to begin with.


TAURUS
Take a deep breath--breathe in slowly--take it all in. Absorb whatever is coming at you through that tunnel. You may feel that you finally have a better idea of what you need--most, if not all the pieces are in your hands--now it all comes down to how to make use of them, how they all fit in...and where. Take a moment, relax, and take it all in--there's no need to build the whole castle in one day--there's plenty of time. Besides--you arn't really sure how to go about it all anyway--so allow yourself to go deep, and ponder those feelings and urgencies--something new is brewing and you can make it all happen--just trust your creativity and let it all unfold. It'll feel like you didn't do a thing in the end.

GEMINI
Your changing the way you perceive yourself and the way you interact with others. It's time to make your connections work for you to better support and sustain you somehow--to build a strong foundation for the future. It's natural for it to feel this way--there's always tension between your needs and those of others; however when we all work together, harmoniously--it's amazing how powerful and strong a structure we can create--it's all just a matter of humbled egos mingling in mutual cooperation. It takes two, so you know, don't give too much unless the other end is just as passionate as you are. Let go of that complex idea you have of yourself, open your mind, and let others mirror to you just how simple it really is--each part reflects the whole....nothing exists in isolation.


CANCER
A chaotic past descends into the memory vaults, and simultaneously, a future emerges--more sharper and available to your perception. What was once a mystery, is becoming more easier to grasp--all is becoming more tangible and less abstract or confusing--so trust that you aren't "going crazy" after all. You can direct all of this into integrating and healing yourself; there still might be a lot of work to do, but at least you have a better understanding of where to begin. The gears are probably moving about now, and it seems you have a few ideas in the works, so trust you're being gifted with the specific guidelines--all you have to do is follow their lead.

LEO
Whatever failed, broke down, or slipped away likely wasn't what you needed after all--at least it wasn't functional they way that it was, and now that you know what's not working, you can apply yourself to areas that will be much more fruitful. Use this time constructively to finish sorting out all the ties you keep carrying around with you--you can see much more clearly now who or what is taking up all the space. This is a time to strengthen and consolidate your strongest talents and abilities, and channel them into something that will allow you to prosper in the future. Don't rush now, while things may appear rather accelerated, you have plenty of time. Within this whirlwind of possibilities grab only what's essential and let the rest move on with the wind.

VIRGO
It may be a challenge in getting clear on where you're going exactly--it hasn't felt like you've really been in control of things. You have plenty of time to revise your public image, it's all a matter of sifting through various ideas, options, and possibilities--especially now that you can actually see them. Embrace this more panoramic perception, look at where everything fits in. You can use this time to really enhance yourself and your potential--and to work out all the kinks in your presentation style. You don't need to throw away the whole thing, especially if you feel impulsed to do so--look deeply at where you can consolidate all the pieces and make something else entirely. Your life direction is going to change--move with it, and you'll find it all less difficult to manage.


LIBRA
Gaining a new vision may come about with the sacrifice of another, more outworn, perspective. The less attached you are to this process, the easier it will all flow along with ease. It's likely you've realized that there are many things you've yet to discover, to experience, and to pull into your conscious awareness--remain open and humble to all transmissions as they head your way. Over the next few months you will be guided deeper into yourself and your shadows like never before--here you stand upon the precipice, awaiting some form of assimilation. Trust, have faith--surrender, you're not exactly in control now, but that doesn't mean succumbing to inaction....you can choose to step deeper into the dark, and like a warrior, go where you've never been before.

SCORPIO
It's time you let go of that old mental programming--especially the bits and pieces that you allowed others to throw upon you at some point. It's likely you can see it all--as if you have some form of x-ray vision, able to pierce deeper to detect all surface motivations and agendas. It's time to allow yourself to link up with a powerful force, network, or structure much larger than yourself--through mutual cooperation. You can find a very creative way to better support yourself through the influence and power of something co-created. You're walking a fine line now, so be mindful of how much you give, and how much is taken--allow yourself, through a sort of osmosis, to move in and out of the eternal connectedness of the universe.

SAGITTARIUS
Now that you're more aware of where other people are coming from, you can make more sense of yourself and where you currently stand. There's always a clash between interests when we involve ourselves with others on some intimate level--relax, it's all apart of the game. You may feel compelled to link up with like minds and forge your way ahead now--but take it slow--no need to rush it all. A strong and supportive structure requires careful and conscious construction, so start with each piece and soon enough you'll be halfway done. You need to get clear on some information first, especially coming from sources whom you consult--it's a bit scattered now so take this time to make sense of it all--trust your judgement and intuition, you're quite talented there.

CAPRICORN
The past few weeks have likely had you focusing on ways to make yourself more useful--maybe at work, or maybe around your living space. Now that you have more perspective, it's probably more clear that you need to expand beyond the "known" and familiar and make your way into entirely new territory. What you learn along the way may even have the impact of enhancing your skills and over-all knowledge--allowing you to become much more effective at what you do. A powerful healing or integrating of what was once a scattered array of fragments is possible, but you'll have to rely less on the practical limitations of the world you see before you, by trusting your inner guide. Easier said than done for you Capricorn ;-)

AQUARIUS
It's possible that you've been experimenting with an entirely new way of creating your reality and actualizing your desires. Now is the time to really trust your inner child, think of it all as a big game--don't take it too seriously. There's a lot of pieces that still need to be put together, but it's likely you've received a much clearer creative vision of where you need to go next. You're playing with the delicate process of mindful co-creation, so don't think you have to do it all alone--and that may involve a process of possible ego-deflation. The vision is yours, this is true, but it may not all fall into your lap, leaving you to make it all happen alone. Look for ways that you can implement your creation through the support, feedback, and assistance of those who you truly mesh with, and can deeply trust.

PISCES
The floor beneath your feet may have been a bit unstable these past few weeks, and your perception has likely changed in the way you perceive the whole foundation--and your place in it all. You're living situation, or place you find most comfortable, is in the process of deep transformation, so have trust--sort through all the stagnant bits and pieces and maintain what's truly essential. You're likely to make some new connections soon which will help things further, or perhaps a certain relationship will provide some much needed awareness about your motivations and desires. You may feel compelled to really start moving forward with others in some direction--but be mindful that there's still some work that may need to be done. Don't feel rushed or pressured just yet, and if you can be mindful of your real agenda, and be receptive to needs of others--you'll avoid a lot of conflict and confrontation.






SolarScope November 26, 2011

 The Moon is in Sagittarius until 4:06 PM Pacific/7:06 PM Eastern. There is much activity today, and so the energies are highly supportive of a busy day--you may find yourself involved with much whether you intended to or not. With all this energy flying around it would be a shame to not take advantage of it--if you have things you've been putting aside, today is an excellent day to address them. Venus moves into Capricorn this morning around 4:36 AM Pacific/7:36 AM Eastern--the next several weeks favors a taste for the formal, conservative, and bottom-line basics. With Venus in Capricorn there will be no need to go over top--consider what's really important and what you need most--practical, simple, and streamline will be the fashion flavor.

There is quite a mix of energies today, the universe is apparently catering to everyone's taste and preference. If you plan on having any kind of social gathering or event it should turn out quite successful--and you will likely find yourself feeling more like mingling today than usual. The Moon sextiles Saturn around 11:12 AM Pacific/2:12 PM Eastern--if you need to stay focused and determined this morning you will be greatly supported. The Moon sextiles Neptune around 4:06 PM Pacific/7:06 PM Eastern--and goes void until 7:04 PM Pacific/10:04 PM Eastern--while the Moon is void we may feel like withdrawing a bit, going more inwardly, and sticking to more routine tasks or activities. Venus squares Uranus at 6:28 PM Pacific/9:28 Eastern--be mindful of your desires and impulses, especially while the Moon is void--pinning down just what you want will be the challenge--stop yourself at the right moment and you'll avoid any complications that may arise.

The Moon conjoins Venus in Capricorn around 8:27 PM Pacific/11:27 PM Eastern--tonight is an especially social night, and will definitely favor more formal, simple, or basic appearances. This is a good night to socialize for business related matters as well--as people will be more focused on the bottom line than usual. The Moon makes a trine to Jupiter around 10:01 PM Pacific--this adds a dimension of expansion, exuberance, and flamboyance. Overall there is much activity today and throughout the night--it would be wise to make some use of it.

SolarScope November 24, 2011

 Today is Thanksgiving day--so eh--time to give thanks. The vibration of Sagittarius ferments this holiday with the spirit of adventure, of abundance, and of reaching beyond the known and familiar and into the foreign. There is also a Solar Eclipse/New Moon tonight, and so it is a time to be mindful of what you're creating--give thanks for what you have, and intend on attracting what you need right now.

Read my article on the New Moon here for more insight. Mercury is also retrograde for the next three weeks--this is the time when the universe reveals to us just how little we really know. Mercury retrograde is a time to be humble and open to new ideas and perceptions of how things operate. In Sagittarius we may feel as if we have a firm grasp of reality, but we never truly will, because we're always learning and growing--be open to revision of all kinds. If you feel impulsed to go back to something, or to reconsider things from another perception, go for it--you'll be glad you did.

The Moon will be in Scorpio today until she goes void around 3:05 PM Pacific/6:05 PM Eastern. Her last aspect will be a square to Neptune--ouch. Let's not intend this to put a damper on your dinner plans, but it'll probably be wise to choose to get more clear on your emotions later today instead of reaching for the booze--that might not end things too well with the family. Luckily Venus makes a sextile to Neptune around 5:53 PM Pacific/8:53 PM Eastern--smoothing things out a bit, adding a streak of romanticism into the mix.

The Moon enters Sagittarius, leaving the void, around 5:57 PM Pacific/8:57 PM Eastern. During the void make an attempt to treat things lightly, don't take yourself or anything which manifests too seriously--you won't be too clear on it either way. The Moon makes a trine to Uranus around 7:09 PM Pacific/10:09 PM Eastern, adding an electrical burst of spontaneity. The New Moon occurs around 10:10 PM Pacific, intention setting will be ripe around the end of night and all day tomorrow. Happy Thanksgiving!


SolarScope November 23, 2011

 The Moon is in Scorpio all day today--we feel this deeply since the Sun has recently left this brooding sign of secrets. While the Moon is in Scorpio the background energy becomes more intense, more connecting--we are more intriqued by what lies behind the curtain, behind that veil we know is but illusion. This is interesting, given that the Sabian symbol for the day is:

"The ocean covered with whitecaps"

This is an image of water foaming and frothing as a result of turbulence. This seemingly chaotic display conceals a world beneath that is, for the most part, unaffected by the forces above it. Perhaps we should question what is truly behind certain appearances today, as there is far more than meets the eye. The Moon makes several aspects in the early morning hours. The Sun trines Uranus at 2:15 AM Pacific/5:15 AM Eastern, and will separating from this aspect throughout the day--be mindful of sudden innovations or creative spontaneity.

The Moon sextiles Mars at 3:30 AM Pacific/6:30 AM Eastern, and then sextiles Pluto at 3:35 AM Pacific/6:35 AM Eastern. At 6:02 AM Pacific/9:02 AM Eastern Mars makes a trine to Pluto--needless to say the day starts off quite intense, we may feel this as a desire to really connect with something today, or with other people. Perhaps we feel a sense of mission this morning, and this would be an excellent time for deep concentration and focus.

Today we may feel a powerful sense of self assurance, and we can act with confidence without second guessing ourselves. Keep in mind however, that Mercury will be turning retrograde, officially, late tonight at 11:21 PM Pacific/2:21 AM Eastern (the next day). We should go with our instincts and go after what we desire, but we may change our minds over the next week or so, especially if we make some form of agreement or commitment. My advice...just go with it today, throw yourself into the process and see how it unfolds--if anything you'll at least enjoy yourself.

Embracing The Vision: New Moon/Solar Eclipse in Sagittarius & Mercury Retrograde

New Moon/Solar Eclipse in Sagittarius
November 24, 2011
10:10 PM Pacific
November 25, 2011
1:10 AM Eastern
@02 degrees Sagittarius

This month's New Moon is also a partial Solar Eclipse, further amplifying its usual power and influence. Regions of visibility include the extreme southern tip of South Africa, Antarctica, Tasmania, and New Zealand. Solar Eclipses are extremely powerful New Moons, and because of this, the power of intention is greatly magnified. Now that the Sun has entered Sagittarius, ruled by Jupiter, the collective energy becomes more expansive, optimistic, generous, and more focused on the larger holistic picture. The background energy seeks the grandiose--impulsed to make things more larger than life. We may desire expansion, to take on new forms of experience--to go beyond our known limitations. There is a very interesting synchronicity surrounding this New Moon--it occurs on Thanksgiving day, roughly the same day which initiates Mercury's retrograde cycle, and appears to be a gateway towards the cyclic formation of an earth Grand Trine involving the planets Mars, Jupiter, and Pluto.

The grand trine configuration has already been forming roughly over the past week, and given its earthy nature--and the planets involved--has a feel of abundance, productivity, and internalized self-sufficiency. This is also been labeled by several astrologers as an "abundance cycle", which will actually peak around March 13, 2012 when all three planets form the grand trine completely--once Jupiter has moved direct and Mars goes retrograde. Interestingly, on March 13th, as all three bodies are at 9 degrees of their respective signs--Jupiter and Venus will conjoin in Taurus--how's that for a sign of abundance! We may feel a sense to break free of something to become more self-sufficient and autonomous. The past week has been a preview, so to speak, of these coming energies and their intention. Personally, for me this energy has really been quite productive, as I have been more connected to astrology and writing more than ever before. We may feel frustration now if we are not connected to some kind of work which provides us a feeling of gratification and accomplishment--or if a passion we once embraced has begun to fizzle out--but fortunately this is a ripe opportunity for discovering an entirely new path or direction.

I feel we can use the power of this New Moon to set our intentions around manifesting more productivity and abundance in our lives--expanding our material resources and transforming our physical bodies. We can use this as a portal to expand into the realm of potential to manifest our dreams. It can also assist us in uncovering a passion or meaningful work that fulfill us. What would you like to attract into your life now, what do you need to better support and sustain yourself? Conversely, this configuration is likely to impulse us deeper into something, to see past distractions or disillusions into the heart and truth of what's really going on--we may feel less tolerant with superficiality. This New Moon/Solar Eclipse is the "gateway to abundance", but also a path to the truth--and the more conscious we are of intending this in our lives, the more likely we are to see it show up.
New Moon Horoscope- November 25, 2011 (eastern)
This is a north nodal solar eclipse--we are acquiring, manifesting, taking on, and accumulating something new. Have you been gifted with a vision for the future? Perhaps an entirely new direction which will enhance your resources and skills, or perhaps enhance the fruits of your talents? Embrace this vision, set your intention towards its manifestation and utilization. A new horizon has emerged, and with it, manifold possibilities are now visible and available to us. On another note, many astrologers are predicting much more economic instability beginning next year, most likely from Summer onward--and will result in further social instability and political unrest. How can we manifest abundance in an economy which is seemingly corroding, isn't this just overtly idealistic? I feel the Sabian symbol for the position of the New Moon holds some clues for us.....


03 degrees Sagittarius: Two men playing chess

This symbol reveals the image of two men playing a game of chess, which takes place upon a tiled or checkered board. Like all games, Chess is a competitive match between two players. Chess is considered by many to be a sporting type event, which is essentially a means through which aggressive energies can be channeled and transmuted. Astrologically, this aggressive and assertive forward drive originates from the unconscious archetype of Mars, which is the planetary crystallization of the yang principle within the psyche. Chess digresses from the traditional "physical" sporting event in that it requires well-thought out plans of action, urging the players to be more objective within the process, and to consider various perspectives-- all while adhering to a strict set of rules.

At the root of it, the game actually slowly dissolves dichotomy, because in order to win one must be extremely conscious of the opponents intention--it is a game which actually urges the players to be less impulsive or aggressive and more mindful and empathic. The game usually ends with the King checkmated--this being the archetype of the leader, the ruler--or in another sense, the conscious ego who rules over waking perception. Chess actually promotes creativity and ingenuity, while following certain rules and boundaries. This is an interesting blending of two seemingly antithetical constructs, but it works. The archetypal chess board is composed of black and white tiles. The word tile is actually slang for a hat--a creative comparison of tiles on a roof--and a hat upon one's head. If you are familiar with the "secret" society of Freemasonry, you will find an interesting parallel between the checkered floors of their lodges, and the reference of "tiles" to the occupation of a mason or tradesmen--who were the founders of the organization.

The agenda of Freemasonry is really no secret, it's been written about quite openly for anyone to read, mostly from its own members. This has led to many conspiracy theories about the organization, mostly regarding their secret role in  manipulating various political events in the attempts of creating the mythic "New World Order"[1]. In reality, if you study their influence upon certain events and key people throughout history, it is plainly clear that somewhere in the higher eschalons of the organization lies a powerful hand which shapes and directs HIStory. Regardless of this, the root archetype of the Freemasons appears to be the ability to work within certain laws and boundaries while slowly shaping and directing the system--in other words, conforming to the system to eventually change or transform it through a creative process.This is a similar principle which assists one in successfully winning a game of chess, in which the objective is to emphatically attune to the opponent to eventual checkmate his ego--or to take over control of the conscious perception of the King.

So how can we utilize what we are given, economic instability or not, to enhance our success and to manifest abundance for ourselves and/or for others? How do we create change and transformation within the current rules of the game? If we perceive our "opponent" as the system itself, or perhaps, those which are currently winning the game--does it serve us to aggressively fight against them? Most likely not, but if we consider the game of chess, we are urged to become more empathic--to connect with the system and to assimilate it into an entirely new form, all while mindfully plotting our next moves carefully, clearly, and cleverly. I feel this is a deeply profound message for the collective at this juncture, especially given the revolutionary impulses currently flooding earth. This brings to mind the cliche saying, "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade".

The power of this grand trine can be utilized by us to manifest something truly amazing with the resources we currently have, but to do that we are encouraged to get creative and to utilize a well thought out plan of action. Fortunately, or unfortunately, Mercury is about to go retrograde, roughly the day of the New Moon/Solar Eclipse. Mercury retrograde is often anticipated with minor dread by many privy to its effects--however, if we use this time consciously--it can be incredibly useful. Mercury retrograde occurs every three months, for three weeks, and designates a short period where the normal flow of our daily life and communication appears to be going backward--or "working against us". This can manifest in various mechanical breakdowns or failures, lost or confused bits of information, unclear communication--and or several minor irritations or "setbacks". The truth of the matter is that Mercury retrograde is a time for us to actually take steps back, to go over things more thoroughly, and to be sure that all the pieces are in their proper place.

If something breaks down, or if something appears to be delayed or not moving forward, it's because there are components missing that we've overlooked--and this is the perfect time to go back and see what we can adjust so that it's more functional in the future. The more we push forward, the more of the seemingly "negative" side effects we experience, but sometimes we do either way--you know because it's Mercury retrograde. Mercury goes retrograde from November 24 through December 14. This is not a time for launching new projects or making important commitments or agreements--moving forward will be favored once Mercury turns direct. Mercury will be in Sagittarius during its retrograde cycle--this provides an opportunity for reconsidering the bigger picture and for gaining a broader perception of where we're going. If you've acquired a new vision or idea over the past few weeks of Mercury's shadow, this is the perfect time to revise it, adjust it, and go deeper with it to see how you can make it work.

Both the New Moon/Solar Eclipse and Mercury retrograde cycle feel very creative and inspirational, but not to the extent of being overtly idealistic--there are plenty of energies available for us to make practical use of what we receive this lunation cycle. The New Moon forms a T-Square alignment with the Chiron/Neptune conjunction in opposition to Transpluto in wide conjunction with Mars. This hints at a massive influx of trans-dimensional energies flooding the earth plane, as well as an opportunity for deep healing and integration. We may feel rushed or impulsed to heal something at this time, but we must remember that healing is a process--and most effective when we surrender, and connect to it as opposed to fighting or attacking what we perceive to be an imbalance. Perhaps this New Moon/Solar Eclipse will allow us to gain a new perspective on our own personal healing process, and allow us to see it from a different light?

Venus, at the anaretic degrees of Sagittarius, in wide conjunction with Pluto, squares Uranus at the Aries point. We are urged to creatively break out the box now, to experiment with new avenues through which we can creatively express ourselves--embrace an entirely different approach and path now. This new path may feel awkward, different, and uncertain--but continue on and trust completely your inner guide. Listen to the voices inside you, which urge you to take a creative risk--you'll be amazed where it will lead you now.

The suggestion would be to reach for the light, reach for the the horizon--out for more experience. Now is a time to expand--but to also be mindful of each step. Optimism and enthusiasm can inflate us beyond our capacity to handle sometimes--you don't want to pop the whole balloon now.  This is a time to inflate consciously, and if we can approach our problems with compassion, empathy, and most importantly--mindful objectivity--we will indefinitely enhance our success. Solar Eclipses are truly powerful forces, there is a deep biochemical alteration which occurs within us--it is subtle, but real. We can alter this transmission with the power of our intention, and we can mold and shape these forces into very real and tangible realities. Choose to dance now with the great potential of the universe, let it lift you up--as you reach higher for those transcendent engimas we've dreamed in the sky. But with that I say--be mindful of who's vision you reach for, and when in doubt--make your own. 


Stay in the light.

Notes & Referneces
[1] By referring to The New World Order as a myth, I am not denouncing its crediblity, but simply implying that the real truth behind the theory I do not truly know--but I find it a fascinating archetype, of which could very well exist, as well as being convincing in terms of evidence. However, I feel the vastness of the situation is far beyond our current perception--as it deals with something of which we currently have little understanding as a collective--dealing more with (para)psychology than with politics.

[2] Image by Vladamir Kush

SolarScope November 22, 2011

 The Sun enters Sagittarius around 8:08 AM Pacific/11:08 AM Eastern. While the Sun is in Sagittarius the collective energy turns to more broader based perceptions and concerns--we are more focused on the bigger picture, the larger process, and the principle of expansion--ruled by the planet Jupiter. Currently Jupiter and Venus are in a mutual reception, working together to harmonize and beautify. The Moon conjoins Saturn this morning around 9:43 AM Pacific/12:43 PM Eastern--marking the morning with a more serious and focused tone. This energy can often feel heavy, dense and restricting, or it can be quite productive and precise. Since the Sun has now moved into Sagittarius, and the Moon will be in Libra, this should work to lighten things up this morning--allowing for productive expansion.

The Moon sextiles Venus around 10:30 AM Pacific/1:30 PM Eastern, creating an impulse which seeks harmony, beauty, and a feeling of pleasantness. The first half of the day should be filled with quite a pleasant sociability, we may feel more enthusiastic and adventurous today--but should also have enough focus and concentration to get things done. Be mindful of impulsive spending, desiring things you'd like to have--but yet if you can really afford it, its a great day to treat yourself to something special. The Moon makes its final aspect to Neptune around 3:04 PM Pacific/6:04 PM Eastern before going void. The Moon is void until 5:58 PM Pacific/8:58 PM Eastern. While the Moon is void we may suddenly feel the urge to withdraw more, and we are encouraged to stay centered and close to familiar routines--making big decisions during this brief time may not be the best idea. The latter part of the evening should be met with a slight break in the energy, but with the last aspect to Neptune, this is a good time for meditation, yoga, or just some casual daydreaming.

The Moon opposes Jupiter around 9:25 PM Pacific/01:25 AM Eastern, fermenting the night with an exuberant energetic influx. We may feel a bit like indulging ourselves this evening, which should be quite enjoyable, just remember that excessive expansion can lead to a painful contraction at times. Overall the signatures today should feel relatively light, pleasant, sociable, and we may feel called to expand beyond the normal hum drum of daily living. People may be more friendly and generous, which is good if you have a need for ease of social interaction. It's an excellent day to enjoy the inherent beauty of something, or to get creative and create it yourself. There is much motivation available to get important work done, and it should feel less of a chore and more enjoyable than usual. Today is an excellent day to enjoy yourself, and if you don't have much important work to do it would be a perfect day to get outside and connect with the world around.

SolarScope November 21, 2011

 The Moon is in Libra today, having left Virgo while entering her void yesterday afternoon. The Moon is direct and strong today, and the day is relatively free of major aspects--with the exception of a square to Pluto in the early morning hours, around 3:04 AM Pacific/6:04 AM Eastern. This of course brings in the "Cardinal Climax" energies, since the Moon opposed Uranus last night around 6:35 PM Pacific/9:35 PM Eastern. On one end, the day could unveil some deeply embedded emotions, especially if things have been kept under the surface for a while--but with the influence of Libra, and Venus and Jupiter in mutual reception, there is a high possibility of suppressing this intensity for the sake of keeping peace and harmony within our relations--or it could likely get filtered out.

While the Moon is in Libra, the collective energy becomes more concerned with socializing, relating, and maintaining balance and harmony. People may seem more receptive, empathic, and resonant with each other--this is because Libra impulses us to see through the eyes of another, and beyond our own self-interests. Today is a good day for coming to an agreement or finding middle ground with someone or a particular situation--however keep in mind that any critical contracts, negotiations, or big decisions made right now are likely to be revised as we near the threshold of the Mercury retrograde cycle. There may be a deep feeling of creating change, and this may manifest in harmonizing the environment.

The Sun is Void, and teetering on the edge of Scorpio all day today--entering Sagittarius tomorrow morning. We may feel a bit lost and directionless if we strive too hard to make something happen, and so you'll likely find more harmony if you surrender to the process as opposed to being too "forward directed". We may feel a bit drained today, especially as the Moon is easing into her New Moon phase, and we may lack much motivation or vitality than usual. Needless to say, it would probably be wisest to stick to more familiar routines, as anything new or risky is likely to go in unpredictable directions--unless that's your intention. Experimentation and spontaneity are indeed favored, just be less attached to the outcome. We may feel that something is about to shift now, and that some things need to be let go of--perhaps the urge to surrender to transformation.

Daily Sabian symbol: "A Halloween Jester"

This symbol evokes a sense of "making fun" of something in order lighten things up. Halloween is a tradition which is based upon "becoming someone else" for a night and taking on the accompanying persona. A Jester is the court comedian whose job is to lighten and loosen the King or Queen from their otherwise serious preoccupations. Perhaps today is a day in which we look to where we can have more fun, or find joy and creativity in otherwise heavy or serious circumstances. Look to where you can soften the edges a bit--add some more glitter, and allow yourself to just be--see where it takes you.

SolarScope November 17, 2011

1491 Woodcut of Leo, by Guido Bonatti
 The Moon continues on into Leo today, the fiery sign of creative self-expression and actualization. While the Moon is in Leo, the collective vibration is more playful, creative, child-like, self-indulgent, and likely a bit more self-centered than usual. The Sun, ruler of Leo, in Scorpio, adds a dimension of depth, intensity, and the desire for creative "penetration". Will power and individuation are amplified under these influences, we may feel more comfortable with expressing our true inner self or inner child. We are not as satisfied with superficiality at this time, and we may feel the urge to go deeper with ourselves and others--to really see the reality of things beyond appearances. The first half of the day is relatively light and free of dominant aspects. The Moon makes a trine to Mercury at 4:08 PM Pacific/7:08 PM Eastern adding ease of communication, and especially the ability to convey what we're feeling. The Moon opposes Vesta at 4:53 PM Pacific/7:53 PM Eastern, and trines Venus at 7:59 PM Pacific/10:59 Eastern--toward the late afternoon the collective energy is likely to become more focused on creating peace and serenity, with an underlying desire for beauty.

The energies today are relatively light and playful, we may feel more drawn to "take it easy" today, which could be a conflict if you have much work to do--but on the other hand it could make something that is usually mundane and prosaic more fun and interesting. Be mindful of overtly indulgent tendencies, relating to food, sex, drugs, or alcohol--if you do choose to indulge yourself, just be mindful of your limits and whether you are truly conscious of your actions and desires. These signatures are likely to impulse us towards more self-gratifying endeavors, but if we choose to, we can use this energy for its highly creative potential as well.  

Daily Sabian Symbol: "Indians making camp"
This symbol presents the image of what are likely, native "Indians" setting up camp for the night, to find solace and shelter from the harshness of the environment. Perhaps they have traveled all day, and now tired and worn from the journey, begin setting up shelter to protect them while they sleep. Perhaps this symbol suggests to us the notion of finding a special place, where we can recharge and reset for the next stage of our journey.